Author Archives: jennalose

Reading Lately

I’ve been loving a lot of things lately, but not writing about or sharing any of them.

One of my goals for this year is to focus on noticing things- websites I discover, articles I read, new foods I eat, trends in the world and themes in my life. I typically notice these things and then deem them unimportant to carrying out my day-to-day life. But of course, they are important and when I take the time to consider them and give them weight, my life feels richer and deeper and more appreciated. Hopefully this blog can help me continue to work towards my goal.

Let’s start small. Here are a few things I’ve read recently that I loved.

30 Most Disappointing Under 30

As someone who loathes ’30 under 30′ lists, mostly for their elitism and glorification of youth, this list felt perfect to me. I’m all for the celebration of real human experiences and humor as a way for us to cope with life. Plus, the entry for Bess Kalb (below), is providing motivation for me to keep writing. I can’t end up like Bess!

Bess Kalb, twenty-nine
Kalb started a screenplay, talked about it to at least thirty friends and family members and two Uber drivers, and then never finished it.

Illustrated Guide to Fighting Harassment 

I can’t seem to figure out how I stumbled upon this link (maybe Cup of Jo?) but I’m so glad I did. The world feels especially scary these days and I take comfort in knowing I have this information in my arsenal. I hope it will help me take action without hesitating if I find myself witnessing harassment.

I was also talking to my boyfriend recently about what to do when someone you know (family, friend, acquaintance, etc.) says something offensive. It’s happened a few times recently and I hate to admit I haven’t spoken up. I end up feeling terrible after and think of all the things I could have said but didn’t in the moment because I was shocked and frozen with anxiety. We came up with a few phrases that aim to point out that the comment isn’t okay with us, without scolding or creating a confrontation with the person.

Here’s our list: “What do you mean by that?, “Don’t you think that’s offensive?”, and “Do you think that’s appropriate?”

Hopefully these get you thinking or will be helpful if you find yourself in a similar situation.

And for something a bit lighter… Oh, St. Ives face wash… I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. (via Bird)

Loving Lately: Coffee Table Books

I suppose I’ll jump right in with my first post like it’s no big deal, like it hasn’t taken me years of thinking and worrying and pushing myself to start a blog…

So, here we go! My book obsession has been out of control for my entire life. I love reading, I love stories, I love learning and I love being surrounded by books. Call me a book hoarder. I don’t care.

Lately I’ve had my eye on a handful of inspiring coffee table books. I’m supposed to be on a book buying fast and I’ve been utilizing my local public library (which is arguably one of the greatest institutions created my mankind), but checking out beautiful coffee table books isn’t the same as checking out a fiction novel you’ll read once. The whole point of these books is to have them out, so you can flip through them when you need a break or a dose of inspiration.

I think I’m justified in breaking my book buying fast for these. I actually may have already purchased a couple of them. Oops.

simple-matters

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle

Finding a sustainable way to live more simply has become a constant pursuit in my life. I love beautiful things, but I also love space and avoiding the overwhelm of clutter. I hope this book could help me find balance between the two. The photography inside looks beautiful and I’ve been a fan of Erin’s blog, Reading My Tea Leaves, for some time. It only seems logical to take it to the next level and buy her book.

year-between-friends

A Year Between Friends: 3191 Miles Apart by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes

The 3191 Miles Apart email newsletter is one of the best things to land in my inbox each week. Maria and Stephanie document their lives and friendship in evocative photographs and observations. They send out their newsletter on Sunday mornings and I love waking up and reading it. It serves as a reminder to notice the little things and be intentional with my time. I can’t wait to buy their new book and have that feeling whenever I want.

in-the-company-of-women

In The Company of Women by Grace Bonney

Full disclosure: I broke my book fast for this one. I was feeling bad one day and decided what better way to cheer myself up than buy a book full of beautiful photos and wise words from inspiring, smart women. I’ve contemplated reading an entry of this book each morning with my coffee, as a worship of the power of women everywhere and motivation to wake up and do something!

The Shopkeeper's Home.jpg

The Shopkeeper’s Home by Caroline Rowland

I picked this book up ages ago at a boutique in Oregon and it’s one of my favorites. I love the inside look at unique boutiques around the world and the homes of their owners. I find tons of interior design ideas flipping through the pages and am able to daydream about owning an adorable neighborhood shop.

What do you think? Are you loving any coffee table books lately? I would love to hear your recommendations!