Feeling Closed In...

(collage source)

My son has major food allergies and last week we had a food challenge for soy, since his latest round of tests showed he may have outgrown it.  The test takes four hours and we were confined to a room the size of a small area rug the entire time.  We packed enough toys and snacks to keep us occupied for the full time, but being in such a small space for so long can make anyone go a little nuts.  I felt so claustrophobic, but after about 45 minutes, we were completely at home.

We made a small 'family room' in one corner, where the portable dvd player was set up playing Elmo over and over again.  :/  We had a little 'kitchen' AKA his stroller, where he ate his snacks.  The torture chamber  examining table :( acted as his 'bedroom' where he took a short 15 minute nap in between force-feeding soy milk testing.  We also had a little 'learning/family room' area where we did puzzles, played with blocks, and flipped through tons of flashcards.  He loves his flashcards!

It really got me thinking about small spaces and how you really have to get creative when you are low on space.

Here are some of my favorite 'on the small side' multi-tasking spaces:

(image source)

(image source)

 

(image source)

(image source)

I have had this in my file for at least three years and did not save the source. If you have it, please let me know, so I can give credit.

(image source)

(image source)

Seeing such great images where the best was made of their spaces, I took this as a sign (much like my speeding ticket as a sign to slow down in life) that I needed to make the best of our situation with food allergies. I was becoming crazy thinking about traveling or even going out to eat and what food can he or can he not eat. I felt almost claustrophobic, if that makes sense....like I was trapped in this food allergy world. Will his diet be so limited because he can't eat wheat, dairy, eggs, and peanuts? Is he going to starve? No more...Make the best of it. I have decided...finally...to make the best of it. This whole experience really opened my eyes to foods I never even would have thought to feed him at this age. Who knew he would love polenta or quinoa or spinach cakes. Cooking for him has become so fun. It has always been fun, but the challenge of coming up with healthy, allergen-free foods for a 15-month old has been such a learning experience and has made me realize that allergies don't have to be the end of the world...much like a small home or room really isn't that bad when you can learn to make the best of it. :)

Clutter makes me crazy!

I haven't always been this way. When I was younger, my room could get pretty messy. Luckily, I had some sort of super power that allowed me to clean my room in about 5 minutes...from top to bottom. As I got a little older, the messes got a little bigger and the clean-time got a bit longer, but I was still able to whip into a room like a tornado and straighten in record time.

Now that I am married and living in a house, I feel like a changed woman....almost slightly obsessive. When my house is clean and clutter-free, I feel like I can function. When it's messy, I feel like a complete crazy person. I really do agree with whoever said that the clutter in your home represents the chaos in your life...or something to that effect. And I feel like that works both ways....when things get chaotic in life, sometimes it's easy to let the home cleaning fall lower on the list of chores. I vowed never to get that way, though! :) Let me stay clutter-free while I'm on a roll...while it's a habit...while it's still fun for me.

Then I started thinking that if I somehow got locked inside The Container Store, I just might be okay! This store inspires me and makes me sad that we don't yet have one in AZ. When I lived in VA, I would stroll through the store and dream that my closets, cabinets, and rooms were that organized and beautiful. I am now working to fulfill that dream! :)

Get inspired by these spaces:

Take a little time to organize! It will change your life. For some organizational ideas, check out the Expert Help page found on The Container Store's website!

"Files not included." ha!

The blurb about these leather totes from Grandin Road says, "files not included!" Well, crap...nevermind then. ;)