It’s hard to believe that it’s almost 2022. Many days I think its still 2020. Life feels like it has been on hold since 2020 when the pandemic began, when it’s all over, we will get a do over of the last two years right?
While jumping on the 2021 recap trend on Instragram, I discovered how many things I have actually accomplished this year. 2021 has been full of first, some accomplishments and some major bummers.
This is my Top 10 of 2021 and my 10 things that I am looking forward to and carrying with me into 2022.
2021 Top 10
10. I installed a toilet!
In the DIY world, a lot of people steer clear of plumbing jobs, and with good reason, water is scary! Thanks to Home Depot’s great online tutorials, I got it right the first time! Quick tip, use a Better Than Wax ring. The traditional wax rings are tricky and you only have one go at it. The Better Than Wax ring lets you adjust the placements of the toilet, if needed.
9. My First Board and Batten Wall
This was the first big project in our new home. A simple board and batten wall in our master bedroom. This project is when I discovered my love for caulking. It is so satisfying to see the finished look. Read more about this project here.
8. Our garden received a much needed facelift
I cannot take the credit for this whole backyard. Our amazingly talented friend at Ireland Design created a beautiful patio space for us. I did a much smaller portion of the backyard facelift. We had two very awkward raised gardens in each corner of our yard and I took on the task of removing them and trying to even out the ground, and I have to say I am quite proud of that. We moved our shed, gave it a coat of paint and added some stone pavers to complete the space. One thing I learned, I will be leaving the landscaping to the experts. I do not have the patience to level out the ground. The final result is one of those good from afar but far from good things for sure.
7. Birch Bark Frames
Finding some fallen birch trees at the cottage led to this project. I had bought 4 lovely frames and was trying to decide what photographs to include. I couldn’t make up my mind, so in went the pieces of birch bark. They compliment the neutral colours and natural materials throughout the house.
6. I Learned To Use Power Tools
For my Birthday I asked for tools! I was having too much fun with simple DIY projects. I was ready to commit to more. I am the proud owner of my very own Miter Saw, Sawzall and Brad nailer. Looking forward to my next purchase, a Track saw!
5. Family Room Brick Refresh
The brick on the lower half of this wall was a terrible orangey, pinky colour. It was all you would see when you came in this room. I was ready to rip it off the wall, until I had an Ah Ha moment. Paint! Using the same paint as on the remainder of the wall. It was a quick afternoon project that made a huge impact!
4. DIY wooden bead Chandelier
Our dining room chandelier was terrible, but I saw the potential in ripping it apart. Taking off the shade, spraying it black and adding a few hundred beads and we now have a one of a kind light fixture in our dining room. I now understand why these chandeliers can cost so much. This took about 10 hours to finish and many dropped beads. Would I do it all again? Sure would!
3. Bathroom Upgrade
This was my first, almost completely, solo project. (Thanks dad for bringing the muscle and the saw, when I ran into some plumbing trouble). You can read more about this project on one of my previous blog posts. Guest Bath Refresh
2. Office Upgrade
My favourite project to date! I had a blast completing this project with my parents and was able to surprise my husband while he was out of town for a few days. Read more about this project here.
1. Committing to Self Care
The project that I think I am most proud of this year is, myself. This is something that I often forget about, that I often put last on my list of priorities. I could go into more detail, but I think I will save that for another post. In recent months, I have begun prioritizing myself, my mental health and my physical health. It wasn’t until then, that I realized how much I was struggling, how burnt out I was. This is definitely a project that is not complete, I will be carrying it into 2022 with me.
Top 10 Things I am Looking Forward to in 2022.
Now, I know there are probably more than 10 things I am looking forward to in 2022 and I know that there are will many wonderful things that come up that are not on this list. This list consists of projects that I’d like to accomplish this year. Let’s get to work!
10. Spare Bedroom Update
I’m hoping to have a little fun with this space.
9. Laundry Room Reno
Our bare bones laundry room is screaming out for some love. It’s a great space and will certainly be a project with many different parts, likely not to be done all at once.
8. Craft Room Upgrade
My hubby had the great idea of using this small “storage room” in our basement as a craft space because right now my craft space is located in the laundry room. Sparkles, paint and laundry do not go well together.
7. Front Hall Update
This will be one of the first projects of 2022 and will be my first collaboration with a business! The update will consist of a wall treatment and perhaps a new, DIY console table.
6. Home Gym Mural
I have had the urge to just grab a can of paint and go wild in our Home Gym. It is a blank canvas and I thinking of just winging it. No planning…just start and see what happens.
5. Mudroom Reno
I’m looking forward to knocking down some walls here and turning our mudroom into something more functional.
4. Travel
After 2 years of no travel, I am hoping to hop back on a plane. We have a couple trips in the works!
3. A new furry addition
We have been thinking about it for a while now and I think 2022 will be the year we bring home another little furry friend.
2. Our Kitchen Reno
This one has been in the works since August. Construction starts in January and it is going to be a big change! You’ll notice on my Instragram that I have never posted my kitchen. That is because it does not showcase my style whatsoever! Stay tuned for lots of content on this project. No, it will not be a DIY. I am going to leave the kitchen install to the experts.
1. New Beginnings
2022 is going to be the year of new beginnings I think. I have some ideas of new things that I want to pursue. My first new beginning will begin in just a couple weeks! I will be start my first course towards getting my Interior Decorating Certificate.
Jackie Williams 