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Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

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Hi there! 

I’m Kalyn—an avid reader, personal development nerd, and recovering perfectionist—who runs this corner of the web. My mission here (and in life!) is to help women prioritize what matters to them over the pressure to do it all.

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

  • You’re overcommitted, but have a hard time saying no.
  • You feel busy ALL the time but never seem to make any progress on your most important tasks.
  • You’re overwhelmed with everything you have to do in life, because your mind constantly races and never. shuts. off.
  • You need time to yourself to refuel, or you have nothing left to give.
  • You feel like you’re just going through the motions instead of LIVING life.

In other words, you’re so mentally and physically maxed out, that there’s very little leftover for yourself, or for the people that are most important to you.

But you also…

  • Crave habits, systems, and routines
  • Want to manage your time and money well
  • Have BIG goals you desperately want to reach
  • Desire to invest in yourself, develop self-confidence, and become the best version of who you are
  • Need to know you are not alone

My friend, you are home. 

Why this is the perfect place for you

I know what it’s like to be trapped inside a life that runs you instead of the other way around. 

Like you, I wake up with BIG dreams and goals, but it doesn’t matter how much I achieve, I never quite feel good enough, look pretty enough, or accomplish enough to satisfy my insanely high expectations (which are only amplified by my battle against depression).

But there is hope!

Because over time, I realized…

  • If I could make every aspect of my life simpler and more efficient, I could stop worrying about ALL the things and just do the most important things. 

  • If I had better routines, habits, and systems in place, I could rely on a solid foundation to overcome the overwhelm.

  • If I could let my best be enough, I wouldn’t set unrealistic expectations for myself, then feel like a complete failure when I didn’t meet them.

Which is what KalynBrooke.com is all about.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping, organizing, meal planning, or decorating your home, you’ll find plenty of practical ideas to make every day both manageable and meaningful.

HOME SOLUTIONS — I’m a big believer in modern homemaking and share all my secrets to help you clean easier, meal plan without the stress, and create functional organizational systems, so everything runs as smoothly as possible.
SMART MONEY — Being in charge of your money means you have the freedom to live guilt-free (and splurge on yourself!). I’ll show you how to save more, spend intentionally, and create a better system to track everything, all without losing your focus, or your sanity.
EVERYDAY FOOD — You’ll find dozens of easy recipes (using normal everyday ingredients!) inside my Recipe Box. Meal time has never been more simple or delicious! Especially if you use my Recipe Binder to manage it all.
PLANNING & PRODUCTIVITY — If you struggle to get it all done and never have time to pursue the things you love, my productivity strategies provide that feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day, with margin to spare. Yes, really!
LIFE & STYLE — Whether it’s traveling, reading, or simply doing what makes you happy, this section rounds out the rest of your life and reminds you to not only leave room for fun, but also to treat yourself right.

My goal is never to add more to your plate. Instead, I’ll help you manage everything you HAVE to do so you have energy for the things you WANT to do. I believe you’re here to do great things and don’t need obstacles getting in the way of your dreams.

If this is your first time visiting, I’d love for you to get to know me better.

I’m a full-time blogger who recently sold my 1,700 square foot home in exchange for a more minimalist lifestyle—living in an RV year-round!

I also share life with four of my favorites — my husband, Joseph, and two terribly destructive, but charmingly adorable bunnies named Cody and Cinder.

In addition to book hoarding and being a bit of an ice cream snob, I also love about 100 other things including, but not limited to:

  • Traveling and exploring new places
  • Shopping at Target
  • Bullet journaling
  • Watching Heartland, Poldark, and Hallmark Christmas Movies
  • Playing musical and movie soundtracks on the piano
  • Writing (obviously!)

I’m also quite the introvert, so blogging behind a computer screen is my version of the perfect job.

Where to next?

If you’re new to this site, this page will give you a virtual tour so you can navigate your way around.

You can also find the most recent blog posts I’ve written HERE. But the absolute best way to keep up with new posts, receive special perks, and get a peek into what goes on behind-the-scenes is to hop on my mailing list, which you can do so below.

I send out a personal letter every Saturday morning packed with life lessons and action-oriented advice to help you live simply and intentionally in the days ahead. Many readers say this newsletter is the highlight of their inbox!

Don’t forget to connect with me here too: 

  • LIKE the KB Facebook page for extra resources to help you simplify and organize everyday life, live intentionally, and make more time for the things you love.
  • FOLLOW on Pinterest for cute ideas that are just as functional as they are pretty. I also share a lot of yummy and simple recipes!
  • FOLLOW on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at what I’m up to. I share books I’m reading, bullet journal pages, a strong dose of encouragement, and occasionally an adorable bunny….or two!

Or, if you’d rather contact me directly, you can send an email to [email protected]. My inbox is always open and I’d love to hear from you!

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Comments

  1. Tamara Farr says

    June 25 at 1:25 pm

    Hi Kalyn,
    I just stumbled upon your site via Facebook – and I already love you! I’m sure your website will be one of my favorites as I am a new stay-at-home-mom who is stepping out of the workforce. I look forward to reading all you share! 🙂

    Reply
    • KalynBrooke says

      June 25 at 3:54 pm

      Wow – that IS a big change – good for you though. 🙂 I hope you find some useful ideas here, and thank you for your kind words!

      Reply
  2. Sofia says

    February 21 at 11:57 am

    Hey there, found your site from a Pinterest email and love the printable income tracker. Are you by chance going to FinCon this year?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      February 23 at 7:03 pm

      I’ve thought about FinCon, but won’t be able to make it this year – I’ll be at 2 other conferences though {SheSpeaks and possibly Allume}. There’s always so many I want to attend!

      Reply
  3. Lynne Redfield says

    March 21 at 5:42 pm

    Hi Kalyn,
    How are you and Joseph? Do you remember me? I stumbled upon your blog through pinterest. I lost my husband unexpectedly in January and my finances have changed so I’m now trying to work out a budget for myself. I am anxious to read all of your blog. I’m glad you are both doing well. I didn’t realize you were living in Florida now. So glad to see you on here!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      March 24 at 12:32 pm

      Hi there! Of course I remember you. 🙂 Joseph and I are both doing really well. I did hear about your husband, and I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine what you are going through, especially now that you have to rethink through your finances. I’m so glad you found me and keep in touch. <3

      Reply
  4. Kelsey Blikstad says

    April 1 at 8:35 am

    Hi Kalyn!

    I am enjoying reading your blog. We have a lot of the same ideas. I love frugal living!
    My husband and I also reside in SW FL. We live in Cape Coral.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      April 3 at 1:13 pm

      How fun! My husband and I just put in an offer on a house in the Cape. So pretty there!

      A friend and I are working on a FL blogger meetup in Punta Gorda and would love to invite you if you’re interested. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kelsey Blikstad says

        April 4 at 2:05 pm

        Congrats on the offer! I currently work in the real estate business – housing (and building) is back in the booming stage. Cape Coral is a great place to live 🙂 I was born here, and things have certainly changed!

        I saw the e-mail about the blogger event – wish I could make it! Thanks for the invite.

        Reply
  5. Sylvia says

    July 27 at 6:22 pm

    Hi Kalyn!!
    I’m so curious what do you think about baby shower party ideas! what would you do??

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 29 at 5:03 pm

      I’ve never thrown one before, so I would probably go hunting on Pinterest! I have some really cute ideas pinned on my Party Board: https://www.pinterest.com/creativesavings/lets-have-a-party/

      Reply
  6. Eve Eriss says

    January 13 at 4:34 pm

    Have you ever heard of Stroom box? It looks like a wonderful alternative to cable but I don’t see much about it on the internet.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      January 14 at 12:22 pm

      I’ve heard about it but have not tried it. Check out my post: https://kalynbrooke.com/money-saving-tips/alternatives-to-cable/ and be sure to read the comments as there are other readers who have some information about Stroom.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

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👩‍💻 | I help value-driven women lead manageable + meaningful lives.
💬 | INFJ / Enneagram 1
🚙 | RV Life @openroading
👇 | Resources + Links

Kalyn Brooke | Virtual BFF


Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
⁣
But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
⁣
It’s so much more than that.⁣
⁣
This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
⁣
Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

I love lazy Saturday mornings…as long as I have
I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
⁣
“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
⁣
Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
⁣
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
⁣
Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
⁣
➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
➕ Watch one show per day (or two if they are short!) and leave movies for the weekend. 📺⁣
⁣
What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣
⁣
You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
⁣
See, we’re all different! ⁣
⁣
Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
⁣
Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
⁣
What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
⁣
But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
⁣
As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
⁣
Why? ⁣
⁣
No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
⁣
And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
⁣
There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
⁣
This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
⁣
Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
⁣
What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
T

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣
⁣
1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣
2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣
3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣
⁣
That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣
⁣
What planners/journals are you using for 2021?


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