Today's guest post comes from someone I greatly admire and am inspired by here in the Twin Cities. Brittany Chaffee uses words in such a beautiful, romantic and poetic way that I figured she'd be the perfect person to create a story for what self-love means and how love can come into your life when you least expect it. Please read on and enjoy her melodic musings on romance.
typography by cannedsorbet
We envision love, in the beginning, to be a striking and complicated muscle. But when we fall in love, the movement feels a lot like slipping. The looseness, expansive. Right before I found my now husband, when I was angry and twenty-three years old and tired of dating bad men, my mom told me: “Brittany, love is effortless. You’ll be surprised by it.”
But something else happens when we fall in love. When we come to know people; slip under the looseness of their open hearts, we come to know them as intimately as ourselves. That part is scary. It takes vulnerability. Because, in turn, we have to reach deeper into the pockets of ourselves. If the love is right, we wade deeper into self.
My favorite line in the entire book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, is this:
“We don’t need other people’s love in order to love ourselves; we don’t need a romantic partner to be ‘complete.’ But we need other people to teach us how to love ourselves best.”
A month before I fell in love with my husband, I finally found peace with being alone. I thought: you are beautiful and twenty-four. Your world has only recently spread open. The minute I felt myself slipping, falling in love, I thought: oh, shit. There’s more. Because loving is the damn truth. Loving him reminded me that I did, in fact, love myself.
Love is beyond dual coverage and picking up takeout because you’re hungry and being an emergency contact and meeting family and Thanksgiving. Love is finding new ways to love ourselves because there’s another human involved. They become our mirror; our reminder that we get what we give. Loving is, at its root, selfless. But, the act of it says so much about what we’re capable of offering. We offer what we need, what we desire. For the first time, we realize our hearts are available for big moments, big affirmations. And realize we deserve all of them. That is self-love.
Love is showing someone else why you care about them because you care about yourself. Love is self-love flipped on its head, the equal give and take of human-defining togetherness. It is beyond what we ever imagined and above what either of us originally believed.
"Love is effortless because it helps define who we are. It’s as beautiful and simple as that."
SELF-LOVE WHEN YOU'RE FALLING IN LOVE
February 12, 2021 • brittany chaffee, falling in love, guest blogger, guest post, lifestyle blog, minneapolis blogger, minnesota blogger, mostly lisa, self-love, valentine's day
Today's guest post comes from someone I greatly admire and am inspired by here in the Twin Cities. Brittany Chaffee uses words in such a beautiful, romantic and poetic way that I figured she'd be the perfect person to create a story for what self-love means and how love can come into your life when you least expect it. Please read on and enjoy her melodic musings on romance.
typography by cannedsorbet
We envision love, in the beginning, to be a striking and complicated muscle. But when we fall in love, the movement feels a lot like slipping. The looseness, expansive. Right before I found my now husband, when I was angry and twenty-three years old and tired of dating bad men, my mom told me: “Brittany, love is effortless. You’ll be surprised by it.”
But something else happens when we fall in love. When we come to know people; slip under the looseness of their open hearts, we come to know them as intimately as ourselves. That part is scary. It takes vulnerability. Because, in turn, we have to reach deeper into the pockets of ourselves. If the love is right, we wade deeper into self.
My favorite line in the entire book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, is this:
“We don’t need other people’s love in order to love ourselves; we don’t need a romantic partner to be ‘complete.’ But we need other people to teach us how to love ourselves best.”
A month before I fell in love with my husband, I finally found peace with being alone. I thought: you are beautiful and twenty-four. Your world has only recently spread open. The minute I felt myself slipping, falling in love, I thought: oh, shit. There’s more. Because loving is the damn truth. Loving him reminded me that I did, in fact, love myself.
Love is beyond dual coverage and picking up takeout because you’re hungry and being an emergency contact and meeting family and Thanksgiving. Love is finding new ways to love ourselves because there’s another human involved. They become our mirror; our reminder that we get what we give. Loving is, at its root, selfless. But, the act of it says so much about what we’re capable of offering. We offer what we need, what we desire. For the first time, we realize our hearts are available for big moments, big affirmations. And realize we deserve all of them. That is self-love.
Love is showing someone else why you care about them because you care about yourself. Love is self-love flipped on its head, the equal give and take of human-defining togetherness. It is beyond what we ever imagined and above what either of us originally believed.
"Love is effortless because it helps define who we are. It’s as beautiful and simple as that."
Because who doesn't buy Valentine's Day gifts until the last minute? At this point, I don't really know any other adult who doesn't procrastinate at finding something that their significant other, themselves or even a furry friend will truly love. I am ahead of the game this year as I will be buying something for myself AND something for my very first Valentine! 😍 That being said, I figured I would put together a few items that will be easy to pick up if you're really waiting until the last minute. Enjoy!
A heart-shaped vase that can stand perfectly on its own or be filled with your favorite flowers to create a stunningly sweet home decor piece!
SOME *VERY* LAST MINUTE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS
February 10, 2021 • budget gifts, gift guide, gifts for her, gifts for him, mostly lisa, mostly lisa gift guide, romantic inspiration, valentine's day, valentines gift guide
Because who doesn't buy Valentine's Day gifts until the last minute? At this point, I don't really know any other adult who doesn't procrastinate at finding something that their significant other, themselves or even a furry friend will truly love. I am ahead of the game this year as I will be buying something for myself AND something for my very first Valentine! 😍 That being said, I figured I would put together a few items that will be easy to pick up if you're really waiting until the last minute. Enjoy!
A heart-shaped vase that can stand perfectly on its own or be filled with your favorite flowers to create a stunningly sweet home decor piece!
Pardon me but I'm just going to appreciate that when forming an idea for what this post would be about, I immediately thought of 'The Californians' from SNL. Mostly because of the fact that they clearly live in a 'Spanish style mini mansion' to which my thoughts led me into watching every skit, playing some GTA V, and finally turned into growing to appreciate the actual architecture of what these Spanish-style homes are. Holy crap are they beautiful AND expensive?! These houses are definitely more apt to be found in warmer climates - CA, AZ, FL, TX, etc. - and they make me insanely jealous as I'm sitting here in MN trying to stay warm when it's -14 degrees outside.
A Spanish-style dream home offer a more natural, yet sophisticated look reminiscent of early Colonial dwellings built by the first Spanish settlers. The official term is called Spanish Colonial Revival and also influences heavily from Mediterranean architecture. Think stuccoed walls, bright and vibrant solid colors, red tile roofs and gorgeous tile work. To commit to this type of house, you definitely have to start on the exterior and work it into every other aspect of inside the home. This can be done subtly, but of course it's more fun doing it as bold as possible. Hello Spanish tiles that I would line in every nook and crevice! I highly recommend checking out the HGTV link above for more background on this style and maybe you'll fall in love with it as I have. If you do, feel free to take a look at these dreamy homes for some captivating inspiration.
A SPANISH-STYLE DREAM HOME
February 8, 2021 • architecture, home decor, home décor, interior inspiration, minneapolis blogger, minnesota blogger, mostly lisa, twin cities blogger
Pardon me but I'm just going to appreciate that when forming an idea for what this post would be about, I immediately thought of 'The Californians' from SNL. Mostly because of the fact that they clearly live in a 'Spanish style mini mansion' to which my thoughts led me into watching every skit, playing some GTA V, and finally turned into growing to appreciate the actual architecture of what these Spanish-style homes are. Holy crap are they beautiful AND expensive?! These houses are definitely more apt to be found in warmer climates - CA, AZ, FL, TX, etc. - and they make me insanely jealous as I'm sitting here in MN trying to stay warm when it's -14 degrees outside.
A Spanish-style dream home offer a more natural, yet sophisticated look reminiscent of early Colonial dwellings built by the first Spanish settlers. The official term is called Spanish Colonial Revival and also influences heavily from Mediterranean architecture. Think stuccoed walls, bright and vibrant solid colors, red tile roofs and gorgeous tile work. To commit to this type of house, you definitely have to start on the exterior and work it into every other aspect of inside the home. This can be done subtly, but of course it's more fun doing it as bold as possible. Hello Spanish tiles that I would line in every nook and crevice! I highly recommend checking out the HGTV link above for more background on this style and maybe you'll fall in love with it as I have. If you do, feel free to take a look at these dreamy homes for some captivating inspiration.
Hi friends!
So I know that personal moodboards can be seen as unnecessary, a waste of time and even sometimes a little bougie, but I sincerely enjoy making them because I'm super big on visuals that can inspire you to keep going. Who doesn't love to curate a board of images and words that reflect what you want in your life for a period of time or for forever?! This girl is all for it and so I wanted to share what I put together for another dumpster fire of a year - 2021. I like to think it's me developing my "brand" and conveys what my current mood is. I decided to focus on one magazine this time around, so all the images and text are from the Winter 2021 edition of "Artful Living", which is based here in Minnesota and is essentially a luxe "moodboard" for a boutique lifestyle. It was serendipitous, as it arrived right when I wanted to make something and so I dove in and found some great inspiration.
When you're flipping through your visual source, the magic begins to happen. For me, I start to visualize what I want the board to encompass for an entire month or a full year and pull things out immediately when I see them. Turn on some music to really get the creative energy going and then start cutting up exactly what you want, which then turns into figuring out the exact layout. The overall mood for this one was "to being alive and thriving" so I had to turn on this song to really get the ~vibes~ going. Eventually I really got into it and the overall layout began to take form, with many a revision here and there, but it only took me about an hour to really be satisfied with the end result. It's by no means perfect but I feel like that sums up what I expect this year to be like.
Dream.
Creativity.
Living.
The Great Escape
Dwell in Beauty.
I find this so relaxing to do and I highly recommend putting together your own. It gets you to put things in perspective and there's some clarity in that for me. So tell me! What does your moodboard look like?
A 2021 PERSONAL MOODBOARD
January 18, 2021 • inspiration, minneapolis blogger, minnesota blogger, moodboard, mostly lisa, new year goals, personal goals, personal moodboard
Hi friends!
So I know that personal moodboards can be seen as unnecessary, a waste of time and even sometimes a little bougie, but I sincerely enjoy making them because I'm super big on visuals that can inspire you to keep going. Who doesn't love to curate a board of images and words that reflect what you want in your life for a period of time or for forever?! This girl is all for it and so I wanted to share what I put together for another dumpster fire of a year - 2021. I like to think it's me developing my "brand" and conveys what my current mood is. I decided to focus on one magazine this time around, so all the images and text are from the Winter 2021 edition of "Artful Living", which is based here in Minnesota and is essentially a luxe "moodboard" for a boutique lifestyle. It was serendipitous, as it arrived right when I wanted to make something and so I dove in and found some great inspiration.
When you're flipping through your visual source, the magic begins to happen. For me, I start to visualize what I want the board to encompass for an entire month or a full year and pull things out immediately when I see them. Turn on some music to really get the creative energy going and then start cutting up exactly what you want, which then turns into figuring out the exact layout. The overall mood for this one was "to being alive and thriving" so I had to turn on this song to really get the ~vibes~ going. Eventually I really got into it and the overall layout began to take form, with many a revision here and there, but it only took me about an hour to really be satisfied with the end result. It's by no means perfect but I feel like that sums up what I expect this year to be like.
Dream.
Creativity.
Living.
The Great Escape
Dwell in Beauty.
I find this so relaxing to do and I highly recommend putting together your own. It gets you to put things in perspective and there's some clarity in that for me. So tell me! What does your moodboard look like?
FIVE PERSONAL CHANGES TO MAKE THIS YEAR
January 8, 2021 • minneapolis blogger, minnesota blogger, mostly lisa, new year goals, personal goals, personal reflection, twin cities blogger
Let's be honest, this year has not been "it" for absolutely anyone! The mood to celebrate anything this holiday season is very much out of my own frame of mind. I really just want to be able to survive and make sure everyone around me is doing okay for the rest of this year. I do feel kind-of gross putting together a gift guide right now, especially since money is going to be tight for so many people (THANKS GOVERNMENT) and there are many more important things to be saving for. That being said, I decided I wanted to do something that can hopefully help businesses that I've been following for awhile and essentially be the way of giving back. Maybe this can also put a smile on your face and give you something to look forward to in regards to the holidays. I always find joy in buying something special for a loved one.
This years Mostly Lisa Gift Guide is going to be all about shopping small, which is obviously extremely important every year, but just a little bit more so for 2020! So here is the only gift guide I'll be doing featuring 17 ideas from small businesses that I've had my eye on for awhile, shops that are local to MN, gifts in various price ranges and what's even more amazing? I'm pretty sure all of these are owned by women! Please do take the time to click each link (none of these are sponsored, I just think they're really neat) and take a look at their websites. I hope you can find something that will fit the people on your list, or something that may catch your own eye! Let me know what your favorite small shops are in the comments below. Love you all!
1. 'Versailles' Earrings - Serendipitous Project: $120
Serendipitous Project provides affordable and sustainable alternatives for trendy jewelry. I've loved seeing this brand grow over the past several months. All the designs are made with love by the owner - Sydney - and I have these gorgeous earrings on own list this year.
Truly, truly obsessed with this brand! Side Dimes combines art that sees through cultural norms and defines pop culture in society. These are so unique and will look great in any home.
7. Bakery Sampler - Cookie Cart: $12/dozen
This one absolutely means the most to me on this list, especially since it's based her in MN. Started in 1988, Cookie Cart provides teens ages 15 to 18 with lasting and meaningful work,life and leadership skills through employment and training in urban nonprofit bakeries. I truly recommend this for anyone on your list.
8. Saint Paul Neighborhoods Map Print - Art by Aleisha: $38
Love these prints made by Aleisha Nelson that feature neighborhoods all around the world. This one is my favorite, mostly because it's of my own neighborhood!
9. Handmade Jane Austen Teapot - The Jane Austen Centre: $89
This glazed ceramic Jane Austen Teapot features a stack of Jane Austen novels, topped with a lid designed to replicate a teacup and saucer (complete with silver spoon!) Buying anything from this historic landmark will help keep it open, which has been difficult this year for them, and retain a team of tour guides. Plus, how cute is this item?!
10. Cauldron Wax Melter Box - The Curiosity Society: $33
A beautiful glossy black cauldron oil or wax burner and two snap bars of wax melts in Moon Witch and Snow Witch perfumes that will be perfect for any home owner!
11. Bliss+ CBD Oil 1500mg - BLNCD Naturals: $80
A blend formulated to boost energy, increase mental focus and clarity and to uplift your mood – naturally. BLNCD Naturals creates award-winning, premium-quality beauty and wellness products inspired by the therapeutic properties of plant-based ingredients, including CBD. This will definitely help with any stress during this time of year, so sign me up!
A beautiful gift bundle to scent your home, bedroom and will give you the opportunity to pamper yourself. This gift includes the following:- 1 Skippy Cotton Black Lavender Moon Man- 1 Thistle Balsam Dumpling- 1 Sacred Sage Fizzy Bath Bomb- 1 handmade Bullion Star patch- 1 Peppermint/Sage Bundle.
13. Home for Christmas Candle - Howard Soap Co.: $24
Home For Christmas is a holiday + winter favorite. Top notes of icy peppermint with holly berry, a hint of spice and grounding balsam. All candles are handpoured in truly small batches with care using 100% soy wax (zero paraffin), cotton wick, always phthalate free high quality fragrance and cotton wick.
14. F A C E F O U N D R I É Gift Card: $50-$200
Need a facial? Located in Minnesota? Then a gift card to Face Foundrie may be a perfect gift or stocking stuffer! This salon is the perfect place to have a unique experience with a catered menu of services that will fit your busy lifestyle!
15. Quarentine Sticker Sheet - Sharee Miller: $7
Cute self-care, quarantine inspired sticker set. Decorate your planner, notebooks, or anything you want to stick a sticker on!
16. Coffee + Tea Create - Minny & Paul: $148
For the coffee and tea lovers in your life! Minny & Paul was established in 2016 with the vision to elevate gift-giving. Truly such a lovely company that cares about their customers and the brands they work with. Highly recommend!
17. Floral Bouquet - Moody Hues Floral: $50-$100
I simply love and adore Moody Hues Floral. Owned by two BFFS, they KNOW flowers and offer a wide range of beautiful bouquets that can fit your budget! Head to their website for their contact form and their IG always showcases ideas you can shop for.
MOSTLY LISA'S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SHOP SMALL
November 23, 2020 • holiday 2020, holiday gift guide, local shopping, mostly lisa, mostly lisa gift guide, mostly lisa holiday, shop small, small businesses, twin cities blogger
Let's be honest, this year has not been "it" for absolutely anyone! The mood to celebrate anything this holiday season is very much out of my own frame of mind. I really just want to be able to survive and make sure everyone around me is doing okay for the rest of this year. I do feel kind-of gross putting together a gift guide right now, especially since money is going to be tight for so many people (THANKS GOVERNMENT) and there are many more important things to be saving for. That being said, I decided I wanted to do something that can hopefully help businesses that I've been following for awhile and essentially be the way of giving back. Maybe this can also put a smile on your face and give you something to look forward to in regards to the holidays. I always find joy in buying something special for a loved one.
This years Mostly Lisa Gift Guide is going to be all about shopping small, which is obviously extremely important every year, but just a little bit more so for 2020! So here is the only gift guide I'll be doing featuring 17 ideas from small businesses that I've had my eye on for awhile, shops that are local to MN, gifts in various price ranges and what's even more amazing? I'm pretty sure all of these are owned by women! Please do take the time to click each link (none of these are sponsored, I just think they're really neat) and take a look at their websites. I hope you can find something that will fit the people on your list, or something that may catch your own eye! Let me know what your favorite small shops are in the comments below. Love you all!
1. 'Versailles' Earrings - Serendipitous Project: $120
Serendipitous Project provides affordable and sustainable alternatives for trendy jewelry. I've loved seeing this brand grow over the past several months. All the designs are made with love by the owner - Sydney - and I have these gorgeous earrings on own list this year.
Truly, truly obsessed with this brand! Side Dimes combines art that sees through cultural norms and defines pop culture in society. These are so unique and will look great in any home.
7. Bakery Sampler - Cookie Cart: $12/dozen
This one absolutely means the most to me on this list, especially since it's based her in MN. Started in 1988, Cookie Cart provides teens ages 15 to 18 with lasting and meaningful work,life and leadership skills through employment and training in urban nonprofit bakeries. I truly recommend this for anyone on your list.
8. Saint Paul Neighborhoods Map Print - Art by Aleisha: $38
Love these prints made by Aleisha Nelson that feature neighborhoods all around the world. This one is my favorite, mostly because it's of my own neighborhood!
9. Handmade Jane Austen Teapot - The Jane Austen Centre: $89
This glazed ceramic Jane Austen Teapot features a stack of Jane Austen novels, topped with a lid designed to replicate a teacup and saucer (complete with silver spoon!) Buying anything from this historic landmark will help keep it open, which has been difficult this year for them, and retain a team of tour guides. Plus, how cute is this item?!
10. Cauldron Wax Melter Box - The Curiosity Society: $33
A beautiful glossy black cauldron oil or wax burner and two snap bars of wax melts in Moon Witch and Snow Witch perfumes that will be perfect for any home owner!
11. Bliss+ CBD Oil 1500mg - BLNCD Naturals: $80
A blend formulated to boost energy, increase mental focus and clarity and to uplift your mood – naturally. BLNCD Naturals creates award-winning, premium-quality beauty and wellness products inspired by the therapeutic properties of plant-based ingredients, including CBD. This will definitely help with any stress during this time of year, so sign me up!
A beautiful gift bundle to scent your home, bedroom and will give you the opportunity to pamper yourself. This gift includes the following:- 1 Skippy Cotton Black Lavender Moon Man- 1 Thistle Balsam Dumpling- 1 Sacred Sage Fizzy Bath Bomb- 1 handmade Bullion Star patch- 1 Peppermint/Sage Bundle.
13. Home for Christmas Candle - Howard Soap Co.: $24
Home For Christmas is a holiday + winter favorite. Top notes of icy peppermint with holly berry, a hint of spice and grounding balsam. All candles are handpoured in truly small batches with care using 100% soy wax (zero paraffin), cotton wick, always phthalate free high quality fragrance and cotton wick.
14. F A C E F O U N D R I É Gift Card: $50-$200
Need a facial? Located in Minnesota? Then a gift card to Face Foundrie may be a perfect gift or stocking stuffer! This salon is the perfect place to have a unique experience with a catered menu of services that will fit your busy lifestyle!
15. Quarentine Sticker Sheet - Sharee Miller: $7
Cute self-care, quarantine inspired sticker set. Decorate your planner, notebooks, or anything you want to stick a sticker on!
16. Coffee + Tea Create - Minny & Paul: $148
For the coffee and tea lovers in your life! Minny & Paul was established in 2016 with the vision to elevate gift-giving. Truly such a lovely company that cares about their customers and the brands they work with. Highly recommend!
17. Floral Bouquet - Moody Hues Floral: $50-$100
I simply love and adore Moody Hues Floral. Owned by two BFFS, they KNOW flowers and offer a wide range of beautiful bouquets that can fit your budget! Head to their website for their contact form and their IG always showcases ideas you can shop for.
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