Home Update

So, back in May I gave you a little glimpse in this post of some of the work we'd done on the back porch and in the yard to be able to enjoy it in all of our time at home this Summer. We have done just that and made a few more "improvements" around the home that have really sparked joy for our family. I thought I'd give a little picture heavy update to break up the monotony of all the words and thoughts so widely available and readily found on social media in this strange and wearing time.

To recap: this was right after the fence was put up and we'd spent some serious quality time weeding, tilling, and laying pavers.

Look at that growth! 

Historically, I've had a pretty black thumb. I have been thrilled to pieces with the success we've had this Summer! From L to R: Lemongrass, Lemon Balm, Marigold.

(Don't mind the overgrown grass/weeds--baby steps, right?)

This is my favorite little patch: Mint and Bell Peppers!! 

On a whim, I planted the inner core/seeds of a bell pepper in a red SOLO cup and it sprouted! I transplanted it a month or two ago and here we are! We just got some stakes to support the vine, and I'm hoping we will be able to see one or two actual peppers before the season ends. I planted them a little late this year, but I hadn't planned on planting any, so I'm calling it a win.

I also love this little gate. 

I found this pair of basket planters and these solar lights on Amazon and made a sort of "welcome mat" with pavers.

We were given these cafe lights, leftover from a wedding, and Michael worked very hard to figure out just how and where to hang them over the yard. They really look great at night and put off so much light.

You may remember this table and bench set. It was great quality and real wood, but much too large for our space. So we decided to get a little creative and repurpose each piece!

We took off the table top and my dad helped us cut it down and bevel the edges with his plunge router. Then we sanded it nice and smooth.

Now we have this beautiful, large chalkboard for Maggie to draw on! Plus, we can decorate it when we host outdoor parties or small gatherings and it makes a pretty cool photo back drop. I am so pleased with the outcome. We used this blackboard paint (suitable for indoor and outdoor projects) and hung it with these D Rings and these Vinyl Siding Hooks. We also kept one bench for extra seating/table space outdoors.

The other bench was moved inside, but we removed the shorter legs and replaced them with the longer table legs to create this console table for our command center in the kitchen. It's the perfect size and height. 

We'd also made a few changes to the living room, if you remember. Painted an accent wall dark teal and I moved my desk to make a creative corner since the home office is now Michael's work office and we added a recumbent bike and some extra seating:

We use this space much more now, and I rather like sharing it with the whole family. I've never enjoyed being locked away to work--I've always been a camp-out-at-the-kitchen-table type.

I have LOVED having this creative space in the living room. The natural light is so lovely and I feel very cozy in my little nook. 

It also sparks joy for me to walk by several times a day and see my works in progress and materials.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect chair for this space. I've switched between dining room chair and bar stool, but as I spend more time at my desk I realize the need for designated seating. 

I've got my eye on this one from Amazon, but I'm still mulling.

I was able to finish up a few of the details around the living room, too. Some items collected over the years or purchased from Hobby Lobby or Etsy. I love the Shema print from CreateInMeDesignCo on Etsy.

I've also been working on this gallery wall in our stairwell, since I removed all of the prints that were previously hanging here for my creative corner gallery wall. It's still a work in progress, but I'm pleased with it so far. I love having old family photos on display, especially those we don't get to see anymore, and it's fun to walk by with Maggie and point them all out.

It took me some time to get a post up this month because I really didn't want to compose another mentally and emotionally bumming post about the challenges we've all faced this year. The word "redefine" has been on my mind a lot lately and I thought I'd write a lengthy post about it but it's proven more difficult than I anticipated to hash out. I think, simply put, I just needed to redefine some things in my life. Being a mom of young children is incredibly taxing on everyone. I've seen it again and again. You can easily find yourself stuck in a perpetual cycle of feedings, naps, and chores, with every second of your day seemingly spoken for and claimed by others' needs. Being quarantined during this particular period in my life left me in just this spot. It was getting me down. I realized I've been out of the house by myself one time since becoming a mom--a late night trip to Walmart back in February. We haven't even been out to dinner since January. This pandemic has rendered it impossible to wander Target, go for coffee, meet a friend for lunch, etc. So I realized I needed to redefine the way I spend my time, my expectations, my space, and my roles to make the most of this season in life. It has given me a tremendous amount of peace since doing so, and I feel like I am able to be much more willing and present for each activity in my day.

I have had a lot of fun getting creative with the home and time we get to share. It's been one of the bright spots of 2020. I've gotten to bring several of my own ideas to life, solo, and we've been able to accomplish some family projects, together. We've even scheduled our first family vacation this Fall! 

I hope you are doing well and staying intentional in this abnormal time. It's not really one in which we are able to run on auto pilot since circumstances seem to change monthly, weekly, or sometimes daily. Don't get caught off guard and brought down by the limitations so glaringly presented. Redefine. Seek out new routines. Find the joy. It's there.

Best,

Emily