If you’ve noticed that I’ve taken some time away from this little corner of the internet, thanks. There was no huge, life-altering events or extra chaos going on in my life. I just took my usual break at Christmas and decided I wasn’t quite ready to return when Jan. 1 rolled around. Or Jan. 15th. Or Feb. 1st. And, so on. . . I finally decided to take some time to not think about it at all and just see what would happen. Thirteen years of sharing your ideas for public consumption/opinion is a long time and I wasn’t sure if or how I wanted to stop. Does a blogging job last forever? Can you start and stop sporadically without annoying the people who enjoy you? To be determined. . .
The internet, as we all know, is a strange bird. While I still like the concept of writing and taking photos and creating, I really, really get weary of the time it takes on social media to “keep up”, to build a following, to stay at the top of people’s feeds, etc. I’m basically an Instagrammer that kind of despises Instagram. (Apply that to social media in general, actually.) I may be showing my age, but I just don’t have it in me to film myself lip-syncing to stupid soundbites, pointing to captions or dancing to trendy music all in the name of tricking the algorithm. I just can’t.
In thinking about how I want to go forward, I still feel like my blog is my baby and where I like to be most when I’m creating online. A place to share a small change I’ve made to our house, someone’s home tour I love, a favorite t-shirt or lipstick and what I’ve been reading. I’m also planning to send out a monthly recap, in case you rarely catch me in your Instagram feed. (A strong possibility.)
You can subscribe here.
Thanks to all of those who have checked on me during my absence. I’m honored that you care and appreciate you letting me back into your online world every now and then.
Yay! I’ve missed you and the inspiration you bring. But I get it; sometimes people need time to pull in, evaluate, and just refresh themselves. And family needs to come first. I’m so glad you are ready to return to your blog and can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Thank you, Vicky!
Integrity and being your authentic self is what I have always admired about you and your blog. We’ll be here for it all. Take care of you and I look forward to you sharing your creativity. You inspire! Cheers!
That’s so kind. Thank you.
First, I adore your blog. It’s different than all rest in a very, very good way. Your content is so so good!! Second, what you expressed reflects an increasingly large majority of IG (and social media in general) content creators. And this is why I still love blogs. So, thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you share here. We’re happily enjoying every single large, still photo! ☺️~ D.
That’s good to hear. I still love to study a still photo, too!
Oh how I’ve missed you and what a nice moment to see your sweet face on IG. I’m glad you’re taken time to think over what you really can put energy toward. I’ve always loved your blog and will always be happy to catch up with you that way.
I hope you and the fam are well and I’m sending love and big hugs,
Peggy
I hope you’re doing well, too! Have missed your notes :)
Agreed! I just *can’t* keep up with the silliness of social media videos all intended to stay at the top of feeds. It’s too much noise that I’ve never wanted to be a part of either. I much prefer blog posts with lovely takeaways, a home tweak here and there. Nice to see you again. You do you, the people that appreciate your talent and eye for design aren’t going anywhere.
xo
Kate
Well said and I totally agree!
Yay! I’ve been reading your blog long before the twins even came. I hate Instagram and TikTok so I understand completely. Glad to still have a blog to read.
So glad to have you back, Emily!
Yay! I’ve missed your blog! Still find myself going back and referring to it every so often. Glad to see you’ll be coming back every now and then!
I can not love this more. I actually giggled at the despise insta comment. And don’t even get me started with the dancing. I feel your pain. I, for one, will be here waiting for updates in my email 🥰
Subscribed. Glad to have you back in whatever frequency and form works for you.
Sooo glad you are back! You have been my favorite.
Any chance of an occasional Saturday Six?
So funny, I just checked in on your blog the other day. Good to see your smiling face! I appreciate all of the content you share, but I enjoy your blog the most – that said, count me in for whatever you decide to share in the future, in any format. Your point of view is why we follow. Glad to hear all is well!
Emily,
I always have been respectful of your transparency. Whenever you show up it comes in the form of refreshment to me. I am so glad that you are my sister in Christ and that is what I think of first as I think of thirteen years of being encouraged by your life, design, parenting and style sense….Thanks for being true to your purpose!
So glad to have you back…however it will be! You are a classy lady and I appreciate your aesthetic and style.
Blogs are still my favorite and yours especially! Glad you had some time off. 🙌🏻
It’s good to see you again and I’m thankful all is well with you and yours!!
I love reading blogs so much more than following instagram or facebook. I like the dialog involved. Plus – I don’t look at stories or reels/videos. They just aren’t my thing.
Yay! I’m so glad you’re sticking around. I cannot keep up with Instagram and all the things, either. It’s exhausting. I always appreciate what you share, whether it’s home, fashion, or whatever!
I hope you continue blogging the old fashioned way. I still enjoy a good read! Thanks, glad all is well!
Glad you’re not done yet:). I love you style and sense of humor! Your style gives inspiration instead of the more common accounts these days that all use the same items and look alike.
So happy to hear from you in this space! Please don’t start dancing on TikTok. This blog is where it’s at for me. I respect your absence and will enjoy whatever life and design beauty you decide to post in the future. 😊
Missed you and completely understand. ❤️
I love the simple, yet creative posts. I am happy you took a break because “we” will be okay.😂 That being said, I can’t wait to read your next post.🤗
So good to hear from you again!
This is why we’ve missed you so much! You always keep it honest and real with grace and inspiration!! We’ll take whatever you have time for! Blogs are still my favorite. :-)
Welcome back!
As a longtime fan I’ve been waiting patiently, hoping you’d come back to this little corner of the internet! Maybe it’s because I’m of a similar age, but I just don’t have the time or the internet to keep up with Instagram, TikTok, etc. I prefer the substance of blogs. I truly hope this is where you decide to share your thoughts and talents. Best to you!
I feel this so much
Ooh my – such a treat to see you pop I up today! Happy to know you’re well! I think a great many of us are rethinking the push/pull (Time Suck) that is instagram – I know I am.
I really miss your blog!!! So whatever you do going forward or not do – I’m here for it my friend! 😍
Stay well xx
Heyyyyyyy!!!! Girl, how I’ve missed you. When your name popped up on my Instagram it literally felt like I had missed a phone call from a friend. I always love seeing what you are up to. Love your home and all your content.
Heather Bankosh
Finally one of my all time favorite bloggers is back!! So excited for more inspiration and good book suggestions!!
Welcome back! Funny, I was just thinking about you this week and how it had “been a minute”, but figured you had just been busy with kids. Maybe you’re putting too much pressure on yourself to be “all the things” when all you have to do is be you. I feel the same about social media and resisted the gram for a very long time- it really is a monster. Hope you find your way back in a manner that works for you.
Hooray!
I was so happy to see this today! I much prefer blogs over Instagram (I’ve always been old-fashioned, ha ha!). I look forward to reading your posts whenever you make them :).
You have been a light and staple in the many years of insane motherhood, longing for distraction in what fills my personal soul cup. I can remember the endless moments looking forward to your blog posts in between episodes of Blues Clues, naps, soccer games and endless chauffeuring. You gave me light. Thank you for inspiring and igniting breath within year after year!
I enjoy your blog and reading about your home and family, however subscribing would mean my email would be filled with newsletters. Blogging once a month is good for me, but whatever works for you and your family is what is needed.
The constant barrage of content creators “lip-syncing to stupid soundbites, pointing to captions or dancing to trendy music” is quickly driving me away from Instagram. Which is a shame, because I have gleaned a lot of inspiration and learned many new things from the platform. But I just can’t handle another stupid “POV: my husband asks me what I did all day” or whatever video.
Emily, I totally agree and miss the blogs I would visit daily! Also showing my age over here. I enjoy the still photos on Instagram but I have no motivation to make tik tok like content for home decor. Oh well! I accept that this is the new way to be social. Keep posting in the way you want to and I will keep reading.
So happy all is ok. Have always loved your style and design inspiration. But love that “ you do you” and find a way to be creative but still honor yourself! Looking forward to checking out the blog! 🥰🙏🏻
Welcome back, I’ve missed you! I still prefer blogs to all social media and especially missed your Saturday Six posts.
It’s wonderful to see you back on the blog. I hope you continue to post on your schedule in a way that feels good to you. I understand your content creation fatigue — I started a blog not long ago because I love to write and share about interiors and design. I have never been big into social medial, but already I feel the pressure to post reels, etc. You have an audience that admires your style and values the thoughts that you share, so please continue to be your true self. You’re one of my inspirations!
I love your blog and being able to go back and look, read, and study things. Thank you for sharing parts of your life to help others be inspired.
Anyone that truly loves your style, will
always stay with you! So glad to hear that you took a break from the crazy world of social media! I couldn’t have said it better concerning Instagram, I refuse to make those ridiculous reels, I love stills and always will. Always stay true to yourself 💗
Glad you are back. I have missed you and your creativity. Welcome back and I am so glad you are doing your own thing.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Emily,
Good for you to recognize these things and evaluate how to proceed!
I always enjoyed following your blog… Instagram is not my jam…
Stay true to yourself!
So glad all is well with you and yours and that you’ll continue in any way that works for you. I love your blog and also share your faith in Christ. So there’s lots to enjoy. I particularly love your choices of books, too, which I’ve used to enjoy new authors to me.
I subscribed–take care!
Good to hear from you again!
It’s my birthday and I consider this announcement as a gift from you. 😊 I enjoy your blog so very much and have missed your postings.
Love it. Happy birthday, Joan!
So glad you are back!! I missed you.
I have loved your blog for years. It is a breath of fresh air in the internet space. I would welcome a new post, however often!!
I am SO excited to see you back. My non-Instagram self will be over the moon to see more posts on the blog. Seriously, what a treat to check your page and see not one but two posts to enjoy. Hooray!
EMILY! I am so glad to hear your voice again! Welcome back & I missed you! Our kids are the same age, so I get it. Life is changing, and so are we and the things we enjoy/manage/bear/prioritize change with us. Looking forward to whatever you have margin & interest to share :)
Thank you, Cameron :)
Glad everything is ok and welcome back!
Welcome back Emily. I shut all my social media accounts in Nov 2020. Before that the majority of bloggers I used to follow were posting on their blogs less & less, some even stopped & all were focused on Instagram. Occasionally I still check all the blogs I used to follow to see if any of them are posting again, but many sporadically post but I can see are still going strong on IG despite me not being on that.