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On December 20th, I celebrated my 30th birthday. I’m still accepting gifts.
Okay, just kidding.
Back to turning 30…
Dustin’s never been a big gift guy. After a couple years of marriage and pure frustration over our differences (remember the newlywed dinner issue?), I finally learned to accept the evidence that Dustin’s love language is not gift-giving. Dustin is amazing at thoughtful conversations, working hard to support our family, and loads of quality family and couple time (his expressions of love), but gifts just don’t automatically pop into his brain as a way to express love.
I had full expectations that my 30th birthday would play out the same as previous celebrations–a sweet handwritten card and dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants.
My 30th birthday brought a huge surprise. Dustin surprised me with a gift. Yes, you read that right…a g-i-f-t…gift! I’m pretty sure this gift made up for the last eight years of gift-less birthdays.
Dustin presented me with the gift of my own studio! A studio completely dedicated to the work we do here at Live Simply. A place for my extensive glass bottle collection (you all know I have a “thing” for cute little bottles!), turquoise plates, and rugged wood backdrops. A place for creativity to flow. A place to sit and edit photos with a big glass of iced kombucha.
After sharing the news about my studio in Live Simply’s first 2015 blogpost (Speaking of, have you tried the french toast scrub yet??), many of you wrote and asked for pictures! Today, I want to take a break from chicken pot pie biscuits and DIY face wash to share a little peek into my day-to-day working studio. I’m a full-time blogger and mom which means my new studio is often met by fresh waffles ready to be photographed and Lego trains ready to race. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Before we proceed on with pictures, it’s important to note that this room used to be the kids’ playroom. We decided it was time to consolidate toys to just the items the kids love to play with and donate the remaining clutter-loving toys. That decision made room for my birthday present studio. Less toys have actually made our kids much happier and more organized (AKA: a simpler life). I have big plans for this room…maybe a bright yellow patterned rug and a big comfy chair for reading. Also, my own private barista in the far back corner. Wait…too far? Yes, probably so.
Grab a glass of kombucha, let’s start the tour!
Thanks for joining me today!
PS: You can find all my favorite camera gear (lenses, camera, tripods, wifi cards, photography boards, etc.) and resources for building a blog here.
2016 Update
Since adding a studio space to our home for Live Simply, the space has undergone some changes. Here’s the same space with some updates, and where I currently work on blog and freelance work. The island table is where most of the shooting for the blog happens, as well as in my kitchen.
Very inviting and inspiring! Now, I know toys are not your focus; but I would love some decluttering advice…since you mentioned it! Thanks!
Hey Ticia, I actually have a post coming out this summer on toy clutter. My best advice is to pay attention to the toys the kids actually get out regularly, and then bag up all the extras (if they’re young, this can be done with they’re not around to make it easier). I keep the bag(s) in the garage (hidden) for a good month or two–a buffer time. If the kids don’t ever ask for those toys, they are donated. Once this happens, we have a rule of “one in, one out” with toys. If the kids get a new toy, they choose a toy they no longer need to give away to a child in need (to a donation center). It keeps the clutter down and keeps toys from piling up. Every few months I’ll ask them if there are any toys they no longer play with, too.
just wondering, how can you make your own mascara? or do you just buy it organic?
Hey Sophia, I’ve been working on developing a recipe for many months now, but for now I use an organic brand.
Hi Kristin,
I’m a ‘newbie’ to your site and the blogging world in general. You make blogging look so easy and fun despite the challenges you must encounter. Thank you for sharing so much valuable information for those of us who value simplicity. Also Kristin, wondering if the glass used in your studio prop (orange juice and waffle ) is still available somewhere for purchase?
Hey Theresa, Welcome to Live Simply! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog! I purchase my containers from Target (dollar bins and kitchen department), HomeGoods, and Amazon (for the Weck jars).
I’m new to Live Simply but I absolutely love it here. Your blog makes me want to take my family and move into a house in the woods and produce all of our food in our garden. And the yellow pillow is gorgeous!
Thank you, Lina! Your comment just brought the biggest smile to my face. Welcome to Live Simply!
This was so interesting to see! Truly a peek “behind the scenes” of your blog. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Jesse! 🙂
Kristin, I so enjoy reading and seeing the changes with Live Simply. I just wished you were around back when I had little ones! Of course there weren’t all the technology gadgets and websites that there are today, so we would have had to just sit down and chat about food, kids and family. Old school style!
P.S. Dustin does know your love language…..he invests in you and your family all the time and as you put it, in so many other ways. But it’s all about you and the kids. Love you guys!
Thank you, Marilynn! Old school style sounds wonderful to me ;)…I miss those days!
Yes, I agree. Dustin truly does know my love language! I’m so thankful for the amazing partner he has become both in life and work.
It’s lovely, Kristin! I especially love that the kiddos still have room to play and be near Mommy as she works. Despite how nerve wracking it can be to have my favorite two pairs of chubby hands grabbing at things while I try to shoot photos, I wouldn’t trade their desire to be with me (and eat my props) for all the world!
Thank you, Dena! They kids are great studio helpers :).
LOVE the new studio Kristin. It’s so great to have a creative space to work in 🙂
Thank you so much, Jedha! I’m so thankful to have my own creative space.
What an Awesome surprise! Love the colors and everything! Dustin did a great job! God bless you guys! (And I’ll take one too, lol!)
Thank you so much, Marissa! I agree, Dustin did a fantastic job!! I can’t wait for 31, lol.
This is wonderful, Kristin! So happy for you 🙂
Thank you, Sheila! I’m so blessed to have my own private space now.
Awesome! Go Dustin!
I’ll tell him that Kelly ;). He’ll appreciate it!!
Thank you for sharing Kristin! I just showed it to my husband remarking ‘gasp!’ just look at those shelves!! Let’s hope he gets the hint.. 😉
Lol, Krystal. Those shelves are my favorite (they came from Amazon ;)). Blog related stuff has been overflowing in our kitchen and dinning room for too long, so the opportunity to have open shelves just dedicated to props has been amazing!!