I have tried really hard this year to simplify and lead a more, wait, LESS, lifestyle. I have rid myself of things that don’t spark joy, I have worked on saying no and I’ve surrendered my credit cards in an effort to get unburdened and debt free. I set out to live a minimalist lifestyle but truthfully, I am not wired that way. I see that MORE isn’t always better but LESS sometimes leaves me feeling unfulfilled. Here’s what I want from life: ABUNDANCE.
An abundance of laughter.
An abundance of stories.
An abundance of joy.
Abundance is different than More. Abundance feeds the soul. It’s a cup overflowing; having everything you need and more than enough to bless others, too.
I bought this $7 coffee table with abundance in mind. We put it under the deck, by the pool and we’ve spent all summer tossing pillows down beside it and hanging out for dinner or drinks. The other day, Ada asked if I’d make shrimp spaghetti, her favorite, so we could picnic at our little, boho-table. It occurred to me then that this simple thing we’ve enjoyed this summer is actually something that will stick with my kids forever. We made an ordinary Tuesday memorable. That’s the goal of life, isn’t it? Making the ordinary magical?
Now, I bet looking at these pictures you’re thinking that this set-up was complicated and expensive. No, friend. I bought a few bouquets of flowers and greenery from the manager’s special section at Kroger’s. Check with your local grocery store to find out when they mark their flowers down and where they keep them. This is my favorite section of the grocery store! I got all of these flowers for under $5.
To add texture and make the space look really luxurious, I added a few apricots and sliced grapefruits. I love this because it tickles the senses. Get the senses involved and you’re more likely to make the moment memorable. One thing I’ve adopted this year is the idea of using useful or consumable decor. No worries about storage!
Everyone in the house is a little addicted to Sanpellegrino Prickly Pear & Orange sparkling juice. They are so refreshing and I love that the packaging is pretty enough to stick in my open shelving in the kitchen. Again, I’m all about consumable decor! Set a few out and let your guests enjoy them. They feel special and taste great, especially if you mix them with a little Riesling for a fast and refreshing cocktail.
Another thing I’ve focused on this year is buying less but buying what I love the first time. I considered these marbelized enamelware plates an investment because they’ll last forever and I don’t have to worry about anyone dropping them. They are beautiful enough for a party but practical enough for our everyday use. I’m sure they’ll be one of those things that gets passed down to the kids someday. You can snag them right now on sale! They come as a set of 4 for $33. Not bad for an heirloom-quality set, right?
How are you making your ordinary extraordinary? Do you have a special dish you work into the mix during the week? Do you wear your fave red lipstick just because? Tell me in the comments below or find me on Facebook or Instgram to chat!
