Garanimal Free Zone

I don't like things to be "matchy-matchy". I prefer unique when possible.

I like my rooms to have mixed furniture. As in, I don't have to have the tables match (but the same wood stain is preferable!). I like things to be more as in: I found this at one place and this at another, introduced them and look...don't they go great together? And this is a very good thing since I'm really getting ready to play mix-and-match house!

Another big thing I don't like to match is coffee mugs. I actually prefer older mugs. Standard size. NOT floofy ones. No no no. I like the ones they give you as a gift with a purchase. One may say, "Worlds Best Mom" the other "Luke's Locker". My favorite one is the one I got when I ordered Ben's baseball picture. It was supposed to just be the individual photo of him, but they accidentally printed the team photo. No problem. Still my favorite. I like looking in the cupboard and seeing the hodge-podge of mugs.

If it were up to me, I'm not really sure I'd even have my plates match, though the ones I have I do like. However, if I were starting from scratch, I'd like them to be all the same color (white or cream), but I'd be okay with the design being different as long as they were all thick.

I can't begin to tell you how many blankets and throws I have. All different. All soft and comfy.

The stacks of books I have around aren't from a set. They are all different. I'm happy to say the ones in my room have all been read (with the exception of one...it's next).

Candle sticks...different. Magnets on fridge...different. Picture frames...very different.

This is all probably one of the reasons I find peace just walking in antique stores and places like Canton or Third Monday. I'm not looking at the actual antiques, as in the ones that cost a lot of money. I like that everything in these places doesn't match. Again...unique.

I don't like doing or liking things just because other people do. Yes, obviously I get good ideas from others, but I don't base my likes or dislikes on what someone else is doing. At least I try really hard not to. And I'd say it shows. I'm never "up" on the trends and I am soooo okay with that. I guess I'm pretty much always going to be that t-shirt and jeans girl. Trendy jeans? Nope. Gap. Levis. Whatever.

I'm not saying I'm such a unique individual I stick out from everyone. Hardly. I'm just not trying to buy what everyone else is buying or wear what everyone else is wearing. Fact is, I stopped liking Coach purses when they started creating them in designs and everyone started carrying them. They all looked alike! Where's the style in that?

From the looks of things, Ben and Shelby are pretty much the same way as far as their individuality. Thank goodness. I hope it sticks.
Always remember and never forget: Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

Footnote: A flaw in my theory...my Le Creuset. Yeah. It's gotta match. All Cherry Red, baby.