Tag Archives: TJ Maxx

Things That Work For Me— My Pink Bench

Good Morning Everyone! I have decided to do a weekly winter series  called “Things That Work For Me”… Lots of people have questions and queries about how I manage our household of seven. It’s a juggling act most days but I do have some tools and tips that really help.  I have a little list of products, services,  house rules and routines that make a big difference. There are lots of moments in my day when I’m thankful for having found a way to make life easier.

As superficial as it may seem, I’m going to start with something very basic, my pink bench.

I found this bench at TJ Maxx several months ago for the clearance price of $7.99.

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I am 5’1″ and I’ve been climbing on chairs to reach things for as long as I can remember.These are my cabinets. They are very, very tall. It’s virtually impossible for me to get things down without a little help. This bench gives me almost eleven inches, making me six feet tall! IMG_0504

That’s a lot of help with the milk glasses!

And it folds up so that it can be easily hidden almost anywhere.

IMG_0510just like this, although I never put it away.

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It’s also used as a barrier for Dino’s food so Winnie doesn’t eat it and a place for whoever is passing through the kitchen to sit for a minute. I’ve had many great conversations with my kids lately while they’ve relaxed and I’ve cooked.  I revel in the fact that I can just reach up and get almost anything down without having to climb up on a chair or ask one of the four other people who are taller than me to do it.

It’s the little things that make life easier.

Enjoy Everything!

Michele

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A Little Office Update

Not a “big” office update, but a small, little check in, just to let you know how it’s going.

I’m very happy to report that the painting, temporary floor and heat are done so this space is now being used as our official office! This is a folding table/temporary desk/temporary chair, but it works.  I have a great Ikea desk picked out, but I’m wondering if we (“we” being used very, very loosely here) should build one into the corner instead.

IMG_0490My change in thinking came from this project

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This is going to be a workbench/table that will fit perfectly into this spot:

IMG_0482This is right inside the door coming from the kitchen. It’s going to be used for projects, for wrapping, for study and for storage.   I think we’re going to install shelves above the work bench between the door and window, and maybe some above the window too. The possibilities completely overwhelm me sometimes. Needless to say, my office ideas pinterest board is getting bigger and bigger.

As I thought about the infusion of color that I’d like to add I came across these pretty boxes at TJ Maxx right after Christmas.

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I love them and I think that their the perfect inspiration for the rest of the storage boxes, office supplies and artwork that I’d like to add to the space.

The light is perfect with no need for lighting during the day. The shade of white that we used (White Fur by Behr) has just a bit of a pink undertone so it’s cozy and welcoming.  It pulled all of the  crazy angles in the room together, just as I’d hoped.

It was great to go from this

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to this

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and I love the view

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This project has taken a very long time. It sits on the outside (literally) of our house so it was possible to avoid it while we took care of the five children (who now enjoy it too) and the many pets, plants and commitments that we have. Even unfinished we’re all ready feeling the benefits of having a dedicated workspace.

Now I just have to get this wonderful pile of paper sorted and stored.

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But that’s another post for another day.  🙂

Enjoy Everything!

Michele