Exercising the Right Side of my Brain

The whole "Left Brain versus Right Brain"concept fascinates me. Always has. While I really try to refrain as much as possible from stereotyping people and placing into specific categories, I do believe that there are aspects of science that, without a doubt, hold some definite truth in shaping our personalities.

I am predominately left-brained. There is no question. It influences, not only my personality, but the way in which I process thought, make decisions, and overall-how I live my life.

According to fundrstanding.com, "The theory of structure and functions of Right Brain vs. Left Brain suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different 'modes' of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.

The following illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking: LEFT BRAINED: Logical; Sequential; Rational; Analytical; Objective; Looks at parts. RIGHT BRAINED: Random; Intuitive; Holistic; Synthesizing; Subjective; Looks at wholes So, let's break this down, you know, "in parts" ;)

• I have order in my thoughts, my activities, and throughout my life; When making a point, I focus on the facts, history, logic (LOGICAL)
• I think in lists; I organize my days in a chronological order; I easily and quickly create processes for getting from Point A to Point Z. (SEQUENTIAL)
• I use reason to base most decisions (not all decisions as we can all be irrational at times), but I use reason 90% of the time. I am consistent in doing things based on logic. (RATIONAL)
• I use analysis in thinking and reasoning. Prime example-My job is based on analytics-Business Systems Analysis. I analyze business needs, evaluate components, and translate it into System Design. (ANALYTICAL).
• I dislike ambiguity. In my mind, most things are black or white, ones or zeros, yes or no. (OBJECTIVE).
• I am very detailed-oriented. I focus not only on the end, but the means to the end. I think in granular thoughts-at the micro level. (LOOK AT PARTS)

Now, yes, I can plan a bridal shower and come up with cool ideas with the best of them. I love to scrapbook. I have a passion for decorating. I consider fashion an art and a creative outlet. So, I'm not completely unfortunate in the realm of the subjective world. Still, the majority of my strengths lie in being logical and the majority of my weakness lie in creativity.

All of this said, while I'm happy with being Left-Brained, it's important to me to be well-rounded. Hardly anything interests me LESS than being a Song Writer or Event Planner, still-I don't want to pigeon hole myself into a completely uncreative world. Better yet, I believe that expanding my horizons will make it easier to communicate with those who are on the opposite spectrum than myself. And, most importantly, I truly want to encourage creativity in Raegan.

So in an effort to accomplish the above, I've been delving into lots of arts and crafts lately. Is there anything more creative than art? Examples: Beyond decorating the nursery and really trying to do something "different", I've been doing a lot of painting. Granted, when you choose different colors such as peach and gray-you really have no choice.

Black wooden frame turned sweet by adding paint and a ribbon.

$.99 Wooden "R" from Michaels painted gray to match color scheme

$2 white basket from TJ Max serves as book basket for glider by adding paint and scalloped liner

Add some paint and a broach that never gets worn to a plain brown wooden picture frame

Another creative task was to make a custom covered "lap cloth" to go over Raegan's changing pad cover.

And, no, I didn't come up with the concept. This can be attributed to my friend, Stephany. Her mom made one for her baby, Mabry. (I said-baby steps.) So, my mother-in-law made a visit yesterday and helped me navigate my recently purchased used sewing machine. :)

How did it go, you ask?

Why is this so difficult? How did my mom make little outfits for me when I was little? That sewing class I took at Joann's did NOT prepare me for this. Ugh, I hate the stupid bobbin!

I'm still not giving up. Those of you who can sew, smock, etc-I salute you. Stephanie Sabbe and Andrea Miller: you are my sewing heroes.

Meanwhile, one thing I have begun to be really good at is saving my pennies. Heeelllloooo to the world of coupons! I am so loving these things! And, I'm digging keeping them in my nifty little coupon organizer too. (I'm a sick, sick person.) I love that you can google coupons and print off what you need from various websites!

I am also obsessed with signing up with manufacturers, like Proctor and Gamble, in order to have coupons for things like diapers, wipes, etc mailed to my house. Who cares that you also get junk mail? Pile it in the garbage with the other stuff. $3 off diapers is worth it!

And, it doesn't stop there-check out some examples of my bargains below. First up: Armoire inspiration. I had been eyeing this armoire online for a year before I got pregnant. I loved it! I knew that I wanted something with chicken wire so badly...who knows why. This piece of furniture, to me, was perfection. However, it wasn't going to be financially feasible. Cost: $6,000 + shipping (WHAT?!?!?!)

Armoire outcome: Thanks to my friend, Stephanie, who has a relationship with someone at the Nashville Flea Market who makes furniture-I got a similar product. And, it is solid wood! (The one above is not.)

Plus, I wanted peach bead board in the back. I was not going to paint a $6k piece of furniture. Because I opted to have one made, I was able to paint the back peach myself. I even found some peach glass knobs at Anthropologie for an extra special touch. In decorating, to me, it's all about the details. Total Cost for materials, labor, product, and delivery: $560.

Next: Side Table inspiration. I fell in love with this side table online the first time I saw it...again, over a year ago. I LOVED it. It's delicate, different, and has a vintage feel. I wanted it. But, again, the Cost...$1275 + shipping. No can do.

Side Table Outcome: I showed the picture to my friend, Stephanie. I told her that I wanted something just like it. A week later, she told me she saw one at Southeastern Salvage (this super cheap furniture/decor warehouse). She said it had the same type of design, was stained and ugly, but was $119. I'll take it! I had someone paint and distress it. Then, I added another peach knob that I also found at Anthropologie and voila! The nursery side table dream turned reality! $119 + tax+ paint/distress + knob...Total Cost: $257

Finally: Basket Label Inspiration. I'm a sucker for organization. It's that left brain thing again. And, I love labels! I came across these at Pottery Barn Kids. $34 for a set of 2? I love you, PBK, but no thanks. I'll break out my scrapbooking materials and make my own.

Basket Label Outcome: Several hours of scrapbooking later, I had 15 labels. These little guys will not only keep me organized, but when Chuck is so lucky to get to put up baby Raegan's clean clothes, there will be no question where the laundry goes when it's done. Loving. the. labels.

Besides the above, the weekend for getting baby stuff done went really well. We were definitely productive. More to come on that subject as well as how our 37 wk appt goes today. Later!