Noteworthy (+ Blog Schedule Summer Update)
This week is cruising right along… just like our shed project that is going FAST. Our lumber was delivered yesterday and the framing process went so quickly last night. It already looks like a shed! I think many of you were just as surprised to see my IG stories yesterday sharing the latest update. I went outside to check on Emmett and my jaw dropped at the progress. Anyway, today I’ve got a fun Noteworthy post for you and a little summer update involving the blog schedule. Click through to read about it, check out my inspiration this month, links & home tours I’ve loved, new accounts to follow, and more!
First matter of business- the blog schedule. I kind of hate using the word “busy” because I don’t necessarily see that as a positive thing, but I’m running around like a mad woman these days. I’m working on something BIG and very exciting, which is taking up 50% of my time, while the blog and regular work is taking up the other 50%. I’ll be able to share more soon and elaborate (I know that’s annoying), but in the meantime, I’m going to adjust my blog schedule for the summer months. Posting five days a week, Monday through Friday, is a ton of work (it’s just me over here behind my computer), and having an extra work day would be a game changer for me this summer. Therefore, this season- I’ll be posting four times a week, rather than five. I’m not going to lie… this was HARD for me to swallow. I love blogging, connecting here, chatting with you guys each day, and even thinking about subtracting a post each week had me feeling really defeated… this is my small business after all! I had some serious conversations with Emmett, and I finally admitted to myself that juggling house projects, five blog posts per week, my latest project, and carving out time to eat, sleep, keep up with laundry (you know- basic survival) was not physically possible. So here we are. Don’t worry- I’m not going anywhere, I just need an extra work day for the next month or so! I also want to have a little fun and enjoy the summer season.
I will have new blog posts ready for you Monday through Thursday this summer. Deal? Also- if there is anything special you want to learn or read about, please let me know in the comment section. I’ll add them to the blog calendar!
Speaking of needing more time, we did take a nice break over the holiday weekend! Laurie Anne and her family came for a spontaneous visit (they’ve been social distancing too, so I felt comfortable). It was almost a year ago, I flew to Phoenix to makeover her bedroom and bath! I didn’t realize how much I needed in-person friend time until she showed up. Spending time with people you love feels so much for meaningful these days. I miss hugs, chatting face-to-face, eating out at restaurants, traveling, and SO many things I took for granted before the pandemic. I can’t wait to get back to those things, but we’re still being extra cautious over here as Utah’s numbers continue to climb. How are you guys hanging in there? I hope you’re all keeping healthy and happy this summer, despite everything!
Have you seen the producer of Hamilton’s house tour yet? Jeffrey Seller’s vintage dining set is really stunning. The house is actually what I would expect from him… an interesting, eclectic mix of decor that feels cozy, inviting, and creative. If you’ve yet to watch it, Hamilton is on Disney Plus now.
Another recent movie we’ve watched and liked is Plus One on Hulu. It was pretty cute if you’re looking for a rom com.
Here is another house tour I found really inspiring. It’s located in the Hamptons and I would really love to be quarantined there during the summer months. That pool is calling to me. I actually started a Pool Pinterest Board because it has been H-O-T here in Utah lately and I’ve been dreaming of soaking and splashing around. Browsing and saving pretty images is about as close as I’m getting to doing that though. I’m still trying to convince Emmett we need to spend money on a pool. Ha!
My friend Kyla recently had her dining chairs reupholstered and they’re the prettiest green! I absolutely love the way they turned out. Then again… I have a soft spot for cantilever chairs, and these are of the BRASS variety. So cool!
Are quarantine gardens a thing? I’m pretty sure they are. Our little side yard garden is blowing up! In a few weeks, we’re going to be eating so many good veggies. It has been really fun, positive, and encouraging watching our garden grow. Check it out below…
My recent purchases have not been all that exciting this past month. We’ve been in saving mode for future projects and I’ve mostly had to buy practical items… here are my last five (a couple of them are fun though):
- eyelet summer blouse // I haven’t shopped for clothing in months, because let’s be real- I’ve lived in yoga pants this entire quarantine, but Loft had a huge sale, so I took advantage. This blouse is on mega sale! It was $54 and now it’s $18 with code LOVEIT. It’s cool, breezy, and makes me look put together, even while I’m melting under the summer sun.
- earring stud set // These are also from the same Loft sale. I never wear big, dangly earrings… I’m more of a “keep easy studs in and forget about them” type of gal. These felt summery and were definitely an impulse buy. They’re really beautiful in person and don’t irritate my ears like others! I’m happy I snagged them.
- chapstick with SPF // I’ve hit that point where all of my products are running out simultaneously. Argh. Does that happen to you, too? It’s always all at once! New chapstick with SPF was a must reorder ASAP situation.
- milk frother // My old one broke, and this one had amazing reviews! My morning coffee isn’t the same without this thing.
- ceiling medallion // I needed to grab a ceiling medallion for our guest room renovation. We’re still wallpapering and working on trim, but we’ll be ready to swap the ceiling fan for a light fixture soon!
Oh- and one other game changing purchase I recently made… these no show socks! They sound lame I know, BUT they’re the only no shows that actually stay on my feet and don’t slide down. I didn’t want to ruin or stink up any of my summer shoes this season. I hate sweaty feet in the summertime! My friend Sandy told me about these. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fashion follow, she’s your girl. We met a few years ago at a dinner party event- she also lives in Salt Lake City. I’m not big on super expensive clothing, so I end up buying a lot of her finds.
I’ve got another really good giveaway planned for you guys in a few weeks! I’ve been trying to do more “reader appreciation” giveaways, with my favorite things. It was fun to surprise a couple friends with alpaca throws a few weeks ago. Thank you to everyone who entered!
You guys know we love being outside– it’s the reason we moved to Utah… the beautiful landscape. Recently some images and videos went viral of a bright blue, azure colored canal located a couple hours from us in the Salt Flats. Have you seen it circulating? It’s stunning! However, the location is turning into quite an issue and is becoming dangerous due to illegal parking on the 80 mph interstate that runs nearby and potash runoff that bleeds into the crystal blue water. While we’ve been to the Salt Flats many times, we’ve never visited this canal (part of it lives on private property). Utah contains many gorgeous spots, but I’d recommend skipping this scenic IG-worthy location (the locals thank you).
Speaking of the outdoors, I have some fun outdoor living DIY posts planned. I just ordered another bistro set that I have big plans for! I’m trying to top my favorite outdoor sofa DIY. Obviously we’ll be finishing the shed too, so I’ll be posting about that soon.
You know who has been so inspiring to me lately? Paula from Hill House Vintage. Do you follow her? I wish I could teleport to the English countryside for the summer and take up gardening & floral styling. Her dog is a cutie, too! I could totally see Emmett and I renovating a European vacation home someday (if the financial stars align or we win the lottery, haha!) perhaps in England or France. After visiting the French Riviera last year, I would love a place in Antibes.
Well, that’s all from me for now. Thanks for listening to me ramble… if you made it this far! I hope you’re all having a lovely week, summer, and are doing well. As always, thank you for your continued support and for being in my corner! I appreciate you guys more than you know and I can’t wait to share more about my big project / business venture soon. I hope the four posts per week will still provide a nice break for everyone. My goal here on the blog has always been to share a free, inspiring resource that is educational, helpful, and community driven. See you back here on Monday? I hope so!
