Makeover Weekend

I spent a good part of this weekend working hard around the house.  My dining room/stamping area had become quite the mess and I found it difficult to create.  I am happy to say that with a few minor purchases (a Closet Maid cube, shelf and drawer set from Lowe's), a lot of purging....(why do I need those 3-d swaps from THREE years ago???) and some re-organization of the items I have- my dining room is a place I can enjoy once again.   Here are some AFTER pictures.  I was too overwhelmed to think about taking them BEFORE I started.  (sorry) 
Here's the main area where my desk is....I moved all my SU card stock into the filing drawers of the desk.  

My larger SU punches are on a cafe curtain rod my Dad hung up for me while he was visiting last Summer.  They were hidden by a book shelf I had on a table.  Not any more.  The larger rod is where I am going to hang my loose ribbon using a Ribbon Ring.  

 Here is the other end of the room where I have my cutter and Scor-Pal. The bottom drawer on the table holds my Nestabilities and Cuttlebug Folders. (sorry for the bad lighting in the picture) 

Look!  You can actually EAT in my dining room again.  Previously, the table had been pushed out of the way against the window and the chairs jammed in the corner.  Not a very appetizing way to eat...

Here is another view of the big table.  The large cabinet holds my photo albums and old year books along with some other personal items.  See that book case?  It used to be on the table hiding my punches.  Now it actually holds books AND my Unity stamps.  (in the long basket on top)  I ran out of the green cases so I am now using the white cases from Univenture.  Those are stored in the bins in the cubes by my desk.  Hopefully I won't outgrow that TOO fast....but I thought that also about the green cases.  LOL. 

You might have also noticed that my blog has a new look.  Yep- the blog needed a makeover too so I changed my template in Blogger and then I ordered a few items from Michelle Laycock including a new banner.  She has some cute pre-designed items to choose from- and it was VERY affordable.  What do you think? 

After all that work, I decided I need a break.....and a reward.  Jimmi and I went shopping this afternoon and I bought myself a few little goodies.

It's not too much, BUT I did get one of the new Tim Holtz Sizzix Dies and a CUTE Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch with a matching Border Punch. I think I deserve, don't you?  :) 
Thanks for stopping by today.  Hopefully now that all the chores are out of the way, I can stamp and will have some stampy goodness for you later this week.  Stay tuned!