My “unstyled life” isn’t messy or clean or ugly or stunning. Instead, my goal is to create a home that reflects back the spirit and personality of our family. It’s a work in progress. Sometimes the beauty in my life is by accident, other times it’s intentional. It’s there, either way, because when I remember to fill my home with what I love–person, place, or thing–odds are it will be beautiful. Maybe not always appreciated, but always beautiful. If you feel the same, you are welcome to share a link to your own “unstyled life” in the comments.
We had company over a few weeks ago, and I could tell they didn’t understand why I would decorate my mantel with dinosaurs. I could have told them that it is important for me to include the boys when I decorate. I could have told them that, as a family, we love science, natural elements, and appreciate a sense of history. I could have told them that Santa left those puzzles for the boys in their stockings, and that we had fun putting them together as a family, even though Santa should never do that again because they are kind of a pain and at one point I almost tossed the T-Rex in the fire out of frustration.
I could have told them any of those things, but I didn’t. Instead I shuffled my feet a bit and redirected. I won’t do that next time.
I definitely think the dinosaurs are mantel-worthy. We put those together when my son when he was a little dinosaur freak and they were really beautiful…and an absolute b**** to assemble!
I like the dinosaurs but then I have a whole room dedicated for the kids where they keep their little toddler bikes and books. This drives my Mom nuts since she believes that EVERY room needs to be pristine and ready for a photo shoot at any moment. That means that all toys stay in closets and drawers!
I’ve actually had people over who have asked why I have a big Travelocity gnome in my living room…….and I don’t apologize for it. I tell them because I think he’s awesome and that it freaks my husband out. End of story. I don’t apologize to anyone for my decorating style (or lack thereof). No one has to live there but me and my family and they don’t mind….and if they did, I probably wouldn’t care. I’m the one that has to dust the stuff. LOL!
My brother in-law said the same thing (repeatedly) about my bull horns. He is slow to like things that are different from the majority.
I love the dinosaurs. We kind of decorate the same way- and we don’t even have kids. We decorate for us…not the guests. That’s why Domo-kuns were a prominent part of our mantel for a good 2 years.
Character … surrounding yourself with what you love … makes a home. I, for one, love the dinosaurs. Of course, I’m also the one who has had multiple people–upon visiting my home for the first time–say, “Oh, it’s so….colorful.” :)
I love your mantel, said the girl with Polly Pockets and Hot Wheels sitting on hers.
Everyone decorates to their own style and yours def. works! The dinosaurs are great!!
Oh and by the way I love your blog so much that I have an award for you on my blog
come check it out!
http://puppiesandpacifiers-krystal.blogspot.com/2010/09/first-blog-award.html
The dinosaurs are subtle compared to the Tinker Toy and Lego creations displayed on every higher-than-the-toddler shelf in our family room!
No need for redirecting!! I am 26, have no children, and have those EXACT dinosaurs sitting on one of the floating shelves in (what I like to think of as) my very stylish living room. In fact, they’re set on either side of a globe so it looks like they’re attacking Earth and it cracks me UP every time I look at them!!
Attacking Earth? AWESOME.