Things I Saw And Liked
Card via Sapling Press
Guys, I’m struggling. I know you are too. Trying to get everything done that needs to get done plus maintain a sunny disposition during this never-ending hellscape has proven to be a bit too much lately. I’m constantly a mix of tired and anxious, and my focus has taken a beating. We are SO lucky to be busy, and my to-do list is one many would like to have, don’t think I don’t see and know that- it just feels like scaling a mountain everyday, when simply getting out of bed takes effort knowing that things have not improved much with the pandemic. The light at the end of the tunnel feels more far off than we expected it be at this point. Especially for moms- whether working or home with the kids trying to get them to focus on Zoom school- or BOTH- we are all feeling the burnout particularly strong, I think. This NY Times article was such a good read- it helped me feel a little less adrift.
Emma turns 8 months today, and she’s only ever seen one other real human baby (form 6 feet away). That makes me sad, and worried. All those cute classes we all did with Henry, the social stimulation and growth that happens–I wonder what the long term effects will be. This is a long way of saying my mind is pre-occupied with my kids, my business, moving and so the blog has been a real struggle. Work on my house is moving slowly now that it’s in my hands (wallpaper hopefully going up soon though!) so those updates will come., but for right now we’re taking a mini-breather as we settle in. I know I’ll get comments about how I should stop “complaining”, but I hope that everyone sees that no matter who you are, this is a shitty time. Some have it much worse than others, but let’s be kind with each other, ok?
So here are just some things I’ve seen around the web and liked. Simple as that. I can’t wait for the day when I’m feeling a bit more inspired. Click images for links.
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These picks are lovely Erin, thanks for sharing. I’ve been reading you for years and appreciate the effort you put on the blog and that you have kept going no matter what for years. Take it easy on yourself, we’ll be here reading whenever you post, Friday? next week? In a month or six? I’ve always thought you do SO much. <3
Good for you taking the time you need – that’s important – and hard for people to admit! Your true followers will be here when you’re ready. Your Emma will be fine in the end; your families love/faces will be enough for now. Don’t forget to breathe!
Couldn’t think agree more.
I think complaining is just a coping mechanism at this point–it’s what we have to do to get through. I have no problem with your little rants–this is your outlet, to use as you see fit. Quite frankly, they are tame compared to mine, and I’m a pastor! :-) Yes, we are very privileged, and we are way better off than a lot of other folks. That doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate what we have and it doesn’t mean we don’t have struggles. I do believe we are on the downswing of this hell, but it often doesn’t seem that way when we’re in the weeds. Emma will be fine–she has Henry, and she won’t remember this time as anything but normal because she has everything she needs. Be gentle with yourself. All will be well. Take care.
Hi Erin,
Thank you always for your beautiful posts. I look forward to each one to be inspired. I have been hooked on your work and ethos from day one three years ago. I follow you like a bad smell!! Ha…
Your words today are felt by many. Here in Melbourne Australia, we went through a hard lockdown last year, and unfortunately for you, you are now living it too. Winter was hard, kids at home was hard, not seeing extended family was very hard, but we managed to get through it by supporting each other and believing in what needed to be done to get through this to save as many lives as possible.
Just know that the light is definitely there. We see it every day.
Your babies will be ok with yours and Andrew’s love and support.
Stay strong – I know you and everyone else will be!
Be well.
Your honesty and vulnerability are refreshing; be kind to yourself. You are managing so much, as all of us working moms are, only you are doing it online, in public too. You are exactly the mother your children need. Give yourself permission to take a bigger breather if necessary. The people who matter won’t mind.
I have read your blog probably since it started. Never really commented. But you nailed it. Everything we did before covid, now feels like such a struggle. Motivation is hard. Energy is hard. And we can keep telling ourselves we have it good, but that doesn’t make the day to day easier, or frankly fun. Fun is just not around much these days. I say all the above with the advice in mind of don’t worry about the blog posts. You’ll get to them. And your true followers won’t bitch or complain if you miss some.
Thank you for your honesty. I needed to hear this from someone, anyone. While I am not wanting for what some would consider basic necessities, I find myself just flat out worn out. I am waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Erin, I LOVE that you are so honest! Winter months can be dreary anyway and this year, oh, so magnified with multiple issues for so many. I, too, am very grateful for the goodness in my life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have “off” days or weeks, 😉. You are juggling a lot, so keep being honest and write from your heart as usual; otherwise it would not be as interesting. Frankly I loved today’s post since I don’t always have time to window shop online let alone really get out and shop. So I truly enjoyed looking at those items that caught your attention. . Deep breath and trudge on.
Be kind to yourself! And do not worry ONE MINUTE about the blog. You have plenty on your plate, Erin, and try to remember (I say this as a mom to three adult children…) that your kiddos don’t care a bit if their rooms are picture perfect. It will all get done but your priorities now, apart from a very busy business (yay!) lie with Henry and Emma. They will emerge from all this madness and worry just fine—children are nothing if not resilient. But they take their cues from you so take care of yourself, remind yourself that there really is light at the end of the tunnel (in reality that means that vaccine supplies really are increasing—ignore the frenzied reports and machinations of many of our friends) and remember that nothing, absolutely nothing, beats a Saturday morning snuggling in bed with two little ones. Guaranteed to turn down the anxiety level!
I’ve learned to listen and empathize & validate the underlying emotions in my friends & family these days without judging whether they ‘should’ feel that way. I believe others don’t have the right to tell someone how they should feel. All the best.
Idea? I think I wold like a sofa or sectional from a denim type of fabric. It seems casual and a bit unusual? I am seriously looking at your sectional from Maison Home with the Mineral fabric. I also got a sample of their denim colored fabric. I have the long narrow living room with 8 foot ceilings. Too much blue?
With two children, a design business, a blog to run and moving, you have every right to complain. Just because we are fortunate to have success in our life does not mean we can not feel sad, disappointed and stressed due to the pandemic. Your sharing let’s us know we are not alone.
Take a break from social media. We will all be here when life gets easier.
You’re a gem. This is your forum; speak your truth. Your honesty(and humor)help so many others. If it’s too much right now, take a break. We’ll be here whenever you show up! You are enough~
Give yourself a break! What you produce on your blog is beautiful and seeing beautiful interior design/ things and FB marketplace has been my pandemic savior!!
Regarding Emma – congrats on 8 months. She sees Henry daily and he will be all of those other things that she is missing. Take the break you need. Give to yourself what you need.
Love everything you do, but recognize that we are just takers – and we’ll happily take whatever you give. :)
You’ only REAL job is to take care of yourself. Treat yourself as you would a cherised grandma or best friend whose going through a hard time.
Did you see that list of stuff you’ve had to deal with BTW?! Can you say PTSD??
Be kind to yourself. I just saw a neurologist because of my lack of focus due to stress..I thougt I was losing my mind. A few Drs told me if you are efficient, intelligent, organized people are prone to these feelings.
Good things like getting a job, falling in love, moving into a dream house and yes, having another baby are all high stress. Just as much as losing a job, watching your hair fall out (ooh, that was a fun one!), breaking your shoulder into a jigsaw puzzle, watching the whole world go into a pandemic, and moving out of a house you loved. Change is a BIG DEAL Even if it’s all things you wanted to happen. It’s still big time stress.
Through into the mix running your own business, maintaining a marriage and raising two little people to become good humans, along with designing your own house (design overwhelm?) and rugs and pottery and jewelry … do you even have time to breathe?
You’re fricking entitled to be stressed! Please, phone it in once in a while. It doesn’t have to be you alone writing your blog. You’re working with other talented designers who write very well. So does Andrew. We love hearing from him.
Just speaking for myself, I appreciate the hell out of you and all the free content you provide us along with photos of the cutest littles on the eastern seaboard.
Everyone is overwhelmed and anxious these days. In 2020, I lost my brother, my mother in law, my mother and my son all within 8 months. This would be unbearable enough without facing the pandemic. Now throw in fear and social isolation when you should be surrounded with people and love. No distractions and no place to go to forget about your losses for even one minute. Try to focus on the positives in your life …..your beautiful children, your wonderful husband and the future you all will have together. Breathe deep and pause….
I’m with you…so over this pandemic. I think you feel like most of us. And now with the new variants it does seem endless. My daughter and her husband both had Covid recently and since I was at their place the day before they had symptoms I decided to quarantine myself for 10 days. My mask is probably what kept me from getting sick but I was a little freaked out at first. Serenity now!!
Grace, it’s all about grace. There’s not enough of it in our modern world, but if you really dig into what it is, it’s a beautiful thing. Give yourself more grace. Give others more grace.
And it sounds cliche because it’s true- worry about the things you can control and forget about the rest. There’s no doubt these are difficult times for all but it’s going to be ok. Emma is going to be great she has everything she needs – two loving parents (and a loving sibling).
I love that brass light fixture. Can’t believe it’s from Target!
Hang in there, girl! You’ve got this!
Same. Thanks for your honesty. Everyday day starts out really hard – and that’s before you get up and find out what may or may not be going wrong in your own world. And I also have “nothing to complain about” but we are all living through one of the hardest times on our planet so the days are long and trying at best. It’s like we are on mile 23 of a marathon – though we aren’t really sure if it’s a marathon yet or not. What if it’s an Ultra Marathon and we don’t know it? Also imagine running a marathon with no training – basically what we have all be doing this year.
I’m older and don’t have the pressure of schooling and trying to give my children a healthy and creative environment. Both my children are in that situation have been doing a great job, but its exhausting. I think this is longer than anyone expected and probably changed us all – I wonder if I will emerge as the same person when all the political and viral dust settles. Be kind to yourself and those around you, everyone is struggling in some way. In another note, I like the Serena and Lily new rattan chair but would love to see it in person!
What a timely post. Erin, you have always kept it real, don’t ever stop. This is a tough time and just because others have it “worse” doesn’t diminish your experience. That goes for all of us. These days feel endless and it’s okay to feel lost. I also have to add, what spot on comments from your readers- I found myself saying “yes!” after almost every post. Regarding Emma- my professional advice would be to continue to let her explore her environment as much as possible- your house, yard when weather allows, time and “conversation” with all of you and others in your circle. When you are able to expand her world- she will be ready. Sending you and all your readers the best- I wish I could meet all of you for a cup of coffee!
thanks for keeping it real! Look forward to your blog posts, no matter how inspired or uninspired they are, and whenever you feel like doing them.
Thank you. Simply thank you for keeping it real.
Thank you for being authentic and sharing your struggle❤️ It is real— and while our guilty pleasures such as your blog are an escape from reality for a moment, this has been an incredibly difficult year. Regardless of the phase of life, covid will be part of our kids’ stories, and we will worry about the impact on them. I hope you will Be kind to yourself, enjoy your babies, and look foreword to a brighter day. Your readers will be here waiting!
Yes, this is a difficult time for most everyone, but the experts–who don’t always all agree and change their recommendations–have stated that the transmission rate of this virus is very low for children, especially under the age of 14. Many schools and activities for children are “open,” both around the USA and the world. Some travel is possible. Overall health and well-being is important. Becoming familiar with some of this information and considering different options might be helpful to some parents and families. Let’s hope for easier times soon.
Same, girl…same
Thank you for this post! It’s such a shitty time and I don’t see the end right now. I started a business in 2019 that took off quite well and my goals for 2020 were BIG. Then I had to close and pivot and try to re-focus. I have a fantastic husband and kiddos but haven’t seen my parents or siblings or in-laws since 2019. In NO world would that have ever happened. I just told my husband that I think my work will come back, but my creativity is 0 and I can’t find my footing. So thank you for sharing. Even if we’re in different places, we’re all in this together.
You don’t know me, and I’ve never met you. But I’ve followed you from afar, and I can certainly empathize with this situation and your feelings. If you’re brave enough to put this out there, then I want you to know I hear you, and I know it’s a tough time. I’ve often wondered how you get so much done each day with two kids, a new house, soon-to-be new office, clients to make happy, etc. I’m awe of your attention to detail and regular postings that you manage to make happen as well. I know it takes work.
All this is to say, I hope you get a breather. As much as I love reading your posts/blog/musings/etc., I will enjoy them all the more knowing you came at them with a sense of fun and well being. Take some time. Breathe. You deserve it.
This! I marvel at how much you do, Erin. Thanks for sharing. You are entitled to your feelings and you are not alone in feeling this way. XO
You write beautifully and express what SO many are going through. God bless you Erin💗
I hear you! We drove from CA to Utah last week to go skiing and when my 9yo daughter (who is an only child and has been in zoom school since last March) saw other kids, she said “I had no idea how lonely I was until I saw all those kids.” Completely broke my heart. On the other hand, when I saw the frame you linked above (which we have and I love) I had to laugh because she’s the same kid who cracks jokes about “mom trying to be artsy with that big white mat” for one of photos on our gallery wall! It’s a roller coaster every day.
I’m reading this after I’ve driven close to 20 hours to see my family because it’s been a year!! I know compared to others that I am fortunate but this past year has tried me more than any other. You’ve had a second baby and moved- two major life changes that alone are very stressful -then add in the pandemic and everything else in our crazy country. You’re only human. I appreciate your honesty- no need to apologize for it. Take good care- easier said than done but so important.
Girl. I’ve been a fake influencer for two weeks and it’s the most exhausting thing I’ve ever done. I don’t know how you do it and stay motivated and creative. Give yourself all the breaks. Alllllllllllll the breaks. And tell the trolls to go pound sand.
Coco, is that you?
I love you Coco!! (Thanks for the hot tip, Erin! Lol!!!
Hahahaha, it is indeed! 😂😂😂
I’m feeling the same way. I find I don’t care much about anything , everything feels too hard, too much, too something. Mentally I know this will end, and that I’m enormously privileged but it just feels insurmountable most days. I feel you.
This. I’m so tired.
When Covid hit we did the “Everybody-Hunker-Down-and-Freak-Out”, which settled into “We are all in this together!” We rode that good endorphin roll into “The Summer of Walking And Waving At The Neighbors”, soon followed by” Hey, You Too Can Make a 6′ long Candy Shoot For Halloween!” We woke up the next day to “I’m getting Christmasy November 1st, let’s bake 12 Thanksgiving pies for 4 people, order matching pajamas, swear that Die Hard is a Christmas Movie, and not get on the scale for two months.” Towards the end there were those two weeks when no one could tell you what day it was, culminating in the blowing of horns, shouting “Yay 2021!” and then…nothing. This January, this sad, long January – in which I honestly believe there have been two Tuesdays EACH WEEK – was unbearable. My energy, enthusiasm and focus are gone. I can’t complete sentences. I start longing for bed at sunset. I hate hearing you are in my boat, but I think we are all paddling in the same direction. For now I am finding a bit of comfort realizing it’s not just me.
Wow Alex you did nail it!!! I have 2 fifth graders doing hybrid schooling. It has been a very long almost year. It does make me feel better knowing I am not the only one.
So true!!!
I love this so much! Fortunately I decided to do the crazy thing of running for City Council in a pandemic so that’s keeping me so crazy busy that it’s given me the grace to sometimes forget we’re in a pandemic (as I campaign out of my basement). We are all paddling in the same direction and we are slowly getting there!
Good luck, Tricia! That’s awesome ad I wish you the very best.
💯 this. Yes. Alex nailed it.
Omg this is absolutely dead on!
It is tough. And, it’s okay to share that.
Thanks for sharing your life, Erin. Your feelings are real, and they’re valid, and by sharing them, you’re affecting positive change in thousands of lives. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Kudos to you Erin! How you’ve kept it together this long, juggling all the balls you juggle is a Herculean task! Take whatever time you need to regroup and snuggle with those little ones. THEY (and Andrew) are what really matters 😉
As an older mom, who lived somewhat remotely when my kids were young, I wouldn’t worry too much about Emma as long as she has a lot of Henry time. Most kiddos learn the most from their siblings – and a lot of only children are just fine without “peer” relationships as long as their parent are engaged. Maybe it’s less than ideal, but I don’t think it’s necessarily damaging. Just another mom 2cents. And your new house is so lovely, and you’re clearly at your best designing your home for your family – I can say that my own family is happiest/healthiest when I’m working hard at what I love and do best. Cheers, looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful work.
Thank you for keeping it real. I love your eye for design and personal style and the humanity you bring to your blog. No judging here. Just appreciate you opening your home and heart.
I have seen my only grandchild three times in her lifetime. She has seen her cousins once. I have seen my other grown children once in a year. I do not have the pressure of zooming with young kids and for that I. Am. Grateful. Parents, if you are zooming daily with your kids schools, you are saints. And if you are working and zooming and dealing with moving/school/illness/elderly parents, well, you should just add Saint in front of your name by proxy.
I appreciate your honesty so much! Good luck with everything! Be kind to yourself😊
Don’t worry about your baby she at least has her older brother and he as her for stimulation. All will be ok, hang in there. Don’t sell my email!
You have a lot on your plate! Each on its own is overwhelming- 2 littles, a business, a move, a renovation- and a pandemic?!? That’s a lot of stress. You are normal. Hang in there.
Definitely not complaining. I think a lot of us have low grade depression. I have a Senior in zoom high school and they have lost all they’ve worked for four years (sorry here comes my own sad vent) …no big man on campus, no football or sporting events, no homecoming, no friends!!!, no officers or captainships they’ve been building towards, no prom and sadly probably no graduation. They’ve gone from vibrant, fully involved and spirited teens to “yeah whatever, what does it matter anyways”. It breaks my heart. But we’re almost done. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Take comfort in that young childrens’ brains and social wiring adapt very fast. Emma and Henry will quickly get right back into the swing of things. Until then, one step ahead.
Would love for someone with mental health training to help describe it. I wonder if it is grieving, the loss of our old world pre-pandemic.
Yes indeed this pandemic seems endless. Were your parents able to get their first dose of vaccine yet? My Mom did and it gave me a glimmer of hope. Stay well. thanks
You are not alone. The post-holiday winter slump is hitting me especially hard this year, and completing my son’s 18 month pre-exam questionnaire that asked “How does your child react to other children?” sent me into a tailspin last weekend. I don’t know! He’s home with a nanny and his 4.5 YO sister all day every day! There are no other kids or other people or other places! We are fortunate – healthy, steady employment, the ability to keep our kids home with a nanny if we choose, a roof over our heads and no fear about getting food on the table. But this is also hard, and I am burnt out. So it also helps to know that I am not alone. Thank you for sharing.
I could have written this, Mary! Our kids are the same ages, home with a nanny…feeling like we’re in survival mode these days. Winter is normally hard but this year feels so much harder. We are also fortunate to have work, a home and food but that sometimes that increases my anxiety because I feel guilty for feeling down. It’s just a hard season. Erin, I appreciate you being real and relatable. Our lives are not all the same and our struggles are different but many of us are struggling in our own ways these days and I appreciate you recognizing that.
Nicole, you are doing a great job! I love my kids and they have certainly kept me distracted for the last 11 months (who’s got time to make random tiktok videos!? not me!), but also hold goodness it’s a lot of work. We will all get through this, and hopefully we all come out with more empathy for the struggles of others that we cannot see.
I don’t think you’re complaining. I think you’re being authentic. And I think you’re saying what so many of us are feeling. We know gratitude helps us, we try focus on how lucky we are, how grateful we are – but it’s still hard. And personally, it makes me feel bad, I feel guilty that I haven’t got my shit together when actually I’m ‘supposed’ to have lots to be grateful for. These are shitty times. Relentlessly shitty times full of anxiety and fear and loneliness. And you have always shared your truths. That’s why we’re imaginary friends. And so long as you’re still finding things you like, you’re doing ok, and I’m still reading!
This! This! This! Everyone has different challenges. Your challenges are a challenge for you… and that makes them valid. Full stop.
Thank you for being authentic, like Carly stated. Thank you for not being afraid to write these kinds of posts knowing that others will try to tear you down for it. Because you are helping me by writing them and I’m sure you’ve helped other moms too. And you should know that because it is awesome.
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Sending you happy thoughts and prayers! Hang in there.