August | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Happy August Full Moon! If you’ve been here a while you know this is my favorite time of the year. This August I turn 30. Plenty of reflection going on as I enter a new decade. A decade that always felt so far off. I can barely keep up with how much change has happened! A little 10-pound ball of sweetness & smiles may have something to do with that also. Redemption by Warsan Shire hit home for me this month. Watch Beyoncé read the poem. It’s a million times better in spoken word, especially from Queen Bee for Lemonade album.
Every Mother is a Working Woman tee by The Bee & The Box
My 30th birthday | Like many people’s plans for celebrations this year, my 30th birthday has been watered down to the essential. Joel had grand plans to rent a boat on Muskegon Lake for family & friends to watch the sunset over the lake. It was going to be mermaid-themed everything; outfits, drinks, hors d'oeuvres. Then we got pregnant. Then the pandemic hit. Now it looks like my birthday will be the 4 of us safely alone at my in-law’s cottage with a pontoon ride in the middle of the week (fingers crossed!). My parents gifted me with a beautiful concrete mermaid for the pollinator garden I hope to have next year. Mermaid; the symbol of transformation. Joel asked me what I wanted last weekend on the lake & I said a bonfire with my closest people all around. By the time we reached our porch, they were all there. The fire was started. It seems I got exactly what I wanted after all. If that isn’t the lesson of 2020, my Goddess, what the hell is.
The fourth trimester | I knew it’d change my life when I became pregnant last year but I had no clue it would be such a tectonic shift. Our baby girl has changed what I prioritize. My values, identity, interests, all of it. Each day I am a Mother, I’m convinced the fourth trimester needs to be 100% dedicated to babe & mama for presence, growth, healing, & development. This time has been a blessing. Every woman should have the right to paid maternity leave with fair standards in place when a woman returns to work. The United States is the only developed country that legally doesn’t have to pay women on maternity leave with a handful of other maternal injustices. Why aren’t women in a collective upheaval? Probably because they’re so damn tired raising children while being the matriarchs of their families. I’m in the middle of researching a lot on this topic & what can be done.
WNBA 2020 Season | I’ve started watching the WNBA again. I played basketball my entire life then got away from it in my 20’s. What better time to focus on my love for the game than this new decade after bringing a baby into this world during a pandemic?! Ha. I patiently wait for my body to be ready & for the pandemic to be over to get some pick-up games going at the park. In the meantime, I’m watching the WNBA. $17 for a WNBA league pass to watch all the games through September. Not only are these women top athletes but they’re using the entire 2020 season to protest the social injustices in our nation. To keep the conversation going about Breonna Taylor & Sandra Bland. Each game presents a platform to raise exposure to these systemic issues. The best part? This is nothing new for the WNBA. they’ve done this all along. It’s what happens when you have a group of badass women playing for something bigger than themselves.
Currently
Reading | Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Listening | The Michelle Obama Podcast
Watching | Expecting Amy by Amy Schumer
And with that, this is my last full moon monthly post. 36 moons later I’m ready to hang my hat on my monthly documenting of our life lately in tune with the moon. It has been a wonderful three years of trying new design styles & writing formats through my love for the moon. I’ve found fellow moon lovers because of this series & gotten much more in tune with the moon through my research, the rhythm of the phases, my menstrual cycle, & so much more. The moon, of course, isn’t going anywhere. And I will continue to look up to her all year round like I always have. You can see all full moon posts here.
As always — Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
July | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Happy July Full Moon! Our baby girl is here! She came right when she wanted to, not a minute sooner or later. I’m so proud of her. Every year when the July Thunder Moon rolls around I think back to the first full moon party we hosted when we first moved to our little lake town. I made a ton of cheesy moon-themed decorations and snacks with a moon-inspired playlist. The bistro lights hung off the back deck, chairs around the bonfire. But as its name suggests, a thunderstorm rolled in so we all ended up drinking beer in our messy, humid garage watching the rain pour on the pavement. It was magical. This is my favorite time of year.
The fourth trimester | We’re in the heart of the fourth trimester with our little one, and all that entails. A lot of healing, recovery, rest, learning all about being first-time parents, asking for help, really really needing help! Every day we learn our daughter more & more, and the transition gets easier in little ways. It’s this wild ride of time moving at a snail’s pace, and moving lighting fast, all at the same time. Some days I can’t catch my breath & other days I have the most clarity about my life, purpose, our marriage, family, & all the layers in-between.
Fourth of July | Our 4th of July looked a lot different than in year’s past. For a decade we’ve gone North for Bode family time at the lake, the annual Greatest Fourth in the North 5K, & parades on the golf cart. This year we were home as sleep-deprived new parents trying to figure out what our little girls cry meant, just grateful to step foot outside for a few minutes at a time. We started the Taking Cara Babies Newborn class which has been super helpful learning what a newborn wants based on their cues & ways to create an environment for them to sleep comfortably. It was the first day in 2 weeks we had over 2 hours of sleep at a time! We celebrated with margarita popsicles while watching her sleep on the video monitor. Oh, how our life has changed!
Slow summer at the Moon Lodge | We anticipated this being a very slow summer, even without a pandemic on our hands. The first couple of weeks with a newborn was probably the hardest to transition into an even slower pace than we were already in the Spring. Summer is truly our jam, we wait all year for it. It’s the best time to live near the lake. So we had a little selfish FOMO we’ve been working through and keep reminding ourselves that this is one summer that we’re not doing what we would usually do. Plus, these quiet moments with her are so precious, I’m already missing them even while I’m right in the middle of them! I started writing again near the end of the month while she naps. It’s a dream come true, a vision unfolding.
Currently
Reading | Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Listening | Trevor Hall playlist on Spotify
Watching | Agent Carter on Disney+
Honestly, it’s weird writing this full moon post. To you reading it may appear as everything is smooth sailing. One month we’re waiting for Baby, the next we have Baby. This past month has been anything but smooth sailing. As I write in this consistent pattern from one moon to the next as I have for 3 years, I’m not the same person I was 4 weeks ago. I’m not the same woman since they laid my little one on my chest & she looked immediately into my eyes. I’ll never be the same, thank Goddess and my goodness. You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
June | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Happy June Full Moon! I wondered (& secretly hoped) our little girl would join us during this Strawberry Moon but she’s going to hold on a bit longer. We’ve had a lot of family members guess her name is Luna. I received texts this weekend sending well wishes related to the moon & baby. I feel seen, & very full myself. There is a lot of heaviness & awakening opening us all up this week. I have had hyper-awareness & sensitivity to it yet trying my best to balance with the joy & focus to welcome our little girl safely into the world very soon.
Preparing for parenthood | How does one prepare for parenthood? I’m not sure you do but Joel & I have done many things we think will help prepare us. This last week before my due date I keep being told rest, rest, rest. I’m going stir crazy. We have the nursery finished, clothes organized, heck all of the closets in the house organized, the bassinet is assembled, Joel renoed the screened-in porch, the car seat is installed, hospital bags are packed, & so much more. I think of Wale’s song The Matrimony when Jerry Seinfeld t’s up the song with commentary: “It’s like any growth. You can’t be ready for it because it’s gonna be new. You’re gonna have a new life, you’re gonna be a new person.”
100 Days of Blue Mind | To counter the anticipation I have about this “new life”, I’ve joined Wallace J. Nichols’ annual Blue Mind Challenge. For 100 days — Memorial Day to Labor Day — blue mind is a daily practice to focus your attention on the water surrounding you or to intentionally seek it out. From lakes to rivers, oceans to your water bottle, water is an essential part of our daily life. I’ve taken its healing powers for granted but the magic of water keeps showing up for me in very symbolic ways lately. The timing is divine. I’m journaling about it privately for now but a lot of fellow water worshippers are sharing their challenge here if you’d like to join. Katherine from Lake Effect Co. has a great description that inspired me to join here.
Black Lives Matter | As I’m sure many of us are doing, I’ve been processing the murder of George Floyd & the avalanche of progress & tension the resulting protests have created. Especially through the lens of becoming a mother, raising a white child, & the responsibility that entails. Regardless of the inner work I’m doing, I stand with the movement in both gratitude that there is a collective microscope on our nation’s deeply rooted inhumane issues and grief that it has taken so long to get here. Our generation has the power to make real change for a better world. I’m feeling called to Intersectional Environmentalism & how I can be of impact in my town.
Currently
Reading | Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols
Listening | Cream & Sugar: Rest by Black Coffee With White Friends
Watching | Shine On with Reese
I love the moon so much because she is a constant. When I look up at her I feel a connection to the deeper meaning of life & how we are all connected as humans on this planet. Sometimes it is simply unexplainable & I don’t even try to define why I love the moon so much. It is an energy I feel not a logic to put language to. I will never get it right to everyone I meet — maybe a mantra for everything; social justice, motherhood, family ties, friendships. But the inner work of self-love will exude to the outer work. The moon’s light reminds me of this. Try, try again. You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
May | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Happy May Full Moon! I’ve enjoyed the front row view of Spring emerging in our neighborhood. Watching the buds on the trees begin to unfold. People have had a more acute interest in the moon lately. We all live beneath the same One. There’s something to rely on. This is the last moon cycle before we meet our little girl. Removing anything nonessential to her best interest is my priority right now.
Preparing for Mamahood | As much preparing as one can do for something they’ve never done before. There are two camps of Mamas at this stage; one prepares for every possibility not realizing the scenario they didn’t think of is probably the one they’ll be presented with. The other has little to no desire for preparation at all deciding they’ll figure it out once it’s in front of them. I am in the first camp wishing I was in the second. Pregnancy is a big ole mirror you can’t look away from. So I wash her onesies, her little bloomers. I fold them, unfold, refold again, and surrender into this wave. Ready or not, I am so excited to hold her.
Spring 10x10 | I finished a 10-day style challenge just in time before my belly outgrew most of the items. I’ll probably be wearing most of Joel’s clothes from here on out. It was a nice routine to get through another stay at home extension and bring more color into my wardrobe. More than the clothes I enjoyed knowing 5 other women were doing it with me. I don’t know what people are doing right now but a handful of us suited up in denim jackets at the same time to face our days.
Boat | We got a boat! Getting it ready for a summer on the lake. Where will your newborn be, you ask? Snoozing in the closed-bow cuddy, of course! Having a boat to putz around the bayous, river, and Lady Lake Michigan has been a dream of ours since we moved here. We’re a few maintenance projects away from her maiden voyage. My neighbor told me what BOAT stands for — Bring Out Another Thousand — so we’ll see how it goes. The way Joel’s face lights up every time he sees it out the window makes it all worth it. Can’t wait to get it out on the water!
Currently
Reading | The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care by Emma Loewe & Lindsay Kellner
Listening | Stevie Nicks Radio
Watching | The Last Dance
I love how the full moon and Mother’s Day are connected this year. When we found out we were pregnant we couldn’t have known milestones would fall on meaningful moon phases & holidays. What has shown up has been what we’ve needed. I’ve been brought to my knees in fear and uplifted in joy above my body, often by the hour. I’m trying to hold true and honor this sacred space I’ve been given. I go back & forth between wanting to share my experience in-depth to keep private this sacred time for me and my family. Based on all of the recommendations, notes, & thinking of you texts, there is a group of women who know exactly what I mean. Thank you, Mamas. I have needed you so badly & you have shown up. You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
April | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Happy April Full Moon! This is the first full moon of Spring 2020. A sign of hope, yes? I imagine our days are looking pretty similar to one another right now. A lot of nothing bookended by a range of emotions from one moment to the next. Today I choose hope because the candle is lit, it’s an early Spring morning after a fresh rainfall, & the coffee is warm.
Nursery | We’re getting the nursery ready for baby girl. My parents gifted us with a beautiful bassinet that Joel set up this weekend. It’s feeling very real now! That and her kicks & pokes that get stronger by the day. I don’t know if I’m in “nesting mode” but an urgent need to ensure we have the basics in time for her arrival is at an all-time high. We’ve ordered large furniture items through Wayfair, Joel’s giving the room a fresh coat of paint, & I’ve been getting the items together that family & friends have sent. We had to cancel both family’s showers so it’s felt extra special to receive registry gifts from our loved ones & everyone who has offered words of wisdom & newborn items to borrow that are hard to find in stores right now. Their words of encouragement & support keep us going on especially hard days.
Indoor Style | A good distraction for me has been #indoorstyle, a daily prompt by stylist Grace Kelly. From mixing patterns to Wes Anderson-inspired attire, I look forward to getting dressed around the theme she announces each day. It’s made me realize how serious I’ve become with my wardrobe, a direct reflection of how serious of a person I’ve become. How little I’ve laughed, played, or been extravagant for the hell of it. I’m so grateful this little challenge brought me back to creating for fun. I have a feeling my costume box is about to grow exponentially.
WFH | I have the studio & Joel has the kitchen. Sans pandemic, working from home is normal to me. I’ve fine-tuned my habits since freelancing over the years. What’s been most challenging is keeping a strong & healthy mindset; pregnant, my partner home, & away from my team who I’m rather new to. I absorb collective feelings so setting digital boundaries are crucial for my mental wellbeing. I love the newfound connection & kindness it’s brought to my circle though. I made some WFH Wallpapers for Chaco if you’d like to brighten up your desktop, download here.
Currently
Reading | Expecting Better by Emily Oster
Listening | Won’t He Do It by Koryn Hawthorne ft. Roshon Fegan, thanks to DJ E’s weekly gospel hour
Watching | IRIS the Iris Apfel documentary
There isn’t really anything different I can say that hasn’t already been said or felt. I keep wanting to help through my writing but I just don’t think it’s possible right now. I’m the one who wants help, consoling, encouragement. Which is selfish because don’t we all? Each of us has a personal story about how this pandemic is affecting our lives. It’s hard to say, “me too” when you’re so fearful all you can think about is yourself.
I wouldn’t be as anxious or fearful about this pandemic if I wasn’t pregnant. I’d probably play looser with the stay-at-home orders to ensure we had toilet paper or interact with family more. I’d definitely be playing zoom drinking games to numb out of this mess if only for a few hours. But I’m really just petrified for the safety of our little girl who I’m 100% responsible for right now. I feel trapped at home yet completely exposed for the few trips I need to take to the doctors to ensure she’s doing ok.
There is literally nothing I can do but have faith, which has to be the biggest challenge of all. I used to be a more faithful & hopeful person but I lost it somewhere. Probably in all the controlling & carrying the perceived weight of my world. I haven’t seen the moon since she was last full in March. The skies have been too gray. Hopefully, she’ll show this week. Remind us all that we’re human. That there is light in the deepest dark. That the deepest dark is actually the only time you can see the brightest light. You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
March | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle links.
Happy March Full Moon! It’s a supermoon and the end of Mercury Retrograde, halleloo. These past few weeks have been especially tough. I’m not one to blame shitty days on planets but damn. There is a lot to feel heavy about right now which is even more crucial of a time to dig deep & rekindle faith that everything is going to be ok. I haven’t been able to do that for myself lately. I’m grateful for my circle who has been lifting me up, supporting, & encouraging me at a time I need it most. I’ve never needed it as much as I do right now. It’s life-giving to feel held as I have been. Seeing the moon high in a clear sky last night was the hope I needed that Spring will be here soon. Once the Worm Moon comes ‘round, Spring isn’t far behind!
A day with the butterflies | After what has to be the toughest February in a long time, Joel & I had a little date day at Frederik Meijer Gardens. It was the first day of the butterflies & the last day of the womb exhibit, a lovely overlap. I had plans to do a photoshoot here & have everything aligned just so. Then I was out for 2 weeks with sciatic back pain followed by a week of the flu. I had to cancel all plans & contact with others just to get by. Then I found myself watching the butterflies float around me on a sunny Saturday on leap day, after walking through The Womb I thought I’d miss. It was a powerful lesson — I have no control, & I enjoy life a lot more when I stop trying to curate it all just so.
Spring Cleaning | Poor Tiger hates when his Mom removes everything from the cupboards to organize! This winter has been harder than most. I’m very ready for the change of seasons. I want the Moon Lodge to feel refreshed and ready for what’s next. We took a recent weekend to go through all our stuff; put it in piles of alike things, keep what holds meaning & get rid of the rest. We’re halfway there and I already feel lighter! Tiger’s not-so-patiently waiting for his living room back.
International Women’s Day | I have a little sidekick with me for IWD2020! In the last couple of years, I’ve put a lot of energy into holding space for creative women in my local community I admire on this special day. This year I was happy to keep that energy inward for our little girl we’re expecting this Summer. I’m starting to understand there are seasons for giving outward, and seasons for giving inward. This season is within completely. I didn’t know how much I needed it until now. We had breakfast at our favorite place talking about dreams, projects, and each other that only slow Sundays can bring out in you. I think my brother said it best when he said, “It’s like you’re 2 women in 1 right now!”
Currently
Reading | Last of the Amazons by Steven Pressfield
Listening | Legendary Women of Country playlist
Watching | Grace & Frankie, love this show so much!
To be very honest, I don’t feel like myself lately. What used to fill me up isn’t doing it right now. Things I attached so deeply to my identity I’m no longer identifying with. It’s making for a lot of chaos, inner turmoil, and plenty of tears. In 2020 I’ll be 30 years old and a first-time mother — feeling reflective, nostalgic, physical discomfort, joyful, & like I’m being let in on a sacred secret of life I’ve never known before. It’s a fucking wild ride & it’s shifting everything I’ve ever known. It’s making me wonder if having a public space like this blog to explore my unfolding as I go is really the healthiest thing for me. Who wants to look back on their 20’s and see all the vulnerabilities they were trying to work out when you don’t feel like that girl anymore? What used to make me proud now makes me feel exposed. I don’t know if this means it’s time to hang my hat on self-publishing in this format or if I just need to give myself space during this season of inward & see what answer comes to me. One thing is for certain, the more I look to Grandmother Moon, the more I trust in her guidance to know what’s right for me. You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
February | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle links.
Happy February Full Moon! Aptly named the Snow Moon. This full moon is in Leo which I always enjoy a little extra. February’s full moon poem is from Mary Oliver’s book of poems Twelve Moons. As if there wasn’t enough reason to love Mary Oliver, I only just discovered this book of hers after I found her poem in her fuller book of poems Devotions. She wrote a poem for 12 moons, and phases in between, in tune with the Algonquin peoples naming for moons. The very same symbolism that inspired me 3 years ago.
Papa’s 70th Birthday | We surprised my Papa at his favorite Mexican restaurant recently. It was such a nice afternoon with a lot of family I haven’t seen in a while. My coworkers were surprised that my grandpa is so young. My grandma was only 39 years old when she became my grandma. I forget how young my family is in the context of others but it made me extra grateful as I looked around at all of us. It might also explain why my Papa loved his Doobie Brothers tickets we got him!
Soul Sister Studio visit | My mom purchased studio space in my hometown. This dream of hers has been 10 years in the making (maybe her entire life in the making?). I finally got to spend a weekend at her studio where she’s getting it all ready. She is TOTALLY in her element. My childhood was crafting & making projects with her & my brother. To see her bring the same teaching & safe space to others in her community brings me tears of joy & pride. Joel and my dad built her custom workbenches for her workshop students & I finally got the tater tot waffles I’ve been pining for since Christmas. It was such a wonderful weekend.
Designer at Chaco | It’s a boring time of the year for us so other than the few family trips our days have been slow & uneventful. The Winter season is my favorite time to work because it keeps my mind focused on progress instead of being ornery about the weather. I’ve been on the Chaco team for about a month & the work is keeping me busy! I’ve been putting on my new headphones (thanks Mom & Dad!), rocking out, & making all the things that come my way. This is the first time I’ve had 2 huge display screens to create with so I’m in designer heaven! Oh, & my shoe selection has increased ten-fold already.
Currently
Reading | The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Listening | Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper (never gets old!)
Thinking | About Miss Americana, the Netflix documentary about Taylor Swift. I relate to her need for approval & how she’s had to dismantle that belief system for her well-being. Being the nice girl & never speaking up didn’t stop people from hating her or trying to diminish her hard work. There will always be people who want to copy, belittle, or demean you. Those aren’t your people & you can’t let them silence you.
February is my least favorite month, March is a close second. Cabin fever sets in hard & I start to crave the warmth of Summer. Michigan friends make up most of my readership — you all can probably relate to this cabin fever?! — so it’s odd that Texas readership has increased so much on my blog more than any other location (even Michigan!) over the last few months. The analytics show views 10-20 times/day from the same IP address which I’ve never seen here before. I definitely don’t post enough for anyone to be here reading every day but I appreciate the loyalty! You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
January | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle. Includes current books, music, & lifestyle recommendations.
Today is the first full moon of 2020! If you’ve visited me here over the last few years you’re probably familiar with my full moon recaps. Each month these posts are a time to honor the full moon, check in on what we’re up to, & simply be in tune with the moon (at least that’s my hope for you).
January’s full moon poem is from the book The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR (to be read) list if you want a deeper knowledge of the Moon and how she influences us as a People.
New Year’s 2020 | We brought in the new year & decade with some of our closest friends. They just moved into a new house so it was a celebration of big milestones all around! It was a casual affair we all needed after the holidays. Pizza, veggie trays, chips & dips, and watching the NYC special on TV with plenty of celebrities I didn’t recognize. I think that means I’m getting old. ha! Barely made it to midnight this year. It was a good reminder that some seasons are a slow welcome with little fanfare & there’s plenty of beauty in that too.
Designer at Chaco | I’ve joined the Marketing team at Chaco, an outdoor lifestyle & shoe brand. I started during the holidays with a lot of fun parties. A good way to start a new venture if you ask me! It’s very new so not much to say yet other than I really love the team & I’m excited for what’s to come. It’s inspired (yet another) wardrobe. I’m now on the hunt for all things trailwear.
Hometown visit | I try to visit my parents about once a month. Around the holidays it’s easier to see them more. They came my way for Christmas & I’m going their way soon. We’re going to catch Dad’s basketball game, Mom’s new studio downtown, & hopefully get tater tot waffles at Harless & Hugh. I’ve been CRAVING them since Mom mentioned they’re a new menu item.
Currently
Reading | This Is Marketing & Lost & Found: Legendary Lake Michigan Shipwrecks
Listening | R&B mix & The Lonely American Man, Hidden Brain podcast
Thinking | What can I do to help with the Australian wildfires? I’ve donated to Port Macquarie Koala Hospital & WIRES Wildlife Rescue so far. I feel helpless but there has to be something more I can do…
There is a lot of NEW to start this year, more than I recall ever having. It’s exciting & energizing as well as overwhelming. I feel off-balance from it all yet very grateful for it all. So many things have been serendipitous lately in ways I can’t even begin to explain. My enneagram 1 nature is challenged every day but I think it’s exactly what I needed. Sometimes what we’ve always known has to be stirred up to evolve into a grander plan. Consider me stirred! You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
July | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
July – August 2019 Full Moon
The dog days of summer are in full force. I've been saying this to Joel over the last week; we're lethargic and ornery yet trying to be optimistic & laugh through our heat-driven moods. Never should a Michigander complain of a warm summer, legend says it brings on worse winters. ;) Anyway, I kept saying this to him. Lo' and behold July 3 – August 11 are factually the dog days of summer because the Sun occupies the same region of the star Sirius during this time. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog, hence the reference to canines in the phrase. I love to run in this heat and I love how it slows everyone down, if only for a blip in the fun chaos of summer activities.
*This is the last full moon of Year 2 of my Full Moon Monthly posts! Jump to the bottom for what's next in Year 3*
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
July
Some readers could relate to this photo of my Dad & I circa 1990's on Instagram
Lake Time
Speaking of heat, it's not all that bad when you're nearby water. We don't have air conditioning so getting to the water is also survival for us! ha. Luckily our cottage is a few blocks away from a little beach and we have a neighborhood access ramp to the water. Whether it's swimming after the workday ends or taking our kayak's through the bayous, I'm looking forward to a lot of water time this month.
The hotel hosting my client's event is absolutely stunning
Back to Seattle
I went to Seattle this Spring for a client's event and am heading back there this month to work through the final details. I'm going one more time in September to produce the event with the team. It's going to be a quick trip and then I'm visiting one of my dearest friends in Chicago the weekend I'm back. Looking forward to both since Summer is usually a lot of studio time.
This outfit was part of my Summer 10x10 last summer 2018. One of the places in our home I like to read.
My 29th Birthday
Last year of my 20's is just around the corner. I get reflective around my birthday every year but this one I feel like I'm reflecting even earlier than usual. Something about saying goodbye to an entire decade feels monumental. Leave it to me that there's still an entire year of 29 before needing to think about 30 but here I am with all the existential questions. :P My birthday weekend we'll be in my hometown with my family; loose plans are to run a 5K and catch a minor league baseball game, my Dad's Father's Day gift from all of us. I'm excited for the time together!
June
One of the areas in our backyard where we power washed the fence, put down fresh mulch & perennials of the fescue variety.
House Projects Plan
The more we dig into house projects, the less I believe any photo in the glossies or Pinterest is just a simple DIY. Maintenance alone is no easy task. Then to add on making changes that you want vs. need? AND have it feel beautiful and all your own? It's a shit show people! Doling out mad respect for interior designers and landscapers every time I pull yet another sneaky weed. Everything has taken us twice as long as we thought but we've been chipping away at our landscaping on nights & weekends and I really love how it's coming along. Working on a home project with your spouse is probably the best form of marriage counseling there is.
Studio headshot by Leigh Ann Cobb
Business Updates
I'm proud of what was accomplished for my business last month. It was a lot of administrative tasks that needed to be executed that I finally dedicated the time to do. I'm a classic case of just wanting to do fun design stuff for clients and all the other hullabaloo gets backseat. Not anymore, I'm starting to find a good balance between the left & right brain functions needed to run a business, and to ask for help from others with the tasks that are my weakness or that I want to improve upon. Now I'm working on my design portfolio (live Fall/Winter 2019!) with a fun team to start showing all the work I've been doing, AKA the fun stuff!
Greatest Fourth in the North 5K race, an almost annual tradition for the Bode's!
Half-marathon Training
I'm running a half marathon this fall with a wonderful friend of mine. She's been the best workout buddy since I met her a few years ago and now we're going to train for a half with the aid of Joel's awesome training schedule (he's running it too). I ran a half 7 years ago and woah, training for this one is so not the same. My body's changed and I'm not as active as I was at 22. I'm starting to be more active again and it's a part of myself that slipped away for a while. Hi, happy active Em, glad you're back. Missed you! I ran a 4th of July race with Joel & one of my brothers-in-law and have another coming up with my Dad & brother. We'll see how it goes.
What's next for Full Moon Monthly
This is a wrap on year 2 of Full Moon Monthly! I'm still deciding how I want to do Year 3. I'm thinking more of the same but with a different image style or graphic elements. More to come with next month's full moon. :) I started this monthly series in August 2017 to recap life currently based on the cycles of the moon. You can see all full moons here or Years 1 & 2 listed below:
Year 1: Full Moon Monthly
August Sturgeon Moon | September Corn Moon | October Harvest Moon | November Frost Moon | December Cold Moon | January Wolf Moon | January Blue Moon | March Crow Moon | March Blue Moon | April Pink Moon | May Flower Moon | June Honey Moon | July Thunder Moon (not pictured)
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
June | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
June – July 2019 Full Moon
Summa summa summa time. Even though it's Summer it doesn't feel like it. I don't know if it's the Spring travel throwing me off, a new routine (yet again), or the rainy Michigan weather but I haven't sunk into the Summer season yet. I was home for about a week in May which is a lot of time away for a homebody & her needy pup! So far this month has been getting back home & recovering from all the stimulation; getting back to a daily routine, catching up with friends & family, and catching up on sleep.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
June
Photo by Erin Williamson Design / Seen on Fireclay Tile
House projects plan
Joel & I are more than ready to get going on projects around our home which we've lovingly named The Moon Lodge. We've lived in our little cottage by the lake for 5 years. It's time to make some updates! The picture above is one of many inspirations I'm using for a washroom moodboard; it's similar in layout to our tiny washroom. It makes me hopeful we can redo ours. Not in a Chip & Jo kind of way, or a Pinterest kind of way, but a real version kind of way – which will probably come with a lot of arguments & tears. Haha, it'll be interesting.
My studio desk is always changing but this is probably my favorite set-up of it so far.
Business Updates
I'm officially a Michigan LLC, y'all! I've been self-employed since 2014 and what a roller coaster 5 years it's been. When my last name changed I needed to update my business name and all that comes with it. Done and done. Other business owners keep telling me how easy it is to register an LLC and have all of your taxes in order. Love their optimism but that's not how it happens for me. The number of confused looks I get at the county building, the bank, on the phone with my CPA, etc. etc. is hilarious. I should write a book about it. Or at least a blog post. Anyways, this month I'm getting all my business ducks in order, organizing, & have some fun things planned to finish out the year.
The Keep Cup we designed for the employee summit. I've been using it at all the coffee shops & love how it's reduced my disposable cup usage.
Co-working
I've started to co-work with a friend once a week at a local coffee shop. We've set a weekly day & time to keep us accountable. So far, it's been my most productive day of the week. We're in completely different industries and roles within our respective companies. It's nice to have those differences throughout the workday. We can vent to each other & no one takes it personally because we're not invested in the outcome of each other's companies. The accountability has been key for me & I look forward to it each week.
May
(1) Welcome Reception at Banger's. (2) My first ride on an e-scooter. Highly recommend Uber's scooter JUMP. The fastest, cheapest, most reliable, & lights up at night! of all the scooter options (& there are a lot in Austin!).
Employee Summit in Austin, Texas
The first event for the software company I'm contracting for is in the books! It was a whirlwind in the best of ways. It was so gratifying to see everything I designed in the Winter come to fruition in the space. I observed how conference attendees were interacting, what was a positive experience for them, and things I can do next time to improve their experience of navigating a multi-floor, week-long event. I came home feeling on top of the world, inspired by Austin, and loving the kind of work I get to do. Oh, & I tried e-scooters for the first time and LOVED it. They're so fun!
(1) Mom & Audrey at Kate's baby shower. Loved having an entire day with them. (2) Tiger & I with Joel at the secret brewery I selfishly won't share.
Wedding & Baby Showers
Immediately after I flew home from Austin, we drove to my hometown for my best friend’s baby shower and other best friend's wedding shower. I went to both of them with my other best friend...I'm lucky to have a lot of best friends :). It was a day full of the closest friends I've had since high school, the only girlfriends I'm still in touch with from high school, and this weekend reminded me why. We ended the day at our favorite brewery that I don't even want to share because I love it so much & want to keep it all to myself. ;) Thank God for Joel who took care of me in my exhausted loopiness, it was a wild ride. Haha.
Joel & I the weekend we were back from our Morocco & Spain trip. First sunset over the lake of the season!
Beach volleyball
Volleyball season has officially begun! We won our first game & had a blast. We play right next to Lake Michigan every week then go for pizza & beer afterward usually. To me, it's just the epitome of Summer & I look forward to it every week, callouses & all!
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
May | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
May – June 2019 Full Moon
We are home from 2 weeks of traveling abroad that feels like we were a lifetime away. I am changed yet can't articulate even to myself how so. But the moon continues to revolve around the Earth regardless of where we sit on this planet and so too can the full moon monthly post continue despite me not wanting to write much right now.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
May
(1) I've been living out of my carry-on lately (2) The event team I'm part of (3) Champagne courtesy of the hotel hosting the event!
Employee Summit in Austin, Texas
I'm going back to Austin to help with an employee summit for the software company I'm contracting for. This event has been 6 months in the making and now it is here! I'm excited to see how all of the signage, materials, presentations, and overall look of the space comes together after envisioning how it will be for so long. I've had great reminders leading up to the event that it's natural everything won't go perfectly to plan no matter how hard you try. You prepare, do your absolute best & that is all you can do. Learn from it, grow from it, ENJOY it.
Summer Wedding Invitations
Working with Heyday Lab on another gorgeous summer wedding. We made letterpress invitations with a translucent overlay of foliage that will match the day-of wedding florals. The feel of the letterpress & envelopes on the chosen velvety white paper is just stunning. I love how a simple black and white invite can be elevated to luxury with the letterpress printing technique. Next up I'm making all the signage & print materials for the day of the wedding. More black & white script on the horizon for me, my favorite!
Beach Volleyball!
I can't wait for beach volleyball to start again this year. Last year was our first year playing on a co-ed league at the beach. We were amateurs for sure and didn't know the rules half the time. The other teams had to teach us about every game, haha, but that's the fun of it really. We're back for year 2 and I'm excited about listening to music, watching the sunset over the water, and hanging out with good friends.
April
Morocco & Spain
We took literally 1,000 photos of our two weeks abroad. We went to Casablanca and Chefchaoen in Morocco & then Tarifa, Cadíz, Monachil, Granada, & Madrid in Spain. As I mentioned above, it was a life-changing trip I can't describe. I have no words for how important, powerful, humbling, & awe-inspiring it all was. We're so grateful to Joel's friend and his wife for being on the trip the first part of the week with us. No clue how we would've navigated & enjoyed the different places without them. In fact, it's because of them the trip was even possible! Unforgettable. :)
Design class final exam
The final exam for my students was to host a portfolio event. I let them choose what they wanted their final exam to be. Once they believed I was serious, this is what they came up with. They were divvied up into different groups to plan for the event; everything from a brand team to project management, print, digital marketing, and a keynote presentation team. They did an amazing job with the creative brief and I could tell they felt truly empowered to have hosted their first event and took a lot of pride & responsibility in the outcome of it. It was a wonderful way to wrap up a semester full of hard work!
BeautyCounter Makeup
I jumped on the clean beauty bandwagon (again) after learning a lot more about health & wellness as one of Diane Teall's Root Cause Reset clients this Winter. I figure I've been working so much on healing my insides with whole food that I might as well treat myself to healing the outside. I found a chin hair, A CHIN HAIR!, the other day so obviously, wrinkles and age spots and menopause are next. :P I'm loving the BeautyCounter cleansing balm & tinted moisturizer foundation the most. Not a fan of the mascara, it doesn't have enough oomph. My everlasting search for natural deodorant also continues but I'm liking Primally Pure's lavender option so far.
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
April | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
April – May 2019 Full Moon
The last month has flown by and the next moon cycle will continue the same way. I'm in survival mode. Or maybe I'm in the present mode, which is the ultimate goal anyway. :) These monthly moon posts are all I have time for. I love these posts because it's time for myself. So much of my schedule is dedicated to other projects and people right now. I'm not journaling publicly much right now but there is a lot going on I hope to write about soon. Maybe this Summer when my schedule changes again. This moon is a Blue Moon because it's the second full moon in Libra season. Libra has a lot to do with our relationships and cleaning house with those relationships we want to balance out and those we're ready to let go of. I've forgiven a lot of people I've been holding anger towards for things that happened YEARS AGO. We hold on until we let go, yes? Time isn't a factor. I feel lighter. This is opportune timing because traveling lightly is so freeing & I'm about to be doing a lot of that.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
April
One of my students receiving feedback from a design professional at International Women's Day Co-work 2019 | Photo by Sincerely Ashley
Winter design class is done
The semester has come to an end. My students are preparing for their final exam as we speak (hopefully ;)). I'm so proud of how far they've come this year and where they're going. At the beginning of each semester I ask each student the question, What is one thing you want to get out of this semester? It is valuable for me so I can do my best to help the students reach their goal and it's valuable for them to verbalize what they're seeking. So often we don't say what we want & then are bummed we're not where we intended to be. But if we can voice it, we will seek it naturally, or it will seek us. Much the way I received the opportunity to teach in the first place. :)
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca | Photo by Amor for Travel
Chefchaouen, Morocco | Photo by Kathmandu & Beyond
Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain | Photo by Away & Far
The Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain | Photo by The Every Girl
Morocco & Spain
We're heading to Morocco & Spain! This trip has been six months in the making. It's our first trip abroad. I'm a ball of nerves & Joel is so READY. I'm so excited for time away with our friends who live in Casablanca and to immerse ourselves in new cultures. We are literally counting down the days.
March
Financial Planning Dates
The debt-free dates continue. It's more fun when you call them "dates", like something to look forward to. :P We're about 4 months into actively tackling our debt and phew, it's fucking hard! I made a private Instagram for us to track our progress. It's super helpful to see where we started and how we're progressing. Especially on days we feel like quitting. Our vacation will be a nice break but ultimately we keep reminding ourselves it will be worth it to lighten our load so we can get on with the dreams & goals we have that require an investment.
Seattle, WA
It was a whirlwind 4-day trip to Seattle for work. The city looks so different since I was last there 7 years ago. Not necessarily for the better in my opinion but the space I'll be working in is STUNNING. I was able to spend time with my cousin and his girlfriend and their cute kitty. It had been a while since I'd seen him and felt so good to be with family after full days of work. If you follow me on Instagram you saw Joel holding down the fort with his mirror pics. haha. He just melts me.
Seattle recs: Anchorhead Coffee | Capitol Hill Neighborhood | Hula Hula Karaoke Lounge
Newsletter Sign-up
Before we know it, it's going to be the Summer season. It's the best time to be in Michigan and anywhere near a cottage &/or a lake. Issue 04 of the Creative Grace newsletter will be sent out for the summer solstice in June. Sign up for some curated summer inspiration that won't ask you to do anything or try to sell you anything. :) Not sure?
Read a few samples: Issue 01: Fall | Issue 02: Winter | Issue 03: Spring
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
March | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
March – April 2019 Full Moon
March took off so quickly I barely noticed we're halfway through the month already! The Winter was intentionally slow giving me much needed energy for this Spring. There is A LOT going on with travel and work. I'm so pumped but also doing my best not to burn out which is new for me sadly. :P Lately I'm balancing a fresh routine based on personal & career changes, tackling financial goals, & trying not to spend my hard-earned budget on end-of-season winter coats and kitchen gadgets. It hasn't been easy. :P I'm very good at rationalizing purchases for our cottage, especially this time of year.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
March
Financial Planning Dates
Joel and I have been doing this all winter. We plan to continue until we're debt-free. We have financial dates a couple of times a month to keep track of our budget, goals, expenses. Joel loves it. I look for the nearest bottle of wine every. single. time. It's actually been great to work on this together and see our student loan debt dwindle. It isn't fun but we try to make it better by going to places like Sidebar, a new coffee shop near us by the lake. It will be fun when we can start saving for some big dreams we have. Little by little, we're getting there.
Seattle, WA
I'm heading to Seattle for work this moon cycle. The last time I was there was during college to visit my friend who interned at Starbucks HQ at the time. It was a week of visiting with her, getting kicked out of Starbucks’ super-secret design studio, climbing Mt. Rainier, a day at Bainbridge Island, and scenic views of Puget Sound. Any recommendations for the Northwest?!
Image via Carlay Page
Going to Morocco!
Oh yeah, we're also going to Morocco and Southern Spain soon. :) In celebration of Joel's 30th birthday, we're going to visit good friends there and soak in our first big international trip. I've been a planning fiend and heavy into researching all the possibilities while we're there, as well as travel tips from all the travel bloggers and my well-traveled friends. I would love to stay at the Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakech thanks to The Joshua Tree House recap of their stay. We're keeping North to account for Spain though so...next time! ;)
February
Images by Sincerely Ashley
International Women's Day Co-work 2019
I'm speechless over how magical the International Women's Day Co-work turned out. It was a day full of many emotions and layers for me. To see my vision of the event unfold and be more than I could've imagined was humbling and deeply special. I hope everyone had a great time! Ashley took great photos of the day and has plans for similar events called Go|Co. Keep a lookout if you missed this one!
Studio Refresh
You may have already seen this since I was venting, haha, but I made an impromptu decision to refresh my studio recently — AKA standing in the aisle at Home Goods taking pillows off the shelf, putting them back, picking them up again. My studio needed TLC badly since we moved back to the lake. There were such good vibes this day too. It started with Sunday gospel music, drinking my salted fat mocha by Lake Michigan, just taking in the beauty of where we live. I've been so cozy & productive since this refresh with a renewed energy towards my Spring projects. WORTH IT.
Moodboard for Creative Grace, Spring 2019 Issue
Creative Grace Issue 03
Speaking of projects, my newsletter is a quarterly digital publication to celebrate the season. Alas, Spring! Subscribe to Creative Grace now to be on the list in time for Issue 03, launching on the Spring Equinox. It will come right to your inbox, a little Spring Fever to look forward to.
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
February | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
February – March 2019 Full Moon
The January–February moon cycle is consistently the HARDEST cycle for me so needless to say I'm glad we made it through. Negative temps, a week-long head cold, and cabin fever vibes big time. Boo! But a lot of great things happened too and I'm excited for what's ahead. February is Black History Month, these are some great accounts I recommend to refresh your feed to go beyond just this month: White Girl Learning for great book recommendations, Rachel Cargle for a true history lesson each day, and Red Table Talk, a multi-generational talk show of relevant conversations on culture and our current landscapes. Learning lights me up. It naturally teaches empathy, connection, & understanding. I'm getting that in spades lately and it feels really good.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
February
Photo by Handlettering by Ky / Tifani Lyn
GR Mag Wedding Profile
The February issue of Grand Rapids Magazine is now in print! If you're local, look for it at your favorite coffee shop. I wrote Tips and Trends for the 2019 Wedding Season on best practices for planning the menu, along with receptions trends I'm seeing for the wedding season this year. It's cheeky and fun and I loved working with Ginger Bakes and Tifani Lyn for the content.
Image by HZ Photo
International Women's Day Co-work
I'm linking up with Ashley of Sincerely Ashley for International Women's Day again this year – March 8, mark your calendars! We're planning a fun local event for women in the community to work together for the day at a new place in town. If you're interested, shoot me a note. More details coming soon. See last year's IWD here.
Image via Sacree Frangine
Creative Grace Issue 03
How are we already here?! It seems like yesterday I was putting together the Winter Issue of Creative Grace and here we are ramping up for Spring. Music to my ears, we are SO CLOSE to brighter days, friends! Subscribe to Creative Grace now to be on the list in time for Issue 03, launching on the Spring Equinox in mid-March. It will come right to your inbox, a little Spring celebration to look forward to.
January
Winter Fun
When Joel and I started dating, he made it his mission to have me fall in love with winter. It was a huge undertaking considering I spent my childhood winters in heated, brightly lit gyms playing basketball. I didn't even own a pair of winter boots! About 10 years later and Joel's getting somewhere. :P We've snowboarded in the freshest pow I've ever seen, community bonfires in town, a full week of snow days cuddled inside watching new shows and The Grammy's and have walked lake trails with Tiger in the soul-reviving fresh air and fallen snow. Our lake cottage
Root Cause Reset with Ditea Wellness
Still on the RCR train with Diane. I keep talking about it because it's truly been a health journey of ups and downs, new habits, lessons, and getting to know ME. I'm learning so much about whole foods, fatty proteins, digestion, my cycle, and fun products to keep it interesting. Like this bright pink pill purse that holds my supplements now. This last month I've tried new recipes, am getting into a grocery crawl routine, scouting stores with my favorite products, and observing how managing stress is my biggest battle. Oh and Diane's salted fat mocha recipe is a GAME. CHANGER. You must try it!
Austin, TX
I've joined an amazing event team for a tech company and am helping with their summer event in Austin. We went to great restaurants after each workday and I've come home with new energy completely inspired by the Austin vibes. I'll be putting together more visual inspiration and sharing here soon. I mean look at those turquoise subway tiles! Swoon.
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
January | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
January – February 2019 Full Moon
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! A very good Monday for the full winter moon to fall on. The days have been slow but I'm grateful for them. Just chipping away at goals, visiting with family and friends, starting Winter semester teaching design at Grand Valley, reading a lot, and watching State basketball a couple of times a week. There have been a few sunny days that trick me into thinking we're closer to spring than we actually are. On those days, I remind myself it will be here soon enough and try to soak in what's right in front of me.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
January
Photo by Samantha James / Cake by Ginger Bakes
Grand Rapids Magazine Wedding Feature
I wrote an article for Grand Rapids Magazine for their annual wedding section. Hard copies will be out this month so if you're local, check it out! I can't say just yet the exact topic but I can tell you life continues to amaze me with the way a seemingly roundabout and screwy path somehow all makes sense when you look back on it.
Root Cause Reset with Ditea Wellness
I'm about 1 month into my 3-month nutrition program with Diane. It's hard to express how life-changing it's already been! You never hear much with health-related programs that these programs only work if you do. Diane has been an AMAZING coach, mentor, teacher, and hype woman as she likes to say and I highly recommend her if you're in a similar place of unhappiness with food & lifestyle habits. However, you need to be ready to commit to it just as much as your coach if not more to take what you're learning and make the change. This is the underlying insight I've found so far. That and a shrimp kale salad I made that is THE BEST I EVER HAD. More about my 1st grocery crawl here.
Self-care for creatives / Ditea Wellness / Shrimp Kale salad recipe
Austin, TX
I'm heading to Austin, Texas this moon cycle. It's a bit too fresh for me to share all the details right now but it's an opportunity I'm super excited for! Joel & I went to Austin a couple of years ago and I only took a photo of the State Capitol. Seriously, only 1 photo during our couple days stay. haha. Any restaurant recommendations or places I need to visit?!
December
New Year
We rang in 2019 with good friends playing board games and Euchre. The weather turned icy around midnight so we stayed cozy at our friends' house talking about what we were hoping for this next year and laughing and celebrating while playing cards around the kitchen table. We dressed up for the heck of it and then quickly changed into more comfy clothes after the ball dropped on TV. It was a wonderful way to thank the last year and welcome the new one.
Joel's Trail Race
I have to brag on my man for a second. Joel placed 2nd for a 10K trail run a week after the holidays! He wasn't familiar with the route and had only run a few times leading up to the race. So yeah, he rocks. While he ran, I hung out in a warm lodge nearby reading my book, writing, & getting my nutrition forms filled out. We all have the things we enjoy.
No Drink January
We're halfway through 31 days of no alcohol. We thought we were the only ones doing a challenge like this. After telling a few friends, acquaintances, and coworkers about it, we discovered we're not the only ones. A lot of people are doing it and it's kind of a thing, I guess? It's called Dry January. I had no idea. Either way, it kind of sucks. Haha. I was optimistic to start. I enjoy more restful sleep, mental clarity, and energy. Now that I feel more balanced and like we've taken a good break, I'd enjoy a cold one any time now.
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
December | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
December 2018 – January 2019 Full Moon
Based on my intentions last month to slow down and escape burn out, I'm pleased to report I've been more present during the holidays this year than years past. There was chaos wrapping up the Fall semester and last quarter of 2018 but how I responded is what allowed me to find calm in it. It's officially the hardest time of year for me after the holidays. There are fun things planned and goals I'm excited about that should keep me preoccupied.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
December
Christmas at the Moon Lodge
Joel and I hosted my family for Christmas this year and we absolutely loved it! We weren't able to host last year because we were in a tiny apartment. We were ready to rekindle the vibes & traditions with my family. Joel asked me at the beginning of the holiday season what I wanted most. I said to have our home ready to celebrate the year we had and honor our loved ones. It was absolutely magical.
November 2018 Full Moon / Winter issue of Creative Grace newsletter
Root Cause Reset with Ditea Wellness
I'm starting a 90-day nutritional program in 2019 with Diane Teall, nutritional therapy consultant, and fellow boss babe. You may have seen her in Issue 02 of Creative Grace! I haven't been intentional with my diet & health in years. I'm super excited to begin this journey with Diane's guidance. I'm nervous too but I think it's a good indication I'm ready for this commitment to my health and well-being.
No Drink January
I'm also not drinking alcohol the entire month of January! If there was a theme to this full moon it would be health + wellness for sure. Beer has been making my stomach feel crummy. I also don't like how easily it becomes a crutch to social gatherings. I'm breaking the routine and hoping this month off will help form a healthier habit. :) When I told Joel, he was all about it too. He has a trail race and other fitness goals so it worked out for both of us this month. Having support and accountability makes all the difference. We'll see how it goes!
November
The Holidays
I really enjoyed the holidays this year! This season felt more peaceful and had great vibes. They were tough without my Grandma but we felt her presence and relived funny memories of her and the traditions she put in place for us. Losing her has changed all of us but we've held each other a little closer and tighter thanks to her too. Joel and I also made cookies with his family, trimmed our tree with ornaments from all the places we've traveled, and had a couple of Saturday morning coffee dates that I cherish so much. I mean look at that cute but irritated face for making him take a picture.
How to honor the Winter Solstice / Top 10 Books of 2018 / Tips for sweater weather
Freelance Workshops
The week after Thanksgiving was an absolute blur with freelance workshops on top of my regularly scheduled class at Grand Valley. I hosted workshops for the senior design classes on being a freelancer in the design industry. It's a rather new topic in our area, and there are so many avenues it can create, so I shared my experience with tangible advice for students graduating soon. They had amazing questions and thanks to a brief IG survey, it seems like a lot of creatives at all levels are looking for a workshop like this!
3 tips to be a freelance designer / Freelancing behind the scenes / A day of freelance
Studio Closed until 2019
Ultimately I think it was a good move to shut down the studio for the month. The holidays, grades, print shop, blog, clients, etc., etc. all became so overwhelming that I needed to change my mindset to get through it in one piece. My dad is an engineer in the automotive industry and every year they have a plant shutdown to fix the assembly lines and other maintenance. This was my plant shutdown. I needed to regroup, reflect on 2018, closeout some items that always get the backburner, and take a break. I'm going a little stir crazy now and that's how I know this was the best thing I could've done for myself. The energy is coming back...
My studio / Self-care for creatives / Sign up for the Creative Grace newsletter
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
November | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
November – December Full Moon
I'm not sure where the last month went but every month is flying by right now. I'm trying to slow things down in order to be more present to all the beautiful things the holidays bring—family time, cozy weather, laughter—while keeping my wellness at the forefront. It's difficult this time of year with final grades for my students, Q4 goals, holiday traditions, gift-giving etc. but I'm trying my best to maintain some balance and not be completely burnt-out. We'll see how it goes!
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
November
Thanksgiving
We went to my Grandpa's for Thanksgiving this year. I made my Grandma's famous green bread for the first time ever and plenty of pumpkin muffins that Joel enjoyed. Tiger road-tripped with us this year and it made me so happy to be Up North with my family. My cousin, Mom, & I may have stayed up too late to see the moon rise over the field and reminisce on our memories of Grandma over a bottle (or 2) of wine.
Freelance Workshops
I'm looking forward to hosting 2 freelance workshops for senior design students at Grand Valley this month. One of the reasons I was hired to teach is my experience as a freelance designer. Freelancing is becoming more & more popular for young designers but they're not sure where to start, which is where I come in. There aren't a lot of us in the local design community, at least not actively talking about it, so I'm looking forward to sharing what I know from 5+ years as a freelance designer in hopes it will help inspire & motivate the students.
3 tips to be a freelance designer / Freelancing behind the scenes / A day of freelance
Studio Closed starting Monday, December 3
It's time for a break. Last year I closed up shop mid-December for some R&R in Florida and it made a huge difference to my mental health and the energy I brought in to the New Year when I returned. I'll be tieing up loose ends for current clients and finishing out the fall semester. Closing up shop a couple of weeks early is a business move I'm excited to make. It seems counter-productive to shut it down just when retail and 2018 budgets are ramping up but I have an inkling it's exactly what I need to do this year to start 2019 strong.
Book your 2019 design project with me [here].
October
Fall 10x10
A year of 10x10's is now in the books! My 4th challenge wrapped up on Halloween. I spent the week afterward reading through #10x10representationmatters which has unpacked a lot of realities on my privileges as a white woman. So it was a very successful 10x10 for more reasons than my 10 looks but I'm also happy with my looks from Lee & Birch. Feeling very confident in my style these days.
Lee & Birch Holiday Fashion Show
I talked all about my night walking in the holiday fashion show [here]. I realized doing things like a fashion show, photoshoots, and getting ready for local events is my version of pampering. I work a lot, I'm always thinking or writing or scheming up ideas so spending more time getting ready and dressing up is a nice little way I've found to give myself a little self-love.
Fall 10x10 with Lee & Birch / Style posts / How I define a capsule wardrobe
3 Weddings
We survived our season of weddings! haha. They were all such amazing days. My favorite part is watching the groom's face as his bride begins walking down the aisle. Most everyone is looking at her but I always turn to see her groom because his reaction tells all. It brought me to tears each time to see our friends begin their journey's together and I think Joel and I finally have our outfit coordination down.
Our wedding / My bachelorette party / A letter to my husband
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
October | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
October – November Full Moon
This month was wilder than the last. My schedule has changed drastically since the summer so you'll see I'm excited about a lot of events coming up, as well as a lot of fun celebrations that happened. I chose this picture of my kitty, Belle, and I in the living room a few years back because I miss her terribly. She passed away last October when we were living in Grand Rapids so this month is a year without her. I know that's kind of sad to talk about but the photo actually reminds me how lucky I was to have 18 years with her. It's healing to shed a few tears and honor her. I swear I can still hear her little paws pad through our cottage in the quiet moments and it helps.
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
October
Fall 10x10
The Fall 10x10 has officially begun! It started this Monday, October 22nd. See the full post [here] for more on my partnership with Lee & Birch, as well as my style inspiration and how I'm doing it differently this season.
My Fall 10x10 items / Summer 10x10 / Spring 10x10 / Winter 10x10
Meet the Makers Event at Dime + Regal
Local friends, you can come to meet me and other artists at Dime + Regal on Saturday, November 10th from 7-9 pm. I've been selling my hand-lettered prints at Dime + Regal for about a year now. Their shop space is STUNNING, the owners are are talented jewelry makers themselves, and they've built a great community of Michigan makers that I'm so grateful to be part of. Let us know if you're coming on the event page [here]!
Dime + Regal: Facebook event / Website / Instagram
3 Weddings
We have three weddings in a row this moon cycle! We've never had that happen before. I'll never complain about weekends full of dancing, dressing up, and celebrating love and new milestones of all of our friends. It's events like weddings that really remind me of the great community of friends Joel & I are in. I may or may not have gotten a new dress or two for special occasions. Haven't done that for a few years so it was exciting to get a few new cool weather fancy dresses!
Our wedding / My bachelorette party / A letter to my husband
September
Joel's 30th Birthday
Happy to report we survived Joel's 30th. It was a week full of surprises for Joel starting with gifting him a 2-week trip to Morocco next Spring to visit with our very close friends who live there! He was so surprised and excited. Let the travel planning begin! We then had friends over for his birthday weekend to watch football, eat carb-heavy and cheese-loaded food, go to a beer festival in town, and a bonfire in our backyard to finish out the celebrations. I'm pretty sure he had the best week ever. Seeing him as happy as he was is one of the greatest feelings in the world to me.
See more on living & our cottage
My 5-yr blogaversary
This blog milestone kind of snuck up on me this month with all the other things going on in my life right now; teaching, working at a print shop a few days a week, Joel's birthday celebration, some travel, and everything else, but I did take some time on a Friday at my favorite bakery in town to reflect on these last 5 years. See the full post [here]. It's a good mix of nostalgia, some backstory on past jobs, & some fun brand visuals to look at from all my evolutions of my personal brand over the years.
5 years of blogging / My IGTV video about the last 5 years / Top 100 Women Bloggers to Follow
Annual Girl's Weekend at Hocking Hills
The anticipated girl's weekend has come and gone, and much too fast! It was a restful, rejuvenating, and relaxing weekend with my best gal pals from high school. I continue to be amazed, humbled, and grateful to still be close to my girlfriends after all these years. We've been through a lot together and taking the time to nurture our relationship, surrounded by nature, is a feeling of gratitude that is hard to describe. We hiked 9 miles total this year, 1 mile longer than last year! We watched old movies each night, like the season's first viewing of Hocus Pocus with some mulled wine, took naps, shared podcast and book recommendations, and had the best chili to keep warm. We stayed at Eagle Ridge Cabin and I highly recommend it!
See last year's trip to Red River Gorge.
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
September | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
September – October Full Moon
This last month flew by for me, did it for you?! I felt like Summer was slow and then took off like wildfire at the end of the August. Teaching a college course for the first time, working at a print shop for a couple days, and continuing to work with clients on top of life stuff probably had something to do with it. It took some time getting acclimated to a new routine but this time of year always seems to be that for me. I'm excited for some fun celebrations and trips coming up and overall being in the fall season. Bonfires, football, and cozy Sundays here I come!
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
September
Joel's 30th Birthday
It's hard to believe this day is right around the corner considering I met Joel when I was 19 and he had just turned 21. This is such a milestone & I'm excited to celebrate this season of his life with him. Football, bonfire, craft brews, & yard games are on the agenda in true 30's fashion. Isn't he so handsome?! I keep telling him he gets more handsome with age, like George Clooney.
See more on living & our cottage
My 5-yr blogaversary
I started blogging 5 years ago! I've learned so much about writing, met many wonderful people, and stumbled into great opportunities because of this little corner of the internet. I've had moments of trying to strategize this space and not strategizing whatsoever, as well as plenty of other experiments, over the last 5 years. I'm grateful for it all. Thank you for continuing to show up through all my evolutions.
My very first post / Top 100 Women Bloggers to Follow / Brave Girl (my former blog)
Annual Girl's Weekend at Hocking Hills
2nd annual girl's trip is coming up! We enjoyed last year's trip so much we had to do it again. We're staying in Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio for some fall hiking and R&R. Last year we made up a game with Hallmark movies to drink wine every time a poinsettia came on the screen. There were SO MANY we had to stop playing. Haha. I'm excited to check out a new place before the holiday chaos begins with some of my best girlfriends.
See last year's trip to Red River Gorge
August
GVSU Design Professor this Fall
So far, so good. I mentioned the last moon that my mind was buzzing with ideas and it still is for upcoming projects. It's exciting to see the concepts the students come up with and how they're pushing their designs to be more & more refined. The author of the textbook I assigned for this course (Designing For Print, The Art and Science by Marina Joyce) found me through the bookstore and sent me a copy as a thank you for using it in class!
See more on creativity
Creative Grace Newsletter
I sent out the first issue of Creative Grace in time for the Autumn Equinox and it's so far received some great reviews from readers and sponsors (my featured visionaries of the seasons). This newsletter was a labor of love since June when I started designing a seasonal newsletter of inspiration for thoughtful creatives and readers like you. If you haven't signed up yet, please do right here.
Love your newsletter! It is so beautiful + makes me think of a mini magazine. – Currently Kherington
Mackinac Island for our 2 year anniversary!
This was the last photo we took before leaving our phones in the car and spending a long weekend on Mackinac Island. I felt like we were in a different world. There's so much history expressed on Mackinac Island and I truly understand why everyone loves it so much. From biking around the island to all the gorgeous summer cottages and the romantic views from pretty much anywhere, we loved our stay & will definitely be back. Probably won't stay in a haunted cottage next time like we did this trip though!
My favorite places: Anne's Tablet / The Woods Restaurant / Medicine Man & Coffee Trail
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
August | Life Lately
Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.
July Thunder Moon – August Full Moon
Year 1 of this series is complete! Last August I promised myself I would see this project through & here we are. Not only did it help me be consistent in my personal process, but it was also the catalyst to working with Heyday Lab on Grateful Dead-inspired wedding invitations. I've connected with so many of you thanks to this project & am happy to have stumbled into fellow Moon Lovers like you. I also found this book soon after starting the series: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams, I highly recommend.
On to Year 2! (You can see my first 13 moons here).
August
GVSU Design Professor this Fall
This week was the first week of classes. I was SO nervous Monday but it ultimately went great & I was floating with joy after my first class. This is the course book I can't wait to share with the students: Designing For Print, The Art and Science by Marina Joyce. I wish I had a resource book like this when I first learned about print design & production. My mind is buzzing with ideas to help my students reach their semester goals & teach them all I can about typography, layout, the history of design, etc. I've gone from wondering how I will fill the time in my class to not having enough of it!
See more on creativity
Creative Grace Newsletter
I wanted to share a seasonal newsletter with you with the launch of my new site last month. The way we prefer to read changes all the time & I'd rather share posts with you in a way that is easiest for you to read them. We're all hustlin' so I'd like to gift you a dose of inspiration when it works for you (you can follow me on bloglovin' or Instagram to know when I've posted in real-time). The first newsletter will be sent out mid-September and will include tidbits of inspiration and encouragement for the coming season. You can sign up for it here.
Mackinac Island for our 2 year anniversary
Joel surprised me with a long weekend on Mackinac Island to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary. I'm so, so excited about it! Being on an island with no cars in Northern Michigan is what my dreams are made of. A lot of you shared shops, restaurants, and hikes we need to check out while we're there so we'll definitely be ready to explore once we step on the island.
July
Summer 10x10 Challenge
My 3rd 10x10 challenge is in the books! It was fun to add more color and pattern into my looks than I had for the Spring and Winter challenges. See my 10 items, my 10 final looks, and how the challenge has shifted my mindset on capsule wardrobes. I think the Fall 10x10 will be different with my new schedule teaching and less laidback studio days.
My 28th birthday
I celebrated my birthday making a fruit smoothie with my new blender, going to the beach with my boys, lounging on our hammock, and went swimming in Lake Michigan. I didn't end up seeing the meteor shower because I fell asleep too early all weekend! I wrote a full post on being 28, check it out here.
Emily Bode new site
Since renaming my blog to just my name, I've gone back & forth if I made the right decision. Then I was listening to a podcast between Jenna Kutcher and Kathleen Barnes (Carrie Bradshaw Lied). Jenna said she didn't make a big deal about rebranding so no one else did either. Hmm, cool. Probably over-thinking it as usual. Thank you for your kind words of support & encouragement with the launch of my new site!
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.