I don’t know how to go forward here; there’s so much going on in the world and I certainly don’t want to pretend like everything’s dandy. I do know, however, that people need good news, too. Uplifting stuff. Joyful stuff.
Maybe putting up this post today is the wrong move. I’m not sure. But when I look at these photos, they exude an innocence and purity that makes my heart swell. Perhaps they’ll do the same for you? ♥️
I put up a “Recent Finds” post almost every Friday, and it only recently dawned on me that I wasn’t highlighting black-owned businesses. I’m disappointed in myself, and going forward, I want that to change. Mindfulness, mindfulness, mindfulness.
A good first step is dedicating today’s Recent Finds to researching, learning about, and supporting some (mostly) new-to-me brands!
One of my big goals while at home has been to generate a bunch of ideas for series. My blog has obviously been a free-for-all for most of its existence, mostly because I’ve felt overwhelmed for… well, years. 🙈 Up until now, the only series I’ve stuck with is Recent Finds. But BOOM! Slowly getting my life organized. (I even just sorted through our tupperware drawer. I mean, #killinit, no?)
Tamar Manasseh, founder of Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killings (MASK). Please consider helping her work toward educational equality for Chicago students. Your donation will provide students with internet-capable devices so that they can access the CPS remote learning system and online enrichment resources developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: IMDB
Instead of publishing an overwhelming list of ways to financially support the incredibly important Black Lives Matter movement, I’m choosing to highlight one amazing local cause (for now) that Mitch and I feel a connection to in an effort to make an impact.
We’ve started going on family walks/scoots when the sidewalks aren’t very busy. We do kind of have to people left and right, as it seems that masks have not yet been fully embraced by the community. (Mask up, Chicago!) But it’s been doable. Because of the pandemic, we don’t venture very far; while we’d love to be able to appreciate other neighborhoods, we want to stay out of public and/or semi-public bathrooms to ensure safety and prevent the spread. Getting out has done wonders for our mental health, though!
It’s a sad phenomenon–to be living in the city only a couple of miles from where there is unrest, yet so physically removed from it, playing dolls and doing arts and crafts with two little girls. And it plainly brings into focus the divide that’s always been present. As this week comes to a close, I pray that going forward, we don’t try to erase color or be blind to it.
Color is beautiful. Color should be celebrated.
In light of tragic and atrocious recent events and the countless others of the past, I want to pause for a moment. There is a great deal of responsibility that comes along with having an online presence, and the importance of taking the time to carefully choose my words and actions cannot be understated, particularly when speaking about incredibly important and sensitive human rights issues. Just as I have power to educate and do good, I also have the power to be inadvertently destructive–powers we all have, really.
As we recently passed the year marker here in our “new” home, I can’t believe how many loooong projects we’re wrapping up. And by that, I mean how many rooms are becoming presentable… depending on the day and the time of day, of course. 😉 So. Many. Messes.
(Btw: Did you catch our recent basement playroom remodel?!)
That said, I’m not sure a room is ever really complete. A home is ever-changing, just as we are! It has, though, been really fun to look back on the progress we’ve made. A year ago, for example, our living room looked totally different.
Also, I need to admit that it’s 1 a.m. and I’m eating handisnacks in bed while typing this. That is all.
Garden Planters (XL size here) / Faux Topiaries / Stoop Planters / Wreath (Love the tulip version!) / Newer Large Lanterns / Newer Small Lanterns
Mitch here!
I spent the last hour trying to figure out a pun on the words “impatient” and “impatiens” for the title of this blog post, and I’ve officially given up. If you have one, leave it in the comments… because I’m spent!
^ When nap times align on a holiday.
Eyelet Top (Also love this one, this one, this one, this one and this one.) / Soft Straight-Leg Jeans (These are great, too! Madewell skinnies in white here.) / Rothy’s Loafers (But look at how cute these bow loafers are!) / Pottery Barn Sectional c/o / Teak Deck Furniture / Striped Umbrella / Outdoor Rug / Faux Topiaries / Sperrys / Sale Vineyard Vines Shirt (Newer)
We spent yesterday in our backyard.
*Old photo. We’re safe at home!
Current Favorite Striped Dress / Jack Rogers / L.L.Bean Tote c/o (It was a gift from the brand, so don’t judge me too much with the IG handle, haha.) / Tuckernuck Packable Hat
Highlighting a few great long weekend sales today:
