11-The Perpetual You - Ease Through Comfort

The Ease Issue
Curate Comfort
with Jennifer Peterson of Indigo Home
FIND THE FAMILIAR (14) • BE AT HOME (48) • CONNECT (90)

Shop Small
Our curated selection of small-batch goods offers a little something
for everyone on your list. Use code BEMERRY to get free shipping
on any marketplace order of $50 or more from Dec 1st-15th.
IN THE TPY MARKETPLACE bit.ly/TPYmarketplace
We believe in choosing, embracing, unleashing,
and celebrating who you've always been – who
you already are – who you want to be.
Be YOU...the Perpetual You.

L ET T ER from our ED I T O R
FIND US @THEPERPETUALYOU
T
o say I’m a homebody is putting
it mildly. I l-o-v-e my home and
I love being at home. Home is
where I can be myself, whether alone or
hostessing a group of friends. In my home,
I’m surrounded by all of my favorite things,
and my three favorite feelings—stability,
THE security, and safety. I have, more than once,
bemoaned leaving my home.
And then, there’s reality. Even a work-from-

home, introverted entrepreneur whose
THE OFFICE business is primarily online has to tend to the stuff of life: relationships, namely, and
The Perpetual You extracurriculars; grocery shopping and other domestic blessings…
101 Putnam Ave.
Hamden, CT 06517 During the winter, though, I retreat even more. And to be honest, I don’t have any
words of wisdom for all those of you who feel the way I do, and I have a helping of woe
for those of you traveling during the holidays. I’m still stuck at “I really just want to
T HE C O R R E C T I O N S
stay home.”
The Quote on p. 80 of the
Nov. issue was mistakenly I know setting an intention to find comfort wherever it is I find myself is going to be a
attributed. The correct author
challenge for me—this year and likely many years to come. I also know that a life of ease
is Louise Hay.
doesn’t mean life is always easy. And I’m okay with both of these things.
Yet, I want to enjoy my holidays. That’s why I was excited about exploring this month’s
T H E C O M MU N I T Y
theme, finding comfort, coming at this time of year. More than anyone, I need to read
Look for us on social media
@theperpetualyou. what the wise women within these pages have to say.
That’s why I’ll be packing a few extra favorite things in my holiday overnight bag—my
THE SOCIETY TPY print magazine, my Bombas socks, and my Vessel oracle cards—and I’ll be relying
Meet like-minded women in on these things to bring me the comfort I crave. And I encourage you to do the same!
our private FB group, The
Perpetual You Society.
lee lee
Creative Director & Managing Editor
THE S U B S C R I P T I O N @leeleeinp
Sign up for our

PRINT magazine at p.s. Wanna help us change the world one woman’s life at a time? Subscribe to our print
bit.ly/TPYandyou. magazine at bit.ly/TPYandyou.
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
P H O T O by @ M A R K I E J O N E S P H O T O G R A P H Y L L C
There is nothing like staying

at home for real comfort.
– JANE AUSTEN
The EAS E ISSU E | 3

IN THIS ISSUE
Create Ease by
Choosing Comfort
M O N T H LY M US I C
Download the comforts of the

season at bit.ly/TPYplaylists.
65
Choose
Choose to write your own story, love
what you love, and design how you please,
with Jennifer Peterson of Indigo Home.
with P H O T O G R A P H E R A N G E L A A R M S T O N G
The EASE ISSU E | 5

Realize
Cherish those things that bring you comfort
14 and release stress-inducing traditions that
aren’t full of Ease. You get to decide what’s
comforting and what isn’t, and you get to
welcome in the feelings you deserve.
Lifestyle
Think Smaller.................................................. 14
Go with What You Know................................. 30
Relax + Re-Wear............................................. 34
TPY Faves
Books.............................................................. 17
30 Soup!.............................................................. 18
Cocktail.......................................................... 20
Stillness.......................................................... 22
Products......................................................... 24
Self-Care......................................................... 32
Plus
Shop Small with
PNW photographer
27
@markiejonesphotographyllc
34
Dwell
Crave the comforts of home, even if you’re
not there at the moment or have just
arrived. Create sanctuaries of restoration
where you need them most. Allow chaos
to show you what’s truly important.
Design
Get Cozy from the Get-Go............................... 42

Restore Your Bedroom’s Soul............................ 44
Settle In (for a little while)................................ 48 48
90 Live
Create a life that takes no for an answer,
particularly when yes is becoming your
default. Stop to assess what brings
you comfort, show you are grateful
for these things, and then connect
to the pleasure of receiving ease.
Mindset
Give Love....................................................... 80
Practice Gratitude......................................... 84
Connect to Pleasure...................................... 90
The EASE ISSU E | 7

T H E MA K ERS
Our makers consistently share their time & talents.

We'd love to introduce you to the lovely ladies who contributed to this month's issue.
Angela Melissa
Cover Photography Dwell Feature Photographer
@todd_studios @mawilliams8311
toddstudiosphotography.com Update
Like many photographers, Angela picked up her first Melissa Williams is a Gulf Shores, Colorado Rockies, and
camera as a kid. She studied photography and graphic Arkansans Native who has danced her way {literally- she
design, and got her first job with an ad agency just three is a part time ballroom dance instructor} through three
days after graduating. Since 2008, Angela has owned Todd states in search of meaningful wanderlust. Whether
Studios in St. Louis, MO. She is still in love with the work it be a plate of great Italian cuisine or a family home
that allows her to be a part of the most important and full of love, she captures it all behind her lens. This is
intimate moments, which bring her pure joy to capture. This Melissa's first dwell shoot for The Perpetual You.
is Angela's first cover story shoot for The Perpetual You.
Jessie P.K. Cindy
Art Director Proofreader Intern
@littlelegendsdesign Connect on Facebook Connect on Facebook
littlelegends.com
Krystal Cat Joanna

Mantra Siren Content Editor Collaborating Photographer
@krystalbrandt @catballou24 @joanna_fisher
krystalbrandt.com amlofarms.com joannafisher.com
Amanda Luisa Lauren Markie

Collaborating Photographer Collaborating Photographer Contributing Photographer
@amandaluisaart @laurenstevens24 @markiejonesphotographyllc
MandaLuisa.com laurenalexandriaphoto.com markielynne.com
The EAS E ISSU E | 9

Deborah Jamie Molly
Collaborating Artist Collaborating Artist Collaborating Calligrapher
@velasquezstudio @jamiegalley @alchemycalligraphy
deborahvelasquez.com justmakethings.com alchemycalligraphy.com
Calling all Creative Ladies!

TPY collaborates with artists, photographers, writers, and more. Visit bit.ly/TPYcollab for current opportunities!
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THE LA DY
The Virgin Mary

More than just a stereotypical image of motherhood, Mother Mary
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Often depicted with child in her arms, Mary has come to represent the
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W O R D S by P. K . M C G I L L The EASE ISSU E | 13

Each day offers us the gift of
being a special occasion.
– SARAH BAN BREATHNACH
REALIZE
C HO O S E
Small Comforts
with Marie Levey-Pabst
Seize winter’s slowness to identify what brings you comfort and ease.
T
he winter holidays bring plenty of images of comfort Comfort means slipping into something familiar. A habit, a
with it. Cozy blankets, sweaters, and hot chocolate with beverage, a sweater, a book, a place that is familiar and safe.
a mountain of whipped cream are enough to make us all Comfort means having space to simply breathe, be ourselves, and
give into cravings. let our guard down for a while. Beyond this basic understanding,
your definition of comfort is up to you.
Indeed, if this is a season of warm and safe comfort for you,
huzzah! I personally look forward to quiet nights where I We live in a world that would love for us to define comfort by
can enjoy the holiday lights or watch a movie that I’ve seen a what we can consume: a holiday drink, a certain exquisite fabric,
hundred times before. My comfort comes from the familiar, the even furniture molded to suit our tastes. While some comfort
activities where I don’t need to think or plan but can simply relax can be found in these things, we do ourselves an important
and enjoy. service when we step back and identify items and experiences of
comfort for ourselves.
Of course, this season also comes with its own unique needs for
thinking and planning. Children are on break from school. There
are events for work, with friends, and family get-togethers with N A M E T H E I T E M S T H AT B R I N G
Y O U C O M F O R T.
all the excitement one might expect. For some, this is the fun
part of the season; for others, a challenge. I can tell you three items that bring me comfort, even in the
most unlikely of places: my well-worn purple hoodie, my favorite
I’ve learned that I thrive in a holiday season that has just the right
mystery book that I’ve read a dozen times, and green tea. Even
mix of engagement and events tempered with quiet and comfort
when I’m out of my literal comfort zone (on a train, in someone
where I can find it. Sometimes this balance means weaving in
else's home, etc.) these items bring me comfort.
a weekend with no plans after a weekend spent with family or
friends. Sometimes this balance means weaving in forms of
comfort in the most unlikely of places. continued on next page
The EASE ISSU E | 15

Name some of your items that can be transported
wherever you go this holiday season. What books, movies,
or songs can you bring with you on travels far and near?
What clothes or footwear or jewelry can you enjoy wearing
at home, even when there are the needs of others to
be met? What food can you share that also brings you
comfort and warmth?
N A M E T H E E X P E R I E N C E S T H AT B R I N G
Y O U C O M F O R T.
The experiences that bring me comfort are full of ease

and lack stress, be it a walk outside or watching a favorite
movie. Indulging in an activity that brings me comfort
allows me to experience ease, even during a busy season—
or when I’m not at home.
What are some experiences of comfort that bring ease to

you? Is it being with others - or maybe a certain person?
Do you find this comfort outdoors or indoors? What is
your experiential equivalent to mac n’ cheese or a cozy Reflect + Release
blanket? Consider ways to make a slice of time for them,
no matter where this winter season takes you.
The following prompts will help you name and
Go ahead and discover these items & experiences now. choose comfort and ease in your life! Take 10 minutes
Think about (or jot down) a few times when you felt relaxed to think about and respond to one or both the
and comfortable in your body and soul. Think about when following questions (and then enjoy a moment or two
you felt cozy. Where were you? Who were you with/not of comfort):
with? What were you wearing? What were you doing?
• Think about the last few times you felt a solid sense
Once we know what things bring us comfort, we have the
of comfort and ease. Where were you? Who were
option of bringing comfort with us wherever we go. you with (or not with?) What were you wearing? What
were you doing? How can you ensure these feelings of
comfort come along with you wherever you go?
• What are a few “mini” experiences of comfort you can

create in your everyday life? What does 5 minutes of
a “cozy time” look like? What does it feel like when
you truly ease into comfort with someone else? What
actions help you get there? Consider ways to add
these “slices” of comfort to your life this winter.
Marie Levey-Pabst is the founder of the Create Balance

method. She teaches parents to create balance between
family, work, and personal fulfillment. Connect with
Marie at @CreateBalanceCommunity on Facebook or at
CreateABalancedLife.com.
Photo by Joanna Fisher, @joanna_fisher.
REALIZE
P H O T O by @ C A T B A L L O U 2 4
PAT H S + J O U RN EYS
Empire Builder Nine Mile Bridge When Things Fall Apart

by Laura Gibson, 2016 by Helen Hamlin, Pub. 2005 by Pema Chodron, Pub. 2000
The title track of “Empire Builder” was written This book is an amusing memoir of Hamlin’s When Things Fall Apart is a collection of
on a train from Oregon to NYC when Gibson early years, first as a teacher working at a talks given between 1987 and 1994 by
was headed to grad school, leaving behind her small logging camp (a position that was Pema Chodron, American Tibetan Buddhist,
family and friends. Confident, invigorated, and frowned upon for women at the time), and ordained nun, and author. Her thought-
free, this album rumbles along like the train later living with her game warden husband provoking approach on embracing our
that influenced it, paving a path towards joy, at his wilderness outposts. Full of details on struggles with openness and curiosity invites
comfort, and prosperity. Gibson’s lilting voice homestead living and finding comforts in the in comfort and wisdom. "Obstacles,” says
is like a comfortable blanket on a cold, winter small things even during times of boredom and Chodron, “teach us where we're stuck."
day; her pace is unhurried, which makes space struggles, Nine Mile Bridge shows just how Simple, yet beautiful, the truths in this book
for her cathartic tale of loss and redemption. wide of a definition words like “comfort” and move us toward a future of freedom, even
“ease” can have. while encouraging gratitude for the present.

REALIZE
C HO O S E
Simplicity
with Julia Grimaldi
Some of the most satisfying and delicious meals are the simplest ones to cook.
C
ooking and enjoying simple food is nourishing and The pomp and circumstance that leads up to and surrounds
satisfying. With little fuss and lots of forgiveness, a holiday meal with family and friends is well and good. Every
soup fits the bill. You are guaranteed to get it day meals can, in their own way, be just as extraordinary.
right. You need not have precision knife skills, or any fancy Be inspired by stepping into the kitchen with compassion,
equipment—just a few quality ingredients, a couple basic patience, and curiosity. Allow your taste buds to lead you on
tools, and an idea about what you’d like to eat. a culinary journey that’s familiar and comforting.
No matter the season, soup brings comfort. Make a hearty,

complete meal with beans or meat and a grain, or keep go Follow Julia’s home cooking on Instagram @coachjuliag.
for simple and light—a few vegetables and some broth—and

Photo by Mary Elizabeth, @itsmaryelizabeth.
pair it with a salad and some bread. Discover ease in the time
making a soup requires; simmer yourself along with your
creation. Read a book, answer your e-mail, or do nothing
at all.

REALIZE
Teatime
with Crystal Cathcart
A reliable companion throughout our daily

routines, tea offers an opportunity to create
momentary escapes from our busy schedules.
Tea jumpstarts our mornings and is on standby

waiting to sooth away unwelcome energy when
we feel ill. No longer just a fixture of daytime,
tea is more than appropriate for social hour—the
end of the day when we make time to reward
ourselves with a comforting routine.
Incredibly dynamic, tea cocktails can be created

by simply adding a shot (or two!) of bourbon,
whiskey, or vodka to either warm or iced tea.
Enhance your go-to cocktail recipe by adding
homemade simple syrups (easily made while the
tea steeps) or liqueurs infused with tea leaves.
Play around with the options of tea flavors, ranging

from herbal and fruity to bold and spicy, and
you’re sure to find a style that suits your tastes
and your lifestyle. Grant yourself a moment of
ease to celebrate the victories of the day.
Payne &
Comfort
handmade for the mind | body | home

payneandcomfor t.com
Imbibe more of Crystal’s cocktail sensibilities on Instagram @paisleyrosie.
Natural Skincare & Spa

facefoodnaturalskincare.com

REALIZE
Choose
Stillness
with Shana Schneider
The festivities of the season are more comforting

when we are still enough to notice them
H
oliday fever is building: the songs playing Practice slowing down by focusing on one thing that
everywhere you go, the invitations to parties delights you. Be enveloped by the smell of spices lingering
and receptions, the non-stop shopping emails. in the air; admire the decorations and twinkle lights
Busyness and cacophony comes with this time of year. that sparkle at night; the sound of wrapping paper as it
crinkles. Comfort can envelop you in those moments.
Or does it? Even with the traditions and obligations,
December can be a wonderful time to slow down, even You are on the go most of the time. Let’s do intentional
if it’s for just a few moments. To stand in one place; to be movement differently this month by gifting ourselves a
still; to take a breath. few minutes of stillness each day
Find out your Fit Style by following Shana on Instagram @fitstylebyshana. Photo by Amanda Luisa @amandaluisaart.
23
|
The EASE ISSU E
REALIZE
Choose
Intentionality
Product Placement
We’re actively seeking
product collaborators for our
next series of publication!
To be considered, fill out
our product collab form at
ThePerpetual You.com.
Whether you’re shopping for someone else or for
yourself, the product you purchase can be a reflection
of the values in which you believe. That’s why we’ve
curated an entire shopping guide of goods from
female small batch makers and women-owned
conscious companies. Rather than spending time in
and out of stores, you can find the exact item you’re
searching for—a product you love and feel good about
buying/gifting—all without leaving the comfort of
your own home!
The following is a selection of gifts from our 2017 Holiday

Gift Guide. Click on the title of any product to purchase
or visit ThePerpetualYou.com/holiday-guide-2017/ to
shop all the products included in the guide.
For the Creative Seeker in your life...consider a

PURPOSEful Journal or some Refreshing Skin Care.
For the Inspired Maker in your life, consider an Apron

with good vibes or an Eco-Friendly Pain Salve.
For the Chic Minimalist in your life, consider an

All-Natural Lipstick or a Modern, Minimal Necklace.
For the Lifelong Wanderer in your life, consider

Wander-full Body Butter or Nature-Inspired Jewelry.
For the Spiritualista in your life, consider a Candle made

with Kindness or a Wish-Fulfilling Necklace.
For the Intuitive Entrepreneur in your life, consider

an Abundant Mindset Pillow or a Pro-Coffee (and
eco-friendly!) Pullover.
For the Culinary Goddess in your life, consider Hand-

Crafted Mug (or two) or a Wellness-Promoting Dish Towel.
Photo by Markie Jones Photograpy LLC

@markiejonesphotographyllc.

Sleepwear for a Cause
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Bringing you closer to nature

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REALIZE
C HO O S E T O
Shop Small
with photographer
Markie Lynne Jones
The shop small experience is more than a trend—buying from local

vendors and businesses is a way to support my community. I know my
dollars are going to benefit the families of the owners and employees.

F
inders Market is a modern take on an old time general store,
located on Main Street (naturally!) in historic downtown
Sumner, WA. Their inventory includes everything from
antiques to locally-made gifts and décor. I feel blessed to have
partnered with them—both by taking photos for their website and
shooting events held at the store.
The name Finders Market gives you the perfect sense of the
atmosphere at this unusual store. Similar to a flea market, one can
browse the aisles at their leisure and find a variety of things they just
can’t live without! “Market” also conveys the homey environment, as
well as pays homage to stores of yesteryear.
Objects of comfort abound here, from cozy vintage chairs to

overstuffed handmade throw pillows. Scented candles, hand-lettered
signs, and weathered goods beckon from every corner, an invitation
hard to turn down. And man is it easy to picture
myself drinking a hot cup of cocoa out of their
signature market mugs.
The home grown aesthetic and laidback vibe

remind me how much more enjoyable it is to
shop at a place where my face is recognized and
my business is respected. In fact, I see shopping
local as a way to pass along the comfort + joy of
this season because there’s a direct connection
between what I buy and the wellbeing of the
store owners, their employees, and their families.
That’s a warm, fuzzy feeling I’ll be glad to partake
in all winter long!
Connect with Markie at @markiejonesphotographyllc or

at her website MarkieLynne.com.
See more of Finders Market’s goods on Instagram

@thefindersmarket or Facebook @thefindersmarket.

REALIZE
Choose
Tried + True
with Leigh Schwab
Though the holidays have us in constant rotation, we can choose to

control the aspects of life that can bring comfort.
C
hoosing a simple and easy skincare routine that you these acts are also time-consuming, and often turn out to be
know works brings the comfort of familiarity and uncomfortable. This year, I’m sticking to my favorite shades and
confidence. When I venture outside of my normal tones instead.
skincare routine, I often get breakouts or redness while my skin
No matter where you are or how late you get to bed, you can
settles into a new product. During this busied season, I stick to
aim for a good night’s rest. Adding a little luxury, like a body
what I know works. Consistency is the key to flawless skin.
oil at night after a bath, helps relieve any tension from the day
Using a tried and trusted makeup routine allows you to feel and allows me to relax. I prefer oils with a calming scent, such
like yourself even while enjoying the abundance of the holiday as lavender, to help soothe both mind and body. Even if I’m
season. Year after year, I try some crazy smoky eye or trendy exhausted, I don’t skip this crucial step.
lip color; while doing these things can be creatively liberating,
BeYOUtiful 1
Choose consistent, relaxing, and easy routines

throughout your holiday season and keep your skin
hydrated and happy.
1 Hydration + Joy.
Too many cocktails, too little sleep, and burning the candle
at both ends can dehydrate your skin. The Countermatch
Collection (a serum, eye cream, face lotion, and night
cream) includes two types of hyaluronic acid, Vitamins C
and E, as well as a host of other plant-derived goodness to
keep your skin properly hydrated.
Leigh recommends...
Beautycounter’s Countermatch Collection ($175)
Options + Ease.
2
2
Take the stress and guesswork out of your makeup routine
with a set that includes a foundation, concealer, blush duo,
brow pencil, lengthening or volumizing mascara, and a lip
gloss. I love the Flawless in Five set from Beautycounter
because I can choose the shades of each product to best
suit my skin tone and preferences.
Leigh recommends...
Beautycounter’s Flawless in Five set ($148)
3 Relaxation + Peace.
The smell of lavender is the clean-living version of Calgon
Take Me Away, as evidenced by Osmia’s Night Body Oil.
Slather this oil on damp skin right out of a shower or bath
so that it can sink in and work its magic. Use it consistently
as part of your bedtime routine to harness its benefits.
Leigh recommends... 3
Osmia Organic's Night Body Oil ($20)
Investigating and exploring new products, trends, and routines can

be loads of fun; in the holiday season, though, I prefer to stick to
what I know looks good and works best. My skin stays healthy and my
mood remains balanced, so I can focus on enjoying the festivities (and
getting a healthy night’s rest!).
Leigh Schwab uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the
ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our
country. Learn more about her passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook
and Instagram @leighschwab.

REALIZE
December Self-Care
Get Cozy. Pay attention to the feel of your
clothing against your skin. Choose soft
socks, wrap a sweater around you, curl up
under a blanket while you take advantage
of the Internet and cross off some holiday
shopping from the comfort of your couch.
Write it Down. When was the last time you

wrote yourself a letter? Take a break from
all the holiday to-dos and write yourself a
gentle note of encouragement. Or put a
favorite calming phrase on a post-it note
and hang it where you’ll see it frequently.
CH O O S E T O BE F U L L
Just like the seasons change, the beauty of self-care practices comes in their ability to morph in whatever we
want and to nourish and support us based on our current needs. As the weather gets colder and the days get
shorter, nature encourages us to slow down and rest; still, the added busy-ness of holidays and end of the
year means our calendars don't always reflect this urge. This month’s toolkit encourages you to find comfort
and ease through the filling up of your energetic well. Naturally stimulate your immune system, spend some
quiet time appreciating the mesmerizing flicker of a candle flame, be warmed at your core by a calming cup
of tea, and embrace the embodied knowledge and trust of the innate wisdom that we are all born with.
TA P P I N G ORAC L E C ARD CANDLE T EA
Sternum Embodied Red Flower Chamomile and

Knowing Blood Orange Lavender
BENEFITS BENEFITS BENEFIT S BENEFI TS
Stimulates your immune system Connects you to your Brings appreciation for both the Encourages slowing down
innate wisdom light and dark of the season to savor the moment
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU T O O L K I T curated by @ A L L I S O N L R I C H A R D

EVENING PRIMROSE EYE TREATMENT
A delightful combination of organic

oils, butters, and vitamins with a unique
aromatherapeutic blend.
Take our skin story quiz & discover products right for you
at norabloom.com.
Hand Salves
Facial Products
Bug Spray
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Herbal Tinctures
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BEST ORGANIC NATUR AL PRODUCTS
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REALIZE
Choose
Re-Wearing
with Cait Sherrick
Choosing to re-wear can bring some much needed ease into your holidays.
I
don’t know about you but when I get really busy or I’m up precious time we don’t have, and makes us rush around all
running around all day every day, I tend to gravitate toward morning, if not all day. Too much of this and we feel like we’re
wearing the same outfit over and over again. I think it’s my losing ourselves.
subconscious telling me to chill out, my intuition’s way of trying
The solution? Wear the same thing you wore yesterday.
to make it all a little easier. The more I think about it, the more it
makes sense.
Choose to wear one plaid shirt for every occasion and find some
calm in the chaos of the holidays. Wear leggings for pants every
When it seems like we don’t have enough time in the day,
day and run around with ease all month long. Leave your favorite
spending too much time getting dressed in the morning is
sweater in the car as back-up and feel better knowing you’ll
more stressful than anything else. Lingering in the closet uses
never get cold wherever you go. Maybe even do all three.
Choose a Plaid Shirt
Cozy and comfortable, a plaid shirt adds a little
charm to every outfit, from your most relaxed to your
most fashionable.
1 Cozy.
Wear your favorite oversized plaid shirt with some leggings
and thick socks. Throw on a few rings and statement bracelets
for a touch of glam. Super easy and warm, you can take this
combo from the kitchen to the post office and look stylishly
current the whole time.
Pictured: plaid shirt, leggings, thick socks, Leocadia K. Turq

1
Roll Bracelets
2
2 Couture.
Tuck a more fitted plaid shirt into high-waisted black pants,
layer on a leather jacket, and pair it all with a statement
necklace and some heeled boots. From holiday parties and
nights out, to family dinners and dates, this glam look is easy
to pull off.
Pictured: plaid shirt, high-waisted black jeans, leather jacket,

heeled ankle boots, Leocadia K. Cora Necklace
3 Cheeky.
Pair your plaid shirt with a neutral, solid-colored pencil
skirt and some heels. Throw on a blazer to make it more
professional and some statement earrings to make it more
creative. Unexpected and cheeky, this outfit will keep you
looking professional and fresh from your first meeting ‘til
happy hour.
Pictured: plaid shirt, pencil skirt, heels, Leocadia K. Jasper

Clan Earrings
3
Wearing easy, comfortable clothing on repeat when you have more

holiday parties than hairs on your head and your to-do list is a mile long
is practical, and it’s also a quick way to help you feel more grounded
when everything else in your life feels just a little holi-crazed.
Cait Sherrick is a jewelry designer + stylist for mildly rebellious flow-goers at

Leocadia K. She’s deeply inspired by modern art, has a boho heart + loves
the warm, unconditional love of a good cup of chai tea. Join her on Instagram
@caitsherrick for daily inspiration + visit her shop for more every day outfit ideas.

P H O T O by @ M A R K I E J O N E S P H O T O G R A P H Y L L C
P E R SPECT I V ES from T H E PA N EL
What makes you feel completely at home?
Heather I feel a sense of home when there is laughter and joy surrounding
Success Coach
me. It doesn't matter if I am actually at home, working,
teaching a workshop or sitting with my friends at book club,
@vickeryandco
VickeryandCo.com if we are laughing and experiencing joy, I am "at home."
REALIZE
Late at night when everyone in my house is safe and sound

dreaming away in their beds, I embrace the silence, cozy up
Amy on my couch in some jammies with my favorite tea and a good
Owner
book. No makeup, hair products, jewelry or fancy clothes. No
Craftivate
life changing business or parenting decisions. Just the simple
@craftivatect
CraftivateCT.com comforts of knowing my loved ones are well cared for.
Lisa
Founder
Nature and meditation. I can find my "home" when I take
Living Fully Balanced LLC
time to push pause in the craziness of life, step back
@livingfullybalanced
LivingFullyBalanced.com and take a breath and get outside of the house.
Comfort. Acceptance. Space. Fuzzy socks are still one

Taylor of the greatest gifts, but as I get older I may admit I'd
Artist/Writer/
pass those right along for the down comforter and down
Homesteading Mother
pillow.... Acceptance to be myself in my home is a must, and
@living.ontheland
StudioOnTheLand.com space- to roam and observe, to be still and imagine.
Donella I have this black and white fuzzy blanket which I take everywhere
Wellness Diva I go. Business trips, family vacations, an unexpected road trip…
my blanket goes with me. It holds the fragrance of home
@iamdonella and settles any anxiety I may experience while away.

P H O T O by @ J O A N N A _ F I S H E R , L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y
– G I N A G R EEN L EE
to align your physical space
with your
ever-evolving self

hearth / härTH / noun
A cozy respite that offers grounding
and peace
A R T by @ A M A N D A L U I S A A R T The EASE ISSU E | 41

Ease
into Home
with Erin Mahollitz
Welcome your body home with

a cozy, cushioned rug.
In the entryway we transition between worlds; home

begins and the outside ends. Cozy, soft fabric underfoot
can trigger the mind to let go of external stressors, and
ease into a softer and more peaceful way of being.
As weary feet sink into a winter rug, the body

loosens, knowing she’s arrived to a warm, safe place.
On dreary days, the colors of the season—reds,
golds, and browns—invite your body to relax by
comforting our laden spirits and melting tension.
Then, too, the entryway acts as an introduction

to the tone of our entire home. Promoting
tranquility and ease can begin with a comfortable
entrance full of soft fabrics and warm colors.
Let go of hectic and busy by choosing decor that

promotes ease and comfort. Foster a coziness that will
flow through your entire home, as well as your life.
See how Erin embraces the act of homemaking as sacred and

feminist on Instagram @mindfulhomemaking.
Photo by @Lindsay_Stanford.
DWELL

DWELL
Room for
Restoration
with LaToya Burton
Create a bedroom where you can truly

relax and restore body, mind, and soul.
O
ne of our most private spaces, our
bedrooms reflect how we care and create
comfort for ourselves. Over the holidays,
when our focus is on keeping our communal spaces
organized and presentable, our bedrooms can easily
become a last thought. During this time of year, we
send a lot of our energy out to others. Balance that
by treating yourself to an in-home retreat, a bedroom
that empowers and inspires you every day.
Enter your bedroom and look at it with fresh eyes.

How do you feel here? What is resisting comfort?
Lovingly consider each item present, and whether
it supports your inner peace or causes distractions.
What can be removed? What would you love to
add? By making your bedroom a place for only rest,
renewal, and restoration, you’re choosing to prioritize
better sleep and promote a positive mindset.
continued on next page

Clear surfaces and remove all items unrelated to restoration The day begins and ends in your bedroom, as do mood and
and comfort. The first thing that might go are the electronics mindset. Select window treatments that will block out light
(even digital clocks) as they are known to disturb our sleep while sleeping, but let in natural light during the day. Choose
rhythms. Some of us are eased by minimalism while others accent lighting that helps you enjoy all your routines, like
are invigorated by lots of color and beautiful adornments and reading, journaling, and cuddling. Focus on what makes YOU
artwork. Aim to display things you treasure that evoke the happy and comfortable so that you can truly retreat, and
restorative mood you intend for your space. restore the energy spent throughout the day.
Choose weather-appropriate bedding with textures and colors

that soothe your body and mind. Do you need a lighter or LaToya is a mama / imaginer / gypsy nomad who explores life through
the lens of interiors imagination and inspiration. She lives on a bus with
heavier bedcover as the seasons change? Natural materials
her husband and son exploring the Australian landscape. For more
such as cotton, linen, or bamboo promote peace-of-mind. inspiration, follow her @latoyaburton_musing.
Color can affect your emotional state, too. White bedding
Photos by @latoyaburton_musing.
is restorative year-round, and also provides a neutral and
refreshing backdrop for accents of your choice.
Dwell on This
Creating a home is about support: designing a
place where we are completely comfortable being
ourselves and where we can explore how we want
to lead our lives. I’ve found the following strategies
useful for creating a sanctuary—in my bedroom
and the rest of my home.
1 Get Inspired.
Pay attention to the life outside your window and
you will find colors and textures that make a natural
accompaniment to the rhythms of your life. When we
turn our focus on the coming season—winter’s silence
and retreat; the pastels of spring; summer’s abundant,
enlivening sunshine; and the rich colors and textures
of fall—we are bound to find inspiration for our decor.
2 Stay Rejuvenated.
Incorporate plants, flowers, and bits of nature
collected—shells, drift wood, feathers – to bring life
to your space. Plants clean the air, rejuvenating as
you go about your day (or sleep!). Plants also carry
symbolism that inspire, from the healing Aloe Vera
to the virtuous Peace Lily, to the elegant calm of
Lavender. Check lighting and water requirements
when purchasing your plants.
3 Feel Supported.
Create coziness through texture and textiles.
Cushions and throws are an easy way to change up
your decor and add comfort. You can even borrow
from your wardrobe pulling in a scarf or two that you
love - using it as an accent at the foot of the bed,
tied around a throw pillow or even across the back or
arm of a chair. Thick woven or woolen textiles create
warmth and light smooth materials can feel cooling.
Thank You!
Thanks to Jillian Zamora for letting us feature

her intentional bedroom. Learn about Jillian’s
birth preparation, women’s circles, and intuitive
counseling at @zamama_jilliz on Instagram.

Comfort
in the
Chaos
C R E AT I N G A H O M E
WHILE LIVING
IN TRANSITION
Words by Jessica McCash
Photos by Melissa Williams

DWELL
Finding comfort in a new space is possible if you’ve

brought the familiar (and your family) with you.
THE MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE
The photographer did a high step over a rotting, fallen log and
pushed through heavy, knee deep brush behind our family of
five, while my husband, David, bushwhacked a path ahead to a
small clearing. I wrangled our three children, ages 7, 3, and 2,
into a heap and awkwardly held both my daughter’s little hand
and a “Sold—3.01 Acres” sign.
continued on page 53
Happiness and bliss will
always happen when you
follow your heart.
– SHANNON KAISER

Only hours before, we had closed on this slice of
prairie, heavily dotted with hickory and oak, far from
any stop light, on a rambling dirt road deep in the
Arkansas Ozarks. I had to tug my Banana Republic
blouse away from chest, not from the sweltering
humidity of Arkansas in late August, but from the
anxiety of a mama feeling very little comfort in such
an alien surrounding.
How did we end up here? I wondered, as we ducked

and kicked ahead, through prickly plants without
names and the welcome committee of mosquitoes
that enveloped our hiking party. This land, devoid
of electricity, public water, a sewer system, or
internet service was to be home. We smiled at the
photographer and her camera clicked.
FROM THERE TO HERE
Only a few years before, my husband and I, along

with our oldest son, had built our forever home in
a suburban neighborhood, complete with street
lights, honking horns, and pizza delivery. At the time,
I was teaching 5th grade English in a neighboring
public school, while my husband worked long
hours completing an Engineering degree at the
local University.
After his graduation, adventure came calling. We

spent a few fitful nights of running numbers through
Excel, and made a decision that altered the course of
our family—to move 856 miles to Detroit, Michigan
where David would begin work as an Engineer in the
highly coveted auto industry.
Two years and one more child later, his career moved
us yet again to Colorado Springs, where our third
child was born. And after three years of life out West,
we returned back home, determined to give this
family of five some stability, some roots. Ultimately,
we found them—In the form of real roots, on a wet
weather creek and presided over by a majestic Black
Walnut tree.

IN THE HERE AND NOW
My husband, a modern-day jack-of-trades, insisted on

doing the bulk of the work himself. He’d start with a modern
farmhouse barn, a carriage house, if you will, that we would
build and then live in permanently while we worked the
land, fell trees, put in a garden, and pursued plans for the
main house, to be built adjacent. Flash forward a year: our
lower level windows still need caulking and there are always
trees to cut and haul, but we are growing and learning and
playing out here in our very own Little House on the Prairie.
With an array of ongoing projects, life at home is always
evolving. Our sights are consistently set upon the next
season—the approaching chores that accompany the changes
in the weather, and the plan to complete it all before the last
leaf falls, the first grass grows, or the ground freezes. Ours is
a continual practice to enjoy the present while also looking
ahead with intent: a challenge to appreciate the here, the now,
even while thinking ahead.

In a sense, country life is an oxymoron; it's a slow
pace full of peace, but also a frenzied practice
in staying one step ahead; it’s enjoying a fall
day while planning a spring garden. Still, the
days are rich and meaningful. Two tire swings,
a vine swing, two hammocks, and a ropes
obstacle course dot our land with the promise of
adventure and fun. Our land has become a place
for forgetting the grind and escaping into the
comforts of nature.
AND NOW WE’RE HOME
Creating a sense of ease and choosing

comfort amidst so much change hasn’t been
Handmade Candles
straightforward. Our children all gave up aliciascandles.com
Vegan & Cruelty Free
individual bedrooms in order to share one large
“bunk” room and our family of five bumps elbows
more often than bumper cars. We are, after
all, downsizing from 2,900 square feet into a
cozy 1,000.
Shop
While this journey has been full of real life
Now
hardship, homesickness for old friends, and
relearning how to be a family who doesn’t watch
television in the evenings, we have found comfort
in abundance, albeit in fits and starts.
With every box I unpack from storage, I rediscover

the many ways our family has stuck it out, not just
through this move, but through all of our many
cross-country moves over the years; how we have
survived in the face of newness, all while thriving
in the familiarity of family and home.
Jessica McCash is a wife and mother, cultivating life

with her family of five in the rural Ozark Mountains of
Arkansas. In her former city life, she enjoyed evenings
spent with Netflix, but is now learning to love living off
the grid by investing in good books, hammock swinging,
and the occasional coyote chorus outside her barn
loft windows. You can find her in search of adventure,
be it the mountains or the prairies, at her instagram:
@jessicamccash.
Handmade wall banners now available in the
Photos by Melissa Williams, @mawilliams8311. TPY Marketplace. bit.ly/TPYmarketplace

The Comforts of Home
Creating ease isn’t about peeking ahead but about appreciating and accepting the Preservation.
life right in front of you, whether that be on the same street you’ve always lived or More than ever before, we have opportunities
in unfamiliar territory, on wild acreage, down a bumpy dirt road. The following to document our lives—through Social Media,
Blogging, portrait photography, or intricate
are three ways we’ve maintained a sense of ease and comfort no matter where we scrapbooking. Family photos can seem
were living. overwhelming or contrived, but I believe
their power is worth the trouble. They have a
cathartic magic to them that can transport even
Heirlooms. Traditions. the grumpiest stick-in-the mud back to a time
Over the course of our 16-year marriage, we Children use traditions as anchors, and whether of remembering.
have lived in eight homes, mainly from career the seas are familiar or stormy, we all need
moves, but also from an unabashed sense of those fun-loving reminders that we’re in the Our family uses Chatbooks and my kids
adventure. Our children, in turn, have grown right place. Traditions have the power to happily smile for most pictures knowing the
up on the road- they’ve all been born in give all members of a family a sense of time pocket sized books will be passed around our
different states. and place. dining room table and shared with our dinner
company. They love to hear the stories of our
One of our comforts is treasured heirlooms: Even the simplest of traditions can bring joy. moves, our adventures, and our mountain
the weathered throw blanket that graces the For example, the family dinner, where we summit hikes, all captured within the lens of
arm chair of every house we call home, the gather around at night and practice good old- a camera.
antique sofa table with the wobbly legs I refuse fashioned eye contact. Our tradition is “Highs
to replace, the 16-year-old gold framed mirror and Lows,” where we rotate around the table Regardless of what method you use for
that gets prominent wall space regardless of and share one high and low from our day. printing, motivate yourself to print those
current design trends. pictures. You’ll never regret having them in
While many of us are abundant in holiday paper format. Preservation by ink and paper
Our kids have come to recognize and love the traditions, we fail to see the value in the has helped create a sense of calm in my heart,
physical, hands-on, kinesthetic environment everyday tradition: a bedtime routine of family especially during tumultuous times.
these heirlooms provide. Regardless of the book hour while snuggled on the couch, or first
unfamiliar street just outside the window, they day of school photos taken in front of the same Keeping family journals, beyond the popular
recognize my old copper-bottomed cooking tree each year. Greeting the last member of the “Baby Book” years, can also be a powerful
pot and immediately recall a favorite meal. family to arrive home on the “Hug Rug” for an and binding thread. By making the effort to
Ease. Comfort. The familiar. epic hug/wrestle pile on the floor is a staple in preserve our family memories through several
our household. mediums, our children have come to anticipate
Yes, clean out and purge. It is both healing new experiences with hands held open.
and mindful. But don’t be afraid to keep those We make it a tradition to visit the local library
pieces that are well loved and well known. The of any new city within the first month of settling Keep the mementos you love, celebrate
ease, comfort, and familiarity these items bring in, and my kids have surprisingly held me to traditions around the open table, and don’t be
will call people back inside from the chaos and that standard. I’ve pushed aside many a moving afraid to pull out the camera from time to time,
draw them home. box and box cutter to Google map my way especially if there’s a good story to be told.
across an unfamiliar town at the reminders of
my children.
Weathered
Warmth
corresponds to
Benjamin Moore
CC-544
Velveteen
corresponds to
Benjamin Moore
2144-70
My Favorite
Blue
corresponds to
Benjamin Moore
2061-50
K I D CO ZY
Fuzzy Blanket
corresponds to
Benjamin Moore
AF-665
Comfort comes in all shapes and sizes. A child’s room can show us the various
ways to get enveloped, from curtains to books to a globe that takes us around the
world. A warm gray is neutral without being sterile and plenty of colorful accents
keep an abundance of {sensible} white from being the primary focus. Decorate
away, and then get lost in your favorite comforting activity.
Love these colors for a more grown-up space? Here are some ideas for its use in other
Whirls parts of the house:
& Swirls
corresponds to Seasonally Speaking Winter Wow
Benjamin Moore If you’re one of the lucky few with a 3-season Enliven the fireplace mantel with farmhouse-
2000-20
porch, beach it up with this all-American esque touches of metal, wood, and weathered
combo of red, white, and blue. Driftwood white. This winter palette is neutral enough
and other natural elements can bring in the to be the backdrop to holiday décor or
warmth of gray. comfortable enough to stand on its own.

DWELL
Shop
the Look
Comfort comes in tiny moments
and cozy vignettes. Pause for
a cup of tea, relax on a lush
pillow. Sit and stay a while.
The warmth magnifies
when you invite a friend.
Featured Products:
KENSEY PILLOW ($28) via Indigo Home ∙ THE MARBLE COAST(ERS) (set of 4, $32) via Indigo Home ∙
IKAT MUGS (set of 4, $32) via Indigo Home
This month's Shop the Look was curated by Indigo Home (IndigoHomeDecor.com), a mobile décor truck in St. Louis, MO.
See our article featuring Indigo Home owner, Jennifer Peterson in this month’s cover story.

P H O T O by @ J O A N N A _ F I S H E R , L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y
– M AR I E F LY NN
to align your life story
with your
ever-evolving sense of self
T H REE Q U ES T I O N S
with Jennifer
What's one practice in your daily life that What about your physical space that For you, what is the relationship of
brings you Ease? brings you Comfort? Comfort & Ease?
Every morning, after my husband leaves for Every detail of the truck reminds me of You have to be comfortable to have ease. This
work, I sit on the couch with my dog and a cup comfort—I created it that way. That is evident could be anything from having confidence in
of coffee and just chill for about 30-45 mins in our flooring choice and the decision to your ability to run your business that helps you
before I start being productive for the day. paint the ceiling of our truck rather than the
create ease in your processes. I think they kind
Sometimes the Today Show is on; sometimes walls. Inspired by a trip to Charleston, SC
of spill over into one another.
not. I love running my business, but taking that where the porches of historic homes have their
quiet time for just me is imperative. ceilings painted a color called 'haint blue' to
keep the evil spirits at bay, it's a pretty and
unexpected element.

Life
By Design
D I S C O V E R I N G C O M F O R T AT T H E
INTERSECTION OF HOME AND HEART
A Conversation with
Jennifer Peterson of Indigo Home
Words by Lee Lee Thompson
Photos by Angela Armstrong
Jennifer Peterson, designer, maker, and owner of the mobile décor
truck, Indigo Home, never expected to be doing what she’s doing; she
didn’t “plan to reinvent the wheel”—or even to become an entrepreneur
at all—and, yet, owning a mobile décor truck has turned out to be her
ideal life. “I’ve never been so satisfied or worked so hard,” she says.
Like any entrepreneur, she’s learned a lot of lessons—not the least

of which is that much of what she already knows to be true is a
good place to start. She confidently, emphatically explains that the
lowest lows are worth the high highs being a business owner brings
along. For any of us interested in living comfortably, Jennifer’s gift
of remaining true to herself while designing a fresh, invigorating
space to live and work in is a design viewpoint worth exploring.
B E W H E R E Y O U A R E & L O V E T H E S PA C E For her shop, Jennifer designed inviting product vignettes
Y O U H AV E . that can be easily moved around, and chose a small amount
of delicate furniture pieces to display. Since the aesthetic is
As the owner of a box truck turned mobile décor store,
focused on comfort, textiles and textures take center stage.
Jennifer can write the book on designing a small space. To
Most importantly, Jennifer chooses which items she will sell
make her tiny shop look cozy but not crowded, she relies on
with great finesse. if she’s not excited about a product, she
her background in theater production. “That was my formal
doesn’t sell it.
training,” she jokes, “In theater, you learn to utilize the space
you have.” These tricks, as you can see from the photos on these pages,
totally work! More so, they’re easily translatable to a space of
Having a store that’s unlike anything else she’s seen or heard
any size. (And, in fact, principles Jennifer follows in her own
of required Jenifer to reach into her design memories for
home.) Jennifer admits that “it takes work to make [the truck]
inspiration; for example, the first time she ever designed a
appear well laid out.” However, she knows the result is worth
space of her own—her teen bedroom—and the freedom she
it. “Ease doesn’t equal easy,” she says.
enjoyed when decorating her own dorm room in college.
Both of these were a lesson in blending trends (magazine
collage!!!) What matters most, she says, is “being comfortable
in your space.”

And though she never expected to go from the little
girl whose mom “dragged her to home décor stores” to
a woman who owns a home décor shop—Jennifer has
discovered new purpose in just being where she is and
using her innate longing to feel at home in her own
space to curate the one into which she wants to draw
others in.
Design Question to Consider: What’s one design memory

that has framed how you set up your current living space?
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND DESIGN

WITH INTENTION.
Many of the design principles that Jennifer puts into

practice when curating her mobile boutique come from
her personal design aesthetic, which is part instinctual
and part intentional. Just as she wouldn’t have an object
in the store that she didn’t love to sell, she also wouldn’t
fill her home with anything that she doesn’t love.
And what does she love? “A really cozy blanket—in July or

the dead of winter”; organization, where it counts, like in
her home office; and lots of pillows in the bedroom. Her
overall aesthetic is definitely one of ease and comfort.
When Jennifer lends design services, she counsels the

client to follow similar principles. What does she love
that’s already in her home? What are her favorite colors:
What is her life like? Instead of designing for someone
Jennifer “guides them in the right direction” with
questions and support.
Even if a client really desires a certain style, for example

farmhouse, Jennifer still leads them through “basic
questions to find out what is and isn’t working in their
current space.” After knowing the basic needs, she can
help the homeowner integrate aspects of any particular
style she loves.
In the end, being comfortable in one’s space isn’t about

trends or certain aesthetics, even—both of which can
exist without any basis in reality. Instead, Jennifer
encourages designing from the heart. “IF you love
something, it needs to be in your home,” she says.
Couch LOVE
Let’s face it: buying a couch might be the most
challenging aspect of setting up a comfy living
room. The trends tell us to go modern and make
the couch a focal point, whereas common sense
and instincts tell us we don’t want to invest
in something we’re going to outgrow. What’s
a couch buyer to do? The following tips from
Jennifer let you know that A) it’s okay to buy
into trends, if you really want to; and B) it’s
okay not to buy into trends, if you don’t! What
matters is the feeling you want to have in your
home. Period.
1 Choose a Color.
Even though color may seem like a BIG decision in couch-
buying, it’s a good place to start, says Jennifer, because this
will determine whether your couch is the focal point of the
Design Question to Consider: What’s something in your
room or a neutral backdrop for other pops of color to bounce
current living space that isn’t working at all? out. If you’ve always been a bright red lover, then buying a
bright red couch is probably safe. If not, explore that trend in
throw pillows and curtains instead.
AIM FOR COHESIVENESS AND GET
COMFY WITH COMPROMISE.
2 Measure, measure, measure.
Of course, falling in love with our homes would be a
Size does matter, says Jennifer, at least when it comes to
no-brainer if we were A) living alone, B) independently
couches. Unless your style is Hollywood Glam, you probably
wealthy, and C) not dynamic beings. Assuming none don’t want your couch to overshadow the rest of the pieces of
of that is true, however, you will likely need to make furniture. You also don’t want a couch arm or leg sticking out in
a doorway—so measure three times and then go out to buy.
compromises. Be “aware of things that make you tick and
those that tick you off” says Jennifer.
3 Explore Features.
Let’s take the whole “perfect couch” challenge as an
According to Jennifer, any couch of hers must have bounce and
example. What if you love neutral, sensible design and
must be nappable—a word she might just have coined herself!
your partner wants to have a show stopping statement “If I don’t see myself falling asleep there,” she says, “I wouldn’t
piece? This takes negotiating, which Jennifer has buy it.” When testing out couches, keep your lifestyle in mind.
If you love to Netflix binge or work from the couch, you’ll be
recommendations for. “Show your whole vision” to the
happier with something comfortable.
other person and they’re more likely to hop on board,
she says.
4 Invest Wisely.
And remember: design is malleable. Pops of color or
The couch is typically the biggest expense in a living room
trendy patterns can be worked into throw pillows and design, says Jennifer. Thinking of it as a long-term investment
other textiles, which are easily changeable if anyone piece could color your purchasing decisions in all of the above
areas! Are you going to love bright orange forever? Or are you
tires of them later on. This is also a way to find cohesion
the type of woman who updates décor with every new trend?
throughout your whole house; for example, repeating
Will you be moving or renovating in the future? Or is it safe to
the same navy blue color on accents in several rooms. buy that 6 foot sectional and call it a day?

Chat with Jennifer LIVE
on our Dec. 12th Round
Table virtual discussion.
Details will be announced
via our mailing list! Join at
bit.ly/TheTPYlist.
For her part, Jennifer loves flowers—fresh or faux—because Design Question to Consider: What design elements bring
they’re super easy to change out when the season or your you comfort?
occasion (or your mood) dictates. “Little things make the
space,” she says. You can move furniture around if you
T R U S T Y O U R I N S T I N C T S A N D L E AV E
feel compelled to, but it’s a whole lot less stress to swap
PERFECTIONISM BEHIND.
out throw pillows or buy a $3 bouquet from T.J.’s to add
instant freshness. Okay—but what if we don’t know what we want OR if we know
what we want but aren’t “good” at design? How do we get our
By using elements of cohesion throughout her home, Jennifer home to look like the ideal design in our head? Public opinion
feels more comfortable if the “sense of comfort” varies from can be helpful, but only to a point, says Jennifer pointing to
room to room. She also knows and is okay with the fact that the “oversaturation of perfect houses” on Pinterest, HGTV,
her definition of what’s comfortable will change over time. and the cover of design magazines. “It’s hard to make it
“Design isn’t permanent,” she says, “and comfortable has personal if it’s also perfect.”
different meanings” depending on the time of life you are in.

Managing expectations during this time is a
combination of “flexibility” and “trusting your gut.”
Having a “comfortable space” goes way deeper

than having all the answers to our design “what if”
questions. Being comfortable in our homes means we
can maintain a greater sense of comfort in our lives
as well. Hanging on to your innate “sense of comfort,”
says Jennifer, is a way of “sticking to who you are.”
Design Question to Consider: What do you love most

about your house, and what does that say about who
you are?
While interviewing Jennifer, I knew I was getting

tons of free design advice. In fact, I mentioned it and
we both laughed in acknowledgement. What I didn’t
realize at the time was that I was also receiving a
healthy dose of life advice. As a firm believer in a
woman’s relationship to her dwelling space, though,
Not that she doesn’t love HGTV as much as the rest of us, and
I’m happy to be reminded that home and heart go
“Pinterest,” she says, “planned my wedding.” As you watch or browse,
hand in hand.
though, be aware of how you’re being influenced. A good reality check
of one’s expectations is a way to bring yourself down from the high of
Jennifer’s aesthetic, as well as her approach to
watching ten hours of Joanna Gaines.
business, made it clear that, no matter the design you
choose, if you remain true to yourself, pay attention
At no time is this more relevant than the holidays—when women may
to your lifestyle, and listen to your desires, the result
feel the pull to {re}decorate. Remind yourself that your home still needs
will be more than satisfactory: it will, in fact, be
to meet your needs, and be a space you enjoy. If that means a mantel
Comfortable. “Your house is worth it,” says Jennifer.
of red and green, then have at it. If there are other color palettes you
And YOU are worthy of a comfortable home.
like, go with that instead. “It’s your house,” says Jennifer, whose entire
holiday design revolves around some simple wrought iron accessories,
“If you love it, it’s going to work.”
Lee Lee Thompson is obsessed with the home/lifestyle/
mindset connection. She enjoys talking about our dwelling
The good news is holiday decorating, just like the holidays themselves, spaces to anybody and everybody. Stop for a chat on her front
is “impermanent.” If you do feel obligated to display those holiday porch in Hamden, or follow her on IG at @wordsbyleelee.
hand-me-downs or gifts from years past, you can “put them up Photos by Angela Armstrong of Todd Studios Photography
on a Tuesday and take ‘em down on a Thursday,” says Jennifer. & Stationary.
Connect
with Jennifer
Follow on Instagram & Twitter
@indigohomedecor
On the web at
IndigoHomeDecor.com*
Or email
info@indigohomedecor.com
* Get an up-to-date schedule by clicking on

“Find the Truck”

L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y
– JEN N I F ER PETER SON
to align your innermost thoughts
with your
ever-evolving perspective
I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y @ V E L A S Q U E Z S T U D I O
Crocus
Growing with ease in any environment,
the Crocus can bloom comfortably in
sun and in shade. The adaptability
of this winter flower even permits
its blooming potential to extend
from late winter to spring. Like the
crocus, we too can blossom and find
comfort even in the most unforeseen
and uncomfortable situations.

Instead of saying ‘I don’t have
time” try saying ‘it’s not a
priority’ and see how that feels.
– LAURA VANDERKAM
LIVE
Slow Yourself Down,

Show Yourself Love
with Casee Marie
The love we take time to show to others can be something we fully extend to ourselves.
W
inter slows us. Like the snow falling in drifts, we indulging on the decadent offerings of the holiday. All this
become softer and more gentle. Time slows, the leads up to the penultimate day of self-criticism that comes
nights are longer, and we arm ourselves with around on December 31.
priorities stemming from growth: giving thanks, celebrating,
The day before our new beginning; the day before the many
reflecting, and honoring. This can be a good time of year for
flaws we’ve broken our own hearts over will be magically set
your heart, as words like “peace” and “joy” literally begin to
into perfect healing. With our minds so occupied and our
decorate the walls around you.
bodies so poorly taken care of, it’s no wonder why this time of
This time of year, holy though it is, can be challenging for year is a prominent opportunity for depression to sneak in.
your body. The gentle peacefulness of the season is met with
What if you chose differently? What if, this holiday season,
the harried and stressful obligations of shopping, cooking,
you chose to include your body in the spirit of comfort and joy,
wrapping, gathering, visiting, showing up, and holding space.
in the spirit of gratitude? What if you slowed down your body
The physical experience of the holiday season somehow
and your inner-critic the way the snow slows down the earth,
manages to take on a polarity to the spiritual experience.
the way the long darkness slows down the night?
Seasonal gatherings will provoke our inner-critic to jump out
This time of year can be even better when the fullness of our
and share her two cents on how much weight we’ve gained or
love—robust peace and acceptance—Is also shown to ourselves.
lost since last year, so we’ll shame ourselves out of (or into)

What a more satisfying way to enter in to the ending of the of beauty. We give thanks for the body that brings to us all
year! Undoubtedly, we’d set ourselves up to manifest greater the splendors of the holidays and the winter season, from
things in the year to come. the comforting scent of a fir tree to the warm delight of the
season’s first hot cocoa.
And then the question: how do we do it? How do we deny the
hustle of the season and the demands of the holidays in order Through that gratitude, we choose comfort. There is comfort
to slow ourselves down and focus on something as difficult as in the way our body lays itself down to sleep, and stretches
body acceptance, maybe even body love? gloriously into rest. There is comfort in the way our body
extends itself to hug, to give, and to cherish. There is comfort
We begin in the same way that we begin many other
in treating ourselves, body and soul, with attention and
challenging tasks: we choose. We choose to make time for
intention; with soul-fueling warmth that comes from a place
ourselves, to remember our bodies as a sacred blessing for
of spirit rather than a place of achievement.
which to be thankful. We choose gratitude for the body that
carries us, so full of imperfection and vitality. Self-care in winter seems like the easiest part of the equation:
light some scented candles, take a bubble bath, curl up in
We give thanks to the scars for the lessons they taught us,
your warmest blanket. It’s more than that, isn’t it? If we
to the legs that carried us, the eyes that gave us moments
acknowledge that these things are as good for our bodies Ultimately, we find comfort through wholeheartedly
as they are for our souls, we consciously choose to honor embracing the truth that we deserve as much care as the next
our body, to invest more of our time and our energy person. Through unconditional gratitude, and the intention
into ourselves. to slow down, we make room for peace and ease. We find
wholeness when we release expectation—giving ourselves
The process of self-love will look different to everyone; it’s
permission to be imperfect, giving in to self-love.
an excursion inward—an investigation into what truly evokes
comfort for each of us. Where does your body need love? In a
dedicated practice of taking care of your skin, or perhaps in Casee Marie is a motivational writer living in Wallingford, Connecticut
with her rescue pup, Blaze. She is the author of the online journal
lovingly developing more satisfying eating habits?
Hope & Harbor where she writes to encourage a deeper relationship
with compassion and vulnerability. You can connect with her at
Some of us may find comfort in movement, some in stillness. caseemarie.com.
Some in elaborate package-wrapping; some in simple gift-
Photo by Lauren Alexandria Photography, laurenalexandriaphoto.com.
giving. Some in serving others; some in drawing our most
loved ones nearer. Some in going out; some in staying at home.

LIVE
Comfort +
Connection
TENDING TO
R E L AT I O N S H I P S
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
with Casee Marie
For a comforting season, put

gratitude into all that you do.
T
he December holidays are my favorite time of
year, and every season I work hard at being
present and taking in every opportunity
for warmth, quiet joy, and reflection. I live for those
postcard moments when everything feels just as it
should be—knowing it might not last long.
In this season, our focus can slip into territory

much less healing: we feel obligated, burdened, and
disenchanted. We lose our peace, either to our own
exhausting to-do list or to the draining energy of those
around us who are overloaded with stress. Inevitably,
our frustration manages to take control over the things
that truly matter—and sometimes even the people who
truly matter.

One recent Christmas, I wrote letters to friends and family
as gifts, each a gentle and thorough account of all that this
person has brought into my life. At first it felt silly, and for
a while I wrestled with the awkwardness of not spending
money on tangible gifts - on “things.” In the end, this gift
meant far more than anything money could buy.
Gratitude can be expressed in so many ways beyond the

traditional, and digging into the expression can unlock
a wonderful, childlike sense of creativity that makes the
One of the best ways for me to navigate the complexity of
season even brighter. I indulge in that creativity and look
emotion that comes with the season is to put extra effort
forward to discovering new ways of expression; for example,
into gratitude. I do that by getting mindful, tuning into my
hosting a soulful gathering for dear friends—celebrating their
inner world and limiting my exposure to all the noise. My
goodness, big and small.
journal-writing practice increases; I set aside more time for
introspection; I bring more stillness into my life. The TV most Perhaps your truest and most fulfilling relationships are of
often goes off and soothing music - for me, almost always the long-distance variety and you’ll honor them by planning
jazz or folk - goes on. an hours-long phone call, sending them a thoughtfully
crafted self-care box, or writing your gratitude out to them in
Adopting an attitude of gratitude for the relationships that
a letter as I did to my loved ones.
truly comfort me helps me to live in a way that feels more
authentic while also putting me in a position to better serve When I do give tangible gifts, my favorite thing to give
others. A win-win, but not one that’s always easy. I have found is something I’ve made, something personal. Some of
a mantra helps (I prefer the words of Sue Monk Kidd: “Just to my favorites have been the prayer shawl I knit for my
be is holy; just to live is a gift.”) grandmother, the photobook for my sister, the mandala I
drew and framed for a dear friend, and the shadow box for
If I’m able to look back on the holidays with a sense of having
my parents.
truly been present, then the season feels more abundant
and joyous. Even gift-giving becomes an opportunity to Once, I dedicated a blog post to my father, another
express my gratitude to my loved ones for their support and opportunity to use my passion for writing to inhabit
inspiration in the year that’s passed. gratitude. I’ve made food, jewelry, or other forms of art.
Whether it’s something tangible or even just
the time I spend with each person, I infuse
the gift I give with as much love and intention
as possible.
By becoming mindful of the blessings of my

life, I find gratitude a natural fit. I gently
choose softness, reflection, and intimacy—
turning away from what doesn’t serve me and
turning toward what will bring the most joy.
The holidays will be imperfect, and they will
not be without drama; in choosing gratitude,
however, we can create a chain of priceless
moments that lead us into an opulence
previously unknown.
Casee Marie is a motivational writer living in

Wallingford, Connecticut with her rescue pup, Blaze.
She is the author of the online journal Hope & Harbor
where she writes to encourage a deeper relationship
with compassion and vulnerability. You can connect
with her at caseemarie.com.
Photos by Joanna Fisher, @joanna_fisher.

Advertise with Us
Below is a timeline showing our upcoming themes for Series 8 and the
deadlines for submitting your ad. Learn more at bit.ly/TPYpartners.
ISSUE 1 ISSUE 2 IS S UE 3 IS S UE 4
DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY 20 18 F E B R UARY 2018 M AR CH 2018
Create Ease by Create Wealth by Create Fun by Create Joy by

Choosing Comfort Embracing Reflection Unleashing Connection Celebrating Whimsy
DU E: OCT 1 5 , 2017 DUE: N O V 15, 2017 D UE : D E C 15, 2017 D UE : J AN 15, 20 1 8
– AUDRE LORD
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P H O T O B Y @ B E C C A B R E N D L E R , L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y
Intentional
Holiday
FINDING PLEASURE IN
A S E A S O N O F E X P E C TAT I O N
Words by Sarah Bachelder
LIVE
Keep the pleasure from fading through intention-setting and making purposeful connections.
H
ow often have you started out the holiday season 1. Decide your values.
full of lofty intentions and suddenly found yourself
2. Make intentional decisions.
in survival mode, with a social calendar bursting at
3. Communicate those intentions.
the seams, an endless to-do list, and a desire for everyone to
just disappear?! 4. Let go of “should.”
5. Embrace compromise.
This is my experience almost every year. I’ll have some
moments of Christmas “magic,” but often it seems to fall flat. 6. And, practice resilience.
As the season wraps up I’m left feeling as though I missed
something vital and precious. I’m determined to make this the
year I reclaim the pleasure and magic of the holidays—both in E S TA B L I S H Y O U R VA L U E S F O R T H E S E A S O N
A N D P R I O R I T I Z E A C C O R D I N G LY.
receiving and in giving.
Educator, blogger, and mother, Marie Levey-Pabst, told me that
To facilitate this intention, I asked some of my friends how they
“taking a moment or two to step back and name our own values
find pleasure in the holidays. I got some excellent responses,
for the holidays (or anytime) is helpful.”
which I’ll refrain from quoting verbatim, but my takeaways in a
nutshell, are: Marie also mentioned that she decides her values for herself
personally and then what she values with her immediate
family. They then choose the activities that
uphold those values and everything else is
extra without obligation. Taking a values-led
approach frees us up to connect and give in an
authentic and meaningful way.
I’ve given quite a bit of thought to what I value

most this time of year. And I’ve summed them
up in a few words. Magic. Faith. Rest. Family.
The deepest value the holidays hold for me is
based on my beliefs. I intend to make that a
priority in how I celebrate.
Along with that, spending time with my family

and being part of the magic for my young
sons is essential to the pleasure I can give
and experience. Baking, decorating, playing,
reading, church services, music, and enjoying pediatric cancer families has been the recipient of a Polar Express evening
quiet (I hope) moments with my family is how I from a local venue. This includes a train ride to the North Pole and a visit
plan to act on my values. with Santa.
When we went three years ago, it was magical for my oldest. We missed it
C O M M U N I C AT E Y O U R last year due to a work conflict, so this time we made sure to get time off
INTENTIONAL DECISION TO
to take our boys. We’re surprising them, and I’m so excited! Because we
THOSE WHO WILL BE AFFECTED.
started talking about this experience and planning for it early, we’re able
When healer, educator, and coach, Kelsey to indulge.
Fox Bennett, communicated her holiday
I also value rest. The company my husband works for throws a huge party
intentions, she “was surprised at how many
every year and I find it exhausting. I don’t know most of the people and I
people were not just on board with the
don’t enjoy “small talk.” On the other hand, it’s a night out with delicious
changes but incredibly grateful—it opened the
food and my husband would like to go. To navigate our different interests,
door for them to make more conscious choices
we’ll likely dine and dash (with no guilt!).
as well.”
Have that conversation with your loved ones. Share your values and hopes
One of my values is magic. By that, I mean
for the season and find out what theirs are. Work together on a plan to
creating and being present in the magic this
honor everyone’s values. Compromise can be a beautiful thing.
time of year holds for my children. My two
oldest love the movie “The Polar Express” and
for the past few years a local organization for continued on next page

TA K E T I M E T O R E - C E N T E R A N D right now. I have been feeling so restless these past few months
G R O U N D Y O U R S E L F. and I want to anchor myself in calming activities.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to give yourself time to do your own

thing amidst the social and family action. Photographer and L E T G O O F E X P E C TAT I O N S .
mother, Markie Wheeler-Jones, plans “alone time” and “down
Artist and mother, Christy Johnson, gave herself the following
days" – where she will “decide that morning what to do.”
advice: “Don't feel pressured to start new traditions or live up
Allow yourself to practice self-care during the holidays. It to the traditions of my parents. It’s okay to make the holidays
doesn’t have to be time separate from your social plans; you your own.”
can do both! Eat the food you enjoy without shaming yourself
Whether they are your own or someone else's, expectations do
for it. Start conversations. Sit quietly in the corner and
not always contribute to a happy holiday. This is particularly
observe. Take time to connect with others one on one. Honor
significant when it comes to traditions. Your family may have
your own boundaries. Give yourself permission to leave early if
always done certain things to celebrate; however, if these
you need to. And check the guilt at the door!
traditions don’t work for you, it’s okay to let them go and find
For me, this looks like drinking homemade hot chocolate after your own holiday groove.
my children are in bed or reading a frivolous book. Clearing my
Growing up, my family did have one particular tradition that
evenings of “plans” for my blog or obsessing over all the things,
worked because of the size of our family. It doesn’t work so
and choosing quiet and solitude instead.
much for my little crew, so when we do Christmas on our own,
I also want to cuddle with my husband and connect with him. which we are doing this year, we need a different way to honor
Listen to my favorite Christmas music. Learn how to crochet. the spirit of that tradition. (We’re still figuring this one out.)
Spend time in contemplation. Get acquainted with who I am
Also, we usually put up the decorations December 1st, but I’m doing it because we want to—not because it’s expected, or we
starting early this year. In fact, I’ve already started and it’s feel like we should.
mid-November! I’m letting it be a gradual process this time. No
This goes back to communication. Find out what is important
stressed out scrambling to put up the decorations. And—If I feel
to your spouse or partner, your children, family, and friends.
like switching things around mid-season, then I will.
Work together to decide how best to celebrate in a way that is
When we let go of the pressure of expectations, and instead meaningful for everyone. The season is about togetherness—not
honor our values and those of others, we are empowered to just you, and not just them.
give and receive authentic joy and connection.
When things don’t go as we envisioned, which is inevitable, we
can look for what is good in the situation. We can ask ourselves,
B E A D A P TA B L E , A N D R E L E A S E How can I receive and give pleasure in this moment? Curiosity
THE “SHOULDS.” and openness can lead to magic.
I’m not advocating selfishness. Instead, I’m advocating being

Embrace the pleasure of this time of year, be a part of it willingly
open to giving and receiving pleasure this holiday season with
and intentionally.
authenticity and mindfulness. I can get easily caught up in
perfectionism, which often comes across as being controlling
and rigid in how I think things should be. When I’m in that kind A self-proclaimed dysfunctional perfectionist, Sarah Bachelder is learning
of headspace, I know I miss out on what is best about this time to accept and embrace all aspects of motherhood. Connect with her at
SarahBachelder.com or on Instagram at @sbachelder.
of year.
Photos by @createherstock.
There is more beauty in putting our own expectations or
preferences aside for the sake of those we love when we’re

Happy Holidays
from all of us at
The Perpetual You
LIVE
D E S I R E by @arabesque.art.design
About the Artist

Nancy Elena Karp is an artist with a passion for pattern and
ornamentation and a lifelong obsession with art history and the
decorative arts. She’s currently immersed in creating digital art
based on her original paintings, transforming the beauty of the
ages into contemporary art.
ArabesqueArtDesign.com | @arabesque.art.design
From Selfless to Self-FullTM
Self Discovery for Highly Sensitive, Driven Women.
www.christidaniels.com
PURPOSEpages – a mindfully centered journal book, in which

to record your journey of self-discovery, expression, and
creativity. Begin your legacy at yourpurposepages.com.
Take a Breath
I've found breathing in this busy time brings vitality, ease, and connection.
To find out more, schedule your complementary discovery session.
Email me at lydia@lydiamandell.com. MANDELL
Thanks
The Perpetual You
We are so blessed to have the following collaborators, stockists,

advertising partners, and community friends who have
encouraged us to pursue becoming a print publication. Without
their support, our magazine would not be what it is today.
IN THIS ISSUE
Writers/Contributors Advertising Partners W H ERE T O B UY

Cindy • PK • Krystal • Cat • Marie • Julia TPY Marketplace, p. 0
• Crystal • Shana • Leigh • Cait • Allison • SaltyGirl Boutique
Rawjo Foods, p. 10
Amy • Donella • Lisa • Taylor • Heather • Kennbunk, Maine
Erin • LaToya • Jessica • Casee • Sarah Face Food, p. 21 SaltyGirlBoutique.com
Payne & Comfort, p. 21
Photographers Lovet Shop
Norabloom, p. 23
Milford, CT
Angela • Melissa • Joanna • Amanda • Lauren Earthly Remedies, p. 23 ShopLovet.com
• Markie • Lindsay • Mary Elizabeth • Becca
TPY Marketplace, p. 26
OM Pajamas, p. 26 Want to stock
Designers/Illustrators
our magazine?
Jamie • Jessie • Molly • Deborah Davine Jewelry, p. 26
Visit bit.ly/TPYpartners.
• Natalie • Amanda • Nancy Cinder + Salt, p. 33
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Models/Makeup
TPY Marketplace, p. 58
Lydia • Katie • Diana •
Purpose Works, p. 98
Elsie • Olivia • Yasmin
Christi Daniels, p. 98
Lydia Mandell, p. 98
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© 2017 by The Perpetual You. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form
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@WILD_PLANTS_LOVE_YOU @JOYNJANINE @KALIKSCOLLECTIVE
A F E W O F MY FAV O RI T E T H I N G S
We wholeheartedly embrace the #flatlay trend as a way to showcase your favorite things. Being
surrounded by what you love is one of life’s biggest comforts; looking back on this picture
can be a meaningful way to find serenity—no matter where you are—all winter long. So grab
your stuff and snap a pic, and tag us @theperpetualyou so we can take a peek, too!
D ECEMBER MA N T RA
M A N T R A by K R Y S T A L B R A N D T, P H O T O B Y @ B E C C A B R E N D L E R , L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y
L E T T E R I N G by @ A L C H E M Y C A L L I G R A P H Y

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The Ease Issue

FIND THE FAMILIAR (14) • BE AT HOME (48) • CONNECT (90)

Be YOU...the Perpetual You.

And then, there’s reality. Even a work-from-

Sign up for our

There is nothing like staying

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Download the comforts of the

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Get Cozy from the Get-Go............................... 42

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Our makers consistently share their time & talents.

Krystal Cat Joanna

Amanda Luisa Lauren Markie

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Calling all Creative Ladies!

Are you a busy, health

Are you ready to overcome low

Are you looking to increase your nutrition and maintain a

Are you in need of prepared and customized nutritional

Then, Rawjo’s Personal Chef Service is for

The Virgin Mary

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– SARAH BAN BREATHNACH

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The experiences that bring me comfort are full of ease

What are some experiences of comfort that bring ease to

• What are a few “mini” experiences of comfort you can

Marie Levey-Pabst is the founder of the Create Balance

Photo by Joanna Fisher, @joanna_fisher.

Empire Builder Nine Mile Bridge When Things Fall Apart

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No matter the season, soup brings comfort. Make a hearty,

for simple and light—a few vegetables and some broth—and

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A reliable companion throughout our daily

Tea jumpstarts our mornings and is on standby

Incredibly dynamic, tea cocktails can be created

Play around with the options of tea flavors, ranging

handmade for the mind | body | home

Natural Skincare & Spa

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The festivities of the season are more comforting

The following is a selection of gifts from our 2017 Holiday

For the Creative Seeker in your life...consider a

For the Inspired Maker in your life, consider an Apron

For the Chic Minimalist in your life, consider an

For the Lifelong Wanderer in your life, consider

For the Spiritualista in your life, consider a Candle made

For the Intuitive Entrepreneur in your life, consider

For the Culinary Goddess in your life, consider Hand-

Photo by Markie Jones Photograpy LLC

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Art Prints are now available in the TPY Marketplace.

Bringing you closer to nature

Markie Lynne Jones

The shop small experience is more than a trend—buying from local

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Objects of comfort abound here, from cozy vintage chairs to

The home grown aesthetic and laidback vibe

Connect with Markie at @markiejonesphotographyllc or

See more of Finders Market’s goods on Instagram

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