{Listy McListerson: 2014}

I love lists. A lot. I know I'm not alone in this, but sometimes I add items to my list even if I've already done it just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing something off. My assistants know that if it's not on my list, it won't happen. Ridiculous, right? So it comes as no surprise that I'm here again to share our 2014 house to-do list! 

One of my all time favorite blogs is Young House Love, and they will randomly do a little list of things they would like to accomplish in their home. They typically call it Listy McListerson, and I always chuckle at the title...so I'm "borrowing" their title for this list...I'm sure they won't mind! 

So without further a due...our 2014 house to-do list. As time tells, we complete about 50% of these, so I wonder which very few will actually happen!

{Check out how we did on out 2012 and 2013 house to-do list}

1. Update The Staircase Railing

This comes as no surprise. This made our 2012 and 2013 list. I'm determined to make 2014 the year that this gets done! Here's our inspiration! 

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2. Spruce Up The Sun Room

We have a cute little sun room just off the basement that will be perfect for relaxing. Right now it's gross, dirty, and dark. Our goal is to lighten everything up, install tile floors, and create a little oasis for lounging! We think it will be a perfect spot for the kids to hang out in the summer if they're over the pool. Also a spot for future little bits to nap while we're in the pool {there's a large window for us to see into the room...no need to worry!} We have a few obstacles to get around {like two large round poles in the corners of the room that supports the upper deck} but we'll figure it out! 

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3. Install Built-Ins Around The Fireplace

This is one of the projects I'm most excited about. For one, this will mean more usable storage, but also, they will create some incredible architectural details! So excited to get this one underway!   

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4. Add Wood Detail In Basement Bathroom

I have my heart set on this, and Wendel even brought home a bunch of pallets from work. But they're evidently super hard to take apart. So we've priced out buying wood and staining it. So we'll hopefully start this process soon! It should be a simple project that just takes some time for staining, staining again, staining some more, measuring, and using Wendel's favorite tool...the pneumatic brad nailer. Ladies, if you want a happy husband...get him an pneumatic brad nailer. I swear he nails random things in the garage just to use it. 

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5. Organize Upstairs Closets

We have been slowly upgrading our closets in the bedrooms upstairs. We are using California Closets and we love them! The are very affordable {less expensive than Ikea closet systems} and they design and install for free! It's pretty incredible! We need to get them back out here to price out the yellow room, the guest room, linen closet, and coat closet.

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6. Add A "Popping" Detail To The Bedroom

This is another addition from the 2013 house to-do list, and I'm glad we waited. I liked the idea of stripes and such, but wasn't set on anything. Then my heart stopped when I saw what Farmhouse 38 had done in their master bedroom. I love how bright and lovely the white planks look. It seems very simple too, so hopefully we'll knock this one out this year! 

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7. Fix The Upstairs Bathroom Ceiling

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8. Do Something Fun With The Entry 

I've been wanting to do something to add some pizzazz to our entry, as well as make it a usable space.  I would like to add some wainscoting and hooks for people to hand their coats/bags. I would also like to start collecting frames from Goodwill and yard sales to create a little wall of gorgeousness up the staircase.   

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9. Organize The Garage

This is a major goal for us, especially since out garage is a mess from the basement renovation. I have lots of plans to not only make the garage more organized, but look a little nicer as well. 

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10. Build A Pergola 

This was on our 2013 to-do list, but I had a hard time deciding if I truly wanted one. Plus, the cost of re-staining the deck was a bit more than we expected, so we decided to hold off. Maybe this year! 

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I'm excited and super motivated to get these things checked off this year! Hopefully, I'll have a better success rate than 50% like 2012 and 2013! 

Happy Monday! 

{The Lady In The Leather Jacket}

I was dead set on getting a leather jacket this season. 

I especially love leather when paired with feminine pieces like lace, flowy skirts, and silk. 

So here's my take on feminine with a dash of leather!  

Skirt: Loft {Winter 2013}

Jacket: Old Navy {Fall 2013}

Blouse: Loft {old}

Lights: Target {recent}

Booties: Target {Fall 2013}

Purse: Phillip Lim for Target {old}

 

Wendel and I have a busy weekend of lots of fun! If you want to follow along in real time, make sure to follow me on Instagram @leliawendel

Have a great weekend! 

{Our House List: 2013}

Like I mentioned on Monday, I love me a list! So the past year years, I've made lists of goals for our house. It's a fun way to organize our thoughts and then see how well we did. We got about a 50% in 2012 and I'll be honest, 2013 wasn't much better. 

1. Build a New Railing In The Entry {Fail}

This was on our 2012 list as well, and still in 2013 we haven't completed this. I plan on making this one of our monthly projects {from my new years resolutions} and knocking this baby out! Or we'll see this on the 2015 list as well :) 

2. Install a Tile Backslash in The Kitchen {Check}

This was the first thing we checked off our list, and we love it! It was s bit shocking at first, but we adore the personality it adds to the kitchen! 

3. Help Out Our Deck a Bit {Check}

We did this, but I didn't really document it. Bad blogger! We did a lot of staining {on the hottest week of the summer, might I add} and it looks a million times better! The color is a little funky, but the wood is less splintery, and it's shockingly a little cooler to the touch! Here's my best picture of the deck!

4. Build a Pergola on The Top Deck {Fail}

We didn't do this, because we started to re-think the idea. But I think I'm still in favor. So some saving for lots of wood is in store!

5. Install a New Front Door {Fail...Kind Of}

We didn't get a new front door, but we got a new back door. Exactly what we really needed! Here's all the deets of that process! 

6. Jazz Up Our Cutting Garden {Fail}

We actually changed the location of our cutting garden. The side didn't get enough sun. We moved it to the front and we planted tons of daises and lavender. Of course I didn't get any pictures, but I'll try to remember to share this summer when we get it up and moving again!

7. Add an Popping Detail in Our Bedroom {Fail}

This will defiantly be added to our 2014 list! I'll have some more brainstorming very soon! 

8. Re-Stain Our Bedroom Furniture {Fail}

I think we are going to save and buy new furniture. We're not sure that we can fix our current stuff, so let the hunting begin! 

9. Make Our Basement More Livable {Check}

This was our big thing for this year! We are in love with how it turned out, and we have many more plans for in the future! Can't wait!

10. Enjoy Our Pool More {Check...kind of}

It was a very cool summer for us in Cincinnati, and our pool is not heated. So we only used our pool about five times. Sad, sad! But at least I documented it!

Coring apples with Wendel's mom for making applesauce! 

I'll be back on Friday with our list for 2014...it's kind of strange because we don't really have any huge projects this year. 2012 was redoing most of our flooring, 2013 was the basement and sliding door redo, and 2014 will be a few smallish projects. 

Do you all have anything exciting happening this year in your home? Any big/small projects you have planned? We'd love to hear! 

{A New Year}

I have to start by saying thank you so much for all of your sweet comments about this post. I've pretty much always been an open book, but there is something extremely cathartic about putting all of my thoughts onto virtual paper.

Anyhoo...

I cannot believe 2014 is among us! We rang in the new year at the beach with Wendel's family and it was wonderfully relaxing. It was pretty chilly {we went to Disney for a day and it was 45 degrees...cold, cold, cold} but vacation is about relaxing and enjoying time with family, not getting a tan. 

Wendel and I have talked a lot about this new year. 2013 was a hard year for us...especially for me. I laugh because I've heard a few people recently say "it takes getting married to realize how crazy you are" and I have to agree. Wendel is so self-less, patient, and wonderful and I am so so thankful for that! 

Now it's no surprise that I really love lists! I love me a bucket list or to-do list because I love being able to see all that we have accomplished {or more realistically laugh at all the things we did not do} so here's a list of our new years resolutions! 

{Check out last years resolutions here}

Lelia's Resolutions

1. Social Media Free Weekends

 I am not a complete addict, but I end up wasting time on social media instead of doing important things like resting. So less Instagram, more naps! And maybe more breakfast in bed, Wendel?

2. Truly observe the Sabbath

So I guess there's a theme of rest in this years resolutions. I am terrible about procrastinating and having to do lots of work on Sundays. So I am going to make Saturdays a day of productivity so I can relax on Sundays. 

3. Work on growing this little blog

I really love blogging. I love being able to watch back on the years past and see how my family has changed and developed. I have lots of changes in store {like a whole new design/url} and want to grow the blog. I would love to get a few sponsors and figure out a way to make a little money while doing this. But it's all about baby steps! So get ready for big changes ahead! 

4. Get back to my goal weight

I've gained about 8 lbs and need to get them back down. I know 8 lbs doesn't seem like much, but if I don't get it down, then it will turn in 15, 30, and I just don't want that to happen! So there's nothing like a fresh start to make you feel encouraged! 

Here's to less cookie cake...and more elliptical! 

{Wendel and I ate pretty much this entire thing by ourselves...oops}

5. Caffeine Free

I've been caffeine free for about a month now {except for the random times I've forgotten to tell them decaf at Starbucks and I can always tell because my heart begins to race} and I've loved it! I feel like I have much more energy and don't need that afternoon pick me up. I'm enjoying my decaf, diet ginger ale, and sleepy time tea...oh and water. Lots and lots of water! 

I still miss Cherry Zero...a lot! 

Wendels' Resolution

1. Run 1000 miles

Yes, you read that right...1000 miles! Which equals out to about 3 miles a day. Wendel is also planning on running the Flying Pig Marathon again, so training for that will knock out a large chunk. I'm just so thankful he is a motivated and healthy person. Can't wait for him to teach our kids to run one day! 

Yeah...he only had one, but that's a big one! Excited to have a major party for him when he reaches it!

We also decided to make some resolutions as a couple...so here they are!

The Wendel's Resolutions

1. Complete one big project a month

We always have big plans, but have trouble following through. So Wendel and I have a plan to have the project idea and the supplies for said project by the 10th of each month. That will give us a few weeks to compete our project by the end of the month! Hopefully I'll have 12 wonderful finished projects to show for it! 

1/2/3/4/5

2. Make Saturday Date Night

We go out on dates, but it's super spastic, and when we do go out on a date night we tend to take it for granted. So, we're making Saturday's out date night. We're going to try to only eat out one day a week, so that would be Saturday. 

3. Take a few weekend trips

We would love to take a few tiny vacations for places we can drive. We've booked a B&B via Groupon, so we're going to try to look for deals, and go where the coupons lead us! We already have two weekend trips planned {one to Birmingham to visit friends} so we're excited! 

4. Be Intentional

I would say one word that we use more than any other word is intentional. We try our best to be intentional with each other, with our families, with our jobs, and with our lives. We want to continue that forever! We are helping to start a marriage community at our church called M2 {Missional Marriage} and we're really excited to see where it goes! If you're in the Greater Cincinnati Area, like the Facebook page so you can be aware of things we have planned in the future! 

I'd love to hear some of your resolutions! Any really amazing ones I should add to my list? 

Have a fabulous Monday! 

{Merry Christmas Eve}

It's Christmas Eve! Eeee! I love the eve's of holidays. Everything is so exciting and the magic is bubbling over! We've already crammed in tons of family fun, and now we're ready for our last few Christmas dinners, then we leave for Florida on Saturday! Woo hoo! 

I think it's a tad late, but here's a look at the Christmas magic that happens around our house. 

I like to pick a few focal points to focus on instead and spreading things all around the house. 

The shelves of course got a little makeover! This post shows some of the ways we're decorated these little cuties! 

Alex's parents gave me a piece or two of this nativity set while we were dating. It helps us to bring it all back to the ready meaning of Christmas.

I know this looks like a crazy mess, but I kind of love it. So many special people are around that frame! 

I'm that weirdo that saves all of her Christmas cards, and here is how I do it. A whole punch and a ring clip...easy enough, right?

The bookcase is probably one of my favorite places. It's just so magical and super hard to take a picture of. But just take my word for it! 

Lelia via second grade-ish?

I just think this ornament is too darn cute! 

Meet Chester...I actually change his name every time I talk about him, but I love this little guy a lot! 

There is just something magical about seeing a Christmas tree through doors...am I alone in that?

Merry, Merry Christmas everyone! 

{I Hope You Know...}

So it's taken me a long time to hit publish on this one...but here it is!

After reading this post recently...I have been feeling convicted to the same. 

I feel like people have a perception of my little family. 

A perception that we live a perfect little life...

And I'm afraid I've built into that perception. 

But here's what on my heart right now! 

- I hope you know that this blog is the best of us...I should share the worse too...but who wants to do that?

- I hope you know that I clean on Thursdays and by Friday our house is usually messy again.

- I hope you know that I struggle with being inadequate. Yes...Miss Overachiever feels like she should do more at times

- I hope you know that our marriage takes a lot of work. A. Lot. Of. Work. 

- I hope you know that I have insecurities...{hello I will always and probably forever hate my legs}

- I hope you know that there are days that I just want to curl up and pretend I don't have responsibilities

I hope that you know that even though I lost 43 lbs...I struggle to keep it off every single day

- I hope you know that I will always be insecure that I didn't get a full-time teaching position. Always

- I hope you know that there are days when Wendel is a saint and deals with way more than he should

- I hope you know that there are days that I want to punch Wendel in the face...love you dear :) 

- I hope you know that I decorated our Christmas tree for a second time because "I hated it"

- I hope you know that I've totally done therapy...not my thing

- I hope you know that calling me "perfect" is as bad as calling me fat because I am so so not perfect

- I hope you know that last Easter I ate four whole bags of peanut butter M&Ms...by myself

- I hope you know that I still cry in front of my closet because I can't find anything to wear

- I hope you know that this blog drains me at times because I don't want to let anyone down

- I hope you know that my perfectionism is really freaking draining

- I hope you know that this year had been a really tough one for me

-I hope you know that your sweet comments mean the world to me

- I hope you know that I feel blessed for my incredible life and wouldn't trade anything

{All pictures via the incredible Amanda Mera with Sunny Studios}

Sorry for the intense post...hope you feel better about yourself :) 

And I really hope you're thinking "okay...she really doesn't have it all together"

Have a great weekend doing Christmas-y things...I know we will! 

{An Advent Update}

We have been terrible about doing our advent fun this year! With Wendel finishing up another semester of his masters, and me finishing up things for our Christmas festivities at school, we've really been slacking. I mean...check out how terrible we've done: 

1st: Going to see How The Grinch Stole Christmas the musical with Wendel's parents! Best way to kick off the season! {Pretty simple...we had tickets so yes...we did this}

2nd: Watch Elf while making paper snowflakes. Wendel family tradition...and Wendel always wins! {Nope...}

3rd: Alex has class, but when he gets home we're going to have "fancy" hot cocoa {with whipped cream and sprinkles} while we watch some shows on our DVR! {Nope...}

4th: Leave Starbucks gift cards in unexpected places {ATM's, gas pumps, stop signs, etc.}{Didn't do this one either, and I'm bummed about it. But I'm hoping to do this soon!}

5th: Lelia's off school so have lunch together and finish decorating the house that night. {We actually did this...woo hoo!}

6th: Make a snowman shaped pizza and watch Christmas movies next to the fireplace. {Nope}

7th: Wendel planned date night...do you see that Wendel? {Nope...Auburn Game...I backed off for this one!}

8th: Our city's Holiday Walk {Did it! Woo hoo!}

9th: Annual Gingerbread Decorating War {Miraculously fit this in-between Wendel studying for finals} 

10th: Christmas Caroling With My Class {Snow day...so nope}

11th: Get hot cocoa and check out the Christmas lights around town {Nope}

12th: Bake Christmas goodies for our friends {We were scrambling to finish house stuff for our party so nope}

13th: We're hosting a Christmas party with our small group...woo hoo! You know there will be lots of Christmas fun going on! {Did this and it was a blast! Scroll down for pictures}

14th: Brunch with Santa with the littles then going to see our church's Christmas show! {Had the best, most fun day of Christmasy magic ever so it made up for all of the missing events!}

15th: We are volunteering at our church's Christmas show...love serving together! {Had a blast volunteering together and then saw The Hunger Games so that was fun!}

16th: My class's Christmas show/party and then we'll do date night to celebrate being done! {The party was today and we did dinner out because I didn't feel like cooking so we can check a big yes for this!}

And that has us up to date! So woo hoo! Wendel is done with class until next semester so we should be able to get everything else done! Woo hoo!

Here are a few pictures for our Christmas party this past Friday!

I borrowed my mom's Christmas china, so we had ourselves a fancy little sit down dinner!

Then after dinner we made some fancy hot cocoa and headed to the basement for fireplace s'mores and games.

Oh yeah...and our basement is pretty much finished! I'm hoping to take some pictures this week! 

I painted this little short table with chalkboard paint, which was a fun way to label all of the s'mores fixings {which really didn't need labeling...but when you can, you do!}

And our lovely little tree! 

Here's what we have planned for the rest of Christmas time! Fingers crossed!

17th: Wrap Christmas presents and bake Christmas cookies

18th: Alex's work Christmas party

19th: Make cake pops for our neighbors and a themed Christmas dinner

20th: Go shopping for Christmas stocking stuffers and have a themed Christmas dinner

21st: Christmas ladies lunch and Wendel's family Christmas party

22nd: Annual Snowman Breakfast

23rd: Having dinner with my brother who lives in San Fran and having Christmas with Wendel's family. 

24th: Make Christmas breakfast and watch movies until Shipp Christmas that evening

25th: Christmas brunch at my brother's then Dinner with The Haas family

Ah Christmas time...I love you!