Keepin' It Real in 2019
It all started with planning....
Planning posts for a blog is something all bloggers do. I have a system (sort of) for the year that starts with writing down the months of the year on a piece of paper (yes, paper, I'm old-school like that!) From there, I jot down my ideas for each month, paying attention to seasons and holidays. These ideas turn into projects that are assigned to dates for posts. All of this is done in pencil in case something else comes along and an idea and/or project gets reassigned to a new date.
Since January sneaks up pretty quickly, I turn a lot of attention to that month in the beginning of this process. This time I had a few thoughts that coincide with a new year...resolutions, word for the year, organization, favorite projects from last year...you get the idea, but none of it was 'jumping out at me'. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. It's time to show everyone what things really look like on a daily basis.
When I first started this blog, I promised to share all the stories, I even had a post called The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly that told the story of the rotten front porch. But, to be honest I (and many other bloggers) try to show our homes and projects in the best possible light. We set-up everything for our photos, try to get the sun to shine (which is always a challenge in winter) and basically put our best foot forward. It often results in something like this:
Planning posts for a blog is something all bloggers do. I have a system (sort of) for the year that starts with writing down the months of the year on a piece of paper (yes, paper, I'm old-school like that!) From there, I jot down my ideas for each month, paying attention to seasons and holidays. These ideas turn into projects that are assigned to dates for posts. All of this is done in pencil in case something else comes along and an idea and/or project gets reassigned to a new date.
Since January sneaks up pretty quickly, I turn a lot of attention to that month in the beginning of this process. This time I had a few thoughts that coincide with a new year...resolutions, word for the year, organization, favorite projects from last year...you get the idea, but none of it was 'jumping out at me'. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. It's time to show everyone what things really look like on a daily basis.
When I first started this blog, I promised to share all the stories, I even had a post called The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly that told the story of the rotten front porch. But, to be honest I (and many other bloggers) try to show our homes and projects in the best possible light. We set-up everything for our photos, try to get the sun to shine (which is always a challenge in winter) and basically put our best foot forward. It often results in something like this:
Honestly, this one wasn't staged. The light just happened to be coming in perfectly and I took the shot. In reality, the dining room table is the one spot where things get 'dumped'. You know what I mean, mail, things that were ordered online, my purse, even an occasional hammer or screwdriver, and yes, I am the one guilty of that! Does anyone else have a table that looks like this?
And, yes there's my silver pitcher...with NOTHING in it!
Moving on to my Craft Room that hasn't been touched since we moved in. Most of our time was spent working outside right up until the holidays arrived.
It's obvious that when things are moved from the dining room table they land on the drafting table in the craft room. That's right, everything from my sanding block, Mod Podge, and tape, to wood glue, a box of screws, and a stapler. Can you relate?
Then there's the mirror that needs to be hung along with the bag of fabric waiting to become curtains and pillows for the living room. Getting this organized is on the list for the new year along with sewing, but wait, there's more...
Behold my bedroom windows:
That's right, no curtains here, yet! The house came with the blinds, but I like it dark when I sleep so we added the shades. Yes, these windows need curtains, as do many more in the house.
The list goes on and on. If you read my Laundry Detergent Dispenser Cover post, you caught a glimpse of 1980's vibe in the laundry/powder room. Add that to the list, along with giving the main bathroom a makeover and I'm going to be very busy over the next several months!
So, there you have it...my 'not so perfect' house layed out for all to see. Yes, dear readers, I'm keepin' it real for 2019! Clearly I have lots of things to do, so I hope you'll come back to see what I get done.
Have a wonderful week...we're about to get snowmagedden followed by another arctic blast. Here's hoping the weather is better in your part of the world!
I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow. If you click on those 3 little lines at the top right of the blog, you'll see where to find me...or click on 'share'.
We have these same sort of areas in our home. Thankfully, our dining table is in the back of our open concept space so we can't pile things on it, but the kitchen counter is usually the recipient of "stuff"! Have a great weekend! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIn a previous house, the kitchen breakfast bar was the place for the 'stuff', so I can totally relate, Benita. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteI recently did post about my disenchantment with Blogging and it seems from the amazing comments on this post that this is what people want to see. Real people on real blogs! So f you missed the post, stop by. I will be doing a follow up post too highlighting the comments! I too am going to try to keep it real in 2019. Maybe we can form a group of Bloggers?????
Hugs,
Deb
I missed that one, Debbie, but I'm on my way to read it, and I think you're right, people want to see real life to know that we all share the same issues! Form a group? We should chat about that idea. You never know what we'll come up with!
DeleteI would join a group that posts "real" photos from time to time : )
DeleteI totally relate - my little and I emphasize the word little - home often is too bright or too dark for great photos. My furniture fills the small spaces and there's lots of little ugly spot built in that am always trying to not photograph. When I visit other blogs, I see gorgeous large rooms. On one hand I am envious but on another hand I am not. I am retired and downsized some years ago - I really don't want to clean a large home anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe should be neighbors, Carol! I'm retired too and no longer want to clean a big house - been there, done that! We also have a small house and I need to keep my 'collecting' in check or the walls will burst! Thank you so much for stopping by.
DeleteI'm all about keeping it real, too. I don't even have an editorial calendar. Unless I have a group post due on a specific date, I just write about what's going on in my home!
ReplyDeleteHonestly the calendar I keep stays pretty 'fluid' throughout the year. It's a great place to jot down ideas so I don't forget them!
DeleteI smiled at this post. Wouldn't it be hilarious if bloggers declared a REALITY month. What we really eat, where we work, sit and sleep--and the bathroom---everyday. I always look at those white kitchens with everything in place with fresh flowers and wonder---REALLY...it stays like that? And light is an issue---and sometimes fleeting. Many times the light has been perfect and then I set up a shot---and it's gone. Love that you even tackled the subject! Grins, Sandi
ReplyDeleteA reality theme might be fun, Sandi, and, no, I don't think anyone's kitchen stays perfect...unless they never use it! LOL
DeleteThanks for stopping by and come back again soon, won't you?
Ann, I love keepin' it real! Of course, I post "what we really eat" because that's what my blog is about, and because my kitchen is my workplace I keep it pretty shipshape. But my home office desk? Well, that's another story! I need to take a photo of that for you some time! :D
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see another kindred spirit, Jean. Desks are tricky...I'd love to see yours!
DeleteThank you for stopping by!
I really appreciate you for "keeping it real". "Perfect" blogs and "perfect" homes get boring after awhile. I enjoy hearing about the lives - for better or worse - of real women bloggers from around the US (and the world) . Happy 2019! ~Cheryl
ReplyDeleteRest assured, Cheryl, there is nothing 'perfect' around here! LOL I agree, it's important to hear about real people and their imperfect lives. I'm so glad you stopped by, be sure to come back again soon!
DeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment on my post about blogging!! I plan on doing a Follow Up soon...
Hugs,
Deb
I look forward to it, Debbie!
DeleteHave a great week...
This is such a great read and love the honestly. We are all human and I believe people love seeing real and like to be able to relate to the blogger. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree, Chas. People want to see things they can relate to, like the 'pile' that lands on the table or kitchen counter. I'm so glad you stopped by...
DeleteGreat post about the "real" behind the scenes shots. Same at my house sometimes we shift stuff from table to table. Happy New Year, Kippi #kippathome
ReplyDeleteShifting from table to table works too! Thank you Kippi for stopping by...
DeleteThanks for keeping it real, Ann! We all need to do that more often. Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering! (P.S. Love the "Ann with no 'e'"... coming from a Julie Ann. ;-) )
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie, I love your new link party! We 'no-e Anns need to stick together! lol
DeleteHave a great weekend.
There's always more to do! Thanks for keeping it real!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Michele. One item gets checked off the list and 2 more added.
DeleteI'm so glad you stopped by!
This is my story! I loved your keeping it real. Sometimes my post pix have the real no matter what -- because you can only move so much stuff to make it look good! And why you never see my office/art room. But maybe, just maybe I will share it one day, once I finish my travel series!
ReplyDeleteYou're another kindred spirit, Jeanie! The moving things part is real...especially in a small house.
DeleteThanks for stopping by - come back again soon!
Happy Pink Saturday, Ann. I am so glad you joined us in making Pink Saturdays special. We would love for you to join us every weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, and so did everyone else. This post is being featured on my Pink Saturday post this week as "the one with the most clicks".
We are definitely in to keeping it real in our home. But, I do have to admit that I must have been born with a brain that loves organization. I just can't help myself. haha
I'm happy to join you and thrilled that you're featuring my post, Beverly. I, too love organization, but sometimes that means it all gets put in neat piles until I get to it! lol
DeleteThank you for stopping by the Cottage.
Ann
It's so funny that you should post this, as I had been thinking of doing a similar post myself. We all have areas like this in our house, and yet, we feel that everything that gets posted needs to be picture perfect. The truth is, life is not always picture perfect - nor is my house. :) Thanks for sharing a bit of real life, and thank you for linking up at Sweet Inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to inspire, Amy. I think people truly want to see a glimpse of real life. Let me know if you write your post!
DeleteHave a great week.
I love "real" posts!! Often people only post the "insta" worthy shots and it's so not a true reflection of reality!! Thanks for sharing on "Sweet Inspiration"!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lidia. I think people really want to see the reality of life. I'm so glad you stopped by!
Delete