Kitchen Progress 2
I'm not sure how exciting and/or interesting this whole renovation may be to some of you, but considering it has been the complete and utter bane of Tom and my existence for the last two months, it's getting covered here quite a bit. I hope you enjoy it, but if not, you can rest easy on the fact that we are nearly done! Trust me, that comes as more of a relief to me than it does to you - hahaha! We have learned so much from this process and there are plenty of snippets of wisdom regarding a DIY renovation that I'll be sharing with you all soon. Seriously. We've learned some really weird things about renovating that no one ever warns you about. So stay tuned for some words of wisdom!
Today though, I thought I'd give you an update on our progress. This will be the last update (most likely) until the final reveal... but that won't come until July because we're waiting to hit the 4th of July sales for our new appliances. We got tempted by the Memorial Day sales, but we know the July round will be better. Not to mention, we've gotten pretty dang good about being patient. Two months without a kitchen sink or oven will do that to you. See? Wisdom.
In my last update, we had successfully managed the demolition, electrical, and were patching up the drywall. You could make out the faint outline of a kitchen, but since then, we have made leaps and bounds. If I'm being honest, where I left off in my last update is about when we started to feel the burn of renovation life. We were tired of it, and it seemed like we hadn't gotten anywhere. But. About a week later, we finally started to feel the down hill speed picking up and have been trucking along ever since.
I tried to group the photos in "fours" of the same angle taken over the last month. Basically what you're seeing in terms of stages are: patched, sanded, painted, and current status. It's truly amazing how important the seemingly little things are in a functioning kitchen. We still have toe-kicks, faucets, outlet and switch covers, more lighting, a backsplash, new appliances, door/drawer handles, finishing touches on the counters, a pantry and fridge cabinet to assemble and install, shelves to place in cabinets, and more. So as close as it might seem, there is still plenty to be done. But heck, I'm just thankful I could actually bake a frozen pizza in a REAL oven last night. Praise Jesus.
Anyways, enjoy the progress photos and see below for links to a few products (lights, paint colors, etc..).
What do you think? We are soooo ready to have a couch in our home again and a TV on the wall. And maybe a few bottles of wine.... each. But hey, it's been totally worth it, who am I kidding?
Paint color: Silver City by Behr
Trim paint: Maui Mist by Behr
Pendants: RANARP by IKEA
Handles: VARDE by IKEA
Countertop: SALJAN by IKEA
Cabinet/Drawer fronts: GRIMSLOV by IKEA
Sink: KOHLER from Home Depot
Microhood: BETRODD by IKEA (fun fact: all IKEA appliances are actually Whirlpool)
Any questions? Drop me a comment or contact me!
The More of Less | by Joshua Becker
"Minimalism is about what it gives, not what it takes away. It's the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them. It's a new way of living that fills us with hope." Page 20
Out of the innumerable blog posts and books nowadays that cover the subject of minimalism, I am so glad I have the opportunity to review this one in particular.
Joshua's minimalism mantra had me nodding along, page after page. Yet, for those who are not pursuing minimalism, this book gives such incredible insight as to how we should view our "things." Not only as human beings of this world, but even as Christians. I very much appreciate his excerpts on how his faith has had such an impact on the choice to become a minimalist, because it's one of many reasons I too am aspiring to adhere to minimalism.
I believe that minimalism is a completely misunderstood ideal to some. It's viewed as a cult of followers who pretentiously snub the audacity of owning anything at all. But as Joshua so markedly reiterates throughout these pages, less isn't the same as none.
The point of minimalism is to guide your relationship with things and help you find more in less (as the book title so aptly clarifies). It forces you to take a look at (and even pick up and touch) each individual item you own and think about the importance of the items you may feel buried under. Sadly, many of us do not even realize the stress our things are putting on us. We don't realize that our stacks of mail, and boxes of decor, and endless amounts of books are actually putting a strain on our relationships and time spent doing the things we value most. We're left endlessly cleaning massive homes and fancy cars. This book forces you to explore what should feel normal in terms of ownership and consumerism.
Think about it.
In college, for example, I was surrounded by equally as poor peers. We all owned very little, so sharing became a norm. When we needed to dress up for events, instead of buying new clothes, we often raided one another's closets. Those who bought new clothes a the drop of a hat were an exception, not a rule.
Enter adulthood. My peers were suddenly in differing age groups than me. I was in an entry-level position, planning a wedding, and living with a roommate 45 minutes from my job. The endless lunches out with colleagues started to become straining to me financially, and my social standing seemed to fall because I couldn't keep up. I tried to keep up with this by buying fewer clothes and eating next to nothing for dinner so I could handle the expenses of constant lunches out, but it was futile and I grew increasingly embarrassed. Joshua hits the nail on the head:
"... most of us choose to spend our personal time with people who are similar to us. We feel comfortable and accepted among them.
But when you are pulled from your regular social circle, you may begin to feel self-conscious about things you wouldn't normally think twice about."
This was exactly the position I had found myself. I enjoyed being with the people I cared about, but not at such a financial expense. It weighed on me and for two+ years I struggled to fit in. It felt like middle school all over again! Lunches out were not of any value to me and made me feel inferior.
What Joshua pointed out next was such a breath of fresh air:
"What if excess became the cause of embarrassment? And responsible living that championed generosity became the norm?"
What a world that would be, wouldn't it? In a world filled with excess, it's hard to imagine, isn't it? You get to create your norm. And I can tell you, that even in my short journey in minimalism, the incredible freedom and joy I feel when I walk through a store and want nothing is incredible. My definition of enough is very different from many around me, but I sincerely hope others can soon find the contentment I have found in less... and this book is a great place to start.
Minimalism, at its core, is not about perfectionism. This is a common myth. To many, it can seem synonymous with beautifully manicured, tidy homes and only enough dishes for the amount of people living in the home. It's about only keeping the things that actually add value to your life. I recently bought another entire set of dishes. Why? Because we hope to cultivate friendships in our community and host others under our roof. Important conversations happen around the dinner table, and it is of great value to us to be able to serve others in that way. We're in the stage of distinguishing what items are of great importance and what items will distract us from our values. That looks different for everyone - there is no "one size fits all" in terms of what you keep and what you get rid of.
You see, we are all selfish beings (something Joshua is sure to point out). We hoard our possessions and let sentimentality become the running factor of our excess. Read what King Solomon discovered about excess (and selfishness) in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11. In the later chapters of his book, Joshua offers challenges and experiments. Like boxing up a number of your possessions for a set amount of days, and if after that amount of days you didn't miss those items or need them - donate them! Another beautiful part of minimizing, is the generosity you find in it. The items you have been holding on to, could be well loved and used by others who may need them more (like those baby clothes!). It's an exercise in giving and it feels good.
Joshua covers just about every question you can think of regarding becoming a minimalist. Even what to do when one person in a household is drawn to minimalism and the others are not. This is a lifestyle change and it takes practice. I highly, highly recommend The More of Less as a wonderfully encouraging resource for those who are curious about adopting this practice or need a boost in the right direction. I hope you'll continue to join me on Joy Lynn for more posts regarding simple living and minimalism! Also, check out Joshua's blog: Becoming Minimalist.
For the sake of transparency with my readers, I will always tell you when I've received something for a discounted price (or free) or could potentially receive a commission off a purchase made through one of my links. Thank you for understanding the benefits these sponsorships bring to your favorite bloggers!
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this honest review.
How A Renovation Has Been Good For Our Marriage
Let me get straight to the point:
This renovation has been an incredible lesson in communication.
A while back, I wrote about the positive aspects of arguing in marriage (read here). Of course, I don't condone abusive fighting or verbal aggression, but I do believe that learning to argue in a healthy way can actually do your marriage some good.
As some of you may know, home renovations can be an incredibly stressful feat. Whether you're living in your home during a renovation or not, the decisions, financial strains, time commitments, and labor can create a really tense environment - one that's very conducive to snapping and bickering.
Since venturing into the world of our DIY kitchen renovation, Tom and I have been pleasantly surprised at our teamwork and utter lack of quarreling.... and since we talk about lessons learned in this little online community, I thought I'd give you the scoop as to how we managed to keep our marriage happy in the midst of chaos and stress.
1. We got it out of our system.
No, we didn't have some crazy screaming match to begin the renovation. But, we did come across a really pithy disagreement near the very beginning (aren't most marital arguments pithy though? haha) and we hashed it out super openly. We met it head on, talked about our differing viewpoints, came to an agreement, and moved on. In fact, we went on to have a really great rest of our day! You know how sometimes a disagreement can ruin your entire day? Well, not once did this happen in the entirety of our reno. I'm very proud of us. Give yourselves one slightly drawn out disagreement to set the basis for the ones to come. Show grace and compromise because you'll need a lot of that moving forward.
And if you really want to know, our argument was about whether or not to create a kitchen sink in the garage or not. Yep, really dumb. We got along washing dishes in a little bathroom sink juuust fine.
2. We didn't have time.
Quite literally, we did not have time to sit on an issue long because we had limited hours to work, and wasting time arguing would only slow us down. We would hit an issue, go over pros and cons and move on with the best decision. BOOM.
3. Attitude really is everything.
Amidst full-time jobs and other commitments, we could have easily gotten really crabby when every single other spare moment had us tirelessly laboring away. But instead, we sang, we snuck some kisses, we had mini dance sessions, we had long conversations while we worked on opposite sides of the room, and we laughed. We kept the atmosphere light, and when we hit some road blocks, we figured them out and tried to be all c'est la vie about it because set-backs come with the territory of DIY and renovations. You're not doing open heart surgery here, it's just a kitchen.
4. We gave ourselves a day off.
Once a week, we took a night off. We ordered some pizza, picked a movie, and vegged. Friday nights were the most common for this, and they were essential in keeping our sanity and motivation going. Making sure we still prioritized time spent together was very important.
5. Verbally encouraged each other.
Doesn't everyone respond well when they're told how wonderful they are? We both instinctively complimented one another and our teamwork as a whole. This added to the attitude of the project and gave it a positive outlook. Especially when one of us started to lose steam.
6. Supported patience.
It's been two months.
It gets really old having to microwave, grill, or crockpot your meals. And it got to a certain point where everything seemed to be moving at a glacial pace and we would never see the light at the end of the tunnel or be able to go barefoot in our main level again. But by using the methods above (attitude, encouragement, etc..) we marched on, and suddenly the project started to feel like it was racing towards the finish line. Patience is a virtue, is it not?
I feel like I could go on and on about the lessons we learned in this renovation, but the most significant by far was how well we learned to communicate. We've always been good at communicating (we're both entirely too honest for our own good) but we didn't always do so hot at letting go of an issue even once it was past us. We're a little surprised at how well we managed the stress, and I hope that by sharing the positivity we found in this project, it will encourage others to go into a renovation a little more fearlessly.
Have any questions for us? I'd love to hear 'em!
Nothing to Compare
What is there to compare in this life, really? Bodies? Budgets? Belongings? Business? I'm rolling with the B's.
But really.
Think of all the genetic mixtures of each and every person on this earth. Think of the differing skill sets and minds. Think of the values that differ from one person to the next. Think of the freckles, scars, shapes, and hearts of the bodies that carry each marvelous soul. Think of the unique, God-given capabilities of the people around you.
Now what is there to compare?
Answer: There is nothing to compare.
Isn't that the beauty in this life? That even in all the similarities and commonalities that we find with those around us, we still have nothing by which to hold one another up to and say "Ugh, I wish I had your _____."
Comparing brings with it conceit, envy, or covetousness. It's ugly and sinful and rears its head with insecurities and self righteousness. And for what? So that every now and then you can find comfort in the fact that you don't have to live the rotten life of your neighbor? Or so that you can look at your life in all its messes and flaws and wish you had the body, skills, and budget of your other neighbor?
Friends, leave room for inspiration instead of envy. For humility and generosity instead of conceit. For confidence and content instead of covetousness. The second nature we have to make split-second comparisons can be broken. It's a lifelong habit many of us have unknowingly contracted. But like so many habits or addictions, we can break it. Not without failures and slip-ups, of course, but by diminishing our susceptibility to its constant stream and crippling effects, we can find freedom.
We can celebrate the joys and triumphs of others, gain satisfaction and gratefulness for the life God has given us, and turn our comparisons into a platform of thankfulness and praise for our lives and the lives of others.
The path God sets before each of us differs immensely from one to the next and leaves no room for comparison. He says it best in a couple of verses:
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
2 Corinthians 10:12
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Not only do the materialist things of this earth not matter, but by comparing one another based on the things of this earth, we're making ourselves out to be complete fools.
From those verses, I get a vision in my head of a situation I've witnessed many times over. Working in daycares, I would watch two or three children playing peaceably together, until suddenly, one particular toy became the apple of all their eyes. It didn't matter if there was a toy that was exactly the same nearby... it was the color of that particular one that had them all clambering, yanking, and screaming to have it. As their teacher, I tried to remind them of sharing, and did my best to help them see that the only thing they were fighting about was a color. But it made no difference, because in comparison, nothing matched the draw of that green one.
Eventually, the toy would be taken away all together while they all three whined and cried, and I'd roll my eyes at how ridiculous and silly they were acting. I'm sure you read that and know full well, too, how pithy it looked.
But what do you think we're doing when we see someone's dreamy vacation on Facebook and wish we could have the same? Or when we see someone's make-up or svelte body and begrudgingly look at our imperfections? We may not have the exact same things, like the toy above, but when you take a good look at your life, I bet you can find more blessings than not.
Here's to losing the comparison game and reveling in the freedom of finding joy and inspiration instead of envy and self-pity. Here's to knowing full-well, that God's blessings are plentiful and comparing those blessings only lessens their worth.
And finally, here are some lyrics to an old favorite that suits my meaning perfectly:
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
Kitchen Progress 1 | Plus An IKEA Event Recap
Hey, all you good looking people!
Since we've been living the renovation life for about a month now, I thought you might like the DL on what's been happening around here and see how things have changed in our downstairs area. We've reached the halfway point in our kitchen renovation, finally! See below for the progress in photos (click to enlarge them).
Below that, I'll list real quick for you what we've accomplished thus far, and THEN I have a few photos of a recent event I attended at IKEA Atlanta with a short explanation of what I learned!
Before
Process
Over the last four weeks, we have:
- Packed up, moved, and stored our kitchen, dining, and living room.
- Created a 'kitchenette' in a third bedroom. We eat meals off paper plates and cook via microwave, crockpot, or grill. Dishes are done in a bathroom sink and we have mastered the art of surviving without a kitchen.
- Demolished our old cabinets and moved appliances and light fixtures out of the way.
- Scraped a layer off the textured ceilings.
- Removed some flooring to make the workspace easier to navigate.
- Ripped out a wall and pantry.
- Built and wired a new half-wall further over from where the original wall had been.
- Wired electrical for our TV/stereo system, kitchen, and lighting.
- Replaced the drywall we had to remove.
- Bought and returned countless items to our local home improvement store.
- ...and found a huge snake on our back porch.
We have worked at this project every night and every weekend since we started and we still have to finish replacing the drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, priming, painting, building cabinets, plumbing, installing cabinets, and more.
But has it been worth it?
YEP.
Stay tuned for my next installment on this project and don't forget to follow me on Instagram to catch some more peeks.
Now, for the news on IKEA.
If you've ever been to one of these big blue and yellows, you're probably familiar with their "cafeteria." The thing is, what has always been lovingly referred to as a cafeteria has always officially been called their restaurant. But let's be real, it never felt like one. So they made some changes!
They invited me to come to the re-opening of their restaurant last Friday, and I am honestly very impressed with what they've done to make the dining experience more convenient for the needs of every one of their shoppers. Not only that, but as one of the largest showroom spaces their stores contain, they weren't really showcasing much of their products there.
The restaurant now boasts several different seating areas for all types of visitors. A family area where parents can be near to the condiments, drinks, and even a bottle warmer while still being able to keep an eye on their wiggly little kiddos. There are bar height tables for the visitors who maybe need to just grab a drink or gather their heads around what they're purchasing, longer tables for groups or people who are looking to grasp some inspiration from the decor around them, and couches for those who need to take a rest and use the wireless chargers located on the lamps! The decor of the restaurant has been vastly improved, and will change twice a year to stay relevant with what's popular or inspiring for their guests. When you visit, take note of the "family room feeling" they're trying to give of.
Of course, so many of us are familiar with their menu (meatballs anyone?)... but they've changed that too! They now offer family meals at unsurprisingly low prices, and more options for sustainable eating. Organic pastas, vegetarian options, clean-eater friendly choices, and more. They've done a great job on their restaurant overhaul. If I'm being totally honest with you, I had never been one to frequent their restaurant because of the cold environment and unsatisfactory menu options... but (and I mean this completely unbiased) I'll actually be visiting it more often now! I am not being paid to say any of this, by the way, it was just honestly worth being noted in a post because it's a big change from the IKEA we have all known. Big kudos to them!
For the rest of my time there, our group was given a brief synopsis of their new kitchen system Sektion (which we will be installing in our own home in a few weeks), a little info on their marketplace that you usually see in front of you after you checkout, and a lively lecture on their Cooking Shop (aka: dining, cooking, and serving department). Did you guys know they have a 15 year warranty on their Sensuell series?? Their knives have warranties too. I was really surprised by how much they actually care about backing up their products. Sometimes, I assume that since they're so large and so cost effective, they wouldn't care if their customers are happy, but they really do! They genuinely want their products to be attractive, functional, and of good quality. In fact, Epicurious gave them a pretty great review on their $10 bundt pan - check it out.
Overall, I was really honored to attend their event and their new store manager, Jill, was such a joy to meet! She has an awesome team, and they all showed such care and passion for what IKEA stands for and hopes to stand for in the future. It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with them and hopefully I'll have more IKEA news to share with you all in the future! Here are some fun photos from the event :)
What do you all think? Do you like the changes to their restaurant?
Three Years Married
Three years.
It seems like a year, maybe? I remember hitting the one year and feeling like only four months passed us by. Actually, by those measurements, we're right where we should be.
If one year equals four months, in married years, we have officially hit the year mark. I knew I was on to something.
We hit the three year mark nearly a month ago, but I can't pass up an opportunity to talk about the celebration of being married to my favorite person in the world.
Still, after more than five years together, there is no one I look forward to spending time with more than my husband. Our spousal friendship has only ever grown. Maybe you've heard me talk about friendship in marriage before, but I just cannot emphasize it enough.
Of course there are about a million other tiny pieces that make marriages strong, lasting, and all-around enjoyable, but that friendship basis is something I hope we always hold sacred.
If I'm being totally transparent with you, I had long held the belief that your best friend shouldn't be your S.O.
I scoffed at the engagement announcements that read, "I said yes! Marrying my best friend!"
I remember thinking, "Geez girl, get a life. You don't have any close friends outside your S.O.?" I'd usually read those announcements and promptly call up one of my best friends and grab a drink at the nearest bar. This thought even followed me into marriage, because to me, my best friends were my girlfriends.
They still are, but I made a serious revelation.
I was a silly, silly girl. Because the fact is, Tom is my best friend. He's the first person I tell when I have good news or bad. I know all his quirks and listen to his wild ideas and I get to be the one that sees and knows what no one else does. He is also the only known living being who has broken down my angry morning barrier. He is the only sight or sound I can stand before I've downed a cup of coffee, and he actually helps to shield me from anyone I could potentially harm if they attempt breaking this barrier themselves (haha - sorry houseguests). We know more about each other than each other even knows. If that's not a best friend, I don't know what is.
The thing is, as much as Tom is my best friend, he is so much more than that.
We share our faith, our passions, our most ordinary moments, and our most trying times. We have an incredible God to lean on in times of joy and of sadness. We are truly blessed to have been led to one another in this life.
Thomas, I am so grateful to call you my husband and best friend. Adventuring through this crazy life with you is never boring. And on the few times it is, I'm glad you're there to finish the lyrics to my made-up songs. I'm glad you love food, coffee, DIY-ing our house, giving back-rubs, watching weird shows, and creating adventures out of the littlest moments. Happy three year anniversary, my love.
And yes, as soon as the kitchen is finished I'll bake you a cake.
Why We DIY
To catch you all up to speed, my husband (Tom) and I are in the midst of a kitchen renovation.
Actually, it affects our entire downstairs area. I wrote a post on our renovation plans here and you can see what we hope the finished product resembles.
We've been without a kitchen for two weeks now. We wash dishes in the bathroom sink, dust from demo work has begun to settle throughout the entire home, and we have no where to "sit" besides a bed and a desk. We have to shower nearly every night to get the grime out of our hair, and all our spare moments are usually filled with planning for the "next step." This will go on for another several weeks.
If you're reading this and thinking to yourself "Whyyyy?? Why do you do that to yourself, when you could have someone else do it FOR you?" then you're in the right place. Not to mention the fact that we get asked this question pretty frequently, so it seemed like a good time to answer! Let me explain to you why we DIY. Who knows, maybe you'll catch the bug too!
1. It saves money
I bet you saw that one coming.
It's true! It saves an enormous amount of money. If you were to Google "cost of a kitchen remodel" I guarantee you wouldn't see an answer for less than 20K. If you do see it for less than that, it certainly wouldn't include new cabinets, floors, or backsplashes. Let me tell you a secret... our total renovation for our downstairs will cost around 8K. That includes new appliances, countertops, cabinets, a sink, lighting, demolition, paint, and more. It's so cost effective it's not even funny. Okay, maybe a little funny.
2. You learn
Education is priceless, is it not? Well, when our inspector came rolling in the other day to make sure our renovation was a go, I held my own and talked about Romex wire and joked about the lack of GFCI outlets where they should obviously be placed. It felt good to know what the heck I was talking about and not stand there with a glazed over, blank stare. Don't mistake me, we are certainly no replacements for plumbers and electricians, but we do heavy research for even the smallest things and quadruple check that we're doing everything correctly. It's incredibly rewarding. Especially when something breaks, even if just slightly, and we can fix it ourselves right away instead of waiting for help to come and charge us an arm and a leg. Did I mention it also teaches you patience? A good one for the sinfully impatient ones like me.
3. We enjoy it
A work of your own hands is something that you can attach a very personal pride to. We get bumps and bruises, work long, tiring hours, and get dirt on our hands and paint on our cheeks. But we do it together... and as a couple, we've grown. It's taught us how to disagree in a freakishly agreeable way. It's very stressful work, but we've learned to take a grain of salt with every set-back and not get too distraught. It's fun! Not always, of course, but much of the enjoyment comes from the attitudes of those working on it. So we just keep it positive and share the love of the reno-life.
4. We go at our own pace
You know that old saying, "There's no time like the present!"
Well, we get to control when "the present" really is. We tackle one room at a time based on schedule, finances, or whatever else. Sometimes we've gone straight from one project to the next, and other times we've given ourselves a break from the chaos. We get to decide when a project starts and ends and we don't have to wait on people to show up and do the work... because it's always us! We've even been spontaneous and started a project after talking about it only a day prior. We weren't going to even start the kitchen until this fall, but the pieces aligned and we created a schedule and got to work.
5. Customization
Sure, you can ask a contractor to do something an exact certain way, but you can't always guarantee the message will get across just how you mean it. Plus, by doing it yourself, you get the option of finding all the parts for as little or as much money and from wherever you choose. That means I get to find weird quirky pieces to add at the last minute without having to halt anyone's work or try to schedule around someone else's time.
6. It was passed down
Both Tom and I come from families who DIYed. Having grown up with handy fathers and creative moms, we are especially open to the possibilities that doing it yourself brings along. I lived in a house that was undergoing a gut job and I spent my summer playing in boxes from the new cabinets in our backyard. I've helped hold tools while I watched my dad fix things, and I dragged my feet through many a home improvement store. Tom spent a summer or two as a handy man, and his skills have easily transferred into our renovation life. We love being able to call our parents and ask for help and learn from their experiences.
7. We can
We're young and able. We're smart. We can handle (and happily welcome) the challenge and brain power it takes to figure out all the idiosyncrasies of doing it yourself.
For us, the bigger question with DIY has become...
...why not?
What about you? A DIYer, or not so much? Questions for me? Leave a comment!
Welcome to Joy Lynn
If you've been a reader of my previous blogs For the Love of Tuna or The Accidental House Blog, (I hope) you've been anxiously awaiting this elusive announcement. At long last, here I am! Rebranded with a new name and entirely new feel.
If you were not previously a reader of my blogs, a warm welcome to you! You've joined us at an exciting time!
There are some pretty obvious changes going on in this new space, but let me explain what exactly has changed and why.
For the Love of Tuna (which focused solely on life, marriage, and travel) and The Accidental House Blog (which followed our homeownership adventures) are no more. They've been put to rest, and replaced with a fresh face and different angle: Joy Lynn.
You see, I came to realize that the things in life that I love, should not be compartmentalized. I love marriage, travel, house renovations and DIY, and all the bits and pieces in between. Trying to keep those pieces in separate, precise niches felt unnatural. It forced me to love one more than the other one day, and less the next. Why can't I love them and talk about them as one all-encompassing joy of my life? That is what they add up to, afterall. The passionate, hard, beautiful, creative pieces of my life. They deserve to share a space online in the same way they share space in my everyday life.
This is my lifestyle. This is Joy Lynn.
Joy Lynn is a lifestyle blog centered around living simply, adventuring daily, strong marriage, home improvements, and creating a life filled with lessons learned and grateful hearts.
Why did I choose my own name? Because a bunch of other people do it? Because I'm a narcissist?
I chose my name for several reasons. One being that I do actually think my name is rather melodic and pretty. And don't take that as me being full of myself -- I didn't name me! Secondly, if you haven't noticed, this thing called life ebbs and flows. It pushes and pulls. It stretches you and gives you times of peace. There are few things that don't change with time... but names are usually one of them. My name is Joy Lynn, and it always will be. Even if my interest in travel becomes a thing of the past. Even if I lose my love for baking. Even if my house burns down. I am still going to be Joy Lynn.
I would strongly encourage you to visit my about page to familiarize yourself with this new community and find out the best ways for you to stay connected with what we have going on at Joy Lynn.
You'll find some content from both my previous blogs, but as a whole, the content has been whittled down to the well-knowns and my personal favorites. I've made space for so much more room to grow!
You'll also see some of my favorite Amazon products listed in the sidebar of my blog post pages. They'll change from time to time, but they are all items I own and love and thought you might love too! Plus, I'll always have very affordable items there because I'm incredibly thrifty.
If you'd like to just say hi, approach me about a guest post or collaboration, or talk about sponsorships and advertising on Joy Lynn, visit my contact page and shoot me a note. I'd love to hear from you!
Things to come...
Finally, as the weeks go on, you may see more fun items launch on the Joy Lynn community. This blog was designed by me entirely (in fact, my Joy Lynn logo is my actual signature) and it wasn't nearly as intimidating as you'd think. I use the platform Squarespace, and I feel so strongly about the benefits it offers to people of all skill levels to be able to start their own blog, website, or online business. I've designed a large handful of websites using this platform and I want to lead others down this path as well. It may not be for everyone, but as an extremely tech savvy person with experience in coding and web design, Squarespace is my absolute favorite between the "biggies" - Wordpress, Blogger, and Squarespace. Keep an eye out for more info, or reach out to me in the meantime if you'd like to talk website design.