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.
Jennifer says
$herdog, you are awesome (and so is John)!! I so very much love your blog, and I’m not even DIY-ing anything. :) I just think you guys are great, normal (?) people and I love to “keep up with you” via your blog.
Anne says
Sherry, you (and John) are by far my favourite bloggers. I wouldn’t consider myself super into DIY, but I love reading every single post you write, particularly the ones where you share stories like this, why you cloth diaper, being minimalist in your closet, frugal living and gift giving. You inspire me everyday, not because you appear like you ‘do-it-all’ but specifically because you share the things you do. Thank you!
Evita says
I think my comment may have borked, so I’ll try it again…
Bravo!
Leah says
Ace post, tho this is the $herdog that shines thru always anyway. The woman in Target would have got such a buzz to have the internet get all 3D and excited about Christmas before her very eyes lol
Nia Nielsen says
I *heart* this post!
Kelly says
What you are is a healthy, well adjusted mother and blogger and I SO appreciate you daring to share something not so flattering with your followers. Its refreshing to learn you dont have it all figured out but indeed you push on despite of it all. Thats more important than being perfect. Every day we make mistake and let’s not fool ourselves in believing any of us are perfect. Bravo to you on your many accomplishments though! I love your penny tile backsplash!
Jessica says
I really enjoyed reading this post. And I have to agree with a lot of other comment’s here – when you read a blog, look at pictures, look at their families/lives etc It’s really easy to start comparing yourself in an unrealistic way to their lives. Even though that blog is just as human as you are – mistakes and all. I think this post is great to remind all your readers that you and John are people, regular parents, have a regular toddler (tantrums and all) and that you do experience negative and hard times, and that your life isn’t just rainbows and sunshine 100% of the time. Thank you for sharing this Sherry.
Mel says
$herdog,
I have to say this has been my favorite post so far. Is that weird? I love your blog and read it daily, but it’s great to see how the other half of you lives too. Well done!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Mel! You guys are all being so sweet about this post. I just thought it might be fun for me to write about, but it’s so nice to hear it’s fun for you guys to read about too! Haha.
xo,
s
Ang says
OMG, your posts crack me up! I love that heart by your butt! LOL!! Cream cheese on your ear? One time, I rushed to the store to get a last minute ingredient for dinner. I had no make-up on and looked like a mess. It wasn’t until I got in the car and looked at myself in the mirror that I realized I had ProActive zit cream on about 7 blemishes on my face. No wonder the cashier looked at me strange!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t laugh but it’s totally something I would do. Why do we only look in the mirror after being out in public for hours on end? Why?
xo,
s
heather says
My Gram has always been able to put on lipstick perfectly without looking. She said when she was in her 50’s she got dental work done and was a little numb, but didn’t think anything of it. She was about to run into a grocery store she rarely went to, grabbed her red lipstick and put it on.
You can see where this is going.
People looked at her super weird and were treating her odd. It wasn’t until she got back into her car that she realized what felt what her lips was way above, beyond and over her lip line on one side – top and bottom. One side was right, the other was a hot mess.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that’s hilarious. Poor Gram!
xo,
s
Joy says
I knew we were kindred spirits when Katie Bower outed you on your video about only owning one decent bra! Oh, how I can relate! You don’t have to be perfect for us. If you were, I wouldn’t read your blog! Too much pressure! You and your family are perfectly imperfect and that’s just the way we like it!
Jess says
Keep on keeping it real! Love what you do and seriously dig the blog; it’s not just the DIY goodness, you’re both very good writers. For me, that’s what keeps the site compelling; checking in with you is a seriously fun part of my day. Thanks for sharing your life in a non-creepy Kardashian way. For shizzle, $herdog.
jess says
Love the real-ness. LOVE IT! I sometimes forget to take my contacts out too. And I don’t have kids, bit I’d imagine I’d be the lady walking around with cream cheese on my face too. HA! Love it!
Paige says
Great post, $herdog! I feel better about the toilet that’s hanging out on my balcony as I’m replacing my bathroom floor in my townhome. (PS: I’ve always been more partial to Gooey than Zooey!)
Ash says
Your blog is one that I read every day, first thing! The second blog that I read is Rants from Mommyland, which I think you would REALLY appreciate based on your mommy-honesty up there. And you could compare strawberry cream cheese-incidents with one of the mommy writers who apparently always has boobstains (her words, not mine!). They are ALSO refreshingly honest and open on a daily basis about raising their children. I think you’d like it!
And I think I’d like you too, if we were to ever meet in person. I myself am happy-go-lucky and geeky, overly enthusiastic and impressed with the cleverness of me (even when no one else is).
Wishing you and the family all the best in future mistakes and triumphs in 2012!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha thanks for the Rants In Mommyland recommendation. Sounds hilarious!
xo,
s
Steph says
Your blog is the one blog out of my entire feed (100+ blogs) that I make sure to read every day. Part of it is cause I love all the reno and design stuff, but really there are probably a dozen other blogs on my feed that I scroll past every day that focus on that stuff alone. Really I think it all comes down to how personable you and John are, and how honest you are about the process. I love that about you guys, and I, for one, am glad that you don’t sugar coat things and try to make it all perfect all the time.
PS, you need to make some more Goodwill shopping videos with Katie cause those are awesomely hilarious.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Steph! I was just telling KB that we need to go thrifting again stat. I miss that crazy gal. Wish Georgia was closer to VA…
xo,
s
Bethany says
Yay for the $herdog! Thanks for keepin’ it real, girlie!
Bethany
Heidi P. says
That post was hilarious (seriously laughed out loud) and comforting at the same time. And yeah, I thought Clara was perfect. And you guys in general. Especially when I asked how you discipline her and you said you basically just tell her no. I thought, ‘Oh yeah, they don’t have a little boy like Jason. Too bad that doesn’t work for him!’ (Although, sometimes he’s an amazing little boy. Just other times, I want to scrape my eyes out. ;) lol
But you gotta admit, you live a pretty charmed life. :)
Sarah says
You do it because you love it – and we love you guys!
I always tune into YHL because I love your house(s) and you guys are so dang funny. Authenticity is the best way to be!
Lauren says
This is refreshing! I’m glad you’re keeping it real. ;)
Amanda says
I love this post! It’s nice to see the “human” side of bloggers sometimes too. I love that you guys don’t just talk about the happy, pretty things all the time – you keep it real! :)
Holly says
“I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it.”-Carrie Bradshaw
Your post was beautiful and real and honest. The whole time I was reading it, I thought of this SATC quote.
Thank you for being you, Sherry! (And being honest about it)
marissa says
Too funny! I laughed out loud twice! Gooey…that’s great! :)
Christine says
“I’m a work in progress” has totally always been my life motto! I thought you were awesome before but now I realize you’re just gross and weird…just kidding! ;) I think you guys are great and all those “we are real people too” posts definitively make you guys stand out from the crowd. Keep doing what you’re doing and I will keep reading and being inspired! Thank you!
Melinda KE says
I usually don’t comment…but I just had to laugh at the visual of you in the store with the wooden trees! That sounds like something I would do! Keep it real $herdog!
Melanie says
Loved this post. Thank you. And may I add….I am not sure your blog would be this successful if you were not the way you are….just my humble opinion.
Crystal says
Great post – thanks for sharing. I struggle with awkwardness and perseption issues, too. That’s why I’ve adopted this motto: http://pinterest.com/pin/49821139597268773/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it. I come from a long line of weirdos on my dad’s side (all self-admitted) so I’m totally down with being a Fruit Loop! Haha.
xo,
s
Kelly says
Though I always try to remind myself that you guys aren’t perfect (which I SO love), it’s sometimes easy to only see the good…or the stuff you guys do and I don’t. I love posts like these because they make me feel like I could even comment/”speak” to you, or attempt projects you’ve done. This post makes me love and appreciate your blog even more :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kelly. That’s so sweet of you.
xo,
s
Kellie R says
Thank you for keeping it real John and Sherry. I adore your bravery and willingness to put things out there on the web and still keep things honest. :)
Linda Leyble says
Thank you for that blogpost. I needed that! I am always aware that I am not perfect (especially in the creative world) – who can be? I thank you for now letting me know that I can let my hair down (what’s left of it after pulling it out for a long time on jobs that didn’t go perfectly!!)
Linda
Shelley says
This is exactly why so many people love your blog! Thanks for sharing your list!
Sheila @SZInteriors says
Love this post! That’s actually what I enjoy so much about you and John in your blog – you keep it real. So refreshing. And when I’m struggling with my own posts, that’s the point my hubby always brings me back to – just keep it real and be yourself. The rest will take care of itself. And so it seems to! :-)
PS – Winter Pinterest Challenge?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we already did our winter one in November! Can’t wait until spring though!
xo,
s
Christina says
And all those reasons are probably the reasons we all tune in every day to see what you’re up to–that and to see when that kitchen will finally be done!
All of your readers probably figure if we knew you in real life we’d be friends, because we’re all a bit nutty, and so not perfect, and a lot crazy–and so are our friends. So let that freak flag fly and we’ll love you for it.
Keep on, keepin’ on.
Daniella says
I really appreciated reading this post. Something you said struck a cord with me, as far a becoming ‘frozen’ or “standing still” when it comes to a challenge (of any kind). I bought a ranch house last year and have been remodeling like crazy over the last year as I can afford it and have time (I work full time). I have really been wanting to start a blog about it because people are always interested in what I’m doing/tearing up/creating/changing etc…besides being a little worried by my ability to even start a blog I think I’ve been intimidated by all the other house blogs that seem so perfect…that it’s been another excuse to add to the list for why i haven’t just sat down and tried to write some posts, load some pictures, etc. Your post reminds me that people relate more to what’s real, not what looks like a magazine, and that I should just go for it. So THANKS!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, just go for it! Good luck and happy blogging!
xo,
s
Cheryl G. says
It all makes you all the more awesome and real!
Sherry from BC says
You guys are truly amazing….you are risk takers with heart. Your blog is one of the highlights of my day. I try to save it till first coffee break for a pick me up. Didn’t happen till the afternoon today though. I have read a lot of diy, craft and reno blogs and yours is the most readable. You always make me smile and you teach me something. You don’t let fear hold you back. I recently watched a rerun of Nate where he had 2 women who were afraid of decorating, even painting. I don’t understand that. I feel it is all changeable if you don’t like it and sometime I get it right the first time. It is such fun to follow you as you redo your house with your little one by your side. I have learned a lot from reading your blog and following your creative process. Keep doing what you are doing and I am sure you will go far. Your explanations, either video or written are some of the best I have read. Can’t wait for your first book.
Anika says
I think this is my favorite post to date – I love that you guys are real people tackling real life situations, and I so appreciate the way you guys are honest about what works and what doesn’t so the rest of us can be successful diy-ers too.
Thank you for being so brave and so honest. I love your blog and hope to continue reading it for many, many years to come.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Anika! So sweet of you to say. You guys are all amazing. Thanks for reading our little ol’ blog.
xo,
s
Ashley says
$herdog/Sprite-shirt-man
You are amazing. So glad you posted this. I can identify to… well… just about everything you wrote about. I worked on sanding nightstands/dresser this weekend that I got from Craigslist this weekend. I SERIOUSLY imagined you pulling a Jillian Michaels, standing next to me, cheering me on with sawdust and stain stripper everywhere. You’re such an inspiration! I love that you keep it real.
xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, the image of me cheering you on like Jillian Michael’s as you sanded a dresser is hilarious. I totally was doing that in spirit. You have no idea how excited I get when I hear about others diving into a project. Seriously it’s sickening.
xo,
s
Megan says
Oddly, I feel that I should declare you as the next Miss (or Ms.) America! Thanks for the authentic and fun read. The Target Christmas decor story kills me! I’ve been guilty of doing that AND knowing that the other person was a total stranger.
Maria says
Amen to that and I haven’t set foot in a church in over a decade!!!
Great post!
Maria
Elizabeth says
Love you guys! I probably reference your blog like everyday. I just picked up 4 parsons chairs off Kijiji, and my boyfriend had no idea what they were. I told him about your story when John picked up your parsons chairs lol!
Katie says
Thank you for this post!! Happy to see that things don’t always go so perfectly for you too.
elaine says
The real $herdog is great. It’s your humbleness and quirky demeaner that make all us blog followers think so :). No need to explain to us all. We like you just the way you are (confession post or not). Thanks so much for sharing!
Katie Truelove says
I think you guys are pretty authentic in general which is one thing makes your blog so lovable!:)
Diane Streicher says
Your personality gives your blog personality..thank goodness for all the quirks and goofiness that keep us interested!
Megan S says
I absolutely loved this post. As a new blogger I often look at bloggers’ lives and think about how they look perfect. Am I the only one who leaves dishes in the sink, fights with my husband and feels bored and bummed out sometimes for no reason at all? Sometimes it feels like bloggers only show the cute and quirky imperfections. I confess, I totally thought you and John didn’t fight:)
Thanks!
Kirsten says
What a refreshing post! Thanks for sharing the good and the bad (there’s never ugly!) with everyone, and for sharing that story about the wooden trees and stranger at Target. I almost choked on dinner. Perfection is so boring, anyway! Plus unattainable. We’ll let Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow think they’ve got that down.
Lindsay says
Excellent post!! Thanks for keeping it real!
Allison says
Loved this post. I always have thought of you guys as being very real and down to earth, and this post just goes to show how true that is! Keep on keepin it real $herdog!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks everyone! You’re all making me blush today.
xo,
s
Trish says
LOVE THIS POST!!! Thanks for keepin it real yo!!
Tia says
Wow! How did you know that I had just been thinking that you were the perfect couple with the perfect home and the perfect life? No problems, no worries, no issues. I really enjoyed this post and really appreciate your honesty. The “perfect” post! :)