New Venture

Little by little, I've been attempting to turn this house into a home.  While I still have a long way to go, I'm enjoying the journey!  When we bought this place about three years ago, someone at a decorating shop gave me some great advice - "Don't feel pressured to do too much too soon. You have years to create your style."  I've always been grateful for that statement!  I don't try not to feel badly when people come visit and the only thing in my guest room is a bed (at least they're not on the floor).  Over time the room (and other rooms) will grow with loving touches.  :)

That said, home decor doesn't consume my every thought or my life!  I get busy with school, work, and day to day living.  I want to visit Goodwill and resale shops weekly, but that's not a reality.  I love repurposing items when I can, but the reality is, I enjoy having a few new things too!

Recently, this catalog made its way into my hands:

I wanted nearly everything in it! I could see more than one use for many of the items (big bonus for me), and I knew that beautifully made, quality items would be used in my home for years to come.  In a variety of ways, through a variety of seasons.  Now, I love me some Hobby Lobby, but I want to balance out my HL, Target, and thrift store treasures with some nicer things too! 

Do you ever get to a point where you say to yourself...I work hard, I'm going to get this {fill in the blank}, I deserve it! I flipped through the catalog, said this to myself (with a sprinkle of attitude...hmph!)  and began to total.  Now, do you ever get to the total, realize you're about to spend a bajillion dollars, and you say to yourself...oh, crap - just forget it!  :)

That's when plan B began to formulate:  I thought about having a party (hostesses get great deals), but I wanted many things and knew it would take longer-term planning and budgeting, so I decided to throw my hat into the ring (Plan C).

I'm selling Willow House.  I adore the products and the quality is amazing!  I can do a few shows, make a few dollars and use them to buy the things I want.  I can do the planning from the comfort of my own home, around my family's schedule, around my regular part-time work schedule, without really sacrificing much time.  I can do as much or as little as I want.  I can buy the things I want without sacrificing our financial goals for the future and without spending carelessly. 

Essentially...I can get the things I want FOR FREE (heck, yeah!), which if you think about it...

Is. Cheaper. Than. Hobby. Lobby!!!

How do you not love that???  :) 

Plus, it's fun.  I love reading about home decor, window shopping for it, talking about it (to the detriment of my sweet husband), and making plans for the future.  It's a win-win for me.  A hobby.  Something to fill my time when the girls are in school, Michael's at work, and the house is already clean (according to my standards, at least--yours are probably better). 

If you want, check out my website.  It's a work in progress, just like my house, just like me. 

And come back soon!  I scored a fabulous chair from a resale shop today, and I'm going to start working on it tomorrow.  Eek!  The excitement for projects is coming back again! 

What's your passion or your outlet?  Find it, do it, love it!