She wondered if anyone would link up. My response, “I think it’s a fabulous idea! Do it! It’s a party anyone can join in on. I mean, who doesn’t have a mess, right? I’ll join!”
Dumb. So dumb.
Really? Did I have to say those last few words???
Sigh. Well here it goes. I said I’d join, so here I am. So before you judge me too severely remember that I have been sick for weeks-on-end, suffer from insomnia, homeschool, work part-time, and am just crazy right now. Yeah. It’s really that bad that it warrants all of those disclaimers!
Okay, here we go.
Ever since we finished our board and batten on our main level, I’ve been struggling to find time to redecorate everything. I have to make like 8 pillows, 7 window treatments, and repaint all our furniture. I DID repaint our coffee table…without priming first. So dumb. It’s waiting along with a ladder, paint tray, burlap, screen, and broken space heater to migrate down to the basement. It’s been waiting for quite awhile.
Here is our kitchen. It was recently repainted except for what your eye is immediately drawn to….the awful RED!
About six months ago, I started this stone backsplash and haven’t tried to finish it since then.
Why??? Why don’t I just put the darn stones up there and grout them? I don’t know. Call me Mo. I’ve lost my Joe. And yes, we really do use all of those appliances sitting out there nearly everyday.
Let’s head upstairs to the second level and see if things are better up there. First stop, the guest room slash library slash Hub’s office. This room isn’t exactly horrible, but there really isn’t an excuse for the room to be this messy. Oh yes, and if you’re wondering what those blue things are on the floor, they are homemade light sabers for the nightly “Jedi Training” that takes place up here before bedtime :).
My boys room typically looks like this. But if they want to watch Wild Kratts tonight on PBS then they will have to clean it. We go through this everyday.
Hmmmm. Perhaps I should put the same stipulation on myself and computer time, eh? This is our hallway. In my defense, none of this is mine. Oops. Well…everything besides the white fuzzy bathrobe belongs to the hubs. We have a nice sized walk-in closet and yet our clothes seem to migrate everywhere. (And as a side note our hallway walls are NOT this yellow. But it’s on the never ending project list of things to change.)
And here is said walk-in closet… Although, good luck walking into this thing. Perhaps that’s why hubs chooses to derobe outside the closet!
And last but not least, here is our master.
That’s it. The whole ugly truth. My real house, real mess, and real life.
I know some of you are now feeling much better about your own homes and some of you are feeling a little shock and awe‘d by this experience. I can assure you that all my projects will get done in time and that I’ll have some fantastic “AFTER” pics for you soon. Until then, know that just like many of you, I struggle to balance it all!
Ann says
I love this post. It’s genuine and witty at the same time.
“If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” ~ Albert Einstein
Megan {Honey We're Home} says
I can relate! So often you'll find me taking a pretty picture for the blog with a mess of toys behind me! When I was looking at your pics, I was noticing what a nice home you have! You are not alone!! That's just real life:)
KK says
Your a girl after my own heart. Thanks for keeping it real.
ReFresh ReStyle says
I am so glad I was checking out your blog, I walk through my house thinking it looks like that and beating myself up! That makes me feel much better!
Debbie
Kim @ Sand and Sisal says
I'm dying laughing! I can't even walk in our playroom right now it's such a mess. I think readers get a skewed view of our Bloggy Lives, thinking it's perfection. NOT!! We are just masters of the view finder, making a little corner look gorgeous yet the rest of the room is a disaster! TKS for keeping it real Bethy!
Lisas Creative Home says
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! I sometimes feel like I drowning in my clutter! Half finished projects, dirty laundry and a trail of MESS my family leaves around just for me. Thoughtful aren't they??? The only way my house will stay neat and clean would be to throw everyone out of it and make them live in a hotel!
I am glad I am not the only olne living with unwanted clutter!
Erin says
Don't laugh, but your post gave me such peace! I've been so hard on myself lately. My husband has been overseas for a year and I've found it so hard to stay on top of everything. Yes, my house is neat, clean and organized, but I haven't done sewing projects, diy projects, and I haven't even opened my Xmas present: A Kreg Jig! It is taking all I have to keep the house in order and homeschooling moving at a decent pace. So, no, your post didn't make me feel holier than thou…instead it served to remind me that we all choose our priorities and everyone has different ones. So, thank you…I truly appreciate your candidness.
Saundra says
What a relief to read your "real life" post!! I read blogs with beautiful pictures and wonder how you all can be super women all the time. Thanks for sharing!
AliLilly says
Thats not so bad!! I know what you mean too! As Emily is my sister in law ( we are both married to the Allison boys) I felt like I HAD to link up, right!! It was fun tho! AND I got to tell my hubby all weekend "but babe, I can't clean up…I have to join Emily's party"
I can't WAIT to join your V-day link party!! I saw the link on Emily's post! I've ALREADY been working on mine! In fact I stated that today in my Rosette Hearts post! NOW I'll just have to get it done ASAP!! I'm so excited!!! 🙂
Amy Huertas says
Enjoyed yor post today and it's nice to see the messy side of things sometimes! Yes, it does make us all feel like we don't have to have it all together all the time!
Sharon says
Thanks so much for sharing the reality of what we all probably deal with on a daily basis. No one with a husband and children can possibly live up to the OCD standards of everything always in its place. Really, who can do that????? Maybe if you are Wonder Woman. Thanks for the reality check. Love, love reading your posts.
~The Bargain Babe says
The board and batten looks awesome!
C says
I think I just fell in love with you a little. 😉
Mandi @ Vintage Revivals says
First of all let me say I love the exposed brick on your stairs. It is beautiful! I love you my dear bethy!
love your guts
mandi
I'm Not a Trophy Wife says
Hilarious. Thanks for keeping it real! laura
Barbara says
This post makes me want to be your best friend. It is all about the struggle for balance. Looks like you are doing a good job to me Mama,
Barbara says
This post makes me want to be your best friend. It is all about the struggle for balance!
Laurie says
Thanks for sharing…it's nice to know I'm not alone. Safty in numbers. lol I havn't touched my blog in weeks because I can't seem to catch up or finish a project to my liking!
I love the backsplash! It looks like it would take a LOT of grouting and be quite time consuming? It looks fantastic – can't wait to see the finished project.
rindercella @ neatheringourfest says
I think a lived in house is a beautiful house! 🙂 And I hope I haven't missed a tutorial on that lovely stone backsplash – its b-e-a-uuuutiful!
Michelle @ Dream Home DIY says
oh thank you! I thought I was the only one in the world with a crazy disaster house. This makes me feel soooooo mcuh better :0)
Stacey says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so thankful for your courage! I wondered how people can keep clean and always have things look great on their blogs…I thought I was alone in my frustration as my house is NOT really like that (unless I stage it). I am grateful for your honesty – it is refreshing. I will definitely blog on this tonight! So real – I appreciate
that Beth – thanks again!
Stacey :o)
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com
Lettered Cottage says
What a ka-winky-dink!
Our houses match!!!!
🙂
Heather says
I seriously can't thank you enough for sharing your REAL life…I had to go back to work a couple of years ago and so my creative time has had to take a backseat to my other duties…like being mom, wife, housekeeper, chef, etc. It can be so disheartening reading blogs and seeing how everything seems to look so pretty and perfect in someone else's world and one is left feeling so inadequate. You have made me feel less that way today. Seriously — thank you.
Molly says
I've been lamenting the state of my house lately. I never seem to get ahead unless I bust my butt every minute of the day doing nothing but cleaning and real life – well, it just doesn't allow for that very often. Thanks for showing me normal! I feel much better now!!
Patti says
Take pleasure in knowing you are not alone!!
Kathy says
HA!!!
Oh Beth, Puh-Leease!! You don't have me fooled for 1 min!
Posting these messy pics just so we would all love you again AFTER you posted those pics of you looking awesome in a bikini!
Thought you had it all figured out didn't you?
I'm wise to you sister, I'm wise to you! 😉
whipperberry.com says
THANK YOU!! Ever since I started blogging and reading other design blogs…I have felt hopelessly inadequate. Everyone has such beautiful and put together homes. I try to remind myself that they have everything stages for a fabulous pictures and there is no way that there home stay like this on a continual basis. Anyway, I totally needed this post today, so thank you!!
Kisses
Heather from WhipperBerry
Erin says
I just started following your blog a month or two ago, and while I had already decided that I adored most of your projects, this solidifies you as one of my favorites!! You have exposed what most of us struggle with but try to keep hidden.
Oh, and guess what else? Thanks to you I am now shamelessly, hopelessly addicted to Pinterest. LOVE it!!
kelly says
it's hard with kids and in the winter you're inside so much but i try and just constantly be doing one project like each weekend just purge one closet or shelf, it really keeps things neat and keeps me from acquiring too many things. i am sure you know all of that but i have finally gotten to a place in my life with older kids that it works!!!
Geezees Custom Canvas Art says
I LOVE you for posting this! What a great idea, thanks for sharing 🙂
Finding Home says
Seriously Beth, I was reading a post about two stops before you in Google reader and it made me say to myself "What the Hell is Wrong with You? How do they get all that done in a day and there is still peachy keen?" Thanks for letting me know I am not alone!!! Although, the plan is to get it done!!!!!
Leslie says
Thanks for sharing! I often wonder abou people and those who have blogs and how everything always looks so perfect. I have 3 kids and my house never looks that way so I always wondered about it. Makes me feel good to know I'm not the only one!!!
Busy as a Bee in Paris says
i feel so much better about myself! ;p thank you beth, you're a doll for sharing!
Ammie says
Don't worry! It's not as bad as mine on some days! And as my mother says, "The housework is NEVER done." I totally applaud your bravery. And I am loving the backsplash, it looks like it will be beautiful when it's done.
Missy in Texas says
Looks EXACTLY like mine, … incomplete projects, messes and all.
Holly says
I AM in shock and awe….and loving you all the more for it.
Blondie's Journal says
It looks like we ladies are all crawling out of the wood work to admit that our homes are total wrecks!! You were brave, Beth, and it shows what kind of person you are. I don't think you really care what people think…you are confident.
I once read a cartoon that said, "Doing housework makes you ugly!". I love that!
XO,
Jane
Connie & Marie says
Thanks again for keeping it real Beth! Post by post…..hands down, you are my fav blogger!
Marie
http://www.sisterpickers.blogspot.com
Connie & Marie says
Thanks again for keeping it real Beth! Post by post…..hands down, you are my fav blogger!
Marie
http://www.sisterpickers.blogspot.com
Jensamom23 says
All I can say, Bethy is that I adore you even more for doing thins.
Jeannette says
I have to admit I rarely feel good enough about my house to post photo's of it.Now maybe I can get out my camera and feel brave enough to take some before and after photo's of our renovations.
Thanks for that.
Theresa says
and here I thought I was the only one who still had a Mrs. Tea….we should have a party for all those inspired by Emily's party to clean up their lives, yah?!
Taija says
I can't tell you how much I LOVED reading this!! Makes me feel SOO much better about our should-be-cute-but-usually-a-sty house! It's so real. Who lives in a picture perfect house every day!?! Loved it, thanks!
Alison says
THANK YOU. This is a linky party I can really get behind!
nannykim-nannykim says
And on top of all that, were you not supposed to link on Jan 17? or am I just confused. ha, guess we all have messes somewhere.
nannykim says
And on top of all that, were you not supposed to link on Jan 17? or am I just confused. ha, guess we all have messes somewhere.
LUCKY 7 DESIGN says
Awesome….love that you and your perfect house aren't always perfect. Great post!
Maryrose says
Hi…just stopped in for the first time and would like to thank you for the chuckle. Nice to know I am not alone in this perfect blogworld. Great post.
Candace@craftysisters-nc says
Perfectionism gets in the way and that's what leads to hoarding. That explains it all…I'm in trouble! 😉
Alicia says
Thank you for sharing this! I often feel bad that I can't keep my house as clean and beautiful as "everyone else" seems to. This reminds me that perfect isn't normal!
p.s. I am ignoring dinner dishes this very moment to type this! 😉
Leen says
Thanks for sharing, Beth. You talked me into posting about our mess tonight. Well, one mess, I am not brave enough to bare it all like you did 🙂
His girl says
Ha ha! I love it! Isn't funny how often our blogs don't reflect how the rest of our actual house looks like! Thanks for sharing, I definitly will link to this party. 🙂 Blessings
Carli says
Yes!!! This was a great idea, because I often sit on the computer and despise getting off to face the reality that is my home-a mess– most of the time!I suppose if I werent on the computer half of the time, ny house would be clean, lol. Thanks for sharing!
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
Honestly! This did my heart good! I applaud you for your honesty and showing us your perfectly imperfect home! I can SO relate!
Becca says
What a refreshing post !! I love seeing that you are "real" !! You are wonderful for sharing this with all of us … I really appreciate it!
rosemarythyme says
Aww sweetie, it's so good to see real life. I worry about all the supermom bloggers who appear to have it all under control. Are they healthy? Do they have migraines all the time? Do they have a life? My kids live through my mess and clutter and turned out as great adults so don't worry.
My Cottage Charm says
yep, your house looks like mine most of the time. I actually cleaned yesterday, so today I'm good….tomorrow I'm sure it'll be a disaster again! lol
Love you for sharing!
Hugs
Missy
Heidiopia says
You are a doll for getting real for all of us! I feel soooo much better about my overflowing laundry basket, towel-strewn bathroom and half-finished projects. Word! 🙂
-Kasey says
I happen to love seeing bloggers messy houses. -I surf blogs daily and see all these wonderful spaces and so ridiculously clean and tidy… it makes me want to go crawl in a corner and huddle [okay I made that last part up].
Overall it's just nice to see some normal out there because I know for me, my house is not always neat and tidy.
Netpawz says
One more reason to read and LOVE your blog!! Thanks for sharing!
Chris says
I actually think I felt euphoric looking at these pictures. I caught myself actually grinning. I feel MUCH better about myself right now. Not because my house looks any better than this, mind you. I simply feel normal. Great post, my friend!
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
She is real!!!! This is a fun party. Too bad I forgot about it. I'm sure my garage would have everyone convinced that hubby & I are hoarders. Which we are, we are just closet hoarders and garage hoarders and drawer hoarders. Thanks for sharing & proving that you are real just like the rest of us.
Jenny says
The good thing is that most of it can be picked up fairly quickly.
My house is a bit of a mess here and there, but if I needed to I could have it ready in an hour for guests. It's when you don't have a place for things, that it becomes a problem.
Shaunika says
I agree with Kristi–thank you for being so wonderfully normal! And for making the rest of us feel normal.
ChRiS says
lol my internet would be cut off and i'd prolly have divorce papers waiting to be signed…but least your honest bout your home!!
Dawn says
LOL!!!! OMgosh! I'm the same as you, EXCEPT, my junk and mess is actually STACKED on the edges of each room…LOL! I kid you not. My man has OCD and while my house isn't as "loved" looking as yours, to the naked eye…it is if you look closely. I have stuff everywhere, and so do my kids. The I moved into the house 6 months ago, and STILL haven't unpacked everything or hung stuff on the wall. So…guess I'll be sharing my stuff tomorrow. 😉
The Decorative Dreamer says
Shew! That's a relief to see! :))
Bridget says
Thanks for sharing! As I stare and look at my mess I don't feel so guilty that I'm playing on the computer and not cleaning!
Eva H. says
I am sighing of relief!
A little dirt don't hurt 😉
Charlotte says
Thank you for posting this. Thank you, thank you, thank you x
Emily@SENSELESSsophistication says
Oh thank God! I'm not the only one…I had a break down the other day to my friend…I was like…I've turned into a messy person! I think life just gets in the way of prefection every now and again!!!
Kristi says
Thank you for being so wonderfully norma!
The Titsworth Family says
It's so nice to see a REAL house! Our house is a disaster most of the time too so don't feel bad. Everyday before hubby gets home my 3 year old and I do a living room clean/vacuum, kitchen cleaning, and somtimes bedrooms. As long as the toys are cleaned up i'm happy!
Thanks for sharing!
Jenny B says
YAY! I'm glad you're not "perfect" all the time! That was mean sorry! I don't feel nearly as badly about my mess now:) So you helped me today:)
Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top says
Welcome to real life, right? We cannot LIVE in our homes without these little messes. I mean, really. Do we want to clean every.single.second of our day? I don't. 🙂 I'm glad you posted this. My house has been in disarray since I took down the Christmas decorations. Nothing is redecorated in "winter style". There are still Christmas bins in the living room. Oh well. 🙂 I guess I could totally join in the party.
Kathleen Frances says
Hah! Did you take these pics post-"moments" discussion? I love it. I really do. Seriously. It does me good. I'll have to go back and see how to link up myself.
Tami / Maddie Lumpkin says
Thanks for putting yourself out there. My house looks that way a lot. I would so love to have a company ready house.As the saying goes, Creative minds are rarely tidy! If you figure out a solutioon please do share !
Thoughtfully Blended Hearts says
Thank you…I do feel so much better…so I'll just stay here on the computer an hour or so longer…I'm sure my family will understand 😉 oops…gotta get some supper ready!!! (supper is really true Southern ya know)
Richella says
Ain't it the truth?
No way in the world to have a real family consisting of husband and sons and dog(s) and get everything done AND keep a perfect house.
BUT some things are important. Such as Jedi training. How else is a padawan going to learn the proper use of the force? I ask you.
Thanks for keeping it real. 🙂
Carmel @ Our Fifth House says
Thanks for sharing this! You get 1000 cool points for keepin' it real in my book, now if I can find my memory card under one of my messes somewhere maybe I can link up too 🙂
Decorchick! says
You are awesome. I think it's pretty refreshing. Now when I take photos I really don't care about moving those toys or chick-fil-a trash out of the way. 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up and encouraging me to go forward with my shower moment idea…this was fun!!
julie & joe says
So glad you posted that. I am at that point right now, too! My husband was sick for 4 days and the house is a mess. Stuff needs hauled to the basement and I need to Just Do It!
julie & joe says
So glad you posted that. I am at that point right now, too! My husband was sick for 4 days and the house is a mess. Stuff needs hauled to the basement and I need to Just Do It!
Julie says
Thanks for keeping it real girl! When I am sick all bets are off in my house! BTW, I really love how your board and batten truned out. Did I miss a reveal post on that?? I have you in my reader but sometimes my two year old like to "help" me by typing on the keyboard. I've lost things that way 🙂
pollydove says
That's awesome!
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says
Funny! And so real. I dread that someone could come to my door unannounced sometimes!
Jo-Anna
Judy says
Oh, you are brave but just so you don't feel all alone, I'd been too embarrassed to put my "real life mess" on my blog, but who knows, I might anyway! I think sometimes we get caught up in all the pretty pictures we see in blog land wondering how these wonderful ladies keep such a neat house…truth be known, no telling what's hiding out of sight!
Thanks for keeping it real, now I'm off to look at my mess and trying to get "moe" and "joe" (LOL) back to tackle it!
Judy
Leigh says
I.Love.You! And now I'm feeling way super better about myself:o) It's so nice to know I'm not the only one!!!
Melissa says
i loved this post! i feel so glum when i see perfect homes on blogs all day and then walk into mine! thank you for your honesty….. it's the reason i've loved your blog for so long
Beth@The Stories of A2Z says
Ugh. I usually don't have any trouble keeping things real but this one was admittedly humbling to do!
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
This post is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing your realness!!! 😉
Twinmommy2boys says
Thank you for keeping it real! My house looks like this most of the time and now I don't feel so bad.:)
lesley says
Beth, this could be my house most of the time ~!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
I heart this post!! I am thinking about doing one of these tonight!! Thanks for the inspiration!! 🙂
Kristi says
oh Beth! I didn't even write a post or link up because mine is so so so so so much worse! (Think a hoarders 'lite' episode) We moved some rooms around (before Little Miss was born 6 months ago) and things have been in piles since then…having a baby will do that to ya lol. Every room has at least one pile- more like 2 or 3.
Your house is lovely 'messy' or not! 🙂 I, too, promise I will tackle my messes! 🙂
-Kristi
@ Creative Kristi
Meadowlark says
I liked it. Normally I think all of you people and your perfect houses are either crazy or hell to live with because of your "perfectionism".
It's nice to see that you just pick up before pictures like everybody else does.
PS… that's why no skype for me in the craft room unless I get a panel to put behind me and block out the mess. YIKES.
Anna @ Take the Side Street says
Woohoo! Props to you. Let's see if I can find my big girl panties around here somewhere and play along.
AntiqueChase says
Love that you keep it real! I have been contemplating showing the inside of my "prop" closet… it's a hoarding disaster!