The Blooming Hydrangea

25/02/2026

I've been staying off social media but snuck on here quick to post this. :)

Since deleting my social media apps in January, I have been super happy with my decision. Brain fog is clearing, the dopamine cravings are reducing and I can think clearly again. So it's been encouraging that I feel like blogging again! Also the sense of relief, freedom and giving zero craps about t...

06/02/2026

https://www.thebloominghydrangea.com/everything-works-better-if-you-turn-it-off-for-a-bit/

I am about two weeks into my social media exit and I feel amazing. I'm not constantly checking my phone. I don't feel like I have to take the perfect photos to post. I'm not worried what so and so will think about this or that. I don't care what anyone thinks about political happenings.

28/01/2026

Head to the blog to read more but I’m logging off friends.

I wonder what would happen if we all turned off our phones? If we talked to faces instead of screens?

I’m about to find out, at least for myself. No more social media after I post this, I’ve already gone offline and it’s been glorious! I feel so free! We used to escape to social media and now, I’m escaping from social media. I know it can be useful and people say they like to keep it for connection, but honestly, I think it’s a lie. It’s disconnecting us from life. I don’t want to look back one day and think, I wasted my precious time watching other people live.

15/01/2026

On the blog today, my word for 2026. Anyone else choose a word for your year? Tell me all about it in the comments. You know I love this practice in my life. ♥️

15/01/2026

https://www.thebloominghydrangea.com/my-word-for-2026/

Anyone else pick a word for 2026?

January is a great month, even though it's winter here in Minnesota. I love New Years Eve, we celebrate four birthdays in our family and I choose my word for the year. I love this time of wintering for reflection, rest and even occasional winter activities. Totally irrelevant but I used to dream of....

11/01/2026

❤️. I’m over the posts telling us how to style and decorate our homes.

Editor in chief Rachel Hardage Barrett promises she'll never hate on your accent wall. Read the decorating advice she's ignoring at the link in the comments.

31/12/2025

Last year we snuck away for one night after all the Christmas chaos and fun. This year we decided to make it two nights away. We love staying at right down the road from us. The food is amazing and the rooms are beautiful!
It was definitely worth it to take this time away. It was wonderful to slow down, read, talk about 2025, dream for 2026, eat lots of great food and rest. I have a hard time slowing down and I may have been feeling a little stir crazy yesterday afternoon. But it’s good for me to not constantly be doing something.
We love this opportunity for our marriage, to take time away to rest, reflect and feel refreshed and ready for another year! ♥️

20/11/2025

After 5 years and a few minor changes, we finally created a mudroom with a bench and built-ins. No longer do we need to shut the door on the clutter and chaos. Big huge shout out to my husband for making this all happen. His first time building cabinets and they turned out amazing!

29/10/2025