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The Sense of Home
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been quite the year. Alongside the craziness, there have been so many important silver linings. I look back to the beginning of quarantine, and I remember thinking over and over again how I didn't want to miss the positive parts and what we were supposed to learn, shift, and observe. I wanted to keep my eyes and heart wide open.As y'all might know after following along with us here on the blog, we purchased our new home in November of 2018. We closed three days after the Woolsey fire, which caused significant smoke damage to our home, burned down the home next door along with two other houses on our street. It was a wild undertaking. We moved out of our previous home in LA in February of 2019 and started renovating our new home. As we were told, renovation takes way longer than expected + adding fire remediation and doing all with a nontoxic approach devised an entirely new level of time, research, and logistics. I think my half glass full mentality from my excitement to start this project didn't want to believe that, but man was it true. It actually took four times longer than we were told. Because of this, we doubled our stay at a hotel, then moved into an apartment with one of our best couple friends – we both needed a 6-month place to stay, so it was a perfect way to save some money in the process. We moved into our home in October 2019 with a lot of moving parts still + we didn't know if any of our previous furniture would work, and it turned out most sizing was not suitable (insert tear emoji here). We began the furnishing process about a month later in December with COVID-related delays on shipping, and I can now say we are almost complete (mid-November is the last delivery-hooray)! What a process, but truly we feel so grateful we had this opportunity, learned so much, and are extra appreciative to be settled.
I am extreme homebody, so this year I really had to develop a new sense of home – and while my circumstances were different, I realized that so many are also experiencing this at the current time. I learned that any place can be a cozy home. This past year, we lived in a hotel room, an apartment, a room above a garage, and our home (which was quite an organization nightmare and an endless list of to-dos), and every place felt just as doable and cozy and perfect for the time. I was forced to go against my comfort, and I am so thankful because it always transforms my perspective and increases my appreciation.In my opinion, one of the most amazing parts about the pandemic restrictions has been the time at home. What a learning journey for traveling, working men/women to be at home with the fam more, for marriages to exist side by side 24/7, for kids to be out of school and sports, for jobs to be lost or relocated to the house. Not to mention, it left space to think and process and reflect on what is important, which can be super uncomfortable but ultra-redeeming.
It has been so interesting to watch how everyone copes so differently. Jase was FaceTiming his buddies non-stop, using the stay-at-home orders to develop funny social media content while grieving the loss of not getting to use his gift and passion of hosting. I, on the other hand, am an innate introvert, so with the tragedy set aside, being homebound was my version of heaven. I was trying new healthy recipes, discovered a biodynamic organic farm that is 15 minutes from our house, saved emotional energy from having to decide on a social plan, and had more quality time to connect with my family and friends virtually. Oh! And puzzles! And my work has always been at home, so my adjustment was a little less severe.Also, I was grateful for the unifying feeling that every single person was in this together. We were both more alert to reach out to others, to take flowers to the neighbors, to thank the mailman. This whole journey has taught me two things that no other circumstance could have taught me: be grateful for ALL services, provisions, people, and love – and, ANY place can be home. Perspective is everything.To see more of our home renovation follow along with our Making A Home series, right here on the blog.
Linens and Towels: Magic Linen
Last week, we got so extra close to finishing our home - we are 80% complete and waiting for a few final things. It was the most rewarding feeling and extra fun to see the vision come to life. As y'all know, creating cozy guest bedrooms is a passion of mine, and Magic Linen has been such a game changer in this process.We decided to give even extra love to the upstairs bedroom because our parents will stay there when they come into town, so the comfort must be at an all-time high. Enter Magic Linen bedding - the coziest in all the land + I love how it sits on the bed and it naturally is not wrinkly, which can always be one of the downsides of linen.
Their towels are also a dream and make the bath experience extra lovely! And I am also majorly heart-eyeing this apron and their tea towels, which are stonewashed for extra softness! This brand is a win on every level, and I couldn't recommend it more!To see more of our home and some of our favorite brands we've included along the way throughout our renovation check right here on the blog in our Making A Home series.
Comfy Clothes From Nordstrom
Happy Friday, all! Today is the first day that the Nordstrom Sale is open to the public, hooray! Since it is the weekend and we are looking forward to some rest and downtime, we thought today would be the perfect day to round up some of the cutest comfy clothes currently available at Nordstrom. We are big fans of relaxing in soft clothes on the weekend and after work Monday-Friday. I don't know about you, but the moment I get in the door from work, the works clothes are off and the comfy clothes are on! xo
Ragdoll LA
I am just going to lay it all out there - I live for sweats, cozy tees, and oversized sweatshirts. My parents literally had to limit my sweat pant purchases growing up because I seemed to fall in love with every pair I saw. Even to this day, when I walk through our front door, I am in comfy clothes faster than anything, with a candle lit and a cup of Sakara tea by my side. With all of this said, my excitement when relaxing ensembles were deemed appropriate for public appearance was on another level.
I love when random decisions turn into the best realizations. My parents were in town last month, and we ran into Kreation on 3rd Street for a juice and popped into a store called Ragdoll. My mom and I were immediately lost in the effortless essentials - the vintage sweatshirts, the most perfect puffy sweaters, and the casual tees. The lovely founder and designer, Lisa Larson, came out for a quick visit, which made me feel even more appreciation for the brand.I have so much respect for family owned businesses, and I love Lisa's story and how she describes her brand : "Just like me, Ragdoll is a mix of European chic and slouchy Los Angeles lifestyle. From LA I like the very casual way you dress, and from Europe I love the aesthetic and colors. I'm a Ragdoll. I like to dressy classy with a touch of sexy, vintage, and rock 'n' roll."
I couldn't help but leave the store with two sweatsuits; the blush pink sweatshirt and track pants might be my favorite, and I couldn't leave without the classic black sweats and coordinating pullover. They are perfect for travel days, running errands around bustling LA, and they are oh so perfect for a cozy night in lounging on the couch with takeout food watching This Is Us.
holiday love.
This year I have come to appreciate the fall and winter seasons more than ever before. The cool cozy wood-burning air is so energizing and extra snugly + it adds such charm to the every day. I crave the time when hot tea, pumpkin bread, and twinkly lights make the house extra yummy and warm. Maybe I cherish this season so much because I love being at home with my family in Dallas or my sweet husband, especially when I am cuddled up in soft warm socks, loose fitting tees, and sweats.
I am so thrilled to be partnering with Aerie this month to show you a few of my hang-around-the-house ensembles. Not to mention, I am so honored to support the #AerieReal movement, which promotes anti-photoshopping. I hope everyone comes to notice their true beauty this holiday season. It seems that the important things come to light during the moments when the stores close, when we are forced to slow down and be. We all have flaws, and when they are fully embraced, that is beauty.
Everyone closest to me knows I live in cozy (no noun needed). When I wake up in the morning, I throw on this cozy faux fur vest or this fleece swingy poncho to warm up after I get out from under the covers. I love to mix and match over these flannel joggers and this #AerieReal tee. Oh! And how good are these slippers!?
After I read, answer a few emails and watch Kathie Lee and Hoda, I throw on this fringe turtleneck and call it a day. Or if I am feeling extra snugly, I will pair this teddy fleece with this pom beanie. Jason and I are headed to Big Sur this weekend, and I can't wait to pack these warm pieces for our relaxed trip!
Thank you to Aerie for sponsoring this post. Photos by Jen Sosa.
the art of "cozy chic"
I couldn't help but notice, scrolling through my Instagram feed recently, that everyone & their mom seem to be somewhere snowy and beautiful right now. Either on a ski trip or cozied up in a cabin somewhere. While I can't be too jealous because my ski trip is coming up in February!, it made me realize the importance of having clothes that are not just comfortable, but that you still feel cute in.So, whether you're going to the mountains over spring break, or have decided you just don't feel the cutest in your size XL sweatpants and older brother's shirt...I've rounded up some of my favorite "comfy chic" pieces from Anthro & Lou & Grey because I think they are the masters at this look!
warm cozy blankets.
Winter nights are all about wrapping up in a snugly throw by the fire and watching a movie while munching on yummy popcorn. Here are some of my all-time favorite cozy blankets to keep comfy and warm. P.S. These are always a great gift!
1. Dotto Sweater Throw 2. Super Soft Fringe Blanket 3. Faux Fur Throw4. Grand Chenille Throw benefiting Give a Little Hope Campaign 5. Pale Rose Throw 6. Quirky Heirloom Throw 7. Threshold Plaid Throw 8. Serena & Lily Navy Pom Pom Throw
