Pressure of Perfection

I have read countless lifestyle blogs showcasing perfect outfits, room designs, organized spaces, flawless DIY projects. Guess what!? It's not that easy!!! I would like to give you a real life look behind the front door of my house because, let's face it, not everyone can afford an interior designer, their dream furniture collection, the entire Fall Fashion catwalk, or even if they can; who has the time to make it happen?!
Some of the ladies I have referred to as friends, although they might have NO clue who I am (isn't the world of blogging and Twitter amazing?!?) have talked about the pressure of maintaining the semblance of order in life, style, and design within their homes, family, and personal appearance as "lifestyle bloggers".
But wait....aren't I claiming to be an interior designer? At least to know what I'm talking about when it comes to organizing?! Sure, but how many people can relate to the "it's so much easier to do it in someone else's house?" philosophy?? **Hand Raised right here!** It's OK if you're too shy to raise yours, I'm not judging. Maybe it's also due to the fact that I have an 11 month old (TODAY! yikes!) daughter, I work from home, we have 3 dogs, four cats, and never ending hair, I don't have a nanny or daycare...Yes, my mom helps out a lot, but when she's around I'm trying to run errands, or get laundry done, or maybe even vacuum. So what about when Dablet naps? Remember that thing called work? I'm trying to get that done! I'm not sitting here inventing new excuses that have never come into play over the countless years of "homemaking", just pointing out that while they haven't changed we need to do something about changing how we manage them.

You've probably seen this floating around on Pinterest or Facebook recently, and I don't think I could find a single person who doesn't agree with this when it comes to their own home! We strap on our super powered cleaning belts when people are coming over and do the impossible. I always shake my head in disbelief at what I can accomplish for the people who say "Don't worry about it, we understand you have a lot going on", and I always end up saying, "I'm so sorry, our house is a disaster" secretly hoping I'll get the, "What are you talking about? It looks great!"

What person out there doesn't dream of having a perfectly organized home? Especially those of us with little "beings" running around on the floor. I recently posted this on Facebook, it's my latest and greatest idea to solve the hair problem in our house:

Yes....I have allowed Dablet to become a Baby Dry Swiffer, and guess what?! It WORKS!!!

I'm looking to take "baby steps" (as well as make some pretty drastic changes around here) to solve the cyclical nature of stuff...clean....stuff...clean.... Here are a few of my latest Pins for "quick fix ideas"

Where are the keys? Where did I put that Coupon that came in the mail? Did I send out that bill?!

Pinned Here

Because a calendar would be nice too!

Pinned Here

I'm currently working on something like this (not as big) for our mudroom, it is currently my favorite project!

Pinned Here

What are your biggest challenges? Do you have a top five trick list on how to manage your time? I think everyone can identify what doesn't work for them, but it's often hard to look at what is working when you feel like you're stuck in a cycle! I will, of course, post pictures of my own home before and after shots to show you that no matter how crazy your life is, you can make progress!

Happy Tuesday!

Making Organization Work!

Organization shouldn't be something that makes you scared, overwhelmed, or feel like you are constantly repeating the same cycle and getting nowhere. Let's face it, that SUCKS! Who wants that feeling?! Not me! Just like cleaning your house for 10 minutes every day (and not the 10 minutes before guests arrive when you ALWAYS get more done than all week!), organization should become part of your daily routine. To make this work for you, it requires a bit more than physically putting everything away.
Our house is in shambles with our home makeover going on, but that doesn't mean my life can't be organized! Part of this requires getting the family all on the same page. You have a schedule, your spouse (or significant other) has their own schedule, there are appointments for pets, kids, date nights, parents (yours!), etc. How do you make sure you keep everything together and keep yourself together at the same time?!
Here are a few ideas!

Calendar, to do lists, chores, receipts, and family menu schedule all in an easily accessible place with reusable features!

I'm in love with chalkboard paint! Not only does it come in different colors from our friends at Benjamin Moore, but you can make it any shape you want!!

Something else that happens on a daily basis here is the question, "What's for dinner?" Rather than playing the game of "What do you want?" "I don't know, what do we have?" over and over while you prepare to play kitchen scientist with the random items in your fridge, only to get frustrated and order in, pick up, or drive through...take 15 minutes every weekend and stop, plan, shop, schedule. Not only will you eliminate the kitchen craziness, but you can try out new recipes, and better yet SAVE MONEY!

Simple to use, easy to see, and easy to make custom!

This is a little bit more intricate, and I honestly envy those that pull something like this together! The hanging cards are recipes color coded by food type. If you have a large family, buy in bulk, or need to budget further in advance, this type of monthly planning might be perfect for you!

If you're looking for more ideas to organize your home, life, overwhelming amount of "stuff" check out my Pinterest boards here!

The most organized people pull their inspiration from others who have the skills worthy of idolizing! For fabulous DIY tricks, organizing tips, thrifting finds, and overall good taste take a look at Lynda Quintero-Davids Pinterest boards! Here's one of my favorite office looks from her boards for a last dose of inspiration for the day:

I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday and find some inspiration for organization!

Happy Pinning!