Perception vs. Reality: Playroom

I spend a lot of time on Pinterest.  It's my new hobby.  I have MANY boards.  I get giddy when I see that someone "likes or "re-pins" something I've posted.  I feel accomplished and validated.  I know that my house can look like this.  The images on the web prove it.  Here are a couple of images that I found for playrooms.  

The first is obviously a girl's room, but neutral out the colors,  make the mirrors into cars or rockets, change the chandelier and VOILA!  I can see my boys sitting quietly in the chairs playing with their puzzles or reading their books.

Photo from potterybarnkids.com

I think this is precious.  All their books lined up on the shelf and some artwork on the walls.  Perhaps their toys are organized and placed into these drawers.  Shoes are lined up and the rug is clean.

Photo from HGTV

Here is another example of a storage wall.  Toys and books are neatly kept in order in these nooks with easy to pull out wicker baskets.  The crayons, pens or paints are nicely organized on the "work" table with the kids happy and calm.

Photo from projectnursey.com

I can SO see my boys sitting in these quietly reading.  The room would stay clean and organized.

Photo from magiccabin.com

And then I realize that I'm delusional.  This is my reality.  The cute chairs from pottery barn (that the boys were supposed to sit quietly in) are pushed all the way back against the wall, unused and forgotten.  The drawer and shelf (that would have organized books and toys neatly stowed away) are nearly empty - with everything all over the floor.  The floors are FILTHY with stains from leaky milk bottles and sippy cups.  I realize that, even if I had the beautiful rooms like ones above, the outcome would still look like this. 

Photo from the boys playroom

But I think they look happy... don't you?  My house is never going to look organized and clean like those Pinterest photos.  But it will be full of love and craziness... and that makes me happy.

Starbucks Daily: Mug Love

I've recently been on a home improvement craze. You've seen my horrid bathroom dilemma and I think I've got my colors down. I shout a special THANKS to Holly Sumruld who took me fabric shopping to help with color choices.

My kitchen is also under fire and I've taken to completely re-organize it. Pinterest tells me that all I need are wicker baskets, mason jars, and burlap. I went to IKEA to buy the baskets (which were too big and now I have to return them), Wal-Mart for the mason jars (which don't seem to hold much), and I can't quite figure out what in the world burlap would be used for, but I'm sure I'll find out.

As I'm emptying the cupboards to find out what I'm keeping, tossing, and donating, I realize that I have quite a few Starbucks mugs from my travels - and from everyone else's too.

When I was young I loved CATS. I was easy to buy gifts for. I got cat figurines, cat music boxes, cat books, cat prints, cat calendars, etc. My sister would get cool stuff like pretty hair accessories, necklaces, purses, and such. I got cat magnets. While I still love cats, I've come to realize that, over time, the cat theme has transferred to Starbucks mugs.

Behold my collection and despair!



Now that I'm older and less pissy (cough) I actually appreciate these thoughtful gifts. So, if you ever find yourself in another city or country, please bring me back a regional Starbucks mug to add to my collection. Or a necklace.