Do you see the theme of this post in the above picture?
Does one particular word stand out to you?
No…not “Perfectly.” 
You see – I have been blogging all of these years, and possibly leading you
to believe I live in a perfect home with spotless floors and grandchildren
who never have snotty noses or chocolate smeared faces…
or, granite that always sparkle and the most perfectly organized cabinets
that Pinterest has ever seen.
Is that the impression I have given?
Well, good.
But, I love you guys, a LOT. So it’s only right that I come clean.
Most days, my kitchen is a mini episode of Hoarders. My fridge should
be featured on the Discovery Channel.
Or, maybe the Sci-Fi Channel because there’s some alien stuff growing in
there right now.
But, I would not be your friend if I continued the ruse, now would I?
So, I present to you The Everyday Home’s Kitchen…Uncut.
For example, my cute, blue cabinet that I added the Lowe’s house
numbers onto…
Well, this is how it looks right now…
Miss C used her tiny little fingers to pry the #2 off. Then she walked around
with it in her hand all weekend. She decided she was tired of being #3 and
moved up a notch. (She couldn’t reach the #1.)
My friend, Shirley, of Housepitality Designs, gave me a pretty message
board soon after we first met. I have it in my kitchen and the messages
I write on the chalkboard changes with the season and/or the celebration.
And sometimes the message gets left there.
For months.
And you know my pretty black-painted breakfast table where I display lovely
seasonal vignettes like this…
It’s where we have our Family Dinner every Wednesday night with all
my babies and my Son and my Daughter-in-Law. It’s where I break out
my sewing machine or lay out my craft boxes. It’s often where I blog.
But, most of all – it’s where I sit in the morning with my sweetheart,
coffee in hand, talking about nothing in particular. Just talking.
It’s been put through the ringers, and needs a good makeover.
(coming soon…stay tuned.)
But, before you start thinking our kitchen is falling apart around us…
it’s not.
It’s just lived in and it’s loved.
For example, we have truly enjoyed the little Coffee Station I created
recently…
And just in case we get confused whose white cup is whose…
🙂
(see how I created unique numbered coffee cups HERE.)
We also love the Painted-Brick Backsplash and Corbels we added.
Our “temporary” wood countertops only get prettier with age, and I
cannot imagine our kitchen without them now.
I cannot tell you how many emails I get asking about our Hand-Hammered
Copper Sink from Mexico. It is definitely a focal point in our kitchen.
You guys have seen all of this. Many times.
But, I have two new fave areas of our kitchen. It’s nothing special really.
These ideas will not go viral on Pinterest or make the pages of Better Homes
and Gardens. But, I love them!!!!
The first one is my basket drawer. It is one of two we will install. I found
baskets that fit perfectly in this space, and all we had to do was add a shelf.
It’s the perfect place for my hand towels.
But, the newest addition to our kitchen is something I have been meaning
to do for a while. You see, a new revolution has begun at The Everyday
Home.
-
A forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor ofa new system.
Yep, it’s an overthrow alright. Of the junk. Of the excess. Of the
cabinetry chaos. And we are pushing for a new system of organization.
This little project was a start.
It’s my Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoon Storage System.
I LOVE it.
It was sooooo incredibly easy to put together. I did it all myself in about
an hour and a half. That included fixing lunch, changing a poopy diaper,
finding a lost stuffed shark, talking to my out-of-town hubby, and
deciding what was for dinner.
Using Frog Tape, I taped off the edges of the door. Then, applied three coats
of Black Chalkboard Paint (available at Lowe’s).
Next, I measured and cut three lengths from heavy duty stirring sticks.
Compliments of Lowe’s. 
(I ended up only needing two)
Next, I placed my measuring cups and spoons where they needed to be,
marked the holes, and pre-drilled for the hangers. I also pre-drilled a hole
on each end, where the wood strips would be screwed into the cabinet.
“Meet my little friend.”
After the painted strips were attached to the back of the door, and the
cups and spoons were added… I stepped back and admired my work.
Some chalk marks the cup and spoon measurements. Pretty cool, huh?
This one simple project has inspired me to completely organize my kitchen.
I can’t wait to share some other projects with you. I might end up on
Pinterest yet. ha!
So, you see. My kitchen is perfectly imperfect. It’s not a model home.
It’s a lived in home. It’s our home.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. If I won the lottery, I would have a kitchen with
state-of-the-art appliances and every Henkel knife known to man.
But, I would still fill my dream kitchen with my vintage scales filled with
onions and garlic and lemons. I’d still have fresh flowers on the island or
table.
I’d still probably have a chippy, needs-painted breakfast room table.
And I can guarantee you there would be crumbs on the floor, some
spaghetti sauce splashes on the cabinets, and a few dishes in
the sink.
Because, even though I want a clean and organized and perfectly
presentable kitchen… I won’t ever have that if it means less time doing
the things that matter the most…
Like hunting for rolly-pollies and collecting centipedes.
‘Cause when these babies are older, with babies of their own – I don’t want
them to look back and remember Grammy and Grandpa’s kitchen as Model
Home perfect.
But, a place where perfect memories were made.
Thanks for coming to see me today. Please watch your step, there’s a
wooden spoon aka drum stick on the floor.
xxoo, Barb
I am sooooo thrilled to be taking part in the
“All About the Details Kitchen Tour”
Today is the second day of the Tour.
If you missed all of the great Blogs participating,
here is the complete list.
Thursday, August 22
Friday, August 23
But, there is MORE!
We have teamed up with Pfister Faucets, and one lucky winner
will receive a $300 Faucet of their choice!!!
A second lucky winner will win a $250 Visa Gift card, compliments
of all of the participating Bloggers…
We would love for you to follow us on Pinterest,
but this step is NOT necessary to qualify to win.
There are LOTS of chances to win. But, you only need to like
ONE of the Blogs below to qualify.
(Please note, for US residents only. Must be 18 years of age to enter.)
Good luck everyone! I can’t wait to see who wins. xxoo
Click the link below to enter via Rafflecopter…
Oh, Barb – I just love your post and kitchen details!
But most especially I admire your perfect attitude – you soooo have your priorities spot-on right.
Gotta hand it to you: your measuring cup and spoon hanging idea inside your cabinet? GENIUS!
That is a fabulous idea. Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend! ~Michele
View CommentThis is for sure the perfect kitchen…perfect for making a family feel loved and welcomed! I love it!! ~Sonya
View CommentLoved your kitchen tour, Barb! What a great way to start Day #2 of the kitchen tours. And the basket drawer idea? I just may have to steal that one!
View CommentYour kitchen is beautiful , most especially because its a Memory Making room.. Joy is shared there and thats way better than any model kitchen..
View CommentBarb,
View CommentI just love your kitchen and your style! I am loving the idea of the cabinet measuring spoon organizer. I so need to do that! I have like 3 sets of mismatched measuring spoons and have to dig through them to find the right one! Great job sweet friend! ~Christy
What a beautiful tribute to life and motherhood. You are on a roll1 Enjoy every minute of every day.
View CommentI am going to steal the measuring cup idea! I am forever standing on my head to find the measuring cups and spoons that are stored in a basket in the lower corner cabinet!! What a great idea!
Gotta love a good coffee station. When I was going around picking up and cleaning our kitchen for the tour shoot, I remembered the table that was stored in the basement. Voila! I could clear a cabinet and do a coffee station in one fell swoop. You see, we don’t have a perfect kitchen in our house, but these showcases are making us think and improve. That’s a good thing at 70 years of age.:-) Keep the showcases coming!
View CommentFunny post…love your kitchen of fingerprints and memories….and love that “chalkboard” too.
View CommentBarb,
View CommentSuch a wonderful post. I have always loved drooling over your kitchen, both color versions. I to love the sink and what a great ideal for the cabinet door.
Sandy
I love your kitchen, Barb! You have so many unique touches! I may have to steal your measuring cup/spoon idea…perfect! And your coffee station is fabulous! But best of all…your sweet little grandies! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it all with us!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentI am SO lovin’ this post! I really love it when people get REAL… and you definitely know whats really important… those kiddos! They are precious! Enjoy every second with them AND your beautiful home 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
View CommentBarb, your post is so great! Loved seeing your kitchen and how ‘well-loved’ it is! The measuring cup system is perfect! It keeps everything neat and accessible, as well as your coffee station. There is a lot of love in your kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
View CommentOh how I love this! A warm and welcoming kitchen where life is lived! Your measuring cup idea is great! I AM pinning it. I am on a quest to simplify too! So this is perfect!!
View CommentSmiles,
Cecilia
LOL, thanks for the warning … I almost tripped over the “drum stick” while drooling over your kitchen, Barb! I LOVE your new basket drawer and measuring cup/spoon organization … wow! Your dry bar is one of my favorites … seriously … I want your painted brick backsplash. And, I had to laugh when Miss C took matters into her own hands and moved the numbers!
View CommentBarb,
View CommentYou are so funny. I am so stealing your measuring door idea, love it.
Pat
Oh Barb, what a great post, love your kitchen and that measuring station is fabulous. The pic of the boys is the very best. Hugs, Marty
View CommentA lovely post for sure! Those two look like lots of FUN!! Love the measuring station…genius!!
View Commentxo,
Kelly
It is most certainly pinnable! Great idea and the post is wonderful as well. Personal, beautiful pics and great writing. Take that, my friend!
View CommentHello my friend! I still can’t believe that you’re a grandma! Seriously. And that measuring cup and spoon organizational idea is genius! Pure genius!!!!
🙂 Linda
View CommentLoved your tour Barb and how you connected it to family, that is what it is all about!!! Love the measuring cup and spoon idea! Great job sweetie!
View Commentxo Kathysue
Your kitchen is beautiful! It’s such a reflection of you you are, and the love you have for your family!
I adore your new measuring storage door! Totally brilliant!!
xoxo-Lisa
View CommentHi Barb! This post was so wonderful and heart felt! I love the small things that make a kitchen cozy and comfy. Your kitchen is great!
View CommentBarb, love that your kitchen is the hub of the home and the kids are all just gorgeous!! Love all your little touches and you make so many memories there. Love the story with the number 2.
Cynthia
View CommentI just put this on my FB page saying I want that cow head!! I love your kitchen tour and I just pinned your measure cup cupboard. Awesome work!
View CommentHugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Cow heads will be back in stock hopefully end of the month. 🙂
View CommentBeautiful! I love the pops of whimsy and all the personal touches!
View CommentOh Barb, my dear friend!!! What a sweet and darling and so well written post! Your babies are precious and you certainly have your priorities right!!!! I adore you kitchen! It looks organized and and neat and so very personal! I love all of your detail and touches of you in it.
View CommentThanks for the wonderful measuring cup and spoon storage center! It is brilliant!
I agree with you… your well loved table just keeps getting better and better.
I am so blessed to have your friendship! xo
Barb that was an awesome post and truth be told, my stainless Steele appliances have smudges on a daily basis, clutter all over the island, and a cabinet door hanging!
View CommentI think your kitchen might just be absolutely perfect, because you are obviously enjoying your space right along with your entire family, and that is really what is important.
View CommentThanks, Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Barb your kitchen is beautiful! Love your paint sticks holding up those measuring cups!
View Commentxx
Anne
Thanks for sharing the tour of your home. The measuring cup cupboard is a great idea and your grandkids are very cute.
View CommentLovely post, Barb. And it gives me a different perspective on my perpetually messy and cluttered kitchen.
I am so copying that measuring cup and spoon rack. Brilliant, my friend!
View CommentGreat post—and you are so right about those grandbabies! (Can I have them?)
View CommentThanks for keeping it real Barb, it is so easy to feel like an underachiever when you see so much perfection in blog land! Your kitchen has so many wonderful touches and I love the measuring chalkboard door. The story about your grand taking the 2 is too funny and cute! Thanks for sharing your home and life,
View CommentJenna
I’ve always loved your kitchen, Barb. From the very first time that I ever saw it. Just ask Pookie how often I’ve told him about your backsplash and what it’s made from. I want to copy it! I love your idea of making basket drawers too. That’s going to look great. And of course I love seeing the pics of you and your sweet grandbabies.
View CommentYour post made me cry. The ending of this post was so beautiful and touching. I just sent my baby off to kindergarten so this emotional mom’s heart strings were tugged with this post. Your perfectly imperfect kitchen is gorgeous. I love that you have so many interesting and eclectic things to look at. And, I adore Cleetus.
View CommentBarb, you are measuring out love in your kitchen everyday! I just loved this post! Pinning your measuring system!
View CommentGood to know I’m not the only one who has scary things lurking in my fridge, love your backsplash!
View CommentOh my gosh! Where the heck have I been? I should have been hanging out here on your blog a long…..time ago! I was just trying to figure out how to use google + tonight and realized I’d been following you in one of my circles so I headed over today to check out your blog. I’m blown away with your decor and relaxed writing style. I also checked out your HGTV Youtube video and loved it! I’m following along with Blog Lovin, Facebook, Pinterest (have been all along). I was away from blogging for 5 months and just got back to it a few weeks ago. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me here on your blog commenting away!
View CommentHi Sandy – nice to meet you and so happy to have you here on a regular basis. I will be over to visit you too. 🙂
View CommentAdorable kitchen! I love how you hung your measuring cups. What kind of hangers did you use?
View CommentLauren, _ I used small silver picture hangers. Its the ones that have a round top with hole in the center. It will make sense when you see them. 🙂
View CommentI, too, am interested in the hooks you used! Everyone else uses cup holder hooks and I think I would be too annoyed at how far backwards those hooks go. I cannot figure out how to find the hooks that you described. Do you possibly have a link where I could see them close up?? Thx!!
View CommentGreat post. Though many pretend to be perfect, none are. It’s great to be real. Your home looks lovely.
– The Tablescaper
View CommentI love your post and want you to know that it is an inspiration to me. I came in b/c I saw your measuring cup/measuring spoons spiff up and loved it. Thank you for your candor and honesty, it is truly inspiring to get my “stuff” under control. And YES, the more important thing is making perfect memories, not a perfect house. Thanks a million!
View CommentI have mine hung on hooks on the backsplash behind my stove, they are right where i can see them at all times & can pick exactly what I need including 2 hooks for 2 sets of measuring spoons. I love it. The backsplash is a piece of tin and the cups & spoons are silver also.
View CommentDo you have a link on how you did your countertops?
View CommentMelissa, sorry I don’t. My handyman did them for me. But I know he used oak veneer paneling and then added a moulding on the front. Sorry that’s all I can offer.
View CommentI found a link to your page from another blog for space saving ideas with your measuring cup cupboard – what a genius! I think your kitchen is lovely too, your sink is amazing! x
View Comment