Home & Garden

I think most people who know me would say I'm organized and maybe the slightest bit anal when it comes to my house (my minivan is a completely different story). I hate clutter, and while my house isn't always without it, for the most part you could walk in on even the worst day, and you wouldn't see too much out of place. It's what you wouldn't see, however, that's complete and utter chaos.

I have these places within my home that are not like the others. They are the places that make me cringe when anyone dares go near them, and make me laugh out loud sometimes when I see how out of control they are. The neat freak in me sometimes wants to deal with them, but there's another part of me that likes these little random reminders of the slob I once was (just ask my college roommates). Here are the five big ones.

1. My Kitchen Gadgets Drawer

I love to cook and collect gadgets of all sorts to help me do so. I have some very organized drawers of them and orderly spinners filled with others. The ones I use the most, however, are all thrown in this one drawer (partially pictured above). No else could ever find anything in there, but it works for me ... even if it takes three tries to shut it sometimes.

2. My Washer

There will inevitably be a smelly, damp load of laundry in there. My intentions are good when I load the machine and start it spinning ... then it's usually a good day or two before I remember I put it in there. Then I start all over again.

3. My Oven

I'm not going to go into too many details here, but we've been in this house for five years now, and it may have just been cleaned for the first time last week. Judge if you want; I'm sure I deserve it on that one.

4. My Makeup Drawer(s) ... and Shelves ... and Cupboards

I'm a product junkie, and somewhat of a hoarder when it comes to beauty supplies. I know they have expiration dates, but I just can't stand to throw them away. Besides, that lipstick from my 1999 wedding still is the perfect shade for some days.

5. My Kids' Playroom

I don't consider it part of "my" house, and I refuse to clean it. It's my kids' responsibility, and let's just say they're still learning about responsibility. So one big explosion of Legos and random dolls it usually is. I just shut the door.

What areas of your home do you hate for people to see?

Image via Julie Ryan Evans