• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Homemaking

February 2 // 8 Comments // 4 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe · Print Recipe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Have you ever looked at your home and wondered where to start or how to manage it, without turning into a 1950's housewife? The Modern Girl's Guide to Homemaking shows you how to run a successful home in the 21st century, and fits with your lifestyle and schedule!

During my first year of marriage, I loved learning how to manage a home. I stumbled upon blog after blog that taught me how to cook, DIY, save money, and better my marriage, not to mention I downloaded a whole bunch of pretty printables to fill a 3-ring binder and then some!

According to these blogs, being a homemaker meant candles and cozy throws, and turning my home into a welcoming haven. It meant shopping for groceries and cooking dinner every night, and then getting said dinner on the table right when the husband came home from work. It also meant cleaning would be an everyday occurrence, and organizing a necessity.

It seemed I had a lot to live up to, but it made sense. I mean, my grandma is the ultimate example of a perfect homemaker, and she did ALL the things these newbie wives were telling me to do. Why shouldn’t I trust them?

But I was young, and still in college. Joseph and I both had jobs outside the home too. I struggled with managing everything and finding enough time to devote to my studies, not to mention the extra paycheck we needed to stay afloat. It turns out I was not a very successful homemaker….at least not according to the idealistic mold I was trying to fit into!

So I stopped trying.

No, I didn’t “let everything go”, or relish the clutter and messes we made {or stop picking them up!}, but I did give myself permission to not be the stereotypical 1950’s homemaker. Not because I didn’t think it was wrong, but because it just didn’t work for my family’s lifestyle and schedule.

It was time to embrace the fact that homemaking is, and will be, different for everyone, rather than waste energy to fight it. Because the longer I keep a home, the more I realize there’s no wrong way to do it.

Have you ever looked at your home and wondered where to start or how to manage it, without turning into a 1950's housewife? The Modern Girl's Guide to Homemaking shows you how to run a successful home in the 21st century, and fits with your lifestyle and schedule!

Just think about these changes in the last 50 years:

  • More and more dads are staying at home to care for their children, while moms work in the corporate world.
  • Chores are divided between partners and children, and all are responsible for doing laundry, dishes, and everyday cleaning.
  • Rather than spend all day in the kitchen making supper, we can rely on semi-homemade products and “cheater” recipes to whip up dinners fast.

Is that wrong? I don’t think so.

Before you think I’m advocating for a feminist agenda against traditional homemaking, please hear me out. Homemaking, as antiquated as that term sounds, is still a very essential component to household management, especially if you want to keep your home running as smoothly as possible.

It just doesn’t have to look the same as it did 50 years ago. 

A Modern Twist on Traditional Homemaking

It’s time to usher in a new era of homemaking….one that is family-centered, takes on many different forms, and doesn’t always have a set routine or schedule. But when tackling something like that, it’s hard to know exactly where to start. One search through Pinterest and you have hundreds, if not thousands of results!

I finally sat down and compiled everything I wish I had known when I first become a new wife and home manager into an easy-to-use workbook that tackles the most important areas of every household. Through various prompts and questions, you will be taken on a journey through what homemaking looks for your family, no matter your size or schedule.

It’s called The Modern Girls Guide to Homemaking: A Workbook for Women Living in the 21st Century, and will help YOU succeed in today’s modern age!

The Modern Girl's Guide to Homemaking {Available Now}

Think of it as a “mentor” of sorts to help you muddle through what’s absolutely essential, and what you can feel free to “fake” or leave behind. Because no one should feel like they have to do it all, at least not according to a 1950’s stereotype!

I first offered this workbook as a FREE bonus to everyone who bought the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle in April, but then decided I want all of you to have a chance to use this amazing resource.

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Homemaking is now available for individual purchase for the super low price of $4.99. All you have to do is head over to this page to claim your copy, and you can start creating your own personal home management system right away.

Don’t let the stress and overwhelm of running a household, run your life. You have the power to make a difference in exactly how you want your home to function, and this workbook is just the beginning!

How has home management changed your life?

– – – – –

Help spread the word by pinning one of the graphics below:

Have you ever wondered how to manage your home without turning into a 1950`s housewife? The Modern Girl's Guide to Homemaking is a 19-page workbook that shows you how to run a successful home in the 21st century, and fits with your busy lifestyle and schedule! Have you ever wondered how to manage your home without turning into a 1950`s housewife? The Modern Girl's Guide to Homemaking is a 19-page workbook that shows you how to run a successful home in the 21st century, and fits with your busy lifestyle and schedule!

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.


  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous Post9 Cute Workout Essentials Under $25
Next Post »DIY Colander Planter


Comments

  1. Cinderella says

    August 8 at 8:21 pm

    If both of you are working, than both need to be housekeeping!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 13 at 12:02 pm

      Pretty true. I do think there are some families where someone who works still does the primary housekeeping because, for whatever reason, that works for their family. But as a general rule, I’m a big fan of the team approach to running a home – finding each persons strengths and building on them. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lauma says

    October 1 at 4:01 am

    Great, thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  3. Jennie says

    January 12 at 8:21 pm

    Sharing what? There’s no tips!?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      February 5 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Jennie,

      I think this is what you were looking for: The Modern Girls Guide to Homemaking

      Reply
  4. Anna | Yes, Little Hummingbird? says

    August 1 at 2:02 am

    I’m one of those women that really enjoys being that “traditional 50’s housewife” despite being disabled. But even my house looks lived in. It just never made sense to me to have a “pinterest worthy home”. They always make me feel like showcase rooms in a furniture warehouse, and gave me the heebie jeebies.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 26 at 1:39 pm

      Nothing wrong with that, Anna! Everyone has their own unique style preferences. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Nallely, Love.Happiness.Familia says

    June 5 at 4:05 pm

    Home management is all about teamwork! I seriously believe everyone in a household needs to have a part so the family can manage the household smoothly. I really enjoy reading this post. It is so true, homemaker is different for everyone, so we need to stop comparing ourselves to everyone else.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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 >>

New? Start Here!

  • Take a Tour
  • Become a BFF
  • Favorite Recipes
  • The Printable Library
  • Just for Bloggers
  • Visit the Shop

kalynbrookeco

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

Kalyn Brooke | Virtual BFF


I’ve seen a lot of new faces follow me this mont
I’ve seen a lot of new faces follow me this month—welcome! 👋

My name is Kalyn (swipe right to see my husband, Joseph, and I shivering at the beach). We travel full time in an RV, but are Floridians at heart. 60 degrees is NOT warm enough for a beach day! 🏝️

I started blogging in 2012 to share my love for saving money. Today, I help thousands of women live a more minimalist lifestyle, establish planning systems and routines, and pursue positive personal growth. 💪

It is a huge privilege to connect with you here. 🥰

Other random facts: I love to read (lately I’m a fan of psychological thrillers), crocheting relieves my anxiety, and I’m five months into eating a plant-based lifestyle. 🌱

I used to hate meal planning and being in the kitchen but going vegan helped me fall in love with cooking nutritious meals. 🍽️

New or not, thank you for adding me to your feed. I’m so grateful we connected on social media. 

Now it’s your turn! Share a random fact about yourself in the comments. I want to get to know you better! 💞

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! ✨


Load More…


Follow on Instagram


ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?

Privacy Policy
You’ll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Copyright © 2021 · Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?
Privacy Policy
You'll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy