Meet Emily Mencken

Mom Emily struggles with overspending, hoarding, and -- in her words -- dressing "schlumpy."

Emily Mencken was featured on the first episode of Real Simple's new

lifestyle makeover series on TLC, "Real Simple, Real Life." Learn more about the show at RealSimpleRealLife.comand check your local listings for the show schedule.

Watch Emily Get a Home Makeover

Age: 35

Home: Pasadena , California

Job: Stay-at-home mom

Family: Married to Scott, 41, with three children, daughter Katie, 3, and twins Josh and Nate, 1

My life is…
Happily chaotic; busy to slightly overwhelming with moments of sheer bliss.

I believe…
I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I love my life. I just wish I could get ahead of the mess.

I exercise…
Does changing a diaper on a squirming baby count? If not, then never. Can't fit it in, but, boy, do I need to!

I describe my style as…
Washable?

Dinnertime at our house is…
Hectic, spread out, messy.

I drive a…
Minivan. Love the convenience. Hate the stigma.

One thing that's currently on my to-do list"•but might not get done"•is…
Sew a button onto Scott's shorts. (Two years and counting…)

One thing that's on my to-do-one-day list is…
Make homemade gifts and clothes, learn to sew, and start a business on Etsy.com.

Watch Emily's Audition for Real Simple, Real Life

More Makeovers:
Mallery, a working mom who's given her new baby the run of the house
Cheryl, a stressed out executive, wife and mother.