Implementing the Art of Needing Less

This year has brought about so many realizations and enabled the quest to be flexible, to leave my hands in an open posture and realize how out of control we are! I think we have all had to pull our big kid pants up a time or two. No? But when things don't go the way we planned, there is always a reason, redemption, and the best lessons learned!As I reflect on our house renovation time, we prepped to be out of our home for one month which turned into two, which turned into eight. Wowsa! To prepare for the initial predicted time frame, I packed what I suspected I would need for a month. I had a major light bulb moment during this time because one month's worth of basics STILL felt like too much during those eight months. I had never been in a situation like this where I was away from home for an extended period of time, and I could not have been more thankful for what it revealed. I remember moving into our house, and I was overwhelmed at the amount of things we had. I went through droves of boxes and gave away loads of clothes and shoes and bags and all the things. It felt like an entire weight was lifted off of my shoulders, and I loved knowing that these things were all going to someone who could use them! Fast forward to the beginning of summer. Jase and I spend a few months in Idaho during this time, and I again packed just the basics, from work out clothes to sweatshirts to swimsuits, and the other everyday necessities. The minimal amount of packing was still way too much, and I again was reminded of how little we need + how refreshing it is to lessen our material load. We arrived back home to LA, and Jase and I both went through our closets once again! These trips away from home have been so inspiring to us - we are on our fourth giveaway round since we moved in, and it is becoming a routine!From this point forward, we are going to purchase with greater intention and necessity, we are going to clean out our closets at minimum once a month and just keep things moving! How do you hope to minimize your life? Have you realized this same thing during this past year and quarantine season?I hope you've enjoyed following along on our home renovation process and all the thoughts and updates that have come along with it! It's been such a special season for us. For more updates, follow along right here on the blog in our Making A Home series or on my Instagram. I would love to hear from you. x

5 Items You MUST Have in Your Makeup Bag!

I am constantly trying to sort through the old and add in new products to my makeup routine. Personally, I like to try and keep things simple when possible. I recently asked makeup artist Erika Palmacci for some inside tips on what items are necessities. She gave me the scoop on 5 things that are must haves for every girls' makeup bag.1) NARS Orgasm Blush. The universally flattering shade has a subtle highlight with gold shimmer accents. A makeup artist and beauty editor favorite!2) Benefit Eye Bright.  A pink perk-me-up stick to brighten your eyes. Keep it handy for those afternoon touch ups.3) Laura Mercier Undercover Pot. This travel-friendly pot contains award-winning Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer. The product is oil free and stays place all day long covering blemishes and imperfections. Set your makeup with the lightweight, silky Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Need I say more?4) Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Feels amazing, no need to constantly reapply and isn't sticky. Love this product! The treatment nourishes, protects and plumps the lips all day long.5) Anastasia Brow Fix. Keeping your brows in line is so important. Brows frame your face, so if they are just a hair off your whole appearance can change. Brow Fix is a colorless brow gel that comes in a pencil making it easy to store and use without that goopy feeling.