April 7, 2014

The truth about bloggers and perfect houses

Wanna know the truth about bloggers? And about their perfect houses? There is actually no truth to it. I love finding new blogs to follow and getting to "know" the bloggers through their blogs. But sometimes, I have to laugh. I have to laugh when they are "DIY-ing" or on a "budget" yet they have a 4,000 sq ft dream home they just built. Y'all. If they only knew what being on a budget was. But realistically, some people probably wonder the same thing about me too. I think it is AWESOME that more and more people are being thrifty and turning their houses into homes on a budget. It is amazing! My husband and I, thank the good Lord, have done well for ourselves, especially at our ages and are so thankful and count our blessings everyday. And some people just are not that lucky. Plan and simple. Which brings me to be honest with y'all about some things lately...

So, if y'all haven't noticed… I haven't been blogging. And it's not because I don't want to. And it's not because I'm not doing anything. I have been. I've been swamped from the shop we just opened which is such a blessing in itself and I am still amazed at our progress everyday. And if you haven't been watching on Facebook, you might not know that I got my real estate license here in the state of Florida and am beginning my career in that. As well as still doing interior decorating, photography, blogging, running my space in the shop and attempting to juggle my personal life. All of that along with a few things that I really can't say right now but would just ask that y'all please pray for our men and women fighting for our freedoms. Please let them know that they are loved, that they are missed and that you are thankful. Y'all. It has been hard. Really hard.

I browse Pinterest and find these amazing rooms… and want so badly to turn my house into this picture perfect image that I see on my screen. And I want it to happen overnight. And in the budget that I have for us. Which is basically not much. And I know that y'all have to do it too. You have to see these perfect photos and wish so badly that it was yours. And people gasped at your spaces. I get it, I do. But is it reality? No. There are kids with sticky fingers. And dogs who shed. Like mine who likes to lay on our new sofa after we fall asleep and when we leave for work. And yes, he knows he's not supposed to be on the sofa. Accidents happen and puppies can't control their bladders and kids will be kids. It happens. The important thing is to just remember to breathe. And enjoy it. 

I don't ever want to be accused of not being honest or keeping it real on here. And I never thought that I'd even ever considering acknowledging all of this to readers, fans and people who follow me. What? A blogger who wished her home looked perfect? Wait? Why? But it's never going to happen. At least not for me. Because I like change. I like finding a curb side find that I know will be perfect for the living room even though there really isn't a "space" in mind for it yet. That's what we do, we try to figure it out as we go and just hope to God that it turns out ok with our less than mediocre budget. 

And why do we compare ourselves to each other? WHY? Honestly, this post is really me writing to me. It's me just getting it out. Because I was going to bust if I didn't. I don't have a DIY project for you everyday and I probably won't ever have a DIY project for you everyday. I'm sorry. I probably won't believe you when you say you love my space. Because I'm struggling to love it. And about 99% of the time, I feel like I am talking to myself on this blog. But you know, that's ok. Because this blog, it's mine. It represents all my triumphs, all my flaws, all my mistakes, all my hits and all my misses. It represents my life, a life that I am trying so hard to make so perfect when it already is. 

All I ask is that you stop being so darn hard on yourself. Stop comparing yourself to someone else. Stop beating yourself up. And you wouldn't let someone talk to you like that, so why are you talking to yourself like that? Be nice to yourself. Forgive yourself. Love yourself. And love your home. Because it's yours after all. Here's my last thought. Please cut me some slack. I'm doing my best and I'm giving as much as I can give right now, some days more than others. Some days I have to put a smile on and other days, I feel like all is right with the world. It happens. We all go through it. I hope you're proud and you're forgiving because I'm going to get better. I'm going to get better because I want more. I want this life. And I want huge things for Home by Ally, my house and my life. I want to be the relatable person that you turn to for advice. I want to be the down to Earth person that you love to listen to. I want to work my way up and we all remember where I started. I want to be recognized for good things and be the change in this world. I want to make a positive influence and help everyone I can. Most important to me, God forbid that something may happen to me tomorrow; I hope that everyone has nothing but good things to say about me while I am gone. 

I'm trying to love my home and I'm trying to love myself. Have you tried?
Follow my journey.

And just for giggles. Here's real life through Home by Ally when I feel the need to change everything. I've been trying to declutter and get rid of all the things that I do not LOVE. Enjoy.




And those were just the front rooms. But I got rid of about three SUV loads full to donate to the local thrift store. Great feeling right there. I'll check back to show y'all the new couch here soon. I've currently been working on our guest bathroom, our master bedroom and the sunroom and all are about 75% done. I can't wait to show you the 100%. Hey, thanks for listening.

4 comments:

  1. I just did a post on Why I blog recently. I feel the same way. I actually blog for fun and not for business reasons or get paid for it. I am actually not doing much on blog now because we are actually thinking about seeking our home in Beaufort, SC and moving a little closer to NC or VA. Everything is up in the air now and it would be folkish for me to invest tons of money in home projects right now when I am thinking about selling it. In fact, out home is less than 10 years old and is in move in condition and I do love but will miss it too.

    I really enjoyed reading your post. Yes I have days at my home that look like a tornado went through it. But no it does not bother me at all. I live in a comfortable home and do not seek to have a McMansion either. I live a comfortable life already and don't wish to have what others have at all. I am also fortunate to have travelled domestic and abroad and am blessed.

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  2. I definitely needed this. I just had a break down like 30 minutes ago. My husband deployed and it's my daughter and I. I finally got all her stuff cleaned up only to start and finishes dishes and the rooms a disaster again. If it's not toy it's dog related. Keep your head up. We both have beautiful lives. ♡

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  3. So true! Life by definition is messy. There have been so many times where I blogged about a pretty room, but behind the scenes it felt like my world was falling apart. But hey! Look at my beautiful headboard we made!! Our home is de-cluttered simply because we move every three years, so no earth shattering how to there ;) Thanks for being honest and sharing- I'm super excited about your new real estate adventure1

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  4. You are doing a great job with your house! Life is always filled with surprises. It's important to live life for yourself and not to expect "perfect". Keep your head up, beautiful!! : )

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