Cali's Room- Part One

Life with three kids is a little crazier than I had imagined. I used to be able to get things done- both the "needs to be done" and the "would like to get done". Nowadays when I do have a spare minute all I want to do is sit down and just breathe. The problem is, when I do sit down to relax, I can't. I feel guilty for not getting something done, and I look around and see all the things I would like to get done.
Cali's room is the perfect example here. We moved Kyle out of this room and into his "new, special big-boy room" over a month ago. Granted, I have been cleaning and sorting through years of collecting and, well, just stuff! Once I finally cleared the majority of the room I was left with only the things that will actually stay in Cali's room. I have been keeping the door closed in an effort to forget that it is there. Forget all of the work that still needs to be done, forget painting the walls, forget making the curtains, the bedding, etc etc etc.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am very excited to give Cali a special room and my heart leaps at how cute it will be when it's done. The list of things to do and make for her room seems endless though. Instead of breaking it up into small tasks I have been looking at the big picture and I have overwhelmed myself. So, I decided to do something drastic. No, I am not hiring anyone to do it for me. I am going to post a weekly (or more) update of my progress in that room. I am going to MAKE myself do this so as to motivate me by means of making myself accountable. Accountable to you all. Accountable to Cali. Accountable to myself. Accountable for the sake of a put-together-finally home. So, here goes.............

I am SO excited first of all with this dresser! This was given to me by friends of ours who used to work in a hotel. It is a hotel dresser. I scrubbed it inside and out and then lined all of the drawers with contact paper.

Now, before you go and think I have completely lost my (decorating) senses I will tell you why I am excited about this. I wanted a window bench in Cali's room. Something with storage underneath. This dresser is the perfect width, depth, and height and lines up right under the window! And it is super sturdy!

And this is what I have done with it so far.......................

I made a little ruffled skirt that wraps clear around it and hides the faux oak finish. Now, the window bench is not done yet............I still have to get my foam padding for the seat part AND sew a cover for it AND finish all of the pillows. I want lots and lots of pillows!!!

On each side of the window bench will be shelving for Cali's books, baskets of toys, etc. I already have two matching lamps (Won the pair for $5 on eBay!!) that will sit atop each bookshelf.

I have already started sewing pillows for the window bench and for her bed. I plan on getting a white iron daybed which I will show you in another post. First, the pillows............

I only finished four pillows today. But four is a good start. I LOVE and ADORE this bunny fabric. It is so whimsical and fun!!

Cali's room really won't have a theme. I don't really care for themed rooms. However, with the fabrics and accessories I have purchased over the last several months I am seeing a pattern.................lots of bunnies! Overall Cali's room is going to be light, bright, girly, fun and cozy. Lots of small details but nothing that stands out more than the other. It will be like a little surprise every where you look!

Aren't they cute??

I want her room to have longevity. Especially since it is taking soooooooooooo long to make everything!! LOL!!! So far her window treatments are done but not hung. I don't want to hang them until after I have painted so I will show those later. Plus, they feel like they are still missing something so I will have to ponder that for awhile. Window bench skirt is done, pillows are started.................................. and still so much to do! Better go get busy- I have a lot to do before next weeks post!

AND DON'T FORGET!!!! If you haven't entered the drawing for the giveaway yet- go to the previous post!! Get your name in there!!!

~Heather:)