Time to get back at it. Our Christmas break was very calm and uneventful, with the exception of one quick trip to Charleston for a basketball tournament. We had an early January celebration here with my mom and dad since we didn’t travel to them this year. Over the years, I’ve learned that letting the blog go for a while to enjoy real life things is good for the soul–and my mind. I’m starting this year with a few “good things”, some blog business and my new year’s intentions (which are way more non-committal than resolutions).
My monthly list of good things.
A large pleated lamp shade for $20. (Also comes in a smaller size for $10. I’m using both sizes and have the small ones on some swing-arm wall lamps.)
These soap dispensers for my kitchen counter.
A heavy puffer jacket with a drawstring waist.
Art prints from this shop for my youngest son’s room.
These (under $10) lip crayons.
Wide crossbody bag replacement straps in a ton of patterns.
This men’s hoodie (for me) that I kept seeing recommended on Instagram.
I love these sneakers, especially the no-tie high tops.
My kitchen countertop lamp is back in stock.
This denim shacket. (Runs big.)
A soft pajama set. (Available in a Valentine print.)
A couple of blog-related things.
- I fixed my email subscription link. (I think.) I’ve had a lot of issues with this and everyone stopped getting emails when I posted something new. You can now sign up on the sidebar under my profile picture (if you’re on a desktop) or scroll down to the bottom of this page if you’re on a mobile device. Just enter your email address in the box and hit subscribe. (Let know if you need more help.)
- I’m also reformatting my monthly newsletter if you’d like to subscribe. It’ll be a quick bulleted list of fun finds, what I’m reading and wearing, house projects I’m working on, and a recap of that month’s blog posts. My next one goes out early next week.
New year intentions (but not resolutions).
More walking. I’m a pretty regular walker anyway, but I recently discovered a podcast where the lady is around 60 and has walked every single day for the last 10 years. I love the idea of that goal, although I’m not sure it would work in my current season of life. But, I do believe that moving plus sunshine is magic.
Donating furniture and other things I’m not using. I plan to stop holding on to things for a “someday” scenario. My dad and I worked on cleaning out our attic storage while he was here. I donated a couch and a set of chairs that have been taking up valuable space for years because someone might want to use them at some point. News flash: they won’t. And, honestly, I could find another great couch on Facebook Marketplace in 15 minutes when the time comes.
Day reading without guilt. Why do I feel bad if I take 15 minutes to read any time besides before I go to bed? I’m going to do more reading while I eat lunch.
Hosting again. I haven’t had a group of people over since before Covid. The longer I don’t do it, the bigger task it seems to become in my mind. Order the food. Make the effort. Life is short and unpredictable. I miss seeing my friends.
Instagram. Figure out what the heck I’m doing. Or not. It feels like this big, annoying thing I’ve got to figure out if I want to keep up with it for my blog’s sake. But, it’s mostly filled with ridiculous things. I don’t want to share all of my business for “engagement” and you probably don’t want to hear about it, either. Just thinking about all of this for now. . .
Did you set any intentions for the new year?
Love your posts, just an FYI related to Maybelline products incase you are not aware:
Maybelline is not cruelty-free. This is because Maybelline, like its parent company L’Oreal, operates in Mainland China where it is required by law to test imported makeup and skincare products on animals. This means that as long as it continues to trade in China, it cannot be deemed cruelty-free.
Love the clean out, I am also trying to play more games with my kiddo. Its hard for me, but I know one day I will long for candy land or uno and I want to prioritize where he is now. Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing this info. No more L’oreal for me.
Oh my goodness! It’s simple thing but I am excited to look at the cross body straps. I have a large-ish leather bag that I love but don’t love how the crossbody strap feels on me (it rubs on my collar bone and is narrow). I honestly never thought about replacing it but of course I can! Thank you!
I like the concept of intentions….mine include ongoing decluttering, slowing down, spending quality time with God and friends and being more authentic. Heavy stuff but yeah! I wish you all the best for 2023!
Emily, I’ve been following your blog since the very beginning a lifetime ago! You popped up on my FB feed. I always come back to you because of your authenticity! I can relate to every item on your intention list! Happy new year!
For what it’s worth, just wanted to say that I’ve always enjoyed your blog. Please keep doing what you do and don’t feel like you need to follow the masses, and for the love don’t feel like you need to dance or post videos that portray a perfect existence. I personally enjoy the quietness of a blog and yours has always felt authentic and realistic. Happy New Year!!
I took a break from Instagram over the holidays and am really struggling to get back on it. I felt like I was spending more time than ever there for my business (Charleston realtor) but simultaneously less connected to my friends and clients than ever before. With only a couple of exceptions, I find I haven’t missed it at all. I and I’m now thinking hard about whether or not to dive back in…
I’m a little late to the party, but so glad you are blogging again!! I’ve followed your blog for years now and you are one of my absolute favorites. I appreciate it when someone could probably go very big and have book deals, etc., from their blog decides to just kind of keeps it normal and shows approachable home design!
As for Instagram, I deleted my account about 6 months ago and I’ve decided it’s mostly a good thing for me. I don’t think social media is bad, and I loved a lot of accounts that I followed, but I noticed it would exacerbate my anxiety, and it was a huge time waster! Since quitting it, I’ve actually followed through on design plans for my own home, I’m buying less random stuff, and I don’t feel this constant need to jump on whatever trend is circulating (buy this water bottle, drink this type of coffee from Starbucks, etc., this type of jogging pant is all the rage, etc.)! All that to say, I appreciate the people who keep up with blogging, newsletters, because it gives me a way to keep up with their content even though I’m no longer on the gram!
Signed up for the new newsletter and am looking forward to your news.
Instagram was fun and now it it more work and a job. Share what you want and no more, don’t feel like doing reels or jumping through hoops, then don’t.
Have a great week!
i’m working on “follow-through” as a practice, a life-long practice, no doubt!
i enjoy your blog and missed you (and worried a little) during your break. i can only imagine the effort it requires to publish one. i prefer blogs over the other methods because it often seems more like a conversation, and i like that idea. take good care and happy new year!
You’re spot-on with two of my intentions as well, which are to walk more and read more. Specifically, walk every day, even if it isn’t a long power walk for exercise…just get out there and move. And ready every day, which inevitable includes day reading…I’ve been reading in the morning with my first cup of coffee while the kids are still asleep. Bliss!
Because I, too, have experienced life changes that cause me to be more intentional about my life, I deeply appreciate your honesty and openness to sharing where you are. Please keep going. I subscribe to a number of blogs and I notice they all start to sound the same sometimes and I just skip them without reading. However, I never skip your blog! I like the idea of you sharing smaller things that are new to you. Your plans are more realistic and seem like more of what happens in real life when you don’t have a gigantic home and can’t afford some of the big ticket reveals I have seen. Keep this realistic and grounded position however you might like to change the direction of your blog!
I pop over here monthly to read your blog posts. I have never done instagram. I just read blogs.
Hi Emily,
I am older than you so it is easier for me to not feel guilty about things anymore, life is too short and you will realize that when you are my age (71)! Do the things you want to do if you really enjoy doing them and don’t worry about all the other stuff. I rarely go on facebook anymore, I do use pinterest and rarely go on instagram. It all just takes up too much time. Love your blog and your honest comments!