Tuning In for Slow Living Creatives

Read and Comment HereI think about purpose, mission, tactile creations and “what’s the point of it all?” a lot…. My recent week no exception.I’m constantly trying to make sense of the online space and where I can add true support vs. adding to the consumerism and “more” culture we live in. Carefully making sure I’m not making because there’s a market for it but making because there’s a genuine need I can fill and a spark within me to create it.So when this question: “If the internet went away today… what would I do/create in our town?” popped into my mind- I got giddy!Doesn’t it sound so fun to imagine your creative expression, IRL… what form it would have taken before the internet… and to hear the community’s creative answers too??There’s something so grounding about bringing the online space into the tangible present for me. About finding ways to take this abstract concept of the internet and balance it out with what we can touch and share. I’m beyond grateful for what the internet offers and has allowed me to create- and I’m also constantly looking for balance here.Now to you- what would your online creations look like IRL? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Join the Creative Co-op HereIn my recent therapy sessions, we’ve uncovered multiple parts of me asking for rest.But the thing is… I feel like I have been resting- more than I ever have before if I’m being honest. I’ve been: watercoloring, reading fiction, watching videos and shows that make me laugh and snowboarding- often.So I found myself questioning: Then what constitutes as rest? What else can I be doing to rest? Because doing more feels scary- like now I'm not doing anything at all.Then I took to ChatGPT and had a lovely conversation that deepened my minimalist practice and might help you too↓I'm sharing it inside my Staying Minimal SeriesMaintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: creativity, decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join the Creative Co-op HereView the Staying Minimal series here.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead, Comment or Join the Creative Co-op HereI was sitting at a cafe a couple weeks ago with the kids… feeling ungrounded… spiraling as per usual with all of my creative ideas.I firmly believe my brain transforms into the egg scrambler ride sometimes: I’ll have an idea I’m excited about and then another idea and then a to-do list item comes to the forefront and eventually they all circle their way back- front and center.So to help myself feel grounded during this particular chaotic spiral… I found myself grabbing a piece of paper and a pen (a comment card to be exact because that’s all that was around) and I got to organizing.It’s my go-to process when I’m feeling overwhelmed:* Write down what I’m thinking about.* Clear out any clutter that’s no longer serving me.* And with less in front of me… I can breathe again and focus on what matters most.I circle back to this minimalist practice often… and instead of adding to the wild ride … it slows the ride down (typically to a stop.)As I was going through this process I ended up drawing a little diagram.An ecosystem of sorts that helped me understand my creative impulses. And it felt like an exhale.With this diagram in mind now, creating feels so much more relaxed and grounded. I can visually see the rhythm that intuitively drives me. And I don’t feel the urge to force myself into that rhythm for consistencies sake… Instead this simple guide has helped me realign myself when I’m ungrounded.And I wanted to share this process inside our co-op so you can access this exhale too↓Staying Minimal: A series focused on on maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: creativity, decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.View the Staying Minimal series here.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Comment HereBefore sharing my intentional, creative life here- I had my own wardrobe styling company.✨ (If you’re curious about it- here are some articles on my styling days.)It’s why my friends + family often ask my thoughts on outfits and fashion.But the biggest compliment is when Collin asks me for help. He (actually) trusts me to equip him with high-level advice (instead of just dressing him) so he can confidently choose pieces that excite him.He recently decided to invest in his wardrobe too, but after shopping online he felt a little scrambled and like something was missing.He asked me to:* take a look at his shopping carts* see how versatile the pieces he picked are (i.e. do mix + match well?)* confirm what was worth investing in* and let him know if there’s anything else he needsIt was a “put me in coach!” kind of moment and afterwards I realized that the approach I took to help him find his answer… is a universal principle I use to make decision making simpler throughout my day.So I thought I’d share the 3 step approach I took to intentionally add to his wardrobe (+ how it translates into my every day life) inside my Staying Minimal Series↓Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join Our Creative Co-Op

Read or Comment HereIn a previous life… my world was: fashion.I was a:* wardrobe stylist* mobile boutique owner* personal shopper* and closet cleansing maniacAnd my closet reflected that (in my own way.)But one thing I didn’t focus on at the time was longevity.I bought well but I didn’t invest. I didn’t think about how many years I could take care of a piece. How it would support me long term. I just thought about what matched my style at that moment.And then I met this little silk dress… and everything changed. I’d never felt so good in something. I put it on and was like “woah….” I looked at myself differently. And it got me thinking about investing… in pieces that last longer than a season or one event.It shifted the way I looked at my wardrobe… and left me with an urge to fully invest in it.To stop buying fast fashion that works just for this season and start thinking “like a Parisian.” Like someone who sees wardrobe-building as a lifelong curation, not a constant sport of shopping.So here’s what I did about it:- Want to see the 32 things I recently got rid of? Click here- Rose 2-Way Cardigan | White Bodysuit | Navy Cardigan | Striped Sweater- Bennet Fur Lined Boots | Evelyn Heeled Booties- The other brand I considered was Blundstone but felt like the Toms style was more me.- I also grabbed these cute new tennies to replace my worn out ones.- I was at a trade show for my mom’s business and came across this amazing booth.>> I’d love to here your take in the comments P.S. Are you a minimalist or an aspiring one? Curious about: Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Then join us inside the paid tier to unlock my latest series: Staying Minimal.Filled with thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Upgrade Here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead and comment hereWe just got back from trying on van life in Florida to celebrate Sophia’s 5th birthday and boy…. did we learn a lot.I was SO excited for this trip after becoming obsessed with the idea of traveling with a home on wheels.* I envisioned it.* I felt it.* I was open to it not being a fit for us.* But secretly… I was convinced the trip was going to be perfect.And before the trip even started… our plans changedWe’ve tuned in (😉) this year and realized we’ve been living the standard American life but prefer a more unconventional one- hence the getting intentional and living life without shoulds (like a talk about here.)As I processed the internal conflict I share in this episode over the course of two days, toggling between our adventurous van life trip and comfortable hotel stays, I was reminded that maintaining my minimalist lifestyle also includes: decluttering my old narratives.Somewhere along the way, those stories had stopped being guiding values…and had started becoming rules…. Rigid ones. Heavy ones.Minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer things.It’s about releasing the beliefs that weigh down your life just as much as clutter does.The truth is… choosing the aligned thing *in that moment*… that’s the definition of a minimalist lifestyle. Of one filled with what matters most to you.It’s not about rejecting one idea over another.It’s about staying honest about what actually supports the life we’re building.So I wanted to share this aha with you* how I’m maintaining my minimalism in regards to our lifestyle* And a few prompts that helped me identify the narratives that needed to be decluttered.You’ll find those inside↓Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us inside the paid tier to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Click here for the journal prompts

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comView the Pictures + Join the Conversation HereEvery time we travel… I come home and am ready to halve our possessions. And that’s exactly what happened when we got back from our recent trip to Gatlinburg.Isn’t it funny how quickly our perspective can shift from a few days away?I often purge unnecessary items when I’m feeling overwhelmed. (You know that frantic…. That’s it! I can’t clean these walkie talkies and 20 pairs of kids socks up again! It’s gone!)…. That’s how our “If it’s on the ground it’s out of town” phrase was born🤣So I was surprised when we unpacked from our trip that I naturally started piling items up to donate.And then I thought about how much sense that made. The contrast between living out of a backpack and having the best time and then coming home to a house full of things that need me- makes for the perfect intentional motivation to clear things up.So I thought it’d be fun to share this new habit + everything I’m letting go of- post our recent trip- the perfect way to kick off my Staying Minimal Series!Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.Join us to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.Join the Staying Minimal Series Here

Read, Join or Comment HereIn this month’s issue of the Tuning In Magazine (← print option now available✨) I announced our next Deeper Discussion series: Staying Miniman- How I'm Maintaining a Life with LessMy family has been living minimally for a while now. But as we’ve increased our travel- we’ve found ourselves overwhelmed by all we have once we get home. It’s made us crave a deepening in our practice.The thing is there’s not a lot about maintaining a lifestyle of less- just plenty of conversations about becoming a minimalist. Which is why I want to bridge the gap.If you’re thinking “I have no interest in living in a blank white room or getting rid of everything I own”- Good news! That’s not what I’ve found minimalism to be.👍🏻Minimalism has actually given me more.* More of what I crave.* And less of what I don’t truly want.As life shifts, seasons change, my kids grow and new hobbies and adventures come and go- minimalism has kept me intentional and aligned. Helping me become aware of how I’m filling my space and stewarding my money and time. It’s helped me create room in our home, my mind, our calendar and our bank account for what we truly want- instead of what we think we ‘should have.’It’s helped me answer the question: If I went through everything I currently own- would I choose that over the life I envision?So when it comes to this gap in the Minimalism conversation…I want to explore how I can challenge myself to stay minimal as a way to reach our dream life… today.That’s why I’m challenging myself to go deeper in my minimalism practice (and am inviting you to, too)Seeing what happens when I answer really hard and confronting questions around:* Financial Minimalism* Possessions Minimalism* Parenting Minimalism* Lifestyle Minimalism* Creative Minimalism* Time MinimalismMy goal is to unlock… less overwhelm and stress → in favor of more space and joy.Want to join me inside this new series?↓Join us here to unlock thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead or Comment HereI haven't given my garden much attention this year.The pipe for the backyard hose burst this winter so to water it I had to fill a watering can 5+ times….. instead I often opted for the rain + Mother Nature to take care of it.Last year, tending to my garden became a daily form of meditation. It was an exciting new practice for me.And it felt simple, formulaic + basically guaranteed. All in all- my biggest takeaway when gardening last year was “This is magic! Can my creative work be simple and straightforward like this too??”I knew I wanted to keep gardening but this year we had other things going on.So while I did “plant the garden in a place with great sunlight” I didn’t often water it, protect it from pests- meaning not much was harvested.It just wasn’t my top priority- instead we were focusing on house stuff, unschooling the kids, learning how to support their emotional intelligence and big feelings and in the breaks- creating what feels good to me.Which brings me to my creative work….I'm not making space for my creative work everyday- or as often as I could probably create. I’m happy with my flow- that I’m not pressuring myself to create based on an arbitrary/societal schedule. And although I’m not creating in an urgent and uber frequent cadence- my creations are connecting with others (especially through passive systems- thank you Youtube + SEO!)…. And yet I feel like I have a lot in me that I want to create. (More growth I could get out of this season’s crops if you will.)So I found myself asking: Can my creative practice still grow when I don’t 'water it' often?Let’s talk this out in this episode...Journal prompts if you’re transitioning from a ‘watering less often’ season into a ‘watering more frequently’ one.

Read and Comment on the Poll HereGrowing up, fashion was always my thing. It was the story of who I was….…. and then I became a mom and my mindset shifted.I’ve spent these last 5 years excavating to find who I am: Intentionality and creativity definitely making up that core.And I feel like what I “left behind” nearly 5 years ago may have just been put on a shelf… waiting to be sparked back to life again…. in a new way.As I’ve been working on becoming more playful, remembering the parts of me that used to light me up and trying to bring that into the present, that spark was ignited again.So the question that’s been rattling around in my brain all day is: how do you reintegrate an old piece of your identity into your new way of being?Join our community + conversation here on Substack! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit tuningin.substack.comRead and join in the conversation hereView all the journal prompts inside The Intentional Reset Guide hereI’ve been craving a new creative rhythm lately— one that’s not reliant on perfect conditions. That’s free from compartmentalizing my mom life from my deep work sessions… I’ve been craving a rhythm that’s integrated into my life.And as synchronicity would have it - a youtube video popped up yesterday that brought this very topic up.I feel like I’ve lost the integration along the way.…. Ultimately making my creative expression feel separate from my day to day life.So this morning, I tried something new: a deep work session with my kids.* It wasn’t perfect (I was interrupted often including the moment I’m typing this) but I still got to write.They saw me in the practice. And even better- they got to feel the joy of deep creative flow too. THIS is what I want for myself, my kids and our family culture.For them to not just hear about me creating when they’re with the sitter or their grandparents. But for them to see me create and to be invited into this rhythm and practice too — as a relationship, a shared curiosity, a lifestyle.So today’s prompts offer a Creative Reset in how we think about + execute on our work. And in how we can more seamlessly weave our creative practices into our everyday lives.↓The Intentional Reset Guide✨ is a collection of journal prompts that invite you to pause, reflect and take aligned steps toward a slower, more intentional life within a community of women craving more ease, presence, and intentionality- just like you.Join our community here and receive access to this series of audio journal entries, thoughtful prompts, and gentle conversation starters as we declutter and simplify our worlds together.

Read and comment hereI was driving the other day after dropping off the kids with my amazing mother-in-love. Windows down. Arm out- feeling the breeze as I cruised along listening to this (new to me) artist.When this phrase popped into my head:“What if my businesses ‘never worked out’ because I was meant to be doing this?”‘This’ being:* nurturing and unschooling my kids* being there to coach their tee ball team, teach a co-op class and run Lego club* to be- writing and sharing when it feels good, traveling and living my life more than finding ROI in my actionsI put ‘never worked out’ in quotes too because I do this often… I miss the greatness in the present (and past) striving for something bigger in the future. (when I could be having it right now.)I’ve been working on this. Not letting my perfectionism and conditioned way of being, take away from the joy I’m experiencing now.(receipts- my current lock screen)Because in all reality- my past businesses have worked out.Maybe not always in the way I was expecting- but certainly in the tools and knowledge I have today.* And better yet- it lead me to find the creative work that fuels me now.* The projects that I create only for me- not for public consumption. And the articles and courses I love to create and share for others too.This article from Amie McNee then landed in my inbox and felt like YES- THIS is what I’m talking about✨Maybe you relate? Maybe Definitely I’m processing this idea out loud. Comment and let us know here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tuningin.substack.com/subscribe