One of my favorite things about blogging is keeping it real. Even around the new year when the whole “be the perfect person/wife/family” voices can kick in, I try to fight the good fight and remember that authentic = awesome. And perfect = most likely impossible. So if our house is a mess I’ll make a video to prove it (without even putting my bra away first). If we don’t know how the heck to tackle a project, we’ll admit it (like this). If we fail miserably at an undertaking, we’ll blog alllll about it (like this and this, just to name a few).
We actually love being a DIY diary that’s literally about the good, the bad, and the ugly – because a blog that’s only about the good kind of feels like it’s only telling half of the story. We’re just regular folks attempting to do regular DIY things with a real-person budget while learning as we go. We don’t have any formal training. Five years ago we painted all of our trim the wrong finish, didn’t own a power drill, and our house looked like this:
When we started this blog we were literally DIY beginners, just trying to figure out how to hang curtains and get a good deal on appliances. And although we’ve slowly gained some hands-on experience over the last 4+ years of this blogging thing, I thought I’d start the year (January 17th is still sort of the beginning of the year, right?) by saying a bunch of things out loud to the internet at large that might surprise you. Or maybe not if you really know me.
#1. I don’t have the perfect marriage. It’s amazing how many people ask if John and I ever fight. Is it possible to be married to someone for nearly five years and not fight? Dude, we fight like the best of them! Not loudly in front of Clara, but we definitely can get into it. We’re individuals. Individuals who love each other, but we definitely each have conviction and strong willed tendencies (hello, I’m Italian and from New Jersey). And those convictions and strong willed tendencies can definitely lead to heated discussions, adamant disagreements, and full blown arguments (about anything from a parenting decision to a home improvement snafu). We’re a pretty normal couple I think. We love each other like crazy, but sometimes in the stress of renovating or raising a toddler the moment gets the best of us and we snap. But when we do, we try to remind ourselves that we’re in this together. We both have the same goals (a healthy and well adjusted daughter, and beautiful and safe home, to make each other happy, etc). We’re a team. A sometimes dysfunctional or crabby team, but a team none the less.
#2. I don’t have the perfect child. Sure, there are amazing things about Clara, like how good of a night sleeper she is and how much she loves singing and dancing (and eating funny things like hummus and pickles). But as anyone else who has a 20 month old kid can attest – they’re not all sunshine and roses. Clara cries, teethes, gets mad, throws food, rips magazines, has tantrums, and does all those other things that toddlers do. So yeah, I deal with the same “oh man, she’s sick” or “ack, she’s screaming” or “ohemgee she just threw up an entire pumpkin muffin all over the car seat” issues that every other mom deals with. And let’s not talk about my labor (scariest day of my life) or the 14 months of breastfeeding (I loved it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it took work, energy, and dedication – especially when I was painting and DIYing between those feedings). It’s a good thing she’s totally worth it. I love that bean to pieces. She’s not perfect, but she’s perfect for us.
#3. I make design mistakes (and life mistakes) – all the time! Our rooms and our lives are in a constant state of flux (our first house took us 4.5 years to finish, and we’ve only been here a little over a year) – so sometimes we’re still feeling around in the dark and we make the wrong call. And later we see the light and say “umm, what were we thinking?!” and course correct. I think the key to recovering from mistakes in general (decor-related or otherwise) is not to be married to that mistake. And to attempt to right your wrong. Say you buy the wrong sized rug but don’t realize it for a while (like we did in our living room). Once time passed and we figured out what could be improved, we decided to reuse the old one in another room (or craigslist it) and save our pennies to upgrade it. That approach helped us (and the room) move forward. If we ever become frozen in fear of a mistake that we’ve made (or the fear that we’ll make one) that’s when a room stagnates. We’d never get past decorating mistakes (or life mistakes) if we didn’t learn/adapt/evolve along the way. Our goal is for our house (and ourselves) to always be changing and growing. No freezing in place allowed. Because you usually can’t get around a life obstacle or a DIY debacle if you’re just stuck there standing still.
#4. I’m awkward and probably less cute, stylish, or “put together” than you think. I have paint in my hair and under my nails 24/7 (well, this week it’s grout). My shirts are all stretched out from breastfeeding (yup, still haven’t replaced those). I am covered in dog fur and/or accidentally sporting some smear of jelly/cream cheese/humus five days out of seven. Seriously. Someone chime in here who has met us. We get comments like “I’d freak out and embarrass myself if I ever met you” but I’ve got you covered. I won’t even notice you freaking out over my intense weirdness. Once I spun around at Target and screamed “Chiiiiiistmas stuff is already out!!!” while holding two wooden trees up to my face like Cindy Lou Who to John. But it wasn’t John. It was this woman I’d never seen before standing there staring at me with a baby in her cart. So I tried to smile and quietly make my way to another aisle and she said “Oh my gosh I love your blog” …. and I nearly died of embarrassment. Not only had I been “that crazy person” in front of a stranger, it was someone who “knows” me. So I stuttered and tried to talk about her cute baby and then John and Clara came to my rescue and I stumbled away while mentally kicking myself in the face. Yup, I’m that awkward.
#5. Sometimes I get nervous and insecure about our future. Not gonna lie, being a “small business” (and even more random than that, being a “professional blogger”) is hardly a job with health insurance and a 401K (more on that here and here). We just try to have faith that we’ll end up somewhere ok since we never thought we’d be here five years ago… and here we are. Sure it helps that we saved up a just-in-case cushion (to keep us afloat for 6-9 months) before John left his day job when Clara was born, but I’d be lying if I didn’t shout “yes – we get nervous and uncertain and insecure about what lies ahead sometimes!”
#6. I roll my eyes at myself. I get it. I really do. I am fully aware that I’m obnoxiously enthusiastic. My blog puns often make me gag a little. I’m the less cool version of that adorkable Zooey Deschanel. You know, without the good hair and the great voice and the comedic timing. I’m her half sister Gooey or something. So although my sunny demeanor might make you want to stick a spork in my eye, know that I’m fully aware that I’m annoying – and sometimes I try to rein it in – but I usually just let my freak flag fly. Why? I figure that blogging is all about being yourself and owning it and sharing your life in an authentic way. So I’m not reserved and cool and collected and refined. I’m hyper and giddy and nutty and weird. And 4+ years later that formula just works for us. So gosh darn it, I might call presents “prezzies” or make a crack joke. That’s just how $herdog rolls.
#7. My house is usually a disaster. At any given time, our frame wall might look like this…
… but our sunroom probably looks like this…
There’s always at least one giant pile of something-to-be-sorted somewhere. And don’t even get me started on the playroom. That room is out of control.
So I guess the point of all that soul baring is to assure you that I most definitely do not have it all figured out. I’m just a chick from New Jersey who started a blog who sometimes forgets to take her contacts out at night (I know, I’m so bad). I’m that gal who discovers that I have strawberry cream cheese inexplicably smeared all over the left side of my ear in line at Target. True story. I don’t know it all, and I don’t have it all, and I’m so thankful to be right where I am. Perfection is kinda overrated anyway, right? I’m many things, but most of all: I’m a work in progress. Kinda like our house.
Mindy M. says
Thanks for keepin’ it real. For what it’s worth, I love you (& John) just the way you are, imperfections and all. That sounds so sappy, but it’s true.
You & John make my day. I read several other blogs when I have some free time, but yours is the only one I HAVE to check everyday. And, it’s usually the quirky/goofy things you say or do that make me snort-laugh.
Sue J. says
great post, Sherry (and look how many have commented). you have a great soul and mind, even if it is covered in cream cheese from time to time.
Theresa says
Thanks for keeping it real Sherry!
HouseVintage says
Great post! And we all love you because of your imperfection, not in spite of it!
Tamryn says
Thank you for this post Sherry :) it made my heart happy.
Jen @ Paisley Print Shoes says
wouldn’t it be the best if we were like the cool Zooey Deschanel? :) although being our dorky selves is probably way better. really, really love your blog!
Laurie says
Ha ha! I loved the part about getting excited about the Christmas stuff in Target. My husband and I walked into Sam’s Club in July a couple years ago and from a distance I could see Christmas stuff. I screamed “oh my GOD look at that freakin’ giant Santa!” and I tore off running through the store babbling about it the whole time, sure my husband was right on my heels. When I reached the Santa and turned around, my husband was still by the entrance and there were a whole lot of strangers clearing a wide berth around the crazy woman screaming about Santas in July.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha. Hilarious. And the use of the word berth = perfection. I totally snort laughed.
xo,
s
Michele says
This post basically sums up why I love to read your blog. While I am super impressed with what the two of you do to your home, it’s nice to know that you are a “normal” mom (and couple!) just like the rest of us.
Thanks to your projects I’ve been inspired to update my laundry room (almost done!) and to think about (lots of planning to do) freshen up my kitchen cabinets with some fresh white paint.
Thanks for the awesome posts … keep ’em coming!
Megan F says
I’m a day late in replying but I’m right on time with my own feelings of inadequacy. It’s really nice to see that a woman who seemingly makes all the right choices, knows instinctively what will and won’t work/look good, stays home to raise her child and spends 24/7 with her husband without threatening to leave him doesn’t do everything to perfection. I needed to read this this morning so, thank you.
Rachel says
I feel SO reassured knowing that other people have rooms full of rubbish / have projects that go wrong / have children that want to breastfeed ALL DAY LONG.
Have only recently found your blog, but I love it. Thank you.
Allison says
I love your blog, too. I’m sure I have you beat on weird and awkward, but it’s somehow reassuring to know that other people (even awesome bloggers) are self-conscious, too. Thank you for sharing!
MB says
I appreciate your wonderful view of life :)
terri says
awwww i loved, loved, loved this post. i think that so many times we as women, compare ourselves to this or that and many times we read these blogs thinking, if only my life was like this, or if only i had that…..but i love that you have shared this part of yourself with the world! we are all only human beings trying to get thru this crazy thing called life and i think you were just so cute to share your ‘real’ life with us! thanks so much! i needed this! xo
Liz says
Hey $herdog — You know what’s funny? The way in which you’ve admitted that you’re awkward makes you seem even cooler. =)
Sarah@grownupnow says
The story about the awkward situation at Target nearly made me spit out my drink all over my computer screen lol. It was too funny, and most certainly sounds like something that would happen to me. I have definitely on more than one occasion, had a full blown conversation with myself, danced to a song playing in the area, or , thinking my hubby was there, when he was no where to be found. Oh the joys of being awkward :)
Nicole says
Thank you so much for this post! Since I’m a single mom, I’m a do-it-all-yourself-er and sometimes lack domestic ability. It’s not a normal day without finding oatmeal or banana on my work clothing. Lol. It is so awesome to know you are normal and keepin’ it real. :)
abby says
You’re awesome and I would totally be your friend IRL:)
Amanda Kirby says
This entry is definitely one of my favorites!
Thanks for sharing!
DeNacho says
my favorite part? “we try to remind ourselves that we’re in this together”. that has always been my overarching theme of my 10-year marriage. so many people focus on “what’s in it for me?” in life in general as well as their relationships. it’s not that we’re immune to that feeling from time to time, but we always remember, there is another person in this house & we have to travel that road together if we are ever going to get anywhere! i told my husband 13 years ago, i don’t NEED someone to stand up FOR me, i WANT someone to stand up WITH me! it’s always refreshing to see others with the Team mentality!
Stefanie says
You’re kinda insanely adorable…awkwardness and all. Major girl crush.
Anne says
i cannot tell you how much i needed to read this post this morning! thank you so much sherry for keeping it real.
my husband and i had a ridiculous fight this morning, and i was feeling blue as i came into work. i actually thought to myself, i bet sherry and john don’t get in stupid fights with each other like that. amazing that after reading the post on grouting (looks gorgeous, by the way!) i scrolled down to find this gem.
thanks again for sharing your life with us! we all love y’all so much!
:)
anne
YoungHouseLove says
Love you so much Anne. Mean it. You guys make our day every day.
xo,
s
Andy says
Ah, Sherry… thank you for being so genuine. As a mom of two contemplating starting an at-home business, I sometimes compare myself to the ‘portrayed’ success of others and quesion whether I can do it. Thanks so much for keeping it real.
Kelly says
I know this sounds terrible to say, but i am SO HAPPY you posted this when you did. My husband and I just bought a house (a 150 yr old fixer upper cough cough) and we are so slow getting projects done. We also got a puppy a month after the house purchase, so now its like we’re not only repairing old problems, but fixing new messes from the puppy. It feels like a losing battle sometimes. Thanks for making me laugh and not feel so bad about my house situation!
Iris says
Whoa, where did that mirror over the desk come from in the living room? It looks great!
I just absolutely love your blog, my 11 year old says I’m stalking you because every time he sees me on the computer, I’m looking at your web site, and my 8 year old absolutely loves Clara!! He requests that more videos be put up of her. I personally am waiting one of her with the animals, saying,”slowly, slowly…”. Too Cute!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Iris! That mirror is from jossandmain.com a while back. It’s used to hang over the fireplace in the kitchen but I was feeling crazy one day so I switched things up. Haha.
xo,
s
Diana says
I do appreciate how you keep it real! If I see you in a local Richmond store holding trees up to your face, I promise not to laugh!
YoungHouseLove says
That might not be a promise you can keep…
xo,
s
Debra @ Styled Haven says
Thanks for keeping it real and being authentic…just another reason to love your blog even more!
Diana @ Boy + Girl says
Thanks for keeping it real! I love the story about the cream cheese smeared ear! Sounds like something I would do – and I don’t have a toddler to blame it on. I’m glad there are people out there just as awkward as me! I sing or hum constantly. I don’t even realize I’m doing it until someone in the grocery store gives me a weird look.
-Diana
Christine Schwalm Design says
Anyone worth knowing is a bit of a dork in real life. My friend posted pictures of me literally prancing through snowy Central Park and, at first, I wanted to take them down. And then I thought, “no, I pranced in the snow because it’s fun and anyone who doesn’t get that is kind of lame”. Let yo freak flag fly, sister.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, now I want to prance in some snow. I love it.
xo,
s
grace Nielsen says
LOVE your honesty and down-to-earthness (is that a word/phrase??!!) – all your devoted followers LOVE your “freak flag flying” !!! It only makes you all the more human and wonderful and delightful !!! Keep up all the good work and making our ‘old house loves/lives’ the better !!!
Amy@healthy grits says
Thank you ‘$herdog’ for this refreshing assurance that we are all normal – and to each is own what normal is:) Obviously tons of people love you guys just the way you are so please keep it up!
Cindy says
Love it! Thanks for keeping it REAL, $herdog! As a blogger, I hear ya on the “NOT so perfect” life we roll with.
Kymberly L says
Sorry-off topic- I have a question for ya about “Karl” Do you machine wash the cover? Ikea online says that its dry clean only :S Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, for the sivik dark fabric it says on our tags that it’s ok in the wash and we have had no issue doing wash cold and tumble dry low. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Susan says
This post makes me love you even more than I already did (which was a lot) :)
Melissa says
Your like my long lost twin, I thought you were describing me there for a minute! Too bad I live in Mississippi though! :0( And I sleep in my contacts like every night :0)
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
This is such a great post. I think our reality is all we have and in that is shear perfection, in all it’s imperfection. So great to see the wonderful human side of it all.
Oona says
You are awesome, FYI.
Kimberly says
I love you guys. You and your blog inspire me so much and it’s not because of the amazing projects you do but because I know you’re honest about them and about your lives. Thanks for taking the chance to start this blog! I can’t imagine my day without it!
Sara says
I love this! It’s so nice to know that we all struggle with the same things! It’s true that everyone fights at some point or another, and it makes me feel less guilty when my house is starting to look like something exploded in there :)
$heldog says
This just makes me love you more. I’m giving blogging a try again for like the 3rd time to support my photography, pinterest addictions, and trying to be more honest about everything in the process. Feeling pretty inspired now.
Shannon says
I love this. My husband never remembers the name of your blog so I always refer to you as my internet friends. Whenever I reference something you guys have done I just say “My internet friends did xyz to their house and it looks amazing!” or “My internet friends’ daughter just learned…” etc etc. Now, my internet friends are keepin’ it real and reminding me that our home, baby, and lives are a work in progress too. Thanks!
Heather says
Love this post! Thanks for being real!!
Amanda says
Thanks for the lovely post! As long as you keep posting such great stories, I wouldn’t bother worrying about your financial future…it is your personal stories as well as your home stories that have readers hooked!
Vanessa says
Keep it real, Sherry! You guys are awesome! Love reading your blogs. My husband and I bought a house recently and we’ve been reading your blogs for some DIY inspiration.
Kellie says
Sherry,
I’ve been quietly reading this blog for months- it’s one of my daily reads- YHL and a couple of Canadian newspapers. I usually read you first though, so I can steel myself for the news of the day. You and John may not be perfect, and you may think that your enthusiasm can be too much, but I absolutely love reading about what you guys are up to. You have amazing style- not only in your home, but in your writing. Keep it up!
Becky S. says
Thanks $herdog. I always tend to think of you as a perfect little family with cute clothes and lots of time to do whatever you want…it’s nice to get a dose of reality every once in awhile.
I especially appreciate your honesty regarding your marriage. After reading Dooce’s recent news, I was shocked to see a couple I thought seemed so perfect going through that, and then I start thinking, well if it happened to her, and she has a perfect marriage, then what will happen to my not-so-perfect marriage? I really thank you for revealing that your marriage isn’t perfect…no marriages are perfect, and that’s okay. I needed that reminder today. Thank you!
Amy says
Her half-sister Gooey!! That’s awesome! :)
Heather says
I love when bloggers keep it real. :)
We have two rooms that look like your playroom. One is filled with house/furniture clutter, the other is filled with building clutter. (So, at least it’s sorted, lol!) I just keep the doors closed and pretend none of it exists.
I’ll get to it… someday.
Kelly says
Love this post. LOVE. IT. Truly adorkable, which epitomizes what I love about your blog. Let that freak flag fly–decorum is overrated.
Jessica says
I don’t know about any of my fellow readers, but the printed use of “ohemgee” get a chuckle out of me!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
This was such a fantastic post! I love it when other bloggers share real glimpses of life with their readers. It is sooo easy to get caught up in the beautiful images we see online and feel inadequate. The funny thing is that I do the same thing–I show pretty pictures and projects…but readers don’t always see the chaos in the other room (my two girls throwing a fit over Barbies, the dishes I haven’t washed yet, etc). Thanks for sharing!!