Filing solutions

The raw materials

After a few years of changing the subject every time MRN brought up our "filing system" (which admittedly wasn't often), I finally decided that it was time to address the problem head on. Well, that's not exactly true. The real story is that in a frenzy of looking for a ridiculous number of documents to prove all sort of ridiculous things for immigration purposes (mine and his) he finally put his foot down and insisted that if we didn't address the filing issue then he was going to go out and buy an ugly, metal vertical filing cabinet and put it in the office.

You can bet that kicked my bootie into high gear.

Not that I didn't agree that our "system" wasn't much of a system-- it was a series of expanding file boxes we got at various Ikea visits; so they didn't match and were not integrated... and there was duplication all over the place. But with the threat of ugly entering the house, I set out to find a better solution--err, compromise. I had found a "filing ottoman" at the Dormy House, but at a whopping £500, I wasn't about to spend that kind of cash. I mean-- what is it? Some plywood, some fabric-- how hard could it be? So an idea was born. And thankfully with a handy husband, it was also relatively painless.

It took MRN all of 15 minutes to build it (thanks to the cutting service at B&Q-- England's equivalent to Home Depot). Then the fun part of upholstering. Which wasn't fun at all-- what started as my project ended with me throwing my hands up and letting MRN take over (he can't help it... I'm the queen of get the project finished in the least amount of time and he's Mr. Detail get everything perfect when it comes to building anything). Our take-away? I'm the "idea man" and he's the "execution man." Fine by me!

Here's a step-by-step of our DIY filing ottoman. Still some finishing work (in terms of lining the inside), but functional and in use for the time being. MRN thinks we should sell them-- much better option than ugly metal filing cabinets, don't you think?

The goods:

• Plywood
• Foam
• Quilt batting
• 3 yards of striped fabric
• Spray adhesive
• Staple gun
• Furniture legs
• Hinges
• Metal dowels
• Cardboard
• Satin ribbon
• Upholstery nails 

The process:

A notice board/decorative touch on the inside cover made from thick poster board which I covered with the same fabric, satin ribbon and upholstery nails. The ribbon is a pretty close match to the color of the flowers in the wallpaper used to decorate Gladys (and the lampshade). Lucky purchase on my part considering I didn't bring a swatch to the fabric store. Whoop!

Etsy-inspired

Vinyl Monogram Decal from Etsy

And aptly pinned (have I mentioned my obsession with Pinterest? Oh-- well, I am-- OBSESSED)-- this is the newest addition to the re-arranged bedroom decor. It's taken far enough away so you can't see how I completely messed up the whole application of the decal (yes, we all know that I am not crafty... or patient... so what business I had applying a decal to a glass surface, I don't know). On a positive note, it's at least centered and level.

And yes-- I do realize the unfortunate nature of our monogram. Seeing as I'm not a big fan of chocolate, we can hold the candy references and paraphernalia. ;)

Petits Pots

Oh Whole Foods, how do I love thee... let me count the ways.

This time it's because of the little pots of French yogurt that I picked up. These are pretty common in France-- all different shapes, colors and materials (glass, ceramic, terracotta). These little gems came in the form of painted blue terracotta pots with "La Fermiere"-- The Farmer-- carved in the side.

I loved the presentation and the weight of these-- also that the containers can be recycled-- in my case, I'm going to plant herbs in them. They'll be such a sunny addition to my window sill! Plus-- the yogurt was delicious. No non-fat option here (it's French, after all). The yogurt is sinfully rich and creamy and comes in a variety of flavors-- I tried honey; vanilla (with real vanilla beans); and strawberry and gooseberry (pictured) which is a lovely combination of sweet and tart. Yummmm.

Now if only I didn't live 200 miles from the nearest Whole Foods.

Perfection

Seriously? I love Etsy.

I've been looking for bookends forever but couldn't find anything I loved. I wanted something interesting and quirky, but beautiful and classy. Why didn't I think of Etsy first? A quick peruse (I wasn't even looking for bookends) and I came across these. How awesome are they? It's sand-filled burlap with a monogram stamp. And a bird to boot. Love, love, love. Now, if only shipping to flipping England didn't cost so much. Ah well-- put it away in my design file for the future.