Kicking Off Summer + A Little Reminder for You (and Me) 🌷

Hi! Hello friend,

 

Somehow, we're already at the doorstep of summer. And around here, this season always kicks off with a whole string of celebrations: our wedding anniversary, Mother’s Day, Altyn’s birthday, Father’s Day… and my birthday — but more on that in another newsletter!

 

This year, instead of a big night out for our anniversary, or separate gifts for each occasion, we made a very practical, very grown-up decision: we pooled all of our celebrations together and bought a new washer and dryer. 🎉 (Insert wild party music here.)

 

The set we inherited with the house was…historic. Forty years old (!), loud as a freight train, and possibly one spin cycle away from becoming a time machine. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do a load of laundry that is energy and water efficient . . .and QUIET. (I know, I have an unusual sense of  excitement!)  It’s not the most glamorous gift exchange, but honestly? It feels a little magical to celebrate milestones with something that makes daily life a little easier.

How do you celebrate anniversaries and birthdays? I'd love to hear.

Credits - Bridge Perspective | our kitchen (top)   

Personal photo of brunch at family's house. (Bottom

Use — Take a Break
Consider this your (gentle) reminder: Working seven days a week—even at something you love—does not produce your best work. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience. If you’ve been running full tilt for weeks on end, it’s okay to pause, breathe, and reset. Rest is not a luxury; it’s part of the process.
Anyone else need to hear this? 
 
Read — You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This month’s re-read couldn’t have come at a better time. You Are a Badass is exactly the mindset boost I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes we need the reminder that, yes, we are capable of the things we dream about—and that the biggest hurdles are usually the ones we put in our own way. If you could use a pep talk wrapped in humor and a little tough love, I highly recommend picking it up again.
 
Need — Summer Slowdown Essentials
As we move into the season of longer days and lighter schedules (hopefully), I’m focusing on:
Fresh starts (both literal and metaphorical)
Simple gatherings with good food and good company
Creative pauses that refill my cup instead of depleting it
If you’re in the thick of planning summer parties, backyard BBQs, or just figuring out how to savor slower mornings, I’m right there with you. Let’s find the joy in the small things.

(I personally use and dream of the products mentioned. They don't pay me and I don't benefit from mentioning them. If there's something you would like to share with the community, let me know. I'll be happy to include it!)
 

What passes for excitement around here

As I continue the two-newsletter-a-month experiment, I’m moving What Passes for Excitement to the second newsletter each month. It’ll be the spot where I share personal updates, behind-the-scenes bits, and whatever small things are making me smile. (Trust me, I’m already collecting stories.)
 
Thank you, as always, for being here — for reading, for cheering me on, and for making this creative life a little less lonely and a lot more joyful.
See you in a few weeks, friends. Until then: breathe deep, move gently, and celebrate the ordinary magic.

Until next time—
Lizzie
 
P.S. The new trays are in the shop! And a reminder about the Surprise Boxes! There are a few still available here. 

P.P.S. Forward this to a friend who loves beautiful, sustainable design. I'm always looking for more input on what I'm putting out into the world.