Before this week, I’m not sure if I’ve ever taken a week away from the blog that wasn’t preplanned. Nothing traumatic happened—just regular, run of the mill, pain-in-the-neck stuff that happens when you have kids and everybody needs you all at once. (More details on my Instagram.) To be honest, I didn’t mind the break. If you’re a regular, you’ve probably noticed I’m blogging a little less and as happens with many of us in January, I’m doing some reevaluating.
china cabinet (thrifted) // orchid // planner // decorative box
If I can be completely candid here (and I guess I can), I’m feeling a little burned out on the whole online scene lately. I still really enjoy the act of blogging itself, but as a reader and observer, it sometimes feels as if everything is starting to feel the same. Same ideas, same looks, same lingo. There’s nothing wrong with that, necessarily, but I find myself longing for authenticity more and more. Even though I KNOW it’s not all real life and much of what we see is staged by a team of people, I still find myself getting caught up in the comparison game like most of us do. It’s hard to figure out where a 40-year-old woman with a houseful of kids and limited online time fits into all of this madness.
Since this is a rambling-type post, I’ll go ahead and keep rambling about some work-related changes I feel I need to make for 2017. . .
Simplified ideas. That’s the theme of my blog, after all. Although I don’t plan to go back to churning out a post every day, I would like to offer more quick and easy decorating ideas. I’m going to try to remind myself to take a quick picture of the thing that’s making me most happy around our house at the moment and share it on blog (not just to Instagram). I love when I see something really easy that somebody has done that I’ve just never thought about but can easy replicate—don’t you?
Blinders on! When you feel yourself getting caught up in the anxiety of “I need to do more”, it’s usually time to readjust your focus. (Philippians 4:8)Taking a step back from tuning into what everybody else is doing 24 hours a day on social media is a good start. We all know it’s a time suck, but I wonder how it also affects my perspective of the blessings right in front of me.
A designated workspace. I finally have my own spot to work in our house, but I will admit to usually grabbing my laptop and plopping down in the kitchen or living room in front of a TV. I don’t like this habit because I don’t focus as well and it doesn’t feel like there’s a starting or stopping point to my work time. My goal is to “go into” my office more to sit down and work uninterrupted while the kids are in school. (Some music and an uncluttered desk top make things a little better, too.)
Fresh air. I am so selfish with the few precious hours I have when all five kids are in some type of school during the week. In the past, I’ve fallen into the not-so-great habit of working the entire time I’m alone and then sometimes feeling like I never had any break at all. I need to get back to taking 30 minutes to get outside, walk around the neighborhood and listen to a podcast. It makes me happy. It also makes me feel better. There are also a few foods I should give up but one step at a time. . . (I’m admitting to just shoveling five handfuls of Frosted Flakes into my mouth while writing the last couple of paragraphs. #ilovesugar)
So, it all sounds good—right? Thanks for this little talk. I feel better already. Are you making any changes or doing anything to regroup lately? I want to know.
Well said Emily. Sounds like you have a great perspective on finding more work/life balance. Hope you know that your readers appreciate the time and effort you put into blogging and love when you share simple ideas. :)
I do!
I think you do a great job and I love your blog because it is different. I feel like you post things that are realistic and easy to do. Love love love your style. As far as simplifying and getting out of the rat race and accumulation- hallelujah! We just downsized our house by half and I’m in a new phase of figuring out what really matters and functions for us. I believe many people are just tired of stuff and things and so much technology and comparisons and all of the clutter that overwhelms us. Our minds need some peace. This year I’m really trying to be more consistent about my quiet time in the morning. My attitude is so much better for it and my boys and husband notice the difference. I hope you keep posting as you can because you have a great style. I have read so many blogs where the author struggles with burnout. Readers don’t need full reveals everyday. We read because there is inspiration- sometimes big and sometimes small. Keep doing what makes you happy, even if it’s once a week. Your readers will still be here! Blessings!
Thanks, Sharon. My regular quiet time in the morning has made all the difference in my sanity throughout the day. I’ve “almost” become a morning person.
I love you, Emily. I type an “e” into my address bar and your blog is the first thing that comes up. I’m one of your “regulars” and I thoroughly enjoy your posts and ideas. I really only read the blogs that are a “one-man show” and out of those, your style definitely aligns with mine the most. I know you keep a lot of plates spinning in the air at all times and I don’t know how you do it all! Keeping 5 children alive and well would be more than enough to keep me busy! But, I sure do appreciate the work you do on your blog and look forward to reading it for as long as it’s out there. I, too, am simplifying my life and putting the proper focus on the things that mean the most. All the best to you!
I love that you just have to type the “e.” Thank you :)
Same for me! I type E and your name comes up:) I love your style and enjoy your blog so much.
I get it…. authenticity is the key to truly connecting with someone. Thanks for this post! It was very honest.
I can really relate to your thoughts today! I love reading interior design blogs, but have gotten so frustrated with every thing looking the same! I love your style. It is very similiar to my personal style. It seems like many interior design blogs either have a very high end look (i.e. Unrealistic budget) or if they are budget friendly they are farmhouse or boho style. There is nothing wrong with these styles, they are just not my style. I am close to your age and have three children (11, 8, and 4). I relate to your “real life” approach to decorating. You definitely fill a void in blogging. You are one of my favorites. Thanks for what you do!
Agreed! You said what I was trying to say-ha! Emily fills a void.
Love your honesty Emily. I realized this last year and survived scaling back although I feel a little FOMO. It made me realize I don’t want to give up blogging in favor of Instagram and most importantly keep the personal balance and put myself and my health higher on the list. Your family is growing up so beautifully. Best wishes for a grand 2017! Xo Nancy
Is it bad that I had to google what “FOMO” meant? Ha! Thanks for teaching me something new today, Nancy :)
I am so with you. We all say we want authenticity. I bet for you this is an incredibly vulnerable thing. You give us your authentic self out here in blog world and then what if it is not well received?! Not like what everyone else is doing?! Rejection is terrifying. Rest assured that everyone who is here just wants your unique perspective. How could we want that? Don’t doubt yourself. Whether it is a quick look at this new little vignette or look at this mess I am currently in living with 5 kids.
I am turning 40 too and finding I am searching for more these days. More boundaries, more slow, more of this and less of that, guarding what falls on my calendar like a crazy person, saying no. I shut down my Facebook because friend comparisons were killing my spirit. I only have interior and floral designers on my instagram (including you) bc thats what makes me smile. Whatever season you are in right now is okay with me. That’s authentic.
Jody–I wish we could have coffee once a week. We’d have tons to talk about!
I love your blog because of you are authentic! I hope you’ll feel inspired to keep blogging, but I always admire bloggers that blog less if needed, without the pressure of daily posts.
Your loyal readers will always be here no matter how long a break you take, and family always comes first!
I also love this 20 min. video from Simon Sinek about technology. https://youtu.be/lU3R0ot18bg
It makes you think, evaluate our parenting and technology use.
Hi Emily! Thank you for such a candid post. I’m not a blogger, nor do I even have an Instagram account, BUT…I am an avid blog reader and pop into many Instagram accounts on a daily basis. The comparison game is real and if you let it, it will suck the joy out of decorating, organizing, and making a house a home. I’ve found myself since reading blogs when I’m out shopping wondering ‘would so and so buy this for their house?’ or ‘does this look like so and so’s kitchen?’ It’s maddening! I have gotten some wonderful and amazing ideas from blogs so I will keep reading and following along some of my favorites to check in for any new ideas, but I can appreciate where you’re coming from. This moment right now is all we are guaranteed and if what we are doing isn’t bringing us joy, then we need to reevaluate. Okay, I’ll admit scrubbing a toilet isn’t going to bring me joy…but y’all know what I mean. Anyway, thank you for all you’ve given to your readers and I hope to hear from you when you feel there’s something worthy to share. I’d rather hear from you once a week or two with something special than everyday with just fluff. :)
Emily, thanks for your blog and for your honesty. I love your blog and it is the first one I read when I get to the office. I have missed your daily posts all week, but I certainly understand how it would be so hard to post everyday. I can’t even write in my gratitude journal or the sentence-a-day journal more than once a month it seems and I only have one kid. I certainly don’t know how you do it, but if you can do it, know that lots of us enjoy reading. If you can’t we will understand too. Hope you have a great weekend.
I had the same plan to write something good each day in my planner and so far, I’ve failed miserably :)
I love your blog and have missed reading it this week. I love that you’re 40 and not 23 as Im in my early fifties and you bring something different and valuable that someone who has lived less simply can not. Take whatever time you need but know that you always have something interesting to share. That said, Happy New Year!
Great post. I always appreciate your perspective and enjoy your posts, regardless of what you chose to write. As a reader, I am tired of the staged photos, the extreme commercialism, the projects created or completed only because of sponsorships. There is also a true lack of authenticity. Thank you for the reminder on proper focus.
I really don’t read many blogs but I have always loved yours. I find I like a blog that gives me a glimpse of your life and home. You have always done this so please don’t stop. Just keep it simple because I don’t need it to be complicated to continue to enjoy your blog!
I wish I knew the perfect words to say to lift your spirits Emily! I totally get what you’re saying here and would be delighted even if you posted once a month. Have you ever considered doing an advice column? I know your recent give/takeaway posts take a lot of your time, but what if you did some less involved posts where you just let us know where you’d start in on a space? Or maybe (readers don’t shoot me!) take a complete break for some months and re-evaluate? Just some random thoughts from someone who only has two kids and doesn’t do a blog. =)
Long time reader here so THANK YOU for your transparency. I keep your blog in my reader because of that. Over a year ago, I adjusted and deleted a bunch of home blogs because the content seemed contrived to get me to a restyle links and spend money on stuff I didn’t know I “needed” until I saw the post. Yes, I know we all need to support our families but the #toomuchstuff is a real thing at our house full of kids so your contemplative buying/life decisions are refreshing.
Appreciate your honesty, and definitely agree with the need to take care of yourself, get outside, etc when you can! Your post a while back about being “just” a mom (I know you do much more, just can’t remember the exact wording you used!) really stuck with me. I’m so happy and feel so lucky that I can stay home and raise our children-I feel like society gives us a hard time for not being more “successful” or career oriented, but your post really made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision to be home during these younger years. So, thank you for being yourself and I think I speak for many of your readers when I say we’d rather see original, authentic content very rarely than forced, generic posts daily.
On another note, if any if your kids share bedrooms I’d love some tips and ideas for this. We are about to have a baby that will need to eventually share a room with our 3 yr old, but the room is so small and I have no idea how to fit everything in there!! Would love to see a post about this :)
Thanks and I’ll think on that multiple kids in a room post. The twins share now but the girls also shared in our last house. I definitely didn’t get the organization thing figured out though…
Hi Emily!!! I check your blog every single day and love it and you! I also love that you are reevaluating because it is right where I am at!! I’m finally admitting to myself that my rat-race pace is hurting my whole family and have quit my part-time job that wasn’t financially necessary. The ego-boost was at the expense of my kids and husband and walk with God. I love your style and ideas, but if I don’t get to see as many of them so you can recallibrate it will be so worth it! When the Nester wrote that she tries to focus on doing the jobs that only she can do (my husband only gets one wife, my kids only get one mom….and I am it!) it struck me so hard. However, I ran on my hamster wheel for two more years, thinking about re-prioritizing, but never doing it, until I realized my oldest son is now done half of his life in our home. Time’s a-wasting and I am now trying to do a great job of what my heart has been telling me is the most important, regardless of whether or not the world thinks I’m doing something valuable.
Also, yes to the online noise!! It is making me crazy too!
Keep up the good work! Don’t be afraid to give us less and your mental health and your family more!!! (but if you do post anything, I’m dying to actually see your kitchen! What on earth does it actually look like all together? I super don’t care about professional photos….just snap away and let us see it! We won’t judge….a lot of our kitchens are still 80’s blond oak and melamine!)
God bless you in this coming year!!
I should actually have real pictures very soon. A photographer was here today. Yay!
Yay!!!! So excited!
Yaaay! Bring on the beautiful fresh green kitchen, can’t wait either :)
You hit that ball out of the park! I like your new focus for your blog–snapshots of real life, thoughtfully rendered. Giving those “present moment” sharings is definitely authentic in this blogging world of interior design. There is a certain longing within us, I believe, a longing for “home” and creating spaces that help us feel at home, right where we are.
How am I retooling in 2017? My word for this year is “boundaries”–setting them for myself and for others. That creates space, breathing room, and helps me center more, worrying less about what I can do for others that they can do for themselves (stepping away from co-dependency and examining that closely) and focusing more on how I over-extend, over-work, lose myself in doing.
I am starting my day with quiet time for devotions, longing for that home in the Word. Like you said, being present by taking a walk and really noticing the beauty and Presence in our daily world makes a huge difference. Making time to listen to a podcast at another time of day and engaging that teaching moment helps too. Being present in the moment is such a blessing and an invitation we can respond to each day.
Seeing all that we do, washing a cup, combing a child’s hair, making a sandwich, all potentially bless us, if we are present.
Creating boundaries helps me be in the moment.
Seeing that orchid in its lovely container this morning said to me–ah, beauty, so thankful. tis time to welcome an orchid into my home and watch its unfolding beauty in my heart.
Love this, Cheryl. Thank you.
And, would you think less of me if I told you that orchid is fake? ;)
I gifted myself a mani today and the salon stylist had some absolutely gorgeous orchids. I commented on the good feng shui they radiate as you enter her shop. She confessed, fake! Didn’t make a difference in the smile I had on my face and the wave of peace they gave me. Whenever I buy an orchid, I know I’m not going to keep it going after it blooms. I will compost it but at least I enjoyed the blooms while they lasted.
I would think more of you because you were able to make a “fake” flower look so good.
I love this, as it really speaks to me as a mom of 15-month-old twins who has gotten completely WAY too wrapped up in the comparison game, and I see its negative affect on my attitude and relationships. I know what I need to do to change, it’s just a matter of doing it. An important reminder to step back from the online world and live in the real one, instead. I’ve always loved your blog for the insight you have and aren’t afraid to share. Thank you, Emily!
“…affects my perspective of the blessings right in front of me.” This really hits home. Thank you.
I totally hear you… all other blogs are becoming the same or too heavily sponsored and truly you are the only blog I read religiously anymore. I love how you weave real-life and motherhood into your posts and how you keep it real. I see all the blogs I used to read as “money making” and “trendy” whereas I see yours as a kind of blog that one of my friends who is passionate about house and home writes when she can find the time in her busy season of life with kids… I relate to that and appreciate that authenticity you have no matter how often you post.
Thank you :)
I love you idea of sharing more simplified decorating ideas. Quick and easy updates can go a long way!
Also, I unintentionally was on social media less during the holidays and I find that even with the time to look and continuously scroll now, it doesn’t have the same appeal. I don’t feel like “wait, I might’ve missed something!”. It’s been so great and I’m hoping I can continue this attitude through the year.
Me, too. We are missing nothing–right?
As a reader and not a blogger I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that there is so much “sameness.” I can’t take another blog or account that has a liketoknow link every single day. I have deleted so many accounts for that reason. My time is too precious to spend it reading and following along if it’s not enriching. I hope your 2017 is productive and enjoyable.
My two words for this year are contentment and simplicity. I have greatly lessened the comparisons of home to what I see on Instagram and blogs (not real life it seems to me mostly!), and focus on the beauty of what can create with what I have, and with less. It is liberating and freeing… Amen!
Love this and your honestly. I too feel the same way about online life lately–too much the same and getting kind of boring :/. I used to have a loooong list of blogs I liked to follow, these day the only one I still read regularly is yours–your authenticity continues to show through (and as a mom myself, I also love the glimpses into “real life” inside your home.)
So I’m a long-time reader of your blog, but I rarely comment…your blog is actually one of my favorites of the design blogs I follow because it is normal and ideas are simple and yet still lovely and inspiring for real people decorating real homes! I actually find it refreshing when someone with a strong talent and a solid following/readership doesn’t go the route of book tours and brand building, etc., (not that there is anything wrong with that). I agree that blogs can often cause unrealistic comparisons of what a team can do on a sponsored post vs. what you can do in real life with a normal budget and normal time constraints. Anyway, all that to say, thanks so much for sharing your ideas! I really enjoy your blog!
Many of my favorite blogs have been scaling back. While I’m bummed when I don’t have a new post to read, as a wife, mother, friend, I completely get it. Just don’t abandon us completely! :)
Well said, Emily! As always, your honesty and authenticity is much appreciated. I am a long time follower of your blog (& Instagram) because of those two qualities in particular. The home inspiration is like the cherry on top! Take the time you need – we will still be here!
I’m a long time reader and commenting for the first time. I enjoy reading and seeing your “real” home and life. Thank you for always staying true to your style. I love that you never participate in those room challenges or season home tours. Who has time for all of that?! Whether you blog once a week or once a month, I’ll be here to enjoy every bit of it
I love this, Emily, and relate to so much of it. It feels like there’s so much more “pressure” than when I first started blogging– I really need to put those blinders on too! Thanks so much for being willing to be honest and real. Have a wonderful weekend!
Your instincts are correct! In 2016 I started blogging less (3x a week instead of 4 or 5) and found that was such a relief!!! Taking time away is SO important and allows you to recharge. I find readers don’t mind when you take time off, they’re just happy when you come back with something new to share.
I also 1) started working out *first* every morning instead of sitting down at my computer first. 2) I get together with a girlfriend at least once a week. Having coffee or lunch with a friend and more frequent exercise makes a HUGE difference and helps me feel like I do have work/life balance.
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to everything you have to share in 2017!
xo
Kate
I remember when you made the change to blog less and it seems to be working out for you just fine. Thanks for your example :)
I’m in a very similar place with my blog, so I completely understand. xo
Hi Emily! Enjoyed your post today and am so with you. Actually, as a reader of many decorating blogs, I am getting somewhat tired of the same things from everyone. Today, I actually unsubscribed to some of my previous favorites because I almost felt as though a computer (not a person) just generated the post…..like seeing your mantel 10 times in a year because you changed an item or two. I truly enjoy your blog because of its authenticity and if you decide to blog less frequently, well that’s ok because I can really focus in when you do blog. For example, I LOVE Saturday six because you always have things that are interesting/beautiful and I look so forward to that on a day many other bloggers are not online. I think you have the right train of thought here. As someone who is much older than you (I’m 66), you will have other periods in your life as you age where you reevaluate, and I think its a true time of growth when we experience this. So embrace it wholeheartedly and let new creativity for your new decade flow!
Thanks for your perspective. (And, I love putting together my Sat. 6 so I don’t anticipate that going away!)
Love your posts and style and sometimes less is more
I love your blog. Not only your style in decor, but I knew you were a believer the first time I stumbled upon your blog. This past fall, our ladies group did the best study I’ve ever done called “The Comparison Trap” by Sandra & Andy Stanley. You would love it :)
When I think about you I think of a comment you made awhile ago that when you walk into a room/space you just want to ‘make it pretty’. (I think I’m remembering it correctly). Fortunately for you, you have that ability or vision to see past things as they are and see how they could be ‘pretty’. You may take this for granted because it’s natural for you but I see it as a real gift. And you are kind enough to share that gift with us. I appreciate you and your blog and your authenticity. Reading through the comments I can see that I’m not alone.
Happy New Year to you!
PS. My word for 2017 is kindness.
Thank you, Brenda. That’s very kind.
Instead of listening to a podcast, just try and be alone with your thoughts when you walk outside. It is amazingly peaceful.
But I like my podcasts! :)
Thank you, Emily, for this post and the reminder that we all need to check our dependence on entertaining stuff out there that just are time drains. I truly enjoy your blog and so appreciate your expertise and your being so genuine with us all. You’ve helped me to understand my children and their spouses better as you write about things in your life. As a believer, also, it is refreshing to me to hear your heart. God bless you and your family in this new year!
Yours was the first blog I ever followed, and is one of the few I haven’t unfollowed. I love your voice and the normalcy you offer and hope you keep posting – as often as works for you. I’ll be still be reading.
While I love your blog, do whatever you have to do for your family first. For the new year I decided to delete many of the blogs that I regularly read from my Feedly feed but yours is one of the few that I truly enjoy whenever they may come.
Thanks for sharing! I love your blog and your Instagram. I enjoy that the pictures stand out in a sea of all neutral everything. Plus, we bought a colonial in 2015, so you give me hope to what it *could* be. Have a great weekend!
I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for the inspiration again! I too want to become more disciplined in my daily routine. Happy New Year!
Emily, I am blogging much less, too…and I just started yoga for myself! You really do need a clean desk top…and I love the music idea. This is going to be a good year for both of us!
Mary Ann
This post was so refreshing Sometimes I miss the days of getting my Better Homes & Garden and Southern Living in the mail once a month for inspiration. Now, there is so much inspiration at our fingertips and it can be very overwhelming. I think your style is great and I wish you the best in 2017.
Heather
I feel this on so many levels. I homeschool our 4 but love decorating our house as well. But I’m totally with you on the online atmosphere. I’ve unsubscribed to so many blogs in the last month or so! I’ve found myself asking the questions “who has this kind of budget/buys this stuff” and “why is it all the same” too many times. I really appreciate your candor about your faith, family, and your thrift store shopping! A lady after my own heart! Stay true to yourself; you’re one of my last remaining blog subscriptions for a reason 😊
I always love reading your posts and have come to think of you as a friend through your IG posts and this blog. And this post sums up all the reasons why I feel that way. You are so YOU and so authentic and funny and lovely–so rare in today’s crazy world. You’re allowed to transition into new landscapes and interests. And you’re allowed to take the time to reground your spirit in the deep roots of your faith and your love for your family. You will always have gifts and talents and choices of where they are needed. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!! Just be you ❤
That is so funny that you are thinking that, because I have always loved your blog, but this week decided to dedicate more of my time to it and have been looking for your posts regularly and, for the first time ever for me, would have ravenously consumed a daily post. The irony! But I believe it is probably for my own good, as I am a 37-year-old homeschooling mother nesting with her 7th and too many ideas are probably not what I really need as I redefine my home and priorities in preparation for this new baby. There plenty of ideas and inspiration on your blog for me to catch up on, for now and I will very much look forward to the simple and easily replicable ideas you so graciously share. Your style is my ideal in home decor and I appreciate you putting into images the beauty my heart yearns to see. Thank you!
I totally get everything your saying! After blogging for so long it’s hard not to get either burned out or caught up! Thanks for sharing your heart and reminding us all!!!
This is my favorite blog hands down! I truly enjoy your posts! Having said that-I understand your needing to simplify. If you get out and take a walk my favorite podcast is Godcenteredmom. Check it out! Thank you for always being authentic and I know I will keep reading no matter how often you post!
Yes–that’s a good podcast too. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re very welcome!
I’m always amazed you get a post out with 5 kids! Everything changes……roll with it:) xoxo Sherry
Well said. Do what makes you happy.
Another perspective for you….I read very few blogs. I’ve chosen three or four that I follow (yours included). I don’t spend a lot of time on Pinterest. For me, your blog is a main resource. I don’t need you to show me new/fresh/quirky…I just want read a representative of where home style is heading and it helps me to know where I want to go in my own home. Mostly, I am saying…keep showing us your style, your competing, I love the glimpses of your family life and how your home works for you. The “team” presentations might be fun for a quick scan but rarely do their presentation represent anything close to my budget or resources.
Awesome post…..This could have be written by myself😉 You took the words right out of my mouth. I too am in my 40’s (north of 45😬) and the one thing that I know for sure is being one’s authentic self always is the right decision. So keep on doing what YOU think is right and authentic to YOU and your brand/message. I too have fallen down that ubiquitous rabbit hole of comparison and it’s not productive; although almost unavoidable;) We are human after all!!!😂 Good luck and stay true to yourself…. after all you won Best Blogger of 2016 for a reason right? Keep on keepin on….you are an inspiration and if I’m honest when I used to compare myself to others your blog was one of them! :)
Love your blog because it is uniquely you. I would certainly be sad if you stopped blogging entirely but you do have seven people (including you) that must come first in your life. Like many of your other commenters, I have unsubscribed from a number of blogs I used to follow because the posts are unrealistic in my world and in many cases, duplicates of the posts of other bloggers.
I feel exactly the same way. However, I think you blog is unique and that you do a wonderful job with it.
Would love to see your kitchen now that the renovation is complete.
Keep doing what you’re doing, you and your family comes first, always.
Hi Emily,
I love your blog, it’s so “real” from kids to decorating to good books to read, so THANK YOU!
I love that your blog isn’t about getting the next “freebie.” Every year, I know who’s going to be participating in the One Room Challenge, taking a free Princess cruise for two weeks, getting their closet organized by the Container Store, getting a kids room done by Ikea, etc. Always the same small group of bloggers who then toot their own horn and say “look at my house” and “oh, we’ve worked so hard to get it to look like this.” It becomes rather nauseating, same ‘ole self-indulgence and self centerdness from the same few Thank you Emily for not being like that. Keep doing what you’ve always done at the pace that works for you. It is a refreshing breath of fresh air that other bloggers would do well to take a lesson from.
I love your posts for their freshness and authenticity. You know how to get your point across in a precise manner and with a great photo or two. I scroll so quickly through other blogger’s posts showing 10 photos of the same outfit (usually from Nordstrom)! Just know this reader loves what you offer your readers whenever you feel inspired.
I couldn’t agree more. You nailed it and exactly how I feel. I haven’t been posting as much as I’ve done in the past. So refreshing to read this and know it’s ok not post all the time and just be in the moment.
You’ve always been one of my favorite bloggers. I enjoy whatever and whenever you blog. All my best to you Emily.
What I like most about your blog is it seems more like a journal of your thoughts on how you make your house a home. I like that you’re not focused on being a brand or using your platform for a stepping stone for other opportunities. There’s nothing wrong with any of those things but I feel like you do what you do really well and I really love popping by and hearing your voice. Sending my oldest away to college this year has really shifted my focus on what is important for me and I personally am having a hard time with blogs who are heavy on the buy buy buy. There is so much pressure to keep up and I don’t feel like that when I come to your blog. I feel inspired and like I’ve gotten to know an online friend better! Thank you for sharing!
Yours is my favorite blog on the ENTIRE INTERNET because you are real, and consequently relatable, funny, hopeful and make me feel like I too (at 44 with a husband and four kids!) could someday, if I keep working along, have a beautiful, functional house and family that won’t break the bank. Thank you for your inspiration – where everything can look much the same on the internet you are unique!! And appreciated!
I agree that everything has become the same. I yearn for an authentic perspective. I have always enjoyed your blog. I look forward to your future posts.
Yes, authenticity! I have no issues with monetized blogs and sponsored posts (make your money, you deserve it!) but I have a special appreciation for the bloggers and designers who can communicate authentically even through sponsored content. I’ve always found your blog and instagram refreshingly authentic. You weave your family into your “brand” so seamlessly and you always post beautiful stuff. Thank you for your authenticity!
You are so real and authentic. Whatever you do is perfect. Don’t question yourself and never compare yourself b/c no one does their blog quite like yours. If you have to make changes for your own sanity that is good but whatever you write I will read. I love all your subjects but what I really love is “how” you write. How you put things and describe things. I don’t have this skill so I can’t put into words what you are able to do so well.
From one Christian to another… “When we place God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop completely out of our lives” Ezra Taft Bensen
This quote has always helped me prioritize things. I have found many things do completely drop out when my focus is on my faith, my family’s needs and a few close friends.
The world needs more women are willing to re-evaluate and take care of that which is most important.
Totally relate, Emily! I’ll be cheering you on in 2017!
xo Heidi
Remember that with social media, you’re usually looking at other’s life “through rose-tinted glasses”. That is, you’re seeing only the best (or worst) highlights of someone’s life. The best pictures, most exciting events. Most people don’t post about the hum-drum “normal” aspects of life…
I deactivated my Facebook account during the last few weeks of the election (mainly to keep myself from logging back on), and it was the BEST thing I did all year. I think my productivity has increased at least by 200%. It is reactivated now, but today is definitely a day I choose to stay off. Don’t want to hear the negative OR the positive about the inauguration!
I, too, am a 40 year old mom with 5 (twins on the end, but mine are still home), and I don’t know how you do it! Podcasts (or audiobooks) and fresh air (or exercise at the gym) are my mainstays too!