Archives for 2019

Monday, October 28, 2019

WHAT I LEARNED FROM PUBLISHING MY FIRST 50 BLOG POSTS

orange sequin skirt and coffee graphic tee

People can be cruel, but you HAVE to block out the haters. Ponder something for just a second to see if it’s actually something constructive. If it’s not, ignore it. I’m not saying that these comments don’t upset me, because sometimes they do. You just HAVE to realize that no matter what you do, you can still receive hate from trolls. Block em out. If your “friends” are poking fun of your blog, they’re not your friends. Cut the fat and move on.
Blogging is NOT for the faint of heart. If you you are blogging about something you’re not super passionate about, rethink why you’re doing what you’re doing. You have to be so so passionate about something to work on it for that many hours a week, and to not get burnt out.
Write with your own voice. Lot’s of times I find myself reverting back to my formal writing background and realize, this doesn’t sound like me. Cue the rewrite process. Scrap, rewrite, repeat.
If you have a writing block, save a draft and take a lap around where you’re working. I used to sit and rack my mind and get so down on myself when I couldn’t think of how to write about something. Think of something from the perspective of your reader. Wat would they want to know?
Working with a significant other can be hard. Take the pain points and create processes to avoid frustration in the future. For example, when I have James helping me take a picture, I have him snap a few then let me look so I can rearrange a space. This saves us from some of the worst fights.
Everyone and their dog has something to say, but that doesn’t mean that what you have to say isn’t important. Period.
Time blocking is your best friend. If you are a perfectionist or get caught up in the details, find a system that holds you accountable for time that works for you.
My last point. This is something I have had to learn through life in general, not just blogging. Stop being so hard on yourself. Let your ideas flow and scribble them down, even if it sounds weird. That’s how you share your unique point of view with people and how you provide value through your blog. There’s only one of you, so get over the imposter syndrome and OWN it. This is something I tell myself every day.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

HOME RITUALS TO MAKE YOUR SPACE COZY

At the beginning of each season there are a few rituals I like to do to set the right mood within my space. A cozy home leads me to enjoying my at-home life more and makes our family happier.

TIPS

+ Clean out your closet. If there are things you haven’t touched in a year, take them out. By doing this each season, you can’t let yourself get away with the excuse that you’ll keep it until next fall when you didn’t even wear it this fall.

This is also a great time to figure out where you have missing pieces in your wardrobe. You can find those wardrobe holes and plan to invest in those pieces, especially if they are basics.

If you are limited on closet space (who isn’t?), then storing larger items that are for the winter under your bed in bins may help you out. It’s so satisfying to have everything organized and ready to go. And honestly, I’m a much more pleasant person when my space is put together. Use clear bins and label them so you can see what you’re working with.

+ I like to try new recipes. I pick five main dishes and a few sides to make for the season and try to always have those ingredients on hand. This prevents me from wasting food in the fridge and eating out. It’s also helpful when going to the grocery store. My personal nightmare is wondering the aisles after a long day at wort not knowing what to get.

+ Build in some time for fun. When you break it down, each season is about three months. If you make time to do something seasonal once a month, that’s a lot of small fun activities! Having something to look forward to always help Friday come a little quicker.

I know I always look forward to my favorite antique fair and decorating my patio of fall. Or, in the summer, we try out a new cocktail recipe and make sure to get plenty of sun. In the winter I love to frequent the holiday markets and break out the festive decor.

This is a great way to learn about your community and meet fun people!

+ Refresh your linens and blankets. Wash your sheets, change out blankets to ones you’ve been hoarding on your closet, clean your rugs. All soft materials collect dirt and nasties and should be cleaned frequently. When it’s all cleaned at once, your house will feel AMAZING.

Plus, adding texture to your space with updated throws and pillows will add a layer of cozy to your style.

+ Switch your candles out. No need to burn through a whole candle before you switch it out when you’re ready for a new scent. I have lots of tips in this post with advice from a candle expert!

+ Add in a luxe feel with pretty storage containers. A great example of this as an easy upgrade is in your bathroom. A fresh take on your toothbrush holder, soap caddy, trash can, bath caddy, towel storage, and under the sink organization all instantly lift your space. I recommend shopping your home before buying new. You may be surprised at what your find!

TIP: If yo have some extra cash, fancy plush towels are an amazing splurge. Even Target has some great thick towels that are slightly more expensive. I love feeling like I’m bundled up!

What home rituals do you love and look forward to? I always try to change up and spruce the house once a season. I don’t spend money on this often, but just moving things around and the rituals we talked about above really make a difference.

Show us your home rituals on Instagram and tag us and #ChasingCozy!

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Saturday, October 12, 2019

DIY PAPER BATS

Once when we lived in Syracuse a giant bat flew into the house and James wasn’t home to get it out for me. These bats are way less startling than that.

I don’t really do spooky decor because, honestly, I don’t need my stress levels any higher than they already are. I do, however, enjoy the coziness of fall decor.

I combined both with these white paper bats. They add texture to the space and make it festive!

SUPPLIES
Paper of choice
Scissors
Small glue dots

1. Draw your bats.
2. Cut them out.
3. Bend the wings to add dimension.
4. Adhere to wall with small glue dots and you’re done!

Tag me in your fall decor posts if you recreate this looking using #chasingcozy!!

Thursday, October 10, 2019

HOW TO MAKE AN EASY BOHO FALL WREATH

You may have seen on my Insta that we recently became home owners! We were so grateful we were are in a position where we were able to buy a home, and excited about all the projects that come with a house!

BUT WOW HOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED in the last few weeks. Lots of new home repairs suddenly came up. Hello standing water in the basement and totally new roof…

Amongst the chaos I just needed to have one thing that made the house feel semi put together.

Fast forward a few days and there I was standing in an overly crowded Trader Joes in my leggings and work out tank, just like the 9,8079 people in there, and I perused the floral section per usual.

Didn’t have any big revelations here, just snatched up some fall wheat filler and pretty stems and left satisfied after grabbing my butternut squash mac and cheese.

OK, I’ll get to the point.