I love gathering at the table. I didn’t realize until I moved away how awesome my parents were for making us have dinner around the table each night. (And with 9 kids and friends always over, I can imagine this wasn’t an easy feat!) But there’s something special about sharing a meal together. It grounds you. It sets whatever you’re separated by to the side for a moment, and you’re all untied by the basic simple necessity of eating.
Making things festive has a way of drawing you into life’s little moments. You can’t help but think about the season you’re celebrating; where you were the previous year, where you are now, or where you’re hoping to be!
I’m not sure this is the craft for seasonal reflection honestly - it’s pretty quick! But hopefully it brings you some joy in it’s simplicity!
We all have good intentions when it comes to fall to-do lists. I personally love the idea of completing 101 fun fall things, but in my current space and time, I’ll probably get to maaaybe 10!
I also hate having an incomplete to-do list - even if it’s a ‘for-fun’ list. So I’ve come up with a solution that I hope you guys appreciate as much as I do! I’ve illustrated 20 fun fall events for you to pick and choose from, so you can create your own ‘doable’ fall bucket list. Weather that be five things, or all 20!
The first day of school! New pencils free of bite marks, perfectly spiraled notebooks not yet covered in doodles , and the anticipation of something new!
I love the whole idea of first day of school pics, it’s so much fun tracking growth! And there’s a lot of first day banner printables out there. Problem is, they either cost an arm and a leg for a one use item, or they are going to take hours to fill out every. tiny. detail. about where your child is in their life!
Minimalist as always, here’s a super simple free flag printable.
And babe, don't you know it's a pity
That the days can't be like the nights
In the summer, in the city
In the summer, in the city
I love those lyrics, and didn’t fully understand them until I lived my first NYC Summer. City Summers are what tricks you into staying another long winter! Rooftop parties, outdoor concerts, all day park picnics, sidewalk brunch, beer garden afternoons, and of course; late night pondering on the fire escape. One of the best things about city Summer nights are the variety of lights always giving a romantic, atmospheric backdrop for whatever you’re up to! Whether it’s the skyline, streetlights, cafe lights, or windows, there’s always some cozy atmosphere shining graciously for you.
Hooray for Independence Day! How amazing is it that we have the freedom and opportunity to be who we're called to be, say what we're called to say, and serve who we're called to serve? I don't take lightly how much it costs, (and continues to cost!) through the priceless sacrifice of our millions of serving families.
On a lighter note: hot dogs, popsicles, and fireworks all on one day is pretty amazing, and this colorful ensemble of flags is ready and waiting to add some festive to your festivities!
I'm so grateful for my dad. He is a father to nine, (yes nine, no we're not Catholic, and no we were not raised on some kind of compound!)
When I became a mom myself, I asked him how on earth did he put up with all of our shenanigans! Besides the obvious of having the best partner ever as my mom, he said he always tried to remember what it was like when he was a kid. To stop for a minute and see whatever situation it was though our perspective rather than to default to what 'he wanted.'
I’ve been wanting to make a minimalist-mom-must-have list since Essie was born. There is an outrageous amount of baby gear out there; and with your first babe, you can easily get overwhelmed when deciding what you need to aid the transition of a tiny human coming into your home.
I’m actually becoming a momma of two very soon. And I’m reminiscing on how much stuff we had prepped for Esther that we didn’t use, and how many things we forgot that we had actually needed!
I’m prepared now, and glad I don’t have to do that process again. But you my friend, might be in the middle of ‘First baby prep’ right now!
There’s no way to bundle into a simple card how much praise a momma deserves. I didn’t fully appreciate what this day meant until I became a momma myself. Now when I try to say Happy Mothers Day to my mom, I just break down crying in appreciation! Well this year I tried a little bit harder to not just be a bubbling mess of tears when picking out a mothers day card, and you know what? I didn’t find anything that was quite what I was looking for. So I said heck, I’m an illustrator, let’s do this.
This little guy is a part of my kiddos clutter free Easter basket this year. It’s her “one new toy” and I’m so happy with how it turned out! I can’t wait to see her find him easter morning.
It does involve sewing, but it was overall easy to make! Here’s how:
Hooray for Easter! Hooray for the victory Jesus won, the world exploding in pastels, and of course freshening up the house with some sweet, spring decor!
The first time I saw an Easter tree it was at my piano teachers house. It was a vintage white wire tree, with little painted eggs, wooden bunnies, and little crosses. I used to stare at that tree while I waited for my sister to finish her lesson and pretend I was shrunk down and climbing it with all the bunnies and eggs around me.
I love fresh greens in my home! Placing Spring centerpieces and foliage around my house after the heavy cozy of winter is one of my favorite things.
Unfortunately, I’m also a minimalist. And I don’t like storing something I only use once a year. I particularly hate storing fake foliage. I don’t know why exactly but it makes me agitated to see fake plants/garlands/or wreaths in a box. (Anyone else have this problem? Anyone?) Well anyway! I’ve found a solution in these adorable fresh growing clover cans! They are simple and quick, and you can definitely bring in the littles help for this one.
I love the origin of St Patrick’s day. Honoring a man who might have been the first to bring Christianity to an entire country is a beautiful tradition. In America the celebrating has morphed into a celebration of Irish culture. And yes, the parts of the wonderful culture we’re celebrating might run a bit on the stereotypical side, but hey, ‘we’re doing our best laddy!’ (#sorrynotsorry #imirishitsok)
Here’s how to play:
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in my quest for keeping the flirt alive, and if you’re searching for a clear Valentine to shock the pants off your spouse, (literally, and pun absolutely intended!) Print one of these sexy secret messages and leave it in an easy to find spot on the 14th.
His desk at work, a lunch box, sneak it into her office the day before, or have a co-worker deliver it to them! I’d say the more public the better, (unless it’s going to get them in any HR trouble, of course.)
Everyone wants to be desired and pursued, and who doesn’t want a secret looking envelope delivered to them with a #hothubs or #hotwife label on it this Valentine’s day? Let’s get started, this one is an easy one. (That’s what she said. #sorrynotsorry)
Love is in the air, chocolate is in abundance, and there are oh-so-many opportunities to finally tell that special someone exactly how you feel!
And by special, I’m referring to two types:
Type one is special like = your boo, your bestie, your oh-so-adorable crush.
Type two is special like = bless-your-heart-I-don’t-even-know-what-to-say-to-you-anymore.
Problem is, there are not that many Valentine’s day options that give you the chance to reach out to both ‘specials’ in one setting.
I’ve fixed that with these Semi-Sweet Lollipop covers!
IT IS HERE! I’m proudly one of those annoying Christmas people. When I was 10 I wrapped everything in my room in wrapping paper, it was a new Christmas decorating thing I was trying. Kind of crazy? Yes. Equally awesome? Double yes.
The thing I like most about Christmas, (besides Jesus coming to save the world, obviously.) is the general feeling of unity among mankind. The year is coming to an end, and no matter what different things we’ve individually been through, for a few fleeting moments, we’re all in it together. Cheesy maybe, but it makes the world feel small and cozy.
Years end is my favorite. Not only is there an abundance of excitement/coziness with all the holidays, but there’s a BRAND NEW YEAR headed our way!
With all the busy that tends to come along with holidays, we sometimes push our old year reviews/new year resolutions to the back burner.
I’m a big believer in taking time to be mindful of the year past, and using how you’ve grown as a springboard into the next year. I made myself this check-in to be intentional with my priorities, and make sure that I finish the year clear headed; leaving nothing unsaid or undone.
I love intentional conversation. Going to the next level beyond weather, job titles, or even family updates is my favorite.
And Thanksgiving is a time for pure, thankful hearts to gather as a family and converse sweetly around a table; so no one is going to be awkward, get drunk, or sit without anything to say right? Probably 100% wrong.
But that’s ok! Sometimes we just need a little prompt to get us all on the same level. It’s growing more and more important to see how our family and friends are truly doing. In this day of social media perfection, it’s hard to find the courage, (let alone the conversational transition) that allows you to dive deep, to open up, and really see each other in a true light.
This simple, ombre 'Thankful Banner' is the perfect backdrop for Thanksgiving Dinner, Friendsgiving, or just to hang around and remind you of what's important when things get 'cooking' this season. (See what I did there?)
Let’s get started, I don’t want to waste your ‘thyme’. XD (Ps. the cooking jokes are not going to stop. #sorrynotsorry)
Tired of typical costume ideas? Feeling burnt out and you wish you had a list of some cool indie bands that can be turned into cute costumes? You wish that list were illustrated so you can have an idea of what they should look like?
Good. I like indie bands and I like to illustrate, so I made you one. Enjoy!
Who doesn't love a good seasonal tabletop? That might be the most suburban thing I've ever said, but you know what? I don't care! Because these little mummy candles make the perfect Halloween centerpiece! They are fun and easy to make, and I bet you can do this project with things already lying around your house!
You might want to grab the kiddos for this one too because it's kind of messy, and well, kids love messy so - let's get started!
These blobs of teeth and bright eyes are a festive addition to any party, and make a cute seasonal decoration too!
I put these little guys in my front window, but get creative! You can have them peeking out from behind book shelves, cabinet doors, under the fridge, or lamps; the monster hiding possibilities are endless!
The time has come! The air is crisp, leafs are falling, acorns are plentiful, and there might even be a pine cone or two on the ground. But let's not forget the best part; you don't have to buy craft supplies anymore! You can collect all the free goodness the outdoors has to offer.
This little garland is a super simple favorite of mine. I don't like storing bulky decorations year after year, and since this garland is easy to dissemble, and primarily organic materials, it can easily be updated every year with new foliage!
I like spontaneity as much as the next gal. But if I don't consciously make time to rest and reflect, all the little moments that come with a new season can slip right by me.
I've made a fun fall bucket list to keep me in the moment this season, and you can join me on my fall-candle-scented quest! It's a free printable, so all you have to do is download it, print it on some pretty paper, and enjoy!
Is there anything better then fall? It's such a romantic transition before years end. One of my favorite things to do during this season is bring the outside in! Windows open, collecting all the wonderful fall textures, pinecones, pumpkins, and of course - leaves! Since Florida currently does not have any fall leaves for me, I've created my own! This free leaf printable can be used for many different crafts, but I've started with a neutral colored, lush, leaf garland.
IT IS HERE! I’m proudly one of those annoying Christmas people. When I was 10 I wrapped everything in my room in wrapping paper, it was a new Christmas decorating thing I was trying. Kind of crazy? Yes. Equally awesome? Double yes.
The thing I like most about Christmas, (besides Jesus coming to save the world, obviously.) is the general feeling of unity among mankind. The year is coming to an end, and no matter what different things we’ve individually been through, for a few fleeting moments, we’re all in it together. Cheesy maybe, but it makes the world feel small and cozy.