Field Notes: May 18th, 2018

In the spirit of trying to keep up with blogging more regularly I’ve decided to try and write some quicker posts on Fridays. I think writing more frequently is a great habit to get into. Plus getting down my thoughts helps me solidify my plans. And this could also be a good way to show my process in a more organic way. 

So here we go with my first “Field Notes”!

Thoughts on the One Room Challenge

This was my first time doing the One Room Challenge and I’m so happy that I participated. It was an excellent way to get back into the swing of all things blogging and designing. And now we have a finished space to show for it! It really feels great to check projects off our to-do list.

I’m slowly working on getting through all the featured designers and guest designers rooms. There are so many inspiring transformations! 

I think the most stressful part for me with regards to the ORC (and blogging in general) is taking photos. I take all my own photos for this site and it’s always such a struggle every time. It takes me hours and hours to shoot interior photos. And I always try to time it with Elliot’s nap times (which doesn’t always work out).

Lately I’ve been using manual mode on my camera. And I’m so excited I can finally remember what all the different settings do! I’ve also been getting out my tripod and hooking the camera up to my computer while I shoot so that I can see the photos on a larger screen right away. Right now my biggest struggle is making sure everything is in focus. So tricky when shooting large rooms! 

I’d like to get a lot better at photography (and a lot quicker – ha!). I’ve also debated getting a different lens. But I’m going to need to do a little more research about all that first.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

UGH… this has been consuming my thoughts for the last few weeks. In addition to running this site and being a mom, I also do some web design and development on the side. And right now everyone is talking about the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is a European Union law on data protection and privacy that goes into effect on May 25th, 2018. But everyone is totally confused about it!

What do we have to do to be compliant?

If we’re not physically in the EU does this law pertain to us?

And what it we have customers, readers, clients, email list subscribers in the EU?

It gets complicated. 

So to be safe, I’ve been making changes to my own Privacy Policy and making tweaks to my site to be in compliance with this law. While most of my readers are in the US and Canada I do occasionally get readers and email subscribers from the EU.

Craigslist vs Facebook Marketplace

Has anyone else been having more luck on Marketplace than Craigslist lately? In terms of buying and selling I feel like I’ve been doing much better on Marketplace.

My latest Marketplace find were these four chairs (originally from from Ethan Allen). Right now I’m working on refreshing our dining room and I’m painting them black! I’m hoping to have a mini update next week about the dining room. But painting these chairs has taken me a little longer than expected. 

But I can’t knock Craigslist too much because I also managed to get a FREE antique table from there. It needs a little love. And I’m not 100% sure it will work as a dining table for us. But, I mean, you can’t beat free! Right now it’s disassembled and sitting in our living room. I’m hoping this weekend I’ll be able to make some tweaks and put it all back together.

Field Notes