When it came to planning our trip to Hawaii, we were as overwhelmed as could be. Which island(s) should we go to? For how long? With so many beaches and locations to see, which were the most beautiful? Typically, we like to have at least a rough outline for our travel excursions. This time around, we decided to rely on Hannah’s aunt (a Maui resident) and gut feelings. Below, we have a step by step guide of how to do Hawaii, removing some of the confusion and clutter.

My wardrobe has changed immensely since participating in a minimalist lifestyle, especially this past year. I own little, and travel with less. Crazy but true fact: We’ve never checked a bag! We always fit our travel attire into one carry-on each! I travel with the same versatile items, and have loved the predicability. I never stress about packing for a trip! 

While we have spent the last few years blogging about home design, there has been a multitude of moving pieces behind the scenes. Every move, flip, and renovation has been a piece in the puzzle toward grander plans. While God took us in MANY different directions, it was all calculated, with one goal in mind: freedom. We've been hesitant to share our financial goals as they are immensely personal and rather "taboo" in the blogging world. We don't ever want anyone to compare their situation to ours, or anyone else's, in a negative way. In addition, of course, we always fear judgement. Anytime we "put ourselves out there," we fear that friends and strangers will judge us for being "too this" or "too that." While sharing your life on the internet is not for everyone, it is something we choose to do. We have made many friends on this platform, have learned from others, and have loved the creative avenues we have embarked on due to this blog!

Ty and I are honored to be featured in Homeslice Midwest's website launch! Nicole at HSM created the site in order to connect interiors enthusiasts around the Midwest. Her unique platform cultivates inspiration through sharing home tours and design resources. Our minimal mid-century Ada home tour is live on HSM. Ty and I, as we recently sold the Ada house, loved seeing these images of our home, and even more, loved reading Nicole's depiction of our philosophy. She truly grasped the essence of who we are, and how minimalism and travel play into our design process.  Read the full feature here complete with more images, follow Homeslice Midwest on Instagram, and tag your #HSMnest! 

Currently, I’m enjoying one of Southern Florida’s most beautiful beaches. It’s 75 degrees and “cloudy.” I’ve learned that when Florida’s weather forecast predicts a “cloudy” day, they are referring to (literally) a handful of clouds. The sky is bright blue and sunny, with a few fluffy intruders unsuccessfully blocking the sun’s rays. This Midwesterner has found herself writing this blog post while finding solace from the sun in shade provided by a small straw hut-like structure separating the white sandy beach from the neighboring coastal homes. Today, I’m here to share a glimpse into one of the reasons “why” we decided to re-design our life, foregoing consumption to find simplicity.

Ty is an exceptional gift-giver. This year, he was in charge of all of the gift giving, except for one recipient whom I claimed, my mother. My mother is a home-obsessed house flipper (currently flipping her 20th house!!) who loves home magazines, HGTV, hunting the MLS, and moving. And they say you become your mother..... She is also a mother of nine children (yes, you read that right). She's brilliant in the kitchen and is the ultimate hostess, often cooking for and hosting our large family (9 siblings, 5 spouses, 4 grand children, plus Mom and Dad). Today, I'm sharing some quick gift ideas for the "Sharon's" in your life - the ones who have a knack for making guests feel at home! ​