All posts tagged: minimalism

living lighter with less

Published by

’Til 2022, a deep desire for “less” has continued to well up in my being. Perhaps partially driven by a complex, heavy world around us. Simplicity is uncomplicated peace, and excess is no more than baggage. I’ve applied this not only to a more capsule approach to my wardrobe, but throughout my home and life as well. It’s become easier and easier to let go of the baggage that builds up with time, and more and more rewarding as the piles of unneeded disappear leaving more time to kick back and enjoy what you have. Not only in things which are material, but also in matters of the mind.    We are a generation of over thinkers. Of excess, and emotional weights we carry with us throughout our lives. It’s a new year, and it’s time to eliminate and reduce baggage – physically, mentally and emotionally. The cause and effect is simple, with less, we are lighter. With less burdens, we can stand up straighter. We become free to pursue what makes us truly happy without …

inspiration for living with the basics

bored in the house or bringing back basics

Published by

Just finished my 2nd face mask treatment this week. There some advantages to quarantine lifestyle. There’s a new level of organization in just about every drawer and cabinet. Lowes continues to swarm with a fresh batch of DIY enthusiasts. My house has been painted, rearranged, and mopped more in the last 2 months than it has all last year. Naizak is exhausted. She used to get excited for long walks… now she stares up with eyes like, “really… again??” photography:KRISTINA PETRICK | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | basic tank and thong c/o:SKIMS | gold jewelry c/o:ANA LUISA | marble case c/o:RICHMOND & FINCH   Life feels like it’s on a bit of a hold. And while you may be tempted to use the “B” word (my mother never let us say “bored”) it’s really not all that bad. Sure, if you’ve just doubled your screen time by spending 8 hours on TikTok every week, you might be bored. Maybe that’s why those songs are so popular there. But if you decide to live like a …

inspirational blog

what it means to just let go

Published by

Darkness covers the earth, at least for those hours surrounding the work day. Every gym parking lot is full to capacity. Cliché post holiday routines are unavoidable. Keto, intermittent fasting, dry January… It’s the new year. And with it, is born a sense of motivation, purpose and the possibility of a new, brighter future. photography:JOSH WOLFE | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III   Type A and enneagram one… I know it’s overplayed. Yet, I cannot ignore the chance to re-organize and strive for something new. I don’t force myself into fad diets or a new gym routine (though perhaps I should). Instead, at the start of each year I construct a new way of seeing the world. I challenge my natural way of thinking, and strive to connect with a new reality as the world around me continues to evolve. The universe changes. People change. We all change. If we cannot examine ourselves and decide to change, we will be lost in a world of the past. We will forget who we are. Time will trample …

travel blogger on minimalist beaches of costa rica

i am the sea

Published by

The sun had just begun its last descend. We had arrived there for a purpose, but that purpose was quickly lost. The golden sky-paint was kissing the stones and sea. The faint smell of rum and ocean beings came in waves with the breeze. The sound of reggae could be heard faintly playing on a beach far off. It was all too perfect to focus on anything but that. We had arrived to Costa Rica, on the sandy sunset beaches of Tamarindo. photography:JOSH WOLFE MUSIC | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | silk dress c/o:GIGI MODA   Our hearts were stirred and as if we had became a part of this place. A sort of blissful drunkenness swept over. Not from the rum punch or local beer, but from the air itself. A feeling of light and movement consumed us. The sand was soft, and just cooling from the afternoon sun. The water had a crisp bite that ways playful and inviting in the warm air. A group of a dozen comrades joined us there. A …

all white minimalist fashion lifestyle

a minimalist lifestyle from a blogger’s perspective

Published by

minimalism: noun min·i·mal·ism \ˈmi-nə-mə-ˌli-zəm\ 1: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity – Merriam Webster Dictionary Minimalism is the most simple and pure form of any thing. The essence of something – without anything additional. It is the absence of excess. But how does that interpret into lifestyle? Some interpret minimal fashion as a constricted wardrobe of monochrome ensembles. Black, white, beige, simple. Hangers should be 2” apart with plenty of empty space since “minimalism” seems often translated as having less. Each piece should have minimal adornments and detailing, and must be of the most straightforward nature. T-shirts, tanks, jeans. The aura should be stark, neat, empty. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | top c/o:LIE | shorts c/o:SALIENT LABEL I have a much different perspective. Indeed, those descriptive characteristics above are part of a minimalist lifestyle – but it goes much deeper than that. It’s less about the rules, and more about the experience and aesthetic of each piece, item, and choices. …

dark in white

Published by

There’s hardly a moment in life that goes by without the slightest mix of emotions. I know I ordered chocolate ice cream, but that black cherry swirl is looking pretty good… I do like these shoes, I’m just wondering if I should have worn flats… all white, or black bag… yeah I do feel like going out tonight, but Netflix and chill is sounding pretty alright as well… you get the drift. When there are so many beautiful futures in our horizon, it’s sometimes difficult to choose the “right” path. (and yes, I’m assuming all futures are beautiful at this point). As my brother has said, “In my life, every day is a holiday, and every meal is a feast.” I’m a pretty indecisive person by nature. This was not one of those days. Feeling firmly confident in the day’s choices both in wardrobe and life choices in general – I went out the door running forward with guns blazing. All sweetly white from Salient Label with Public Desire dark black strap pumps to offset …

at the back of the north wind

Published by

“…though I cannot promise to take you home,” said North Wind, as she sank nearer and nearer to the tops of the houses, “I can promise you it will be all right in the end. You will get home somehow.” ― George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind Did your mom ever read to you as a child? Mine did. And I often wonder how much that impacts the way I see the world today. Reading has a way of expanding the mind and imagination in ways that nothing else really can. It’s like a type of magic, transporting you into a place that doesn’t exist, but in many ways feels more real than reality itself. Working as a Creative Writer not only for this space, but also as a career has been an eye opening experience, and in many ways brings me back to that time as a child. After all, storytelling (whether for children’s books or branded message) really aren’t so far apart. It’s that pathway to mutual understanding – an emotional connection …

where we go

Published by

Our world is forever moving, and the places it takes us are a mixture of beauty, excitement, sadness, joy, and the unexpected. Life wouldn’t balance without a little of each. I find it best to accept all with a sort of reverence to the bigger picture, which our minds are so often incapable of comprehending in the moment.  This week has been a blur of each, as I say goodbye to two of my dearest friends. (no, they didn’t die). Their lives are taking them on beautiful adventures! And I couldn’t be more excited for the new opportunities they’ll experience with a change in work and new surroundings. So proud of you guys… but seriously… did you both have to leave in opposite directions in the same flippin week?? #youleftmeallalone jk I’ll be visiting soon. And to my friends that remain, I’m sorry but you’ll be experiencing an increased dose of me in weeks to follow. With the addition of fall setting in, I’ll be searching for life’s little comforts. On the east coast, it’s been sunny and 75 …

follow me

Published by

The tones here were softened from the burst of colors in the rest of India. It’s as if the city gave off a radiance of soft tenderness. A sort of pearl itself, amidst a palace of jewels. Checking-in to Jaipur. Known for the architectural beauty of it’s cities, temples, forts,.. and pearls. The photos capture a mixture of Amber Fort (which we actually toured twice – once on foot, once on elephant!) as well as a stop along the water palace known as Jal Mahal. One of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. The pink city has an ordinance that no building can be painted any other color – which leant the city to a sort of dreamy, ethereal fervor. Attempting to be a minimalist in a country of color. Found this snow white traditional Indian kurta and salwar at a local market, along with the silver rings. When in Rome (or Jaipur)… photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | attire:LOCAL MARKET | cuffs:THPSHOP | hamsa beads c/o:CHLOEALYSON

cold beach hot coffee

Published by

Just returned from the most lovely trip to VA beach which I visited for a shoot (more on that later in the year) Spent the extra down time on the beach of course. First day was a balmy mid-70’s type day – perfect for strolling along the sea. The second day (which these photos are from) was FREEZING. Nastygal fleece and Starbucks came to the rescue, so sorry you’re going to see this jacket twice. I believe in packing light. However, I couldn’t resist being that tourist that regardless of the season, had to jet to the beach at 7:00am to catch the sunrise – even through the shivers. Bonus of a cold beach is that we had it all to ourselves! It actually made for quite a charming morning. Though my photographer may have disagreed… Wearing a new shop for the first time called BlackFive. I was apprehensive to order due to mixed reviews online, however the entire lot I purchased from them (and I did purchase a lot) were fantastic! Good quality for …