March | 2017
Spring really is my very favorite season in Georgia. Besides the horrendous allergies, it's great to have those warm days, cool nights, and spring life budding more each day. We had a well balanced month in terms of busyness and hang time, and having family visit made it even sweeter!
We've spent the last two years working on the interior of our house, so this year, we're focusing on the outside a little more. Currently we've got a garden box in the making and we'll be hopefully seeding our dirt-patch backyard with grass. It's a really shaded area, but since the backyard is fenced in, we'd like Hondo to be able to have a grassier, less muddy area to be free.
Anyways, scroll down to see what our month looked like.
Below that, you'll find some favorites from around the internet, and my sidebar also has some new additions to my favorite Amazon products, so be sure and explore those too!
Favorite Links
This old YouTube video of a kid's self-talk on his eating habits. Never fails to crack me up.
It may be a couple months in, but I love The Peculiar Treasure's words on respecting those in authority. Honestly, whether this was about Presidential authority or other figures of authority, this is beautifully said.
You had to know my minimalist soul would love this post on stopping those unnecessary shopping habits. Great tips!
Are you following me on Instagram? I'm adding another layer of blond to my hair tomorrow, so stay tuned to my Stories!
How A Dog Has Improved My Life
Almost three months ago, we welcomed a twelve pound ball of fluff into our home. Since then, he's tipped the scales at around forty or so pounds, and continues to steadily grow. Eventually he'll be somewhere around a hundred pounds. He's a little bear of attention-seeking neediness, and his weird antics are constantly cracking us up. These are all things we had foreseen. We knew he'd be big, and sweet, and funny. We'd met many berners before. But it was the things we didn't foresee that have been the greatest blessing and improved our well-being in so many areas of our life. Here's how he's done it...
1. Got us moving
Seems obvious (dogs need exercise) but when everyone in your house has a desk job, and you're mentally exhausted at the end of a day, going on a lousy walk is the last thing you really feel like doing. Especially if it's super cold/hot/buggy/rainy. But rain or shine, we have been up and about significantly more than before playing fetch or walking the trails by our house. Maybe it's only 15-30 minutes here and there, but it's definitely added up. I've found that it's cleared my mind a lot more than zoning out on my phone ever does.
2. Forced us to 'look up'
To continue what I mentioned about not zoning out on our phones as much, he physically stops our tech habits. I'm not kidding. It may just be a puppyism, but EVERY time I'm working on the computer on the couch, or sitting in bed zoning out on my phone, he wiggles his nose all up into my business and makes himself so irritating, I have to set it all aside and rub his belly. Maybe he's needy, or spoiled, but it certainly helps me check my habits. He physically climbs ONTO my computer, so what else am I supposed to do? He's too big to ignore!
3. Made us morning people
Well, mostly Tom. But I am up sometime in the 7 or 8 o'clock hour these days which is about as 'morning person' as I can get. Tom lets him out and feeds him around 7 or 7:30, and when he feels like it, he'll make his way upstairs and sniff me right in the face and wag his tail so hard the tail-wind (no pun intended) gets me up in a jiffy. I'm groggy for a far shorter time than I used to be, and I'll even go outside and play a few rounds of chase in the yard... BEFORE 9AM.
4. Made us better people persons
Tom and I were the social butterflies of our friend groups in college, but when we moved to Georgia, we didn't know anyone and making friends outside of college proved to be difficult and we've become extremely introverted. We're okay with this and recognize that different seasons of life bring out different facets of your personality, but it has definitely been a joy to strike up conversation with anyone and everyone who asks about Hondo.
5. Reignited our adventurous spirits
Tom and I have always had restless natures, but somewhere in the last couple years of home projects and routine, we've forgotten to get out and explore our own territory a little. Now we seek out parks, dog friendly restaurants, trails, dog friendly stores, and more. We even recently bought a tent twice the size of our last one to bring our big guy camping before it gets too hot!
6. Made us happier
I think I've made mention before that this past year has brought with it a season of heartbreak and hardship. Our marriage is strong and nothing compromised there, but it's been a tough time nonetheless. It had begun to feel like more days left us feeling defeated rather than uplifted or content. But at just the right time, everything aligned, and this little puppy came home with us. He has brought outstanding joy to our home and filled even just a little of our hearts that had been feeling empty before. We laugh more, dwell on heartaches less, and cherish this present season with contentedness. Say what you will about dogs just being dogs, but I'll thank God for him anyway because he sure has brought a ray of light to our life.
I know there are so many other improvements he has added to our life, and will continue to add, but this is what I have for now. As I write this, I can hear him licking up crumbs from the kitchen floor that I'd normally have to sweep. So maybe you could add that? He's replaced my need for a broom and cleans my floors. He's very utilitarian.
Hondo is just the best. If I talk about him too much on Joy Lynn or my social media outlets, it's simply because I love him so much.
Do you have a dog? How has he/she improved your life?
The Great Blogger Bake Along
A new blog series of baking challenges from The Great British Baking Show, where we test our skills, sanity, and ability to locate caster sugar in the U.S.
A new blog series of baking challenges from The Great British Baking Show, where we test our skills, sanity, and ability to locate caster sugar in the U.S.
Friends! How many of you like or appreciate baked goods?
And how many of you are fans of the show The Great British Baking Show?
Well, if you haven’t heard of it, there are three seasons on Netflix and it’s suuuppper addicting to watch. The talent these average-joe people have is unreal, yet the woes of baking they experience are all too relatable for the typical home baker (soggy bottom-ed pies, caved-in cakes, flat pastries, etc). They are challenged in technique, creativity, and flavor and it’s so inspiring to watch.
In fact, it’s so inspiring, that I’ve decided to do a Julie and Julia-esque baking challenge for the next several weeks!
On the show, each week has a theme of some sort (like cakes or biscuits) and the bakers have three separate tasks to complete. First, the “signature challenge” where they bake something of their own creation. Typically something tried and true that they’d bake for their own family and friends. Second, is a “technical challenge” in which they are given all the ingredients, measurements, and vague instructions for a difficult bake, but with possibly no knowledge of what it’s supposed to look like at the end. This tests their natural intuition. In the final round, they must create a “showstopper.” This bake has to hit all the marks of skill, taste, and professional appearance. All of these challenges are given varying time limits for completion.
With that bit of background, here’s what you can expect from this series…
- Starting April 5, every Wednesday, I’ll be tackling the technical challenges, starting with the first series available on Netflix. I have decided NOT to time these challenges because, well, I’d like to have a somewhat pretty bake to show you. Plus I cannot keep my kitchen anywhere near as consistent as theirs, and some of my U.S. ingredients will inevitably differ somewhat which may mean slightly different baking times.
- That being said, I’ve been tracking down difficult-to-find European ingredients in hopes of being able to replicate these recipes as closely as possible. Someone please tell me the best place in the U.S. to buy Caster sugar in bulk!
- About once a month, I’ll be featuring a friend and baking master - Cameron! She has done mannnyyy European bakes and will be my Showstopper for the series. I'm so excited to introduce you to this awesome lady. She's a real Mary Berry if I ever knew one ;)
- I’ll likely carry out the actual baking over the weekends, so be sure you’re following me on Instagram to catch some Stories or maybe even live videos en-process!
At the end of each post I’ll be sure and let you know what’s up next. If you’d like to join me on this challenge you are MORE than welcome! In fact, prior to each Wednesday, if you share your own photos of the current week’s technical challenge, I may feature you in my post. My mom (who has always been my baking mentor) said she’ll even join in, so alongside my bakes, you’ll see a few of hers too! Hashtag your photos #joylynnbakealong for a chance to be featured and to see other great bakes.
I am so excited to start this series and I hope you’ll follow along! Baking is something I find so therapeutic, yet challenging, and learning new techniques and using different ingredients sounds like so much fun. I’ve found myself baking the same recipes over and over - wonderful, delicious recipes of course - but the same ones nonetheless. Do you ever find yourself there? In a baking rut? This is how I’m going to break it and learn something new in the process. And if nothing comes of it but two people under my roof with more baked goods than they could possibly eat, well then… I suppose you should hope you’re my friend and you live nearby, or you work in my husband’s office.
Wednesday, April 5th
Bake #1: Cherry Cake
View all The Great Blogger Bake Along posts below!
What They Don't Tell You About DIY Renovations
So I realize this is a really specific kind of post, but as we are now close to the one year anniversary of our finished downstairs renovation...
So I realize this is a really specific kind of post, but as we are now close to the one year anniversary of our finished downstairs renovation, I started to think back to life in those two months without a kitchen.
It also reminded me of all the other rooms we updated one by one and how it affected our everyday life. I wouldn't have changed a thing about the process because we learned so much, and strangely it proved to be fun, but there were definitely some surprising revelations of renovation life.
Here are a few things you may not think about or realize the reality of before starting a renovation adventure:
1. Weird shower schedules
Say you wake up in the morning and start doing some messy labor (painting, demo, etc..) That afternoon you have a meeting or a function, so you shower. Later that night you do some more messy labor. You don't want to crawl into bed covered in sawdust, sooo... shower again. Then do you shower in the morning before work? Maybe, maybe not... There were lots of showers going on.
2. Mistakes, mistakes, and more mistakes
Going in, I think we figured we would be super detailed and never let something fall through the cracks. But it happens. I couldn't tell you how many times something was measured incorrectly over the course of our projects. Or how we didn't spend enough time sanding, leaving terribly obvious mudding on our drywall. But you know what? We learned. A LOT.
3. You'll question your intelligence
On the same topic of making mistakes, you'll also feel like a complete idiot sometimes. The mistakes you make will often times have been totally avoidable had you paid more attention or double checked your measurements. Tom stayed up late into the night after he made a particularly bad mistake that almost wrecked the whole plan (but of course ended up working out fine) and he wallowed for hours just going over where he went wrong. So if you ever feel like a total moron, you're not the only one.
4. You'll be behind schedule
If you stay on schedule and meet EVERY deadline you've set for yourself, you deserve a gold star. But likely, you'll be a day or so behind where you'd like to be. You'll hit a seemingly small roadblock, and suddenly the timeline goes catawampus.
5. Get used to your scrubby renovation clothes
Besides your 9-5 work clothes, it feels like you live in your renovation clothes. Sometimes you don't even wash them until they meet a set standard of filthy. Between work clothes, renovation clothes, and jammies, those renovation clothes somehow feel like the thing you wear the most.
6. Every time you think you got everything at the home store, you didn't
I swear Home Depot was our home away from home. A paint brush would break, we needed more sanding sheets than we thought, we didn't have the kind of screws we were positive we had, etc... Get used to multiple trips to the home store every other day.
7. Cooking? What's that?
Regardless of whether you're doing a kitchen reno or a bedroom reno, nobody feels like cooking after a day filled with drywalling and painting. So when you're preparing your budget, make sure you include "eating out."
8. The cost will surprise you
Honestly, I think we were almost always really under budget, or really over budget. There weren't a lot of times where it costed exactly what we had thought. Either way, it was always a surprise... obviously one was a better surprise than the other ;) But don't sweat it. It'll even out eventually.
9. Does the (literal) dust ever settle??
It does... eventually. If you've done any sanding or demolition at all, be prepared to find a layer of dust throughout your house for a while. Good ventilation will help, but it's not always available.
10. You'll feel immense pride when you're done
Dawwww of course I had to end on a high note. If you DIYed this project, that feeling of accomplishment and pride is amazing. Seeing what're capable of is priceless. Revel in it an enjoy a hard earned break!
Have you done a renovation? What did you learn? What took you by surprise?
How Do You Practice Self Care?
Or better yet, do you practice self-care at all?
Since I started working from home, I've been especially reluctant to "treat myself" or even make time for myself. At first, I wasn't bringing in an income that made me feel like I'd earned it, and I had developed the thinking that one day my time would come and I could "treat myself" then.
As I look back on my time since college graduation, I've noticed a trend in not only sticking so strictly to a budget that I leave no room for myself, but a sense that caring for myself in semi-frivolous ways was just that - frivolous. I had never thought about the emotional and mental implications that putting those "frivolous" needs on the back burner would do.
Just recently, something clicked in me that made me realize how truly important self-care is for all areas of my life. I looked down at my hole-y sweater and 8 year old leggings and thought, "You know what? I think a new pair of leggings - or maybe even a pair of jeans! - would do my raggedy wardrobe some good." Up until that moment, I had been feeling like "hey, I never need to shop because I work from home! I don't have employers to look good for and we can save our moolah for the things we really care about!" But you know what? I care about how I look sometimes, and feeling confident in an up-to-date outfit does wonders for my overall self-esteem. I also started to hem and haw over getting my hair done, when my husband suddenly said, "Joy, I spend more on my haircuts annually than you do. Go get your hair done!" It was kind of a shocking revelation, but it was true! It had been a year since I had my haircut, and even then it seemed like a pampering treatment more than a genuine self-care regimen. I mean, I'm a frugal gal, but when did this extreme begin?!
Whether you're a mom whose priorities lie in the hearts of little people, a new wife who puts her husband first, a poor college student who is focused on reaching that graduation goal and first job, a career minded woman with little time for luxuries, or an entrepreneur barely getting by - self care is for you. All of you. All of us.
What comes to mind when you hear "self care?"
Getting your hair done professionally? Your nails done? A new wardrobe? A day at the spa? Who says self-care has to look a certain way?
Maybe it's an hour alone at the coffee shop. Heck, maybe even an hour alone in your own bathroom to take a longer shower and fix your hair and makeup (for once).
Maybe it's a cup of coffee with the full fat creamer because it tastes extra yummy.
Maybe it's an expensive shampoo/conditioner to splurge on instead of the Suave.
Maybe it's a couple new outfits to help you feel more confident and up with the times.
Maybe it's a fresh set of bed linens and comforter to snuggle into at night.
Maybe it's a few workout videos, gym membership, or new workout gear to care for your body.
Maybe it's a haircut at the fancy salon instead of the Great Clips.
Maybe it's a maid service just this once, so the cleaning isn't on you.
Maybe it's the meal subscription to save you time and help you eat healthier.
Maybe it's a splurge on the shoes, the bag, or the accessory you've been eying but can't seem to justify.
Maybe it's the dinner out with friends you never make the time for.
Maybe it's the time alone to journal or read or have a glass (or bottle) of wine and just be... uninterrupted.
Maybe it's the secret snack you don't want to share with anyone else.
Maybe it's the new underwear because let's be real. You've let those last wayyy too long.
Maybe it's just giving time to yourself.
Self-care, at its core, isn't about selfishness or a something deserved - it's simply caring for yourself. Whatever that looks like! Take care of your body, mind, and spirit. What helps one woman, may not help another, and that's okay. Some women find immense joy and rejuvenation in luxurious goods or services, while others can find an equal amount in quiet-time and a yummy drink at home.
As I've reflected on the last several years and what experiences offer me self-care, I have begun to recognize that even though 'things' don't typically offer my minimalist heart much renewal, those little bits of upkeep do. The haircuts, the little clothing updates, and the glasses of wine. They offer me a re-fresh, a little bounce in my step, motivation, and inspiration.
Do you practice self care? Ask yourself how you think you could benefit from it, and how you can prioritize it!
Minimalist Style | 1
Bear with me, folks. I know I don't share style or beauty related posts very often. This is mostly due to the fact that I've always felt it would be expensive (and I'm thrifty). You know, all the trends, the time, the hair and makeup products, etc...
I have a personality that can easily get caught up in those types of things and fall down a rabbit hole. Note: I may be a minimalist, but it is not without effort in some regards! There are some material things that I never have an interest in owning a lot of, but other material things can become highly addictive for me to start collecting. Clothes are one of them. However, our small bedroom closet has largely kept me from overdoing it there.
That being said, I also don't have a need for a lot of clothes either. I have what I'll call an "accidental capsule" wardrobe. It includes mostly basics, a few semi-trendy items, and lots of neutrals. To keep things feeling fresh, I'm going to challenge myself to mix-up my outfits a little more often and get creative in my closet.
Real quick today, I'm going to share just three different ways to wear a printed dress. All of these ideas are stupid simple, but I tend to always wear this dress alone, so this was actually really mixed up for me!
I realize these outfits are not earth shattering, but since leaving college, I've put very little thought into my outfits. This was fun for me to do, and I think I'll try to share more simple outfit pairings in the coming months!
Is there anything on this topic you'd like to see? How to dress up yoga pants perhaps? haha :)
No, but really. If this is a topic you'd like me to cover more often, let me know in the comments! I wouldn't mind a little extra excuse to hit the mall now and again, and I'd like to feel more confident in my fashion choices and not fall behind the times.
February | 2017
Hey friends! It's been a slower month for blogging around these parts, but I must say... this month has been wonderful. We have been unplugged, outside, and enjoying life with our sweet puppy. We've taken on some small house projects, learned a lot about our camera, and had lots of little daily adventures.
I'm going to document this month and fill you in using pictures, as usual, but with a slightly different layout just for fun. Be sure and scroll all the way to the bottom for my favorite links around the internet this month.
We visited Ponce City Market in ATL
And got stopped every five feet with our four-legged cutie!
We enjoyed some coffee and a nap
And had a few more coffee dates spent working outside
Someone has learned to better tolerate his bathtime routine
And we've discovered his love for swinging!
Our Valentine's was simple and sweet: wine and cheese with a homemade chocolate cake + cream cheese frosting
We used a Christmas giftcard to Amazon to finally get a gooseneck kettle for coffee making methods!
We found the couch of our dreams. It's completely modular!
Spring arrived early
Hondo made 2k+ new friends (no really, check out his Instagram)
We took the most awkward photos together and it was the best
Our dear friends came for a super fast visit and we rocked a progressive dinner - so fun!
I found some great loafers, and Hondo helped me break them in. He's such a great buddy!
chilly mornings have called for cozy fires
Tom found some amazing deals on Fitbits and we had an awesome adventure tracking them down at the select stores!
We also cleaned up our entire backyard and are starting the process of re-landscaping it. It got insanely overgrown and now that we have Hondo, we want it to feel more open and under control. We also switched phone companies (because my dropped calls were getting ridiculous) and had fiber internet installed which has been nice. I also randomly met the owner of a famous little Goldendoodle. Check out his dog on the cover of this book and starring in this music video! Never know who you'll strike up conversation with in Home Depot, huh?!
This month has been spent almost entirely outside and I can't tell you how refreshing it has been. Summers here are brutally humid and I am doing my best to take advantage now and enjoy MY kind of summer right now! Haha.
Links + Favorites
One of my friends told me about this show called Schitt's Creek on Netflix, and though I was skeptical, we've become thoroughly addicted and it's been cracking us up. The characters are so weird!
Another one of my best friends just had a baby boy and I'm all heart eyes over here :)
It's been feeling like time for another haircut (a lob cut), but THIS time I'm also thinking of getting professional coloring too. Here's my inspo board on that topic - what do you think? Should I do it?!
This blog and imagery soothes my soul.
This cover of All I Want is soooo beautiful and I can't stop listening.
I hope you all had a lovely February! I'll see you more this month - promise. And hopefully that includes lots of steps to track on this new Fitbit thingy :) Peace and blessin's friends!
A Letter to Christians in the Dating World
Dear Christians in the dating world,
I know sometimes it seems rough and the pickings are slim. I know it seems like every person you meet...
Dear Christians in the dating world,
I know sometimes it seems rough and the pickings are slim. I know it seems like every person you meet seems super awesome until they tell you they have a collection of glass-encased Furbies. I know it seems like either someone is too "holier than thou" or too lacking in any sort of conviction. I know finding men who believe in being the leaders of their families and providers for their homes is not only hard to find, but somehow frowned upon in today's society. I know finding women who are willing to fulfill a supportive role is also hard to find and again, somewhat frowned upon.
But friends, don't give up. Don't let go of those ideals. Know that God's timeless plan for marriage and each role is truly unique and expertly planned. God will not require you to settle, but He may require you to forgive. Well definitely, actually, because we are all in need of forgiveness.
Look for those men who hold the door for you, pick up the check, and walk you to the door. Not because you couldn't do any of those things yourself, but because it gives you a glimpse into the sort of man he is. If he's a man that respects you (and all women) and puts you and your safety above his own, he's a man worth getting to know. As a woman who was once well-known for her independent demeanor and "no need of a man" mentality, I can assure you it's the men who insist on taking care of you for two or three measly hours on a date that prove to also be the men who will take care of you for life. Sometimes I think women believe chivalry, or the "role of the man" is about providing a roof over your head or food to eat, but it's so much more than that. It's providing you with emotional security and a safe place for you to break down into a million pieces or get so excited you could scream. It's about making sure all your needs are met before his own. It's an unselfish love and the farthest thing from the idea of him lording over you with his mighty fist. It's a love that protects, encourages, and cherishes.
Look for those women who stick to their convictions. Who are gracious to others, rich in spirit, and receptive to your gestures of respect toward her. Strong women recognize strong men, and strong women also recognize men with hidden agendas. They know their worth, and have standards that respectful men and God's Word have set for them. They do not settle for 'boys' and have a character that speaks louder than any outfit they wear or amount of makeup they put on. Women who model the role of "the helper" and the support, know that it's not a role that means cowardice or suppression. They know this role to be one of great value. One that requires strength of heart, patience, and unselfish sacrifice. They love fiercely, set examples of strength and dignity, and respect their spouse as much as he respects her.
The media shows us examples of dating in the world today, and it personally makes me cringe. Though I've been married nearly four years, dating in the last decade was hard. It was a world filled with the need for validation. It was trying to fit into the mold of what someone wanted instead of who God calls you to be. It was making excuses for the poor behaviors of others and giving up too much of oneself in hopes of a deeper return on investment. It was doting on someone in hopes they'd "owe" you a little something on the side. It was men acting like boys, and women acting like girls. It was a world fraught with emptiness and little respect for common sense treatment of one human to another. It was shallow wanderings of people with no respect for themselves, and therefore little to dole out.
But there is hope, friends. There are people out there who value the same things and are waiting for you (in more ways than one). God has a plan for them, and for you. I encourage you to pray for your future spouse. Dig deep into God's Word. Be patient, grow strong in spirit and convictions, be open minded, forgiving, and content in God's plan for you in this moment. You may find yourself feeling lost or lonely, but remember that these things often come from the most unexpected places, or the places right under our noses. In the meantime, go out confidently into the world and let God's light shine forth through you. It's a light that some will recognize more clearly than others, but regardless of who may see it, you'll know where your joy and your confidence is based. Not in any thing, or person, or place, but on the sure foundation that is Christ.