I grew up in a house that wasn't exactly tidy. Sure, it was clean, but there was always clutter - and that clutter wore on my neat-freak personality like you wouldn't believe. I've used to be such a tidy person, picking up after myself (and others) as I've gone along my day, folding laundry, putting dishes away, sweeping, organizing even the junk drawer. I spent weekends cleaning the house and I was a champ at de-cluttering. I can't pinpoint the exact moment that changed, but when I take a look at my house now, all I can think is HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
It's quite simple, really. After a long trip away from home, Chris and my fur babies, I'd much rather spend time with them than rush to put all of my things away...the mountain of laundry, the pile of mail, the souvenirs - those can all wait.
I'd rather allow that HappiMess and spend time sharing our exciting stories about our recent travels and catching up with my husband, giving my pets some attention after being gone for two weeks. The mess will be there later, and I can always clean up after I've shown Chris all of the amazing photos I've taken!
Over the last few years, my rigorous house cleaning has fallen by the wayside as I've focused more on spending afternoons with Angeline. She will only be living at home for a few more years, and those afternoons after school are precious moments that I will never have the opportunity to enjoy again. The evenings spent curled up on the couch with Chris while we unwind from a long day of work - well, that's more important, and more rewarding, than scrubbing the baseboards or folding laundry the second it comes out of the dryer.
I'm on the mindset now that a messy house is a sign of a life well lived, with every moment cherished with family and friends. I don't worry about a little fur ball settled against the entertainment center, or a stack of mail and miscellaneous piled up on the kitchen table. I'm too busy living life and loving my family!
Do you have your own #HappiMess at home? Perhaps it's a gaggle of toys on the floor that you've left because you're too busy playing with your sweet baby. Or maybe it's a pile of sports equipment by the front door because you're too busy enjoying your children's sporting events to worry about putting their gear away as soon as you get home. Maybe it's just a pile of laundry sitting in the laundry basket that's clean but you're busy snuggling with your partner to head back to the bedroom to fold and put away.
Whatever that HappiMess is, go share it with Delta for a chance to win a $2400 Delta kitchen and bath prize package!
“Why do people treat mess like it’s a bad thing? It’s actually the evidence of a life well lived. When you’re out there making, creating, doing and playing, embrace your #HappiMess and let Delta kitchen and bath innovations help clean up so you can do it all again tomorrow.”
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Delta via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Delta.
vanessa: thequeenofswag
I'm in the middle of a move so that looks clean compared to our house at the moment. It's a happy mess for sure as we're happy to be moving!
Jenn
Ha ha! Congratulations on the new house and good luck on the move!!
Kelsey Apley
I have a home that you can tell is lived in for sure. Sometimes I don't find the time to get things cleaned up. I know what you are saying you can take time to spend on things that matter vs. cleaning.
Kathy
I try to get my husband to realize that the house doesn't need to be spotless. I am in total agreement.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
My husband knows better. There is no way our house will ever be spotless with kids living in it.
Raijean
Congrats love, I know you are excited.
Ty
My house looks a mess and I am not ashamed, not everyone can be Donna Reed lol.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
We have a Happimess here! I have better things to do than clean all day!
HilLesha
I had always been bit of a neat freak, but I quickly realized that wasn't going be possible after having kids! ~lol~
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Having kids, I have learned that there is not much I can do about the mess in my house until they move out.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama
I always say we don't live in a museum. We LIVE in our house... and it looks like it!
Ben @ Cheap is the New Classy
If a happy mess is a sign of a live well lived, then I'm living VERY well indeed!
Jennifer
I love this post! I'm living extremely well, I guess. That's nice, because I really don't have the time to clean up! =D
Sofia
Ever since I went back to work I find a HappiMess in my kitchen (all the dishes used that day waiting for me). I don't let messes rule my life....but I just cannot cook with a dirty kitchen!! I have tried and it just doesn't work.
Janel (A Mom's Take)
I like this a lot. I try not to care too much about having everything in its place at home. I mean my house isn't dirty or trashy, but it is lived in and comfortable. I love the pic of you by the water, looks beautiful. Also, looks like you had some work done to your blog (the header) I like it a lot.
Amy Desrosiers
I am the type that needs to put the stuff away to relax. I am a bit compulsive when it comes to cleaning and organizing.
Jenna Wood
I really love this Delta campaign, it goes hand in hand with their simple living solutions, like the touch free faucets. My house is nowhere near spotless, but I still require convenience and effectiveness in cleaning.
Danielle @ We Have It All
Ya know what? My house gets cluttered SO FAST. We straighten up every single day and un-clutter but by mid-day the next day, it's cluttered again.
Janel
The incoming pile of boxes to sort through never helps, either! I agree, stepping back home from a trip cuddle time is more important than unpacking!
Mama to 5 BLessings
Congrats! I wish you the best in your new home! Love your photo's!
Melanie Roberts
Ohhh I'm such a neat freak.. I grew up in a house that was kind of clean, BUT that made me be a clean freak I wanted MY house to be spotless, cleaner then my mom's house and still to this day 19 years after I moved out I'm like that.. I just came back from a trip, too and I HATE having all the stuff sitting around, makes me feel cluttered and arrgg just need to clean... thanks for sharing, glad I'm not the only one.
Tracey
There's nothing wrong with a home well lived in! It's important to take the time to make lasting memories in the home and not worry about it being spotless all the time.
Scott
If that's the case, then our house is worn out! So hard to keep things clean with two pre-teen girls running around.
Amanda
I use to obsess over my house being organized and clean. I still have my moments but my house is FAR from it these days. I would rather go out and enjoy life with my family rather than stay home and cleaning. I love this. 🙂
Francine Morrell
Sometimes mess is ok? Love it!
Angela S
After looking around my office, I've come to the conclusion that I am VERY happy, ecstatic really! I'm glad to know that a bit of mess is a good thing!
Kimberly Grabinski
I am still struggling with my inability to to ignore clutter, but currently there are dirty vegetables on my counter from my garden and I haven't bothered to clean yet. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard, but it gave me more time to hang out with my kids tonight.
Debi
My house is in perpetual project mode so it is always a disaster
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
I am totally with you! Life is too short to lose time doing fun stuff with family, you never know what tomorrow bings.
Jenn Park
I am glad to know I'm not the only human out there! I have a 3 and 4 year old - no matter how hard I try, it is almost pointless to clean (like deep clean).
Aimee Smith
My whole life is a happimess! With two toddlers I have learned to embrace it. One of my favorite quotes is "Sorry about the mess but we live here!"
Stefani Tolson
I try to have a clean house but it can be hard when you have a small house with a family of six. I know my bedroom may be a little messy though.