This last week or so has been a doozy. First we had some readjusting to do after our awesome week-long family camping trip. Rowen was anxious to get back on a regular schedule and have a break from all the driving (we went all the way to Oregon and back!). And she turned 3 months old!! I have to admit that I shed a tear over the fact that our 3 months of  'newborn' - that precious 4th trimester - was at it's end. I might have scrolled through and cried at her newborn photos...just maybe. Then, on Friday, I had my first full day back to work. Luckily Jim was able to be home with her for a few days before her transition to daycare, and I was able to see her a few times throughout the day, but she was definitely shaken up a bit (and so was mama!). And then Rowen experienced her first little cold! It seems to be almost better already (*fingers crossed*) but we had a rough night or two, and it was so sad to see her frustration at the stuffy/sniffly nose she was dealing with. Now on Wednesday she has her first full day of daycare (located right here at my work, which is amazing), which will be another big change for her.

It's been a time of transitions for this lil family of ours, and I know we'll come out beautifully on the other end...but in the meantime we'd love any positive vibes you have time to send our way :).

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In the mood for some good reads? Here are some links I enjoyed from around the web this week - hope you enjoy too....

Tiny Living

I might be biased, but you should definitely check out this great article about tiny-housers with a baby in the East Bay....us!!   :)

Tiny homes are in legal-limbo, as they aren't quite a house and not quite an RV. I'm excited to check out this docuseries, Living Tiny Legally, which explores what it takes to get tiny homes legalized.

Six tiny home owners share their secrets to meaningful living. 

Incredible tiny homes from around the world.

Thoughts from some tiny home owners on what it's like to live in such a small space. 

Downsizing your library for your tiny house. 

Minimalism

Take these steps towards your minimalist wardrobe.

These staggering stats about our shopping habits scared me a bit.

Popular methods for decluttering.

Other

I love this surprising way to stop tantrums.

How to improve your instagram photos.

I love linen.

Try tracking your habits.

Tiny Links

Photo from Small House Bliss

Hi from the Tiny House! We've been hard at work preparing this little abode for baby girl. It's coming together! Helps that my wardrobe has shrunken down immensely (whether I like it or not) as my belly grows. 6 weeks left and counting!

I thought it would be fun to check in with some links I've found around the web recently....

Tiny Homes 

I'm obsessed with this tiny cottage in Sweden.

Live small without moving into a tiny house.

There's room for pets in tiny homes too.

It's so fun that we've met some local tiny house friends! Check @nosenseofproportion and @tinyhousefamily out on Instagram :).

Minimalism

The connection between clutter and finances.

Creative ways to declutter your home.

A case for eliminating most of your wardrobe!

I enjoyed this article. Favorite quote: "When minimalism and the pursuit of simple turns into a weird competition of who can want the least, the point has been missed."

Tiny Links

Happy Weekend! I don't know about you guys but this week has been a haul for me. Work is exploding, and 95% of my "down time" has been spent on baby and wedding prep. Throw in some pregnancy insomnia, pouring rain, and the fact that our tiny-house is surrounded by a moat of 5 inch deep, sticky MUD and you get...Allie screaming TGIF from the rooftops! 

This weekend should be a perfect mix of fun plans and relaxing, so I'm looking forward to that. Plus it's Jimmy's birthday on Sunday so the overarching plan is to make him feel like a super-special 31 year old :). Always a fun goal! 

Here are some fun little links to leave you with to enjoy over a cuppa tea. Enjoy your days!

Tiny & Minimal

I love this 363 sq. foot cottage in SF's Mission.

Key principles of building a minimalist wardrobe.

Have you ever heard of a tiny house hotel?

My favorite tiny house on Airbnb.

Other fun stuff

Can your age and income be guessed based on the apps you use?

Why people compulsively check their phones and tips for stopping it.

Beautiful advice from a mother.

I love these thoughts on how to recover from an unproductive day.

I'm in love with this baby nursery.

(photo source)

Weekend Tiny Links

Happy weekend, everyone! I'm up in beautiful Tahoe enjoying some relaxing girl time in the snow. Lots of reading, journaling, yoga-ing, skiing and girl-chatting going on 'round here. And maybe a little bit of wedding planning on my part :). I hope you East Coasters are staying safe and warm! Here are some links I enjoyed from around the web this week - hope you enjoy too. 

p.s. the pic above is of our teeny tiny kitchen -- full tour to come soon! :)

Links on Tiny Living

Many tiny-housers eventually go big.

The nearby city of Fresno recently passed groundbreaking Tiny House rules!

Some thoughts on how to live in a small-house without killing your spouse.

Tiny house on water *heart eyes*.

Links on Minimalism

Benefits of simple living. 

Notes on building habits. 

Rules for getting decluttered.

The house so far + a few links

We've officially been in our little house on wheels for three weeks, and I've gotta say, it took just about that long to feel settled! Who knew that such a small space would take so much tweaking and altering to feel comfortable. Well, we're just about there, and we're loving it already. It's wonderful knowing exactly where everything is (and having it pretty much within arms reach), and so far we haven't felt inhibited by the small space at all. It's cozy and cute and homey. And I've loved having a space to really make our own. I can't wait to share more with you about the tiny house journey! Enjoy the weekend, friends.


A few interesting things I've found:

I needed this...5 things to restore your faith in humanity.

Wonderful tricks of psychology to help you get along in life.

Man interviews himself 38 years later and makes it into a movie.

This looks pretty darn easy and adorable. 

I've been thinking about grabbing a pair of these for years...who loves 'em?

Great ideas for starting each day stress free. 

5 tips for a more intentional holiday season. 

Words on rethinking productivity.

How the Western diet has derailed evolution. 

Peeking out from my cave

image

Hi all! I wanted to resurface for a moment to say hello. I'm currently emerging from a cave of all-work-and-no-play, and I'm SO excited about it. A massive project at work has taken all of my energy and attention for the past few weeks. I have been really missing the things that give me balance - sleep, regular workouts, blogging, QT with friends - and even the things I wouldn't think I'd miss, like all of the work I have beyond that project! I'm really proud of my team and the way it turned out, and I'm so excited to dive back into the things that bring me joy. I look forward to "seeing" more of you soon!

Here are some links I've enjoyed lately........

I'm loving these simple lou & grey looks.

About quality time; "sustained proximity is the best route to the soul of someone".

Natural ways to get rid of stretch marks.

The mystery of the coveted pink phone.

How to finally start working out.

Yumm I'll have to wipe my spiralizer out for this yummy recipe.

This fat kid's guide to Portland is making my mouth water.

Hej Sweden!

As I mentioned in my last post, Jimmy and I recently took a vacation in Sweden. 

Now, a question for you - was your reaction just now "Sweden, why Sweden?!". If so then you're not alone. At least 75% of the folks we've mentioned our trip to have responded with some variation of that question, either assuming the trip must be to visit family or for work (nope), or saying "hmm, that's never been on my list" or simply, "...Sweden?" [in surprised voice]. I have to admit that the folks who simply said "wow that must have been gorgeous!" won a couple of extra points in my book ;).

Because yes - Sweden! Crisp, clean, stunning, friendly, delicious Sweden.

I'll save some of the details for my next post, but in general - we fell in love. With the Scandinavian design, the fresh air, the shockingly clean city streets, the kind and friendly strangers, the contrast of primary colors in the countryside, the 10:30pm sunsets, and the mix of incredibly-old with incredibly-modern. Plus, Sweden is a very easy country to travel in - things are very intuitive and organized, and the folks are very happy to speak English with you. We'll definitely be back.

Our favorite way to travel is to just get in a car and go, and so that's what we did. We rented a car and explored Stockholm, the island of Gotland, Gothenburg, and then returned to Stockholm again.

Here are some photos from our trip, in case you'd like to see...

I have another batch of Sweden pics coming up soon! In the meantime, some fun links about Sweden I've collected from around the web:

     The quirky way that some Swedes say "yes".

     One of my favorite stores in Sweden.

     A Swedish island home.

     and

     Visiting Stockholm on a budget.

Hello! + Links

Photo from one of our many rides up 

Happy Memorial Day!

Jimbo and I aren't in the country but we're feeling very Patriotic from afar :). We'll be sure to crush some burgers and a beer here in Gothenburg, Sweden, and raise a glass in honor of the holiday.

Sweden is beautiful so far - we're absolutely in love. Today we're exploring Gothenburg and the West Coast archipelago, then tomorrow we'll be heading back East to Stockholm to spend our last few days enjoying the city. Any recommendations on what to do in Stockholm??

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Oh, and here are a few little links that I've enjoyed from around the interwebs.....

I like these tips on finding your signature style (I've been working on it).

Great summer reading list - I'm starting with The Girl on the Train soon. 

I think I've been onto this trend for awhile without even knowing it...;). I'm on board!

Have you ever thought about reinventing yourself?

5 short-stories.

Books that make you feel good about yourself? Sign me up.

I think I might start doing this - a "time capsule" as a way to remember favorites. 

Great article about how much STUFF people are accumulating these days. 

Recently Enjoyed Things (+ Links)

spring skiing at Kirkwood

après-ski with friends

bluebird day

a pup and her new puppy friend

the absolute best sushi I've come across in California so far

gazing into the distance with a lovely friend

Dexter the pup!

a funny view of something left behind...

chaperoning a 6th grade field trip to Pinnacles

a little bit of yoga with friends

celebrating 30 years with bubbly

a friends' shadow on blue, blue water

And a few things from around the interwebs....

Everything about this cozy date night is lovely. 

I'm officially obsessed with Everlane (and if you join on my referral link there, I'm obsessed with you too!). 

Feeling goal oriented this week? Check out these positive affirmations for goal getters. 

Are you guilty of any of these online habits that cause overspending? I sure am...

I admit that when I'm overwhelmed, my one-on-one meetings are the first to go. This article has convinced me that's not the answer! 

Need to learn a quick new talent for your next cocktail party? Look no further. 

This post is just pouring over with SPRING. 

Gorgeous roundup of essentials for the chicest at-home bar.