• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

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

Introducing…KalynBrooke.com!

July 8 // 12 Comments // 4 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe · Print Recipe
  • Facebook 42
  • Twitter
  • Email

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

KalynBrooke.com is a premier lifestyle destination dedicated to simplifying the lives of women everywhere. Whether they’re managing their home, money, or schedule, this site features practical solutions and creative inspiration to stay on top of it all, without feeling overwhelmed.

You may have noticed a few changes on the blog this week—a new URL, new logos, new social media branding, and an updated tagline. It’s all part of my big switch to KalynBrooke.com!

And I’m scared out of my ever-loving mind.

Why? Isn’t this a happy change? Well, yes! This shift opens a brand new chapter that I’m sure will be full of exciting experiences and fresh growth. But it’s still hard to let my five-year old business baby, Creative Savings, disappear forever.

Don’t worry, all your favorite content will stay right where it is. I’ll still keep all the old posts—it’s just the name that’s changing—but that doesn’t negate the fact that I’m little emotional!

But before I dive into the WHY behind my decision, let’s take a quick walk down memory lane and catch you up to speed:

From Five Years of Creative Savings…

  • Creative Savings began during my first few years of marriage, when Joseph and I were still figuring out how to manage money as a newlywed couple while saving for the future. We were extremely thrifty, which means we did things like measure laundry detergent and cut the ends of toothpaste tubes so we could squeeze out every bit. I also shared the renovation process of our first 100-year-old home.

  • In early 2013, we moved from New York to Florida, and my goal was to at least generate a part-time income with Creative Savings so I didn’t have to find a job outside the home. The blog continued to grow as I shared some of my favorite recipes, how we stayed organized in a tiny apartment, and my infamous budgeting series.

 

  • During the Fall of 2015, Joseph was sadly let go from his job, but Creative Savings was there to help us pick up the pieces and achieve our lifelong dream of working from home together. The blog was officially a full-time biz!

 

  • In Spring of 2016, I launched my first book, 31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses, which skyrocketed to #1 on the best-seller list in the budgeting category on the first day. However, by the end of that year, I began thinking about the future of Creative Savings, and whether or not I wanted to stick with an exclusive money-saving focus.

To New Life as KalynBrooke.com

While money management still remains a core principle of my site {and my life!}, I began exploring and blogging about topics with a slightly expanded lens, AKA a lifestyle brand. According to my last reader survey, you absolutely love this shift.

I love it, too.

So I updated my site design back in January, but still held onto the familiar Creative Savings name. But the name kept nagging at me, insisting I wasn’t entirely embracing the pivot of my blog and business. I always brushed it off with, “Nah, I still don’t need to change my name. It’ll be fine.”

It was like keeping a shirt that doesn’t flatter, but is perfectly wearable in my closet. Whenever I have a shirt like that, I struggle to make myself get rid of it. The shirt doesn’t have holes or stains. It’s a perfectly good shirt. So there’s no good reason to throw it away. Right?

Except it doesn’t fit.

So today, I’m taking out that shirt—er, blog name—and starting with a fresh brand and a new focus.

You Might Have Noticed My New Theme

While I’ll be writing under the name KalynBrooke.com, the underlying theme in everything I do is to SIMPLIFY everyday life. You’ve probably noticed this theme already in the past few months!

My aim for my blog and business is to help you:

  • Simplify tasks at home so you can get things done easier and faster
  • Simplify your schedule so you don’t feel so overwhelmed all the time
  • Simplify your finances so it’s not a struggle to save and you can spend without guilt
  • Simplify meals so you can get good food on the table fast, using everyday ingredients

We’ve got too much complicated going on in the world. And I hope you find this space a breath of fresh air.

Together, we’ll discover more efficient systems, habits, and routines to make every day just a little bit easier, so you can stay on top of ALL your responsibilities. I’ll never share something that sounds good in theory but doesn’t actually work. Instead, you’ll find here only real, simple solutions the average person can do!

And with the important stuff running on autopilot, you won’t have to worry about dropping the ball. Can I get an AMEN!?

While I have a wonderful tech guy redirecting everything to the new URL so links don’t get broken, there might be a few mishaps in the coming weeks. If you notice anything awry, simply contact me. I’d like to know if you see anything that looks a little funny so I can get the problem taken care of ASAP.

In the meantime, if you want to catch all the updates going forward:

  • I invite you to join my email list if you haven’t already. I send out an email every Saturday filled with inspiration and encouragement for the week ahead. Many readers say it is the highlight of their inbox!
  • I’ll still be active on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram, although the name is now @KalynBrookeCo across all platforms. I hope you follow me there as I’ll have plenty of fun ideas and tips to share.
  • I also explain more about what to expect at KalynBrooke.com on my About page. If you’re completely new to this site, you might want to head over there next!

I can’t wait to see what the next five years holds for KalynBrooke.com. As always, thank you for reading—YOU are why I do what I do, and I love having you on this journey with me!

What topics would you like to see covered on the {new} KalynBrooke.com?

 

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. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

  • Facebook 42
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous PostHomemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Next Post »A Peek Inside My Daily Morning Routine


Comments

  1. Sarah says

    July 8 at 3:05 pm

    Congratulations! “Simplify” is a concept I can embrace. Way to go!

    Reply
  2. Stacey says

    July 8 at 3:53 pm

    I noticed the changes this morning when I finished Ch 1 in your book and accessed the amortization schedule referenced in there. I was redirected without a problem. Congratulations! I love the new look and direction, and can’t wait to see what is in store!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 26 at 11:59 am

      YAY! I’m glad the re-directs worked. That was one of the BIG things I was worried about. I didn’t want all the links in 31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses to suddenly be broken.

      Reply
  3. Meg says

    July 8 at 4:04 pm

    So inspiring to read how courageous your being, It’s working for me already!

    Reply
  4. Jessica White says

    July 8 at 10:59 pm

    Yay Kalyn! I know how exciting (and scary) this is for you! You’ve done a great job, and will continue to do so!

    Reply
  5. Norma says

    July 8 at 11:46 pm

    I think your new site is clean and beautiful and I love the new name. You are dedicated and will do well as you have been. Best wishes to you going forward and cannot wait to see what comes next.

    Reply
  6. Linda Underwood says

    July 9 at 6:00 pm

    Kalyn, Congratulations on your new name and look, love it. Even thought the look/name is new you’re still the person behind the blog and it will continue to be a success..

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 26 at 11:54 am

      Aw, thanks for your kindness, Linda.

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth Johnson says

    July 10 at 3:45 pm

    Congrats on the next step in the life of blogging! Your new site looks beautiful. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 26 at 11:53 am

      Thank you, Elizabeth! It’s been a long, scary process! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Natalie says

    July 12 at 7:37 am

    Ahhhh it looks amazing!! Congratulations on making the switch – I love it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 26 at 11:52 am

      Thanks, Natalie!

      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


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?


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