Updated January 2023 I’m a big fan of the idea of capsule wardrobes in theory… The idea that you can have a closet full of pieces that look great and coordinate with everything else deeply appeals to my nature. The idea of investing in quality pieces that stand the test of time and don’t...
Designing our Suburban Food Forest: Part 2
After our initial consult with our landscape designer, Marjolein Schuit, she created a classic permaculture zone and sector map of our property. This isn’t a design, but rather a map to sort of show what’s happening with our property and what will be in each area as she designs. It includes wind patterns (the...
Designing Our Suburban Food Forest: Part 1
When we bought our home more than a decade ago now, one of the big selling factors for us was the huge back yard. We loved the idea of having a dog and a kid who would want to use all that space to run around and play, and we loved the idea of...
Tiek’s vs. Rothy’s: One Year of Wear
If you like to hang out on Pinterest at all, you’ve likely seen advertisements for both Tieks ballet flats and Rothy’s cool flats made from recycled water bottles. But you might have found yourself asking: Is one better than the other? Which one should I get? These aren’t super-cheap shoes, so it’s worth it...
Ten Percent More
Many years ago, I accomplished something good at school (I can’t remember what) and my mother was congratulating me. And — snarky teenager that I was — I replied, “Yeah! Imagine what I could do if I actually worked to my full potential!” I think of that sometimes, because it’s a question I still...
Alice In Wonderland Birthday Tea
We had such a great time at Devyn’s 7th birthday party. My mom flew out a few days before and we had a great time creating the decorations and food. She wrote those signs that we tacked to the tree in the front yard. It was a really simple agenda for the party. When...
My Bullet Journal Recommendations
I’ve been Bullet Journaling for about two years now. If you’re not familiar with the practice, it’s a way of keeping a paper planner / journal that is totally customizable because you start with a blank notebook. You can watch the video from the creator of the system here to get a better feel...
My Intentions for 2018
Every year for several years now, I’ve returned to Danielle LaPorte’s The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul to identify what she calls your “core desired feelings” for the year. Basically, the idea is that rather than starting with a goal like, “lose weight” or “save money,” instead you start with how...
68 Minimalist Consumable Holiday Gift Ideas
Who needs more junk? This year, we are aiming to give more “consumable” gifts — meaning, something that can be experienced or used up. We’re trying to do this for friends and family members young and old. I’ve brainstormed 68 consumable gift ideas to get your creativity started this holiday season. We regularly make...
Graduating
My baby “graduated” from kindergarten this week. She “graduated” from pre-K last year, too, though there was a bit less pomp and circumstance. Is it silly? A little. Is it fun? Sure. Does it tug at a mama’s heart strings? Absolutely. It feels like we are in a season of change right now....