To start the year off, I thought it was time to share a few things. The bottom line is that 2023 will mark a slight shift in focus here on KN. As this place largely tells our family’s story — through home, food, solutions, ideas and general life, it’s a shift that’s developed organically taking into a consideration a number of factors — both internal and external influences.
Hear me out. This “shift” may not resonate with all of you, but I’m hoping that many of you will be able to relate. As people, our passions shift, our goals shift, and our personal needs shift. I’ve experienced substantial changes — from joy to grief, and overwhelm to peace — and the season of life I find myself in these days is begging to be acknowledged.
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I’m an anxious person by nature but the noise and overwhelm I’ve faced for a while now has demanded some personal adjustments. After long reflection, planning, and considering my priorities as they are today, I’ve determined that creating that parallel here on KN would be most productive, not only positively serving myself, but also those of you who show up to read and check in.
Don’t jump ship yet! I am not stepping back from KN. If anything, I am hoping to be more present. To show up more. And I’m hoping that with my current personal focuses being more in line with what I’m sharing, that I’ll be not only be more motivated, but that I’ll be less restrained by time allowances.
The big question you’re probably wondering is if I will still share home decor. OF COURSE! My home continues to be my happy place and I love creating within its walls. We spend the bulk of our time here. As a matter of fact, we have a couple of room reveals that have been ongoing projects for more than a year and they’re all being posted over the next few weeks! I love them. I’ve put a lot into them. And, they make me happy. I just shared in our big pool project announcement post (HERE) that we plan to stay here for a good long while. In that time, I want to continue evolving our spaces and taking on projects.
A “shift in focus” doesn’t mean a whole new direction.
So, what does it mean? What are these “priorities”? Well, it’s multi-pronged with lots of facets, but it’s all related. And, it all ties in to the concept of minimizing. I’ve always been a “more is more” type of person, but over the past few ways, that mantra has started to present itself as internal conflict. (hence the “noise” reference above). What I’m continuing to be drawn to more is…
Seeing less. Having less. Spending less. Managing less.
More intention. More simplification. More systems. More saving. More time.
I’m going to providing further explanation and how I’m realizing these concepts in future posts — along with a post (coming soon) about habits I’ve modified.
A lot of this deals with healing internal stress by addressing external influences and surroundings. Maintaining/regaining control.
As a family, we also just embarked on the biggest project we’ve ever taken on, financially. We’re stoked, but it’s a big investment, so we had already determined to “tighten” things up a bit and be more aware of our spending. Maintaining control and peace throughout this process directly coincides with all that’s motivating me and I’m looking forward to sharing intentional changes we’ve already made (and the natural benefits we’ve experienced) for those of you in similar situations.
While I’m focused on experiencing peace and looking toward minimizing (most aspects of life) to achieve it, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to call myself a true “minimalist“. And, while I’ve shared my intentions with you all today, I’m sure there will be times you think that what I do or buy or say… or a decision I make will be contradictory to all of this. That’s ok. We’re all different with individual circumstances and values and lives and I’m sure I’ll do things differently from how some of you may do them. I don’t want to be judged by what some of you may consider counter-productive or contrary to my ideals. It’s all how you interpret it.
This all doesn’t mean I’m going to switch from expensive to cheap or vice versa. Or all the sudden I’m going to ban purchases or “fun” things. While I’m sharing where I’m at and my reasonings, I’m still going to be sharing ideas and will try to keep diversity there. But, I’m really excited to share more of my intent behind decisions — especially as they’re reflected today — more of the small things that feel like big wins that honestly just pump me up and fuel me, and the journey — whatever that ends up looking like.
Are you still here? 😉 If all that came out as a jumbled mess (and let’s be honest, that’s kind of how it poured out), and made little sense, I’m hoping my future posts will provide more clarity.
I’m looking forward to a fresh start in a lot of ways and stay tuned — over the next month, I’ll (finally) be sharing the reveal of Eliza’s big girl bedroom, the kitchen, breakfast nook, and more. I’ll also be tackling lots of practical, real, small, but personally satisfying storage and organization projects, along with other topics that just make me happy.
Love to you all and here’s to 2023. Cheers.
I’m so glad you aren’t stepping back. Your post is my favorite. I love all you do but understand minimizing. I have had the same mindset for a while. We are in our early 70’s and I’m a former interior designer. We have downsized and realized I don’t need to buy something every time I go to the store just to have “more” or something new. Can’t wait to see your future posts. Thanks for your updates
Sara, Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind note! We are definitely thinking alike these days. Here’s to a great way to start 2023.
I love all your posts and look forward to some new and exciting development in your personal life as well as blog life. You have so many grand ideas and share so much with us. That is helpful and inspiring. Looking forward to a great 2023 with you!
Hi Cecilia and Happy New Year! I always appreciate the time you take to visit and look forward to sharing more in 2023.
Kelly, thank you for sharing your shift. My daughters and I were in Ireland over Christmas and we came back wanting the same thing. Less junk, less things, less negativity and more self care. I am proud of you for sharing. I am excited to take this journey with you.
Kathy, Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind note. I imagine your trip with your daughters was an excellent time to dig deep and set priorities as you made new memories. Happy New Year and let’s do this!
I get your post completely! Too much is overwhelming at times no matter what it is. I hope you will share what works for you when you decide to minimize different areas of your life.
Joanna, Thank you for your note and for your understanding! The shift is already underway and I look forward to sharing more soon. Happy New Year!
I am so happy for you and all of your readers. I, too, love nice things but I have recently had to downsize in a great way due to making the decision to move to Boston and live with less space, fewer things, minimizing worries and concerns. I’m so looking forward to your new content!
Nancy, Thank you for your kind note and congratulations on your move to Boston! Moving is so hard, but it sounds like your decisions on living with less space and fewer things are exactly right for you. I appreciate you following along with us.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I am 60 and have downsized and had to let a lot of things go. I am taking on a “cozy minimalist” (another blog/author) approach. It is so freeing to have less stuff, but more time, money, less stress. Good Luck on your journey!
Kathy, Thank you for your support! It sounds like you have truly embraced your “cozy minimalist” approach. You are so right, minimizing is truly freeing!
Good for you! I enjoy your posts, I am happy they will continue. Take care!
Cassie, Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind note. I truly appreciate your support!
I think your priorities are great and mirror my focus areas. I am exhausted my the influencers who are constantly pushing stuff to buy. Good luck to you and I will be here for the journey.
Colleen, Thank you and thank you! I am so happy to have your support. Let’s do 2023!
Well said Kelley, thank you.
Hi Shelly, Thank you for always being the sweetest supporter. I so appreciate you being “here.”
Good for you for your honesty and gumption to follow what your heart/mind is telling you. Let’s see how this year unfolds I’m excited for you!
Hi Selena, I so appreciate you taking the time to visit and for your kind note. I’ve determined that this is the right track for me and am looking forward to sharing the journey.
I so appreciate your honesty and am even more on board than ever!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support, Cyndie!
BE KIND to YOURSELF,dear Kelley Nan! All will be well…follow YOUR ❤️
Always a FAITHful reader of your joy,
Sharrie
Sharrie, Thank you for your kindness and grace. I so appreciate your sweet support!
I’m excited to see your changes and updates. You are the first IG influencer I started following. I’ve modeled so many things in my home after yours. Thanks for all you do. 😊
Debbie, I am incredibly flattered by your sweet comments. Thank you for being here and following along with us.
Good for you! It may have seemed like a jumble to you, but was actually a clear statement of a life change. (I’m used to hearing this stuff.) Life is like that. We change as we get older (phases) and as situations change.
So, good for you for recognizing the need to get off the ‘busy train’.
I’m glad you decided what is best for you and your family. I love reading your post and get great ideas from you, so I’m grateful you will still be posting at times.. It always brings a smile to face when I see an email from you. I wish you peace and happiness in the new year ❤️
Amy, Thank you so much for taking the time to follow long with us! I appreciate your kind note and it is my hope that I will be posting more content in the coming year. Happy New Year to you!
Hi Ellen, Thank you for “getting it.” I’m determined to unclutter, so that I will truly have time for the most important things. It is my current phase and I am excited!
Thank u!! THIS is what has been racing thru my mind lately. I am overwhelmed in life and we need to tighten, refocus and readjust. But, I still want to have beautiful life experiences for my kiddos. I could not be more excited to follow along! Thank you for being brave and bold!
Hi Nancy, Thank YOU and I look forward to going through this journey together. You are so right about sharing beautiful life experiences with our children. That, too, is also so important to me.
Kelley, Just a note to say I’m happy – and proud – of you for putting yourself (and your family!) first, and I hope you are, too! It’s not always easy. I LOVE your content, but if you feel the need to share less or less often, it’s okay. It’s. Okay. ♥️
Sending big hugs!
Lori in Oregon
Hi Lori, Thank you so much for being “here,” and I am hopeful that my new focus will allow me to continue to share often, but with somewhat of a different direction and focus. Happy New Year to you!
I understand completely! Thank you for sharing. I always look forward to your posts. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Sharon, for your kind note. Happy New Year to you!
Kelley, I wish the best for you. I have been a long-time reader of your blog and love your tastes and improvements….but it’s always bothered me how much you spent. (please no offense!) So I think your wanting to make these changes are healthy and honorable and real and GOOD. Good for the three of you. I celebrate your new direction, and wish nothing but peace, harmony and joy for you this year and always. Best wishes and good luck. You got this. ♥
Michele, Thank you for always being the sweetest supporter and for your kind message. And I am certainly not offended by your comment. I do work to save anywhere possible by waiting on sales and have found that it’s better to wait for what we truly want, rather than settling for lesser items that will need to be replaced. I so appreciate your kind wishes and with you the best new year!
I’ve always kind of viewed you as somewhat of a minimalist. You take great care in choosing things like toys for Eliza. I’m always up for organizing and decluttering, large or small. I’m looking forward to what’s to come from you!
Libbe, I appreciate your king note very much. You are so right that organizing and decluttering, even the smallest area, makes all the difference. Thank you for being “here.”
Hi Kelley:
I think I know what you are getting at. I think! Lol! So if your change is what I think it is ( more authenticity, buying with purpose and thought, living and being with less, but having more space in mind and home, and minimizing stuff in our home and hearts then I’m all for it. I have so many influencers that I love, but the stuff…so much stuff….. featured in their content is overwhelming and often I tap right through. I “wanna be” minimalist ( Check out Joshua_Becker on IG and FB for great content) who is trying to live a life of less clutter and stuff, I get overwhelmed with the number of clothes, cheap furniture, and accessories that are constantly showing on their stories or fee. And I do get influenced, which is the point and how content creators make their money, but I’ve found myself often less than happy with myself and with the purchase I made through their influence. How many____ (fill in the blank) does one person/family need? I love to hear about experiences, personal aha moments, decorating tips and ideas, and real-life stuff. I don’t want my home, my drawers, and closets and even my mind filled with so much stuff. I think that’s where you’re going and I’m here for it. I think it’s a great direction to be going in.
Sending love to you and your family.
Pattie, Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind note that expresses my feelings so well. You get it! I will always have stuff and enjoy making changes. But I intend for my purpose to be more purposeful and to find joy along the way. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Your post brought tears to my eyes as I too have been thinking of living with less and giving more starting in this new year. Looking forward to sharing your journey with you in 2023.
Bonita, You are the sweetest and I am so happy this post resonated with you. Let’s do this together in 2023!
You Go girl!
Corinne, Thank you for taking the time to reqd. i really appreciate your support!
Good for you! Thank you for your transparency!! 🤍
Thank you for your support and encouragement, Michelle!
I love your blog! Looking forward to seeing all your new posts.
Hi Cynthia, Thank you for taking the time to visit and to leave a note! I truly appreciate your sweet support.
I am thrilled to hear you are not leaving this community, and will continue sharing your home, organizing skills, etc. I love your classic style, seasonal traditions, and more! I hear what you are saying, and often wondered how bloggers manage all the stuff! In my humble opinion, it’s not sustainable and doesn’t guarantee a happy life. Choosing quality over quantity makes sense to me! Thank you for your transparency, and best wishes to you and your family in this new direction!
Penny
Penny, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your kind note. I love what I do and love sharing. I will continue to share and am really excited abuot a more structured direction in the new year.
I am happy to hear all of this. I have followed you since Eliza arrived. You will never regret stepping back on material things and being able to do more with less because it allows more time with family and stops stress. You only get 18 summers with a child spend them wisely help her to grow and then when the time comes you can send her our on her life adventure. I always told my two children to grasp the opportunity. I worked part time, was married to an officer in the military raised them alone often and never regretted it once. They are fabulous people. Eliza
will be too.
Carolynn, I thank you and your husband for your service and really appreciate the sacrifices I know you have made along the way. I love the lessons you have taught your children. I appreciate you following along with us and wish you the best in the new year!
You had me scared for a brief moment. That’s a smart move, trying to minimize. I try doing the same thing but something manages to catch my eye. Right now, I am focusing on new windows. I have over 20 windows. Happy New Year to you& your family…especially to Eliza. She’s a doll ‼️
Dianne, Thank you for following alog with us and for your support. I certainly understand your focus on windows…it’s important! Here’s to 2023, windows and everything the new year has in store for us!
I have no doubt this new direction for YOU…Yes YOU will be amazing. Its important we stay true to ourselves. Thank you for doing that.
Trudy, Thank you for being here and taking the time to leave your encouragement. I always appreciate your support!
Hi Kelley,
Thank you for sharing this with us, I really appreciate your honesty. The only constant is change, and that is true even in blogland! I look forward to reading your upcoming posts. Your writing is incredible, and I thought you articulated your intent so well. I have learnt so much from your blog that I have applied to my own home.
Blessings to you and your family.
Heather, Thank you for your kind message and I am so happy to know that this little space has been helpful to you! You are so right…the only constant is change…and I am all about it! Cheers to 2023!
The most important things in life…..aren’t things… 🙂
Lisa, You are so right and I hope your year is off to a great start!
Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us! ❤️
Mary, Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for your note. Happy New Year! xoxo
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading about your evolving changes. Sounds like it will be fun!
Hi BJ, Thank you and I so appreciate your kind note. Here we go!
Kelley, Several months ago, we suffered great loss from Hurricane Ian. Our neighborhood was hit hard. We had great damage to our home and lost all of our furniture and vehicles. We then ended up throwing a lot of remaining “things” away. My mindset was on automatic pilot, and I instinctively put one foot in front of the other, barely recalling my actions. We are still dealing with the insurance process and slowly rebuilding our home. During this ordeal and the clean up process, I recognized that life can change abruptly and what really matters is not an item purchased from a store. My family discovered that we can be happy with a lot less. I have been a follower for a very long time and greatly enjoy your posts and ideas. I look forward to this new chapter of your life, as I step into the new chapter of mine. Enjoy your family. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Joss, I am so so sorry that you suffered such a devastating loss! I am so impressed that you have found the positive aspects as your onward focus. I wish you the best as you rebuild and work to recover from this tragedy. I wish you the very best in the coming year.
Your update came at the right time. I’m in a similar place and work hard to not be influenced by “influencers!” My lifestyle and disposal income may not align with others whom I admire, but I challenge myself to seriously rethink the wants and needs of our household. Looking forward to spending 2023 with you!
Sharon, Thank you for being the sweetest supporter. I am excited to begin this new chapter and can’t wait to share. Thank you for following along and happy new year!
I applaud you! I am turning 76 soon and we must never stop growing. Good for you and I look forward to your posts.
Laura, Thank you for your kind note and encouragement. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that your year is off to a great start!
Less is more. That’s my mantra. Love your blog! You have a gift, and thank you for sharing it with us!
Renee, Thank you! I appreciate your mantra and look forward to sharing more in the coming year.
So funny…last year I started feeling the exact same shift!! While I have loved all of my stuff over the years and have enjoyed spending a ton of time decorating and buying, I am done managing “stuff” and instead I am focusing on fitness, health, cooking, reducing stress and creating peace…so getting rid of clutter physically and mentally! It hasn’t been easy, but I am seeing results and will stay the course. Looking forward to all you have to offer!
Dana, Hooray to you on your wonderful accomplishments in the past year. I appreciate you sharing and hope I’m off to the same start. Happy New Year and thank you for your encouragement.
Kelley,
This makes perfect sense, not confusing at all. Your blog is one of my favorites and I just love to hear what you have planned! I feel inspired and
so happy just reading this.
Your quest for peace and balance is reflected in your home and your writing. Thank you for being so open and honest!
Elizabeth, I am so happy to know that my “shift in focus” makes sense. I so appreciate your kind note and can’t wait to share more. Thank you for following along with us!
Thank you for sharing!!Its so healthy to reevaluate and adjust at different stages in life! Looking forward to what’s ahead! You are so talented, I love your house, but especially live seeing sweet Eliza❤️
Mary Lynn, Thank you so much for taking the time to follow along with us! I am excited about my new shift in focus and look forward to sharing more. I really appreciate your sweet note.
Hi Kelly! I’m looking forward to follow along.
Hi Louise, Thank you for taking the time to visit. Here’s to a great 2023!
I love reading this and look forward to your new focus! I am really tired of links and “must have”pressuring, and am cleaning up my “follows” to reflect that. Your site has been one of my favorites for a long time and I’m happy to follow along. Cheers to a healthy and happy 2023!
Hi Stephanie, Yay and thank you so much for taking the time to follow along with us. I am excited to share my new focus and appreciate your kind note very much. Happy New Year and let’s do this!