Today marks two weeks of living in NYC… I’m currently feeling so many things, and felt like it was the perfect time to bring back this series as a bit of a brain dump. I started journaling this year, and since have realized the importance of jotting down your thoughts as a way to process life and emotions. I’ve also started creating these mood boards over on Instagram, and wanted to give them a place to live here, as I use them to set the tone for my inspiration and creativity.

So.. about our first two weeks here. In a way, it seems like we moved just yesterday — but at the same time, life has felt so full. Each day feels exponentially longer than it did before, but in the best way! Enjoying life seems so much more accessible here. A coffee date with a friend is a ten minute walk away, and getting lost in the park can happen before the work day even begins.

With a new month and new season coming, comes a refresh of my intentions and perspective. March has always been one of my favorites. There’s an excitement in the air about the warmer temps and return of longer days. In past years, it’s been the time that I look forward to seeing our garden come to life and slowly start incorporating dining al fresco into our days, but I’m looking forward to a shift in activities this year. I’m imagining there will be lots of park hangs, blossom-hunting walks, and outdoor happy hours.

Since my move, I’ve been really enjoying chatting with a lot of you all about your future dreams of moving somewhere. It’s made me feel so connected to so many of you — and so inspired! It has had me so deep in the thought of nothing being off limits. There is so much power in believing you deserve something and going after it. Life is exactly what you make it. I spent years daydreaming about being here, and now that I’m here, it feels so freeing. Instead of spending time wishing I had what I wanted, I’m actually getting to focus on what it is I want in the moment. This feeling of accomplishment has created such a shift in my perspective of life. It’s hard to put my finger on and I’m still getting to the bottom of it, but I don’t have a sense of longing anymore. I feel settled and energized, content and motivated, all at once. I also have realized the importance of getting out of my own way, and the joy of creating the beautiful life you want to have. Nothing feels too far out of reach anymore.

Just a little Monday brain dump… and where I’m at currently. I’m more grateful than ever for you all following along on this journey. It’s been so exciting! I’ve received some questions on how I make everything feel like home so quickly, so I’m working on something this month to serve as a little guide for how I create joy in my home. Stay tuned! In the mean time, here are a few little things I’m currently enjoying… x Marianne