D E S I G N L O V E F E S T » SHELTER ISLAND SWAP

02.16.21<

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!– at 03:34pm–>

hellllo from shelter island, new york! we did a 2 month house swap with a couple who lives here and we are headed back to LA in two weeks, driving across the country again! i’m sad that it’s coming to an end because it’s been such a special time here, but also ready to get back home. i’ve been going through a bit of a hellish emotional rollercoaster myself, dealing with my own trauma stuff and having a LOT of time in my own head. luckily this has given me some new scenery, a cozy fire to sit by, a bathtub, beautiful snow, and a whole different vibe than los angeles. i’ve never really spent much time on the east coast…lots of weekends to new york mostly for work, so to spend two months really getting to explore has been nice (well, as much as we can with covid). even feeling how different the beaches are and all the seafood and slower lifestyle here is cool. we will definitely be back someday! (ps I rounded up some airbnbs below that I am marking for the future)

I have also been reading and doing the exercises in the artist’s way book. I had skimmed it in the past but never really put in the real effort like I am this time. i’ve been committing to the 3 morning pages every day and it has become something I went from hating to really enjoying and needing! doing the artist dates with myself has unlocked a childlike creativity that’s been VERY freeing to explore. I highly recommend it. I have spent the last few months dealing with some really really heavy emotions and this art therapy aspect is literally saving me. i’ve been painting, shooting film pics, collaging, cooking, collecting shells, making little videos for fun and even took a watercolor class. I realized I have spent the last 10 years creating for work and never really explored this younger side of myself that just wants to create for FUN. it’s been really really cool and I will always remember this stay for this reason.

we also celebrated justin’s 40th bday last weekend! two of our friends got tested and came for the weekend. we had a blast actually. I forgot how much I missed connecting with people and just having a good time dancing, drinking, and letting loose. covid has put us in such a bubble it’s hard to even remember what that’s like. I also had fun wrapping his presents with some construction paper and magazines!

so even though I am going through cycles where I feel totally lost, depressed, and uncertain…i am also experiencing a ton of joy and freedom and fun. it swings back and forth for me during this quarantine. endless groundhog day and feeling very in transition. it’s been hard on me working less too, I guess i didn’t realize how much work and productivity and travel distracted me from the pain underneath. while I am grateful to be facing it all head on now, it’s most definitely been a challenge. just know that this past year has put us all through a LOT. I really think we will come out of this stronger and wiser.

I had some time today and rounded up a bunch of pretty homes near here. we have spent a little time exploring shelter island, greenport, and sag harbor and it’s SO charming here. whether you need a little winter retreat or want to plan a summer trip with some east coast vibes, here’s a bunch of picks! some affordable and some just fun to look at. I love all the farms and the small town community feeling here…