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

Nontoxic Color: Ecos Paints

Paint seems to be something that is overlooked when considering toxicity in the home. I was completely dedicated to eliminate all chemical compounds in anything that I could control during our renovation this last year. Traditional paints, primers, stains, paint thinner, and varnishes are full of harmful chemicals, additives, and toxins.Here are some names to keep your eye on: formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, APEOs, bisphenol, glycols, and solvents. And there are many more!The chemicals in paint fumes can cause both short- and long-term health effects. During the painting process, many experience symptoms such as watery eyes, headaches, nausea, dizziness and breathing problems. Vision problems, lung irritation, and throat irritation are in the line up too. Isn't that wild? If you are exposed to VOCs every day (which is present in paint) can also cause cancer as well as damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.All of that to say, I did not want that easily avoidable risk in our home. My sweet friends from Branch Basics told me about Ecos Paints and I couldn't believe my eyes! For 35 years, they have helped people create healthier living environments with their premium quality, eco-friendly paints, stains and varnishes. They are completely non-toxic, contain no odor, zero VOCs, free of harsh chemicals + they are fully transparent about ingredients and have exceptional coverage. Not to mention, they are so helpful and lovely to work with!Their water-based products were uniquely formulated without the harsh chemicals found in conventional paints. Using a unique technology combining sustainable ingredients and a proprietary mixing process, their products deliver best-in-class appearance and enhanced durability - with no harsh fumes or odors. Yay!

Colors in Our Home

Child of Heaven is on our walls and the color of our kitchen cabinets is Desert Mirage. We could not be happier with the outcome and will be loyal customers for life!Excited to share with you another feature in our series Making A Home, where I've been able to share with you an update each week of the process of us renovating our home and all that we've included in it. For more on our home, check right here on the blog or follow along on my Instagram. xo

AllModern for a Cozy Backyard

So excited to share another week with you on Making A Home. We've been in a series on the blog about Jase and I's process of renovating our home, and it's been so much fun to be able to share each week with you a different area of our house as well as brands and products we've come to love along the way!One of the things that attracted us most to our home was the backyard. Jase and I both love spending time in nature. There is something about stepping outside that immediately brings a sense of peace, calm, and simplicity. When friends are over or family is in town, we cherish the time in the backyard because it seems to dissipate distractions and leads to the sweetest memories and meaningful conversations.One of the most special things about moving into our house has been making it fitting to the lifestyle we value and prioritize; vitamin D, conversations, space for vulnerability, slowing down, enjoying nature, fun summer evenings outside, and days by the pool!Has anyone else noticed that quality outdoor furniture can be incredibly expensive? It was quite a mind-blowing realization for us recently, but I am all about researching to find a solution. I came upon AllModern and was completely beside myself with excitement. They have the most beautiful outdoor furniture that lends to creating such cozy spaces outside. We are over the moon about the comfy chairs behind the fireplace and sit in the sofa and chairs almost every evening taking in the quiet and enjoy the restful space. We are so looking forward to enjoying meals outside with our friends and family on the long dining table. It fits perfectly in this area and brings the whole area together.

What Is In Our Backyard

Outdoor Dining Set ▪️ Patio Chairs ▪️Lounge Chairs ▪️ Outdoor Sofa ▪️Coffee Table ▪️Side Table (no longer online) ▪️Black Planters ▪️Small Planters ▪️[show_shopthepost_widget id="4134117"]In partnership with AllModern.