It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find inspiration for normal homes. The current culture seems to be focused on the bigger & better. Today we’ll discuss loving your home in a culture of more.
Wow, it’s been a moment since I shared anything here. I have thoroughly loved my time away, but I’ve been itching to get back. I’ve been in a world of bottles and diapers and sleepless nights since September. Audrey is 10 months old now and I think it’s time I get back to one of my old loves, blogging!
The last few months have a been wild, friends. My son is 11 years old, so having another little one this many years later has taught my husband and I so many things. These days are precious and few. We’ve been soaking in every ounce we can. Time flies, especially while you’re busy living. Josh and I have become acutely aware of our age. 40 is getting closer and closer and boy does 10 years make a difference when having children. Hopefully, Audrey will keep us young.
While on my baby sabbatical I had many late nights to think, and I came to a few conclusions. Here goes:
- Social media can actually drain the life out of you, and I haven’t found it to be very full filling. (Probably not the most popular opinion.)
- I love my home! I love MOST of my decorating decisions and although it’s far from perfect, home is my favorite place to be.
- I need to exercise more contentment and be grateful, no matter the season, for this wonderful home God has provided.
What I’ve been kicking around in my head these last few months all comes back to these three points. While being forced to slow down, to halt any home projects, to sit and just care for baby and myself, I realized that there is no other place I love to be more than my home. By decorating with timeless pieces and mementos from our travels, we’ve created a collected style and a place that doesn’t need to be updated with every trend. It’s a true reflection of us as a family and where we’ve been.
While sitting with my thoughts and really meditating on this subject, it really hit home to me that culture and social media can make us feel and think the opposite. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t think that most “influencers” intentionally try to create discontentment for their followers or push a narrative that you have to constantly purchase new things to keep up with ever-changing trends. I do, however, think that it’s the natural outcome for many, including myself at times.
I was amazed when I started to tell family and friends that we were expecting baby number two and I was asked three times within a week if we were going to move into a larger home. Each time the question was asked I was completely taken aback. We had never even considered this. In my eyes our home is the perfect size for us. We’ve always found it to be completely cozy with room to spread out. That question really got me thinking of just where this notion that we need to constantly be moving to bigger and “better” comes from.
Lately every time I browse Instagram or Pinterest, I can’t help but to notice the lack of “normal” homes. Every influencer or designer seems to be moving onto bigger and bigger homes, setting higher and more expensive expectations for design. It seems that every post has become its own mini commercial for a product or products that will instantly change our lives. They lean on the idea that our homes won’t be cozy or stylish without them. I for one am exhausted from it all. It’s this culture that has had me evaluating what’s important and what is a distraction and ultimately a detriment to real contentment.
We live in a world where so many people are on autopilot. I’ve realized that living each day with intention is so important. It’s so easy to get swept up in the consumer culture. It’s easy to get hyper focused on trends and feel the need to keep up with each one. It’s such a trap! It really takes disciple and intention to safeguard our joy and contentment. Much of social media has become a constant barrage of consuming and packing up and moving to larger and fancier homes.
I’ve been extremely hesitant to write this post. While I’ve never considered myself an influencer, the irony is not lost on me. It’s true that this blog of mine is centered around the idea of creating and improving our homes, but when a creative love and desire to improve our spaces starts to breed discontentment and envy, it’s time to take a step back. I was born in the 80’s and know that keeping up with the Jones’ existed then as well. Magazines, television shows and Hollywood culture were the culprits. However, social media has taken it to an entirely new level. I recently read a study that found that 50% of millennials have a shopping addiction and do not provide themselves any time to sleep on it before they purchase an item online. That percentage is extremely high but not shocking. While Instagram and Pinterest serve as a well of inspiration and a place to connect with other design enthusiasts, it can also create unrealistic expectations and standards.
Your Home is Enough
If you’re feeling the fatigue and frustration of social media as well, here’s my suggestions for falling in love with your home & not falling for the “more” culture.
- Take regular breaks from social media. I love to take 2 days a week where I don’t check social media at all. I personally don’t miss it much and I’m happier for it.
- Each day find something that you love about your current home and life. Maybe the only thing about your home you like currently is the location. Be grateful for that awesome location! Finding small things to celebrate allow us to practice contentment. I’ve found since I’ve slowed down and have really focused on the things I love that the things that I don’t love have become small and smaller in my eyes.
- Don’t allow the culture to pressure you into the idea that more is better. I grew up in a smaller home and I had a wonderful childhood. I have so many fond memories living in that little house. My mom wasn’t a designer, but we had home-cooked meals, plants in the garden and so many fun movie nights. It’s the small, simple things that make life great.
- Start small. Start with a project around your home that you can afford right now and can complete easily. Small changes can make a big difference in how we view our homes. Creating a home is not a sprint. It takes time and care. If you need proof of that just look back at the before photos of our home. It’s taken us over 8 years to get to this point and we’re still working. Maybe you can get it done much quicker or perhaps it’s been even longer for you and your home, either way find joy and contentment in the process.
Oh, how I long for the days where our focus wasn’t on having the latest and greatest of everything. Having this time to slow down and care for our new baby has really shown me that as a culture we’ve let the idea of a perfect home run away with some of us. If we’re honest, all of these things we see online and think we need will probably end up on a goodwill shelf or landfill in a couple of years. Friends, what happened to classic timeless design? What happened to designing and purchasing items for the long haul? the culture now tells us that we need to renovate or redo a room over and over again, each time purchasing more and more for the sake of a trend. I want the pieces that will last a lifetime. Things that have a story and hold meaning to our family. I have a suspicion that you might just feel the same.
I’ve rambled on for far too long. If any of you find yourself in this same boat, just know you’re in like company. This year I have set the goals of living more intentionally. I want contentment and gratitude for what I have and for the season we are currently in. There is so much to enjoy and be thankful for, friends. Hop off social media and go enjoy it!
I love everything about this! You nailed it!
Thank you, Cindy. It seems I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Amanda Marie,
You have spoken correctly, take the time to enjoy your life with your children and husband. Because everyone else will only want you to cater to there needs and wants!! The social media platform is a beast!!
Blessings,
Nana of 8 🫶🙋🏽♀️
So so happy to see your post in my inbox this morning!! I totally agree with you! I stepped away from all social media over four years ago, and am a better person all around for it! I follow a small handful of blogging/youtube home lovers like you who share this contented perspective as well. This collection of “influence” I allow in my little world is so inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for what you share – your thoughts and your incredibly beautiful/inspiring home. Your talent for cozy, collected, homebody design is my favorite, and it means so much to have the privilege of peeking into your world to draw inspiration. Thank you so much for that gift!! You have been thought of and missed!!! 🥰
It’s so nice to be back! Thanks, Kimberly. Like you, I only follow a very small handful of people online that I’ve come to respect and admire. Thank you for being so encouraging. This online world can be crazy at times, so it’s nice to know there are so many who are liked minded out there. Have a wonderful rest summer!
Wonderful post! I completely agree and thank you for posting it.
Amen!!
Thank you so much, Pamela! I really appreciate that.
Don’t regret doing this post. It’s timely and will speak to many. Thank you so much
Thanks, Bonnie! That means a lot.
You are so right! Your home is beautiful. I’m all for replacing necessary items as bedding or updating storage, but these may not be ‘showcase’ items for every blog post. I can’t get excited with changing decorative pillow covers, but I do love to make my own!
I couldn’t agree more, Mary Ellen. My husband, Josh and myself were just discussing yesterday whatever happened to replacing things as they wear out. Now days it’s whenever something better comes along. I’ve done it before myself, and its so wasteful and unnecessary.
Thank you for sharing this from a like minded reader! I totally quit all social media five years ago and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. We live in an old three bedroom farmhouse with five kids….my daughter had a room and my four sons shared a room all their life (gasp)! Some days I would love to have a bigger bathroom and a little more storage but we’ve survived just fine. Looking forward to your blog again….your decorating style is one of my favorites!
Thank you so much, Verna. I’m happy to have a little more time now to write and decorate. I’ve tossed the idea of exiting social media around so many times. I use it purely for my blog currently, so it’s a hard decision. For now, I really limit my time there. My husband was one of 7 children and he grew up in a 3 bedroom 2 bath home. To this day his parents still live in that little ranch. They can afford much more, but had chosen to live simply. It can be done and you can have a wonderful life doing so.
I completely agree with you! My husband and I have downsized recently. we don’t miss our big house at all! What is important is the atmosphere that you create in a home. Nothing beats a comfortable,cozy home filled with love .
I couldn’t agree more, Mary. I know so many people who very large homes and yet they’re very unhappy. It all depends on where your heart is and the relationships that exist inside that home. I wouldn’t call our current home small, but certainly not a mansion either. What has made it such a wonderful home is the memories we have here and the precious time we spend as a family.
“Well done my good and faithful servant.” Your suggestions and insights are spot on! You are one wise lady and your home and priorities reflect this, Your home is beautiful, warm, welcoming, and timeless. Enjoy each and every day like you are doing now. It’s the family and people who live within that matter most. With such a stable foundation, you and your family are destined to make the most of whatever life sends your way. God has blessed us through you. Thank you. 👏
You are so sweet, Jane. Thank you. It certainly has taken me a lot of time, energy and prayer to learn these lessons. I’m just glad I learned them sooner rather than later. God has truly blessed me with this little family of mine. It’s such a full filling life. I hope you have a wonderful rest of summer!
Amanda, you are a wise sage beyond your years. You have a talent for writing and expression that welcomes the reader. And your priority is family, something our culture desperately needs to rekindle. I am 73, enjoy everything about “house and home,” have downsized twice, and never stop moving furniture around tweaking art and accessories. My mom taught me to upcycle (garage sales) and repurpose (paint and repair) long before those words were in use. I have been going to Round Top for 45 years, sometimes purchasing and sometimes just coming home to “rearrange.” I fondly recall print magazines being inspiration, not social media. Think I’ll have the grandkids over to sew pillows today., and listen to Beatles records. God Bless!
That means so much to me, Linda. It can be so disheartening to look at the current culture. It’s so important to find like minded people, so we know we’re not alone in our feelings and concerns. You and I sound so similar. I’ve been moving furniture around and tweaking decor since I was a little girl. Some times that all you need to make a space feel fresh again. My mom also instilled in me those same practices and I’m so grateful for that. I haven’t been to Round Top, but would love to go one day. I’ve heard only good things about it. I still find print magazines to be so inspiring. I have stacks and stacks of old Martha Stewart Living, Country Living and Traditional Home magazines in my office closet that I love to look at seasonally. Music and sewing sound like the perfect afternoon to me. Have a great week and enjoy those sweet grandkids!
I was so happy to see your post this morning! Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. There is such an honesty and sweetness in your decorating and posts that I really appreciate.
Thank you for that, Caroline. I certainly didn’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I’ve been feeling these sentiments stronger and stronger as the months go by. I’m really looking forward to be blogging again and sharing simple, obtainable ideas.
Yes! I just about pounced when I saw your subject line! Some of the design magazines I’ve always loved are now primarily featuring gigantic houses. Not that there’s anything wrong with big houses but the dearth of medium sized suburban houses makes it harder to find inspiration. Every once in a while I see a spread with a small house, decorated beautifully, and I get so excited, only to realize it’s only someone’s pool house! 🤣
Exactly, Heidi! I feel the same way. I wouldn’t call my home a small house, but it’s not large by today’s standards either. I’m not knocking large homes in any way, but I don’t think the average person can relate to what is being represented in magazines and social media design as of late. It leaves people frustrated and feeling left out of the design world. Like you, I get excited to see a small home too. I look at the photos and think, THIS! We need more of this! My mom is older and lives on her own now in a small 3 bedroom 2 bath house and she’s always looking for cozy cottage inspiration and it’s hard to find in the online world. I typically have to go back to some of my vintage design books and magazines to find her inspiration.
I’ve always enjoyed seeing your home. It is so calm, comfortable and beautifully decorated. We have much the same style. When friends come over and say they love my house, I tell them its just furniture and things handed down and collected over the past 39 years I’ve been married. There is nothing too precious in my home that friends or grandchildren can hurt. I even have a beautiful leather sofa we bought 20 years ago that has some marks on it but I still love it so much. I grew up in big homes but have always loved the small cottage homes. I can tell you this, I have never went into a new huge home and said “Oh, I love this and wish I had a house like this!”
Thank you, Lynne. I’m so happy to have you here. It sounds like you have the perfect outlook on what a home should be, a place for family and friends to feel comfortable and welcomed. Our homes should be lifegiving to our loved ones. Now that I think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever thought that in a huge home either. There’s something to more intimate spaces. I’ve always loved homes that have normal height ceiling, with individual rooms (not one big open floor plan). They give off the feeling of safety and warmth. You just can’t beat it!
Totally agree, I have never subscribed to social media and most people think I’m crazy. But I too find inspiration in other things, which makes me much more content. You’ve nothing to apologize for!!! Keep up the great blog – I love it!
I don’t think you’re crazy at all, Susan! Some of the happiest, most grounded people I know are not on social media. If it weren’t for this blog I wouldn’t be on it at all. Thank you so much for the encouragement. It’s so nice to know there are like minded design enthusiasts our there.
I agree with you!
My grandmother was/is very good at decorating And making her home a place that is comfortable and delicious to be in. She has prioritized family time and traditions and we all love Home because of her.
With my own children I’ve noticed how they don’t like changes. If I ever dared change or replace something they’d say “but we’ve had that for years”. I believe it helps bring stability to a very fast changing world.
I love that, Gabrielle! My mom’s mother was the same. Although she is no longer living, her home is forever embedded on my heart. I spent a lot of time there as a child and I remember all of the pretty antique and vintage things that she had. I always thought there were so cool! Our children sounds so similar. My son is very against change. I recently mentioned giving his room an update (such as paint, installing shelves, new curtains, etc.) to reflect his current age, thinking he would like a more “teen” style room and he did NOT like that idea at all. He said he likes his room how it is. I’m so glad that he finds comfort in our home. I think you are completely right. There’s a stability there that is so important.
I so much agree with you. Thank you for putting this out there. Life is short and we need to slow down and enjoy it. Our houses are our homes , our happy places . They should reflect us , not the latest trends.
I feel this so deeply. Thank you for putting it into words. I’ve noticed recently I’m always looking at our home with judgemental glasses in instead of seeing the beautiful details it already has. This is 100% because of Social media influence and I’ve changed the way I see it and the way I use Instagram and Pinterest. I limit my time there now and live the space we’re in. Thank you for this post. It hits home for so many of us.
I was in the same boat. Once I was forced to halt projects for a bit I didn’t feel the need to look at IG and Pinterest as much, it completely changed my mindset and allowed me to focus on what we have done. I instantly became so much more grateful. There’s such a benefit to turning off the social media noise and finding ways to enjoy our homes in their current state. I’m hopeful that there will be a change in the tide and that people will begin to tire of the empty fakeness that is online design culture currently.
Amanda,
I’ve missed your posts, but I was thrilled you were having a baby, always a welcome gift. Your words today struck a chord with me. It took me longer than you to discover what really matters in life. I’m a widow and retired and have discovered the joy of ‘enough’. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy making my home comfortable, but I no longer find the need to shop every trend that comes through online. I’ve practiced living and appreciating each day, especially with family and grandkids. I’m so much more content than I used to be when searching for the next home improvement with impatience.
Welcome back. I appreciate your style and ideas for making home cozy and inviting.
Karen B.
Thank you so much, Karen. I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been so nice to be back behind the computer typing it out. I’ve looked forward to getting back at it for months. This never ending trap that is keeping up with the online design world is so exhausting and I felt lost in it for so long. It took me much longer to learn those lessons than I would have liked, but better now than never, I suppose. I’ll always have a passion for decorating and hosting as well. It’s a passion that I believe can be life giving to those who step into my home if do so with the correct mindset. I just have to keep my heart in the right place, which is easier said then done sometimes. I’m so thankful for the kind encouragement that I find here. Thank you for your kinds words. They mean so much. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your home! You are an inspiration for me. I have been bringing out some of my classic decor that I have collected through the years. My house is now back to looking like my home!
Thanks for being here, Kathy. I’m so glad you’re sticking to what you love in your home. That’s what decorating should be all about. Oh how the design world would be so much more interesting if others did the same.
Amanda, thank you so much for sharing your heart and encouraging us to examine our hearts and our focus. I’ve been following your blog and Instagram account for several years and have always loved your decorating style, but more importantly your heart and your testimony. There were so many great points in your blog post that could also be applied to our lives…I sat down and wrote them in my journal to be able to reflect back on! We do have so much to be thankful for and should be living with a focus of intention and gratitude. It’s what God desires of us and should be our desire as well.
Thank you, Lanita. I know you’ve been following here and on IG for some time. I’m so happy you’ve hung around. My faith is such a big part of who I am. I suppose that has come out in my writing. Living with intention and gratitude for all that the Lord has provided is so important. I am the most content and full filled when I’m active in doing this. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I hope you have a great rest of your summer!
You nailed it. As a retired interior designer, a mom of four and now a grandma, I believe you have found that sweet spot of contentment that is rare. Our homes are our safe place but if we are constantly striving for more, we miss the blissful moments that make life beautiful. We downsized from our immense family home three years ago and it was the best decision. We spend more time outdoors, walking the dogs, cultivating friendships, loving family. A more simple life opens windows we didn’t even know were closed.
Thank you so much, Susan. It’s all such a fine balance. Living with contentment is easier some days than others, but it’s so important in order to have real joy. It sounds like you’ve made the best choice for you and your family. I love it! It just goes to show that the size of the house doesn’t matter. I hope you have the most wonderful summer and fall season!
So happy to see your post! And I completely agree! We are a society of consumers, but I am trying to change that in our family. I am trying to live more like my grandparents did. Buy only what you need! And when I do buy something, I prefer to look in thrift stores and antique stores rather than overpriced big box stores. I feel like there has been a small shift recently, especially among younger home owners, opting for smaller homes and less stuff. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that actually took hold?
It can be so difficult, especially these days. Amazon’s two day delivery certainly does help with that either. We’ve become a society of instant gratification. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of constant consuming and not even be aware of it. I know that I have in the past. Our grandparents had a much better balance of family and home life that I strive for. I think you’re right on the shift. I’m noticing it as well and it seems that there are a lot of others feeling the way we do. It’s been so encouraging to read everyone’s comments and messages on this post!
Such wise and true words! Thank you for saying this! It’s been on my heart too for several years now. So thankful I’m not the only one.
You’re not alone, Missy. It seems that a lot of us have been feeling this way too. I’m hopeful for a tide shift on social media where bloggers and influencers promote more balance and there’s more focus on substance.
This is a beautifully written post full of wise words that need to be said. Homes with classic pieces and family mementos are much cozier and less cookie cutter.. But most important is the love and happy memories being made. I took a bit of a social media break recently and the notification of how much screen time I had used went down significantly. I’m pretty content with my home, but I was finding the same pull with other things like health supplements and beauty products, not to mention all of the posts and comments regarding the state of our country and world, If it weren’t for keeping up with a select few family and friends and church prayer requests, I would love to step away completely, as it can certainly be draining. Even if I unfollow people, the ads are so in your face. I realize blogging/influencing is a source of income for many and that affiliate links are one of that ways to earn income, but it certainly promotes a FOMO mentality and encourages excess consumerism. Often times we don’t need a bigger home, but we need to declutter what we don’t need and love so we can enjoy what we do have. Thank you so much for sharing!
You are 100% correct, Vicki. It seems that social media has become one big commercial. I follow a number of personal trainers on IG and the constant pushing of equipment and workout gear is exhausting and I wont even get started with the fashion influencers. It can be such a distraction and lead to feeling inadequate. Like you, I have to take breaks and I always feel so much better when I do. Thank you so much for your kind words!
So glad to see your post today! I’ve always enjoyed your classic influence, and I still dream about sitting in your butler’s pantry all day.
Thank you so much, Casey. You’re so sweet! It’s so nice to be back. I’ve been itching to get back to this blog.
a beautiful insight!
Thank you, Lisa!
Amen to all of this. You have said everything that has been on my mind recently. This ‘consumerism world’’ we are living in is exhausting. I appreciate your advice and courage to stand up against that.
I’m so glad to know that I’m not alone Tricia. It’s gone completely overboard and I think there are so many of us feeling this way. It’s such an easy trap to fall into. Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
I love getting your posts. Your priorities are so important and your style is so classic. The best things in life are not things. Great to hear from you. I admire your lifestyle, your home and the beauty of all that is you.
Thank you so much, Nancy. That means the world to me. It’s all a balance. Some days are easy than others, but I know when I’m practicing contentment I’m the most full filled and grateful.
So great to hear from you! Thank you for sharing. I hung on to every word, so refreshing to hear…
Thank you so much, Janie. It’s so nice to be back! This post was a bit scary to write. I certainly didn’t want to ruffle any feathers, but couldn’t shake the feeling that it needed to be shared.
Am going to try your suggestion of going without social media for a couple of day a week. I’m not one of a trend follower but I do love looking at well-designed as decorated timeless spaces. Thanks for the suggestion and inspiration!
Char, I’m the same way. I love seeing all the inspiring homes and landscapes. It can also become too much at times and I’ve found breaks from social media to be so necessary. I always feel so much more content when I do. It’s such a tricky balance. Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement!
I NEEDED to read this article today as I felt recently like I was so out-of-touch with everyone else. Instead, I realized that I was in-touch with myself and just fine. I’m 64 and recently both my best friends bought/built new homes and moved further away. I am missing them but realize that I am just fine and have built a happy life here.
I’m so glad to hear this, Nancy. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever hit the publish button on this post or not. I’m so glad I decided to because it seems there are many others who feel the same way we do. It so easy to fill discontent with our lives and feel inadequate with ourselves after seeing the lives other present on social media. It’s a trap that robs us of our joy. I’m so glad you see it for what it is. I wish you the very best this summer and upcoming fall season!
Absolutely loved this post! We have six children and live in a Cape. Everyone thinks we are nuts! I love this message so much.
Thank you so much, Mary. I would seems that there are many others who feel the same way. My husband was one of 7 and grew up in a 3 bedroom 2 bath home. His parent still live in that little ranch to this day. They own a very successful business and could purchase whatever home they like, but choose to stay where they are. His family has so many good memories there and know that it’s not the size of the home that matters. I say do what works for your family! I love that you haven’t bent to anyone else’s opinion.
Thank-you for your honest words! As a retired 65yr old, I love being in my “cozy” home and surprised to find my taste has circled back to my original love of English Countryside and the newest trend of Cottage Core. I’ve also rediscovered thrifting and antiquing, probably because it brings back so many fond memories as I discover items from my youth. Rather than heading to Target or TJ Maxx, I would rather spend 2 hours in a thrift store & reclaim a treasure (to me) that may have ended up at the dump. So much more satisfying!
I’d also like to congratulate you on YOUR newest treasure, Audrey! I had my one and only child at age 38, coincidently named…Audrey. She is now almost 27 yrs old and has gifted us with our first grandchild, a baby boy, now 8 months old. She definitely kept us young & we are determined to stay fit for our grandson!
I feel so blessed to have experienced “love at first sight” twice in my life!
Tammy, I can so relate to this! I much prefer shopping and antique or thrift store to a big box store any day. In fact, when my husband asked me where I wanted to go on my birthday this year, we ended up in several antique shops. I love that the items have character. I want my home to be unique and interesting. Thank you so much for the congrats. We are over the moon with her! She’s truly been the happiest baby. My husband and I say all the time that our son keeps us laughing, but she’s our joyful baby. Congratulations on your little grandson. I wish you many happy memories together!
A year ago I “fasted” from social media for a month. Since then I’ve slowly stopped following a lot of design blogs. I know my style and at 79, I’m not going to change! I like my home to look comfortable, and welcoming. I seldom buy anything new but if I do it’s something small and “classic” like a blue and white vase. No matter your age, your home should reflect you and your family not the latest trend. The value of your home is not in its size or how fancy your furniture is. The relationships within the home are what is important
Nancy, I have been thinking of doing this for a while now. I’ve thought about fasting the same month each year. I know that I would be so much happier, as I can tell a difference when cutting out just two days a week. You are so correct. At the end of the day all those things mean very little. What people remember is how you made them feel while they were in your home. I want my home to be lifegiving and joyful. Thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful comment.
Love this!!!!
Thank you so much, Maureen
Good for you to be brave enough to post this! It is what a lot of us think but do not say! Be true to yourself and your family!
Thanks, Jana. Honestly, I wasn’t totally sure if I would ever hit the publish button. I’m glad I did though, because so many people seem to feel the same.
I agree with you. I have been feeling like that with IG recently. I don’t know if it is because I am older, but I do not understand buying a home, and tearibg down walls, getting rid of flooring. Re arrange the kitchen area. Do they really need to do all that work? The home before looked fine to me. I have always loved your way of decorating. I have taken a few screen shots of the Christmas you used blueberries and blue ribbon in your garland. And please don’t get me started on all the people buying Amazon stuff for your home. We live in a cute 1138 sq ft home filled with antiques and treasures. We could not be happier. Enjoy your day.❤️
It’s not your age, Jill. It seems that a lot of us are feeling this way. Social media has gotten so out of hand lately. A lot of the ideas shared there are unrealistic and unobtainable for the average person. I know for myself, it can leave me feeling inadequate and frustrated. There’s just a sense of over indulgence everywhere I look these days. Oh goodness, all the Amazon stuff, it’s crazy! I know a few home decor bloggers that have gone to completely selling Amazon items fulltime on their platforms. You would think by now that they would have run out of things to buy and promote. Sadly, there seems to be no shortage of useless junk to fill our homes with. I’m so glad you know your style and what makes your home truly yours. You know how much I love antiques! I hope you have the very best summer and fall season!
Great post! I have been exercising this same mindset and feel empowered with each purchase I don’t make (and even if I do in the end make the purchase, I give myself the necessary time to consider and sometimes research before I pull the trigger). This way of thinking transcends all areas of one’s life and can be applied to not just our homes but choosing contentment and gratitude in all aspects. Thanks for sharing your heart <3
GREAT post! Your blog is new to me, a friend shared it with me today and I’m so glad she did. I remember when we bought our first house about 30 years ago, people in my husband’s office asked it we could afford it. When we said yes, they replied, well then, it’s not big enough. When we sold that house and moved literally across the street, to a slightly larger cottage we were told, this is it? Are you going to build on it? So ridiculous. We raised a family in our tiny beach bungalow, and have loved every minute in this small house that hugs us. It’s not easy to ignore the bigger, better, more culture that surrounds us, and you guys have it so much worse today with social media, but perhaps your words will help others to feel a little more contentment…and block out what does not serve them. Now I’m off to share this…oh and congratulations! Babies are wonderful!
So happy to see an update, you’ve been missed, but I get it! Good for you…babies don’t keep.
I couldn’t agree more with what you said. I’m a Gen X’er, I didn’t ever get into social media (blogs yes, but before all the commercialization). I have 12 children (11 of which still at home) in a 1,600 sq. ft. house 4 bed, 2 bath with a a full basement. I have always loved homes and decorating, I tend on the side of antiques because of their beauty but also durability😉 People wrongly assume we live in a very large home. We have girls in one room in bunk beds and trundles and boys in the other. We are debt free except our mortgage. We buy only used cars and drive them until the “wheels fall off” or upgrade as we can with cash only. We eat at home and thrift most everything. It makes me sad the debt cycle people are in, and the desperation to keep up, I know, we’ve been there…until Dave Ramsey’s Total money Makeover book. I was so broke I had to check it out from the library. The stress is not good on our lives, both physical and spiritual. Thank you for encouraging us all!
PS In one of your posts years ago, I was inspired to make a slip cover for my ottoman- WITH PIPING-it turned out beautifully, since then with all the use it gets I’ve made another and done couches and chairs also. Thanks for sharing!
God bless.
I agree with everything that you’ve so eloquently pointed out. I’m 84 and remember experiencing a childhood similar to what you described. I have often pondered how much society has changed over the past seven decades. I was a child during WWII and clearly remember life during that decade. Getting back to normal following the stress of war was what everyone wanted. I saw it evolve into a time of hope for a better life.
Our nation was created and built on hope and dreams of “more”. We have been on that path from the beginning and it takes real thought and awareness to recognize it. My younger sister and I discuss this topic often. She told me about the time she asked our mother how much money she would like to have. Mom’s reply was “Just enough.”
Before we or things can change, we must answer the questions of how we got to the point of where we are today and if we are content with the results. The choice is always ours to make.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Amanda, what a beautiful and refreshing post! I
have had the blessing of moving into my husband’s childhood home in a town so small, there isn’t even
a stoplight! But how cozy and peaceful this home is.
And since it was built in the late ‘50s, I have not felt the need to buy new furniture, curtains, etc to make this now our home. Everything we moved seems to just fit perfectly. Yes, I will be painting every room because it’s not been painted since the ‘80s and yes, the carpet will all come out (original hardwood floors underneath!) but I’m embracing the flaws, if you will, and loving the fact that it’s a timeless home. A home that is full of memories and love and warmth. God has blessed me beyond measure.
Just wonderful…
“Right On,” as they say! You said it Best! and it’s so Good to hear from you. Hoping your sweet family is wonderful. Share with us again soon!
Well said. Thanks for this reminder on what is truly important.
I continued to smile while reading your post
The picture of a Devine home, your words of wisdom and your new joy with the newest member to your family. Your daughter today will be your joy for many decades to come. She was planned way before you had that twinkle in your eye. Peace and joy be yours
Hello! I am in love with your slip covered furniture. Would you mind sharing where you found it? It’s hard to find beautiful designs like these! Thank you!
I read your post and it really resonated with me. Im a 65 year old grandmother and I live alone. I’ve always been about decorating my home and making a cozy place to be. I love your blog and reading it. Lately Ive found that the social media aspect of life has interrupted actually living that life. I see it in myself, my daughters and my granddaughters. When the girls come to my home we have real tea parties and I take the time to make or buy little treats and set the table with china and tablecloths and napkins and we all gather around. I find the little ones, 7, 8, 11 all talk more and discuss life in general. No screens and no influence. I think we all need a break and appreciate you for saying so. Your home is beautiful and cozy and warm and inspires me each time you share a new idea. Congratulations on your new baby.
I came here from In My Own Style. I LOVE this. Thank you for writing what so many of us feel. You’ve just wont a new follower.