Are you ready to finally check something off your never-ending to-do list? I know I am! There’s no better feeling than tackling a long-overdue project and seeing the transformation unfold before your eyes.
That’s why I’m so excited to welcome you to February’s BEFORE Party!
Every month, on the first Friday, we kick off this inspiring journey together. This is your chance to commit to a project big or small and hold yourself accountable. It could be revamping an old piece of furniture, diving into a new craft, launching a business idea, or even making a lifestyle change like daily walks or random acts of kindness. Maybe you’ve been wanting to reorganize your pantry, create a functional garage space, or breathe new life into a neglected room in your home.
Whatever your goal, this is your invitation to start!
And the best part? We don’t just stop at the “before.” On the last Friday of the month, we celebrate progress in the AFTER Party! Whether your project is completely finished or still in the works, you’ll get to share your journey, inspire others, and gain motivation from the incredible transformations happening in our community.
Save the Date!
February’s AFTER Party will take place on Friday, February 24 mark your calendars!
And what about the Fridays in between? Those are reserved for featuring your inspiring projects! I’ll be sharing highlights from our community, so make sure to check in and see what others are working on. There’s nothing like a little encouragement and accountability to keep us all moving forward.
This month, I’ve decided to tackle a long-overdue project of my own. If I don’t put it out there, I might keep ignoring it, even though deep down, I desperately want to turn this space into a true haven. So, here it goes…
My February Project: A Long-Overdue Bedroom Makeover
For 18 months, we’ve lived in this house, yet I still haven’t pulled our master bedroom together. I’ve made attempts, but somehow, I always stall out. It’s time to finally make this space a peaceful retreat for my husband and me.
Let’s take a look at where it all started before we moved in. A complete blank canvas.
The Biggest Problem? The Carpet!
The most unbearable issue in this room was the carpet. It was beyond vile stained, musty, and left in terrible condition by the previous owners’ pets. In fact, the whole house had been taken over by pet damage, but the bedroom carpet was the worst offender.
For three months, I suffered from constant sneezing and congestion until we finally ripped it out. Breathing became easier, and I felt a massive sense of relief. That one necessary improvement made a world of difference, but there was still so much to do!
A Fresh Start (Sort Of)
I found inspiration in a pair of gorgeous lumbar pillows I won in a giveaway from Isabella & Max. The color scheme led me to paint the walls Benjamin Moore Clarksville Gray, a shade I had admired in the Pottery Barn catalog.
I also attempted a DIY upholstered headboard using a drop cloth and nailheads… but I absolutely hated how it turned out. Frustrated, I ripped off the fabric, intending to redo it six months ago. You can probably guess what happened next it’s still sitting there, unfinished.
I bought curtains and rods to bring the space together, but they’re still waiting to be hung. The more I procrastinated, the more uninspired I felt. Now, it’s time to change that.
Where the Problems Pile Up
If you only look at certain angles, the room isn’t that bad—just a little plain and uninspired. But then… you turn your head this way.
The TV Dilemma
Brace yourself.
Yes, that’s a big, clunky TV from 1995 perched on a black laminate TV stand that has seen better days. It wasn’t always in our bedroom, but when our smaller TV died, this one became the temporary replacement. And by “temporary,” I mean it’s been here for over a year.
It’s not that we don’t love having a TV in the bedroom—because we do! Mark and I enjoy catching the news before bed, and when he’s traveling, I unwind with HGTV. But this setup? It’s not working. It’s outdated, dusty, and an absolute eyesore.
The Office Corner Disaster
And then there’s this little problem.
Our master bedroom also doubles as Mark’s office when he’s home. In our previous houses, he had a separate office space where his chair, desk, and work essentials blended in seamlessly. Here? Not so much.
Right now, this setup is a chaotic mess loose papers, a cheesy framed certificate, and an oversized chair that just doesn’t fit in this space. This is NOT the peaceful retreat I envisioned.
We’ve struggled to make oers from our last home.
My February To-Do List
I’m setting realistic goals for this month. The entire room may not be finished by the AFTER Party, but I’m committing to making progress. Here’s what I plan to tackle:
✔ Hang curtains ✔ Install new shades ✔ Find a better TV solution ✔ Upgrade bedside tables (preferably with storage!) ✔ Organize Mark’s work area ✔ Find a new desk chair that actually fits ✔ Pull together cohesive bedding ✔ Dust! (Yes, it’s that bad.) ✔ Hide that framed certificate ✔ Do all of this on a teeny tiny (aka nonexistent) budget!
Even if I don’t complete every single task, I am committed to making this room a more peaceful haven—one step at a time.
What About You?
What’s on your February project list? Set a goal and share it with us! Writing it down makes it real, and sharing it with a community adds motivation to follow through. I can’t wait to see what everyone is working on!
How to Join the BEFORE Party:
- Add the Before & After button or a link to Shine Your Light to your blog post.
- Add your Before post link to the link-up below OR send me your Before and After photos—I’d love to feature them!
- Visit other links and show some love! The more we support each other, the more fun and inspiring this party will be.
This party will remain open until Thursday, February 23—so don’t miss out!
Good luck with your projects this month—you’ve got this!
