news on our small-space move

Hey, y'all!

When I posted the other day about moving, y'all were so sweet, helpful, and supportive that I wanted to share some unexpected updates with y'all!

My dad was already doing renovations to update my MaMa's house, but really kicked it into high gear when we decided to move up there. My dad is one of those people that can do pretty much anything, especially when it comes to cars and homes. But I didn't expect him to go to such trouble to add some extra goodies in the process of updating the house.

I've marked the photos below, and I'm sorry they're grainy. Baby C has been sick, so I couldn't go see the progress in person. Daddy sent these photos from his phone.

Two things to notice about the below photo: the cute new cabinet my dad got for us, and where I marked "corner". That is a seriously, seriously small bathroom y'all.

My MaMa didn't have central heat or air. In the hallway was one of those large, free-standing oil heaters that heated the entire house. It has been removed, and there are now washer/dryer hook-ups. My dad also got these cabinets from a builder buddy of his. They're new, just a little dirty from being in storage.

This next picture was a huge surprise! Daddy knew we were super concerned about storage in the kitchen. So when he sent me this with the caption "part of your new kitchen", I couldn't believe it! There was a panel over this before, and I guess he popped it off because he knew it would be hollow behind it.

He also stripped the wallpaper for us!

*fist-pump*

I really, really hate stripping wallpaper.

Here is a wider shot of the same area as above. He opened up the top of the cabinets over the fridge, and added a shelf in the corner there between the fridge and counter. The water heater sits in that corner, so the space was useless. But that little corner shelf is pretty deep, so I can put who-knows-what up there...but I like it!

I was surprised by all the fresh paint too, since I didn't know he was removing the wallpaper for us as well.

Finally, over the stove I had asked him to add a shelf, under which I *may* hang my pots from hooks. I haven't quite decided though, because I hate to block all the natural light from that window with my cookware.

Y'all, I am blown away. I totally did not expect all these extra details, and my dad's intuition on what I would like has been spot-on.

When he sent the picture of the cute new bathroom cabinet, I said "wow, Daddy, you did a GREAT job picking that out. I love it!"

To which he replied: "Thanks. Just call me Mark Stewart. Martha's long-lost cuz."

(his middle name is Mark)

*giggle*

So, what do y'all think? What would you store in the open spaces? Would you use containers to conceal what was up there?

25 things you don't need to know about me...but should

Hey y'all...here are 25 things about me for your reading pleasure. I was inspired to do this by Stephanie at Junker Newbie.

1. I am anti-social. I will text or email with you all day. But getting me motivated to go out and do something is like pulling teeth.

2. I am a homebody.

(see #1)

 {via}

3. We are moving soon, to my grandmother's old house.

4. I hate change. It stresses me out beyond belief.

(see #3)

5. Thanks to Pinterest, I have eleventy million ideas for decorating our new space when we move.

6. Also thanks to crack Pinterest, I have a zillion and one ideas for my Etsy shop.

{via}

7. I have no idea if eleventy billion is more or less than a zillion and one.

8. I'm still having a 50% off sale in my Etsy shop because I forgot to cancel the coupon code...and I'd really like to get rid of all the crap that's left.

9. Why yes, that absolutely was a shameless self-promotion. It's my blog, right?

10. I started planning Baby C's first birthday party weeks ago.

11. I have decided that when I grow up, I should be a party planner.

12. Speaking of growing up, I turn the big 3-0 this summer, and I can't decide how I feel about it.

13. <--is my lucky number.

14. There are 3 Friday the 13th's (13ths? whatever) this year, and my birthday is one of them.

15. My high school days can mostly be summed up by watching Daria.

{via}

16. I really, really need a haircut.

17. I am obsessive about watching Criminal Minds.

18. If I could be a fictional TV character for a day, I'd want to be Fiona Glenanne.

19. I get off-subject very--OMG I have a story to tell you...wait, what was I saying?

20. I have a LOT of trouble getting rid of things (clothes, sentimental items, craft supplies).

{via}

21. I don't really like ice cream.

22. Mayfield Banana Split ice cream is REALLY freakin' good, y'all.

(trust me, see #21)

23. I cannot go more than a few hours without a Pepsi, or you will not want to be in my presence.

{via}

24. I never leave the house without my wedding rings and Chapstick; anything else is negotiable.

25. I have a bit of an obsession with Edgar Allan Poe.

{via}

If you do a 25 things post, leave me a link in the comments!

real talk, y'all

Okay, y'all...let's talk.

About houses. And space. 

I guess I should start by giving you some news that the hubs and I haven't really given anyone; and that is, we are moving soon. Since my grandmother passed away, her house has been sitting. It occurred to us recently that we could really save some money by selling our house, and living rent-and-mortgage-free for a bit.

One problem.

My MaMa's house is a scant 900 square feet--our current home is about 1800. We have some crazy serious downsizing to do, right? And my Lord, we live in the era of Pinterest and Google and blogs and all sorts of free resources at our fingertips...I should find plenty of ideas, right?

Wrong.

Does that down there look like a "small bathroom" to you? Does it?

(if it is small to you, I'm officially jealous)

 {via}

We're going from two full bathrooms to one full bathroom, and it is...oh, I'd say not even half the size of the one in that picture.

And that! Does that kitchen look small to you? JEEZ. The kitchen at my MaMa's house is not even 6 ft. by 6 ft...for sure.

{via}

Don't get me wrong...I am pumped about the opportunity to get rid of our debt, and start with a fresh, clean slate. We'll be in a better area for Baby C to attend school if we decide to stay longer than planned (a year-ish), and we'll be able to save a nice chunk of money to put down on a nicer house in a better area.

But I'm feeling frustrated and overwhelmed at downsizing. I KNOW it can be done, but I want it to be effective. I don't want to simply "make do" for a year. And one of our main objectives is to spend as little as possible on my grandmother's house to make it more comfortable. Not to mention, a year or year and a half is a decent chunk of time to spend in a home; I want it to be pretty and have some personal touches. But doing that in such a small space and on a minimal (if not $0) budget has gotten me a bit down.

Any advice? What's the smallest space you've lived in with three people (plus pets)?

Half Off Sale

Everything in my shop is half off, y'all! 

50% off with code:

MUSTGO50

Let's clear it out, y'all!

cleaning out!

Hey, y'all!

I'm thinking it's about time to clear out my Etsy shop a bit...make room for fun new things!

I would love to see these pretty lovelies find new homes!

Come on over and visit the ShenanAgains Fanpage...I'll be posting a great coupon code!

See you soon! Happy Friday!

Free Stuff Y'all!

Hey y'all!

Now that the new year is underway, it's time to do some housekeeping!

I'm clearing out my Etsy shop to make room for fresh new things! Who wants to win free lovelies handmade by me???

All you have to do is "like" ShenanAgains on Facebook. Then, in the Giveaways Album, simply leave a comment on the picture(s) you're interested in winning! More details will be listed on each picture, and contest rules are detailed within the Giveaways album.

Good luck!

(wanna win some of these?)

A fallen hero

I feel compelled to write about this event, this tragedy. I realize this is not my typical banter, but it is a story that simultaneously rips my heart into pieces, and then heals it and fills it full of hope and love.

As many of you know, I live in Greenville, South Carolina--an area also known as 'The Upstate'. 

On December 27, PFC Justin Whitmire, a soldier from the Upstate, was killed in Afghanistan. He was a mere 20 years old, and he died after having been deployed for less than 1 month.

Less Than One. Month.

Twenty years old.

I did not know PFC Whitmire, but he was from where I call home. He attended a high school that is a short drive down the interstate from mine. But more than anything, he was a hero, serving our country.

This war has already claimed the life of one of my friends.

So when the word spread that the group that calls themselves "Christians" was planning to boycott PFC Whitmire's funeral, I was enraged. I was hurt for his family, his friends, for myself as a Christian. I do not believe hate can be used to spread God's word. Hate breeds hate.

But as quickly as word spread that these people were planning to boycott, members of this great state in which I live fought back. 

A Facebook group popped up, urging people to come support the family and friends, and pay their respects. Various news outlets, radio stations, etc. pledged attendance and/or support. The South Carolina members of the Patriot Guard announced that they would be in attendance as well.

My Facebook friends were posting and re-posting information, urging everyone who could, to show up in support of this fallen hero.

And did they ever!

{the following images courtesy of Patriot Guard rider and fellow Soldiers' Angels member Lori Peoria}

Look closely at the picture below. The people go on forever, it seems.

According to reports, 3,000 or more people showed up to mourn this fallen hero. To honor his memory, and to be certain that no radical group could interrupt or infringe upon this family's right to grieve and memorialize PFC Whitmire. 

Guess who did NOT show up?

So to all of the supporters, the friends, the Patriot Guard riders, the church groups, the wonderful people in this awesome place I call home--wow. What a wonderful, wonderful tribute of respect.

PFC Justin Whitmire, I humbly thank you for your courageous service.

May you rest in peace.

{for more images, please click here}