Life Update: Lockdown Edition
Hey! It’s been a while since we got to chit-chat — and a long while since we had a bit of a life update — so here we are. I’ll keep it short and sweet so you can get back to binge-watching a show about strangers falling in love while their family members and friends freak out because they’re not in it for the right reasons. Go ahead: Tell me I’m wrong. 💁🏻♂️
Quarantine Blues
I know that I don’t have to tell you that life looks a little different lately. The 24-hour news cycle is relentless with despair (and lackluster leadership), and it’s difficult to see the bright side right now — at least for me. I can’t imagine that I’m alone in feeling a perpetually heightened sense of anxiety, existential dread, and uncertainty in future plans. (Even more so than usual millennial levels.) This quarantine fucking sucks.
But. As cheesy as it sounds, we will get through it together. It may take a hell of a lot of meditation, medication, or macaroni and cheese, but we will prevail with our mental health intact. And in case nobody’s told you, or you’ve simply forgotten, here’s a gentle reminder that everything you’re feeling is okay.
Meet Amanda 👋🏻
I’d like to formally introduce you to someone very near and dear to my heart. My longtime friend, cheerleader, and source of inspiration: Amanda McKee. You may have seen her name on a byline in the spring magazine — but for those that didn’t, meet Amanda, our new Editor at Large.
As a trained interior designer, mom to a beautiful toddler, wife, chef, entrepreneur, and world traveler, etc. etc, you can count on quite the range of content coming from this beauty in the magazine and on the blog in the coming months. Plus, if you ask really nicely, I’m sure we can convince her to even resurrect the podcast, oooh! or start a vlog. You need her sass in your life. Trust me. On second thought, you need both of us combined. Definitely chaotic good. Say hi, and ping her on her new email with content ideas, special requests, or amazing recipes.
Summer Magazine
Amanda and I have been hard at work for the past two months preparing for the summer magazine. We’ve listened to the feedback we received (and listened to our collective gut), and are really excited to share over 20 new articles and features to help cope (and maybe even thrive?) in the new normal. Summer’s going to look different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s a wash. Though, to be fair, we don’t need to get beach body ready, right? I’ve definitely added on the Quarantine 15. Stay tuned, and subscribe now, if you haven’t already. The summer edition lands on Monday, June 1.
Birthday Candles
I recently made the leap from my twenties to my thirties — I know *shudder* And while doing so during the middle of a pandemic and enforced stay-at-home orders put a bit more of a damper on an already jarring milestone, I did enjoy my birthday.
Not only was there Milk Bar GF Birthday Cake Truffles, and Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, and BBQ (Can you tell I had a foodie themed party?), we enjoyed a candle making kit from my friends at Zeacon Box. These guys are incredible — they currate collections of activities (and noms) and hand-deliver them to those within the Greater Seattle Area. We had a blast, and are loving our new Elm Candle Bar additions. Be sure to check out the summer magazine for my full review. Get it on the fun.
Seattle’s Top 20 🍾
Last, but certainly not least: We’re pleased to share that Feedspot has recognized Avec David as one of Seattle’s Top 20 Lifestyle Blogs, Websites, and influencers in 2020. Feedspot allows users to view their favorite blogs, podcasts, news websites, YouTube channels, and RSS feeds in one place — and even sends an email digest of all of your favorite content creator’s latest work in one rolled-up newsletter. We’re in great company on this list and look forward to creating even more content in the coming months. After all, we need the distraction now more than ever, right?
And as we know, it’s not all fun and games. Today, I remain humble and gracious for a roof over my head, groceries in the pantry, and a support system of people to lean on throughout this pandemic. I recognize and am sincerely grateful for these blessings. If you’re able, I encourage you to join me in donating to one of the following organizations to help those in need during this time:
BStrong; Getting necessary PPE to medical personnel and first responders who desperately need it.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Helping save the lives of those who feel alone and/or out of options.
No Kid Hungry; Working to end childhood hunger by providing nutritious meals to kids across America.
Until next time, stay healthy, stay sane, and do your best to stay positive. 💙