In the whirlwind of daily life and the beautiful chaos that often surrounds us, finding moments of curated inspiration and connection becomes invaluable. That’s precisely why we’re thrilled to officially launch “The Weekly Edit” – a brand-new series designed to be your go-to source for a thoughtful blend of our favorite articles, practical how-to guides, lighthearted funny finds, essential quick life updates, and all the exciting discoveries happening in our world. We’ve always cherished the concept of link round-ups, seeing them as a wonderful window into the minds and inspirations of others. It’s a chance to share, to discover, and to build a vibrant community around the things that captivate and motivate us. This series aims to capture that spirit, offering a weekly dose of carefully selected content to spark your creativity, bring a smile to your face, or perhaps offer a helpful tip for your own adventures.
Life has been an exhilarating blend of adventure and sheer exhaustion lately, especially as Jared and I continue to play catch-up after our unforgettable Scandinavian cruise. While the memories of exploring charming cities, indulging in delicious Nordic sweets, and soaking in breathtaking landscapes are still vivid and cherished, the return to routine has certainly brought its own set of challenges. It’s safe to say I’ve officially coined the phrase “perma-tired” to describe our current state, a unique blend of post-vacation bliss and the relentless demands of a busy schedule. This travel recovery period underscores the importance of proper planning and self-care, lessons we’re constantly learning and adapting to.
Thankfully, the universe seemed to know we needed an extra boost of energy and support. We’re absolutely delighted to announce that we’ve just welcomed not one, but two incredible new interns to our team! Their arrival couldn’t have come at a better time, as we’re currently gearing up for some truly significant shoots next week, projects that we’ve poured our hearts into conceptualizing. The fresh perspectives and enthusiasm they bring are already palpable, injecting a renewed sense of excitement and capability into the studio. This expansion means we can tackle bigger, more ambitious projects with greater efficiency and creativity, ensuring that we continue to deliver inspiring content and high-quality work to our incredible audience.
Adding to the wonderful energy in our home, both of my parents are in town – a rare and incredibly special occasion that hasn’t happened in years! There’s an undeniable comfort and joy that comes with having family close, especially after such a long time apart. It’s been a heartwarming experience to share our current life, projects, and everyday moments with them. My mom, ever the character, has taken great delight in referring to herself as “Ashley’s best friend” ever since I wrote that post. I often joke that I must have inherited my humility from her, but in all seriousness, her presence has been an absolute godsend. She’s been incredibly helpful, lending her support both in the bustling studio and at home, allowing Jared and me to finally catch up on tasks that had been piling up. Her unwavering support and loving presence truly make a world of difference.
Speaking of personal milestones, the first thing on my mind today is my birthday tomorrow! It always feels like a fresh chapter, a moment to reflect on the past year and eagerly anticipate what the next one holds. Last year, I famously smashed a cake right in my face – a truly memorable and wonderfully messy celebration that perfectly captured my playful spirit. While I doubt this year’s festivities will involve quite as much confectionary chaos, I’m genuinely excited to see what new adventures, joys, and unexpected moments this upcoming year will bring. Birthdays are a beautiful reminder to celebrate life, appreciate growth, and embrace the future with open arms.
Switching gears to home inspirations, I’ve recently been on an intense hunt for a new mid-century modern front door for our house. It’s amazing how a single architectural element can completely transform the curb appeal and character of a home. I spent countless hours scouring various sites, looking for the perfect blend of iconic design, durability, and a welcoming aesthetic. During this search, I stumbled upon this resource, which quickly became my absolute favorite. It provided an incredibly comprehensive list of suppliers and design ideas, offering exactly the kind of detailed insight I needed to make an informed decision. Finding the right front door feels like the final touch on a beloved art piece, a statement that reflects our personal style and the timeless elegance of mid-century design.
Beyond home aesthetics, I’m constantly seeking out content that truly resonates and sparks deeper thought. A particular highlight this week was spending hours engrossed in the comment section of this post on Cup of Jo. The article itself, which asked readers to share “the most beautiful thing you’ve ever read,” was powerful, but the sheer depth and raw honesty of the responses in the comments were truly captivating. It was a profound reminder of the shared human experience, the power of literature and poetry, and the beautiful ways in which words can touch our souls and connect us across different walks of life. I found myself moved, inspired, and reflecting on my own treasured literary moments, illustrating the incredible value of genuine online communities.
On a slightly lighter, but no less exciting note, you guys KNOW I’ll be entering this incredible giveaway for an all-marshmallow box of Lucky Charms! Who could resist such a nostalgic dream? The thought of a cereal bowl filled with nothing but those magical, colorful shapes takes me right back to childhood. Side note – I still feel a tiny pang of guilt, and amusement, about that time I asked my intern to sort through three pounds of Lucky Charms just to extract the marshmallows for a project. It was for art, I swear! But the dedication and good humor involved in that task are still legendary around the studio, proving that sometimes, the most whimsical ideas lead to the most memorable stories.
For those who love a good DIY project, especially one that combines style and functionality, I cannot recommend this DIY wooden sofa tutorial enough! The appeal of crafting your own furniture lies in the ability to customize it perfectly to your space and taste, often at a fraction of the cost of retail. This particular tutorial struck me with its clear instructions and the beautiful, minimalist aesthetic of the finished product. It’s perfect for a studio, a cozy nook, or even a contemporary living space, offering a unique piece that speaks volumes about your personal style and hands-on approach. The satisfaction of building something practical and beautiful with your own hands is truly unmatched, making this a definite must-try for any DIY enthusiast.
Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh or a moment of pure relatability. This week, this photo from Distractify Animals provided exactly that. It’s one of those images that just perfectly captures a universal feeling or a quirky animal personality, making you nod in agreement and chuckle out loud. In the midst of hectic schedules and important tasks, these small doses of internet humor are vital for a quick mental reset. Can anyone else personally identify with the sentiment or the adorable exasperation depicted in that photo? It’s a testament to the simple joys that animal antics and shared online humor can bring to our busy days.
Speaking of relatable moments, Jared has been battling a nasty cold this week, and for some inexplicable reason, every sniffle and cough has brought to mind this classic SNL skit. It’s incredible how certain comedic performances embed themselves in your memory, resurfacing at the most appropriate (or inappropriate) times. The skit, known for its quirky humor and exaggerated take on everyday situations, has provided a much-needed source of levity during a less-than-ideal situation. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and even when you’re feeling under the weather, a good memory of a hilarious skit can make the recovery process a little bit brighter and certainly more entertaining for anyone within earshot.
Transitioning from humor to style, I also stumbled upon a fun and colorful summer dress that immediately caught my eye. With wedding season officially in full swing, finding the perfect outfit that balances elegance, comfort, and a touch of celebratory vibrancy is always a quest. This particular dress checks all those boxes and more. Its cheerful color palette and flattering silhouette make it an ideal choice for attending a summer wedding, garden party, or any festive outdoor event. It’s a wonderful example of how a well-chosen piece of clothing can elevate your mood and make you feel absolutely radiant, ensuring you’re perfectly dressed for any special occasion that comes your way this season.
Finally, in the realm of creative inspiration, I absolutely have to mention the sneak peeks of this photoshoot by Designlovefest. Seriously, how good were they?! I was instantly captivated by the art direction, the unique styling, and the overall aesthetic that perfectly blended modern sensibilities with a touch of whimsy. It’s always inspiring to see other creatives pushing boundaries and producing such visually stunning work. These glimpses into their creative process and final results serve as a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities within design and photography, motivating me to continue exploring new ideas and embracing bold visual statements in our own projects. It’s these kinds of discoveries that keep the creative spark alive and continually fuel our passion.
As we wrap up this inaugural “Weekly Edit,” life around here continues to be a vibrant mix of personal milestones and practical projects. Beyond the birthday celebrations with family, Jared and I are also dedicating time to some serious “adulting” by replanting plants in our front entryway at home. There’s something incredibly therapeutic and satisfying about tending to your living space, watching things grow, and creating a welcoming environment. It’s all about finding that beautiful balance between professional hustle and nurturing our home life. But enough about us – what’s new with you?! Do you have any exciting fun weekend plans coming up? We’d love to hear about your adventures, your discoveries, or anything that’s making you smile. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep this conversation going!
