It’s the end of February. Lent started 10 days ago. 30 days to go. (Stay with me.)
One of my commitments for this winter was to take advantage of being cooped up indoors to work away on indoor projects. Winters are far too brutal to do any work outdoors in Canada, so indoor projects seemed fitting (and necessary).
But here is the catch: Before I start any new projects, I have to finish the ones I already started. This is where that penitential feeling comes in. Not being able to start new projects as they come to mind and the excitement is high? Brutal. But I’m choosing to deny myself the highs of starting projects in order to have the satisfaction of completing half-finished ones. Instant vs. delayed gratification. As much as it pains me, I ultimately know it’s best for my mental well-being to close loops and finish what I’ve started. (It’s also a lot nicer to be weather-forced into an apartment for 4 months that isn’t in constant construction-mode.)
Brief October DIY Diary Update:
- I sold the MCM dresser I refinished! Feels so good having that footprint back in our apartment.
- I finished the trim detailing on the linen cabinet in our living room (post incoming about that!)
- We made subtle progress on the bookcase detailing. Not done yet though…
I didn’t finish as much before the winter as I wanted, but I’m trying to be kind to myself about that. Any progress is still progress, and I can still work on the rest in the spring.
With that out of the way, here is my updated DIY list for the remainder of the winter (or Lent… whichever wraps up later).
Winter 2026 DIY List:
Penitential projects (what I must get done first):
- The laundry wall in the dining nook (needs staining and top-coating)
- The shelves above the washing machines (need staining and top-coating)
- The decorative detailing on the gothic bookcases (trim, mouldings, rosettes)
- Refinish and sell a desk I’ve had in storage before the spring
Secondary indoor DIYs to tackle before the spring:
- Pleated lampshade DIY
- Garlic crock thrift flip DIY
- Restyling the shelves in the kitchen + making a coffee station below them
Tentative Plans for the Spring:
- Refinish and sell the giant hutch
- Refinish our dining nook table top
- Build and style a dried goods shelf, just off the kitchen
- A bedroom makeover?? (Is this too ambitious? Perhaps a summer project…)
It feels good to have this all written down. I believe it’s doable. I just have to get over myself and do it. I’m also coming off of a high of making so much progress in February alone, so I have high hopes for March!
Hope you’re well and that this encourages you to finish your unfinished projects too.
PEACE.
Sierra
