Monday, January 26, 2009

I've been bad...

I have a confession to make....(gulp)..... I've Strayed!!..

I reposted pictures over at RMS. I feel like a traitor to Blogland! But hear me out... For over a year I had password trouble - no matter how many ways I had tried - I could not get access to my rooms. But now - for some reason, I was suddenly receiving emails of new comments on my spaces. It had been nearly a year since any comments had been emailed to me. When I went over to check them out, I was aghast at how outdated my rooms were! Even laughing at how "naked" they looked without all my current homey touches.

~Before~

(haa! Oh go ahead - you can laugh too, I won't hear you!)

So after a little playing around - got my password reinstated and I figured I would just update my rooms and be on my way, right? Welllllll, it took me two days to upload pictures (you remember my internet issues from before..) Then while on RMS, I noticed the whole style layout is completely different and now you can't use exclaimation points!!!!! (I mean really? that's supposed to stop the fighting?) But by then it was too late - I was in too deep.... there I was checking every 10 minutes to see if I had a new comment or a better rating. I am ashamed to admit I got SUCKED IN AGAIN!!



(before adding green checked trim to the curtains, raising the curtain rods or buying the red armchair & sisal rug - phew!)

~After~

I figured I had grown up enough to not care what anyone thought, to not be disappointed when I started to receive negative comments. I was beyond that, right? I mean, I decorate for myself & my family, not for some faceless person with a name of "9678011" right?...right?

~Before~

(before I even glazed my cabinets or added extra trim to them -see if you notice!)

~After~




Wrong! As much as I tried convincing myself that nobody elses opinion matters - it still hurts to hear (read) someone saying to "declutter" (did I title my room "Minimalist"..?? No!)...sigh... when will I ever learn? And don't even get me started on those ratings! To think someone hates your room so much that they would give you the lowest possible score so that you couldn't possibly rate even a "Good" room? To not even find one redeemable quality in your decorating?


~Before~




(no window benches & before my rooster plant died!)

~After~




Do those faceless people know the time & effort and hours of shopping (ok, that part was fun!) and the arranging & rearranging of furniture? The wrestling with my sewing machine? The dust & toxic fumes I inhaled while refinishing furniture? The arguments my husband and I had over building those window benches?.. But not everyone is bad on RMS. There were a few well wishers with some real compliments - but why do the bad remarks always erase those good ones?

~Before~

(before refinishing table & chairs or building window bench or even curtains!)

~After~




I think its perhaps I gained so much more acceptance from fellow bloggers that I thought RMS would somehow be different this time around....but some things never change...including the same kitchen posted on the main page under "Most Viewed". Come on people!

~Before~
(Look!.. No piano, screen or wingbacks!)

~After~


So while my rooms are still posted on RMS, (what are you crazy? it took me TWO DAYS to upload all those photos!?) I vow never to stray again...I found the comfort & reassurance I was looking for right here in BLOGLAND.

There are some good things that came out of RMS - I got to meet some of you there :)....and I never would have taken so many "BEFORE" pictures to laugh over now.

Now if you'll excuse me,...I am off to declutter my rooms....... Just Kidding! ;)
**P.S. - All of your comments mean the world to me! I know this subject hits a nerve and I really appreciate all of you taking the time to comment & boost my spirits! I will be by to visit with all of you & see those lovely blogs & pictures that are calling to me.... after I sew my daughter's Greek costume & make a food dish for school! ....sigh....can't wait for summer...remind me I said that when I start complaining then. :)

45 comments:

julie & joe said...

I think your rooms look great. I am even working at copying your sofa table arrangement. Trying to decide what my 3 year old won't break :)

Bo said...

Don't change a thing in your beautiful home! Those remarks at RMS have to be made from sheer jealousy...Your ideas and your decorating skills are wonderful...
Just keep on doing what you're doing...I LOVE it all. ;-) Bo

Salmagundi said...

Don't change a thing (unless you want to) - everything looks wonderful, comfortable, and inviting. Sally

Wendy said...

I can not believe people left bad comments on your rooms. They must be either crazy or down right jealous. Don't feel bad, it happens to everyone, they told me my room was hideous.

When I looked at your before pics. I didn't think it could get any better. Your after pics. blew me away, they are amazing. Love the extra trim you added in the kitchen, the wingback chair, the fabric on the windows. Well, I loved everything. Your home belongs in a magazine.

Wendy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I cannot imagine that your rooms would get any bad comments or low ratings. I'm kind of wondering if (now that there is a personal page where people can read your name), maybe some folks thought that you were me! I have completely quit going to RMS. I don't even know if my postings are still there, but I sure don't want to have to worry about a bad message every time I see that message in my email. I got to the point I was afraid to click on it! Your home is beautiful, and those folks over there are just jealous (and crazy). Not that that makes their remarks sting any less. Who do that think they are -- criticizing such wonderful decor? What do they know? -- Absolutely nothing! But, I know ... it still hurts. So sorry you've had that experience. laurie

MindyMac said...

I have never been to RMS before myself, but I have not heard good things! Sounds like there are a few people there who just like to be ugly. That's sad! Your home is absolutely beautiful! It's fun to see the before and after pictures. In fact, I have been hunting down the pictures you have over your mantel because I want to copy them! (Just found them at Hobby Lobby...waiting for a sale!) I love all of your fabric choices too. You really have a knack!

Melissa Miller said...

Hello Laurie! :)

Just so you know I remember your rooms on RMS before and I definitly remember leaving you some kind comments!!! :)

Love your gorgeous home girl!

What's your name on the site?
I'll go visit and leave you all 5*'s my friend!

I took mind down in case we move here soon.
I'll start over again later in another home.

You're funny! LOL! ;)
~Melissa

Melissa Miller said...

"mine", Crap...I know you weren't looking for that I really want too. :)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Ms. Gilroy I am so sad that people can not see the love you have for your family and why you created a beautiful home for them and you..all your spaces were alway beautiful girl...but you know I so remember last Feb when you were going to delete from RMS and I and Picket talked you out of it..Laurie I don't do RMS at all any more...I have met some of the most wonderful ladies there that I now visit in blogland you being one of them...and Please tell me that the most viewed Kitchen is the same one I seen for over 3 months?? the one that said with more pictures added...I have seen craps rooms on front page that should not have been there to one that were just so beautiful and totaly ignored..Girl when I posted my bedroom last January I had one person ask me if I charged by the hour for my room...well I knew what they meant by that..any hoo after only 2 days I took it off..I was so hurt and cried even..and what made me so mad was that the people who left these nasty comments were all unclickable and you could't even see what their great space looked like..I also never seen so much game playing as on RMS..there was a real high school click on there...if they liked you ..you could post a dirty sock and the click would make all over it like it was the most beautiful dirty sock in the world..RMS is not for the faint of heart...this I found out the hard way..I love my Stuff I paid for my stuff and if you don't like it you can stuff it..that what I got from doing RMS for a year..I love blogging and wished I had started doing it a long time ago..I just love all the sweet ladies here..cheers up girl you know I love you more than my luggage..hugs and smiles sweet girl...Gl♥ria

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, I'm going to try this again. I wrote a bit ago and then the internet clicked me off. Was that rude or what? I'm not sure why people think they have to be so rude. Do they not see the hard work and love you've poured into your home. I remember almost stalking you for lack of a better word during the RMS days. All the instructions I asked you for on your beautiful bench. Those people aren't worth worrying over. Although words sting and stick at times. I personaly am so glad you share your heart, home and soul with us.. Keep doing what you're doing darling cause we love it.. hugs ~lynne~

Picket said...

Oh you shameless hussy you! lol Once I took my spaces off I never once thought of going back! I absolutley love your home girl..the befores were pretty but the afters are so full and gorgeous!!! (notice my exclamation points! lol) I love the extra trim you added to your cabinets..I want to do something like that even a couple of corbels at the end of the counter or something...I just lose the umph it gives it! You were always a 5 star rating in my book & even a golf clap to boot! Have a great week my friend!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your rooms have really changed and I love all the befores and the afters or nows. RMS is really a sad place. Too bad people can't appreciate all styles and a persons efforts. I don't go there anymore either. Hugs, Marty

Glenda said...

Stand behind the line missy. Your rooms are just fine and do not need de-cluttering in anyway. If you believe everything they say over there in RMS land, you'd have one chair, one couch, one pillow and one picture in your livingroom and you'd feel naked and lonely.

Stay we us honey and you'll be fine.

CIao

Angie said...

You are back where you belong girl! Your home looks like a dream to me! I am totally in love with your kitchen and eating area! I would love for you to show lots of pictures of it in the future. I can't believe anyone would have anything negative to say about anything in your house. They are just jealous!!!

pat said...

Hi, I just had to leave a comment when I saw your post about RMS. I still check out RMS and a few weeks back saw your rooms and my mouth just dropped open. My home and my taste is completely different from yours but that did not stop me from recognizing a beautifully designed room when I saw it. I posted my room after wating for almost a year and wish that I hadn't. The comments were actually rude. My opinion is that the "arm chair designers" who comment have tunnel vision of what a room should look like, mainly contemporary. I am not posting anymore rooms either. I am new to blogland and think I am going to be addicted quickly! Your home and your blog is just wonderful. Pat aka PBFanatic

Anonymous said...

Oh, dearest Laurie with the OH-SO-BEAUTIFUL HOME, & WONNNNDERFUL STYLE n' TASTE!!! ~ I suspect pure RMS JEALOUSY (well, OK, combined w/ THEIR really "B-A-D" taste!) is why you would get nasty comments... Period! I could write a book, along w/ MANY of the other "NOW-bloggers", about how it was at RMS "in the beginning". Sadly, those VERY FUN (most of the time!) days are gone, never to be again, but many friendships remain! I've never taken down my spaces, but I hardly EVER go there because I can't get back ON, either! (It makes me look rude not to acknowledge when people take the time to write!). LSS (LONG STORY SHORT), you DO have GREAT PERSONAL STYLE~~~ and FLAIR~~~ and it's OBVIOUS we love it all!!! WHO WOULDN'T, my friend??? It's BEAUTIFUL, and BEAUTIFULLY DONE, and DON'T YOU FORGET IT, ya hea'?!?!?!?!?!?! Many warm hugs, Linda

Linda said...

Don't fret over anything said on RMS...your home is gorgeous. In fact, I wish you were my neighbor so that you could help me decorate mine!

Kelly said...

I know what you mean by those negative comments on RMS. I put my rooms on there and rec'd my share as well. I got some good ones, too, that made me feel on top of the world, but the bad ones made me mad. I wanted to look at "their" rooms and see for myself if they really had better taste than me. Most of the time, they didn't even post their own rooms! I don't think people should be negative if they don't put themselves out there too. Your house is beautiful. Don't let strangers induce doubt in your choices. I think you've done alot of work on your home and people with good taste will certainly see that.

Anonymous said...

I wish I lived someplace exotic so I could invite you to visit!

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie,
I have no experience with RMS....but your rooms are beautiful and inspirational to me!

forget the critics and do what you love...you are doing a great job!

diane

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Your home is so beautiful....warm and inviting!

All those RMS are decorator-wanna-bes....

I wouldn't change a thing!

Jerri Lynn @ Southern Sassyness said...

It's all just gorgeous - love your touches! I noticed in the after pic of your kitchen, that you bought a cute little island - fun!

You have excellent taste - your house looks wonderful. I could definitely move in!

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie.....sorry you had a rude comments on RMS. I've never been on that site but judging from your post and others, the cream of the crop jumped ship and came over to Blogland. Who NEEDS rude and insensitive people!?!?

I LOVE all the things you've done with your rooms. I liked the before versions but I like the after versions too. I think decorating a home is done in layers. We just keep adding and tweaking.....no one is ever really finished. When someone hires a decorator and they come in and do the WHOLE room without much input from the home owner, it looks impersonal and could very well be a hotel lobby. Every time we add something to our room it makes us happy. Enjoy the process and don't bother yourself with the rude comments on RMS. They haven't found "real friends" like we have in Blogland. Hugs!

LillyB said...

I'm sorry that those people hurt your feelings sister! We just have to pray for those that have absolutely NO SENSE OF TASTE!!! Imagine what dreary and sad homes and lives they must have. We should have pity on them! Your home is beautiful and you are such an inspiration to me!
Keep up the good work!!!!!!!
Many Blessings to you!!

laney said...

...you have an absolutely beautiful home...it is a joy to view your pictures...and YOU are such fun...what a winning five star*****combination!

Anonymous said...

Your home is one of the best I've ever seen. It's your touches that make it so. Girl you have tremendous talent. I mean over the top talent. Don't ever doubt yourself again. I think everything is in perfect balance. The before and afters cinch the results.

Anna
Charlotte Historical Examiner

niartist said...

I love the after of the dining room Laurie. I've always been a fan of your rooms - here and on RMS.

Brenda said...

I've always found that when someone says something hateful, jealousy is at the root of their comment. I love reading about your journey in decorating. I'm really embarrassed because I could spend hours reading and absorbing your blog; but I don't want you to think I'm a real-life stalker, lol.

Keep up the great work. You have a beautiful home.

Shirley said...

I can't imagine you getting negative comments on these rooms. I honestly think they are beautiful! I think some people just like to make mean comments just to be mean not because they really believe it. Keep on with the wonderful ideas you have!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I love to open your blog and see your gorgeous room. I haven't even been to RMS....you know where your friends are!! Stay here...I love your posts.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie, I am blown away by your blog. I am new to blog land. I just look, I don't write. I am obsessed with home decorating and your blog caught my eye. I have spent two days looking and reading your entire blog. Usually I don't have the attention span to read blogs, I just want to see the pictures, but I found myself relating to you in so many ways. Forget RMS! You have the natural ability to decorate your home. I like all your 'clutter'. It is what makes a home feel like a home. It is clutter with a purpose, not just knic-knacs all over the place. Like you I love finding old furniture and renewing it. It is so fun.
In another way I can relate is with your in-laws. My daughter has a 9 mth old son, who I adore. The baby's daddy is first generation American like your husband. Big family, non-English speaking, live totally non-materialisticly (is that a word?). Anyway, they live here in the same town and I love them. The mom anyway, like your f-i-l, the dad doesn't speak much. They certainly make me feel like the 'spoiled American' when I come home to play with my decor obsession.
Keep up the fab blogging, I am hooked!
Terrie from Oklahoma

Unknown said...

Listen your rooms are beautiful. Personally i love them. And It shows you take pride in your house. The style on RMS is Contemporary, which i find quite bland and boring. Which I also finding Hgtv is becoming. ANd there are just rude people out there who make comments that are Rude cause it makes them feel better. Sick. Of course everyone is not into our style but we are and if it makes us happy then that is all that matters. Anyone with GREATstyle and personality would not make those comments. If you notice the rude ones never have a room to show.. mishelle. ps. I enjoy your rooms, keep on doing what your doing...

artis1111 said...

I know what you mean. RMS is not what it use to be. It use to be fun to visit with all the people you knew. I still have things on there , I just left them. I go back one ever now and again but it just missing something.Kathy

Anonymous said...

I think all of your rooms look beautiful! I wish and hope I can accomplish just half of what you've done. Keep on doing what you are doing..it is you and it is great!!

{{Hugs}}

Cathy

Colleen said...

Your home is just beautiful! As far as the "clutter" I will make a confession while I am here. Last year we remodeled and redecorated our home. I honestly had a 40 foot long, 8 foot tall commercial dumpster put in our driveway. Oh how I wish I had made pictures! Anyway, I went on a wild maniac spree of getting rid of "clutter" and after that experience I swore I never wanted "stuff" again. I swore no more flea markets, no more aimless shopping and no more "OH I HAVE TO HAVE IT" then no where to put it. I was going to have clear countertops, etc. etc etc. YEAH RIGHT! I felt naked. I hated it! After Christmas my youngest daughter begged me to clear the kitchen countertops for one month and just see how I liked it. I agreed just to make her happy. I tried. I lied. I COULD NOT DO IT. Afterall, that stuff is important! HA! So yesterday I put more stuff up there and I am DYING to go to flea markets this weekend!

Your house is your haven. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

Colleen

JoAnne said...

I have been following your blog for some time now. I love your rooms. Did you know that if you go to HGTV and take the "Style Quiz", your living room is one of the choices to pick as your favorite?

I was cruising around blogland and someone was talking about taking the quiz. She had posted her choices and there was your room. (It's funny that I came across that post right after reading this one!). I can't tell you which blog it was (it wasn't one in my google reader) and in my excitement, I clicked over to HGTV without making a note of it. I will try to retrace my steps and will let you know if I find it.

In the meantime - your room really is on HGTV's Style Quiz!

Take care, JoAnne

nikkicrumpet said...

MEH RMS is over rated. The same freaks are probably still there that ran around and downgraded everyone's rooms so theirs could stay on top. The same trolls who said nasty things and made up millions of nicknames so they could rate themselves over and over. I'm not surprised it hasn't change. I haven't been over their in almost a year...and I'm not going back! Your before and afters are really cool to see....the rooms went from Beautiful to STUNNING! But then you know I've always been a huge fan!

Patricia said...

Oh My Gosh !! Your home is absolutely gourgeous ! I would love to have a home even half as beautiful. Your decorating is outstanding and beautiful....

Barb said...

You have beautiful taste,don't worry about comments from people that don't know what good decorating looks like.I love all your rooms....Barb

Anonymous said...

What a pretty home! You've done a great job! A house should be decorated for the people living in it and not for a "model home!" Our home is very colorful and bright and is not for everyone...but it's just right for us!
-Kim

Cathy said...

You are braver than I am posting on RMS! I'm afraid I'd be right there with you - one of those with a very low number... but who cares? I'm certain you love your home just as much if not more than some of those that always get *5* stars! To me it's more important that I love what's in my home than trying to please someone else. Happy Decorating!!!

lvroftiques said...

Say what???!!! Anyone who doesn't like your rooms is plum crazy!! However there is a lot of craziness over on RMS. I can't stand it there anymore, and rarely ever go. It was at one time, a wonderful place to be, but I think those days are gone. Your rooms have always been some of my absolute favorites! So you just keep it right here in blogland where we all love you *winks* Vanna

Rue said...

You hussy!! LOL I thought about it, but I don't want the evil to come into this house, so I won't. Still the same huh? I figured as much.

Your home looks beautiful and you don't need RMS or even all of us in Blogland to tell you that :)

hugs,
rue

Stacey said...

Your rooms are gorgeous. In fact, I may just sit and study them some more. You see, I'm not good at adding the clutter. My friends tell me there's not enough stuff.

I would never have the nerve to actually post on RMS. There are really mean comments on there. I guess alot of people do not know not to speak unless they are going to say something nice.

Building a new home said...

For me it's fantastic. The transformation is awesome. I love it. The green walls are also wonderful.