Studio Files .01

Finding our calm, dopamine holiday decor and voices we're loving.

This December I’m leaning hard into things bringing me calm, joy, connection. These values have always been the lights I seek to guide me in life - but even more so in the chaos of the holiday season, amidst a global cycle of politics, news and heartbreak that has many of us feeling anxious and uncertain about our future.

I’m mindful of what I consume, both online + in real life. More physical books, less sugar and doom-scrolling.

I’m trying to simplify where I can to give my brain and heart a bit of rest and reset. Hello capsule wardrobe, and roasted salmon on repeat.

I know when I manage my energy and time well, I more easily manage my emotions. Bringing the best ME to the world. The me that is hopeful and helpful, that shares joy and love freely. I am in charge of my own actions and emotions, no matter what the day or the news cycle brings my way.

Here’s to each of us making sure to love and care for ourselves well, even and especially in this holiday season of go-go-go.

Creating a better world starts small. Each of us protecting our peace, making sure we’re rested and ready for the BIG work of humaning that is in front of us!

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A few recent reads and rituals bringing me calm + hope in this season :

• Pretty much anything Yung Pueblo writes hits me at my core, but especially his recent post on Happiness. In it, he writes “Happiness is not about getting more, it’s about embracing the power of simply being.” And that simply being is something I both struggle with daily, AND am sitting in mindfully each morning.

• I’ve been working my way through Slowing, Rachel Schwartzmann’s recent release on living with intention. Part essay, part practice prompts - I’m enjoying devouring this book nightly. It would make a great gift for anyone struggling to find peace and balance this season.

• Are you a journaler? I am, and find that spending a few minutes most mornings really helps me set the tone for my day. Usually, I just free write - but if I’m feeling particularly stuck and in need of a prompt the social feed of Wilde House Paper is a beautiful follow.

• Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, is a voice that has brought me a different kind of peace these recent years. Her newsletter, Playing with Fire, is a a must-read for me and her recent article on how CHANGE in the world will come from small groups of thoughtful, committed people spoke to me deeply - reminding and inspiring me to think small in all the ways I can impact change.

“Communities help us to find our purpose, to test and hone our values, and to be a part of something greater than ourselves. Being a part of a healthy community—even if it’s just a handful of people—can help us feel connected to others, as well as feel we're part of something larger than ourselves.” - Shannon Watts

A few December lovelies for your eyes :

I’m a lover of colorful Christmas decor. Something about this season of life I’m in (chaotic, busy, joyful) just has me leaning heavy into dopamine decor in all of our holiday decor. There’s something about an over-the-rainbow holiday that just makes me so beyond happy, such a jolt in our mostly neutral house. I credit this tree that has been living rent-free in my head since Jordan Ferney posted it on Instagram in 2020. It inspired my own vintage and colorful ornament collection. I recently ordered these and these during the Anthropologie weekend sale.

These vintage-inspired bottle brush trees have been bringing me joy for years now. I started with one set, and have slowly added so that we now have the full rainbow of tints and hues.

This wreath has been on my to-do list since last holiday…and I finally made it happen.

Tell me friends, are you team color or team classic for holiday decor?

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And a December lovely for your ears.

I made you a wintry playlist, a little background hug if you will.

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I’m grateful you’re here and look forward to connecting more with you today and in the future!

Let me hear from you! Drop a message in the comments or send me a note below.