Dear Readers,
I’m at my parent’s house in Arizona. And I always get a little wordy with my posts when I’m out here in the country. All this fresh air clears my head, I think. :)
I’ve been keeping up this site for a long time – going on six whole years! (how did that happen?!) I’ve been a blog reader for even longer, and by now, I’ve learned a bit as both a producer and a consumer of creative sites. It feels like there’s a change in the wind lately, doesn’t it?
All of us content-producers that work for ourselves, we’re all trying to figure out our place in this fast-paced, idea-sharing world – with its Pinterests and Tumblrs and Instagrams (and now Vines!). I know it’s weird to be on the content-consumer end of things right now as well. Blogging is such a new, and kind of weird media. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, we are not (which I think is part of the charm and allure of blogging). As we all know, most of the time, blogs are run by one person, out of their home, who happens to have a passion, who wants to share it, and who hopes to eventually make a fair wage for their labors. We’re still trying to figure out the money bit. What’s appropriate when we genuinely feel that our readers are our friends, and when we’re often talking about deeply personal things? You readers are front and center as we muddle through all of this and more: sponsorship opportunities, attending and feeling the need to report on conferences about blogging, then also dealing with difficult “real life” situations as well as just the small-scale highs and lows of everyday life. And then of course (!), producing content all the while.
I’ve tried to be better about this in recent years, but back in the day I felt like I had to have a project *done* before I shared it here. It wasn’t like that in the very beginning though. When I first started blogging, I was openly sharing everything I had on my mind – big and small. When no one’s reading your site (and with no mean-spirited comments occasionally coming in) there’s nothing to be self-conscious of. When I started getting more traffic (and some of those less-fun comments), I noticed myself holding back a little more. Also, some of the real joy of sharing was starting to leave, which is a bummer for me to think about.
Well, I’ve decided to let go a little, to get back to basics. And I’m determined to reclaim some of that lost joy, especially now that my interiors business is doing well and other media opportunities are opening up to me. I know now that I’m not blogging as a means to an end. It’s the blogging itself that I think I love the most. So, how to make that more sustainable and more fun?
As a blog reader, I know that I love getting to know the writer behind the blog as much as I love their great content. I love the small projects just as much as (sometimes even more than) the grandiose room reveals. I like feeling like I’m along for the ride as the blogger lets me get inside his/her head. This is where bloggers can differentiate themselves from the other social media outlets. We can dig deeper into the story. We can share more.
And what’s the point if we’re not? Might as well stick with Instagram.
I know this is a rather wordy, out-of-left-field post, and I don’t mean to pull back the curtain in an unsavory way. And I don’t write it to make any sort of announcements about the future of this site. But, as my site redesign and url change (!!!) are finally reaching completion (and after several lengthy, late-night conversations with other bloggers at Alt), I’ve come to the realization that if I want to keep going with LGN, I need to be willing to share more. All with less worry for what other people think of my projects and my style, because that is the whole point. I named this site Little Green Notebook after an idea journal I used to keep in my bag (before the days of iPhones) that would record all my notes to self. Project ideas with sketches, shopping lists, clothes and shoes to save up for, stores to look up online, dreams and goals. So, all that to say, I hope you keep joining me here during the week as I get back to sharing more of these things again. I love, love, love having you. I imagine you all as my girlfriends that I feel comfortable enough to have over even when my house is a bit messy. Thanks for being so chill, thoughtful, respectful and cool to me as I put my ideas and my personal life out there. :)
I did this little project last week. As I snapped the photos I thought, no one is going to care about a piece of ribbon on a lampshade in an unfinished room. But those sound like the worries of Old Jenny, don’t they? And New Jenny digs simple, achievable projects and shares. So, onward with the post!
Before I went to Alt, I was changing the girls’ sheets, dreaming/lamenting about how much I want to do to their room this year (like new bedding – stat!). In the spirit of making small, but impactful changes, I decided there needed to be more red in the room. I ran down to the lamp graveyard (as Michael calls it) in the basement and grabbed this tomato red ginger jar lamp (seen here previously). I wish I had a black paper shade on hand, but this cheapy white one from Target worked too. (It is so hard to pass up those dang uno shades at Target. They are SO inexpensive and accessible! I just wish they would make more shades that work with harps. Same with IKEA’s shades).
Table lamps in kids rooms can look a little stuffy, you know? So one of my favorite tricks is to glue colorful trim to the top and bottom lips of the shade. Instant whimsy! (…I hate myself a little bit for saying that word). Like with almost every textile project I do, I used MagnaTac here (but Fabritac works equally well). Also, I used to recommend grosgrain for trimming out shades, but I think something with more stretch and give works best with shades that have any kind of sloped sides. This orange and violet vintage woven trim I picked up from SAS in Phoenix worked perfectly. Just roll under and glue the last inch where the ends meet to prevent fraying.
Five minutes of gluing later, I had some tangy, bright persimmon red in the room, and I felt better about the space. And (to bring it all back home) isn’t that what it’s all about? Small and simple steps. :)
Love your blog, and I have a lot more time for simple, quick projects so I know I will love your new direction. Something to do, something to aspire to, and a bit about you. I know I'll love it!
Hi Jenny, it was really refreshing to read this post. I remember the first time I found your blog (back in 2008/2009). I stayed up all night reading it. I love that you have posted small and big projects regardless whether they've been done or not done before. You're a real inspiration and your personality is authentic. Do whatever makes you happy – it'll shine through your blogging. I will always be a reader (even if I can't comment all the time).
Hi Jenny! I've really just started following you recently and I love your blog. I love your tastes and the little projects are always awesome. I've literally been thinking EVERY DAY how I can get more red in my house so I love this post.
I love this post. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with us!
Hi Jenny! I've never commented before, but I too was so afraid that this was a goodbye post! Know that I always admire your design and only wish to have you come and design my home! But, I will continue loving your blog and I'm very happy with the new direction back to basics. I can definitely relate to your life's twists and turns, as my husband and I left BYU to come to Yale for his med school and here we are 8 years later still in New Haven, finishing up his residency. Anyway, I'll look forward to your posts!
Jenny, I loved this post. I just started blogging for a consistent, creative outlet amidst our oft-changing life as a military family, and I really appreciate the reminders you gave–as I read what you wrote about being a consumer, I totally agreed with everything! I also just have to say that I feel you on the Target shades! I'm always drawn to them b/c they're so cheap and look good, then I tend to think better of it b/c I hate a wonky lamp shade and really wish they had more that worked with harps!! LOVE the ribbon you added–and of course you have lots of readers who care very much to see even the smallest project :) -Anne
Love this post. I love getting to know personal bits about bloggers, as well as seeing small, achievable projects. It makes "big" bloggers seem a bit more like everyone else! Been following you for a long time. You love red like I do, so that makes me feel like I'm doing something right!
I kinda feel like an elephant has just been lifted from my shoulders! I LOVE the idea of getting back to the basics with simple posts. I have been going out of my mind lately trying to figure out where blogging is going and how I can keep up so my head stays above water. I'm totally on board with going back to the simple things, not worrying about those iphone pics that arent perfectly styled, but rather a good idea and a personal post. YEAH JENNY! You just started off my weekend on the right foot- and cheers to 6 more amazing years!! xxoo
I love the idea of the little things that come together to shape the room. I spent approximately 4 months with new lamps sitting in my living room without shades or bulbs because I couldn't find a shade that I liked or that I could bear to pay for. I looked online, lamp stores, home depot, home goods, target and target again. Until I found ones that I liked, then had to go back to home depot to pick up a harp to edit the lamps. I still don't have lamp caps on top, because I can't find ones that I really like. It's all a process. And reading a blog that I like, and finding out that it's that way for others is very comforting.
:) Love your blog (and your style and pretty much everything about LGN). If I didn't…. I wouldn't read it, now would I? ;) I always tell myself that – sometimes it's just honesty, which is fine, but when people go out of their way to be mean….erm, that's a special kind of person, imo.
Anyway, thanks for sticking with us!
Whew (wiping forehead)! I was so worried that this was a goodbye! I start my morning with you, craving your creativity and inspiration. I literally feel let down when there's no new post (I mean that in the most compliementary and non-pressuring way). I am so grateful that you put yourself out there. I tell so many people about you, your blog, business and ideas and so often I ask myself how you do it! You are an amazing woman! I am truly grateful for all that you share and wish you so much love, peace, balance and continued success on your journey. Good for you, Jenny! And THANK YOU,
Jenny, your blog is on the top of my list. It is TOTALLY for the little things that I come back every day, first thing in the morning with coffee in hand. That's what sets you apart from the others. Keep having faith in what "you" like and do. We all love you for that!
I love the idea of the little things that come together to shape the room. I spent approximately 4 months with new lamps sitting in my living room without shades or bulbs because I couldn't find a shade that I liked or that I could bear to pay for. I looked online, lamp stores, home depot, home goods, target and target again. Until I found ones that I liked, then had to go back to home depot to pick up a harp to edit the lamps. I still don't have lamp caps on top, because I can't find ones that I really like. It's all a process. And reading a blog that I like, and finding out that it's that way for others is very comforting.
I've always loved this blog! I found it a few years ago while I was in law school–your posts and projects always brightened up my days, which were full of case law and legal theory. I always loved when I spied casebooks on your bookshelves or the tiny pieces you shared about law school/clerkships/etc.
My favorite blogs include a great mix of the small attainable projects and bits of the blogger's personal life—it makes the blog so much richer in my opinion.
I love your blog, and I do think that it's the personal side of blogs that keeps people reading. I'm very drawn to late 20-something, early 30-something bloggers, and I think it's because I'm in my mid 20s and part of me feels like I'm reading the blogs of the big sisters I never had. I love watching women not very much older than me building careers while taking care of a family, and maintaining a strong sense of personal style. It's so inspiring!
Thank you for this blog! I live in a small southern town, but LOVE NYC, so I particularly enjoy reading about your transition to your new home in Brooklyn. I suppose I'm sort of living vicariously through you! As budget-conscious, weekend-warrior owners of a hundred year old home, our family is still in that transition, nearly ten years later. Thanks for all of the inspiration and fresh ideas!
I found your blog over a year ago and read it daily. Your projects are inspiring no matter how big or small and they encourage me to start more projects in my life. And the projects I've started bring me a new joy and passion.
Thank you for being so open about your life and your projects. I always look forward to seeing what you do next.
I adore your blog. It's what makes me want to read blogs at all. I hope you find a new balance that works for you. Warmly, Megan
We love your blog Jenny!
And I love this post! Gluing a ribbon to a lamp shade is about where I am with my crafty skills so a little inspiration and motivation like this is just what I need!
Keep on keeping on.
I've loved watching you transform your new home and please, do share the small projects. It's what gives confidence to go onto the larger ones! Your style is great and eclectic and makes me feel like I don't have to try to fit into cookie cutterdom when I see your home. Just….be…..Jenny.
Jenny!
My sentiments exactly.
I have been (mostly silently) reading your blog for probably 4 of the last 6 years. I enjoy it every. single. day. I love your use of color and your fearlessness with it! You are one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to my own home. I thank you for both your large projects and small projects that you share with us. I love them all, and as an avid DIYer, your creative tips and tricks, large and small, are appreciated by me.
Thank you again and I look forward to the future.
JILL
good for you! i needed to read this at this time. i have a little personal blog that i print every year in a hardbound book for my kids…and then slowly it picked up readers (never my intention) and there was suddenly feedback and opinions and inferred judgment…and i noticed that is started filtering what i said and i lost that gritty humor, those little moments i was willing to talk about four years ago – but no more. so, blah, blah, blah…i needed this because at the end of the day – it's my story, my words, my life and i have no one to answer to but myself and my children. thanks.
I totally care about little projects like the lampshade. They are so doable when you just don't have it in you to tackle something big.
I'm way down the comment line, so I hope you get this…
This post has great timing. It IS a different world out there. I've lost a bit of interest in blogs because I compare the seemingly fabulous life they present with my oh-so-normal one, and unfortunately, end up feeling inadequate.
Your decision to re-focus on the everyday, the 'real' part of life is admirable, and will undoubtedly still provide tons of inspiration to all of us who love you and your blog. For me, wondering just HOW you do all the good stuff you do while being a mom of three is amazing!
What you must realize is, even if you think it's a ho-hum project, there's likely so much more goodness from which your readers can draw. Perfect example: that photo above of the lamp doesn't just show the little lamp project, but also the lovely chest you painted for your girls, the oh-so-good grrrr cheetah pillow, and beautiful color combos = TONS of inspiration!
Keep on keepin' on however you feel best, we'll be here!
xoxo,
alison g.
Love reading your blog, Jenny! It's my favorite, by far, the first thing I check in the mornings!
Because of your blog I have done some really great diy projects in my apartment. : )
Jenny, I am a fairly new reader, but ever since I discovered your little corner of the interweb, I have been loyal. Your projects are so refreshing — big, small, finished, or unfinished. I look forward to your posts every single day, and I also back read (all 6 years!) for inspiration. Keep it up, I'm absolutely not going anywhere, and I have feeling, neither is anyone else. XOXO, Hadley
Hi Jenny! This was such a wonderful post, and I'm so glad to see that you're choosing to go back to where you began- by sharing more about yourself and your little + big projects.
I am a HUGE blog reader, though I don't write one, but the thing I love most about the blogs I do choose to read are the personalities- that's what this is all about for me.
Yes, I love seeing the lamp you redid, and I love seeing little glimpses of the changes you've made to areas of your home, but I really love hearing your perspective on things- design, life, everyday bits.
Anyway, this was wonderful. I hope you have a great weekend!!
Love this post and I think you said what alot of us bloggers are feeling they're is this whole something is shifting in the blogging world going on and everything is so fast and instant, to me the best bet is to go back to basics and talk about what inspires you and letting people a little into your life because that's something no one else can copy if that makes sense. One of my favorite things to do is (don't judge) peek a bit inside windows of the houses I walk by and I always wonder how they live, other's people's lives fascinate me, we all have a story to tell! You've been one of my favorite blogs for years now and I'm looking forward to hearing your story for many more years to come!!
I've been reading your blog for years – everyday! I love the small, DIY projects because those are the ones that inspire me, that are actually within my reach, and I don't mind in-progress project posts! It's your blog, say whatever you feel like saying! I'll read every word.
Good Job Jenny! That's right, just "let it go" – need to remind myself of that too! (And after re-seeing your painted dresser it's inspired a paint treatment for one of mine!) Now going to get to work and not over think it! Thanks for the continued inspiration!!
You scared me there for a minute, I thought you were locking up shop. Your blog is one of my favorites and has been for years. I love every project you share, big or small. We often need to see the small and simple things we can fit in our busy schedules. I love when you share a more personal side. The post you wrote after Evie was born was one of the most beautiful things I have read. I wanted to hear more after your tetanus experience. I am so happy you will continue to share with us!
I love this blog. This was a great post. Especially for someone like me who is new to the blogosphere. I have only a handful of readers…sometimes I feel like I'm "talking" to myself…and that's all ok. I'm blogging to get all the stuff out of my head. It's like therapy, I guess. I like that you are going back to your old ways. Do this blog for you…that's what made it successful right?! Ps: totally inspired by the faux butterfly post yesterday.
Awesome lamp! If it's the little things that count, then you just made my day. To the trim store I go!
Jenny – I have been reading for nearly all of your six years; your little space is one of my favorites on the web. I am not looking for an elaborate room reveal every day, or even every month! After all, I'm not redoing a room that often ;) Small projects, ideas, hopes, dreams, we can all identify with those. Best wishes to you and your family, and I look forward to continuing to follow along!
Please take risks! Be nervous to click 'publish'! Get over-excited and wild and enjoy the ride! I don't think you could lose what you have taken the time to build…only strengthen it!
I have been reading blogs for 4 years. Lately, most blogs cause me to roll my eyes…maybe they are all trying to be 'something', to be important, to justify whatever income they are earning, or to try to attract freebies…just blog dudes, just blog…
I love this blog so much. I know I rarely comment, but I'm here every single day and really appreciate your design aesthetic and your voice. The blogs I love most are those which do have that unique personal element, and yours is definitely one of those (that Evie birth story post a few years ago! whoa!).
To your point today about taking small steps and being OK with the limbo of ongoing projects, this is a lesson I'm slowly trying to learn and adapt to in my own life. Right now I'm re-doing my master bedroom and I get frustrated every day when the vision in my head doesn't align with what's in front of me… but the reality of it is that it's impossible to make these things come together all at once, and it's important to savor the journey instead of fixating on the destination. So thank you for the validation, the insight, and all the lovely design goodies! Looking forward to reading your blog for many years to come.
I've been lurking for quite some time. Now I am de-lurking, because I need to tell you that I love everything about this post. I like blogs where people share the progress and the little things and the personal stuff.
Jenny, thank you for being one of the few bloggers, who I trust in my heart of hearts, is actually legit. Thanks for the 4 years I've been reading. I enjoy it so much, even the little things that aren't always so very little.
Yea! Keep it up.
I save your blog for last because it's my favorite. Like dessert! :)
Quick question about the lampshade trimming: my cheapie Target shades have bit of white binding/trim on them already. Should I try to rip that off first, you think?
Anne
I've read your blog almost every day for 5 years and I love it! So much inspiration in your DIY and your life. I have emailed you several times and you always respond, thank you for that! You have an even brighter future ahead, can't wait to see it all come together
That's why I go to your blog first every day-because you are not just posting pics of grandiose rooms of the rich and famous. Your smaller and more doable DIY projects keep me coming back. Thanks for all the inspiration and effort!
Oh Jenny I'm so glad to hear you say that…. when a blog I read that used to be personal has started to be all about business, in my head I think "Well they went corporate." And as much as I love beautiful blogs that show beautiful things I love knowing the person behind the blog. I don't need the nitty-gritty, necessarily but the real-ness, the person and not the 'brand.' For the record I didn't really put you in that category, but I'm pleased to hear you've decided to once again be on the more personal side and be fearless. "A life lived in fear is a life half lived!" Strictly Ballroom
Your blog is my absolute favorite! I check it everyday to get inspiration and have loved all the creativity that I have been able to bring into my own home because of you. Ignore the haters and keep putting it all out there. You have tons of fans in design and life!
You are so cute. We all just love you and appreciate all the creativity you so generously share. First and favorite read, everyday!
That's why I love your blog. You seem so real and transparent out of all of the "big" bloggers I read. You are an inspiration, Jenny!!!!
I think your blog is great! I can't wait for what the future brings for you and other fellow bloggers!
Ditto…to all the comments :)
I appreciate you sharing! I'm a new blogger so I really enjoy what successful bloggers have to say about, well, blogging!
Lamp graveyard? Haha. Wouldn't all of us readers love to rumage through that! I'm on the hunt for all sorts of lamps as my fiance and I are getting ready to re-do his bachelor pad home.
Jenny, you rock! Keep on rocking with your bad DIY self, and don't let the haters knock you down.
xoxo