American culture defines you by what you do. It’s a fact, like it or not. When you meet someone new, the automatic question to ask is, “What do you do?” We don’t ask, “What is your passion?” That would sound kooky and perhaps too personal. But even when people ask me the kinder, gentler, “How do you spend your free time, Beth,” there is often an underlying judgement in the question. When I tell people that I am passionate about blogging, many just stare with wide-eyes that go ka-blink, ka-blink. I can see them trying to phrase their next response carefully as to not sound rude, but the pregnant pause and the ka-blink, ka-blink has already betrayed them. Why spend your time on something that doesn’t make a lot of money? Why in the world would you write about items you purchased for your home?
Oh my dear non-decor bloggers, there are so many reasons why. I am afraid you just won’t understand the creative-outlet, and community, and artistry involved in home decor blogging. However, I’m all for poking fun of myself and my little sub-culture, so I have compiled a Top 10 list for us decor bloggers that truly “get it”.
Okay, are you ready? (Smacking my note cards on the table in my best David Letterman impression.)
You know you are a true decor blogger if:
10. You facebooked, followed, tweeted, and blogged in the past week in order to try to win something free.
9. You used the phrase “so, so cute” at least once in a blog comment.
8. You believe that burlap is a fantastic fabric and not just for potato sacks.
7. You understand that a “mistreatment” should be encouraged and is not something to be avoided.
6. You have contorted your body into crazy and dangerous positions and perhaps even perched on top of furniture in order to get a good picture of an inanimate object.
5. You have spent days trying to get black spray paint off of your fingers.
4. You get an adrenaline rush when you walk into a Goodwill, dollar store, or yardsale.
3. You chalkboard painted a wall, a frame, or an old mirror sometime this past year.
2. You have difficulty throwing away old home decor magazines and file them (cutely of course) away even though you may never look at them again.
AND the number one reason you know you are a true decor blogger is:
1. You told someone that you joined a party this week and they asked Democrat or Republican and you replied, “Kimba’s DIY.”
It’s okay non-decor bloggers. We love you even if you don’t get us. And to my decor-blogger posse, did I leave anything out? Feel free to add to the list in the comments! I would love to see what you have to say :).
Amber says
This is great. Thanks for the laugh!
Centsational Girl says
"So so cute" LOL.
Great post. Couldn't be more true !
Kate
Twice Remembered says
First time visitor – and thank you for the laugh! It fits me perfectly!
You know you're a decor blogger when you're tempted to give a few Lowe's or Home Depot employees your blog address because they keep saying…"Hey again! Whatchya working on today?"
Richella says
It's all true. You're right.
I may have reached a new low the other day. I actually took a picture of my hands covered in black spray paint. Proof of membership, maybe? The Sisterhood of the Spray-Painted Hands?
Thanks for the fun!
Shelly and Todd says
HA HA HA!
* When you are thinking of a project to make you gauge it by trying to decide if it's good enough to be featured by Kimba 🙂
I of course have NEVER thought that.
LindsB says
This post is awesome and sooo true- I love it!!!!!!
Isabella & Max Rooms says
Hi Beth,
Again, too funny! This post inspired mine today, check it out!
http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-know-youre-home-improvement.html
Janell
Isabella & Max Rooms says
Hi Beth,
Again, too funny! This post inspired mine today, check it out!
http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-know-youre-home-improvement.html
Janell
Living With Lindsay says
hahahaha so funny!
Enchantresses Three says
So,so cute!;) I am laughing so hard right now! You are right on sista!
Hugs,
Sariah
Carla says
This post is so funny . . . and true! I just started my own blog – I guess I should call it a "decor blog". And I totally got your "top 10 reasons". ;o)
This is my very first visit to your blog (saw this post mentioned on Sarah, TDC's, Facebook page), and I can't wait to go check out more!
Jennifer Poppy says
"So, so cute!"
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
So so true!!! Hee! I'm putting this on my FB page. 🙂
TheOldPostRoad says
You just explained in 10 points why I don't tell real-life people that I do this. You are so, so cute. I keep thinking I will find a way to make money at this. At LEAST I am getting my house organized and redecorated!!! (and making new friends)
Kimm at Reinvented says
Oh my, I am cracking up here. At first I felt a little defensive that I fit the profile so well! 🙂
You know you're a home decor blogger if you lie awake at night redecorating rooms in your head and writing the blog post at the same time! 🙂
Gypsy Rose says
You ask for for an electric sander for your birthday.
Your garage is full of odds and ends like 5 porch posts and 4 furniture legs, 7 antique hooks, 2 outdoor scroll lamps, 17 picture frames and an old chandelier (or a partridge in a pear tree figurine), waiting to be put to use.
Loved the list.
Brittany at Mommy Words says
Oh I am now following…a funny DIYer! Loving it!
Brittany at Mommy Words says
So funny! I am all there except the chalkboard paint…I have it – don't you worry….I am just waiting for the piece it wants to be painted on!
Awesome list!
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Lol! This cracked me up … as a new blogger to the community I am slowly finding myself guilty of ALL of these!
LuLu says
LOL first time to your blog and what a treat it was! thanks for the laugh and I'm one of the crowd!!
LuLu
Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs says
Hysterical!! I can completely relate to all of those items!! I've actually posted about my burlap and my chalkboard!! Hee, hee!
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
So funny and so true! I have done every single thing on your list. 🙂
TidyMom says
LOL OMG this was too funny!!
~TidyMom
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says
Amen – You're preaching to the choir!
Wendy @ The Shabby Nest says
Laughed out loud…guilty of pretty much every one of those things. Ha!!
Blessed is she who can laugh at herself, for she will never cease to be amused!
Tamera says
Guilty as charged….and I don't know whether to laugh or cry at being able to relate to all 10 of them so completely:)
Loved what Kim@newlywoodwards posted and funky junk! so true and funny and sad….
Tamera@doubledelight
Buzzings of a Queen Bee! says
I love this! Hilarious! 🙂
Carrie
anhesty says
so true! i guess i am considered as a true blogger now 😀 great post!
McCarty and Company says
EEEGADS!!! Sorry, came over here from It's THE little things that make a house a home…..sorry Karla. 😉
McCarty and Company says
Bwahaha!!!! I can relate to all but ONE of yours, and most all of the comments.
My addition would be: You SPRAY PAINT "EVERYTHING", because spray paint hides a multitude of sins. LOL The plastic spray paint is da bomb!!! hee hee
Love your blog, it is soooo going on my LONG list of faves, saw you on: Its that little things that make a house a home. 😉
Funky Junk Interiors says
You know you are a true blogger when…
It takes you an entire day to screw on one number to a dresser front because…
– the photo session that follows takes 4 hours
– the cleanup BEHIND the camera is another 2 hours.
– downloading and editing your photos in Picasa takes an hour
– creating and editing on blogger takes another hour because of blogger crappy spacing issues
(nevermind having to paint the dresser before all this)
Dinner? My family wants dinner?!? Surprise! Pizza night!!
(I'm showing my 8 hour dresser tomorrow. LOL)
Funky Junk Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Catie says
Too true. Too true.
Now excuse me, I have to try and get the spray paint off of my mouse..
Mrs. Nepper says
Love it. Too funny!
Isabella & Max Rooms says
Yep, that's me, with the exception of the chalk board paint. But everytime I see it done I comment that I want to do it! I guess that nearly counts…
Too funny! Janell
Isabella & Max Rooms says
Yep, that's me, with the exception of the chalk board paint. But everytime I see it done I comment that I want to do it! I guess that nearly counts…
Too funny! Janell
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
I laughed at everything because it is soooooo true!!! The only thing I haven't done is make chalkboard. But it's only because I am a procrastinator. Just give me time. Thanks for the list.
Oh, and my husband just said to me last night. "How come you spend all this time putting together a fabulous tablescape & we don't even eat at the table?" That makes me a true decor blogger.
Jenn says
Ahh yes, I CAN relate!
Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Things says
aaaaaaah!!! I LOVE IT – EVERYTHING I read is SO me!
So funny!!!
xoxo
Jessica says
that is so, so cute. haha the one about Kimba is so true!!
You know your a home decor blogger if you find yourself refering to your purchases/furniture as he/she
Angie Kerr says
Wow, this could not be more true!! LOL. Thanks for posting.
My addition would be: You compose posts in your head at night before falling asleep. Wait, is that just me?? I need to actually write those posts because 9 times out of 10, they get "lost".
Let it Shine says
Beth, you are so, so funny (and cute)!
#11 – When you could write an ode to Hobby Lobby, and oh how you love it's beautiful ways!
Karla says
So, so funny! And totally true! I added your list to my blog – it's too good not to pass on! 🙂
Love all the extra's that everyone is coming up with too!
~Karla @ It's The Little Things…
Sharon says
11, You leave a comment and then continually check your own blog to see if you get a post back!!!
…..It was bad enough when I was just a scrapbooker. My friends hated to do any activity with me because I was always taking pictures. They soooo do not get blogging. It is my secret hobby.
Blogging friends are the best!!!
Susan says
Oh my goodness, I didn't think I was in, but I am in, because I have done them all. Wow. Cool!
Jaime @ A Place Out West says
Hilarious!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
LOVED this list!!! I don't consider myself a decor blogger, but I could relate to just about everything on your list. 🙂 (SO glad I'm not the only one who take photos of centerpieces at crazy angles) 🙂
Marianne@Songbird says
Ok I was going Yep do that, yep do that too! That list is so great, we deco bloggers wrack!!!
And congrats on being one of Kimba's features!
Nikki says
Too funny, and oh so true!
Matt and Ashlee says
I like what THE BLESSED NEST had to say!! I am always in the way trying to take pics, but its worth it !!!
Your cool friend Cheryl says
LOL!!
Each one is more true for me than the last!
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says
Just popped back by to let you know that I linked this in a post tonight. It was just too fun to resist!
Kristy says
What a great list, and so true!
Here's one to add:
Every project takes three times as long because you have to stop at each step to take a picture.
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says
OH MY! I'm 10 for 10! This is GENIUS!
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
Love it! Guilty as charged.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Beth, oh that is hilarious! I can relate to every single one of them. How come I'm just now meeting you & you've were blogging last year too? That's amazing, I thought I had met most all of the decor bloggers out there by now.
TRICIA @ The Zoo says
Oh lol. Actually, I have one to add.
"When your 2 y.o. daughter also climbs up on chairs, tables, squats down in some crazy position, etc… and makes clicking sounds and does the finger push on her invisible camera to take invisible photos of random inaminate objects."
Yeah, that happens a lot here!!
XO*Tricia
TRICIA @ The Zoo says
Oh lol. Actually, I have one to add.
"When your 2 y.o. daughter also climbs up on chairs, tables, squats down in some crazy position, etc… and makes clicking sounds and does the finger push on her invisible camera to take invisible photos of random inaminate objects."
Yeah, that happens a lot here!!
XO*Tricia
The Nester says
Well said!
I can't even think of another one to add!
xoxo
Mayhem and Moxie says
You are simply amazing! I found your link through A Soft Place to Land last week and have been addicted ever since. Hard to believe that so many different and absolutely wonderful blogs link up in one place every week.
I have so much to learn. 🙂
-Francesca
Shayna Mills says
I love this, so funny, I finally did my chalkboard project and feel offical now, I posted about it and linked it back to your list here so others can get a laugh.
http://texasmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/10/lots-of-projects-checked-off-list.html
Christianne @ Little Page Turners says
Instead of buying you flowers, your husband bought you a domain name for your blog and you thought it was the most romantic thing he's ever done. Oh, wait, maybe that's if you're a blogger AND a geek. 🙂
AnNicole @ OurSuburbanCottage says
Okay – this is hilarious! And so true! I can't tell you how many times I've shown up at work with black spray painted fingers and hoped nobody would notice.
Ahh, thanks for the laugh.
Jennifer Juniper says
You subscribe to Pottery Barn, Horchow, and Ballard just to copy all of the ideas for free!
Woot woot! Meet you at Kimba's!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
Thanks for the laugh this morning. I think you nailed it!
Lou Cinda says
This is SO true! My friends totally do not get the whole blog thing, and don't even ready my blog! I have tried to tell them they will love it, but they just don't get it.
They will say, where did you get that idea? I will say, off of a blog I follow.
They STILL don't get it!
Have a great week!
Lou Cinda 🙂
Sue says
Aaaahh Beth, This is right on the mark! Now I have Mr. Sullivan saying, "Sue, you should take a picture and put it on your blog…" LOL
Pam says
Oh my gosh….I fit into a lot of those statements! To funny…or should I say, "so, so cute"!
Pam
Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs says
Haha! Great post! I think I just need to tackle the chalkboard painted project and then I'll be a true blogger! I could relate to almost every items on the top 10 list! Hilarious!
-Grace
Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says
Fun post!! I knew I was a true blogger when I started carrying a camera in my purse!
Tanya says
Hahaha well maybe not all, but i def scrub and scrub paint off my fingers and get the adrenaline rush at Goodwill. Too funny!
CandlesBySoylicious.com | Soy Candles says
DYI HG TV Count me in. Thanks for sharing.
arkie says
At least we don't need a 12 step recovery program! Do we? I totally get it!
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
Keep 'em coming girls! You all or on a roll, and I'm loving it. Hilarious and so much fun! THIS is why I love blogging. Anyone guilty of staying up late and hitting refresh a million times on Monday night at 10pm (east coast) so they can be the 1st to enter their post on ASPTL? Not that I would know anything about that of course….
Aubree @ The Weathered Cottage says
btw: lINDS…That's hilarious and SO, SO TRUE!
Aubree @ The Weathered Cottage says
you constantly think in terms of: I HAVE to blog about this!!
Because of course, all the awesome ladies that understand your craziness just nod their heads when you explain what kind of trash you found and where! (and of course how you made it BEAUTIFUL!)
Embellished Bayou says
So true! I would add:
If you try to sneakily take photos on the sly in stores so you can show your readers the great new accessories that you can't wait to buy!
Chris says
This is TOO good. Hilarious (and spot.on. if I might add)!
Sherri S says
Laughing at your posts and the comments!!!!
My daughter thinks it's funny that I have to take photos of 'meals' now. Or the freshly baked banana bread. It's hurry up mom, I wanna eat!
BUT she's also asked…do you want to get a picture of that/that for your blog. I think she is a future blogger. 😉
Linds@ THAT'S SO CUEGLY says
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A DECOR BLOGGER WHEN…
…You've trained your husband to turn on a dime when you POINT and scream "YARD SALE!"
Beachbrights says
I am totally cracking up…Snort, Snort.
Have I told you today how much I luve you?
You da'bomb!
XOXO
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
This list is "so, so cute", Beth! : ) Since I've done half the things on this list just this weekend alone, I think you've covered everything.
Emily says
Additions: You either love the smell of Mod Podge or can't smell it at all anymore.
Bulk trash day is like a monthly Halloween, where you get to drive around at night and scour the neighborhood for goodies.
Totally had the black spray paint moment this weekend. (WD-40 works like a breeze, by the way!)
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
hehe… this is cute.
You know you are a decor blogger when you make your husband pose and wait forEVer while working on a project because you have to get a photo of each step for a blog tutorial.
And, you may or may not say "Just pretend like you are having fun so I can take a picture. This is blogworthy."
Wow… I just realized that maybe that isn't being a decor blogger, just a terrible wife. 😉
Kelly @ Dare to be Domestic says
it's funny because it's true! 🙂
this blessed nest says
you funny girl!
number 11 ~ you wont let your family take a bite of something you made or sit on something you re-upholstered until you have downloaded your camera/pics to the computer to make sure they have all turned out okay! 🙂
fawnda says
You know you are a Decor Blogger if you know what DYI and MYO means!
You know you are a Decor Blogger if every time you have a birthday/shower/gift give opportunity you make something for them and think "this would make a great post!"
♥*¨)
¸.•´ ¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸*´¨(♥ Fawnda
Rachelle says
So, so true! 😉