Throughout 2019 and 2020, during some unexpectedly difficult seasons, I wrote and photographed my new book, A Lovely Life. I’ve noticed that every book I write seems to come out of a hard chapter or just after one. That feels fitting—life isn’t always perfect. Some days are lovely and others are not. As I finished this book in 2020 I jokingly considered naming it A Not-So-Lovely Life, but ultimately I chose A Lovely Life because I needed to remind myself, and hoped to encourage others, that beauty and meaning are possible even when circumstances are messy.
I have always wanted to create and experience beauty at home—not to make a showplace, but to craft a sanctuary for every season. When my perspective is off, my expectations lead to disappointment. The internet often amplifies that problem with highlight reels and curated perfection that feel unattainable. Scrolling for inspiration can leave me exhausted and discouraged.
My aim is to create a home that soothes and restores. That requires appreciating ordinary days and being present in the routines we already have. Instead of constantly chasing more, I find peace in savoring the small, steady rhythms of life. Those quiet practices—making tea, setting a table, tending a window box—invite joy into otherwise ordinary moments.
If you sometimes feel you don’t have or do “enough,” this book is for you. I wrote it to encourage fellow homebodies and anyone longing for a calmer, more meaningful life. A lovely life isn’t out of reach; it’s built from simple choices and daily practices that help each day become a little better.
Do you recognize the spot chosen for the cover photo? That little corner of our home means more to me than a pretty image—it was a place where life slowed down and beauty could be noticed. Each home I’ve lived in has taught me something, and the years in this one offered opportunities to look beyond challenges and to create small moments of grace through daily gratitude.
A Lovely Life is filled with encouragement, simple ideas, and photographs meant to inspire you to put on your own “rose-colored glasses” and lean into your life as it is. A lovely life doesn’t mean a perfect house or a trouble-free existence—seasons can be messy and hard—but it does mean choosing to notice the small gifts around you.
In the book I explore how honoring the rhythms of each season and romanticizing the ordinary rituals of our days helps us become more intentional, more present, and more grateful for the moments we have.
It’s seeing the little gifts in front of us that make life lovely.
I’ll share more in the coming weeks—extras, pre-order gifts, and opportunities to join the launch team. If this book sounds like something that would encourage you or a friend, you can pre-order it now through your preferred retailer. Pre-ordering supports the book’s launch and helps show booksellers that our community is excited to read and share these ideas.
This book officially released May 17, 2022. Thank you for your support and encouragement—it means the world to me.
Click here to preorder (or through your favorite retailer!)