Invented Charm

When You Say Nothing At All

Published September 12, 2017 by Christina

I’ve been at a loss about what to write lately. There’s a lot going on with me, with friends, with family. It’s hard to process everything, and maybe that’s the problem—I can only process it bit by bit.

I was listening to the new Lana Del Rey album and working on a project when I suddenly realized the song I most wanted to hear was When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krauss. The music couldn’t be more different, but it’s a good analogy to talk about knowing what you want and knowing how to get it. For me it was as simple as acknowledging my feeling and switching a song on iTunes, but for everyone it will likely be a different process.

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Master Bedroom Progress

Published August 31, 2017 by Christina

I told you I’d be back with an update about our master bedroom progress. Right now we are in the process of painting, and boy has it been a process…

The previous owner painted the room green (sea foam? granny smith? double mint? it looks different in pictures and in person) with alternating stripes of flat and glossy paint to give the room a circus tent feel. It’s not great.

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Vibrant Retreat Master Bedroom Inspiration

Published August 25, 2017 by Christina

It’s been slow going at the Tudor House, but I’m finally back with an update. I have been mulling ideas over for our master bedroom and finally put together a mood board for inspiration. I decided that I want my room to function like a hotel room. It needs to pull double duty and be a place where I can rest and work. I don’t want the room to be cluttered, and I want everything in there to feel purposeful and peaceful. I came up with the concept of vibrant retreat.

vibrant retreat master bedroom inspiration

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Currently Obsessing Over

Published August 14, 2017 by Christina

I’ve been struggling to find time and energy to write. I have a bunch of half-assed posts that maybe I’ll revisit in the future, but for now they’ll languish in the drafts folder. Mostly, I’ve been really thinking about the quote, Slow progress is still progress. I saw it on the She Is Recovering tumblr.

Instead of fussing over the fact that I am struggling with writing, I’ve jumped headlong into things that make me feel good. So here are the things I’m obsessing over in the month of August:

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Five Favorite Lessons from the Happier Podcast

Published August 1, 2017 by Christina

I shared previously that I’ve been listening to the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Usually I’m obsess over a blog or a book to get my inspiration or motivation fix, but I love the portability of a self-help podcast. It feels extra efficient! I also really like the sisterly banter between Gretchen and her sister, Hollywood writer/producer Elizabeth Craft. I think it can be very discouraging when you’re trying to work on yourself and the people you’re reading/listening to are preaching and make it seem like they have it all figured out, but Gretchen and Elizabeth don’t do that. In fact, they give themselves demerits and gold stars at the end of each episode, and I find that very relatable.

Here are my five favorite lessons I’ve learned from Happier with Gretchen Rubin:

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Respite for the Introverted

Published July 25, 2017 by Christina

I’ve been revisiting some of my Pins about parenting and motherhood, and one blog post really struck a nerve. Allison over at Our Small Hours wrote Tips for the Introverted Mom and I found it very useful to help me name the frustration I’ve been feeling lately.

I discovered in the last few years that I am an introvert. Even though I enjoy being social, I become very worn out when I have to interact with people for extended periods of time. In my former job I got to strike a good balance of working independently and working one on one with students and colleagues. It was always those independent blocks of time that I relied on to get me through the day. I don’t get many of those alone hours now that I’m a stay at home parent. Usually I’m able to power through, but sometimes it’s a real challenge. When I feel my patience wearing thin, I say things I don’t truly mean or I speak in an irritated tone.

We all have situations at home or work that can really try an introvert’s patience. If your’e an introvert, here are some tips for finding respite.

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Summer Obsessions

Published July 17, 2017 by Christina

I thought it was about time for a summer edition of my obsessions! TV, books, podcasts, and more!

Anne with an E: It’s a Netflix series based on the much loved Anne of Green Gables book series.

anne with an e opening credit — image via Indie Wire, courtesy of artist Brad Kunkle

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California Kid Room Inspiration

Published July 11, 2017 by Christina

Hey there! I’m here with an update about our Tudor house. We have been here a little less than a month and it’s been a whirlwind of projects and repairs. Most things are in a state of being half-completed or not started at all. Rory’s room is the furthest along, but still not quite ready for a proper post since I haven’t done figured out new artwork and a few key items haven’t even been pulled together.

Before I get too far ahead of myself, here’s an inspiration board I came up with back in May right after we closed escrow.

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A Capsule Wardrobe for Hot Hot Heat

Published July 6, 2017 by Christina

So it’s another summer capsule, but this time I’m in a new city! I’m back in my hometown, so that means adjusting my wardrobe for the 90s and 100s. We had a longer spring this year, so I got away with my spring capsule until half way through June and then I started swapping out my jeans for SHORTS and DRESSES. You heard me, I am wearing shorts and dresses and skirts with a whole new zeal. Did I suddenly get over my body image issues? NO, but I did decide that being comfortable and not sweating my face off is important.

a capsule wardrobe for hot hot heat

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DIY Foaming Hand Soap with Essential Oils

Published June 29, 2017 by Christina

Foaming hand soap is not really a riveting topic, but I decided when I moved that I wanted to introduce more natural products and eliminate harsh chemicals in my home where possible. I noticed how much soap we go through, how often I had to buy it, and how much it costs and thought this might be a good item to DIY. I read a bunch of tutorials and found that most bloggers talked about how easy the project was to do (key for me since I’m a noob), and how much money you can save by DIYing your soap (yay! $$$)

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Invented Charm Posts

Here are my five favorite lessons I’ve learned from Happier with Gretchen Rubin: