Nepper's Landing: Laundrymat...or is it Laundromat?

So when I type laundrymat, my spell check says that is incorrect, but the place I went to last night had two signs. The one at the front read Laundromat, and the second Laundrymat. The second sign was to the unattended, back entrance, 5 different paint colors in one room, washers and dryers from 1985, type place. The front "Laundromat" was the much posher, attended, drop off, new shiny machine, type place. Apparently those posh types don't need those services after 8:00pm, so for those unfortunate folks like myself, we use the back entrance.

Anyway, for blogging purposes, I think I will stick with the unconventional word "laundrymat." It kind of reminds me of the movie with Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness."

Last night was the first experience with a laundrymat that I had in a long time. I know I've used them before, although I can't really think of when or where. But the second I walked in, it all came rushing back to me. The bad gossip magazines spread everywhere...People, InTouch Enquirer. The two ladies sitting at the front table chatting furiously in another language while their daughter's played tag in and around all of the machines. The sad bachelor type pouring over the directions on how to work the machine. Ah yes, now I remember!

Then there was me, looking rather confused and disoriented. Who the? What the? Where the? I think I probably picked one of the seediest laundrymats in Edmonton. Seriously! Lets just say it was an experience. Although I actually didn't mind it entirely. Much people watching can take place in such an establishment. Conversation too if you are one of those types. The lady using the machine next to me was much too concerned with the cost of my machine (she thought it was way too much). She said she was there because her brand new washer had broken and they couldn't come out to see it for a week. Ouch.

I picked up this great area rug at Home Re-Use-Ables for $10. It appeared to be in mint condition, but it had been left outside. So the shop dog, Murphy, had left a few paw prints on it, but other than that, it seemed like it had great potential. And I figured, for $10, how could I go wrong? So I looked through those muddy paw prints and scooped that one up and brought it home with me. Boy, you should have seen Rob's face when I plopped it on the front lawn!

I paid $10 for the jumbo machine. I got sent a detergent sample in the mail a few weeks ago. Voila. Perfect laundrymat fusion. During my wash cycle I was able to head down to the recycling depot and do a drop off. Came back and 5 minutes later my machine was done, my rug had been transformed, and I had been officially sold on laundrymats. The entire drive home the potential was running through my mind. Our living room area rug. Our front entrance rug. Our laundry room rugs. Our large chindi rug...

Anyway, I'm still far too excited about laundrymats, but at least I have this gorgeous new 5x7' rug for a fraction of what it would sell for in a store. I have wanted a rug for each of the kids rooms since we moved in. To add a little cush, but also to make their multi-colored 80's berber carpet a little less noticeable. So when I saw this I knew it would be perfect for Gabe's room.

Pre-rug picture...

Post area rug...

Isn't it great? What an incredible, affordable transformation for only $20! I think it really draws the area together. I'm still questioning whether the rug should be in this direction or going the opposite way. I'll have to ask Rob when he gets home. But for now I'm pretty pleased. Here are some more pre and post rug shots...

The dresser area (Which you can see I started stripping the stain off of two drawers. I want to re-stain it a much darker color. You can see the inspiration here.)