TThis year I wrote a new book titled Dwelling. Dwelling, due for release in April, grew from my wish to shape a home that truly cares for the people who live in it. It explores how you feel in your dwellings—both the house you live in and the body you inhabit—and encourages thoughtful choices that support comfort, belonging, and well-being.
At its heart, Dwelling is about creating a sanctuary that nurtures you. Feeling well where you live means becoming aware of what you need and what you don’t, and then making intentional changes that support rest, peace, and everyday ease.
Even with the holidays approaching, I’m choosing to resist the pressure to do everything perfectly and instead focus on the things that truly matter to me and my family.
For example, there are seven days left before Christmas and my tree has lights but the ornaments are still in a bin. No garland or stockings on the mantel. We have paper snowflakes hanging in the kitchen, yet a pumpkin wreath remains on the front door and gourds are still on the porch. I’m fine with evolving the house slowly through the seasons rather than rushing every detail into place.
I might still share a small Christmas tour on the blog because I enjoy that tradition, but I’m not promising a full-scale decorating overhaul. What feels right for me this year is a gentle, imperfect approach—simplicity with a little bit of magic.
After more than a decade of celebrating Christmas online, I’ve noticed a consistent theme in how I approach the season: simplicity, imperfection, and small moments of wonder. That mix feels authentic to me year after year. I prefer calm, lived-in scenes to perfectly staged settings.
Slipcovered Sofa Source / Specific Sofa Details / Rug / Battery Candles
Scrolling through too many curated images online can make me long to slow down and appreciate the real, tangible things I already have. For me, the season feels most meaningful when I focus on family, presence, and quiet rituals rather than on perfection.
Right now this season feels especially poignant—it’s my son’s last Christmas at home before he goes to college next fall. Milestones like this sharpen the sense that time is fleeting. I won’t regret slowing down to savor what matters most to our family and letting go of the rest.
I can’t wait to share Dwelling with you. The book is a hardback filled with inspiration, practical tips, action steps, and journal prompts, complemented by simple illustrations and hand-lettered quotes. I’ll share more details after the holidays.
Dwelling will be released on April 2 and is currently available for preorder. Preordering helps authors and also ensures you receive the lowest-price guarantee if the price drops before release.
If you plan to preorder, there’s a limited-time offer to save $5 on an additional book when you spend $20 or more on books sold and shipped by Amazon. Details and promo code were previously available for a short period.
- Pre-order Price Guarantee: If the price of Dwelling decreases between the time you order and the release date, you’ll receive the lowest price.
- Preorders will ship when the book releases, and any preorder incentives offered at that time will apply to qualifying orders.
How are you savoring what matters most this season and letting go of the rest?