Pretty Over Perfect

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the je ne sais quoi of great interior design, we’re going to break it down into 7 essential principles that hold true, no matter your personal style preferences. These principles can guide us to make smart interior design decisions that outlast trends and make our spaces feel really good to be in. 

For our episode explaining the basic elements of energy flow  and guiding principles of feng shui in your home, click here. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

Today we're talking homebuying - all the possibilities and aspects to consider. Whether you rent or own, are in your forever home, or constantly on the move, we're discussing all the things we think about when considering the best home for us - from location, layout and lighting, to whether to build, buy or remodel. And, because it's us, we're going to be considering these things not just based on location and budget, but also on our core values and the vision we have for how our homes will be used and enjoyed. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We all have things to do and places to be... and are constantly learning better ways of getting there and doing them. In this week's episode, we're talking some of the strategies we use to feel accomplished and calm when tackling all the things. We're discussing big pictures dreams becoming goals and how we manage the day-to-day tasks in a timely manner.

We referenced our episode on finding and sticking to your Core Values and you can find that here: Self-Care: Living on Purpose

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We’re getting back to our roots and exploring one of our favorite fall pastimes: baking! And this time we asked a real professional to join us. Sydney Nielsen spent years working as a pastry chef, started a Cake Club and is our constant inspiration in the kitchen. She’s telling us her favorite tricks she learned in a commercial kitchen, as well as inspiring us with mouth-watering recipes to keep us happy in the kitchen all season long.  Check out Sydney’s Cake Club right here!

Many recipes were referred to this episode, here are a few resources:
Sheet Pan Garlic Breadsticks
Healthy Banana Bread
Apple Cake with Hot Butter Sauce
Easy Cinnamon Apples (for the top of yogurt and granola)

And the Butternut Squash Recipe is super simple:
1 part onion, chopped
3 parts butternut squash, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Cover with cow’s milk and cook until tender. Blend until smooth. Add butter or cream for taste!

Other resources we love:
Zoe Bakes on Instagram @zoebakes 
Cookie and Kate
Baking with Blondie 

Tools we recommend:
Turntable
Offset spatula
Silicone baking mats
Piping bags 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

“Do you wake up every day both excited to and capable of channeling the best of your unique self into your family relationships, friendships, hobbies and work?” This is Dr. Kelly’s ideal of health - and as a dermatologist he knows that the skin is a lens through which we can evaluate the health of the whole body. He covers the five regulatory systems: metabolic, hormonal, immune, neurological and psychological that all impact disease, health and how we feel in our bodies and in our lives. He has so much insight into how we can improve our lives by getting more sunlight and avoiding processed foods - and he explains why these things matter so much! You will not want to miss this one!

You can find Dr. Kelly on Instagram 

We talked about the dopaminergic systems in these episodes earlier this year:
Why Enough is Never Enough
How to Be Happy in an Unsatisfying World 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We're here to find the goodness in the messiness of real life... and this week has been full of messiness. Jessica shares about a family accident and a neighborhood tragedy that occurred over the past week and how it's rocked her world, and left us both wondering how we can show up for people in their times of need, build better communities going forward and keep pressing into life when it's hard and vulnerable. These moments remind us that life is far from perfect, and it takes courage to keep showing up and loving each other anyway. 

TW: This episode includes a discussion of self-harm. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

This week is all about the things we’ve been loving lately - from our favorite foods and accessories to the best internet hacks we’ve found!

If you’re interested, here are the links to our favorite things:

Accessories
- Jessica: Bright Statement Earrings and Gold Glitter Bracelets
- Michelle: Fun shoes like Espadrilles

Skin Care Product:
- Jessica: Beauty Oil
- Michelle: Tula Skin Care and L’Oréal Toning Conditioner 

Books:
- Jessica: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
- Michelle: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Internet Gadget That Actually Works:
- Jessica:  Mosquito Repellant Bracelets
- Michelle: Knife Sharpener

Sources of Inspiration
- Jessica: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana White
- Michelle: The Aesthetics of Joy email list

Summer Things We’re Sad to Put Away:
- Jessica: Market Backpack from Anthropologie
- Michelle: Fruit Floaties 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

It’s back to school season, and whether you have good, bad or mixed feelings about the transition, the time is upon us. So today we’re talking about getting ourselves and our kids ready for the change of pace and the new schedules. Plus: where to find the best deal on pencils, how to celebrate the season and Michelle reveals she’s a little bit obsessive about food storage containers.

These are the lunch box containers Michelle uses. Though technically for salads (apparently), they work great for separating all the parts of a lunch.

Andie Anne’s bento lunch box ideas as mentioned by Jessica. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

You asked and we're answering your questions about parenting kids baby-middle grades. We’re talking taming tantrums, teaching responsibility and how to know if you’re doing enough as a parent. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We are so excited to share Jill with you this week! A mother both Jessica and Michelle truly admire, she is letting us in on her thoughts about parenting teens and pre-teens. This episode is full of parenting GOLD! Jill is so intentional, practical and fun - and we know you're going to learn so much from her - we sure did! Jill discusses teaching kids to be gracious, helping them develop their individual personalities (and how to work with their uniqueness as a parent), and how to be present and flexible for teens. She has some great points about navigating social media, too!

Jill mentioned this series she likes: "What-to-Do-Guides for Kids" by Dawn Huebner and "I Like Me Anyway" and "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens" by Brooke Romney. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect