Changes for 2026
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This week, I’ve been thinking about blog changes for 2026. To still write about what I’ve always written about, but lean a bit more toward other subjects that I enjoy, and think that you’ll enjoy.
Wasn’t Kendra’s remodeled rental house great? She had planned to replace the separate one-car garage, but when she realized she’d have to replace the roof, that idea got scrapped.
Every time Kendra renovates a house, I’ll show you photos of her work. She surprises me with all the new things she conjures up. I think you may enjoy seeing the finished product as much as I do.
Moving Forward:
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I want to move forward on the blog. I love blogging, and though AI has hurt content creators by scraping our work and pushing them higher on Google’s totem pole, I still love it although we make less money.
I get Social Security, and it’s a decent amount, but it just isn’t enough to live on. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat.
Over the years, you’ve seen me writing in different veins. Some of my writing is about my life, and some is reflective essays. The rest are mainly gardening, decorative posts, or roundups, in hopes that they will show up in Google search for revenue.
Google search doesn’t give a hoot about my life. They want searchable content. Ad buyers aren’t interested in buying spots for someone writing about their life. They want something they can match with the products they sell.
So I want to pivot a bit. I love decorating, and I’ll always write about that, but perhaps on a smaller scale.ย I’ve grown a bit weary of just focusing on that kind of content and then often using other people’s photos to fill in the blanks.
I’ve got the gardening scaled down to pots around and on the porch. But doing things like laying down a new area rug (10×14) meant I had to have Rhonda’s help a few weeks ago.
A New Living Room Rug:
I ordered a new rug because the kittens are heavier now, and their running and playing were scooting the smaller rug all over the place.
So I needed an area rug that was heavier to go under the furniture at both ends of the room. This was actually the cheapest 10×14 rug I found.
I ordered it from rugs.com at 70% off before Christmas. It’s a beautiful rug and very soft. Both the cats and I love it.
I’ve Decided to Pivot a Bit:
I’ve decided to pivot a bit more toward books and entertainment. If you don’t read books, then I’m sure you probably enjoy entertainment.
I’m an avid reader, and a book is a precious thing to me. Reading is my favorite hobby these days, since I can no longer quilt, hand-sew, or embroider.
I’ll still have decorating and gardening, and I’ll continue posting about pets just like I always have. But I’m now leaning a bit more into books, bookish things, and cozy spaces to read.
I’ve always, always, wanted to blog about books. But when I began this blog, I really didn’t know anything about book blogging. And since I love fixing up a home and gardening, that’s the area where I stayed focused. Now I’d like to do both.
I’m nearly 69 years old. I began this blog in 2009, though the first four years got accidentally deleted due to a technical error. I was in my early fifties when I started this blog that April, and stronger and more agile than I am now.
Now I’m at the high end of my sixties. In just over a year, I’ll be entering another decade. So I need to welcome a new era in my life, although I will always focus on all things cozy.
My house is full of furniture; there’s no room for anything else, and I’m not going out shopping these days. I’ve got too much stuff! And I have it primarily to write about decorating.
Year-round Christmas Tree:
I finally decided to leave my tabletop Christmas tree up and decorate it for each season. I’ve decided not to decorate for each holiday, because I don’t want to obtain many more things to store.
So for winter, I’ll be decorating in gold, silver, and white colors. For spring and summer, I’ll probably decorate it in shades of green, reminiscent of gardening and nature. Then, in the fall, I’ll lean toward neutrals and browns that remind me of fallen leaves.
I’ve been browsing online stores now selling their ornaments on clearance since Christmas is over. I’ll take advantage of some of those sales.
I love the tree more for the lights than for the ornaments and decor. It feels so cozy having it in the corner of my dining room, where I can see it from this chair. It’s a bright beacon by day and by night, like the stars in the sky.
This way, I don’t have to take it down and store it in the backyard shed.
Scaling Back in Life:
Kendra loves renovating houses, but she’s realizing she has to delegate more of the heavy lifting. Therefore, she’s scaled back the physical work she does and mainly designs and drives to work locations to check on the workers.
I want her to truly enjoy that beautiful (or it will be) new patio, which is almost finished. To sit down and watch the birds and smell the roses. (I’ll share photos when it’s completed.)
She deserves that because she works hard. She wants to keep doing what she’s doing, but not wreck her body over it. And again, much like me, she feels guilty if she isn’t constantly working. She can take about two days off, and then she’s ready to go again.
Blogging is a job that you never stop working on. There’s always something that needs doing. I work on it for hours every single day, seven days a week.
Kasi is building a lake house that they’ll probably retire to one day. We’re all looking down the tunnel of time. And you have to adapt to the changes that come with it.
Books:
I’ve written book reviews over the years (more lately) that I acquire myself or get from publishers. I’ll plan to write about creating cozy reading nooks, book-related DIYs, and anything bookish!
I already do some of this with Sunday Snippets, so I’ll take it from thereโadd reading routines, book lists, decorating bookshelves, and more.
These days, I’ve been reading at night, but I’d like to broaden my reading time a little. It’s that stage of my life, I suppose. A book is certainly lighter in weight than home projects.
My body is telling me that I’ve got to slow down, and finally, I’m going to heed those indicative signs. Life evolves. It never stays still. It’s like a clock with the minute and second hands constantly moving.
Suggestions in the comments are most welcome!
I have read your blog for several years, and have really enjoyed it! My favorites are when you put up photos of your own decorating ideas. You are very, very talented! I’d love you to come and do my house but I live in upstate New York. And, I love seeing Kendra’s houses; I even showed my husband pictures of her latest one. Beautiful work! I, too, enjoy reading; it’s interesting to learn what others are reading and enjoying. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your blog. Happy New Year!
Brenda, blogging is tough business these days. AI is not helping. I think you should write about whatever you like, books, entertainment, decor. I will be here as I am sure that many others will for whatever you write.
As for personal writing, maybe write that on substack? I am sure that many would follow there as well.
Lately, my YouTube feed has been sprinkled with “prepper” videos. I’ve watched a few, and it has made me think about being prepared for unexpected power outages. I live in Southern California, and the recent earthquake swarms has me a little unsettled. If the Big One hits, it may be weeks before power is restored. I’ve lined one closet floor with gallon jugs of distilled water, ordered batteries for my flashlights, and stocked my pantry with a modest amount of canned soups and vegetables. Brenda, you live in tornado alley? You might consider writing just a bit about single and older women living alone and how to prepare themselves for civil emergencies. I saw a meme just the other day. It read, “Get up. Nobody is coming to help you.” Women need to be ready to help themselves.
I love the book and movie recommendations! We have similar tastes in both books and movies, so I frequently update my Goodreads & watchlists based on your likes. Goodreads tells me I read 121 books in 2025. I listen to audiobooks as much as I read on my Kindle. I actually prefer my Kindle to actual books, as I can set the print size as I like, and the paper white version is easy on my eyes at night. And, I love hearing about Kendra, Kasi, and their families. These are my favorite things in your blog! (I usually scroll past the gardening and decorating ideas!) ๐
I’ve been following you for many years and have always enjoyed what you write about. I have to admit – I love your decorating posts the most. You have a knack for cozy, lovely, affordable decor and creating vignettes. I also love gardening, cats, books, and thrifting, so those subjects have always been fun reads. I know you read a lot of mystery and thriller – two genres I don’t read – but I’ll look forward to reading about anything else book related!
I also read a lot of women’s fiction and enjoy memoirs. I shall always show how I decorate cozy spaces. I’m getting ready to create a hallway/library once I find a couple of bookcases. I’ll be decorating that space too.
The rug looks great! My sister’s cat is named Wenzel.
I love the Christmas tree picture.
And, I like Deb’s book suggestions, too.
A very happy new year!
I like neutral large pieces so I can decorate in various colors whenever I have a mind to.
Brenda, you are a gifted writer and I so enjoy your essays on life and nature. I enjoy many aspects of your blog very much, and as an avid reader, I would love to read all about your bookish ideas – especially cozy reading nooks! I like Deb’s idea of including midgrade and high school literature. There are many books that I’ve read as an adult that were required or suggested reading in classes that I didn’t take. [As a young mother I got hooked on Sinclair Lewis books. Even now I love elementary school age books by Patricia Polacco – and I’m nearing 80!] Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe new year.
I’m planning to read books for that age group. I’ve already ordered one book about Amelia Earhart.
hi Brenda, I’ve been reading your blog for a long, long time but I rarely comment!
Changes can be good and I look forward to reading more in 2026! happy New Year!
Barb
Sometimes you feel like your ideas are getting stale, and switching things up brings the excitement back.
Brenda, this is a wonderful post. Anything you write about will be interesting to me. I especially love when you write about personal things, including your beautiful cats!
Thank you for always being there for us. ๐
You’re always there for me, and I shall do the same for you.
I do not comment often but I really enjoy your blog. Your book reviews, the reviews you write regarding Netflix series/movies and other streaming services provide me with such good suggestions. I had never heard of Acorn until you mentioned it and I have really enjoyed watching many of their programs.
It is a treat when you show what Kendra has been up to — she has such a talent for renovations and it is interesting to see what she has accomplished in making a “used” home appear “new” again. Hopefully, you will also be able to show us Kasi’s lake house when it is completed.
Love the antics of the cats, love your decorating style, etc etc etc.
Summary: I really enjoy reading whatever you feel the urge to tell us about.
Oh, thank you! Yes, I will be showing Kasi’s lakehouse, and every time Kendra renovates a house.
I like to re-read books I’ve read before like ‘Rebecca’. Nothing violent or gory though. Every reader has their preferences I suppose. I enjoy non-fiction books like biographies, light classics, and history including modern history – Love all British films about the WWII era and how people coped. At 80 I can still recite “The Midnight Ride of Pau Revere” learned in 6th grade, but doubt today’s students care. That’s why I love PBS. But it’s important to continue to learn about our American history even at our age.
You’re so right! I’m always learning more history because Rhonda knows a lot of history I don’t recall or never learned.
Tous mes vลux les meilleurs pour cette nouvelle annรฉe Brenda. Quel plaisir de vous retrouver chaque jour. Une caresse aux chats.
Thanks, Emma, and I’ll hug the cats for you!
I always enjoy seeing what Kendra is doing with houses. She is an amazing force when she turns them into beautiful homes to live in. I love seeing what you have done with your decorating. It too, is lovely!!!
I will be reading your news as long as you are the author and sending it out to all of us. It truly is my favorite blog, and I know so many others find it as enjoyable as I do.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Hugs from snowy Wisconsin.
Oh Bonnie, your words were music to my ears. Thank you!
I love your blogs Brenda. My husband has started to ask me if you have suggested any more Netflix stuff! I too read books but when I find a author I like I tend to stick to them and as I lived in England until I was about 25 (then I moved to Canada) I do like the stories that are set in that country. Soon I will have to branch out though!
I love seeing the houses your daughter has bought and what she has done to them, she is very talented. I love you both because of your love and compassion you have for animals. Wishing you all the very best in 2026. I cannot end this without saying that of course I always love seeing pictures of your cats.
Tell your husband that I will be adding more Netflix suggestions!
hi Brenda
As we ease into a new year, I find myself having to pay attention to my body’s signals too. I am 71 and this past year has been a trial in many ways. so my focus is changing too. Besides my family and home, books are my next favorite things. They’ve been my best friends all my life and continue to be, so I’m looking forward to lots of “bookie’ posts. I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning. loved it then and now! happy new Year!
Oh, that makes me happy that you love to read too! Happy New Year to you, too! (I won’t celebrate with others; I’ll be reading in bed).
Happy New Year! Love your new rug and living room. The kitty’s are so cute, but Ivy is still my favorite. I don’t have a Christmas tree to keep up, but I do have a olive tree in my corner window. I found twinkle lights that operate by USB. So now I will have lights on a tree year round. Wishing you a fantastic 2026. I do enjoy your blogs….
Ivy is the big boss around here for sure. I saw some interesting trees on Amazon yesterday, in various kinds. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/49iTY6s
I love your blog.
I appreciate hearing real life experiences of folks who live, decorate, and share their cat antics….and on a budget.
Thank you and Happy New Year.
I will certainly continue with all those topics!
As a former childrens librarian, may I suggest midgrade to high school literature? I see you shaking your head already. Lol. One of my favorite authors is Candace Fleming. Her book, The Enigma Girls, is amazing!
https://candacefleming.com/books/enigma_girls/
Her nonfiction book, The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh, is a YALSA award winner. Her fiction book, Because of Winn Dixie, is also an award winner for midgrade readers.
Many of your readers have children or grandchildren and this may well broaden your reader base, in addition to adding to your enjoyment.
Try it! Youโll like it!
I will certainly take a look at it! I did, and you might be surprised that I ordered Candace Fleming’s book about Amelia Earheart (Amelia Lost) for that age group! I’ll read and review it. Thanks for the suggestions!
You go, girl!
One other suggestion. Your local library should have award winning lists of childrens books on their website, if needed.
Brenda I do so enjoy your blog, from the kittens to kids projects , to decorating !
I must say , I keep a table top tree up all year long. At time’s it decorated for the seasons but mainly with lights metal clip on metal birds & feathers.
So calming…may you be blessed this New Year
That’s good to know!
I’m so glad you wrote about the new rug and provided a link. I need a 10′ x 13′ rug and saw that that size was available in some different styles. Great prices! Do you think the quality is good?
I do think the quality is much better than the other Amazon rugs I ordered, and they were about the same price.