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. 

Thinking Bigger: New Rhythms and Routines

What an interesting time it has been! I know we have touched so much on this on the blog, but it’s so true. This time has been unlike any other. I recently launched a new series on the blog called Thinking Bigger, and this week I wanted to touch on the idea of new routines and rhythms. I think one of the reasons we keep talking about this time is because it has caused us to pause – We’ve paused from our everyday life, from our routines, our appointments, our errands, our offices, classes, and schedules. And that pause has caused us to think. And we’ve been thinking a lot! Although some of that thinking can cause fear, much of it has been an assessment of what we used to do every day in comparison to what we’re doing now. Things I used to view as such a chore have now become cherished routines. Activities I used to never have time for are now new staples in my schedule – like planning evening meals and eating dinner with Jase, planting a garden, reading a book, or taking joy and excitement in grocery shopping at the local farm. With all this new that has come about in this season, and in light of many of us on the brink of communities opening up again, I’ve caught myself almost sad that “a return to normalcy” would mean potentially losing those routines and rhythms I’ve come to love so much in this time. What will life look like when we are able to be busy again? When those appointments, and errands, and classes, and work will fill our schedules once more?I think rather than being sad, it’s okay to ask this question, and I think it can be a positive in return. We’ve been talking about this time so much on the blog because I think we’re excited about the opportunity that all this pause has given us to become better. Better at being more present at home, better at implementing routines that are healthy and creating healthy environments, better at being intentional about our activities, thoughts, and how we fill our time. I don't know about you, but I don’t want to leave my new cherished routines behind when all this is over. I want to use whatever I have left of this pause to continue to practice them, and instill them in the rhythms of my every day so that, when I have the opportunity to fill my schedule a bit more, I will still make time for those things I came to appreciate so greatly when my schedule was less full. What new routines and rhythms have you begun or been practicing in this season that have made you better? What rhythms can you start now that you can carry with you when this time is over? My hope for you all is that you have found practices and activities that you have come to cherish during this time, those that have made you feel whole and healthy. And for those of you who haven’t yet, I hope that you take whatever time we have left in this pause to find what fills you up in that way – So that all of us can leave this time feeling and being better than when we went in. x