BLANK CANVAS? PAINT IT!

As the blizzard of the century drifted off to sea this week, I zipped up to Massachusetts where family friends are braving the cold as they move into a hot new neighborhood. With the sound of moving clocks ticking and saws chopping (move day is one short week away), I was called upon to offer suggestions of how to fill the new, empty pad with fun, cool things. While I often advise living in a new home before renovating it (a great way to see how you'll actually live in each room) oftentimes glaring eyesores are best taken care of before move-in. Take this lovely 1930's home, for example. Updated with a new kitchen, family room and master wing in the 80's, the Interior Decor was better suited for couples in their 80's: shag carpet led to wallpapered and paneled walls which led to, well more shag and floral print wallpaper. Because wallpaper is a MESS to remove, these homeowners were smart to attack this project before moving their two girls and active puppy. Which raises an interesting question...what DO you do when moving young children into a new home to make them feel connected, safe and as excited as you are? One of my many (hopefully not too offensive) suggestions was to let Charlotte and Merrie (3 and 8) add their personal flare to the new dining/family room area pictured above. To help give this space a bright future, I thought a little art work from the precious ones would be a perfect touch. Zip over to an arts and crafts store (Michael's has a great sale going on now), pick up a huge canvas, paints and brushes and on move-in day let the girls spend time painting something special for the new house. It will give them something to do on the big day and leave a big impression on your new space.

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Up to the kiddos

COST: Most canvases are well under $50 so with paint this project can happen for under $50!

STRESS LEVEL: Giving your kids something to doodle doodle do on move-in day: LOW