Building in Gentle Habits
Taking a much needed deep breath | Edition No. 19
We are in it right now.
This year, Jess and I are not only writing this newsletter but getting our butter business off the ground (because obviously, we needed one more thing on our plates) which means spending a lot of time business planning, perfecting packaging and meeting with mentors. It turns out that starting multiple businesses requires a lot of brainpower… That’s on top of our home life too! (And Meg is throwing in a move in there for good measure).
And while we love the momentum, we’re also trying to be kind to ourselves in the process. Enter: gentle habits. The little things that keep us from running ourselves into the ground. A slow cup of coffee before checking emails. A walk around the block when our brains feel fried. Letting ourselves not have all the answers right this second. Easier said than done.
Here’s some great inspiration if you’re stuck on how to treat yourself gently:
If you’re also in a season of doing the most, we see you. What gentle habits are keeping you sane these days? We’d love to hear.
What is inspiring us lately…
“Recently I was perusing an Ina Garten cookbook and stumbled upon a recipe for a Ploughman’s lunch which is essentially a British ‘girl dinner’. It’s a traditional British meal but with cold ingredients like cheese, bread, pickles, etc. Ina can do no wrong so when she mentioned trying these marinated sheep and goat cheese cubes from Meredith Dairy, I picked them up. And she was right (as always). They’re incredible. Think soft, spreadable giant luxurious cheese cubes marinated in olive oil and herbs. I highly suggest you try them from your local fancy cheese grocery aisle." -M
“We’re currently in the process of purchasing my first home and it’s a bit chaotic to put it lightly. One thing keeping me sane is planning all the interior design. One thing, I know I want to incorporate into it are some well loved, sturdy thrifted hutches as our 1950s cape cod style home is lacking closet space. In my search, I’ve stumbled upon a few adorable antique Michigan Shops that I’m dying to go to. Like this one. They import most of their treasures from England but it’s a little out of my price range so my sister and I are on the hunt on FB marketplace. See anything cute? DM me!” -M
“My floral books become an escape in the middle of February. Last year, stumbling upon Sean's Instagram feed, I was instantly captivated by his English cottage garden's whimsical charm. When "Outside In" launched last spring, it was an immediate must-have. Now, a few months later, these pages offer colorful promises of the spring to come, brightening even the snowiest Chicago winter days.” -J
“My husband is very proudly a sauce guy. Every time I cook, he always asks for extra sauce and laps it up. Recently, I found a recipe for a life changing butter sauce (ahem we love butter) that I drizzled over baked salmon and roasted veggies. It was a hit. If you’re in the market for sauces that will change your life, check it out here.” -M
“Keeping with the theme of gentle habits, my current cozy and quick morning routine is something I’m currently loving. Each day begins with meditation via my favorite app, Open. From there, I grab a warm cup of coffee and settle in with a poem and my copy of Simple Abundance, a beloved throwback book that shares reminders on how women can find joy in life's quieter moments. This morning trifecta of meditation, poetry, and reflection, has become my gentle way to start each day!"-J
