Eva Jorgensen - Episode 002

I have long admired Eva's blog and work at Sycamore Street Press. Eva's (and her husband Kirk's) hard work and perseverance has been evident as seen through her blog and Instagram. I've loved following along as they have navigated a life-work balance while taking on big undertakings such as taking their paper line to the National Stationery Shows in New York, keeping a consistent and large presence on social media, and continuing to transform their aesthetic to be authentic to who they are. It just makes me want to cheer them on!! When Eva started to blog about leaning towards a "minimal bohemian" style I felt a connection all the more. I was so happy to chat with her and hope you enjoy the show!

Photos by Jessica Peterson
Music in todays show is from Fialta

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Eva's kiddos, aren't they adorable? Photo by Jessica Peterson

Photo by Jessica Peterson

Beautiful cards from Sycamore Street Press

Photo by Jessica Peterson

Great prints from Sycamore Street Press

Where to find Eva:

Shop and Blog
Instagram
Pinterest

 

WaterSense Faucets

Reducing Water Usage

I'm sure most have heard by now about the record lows for precipitation California is having this year and the extreme drought that we are in. We've been encouraged to conserve water in every way possible. It's difficult to do, especially with little water loving kids around. But we've been vigilant. Taking shorter or less showers, teaching the kids to not let the water run for extended periods of time while washing hands, and not filling the kitchen sink as high when washing dishes.

These work well, but there is also something that can help while the water IS running. Choosing WaterSense fixtures can help conserve water as well as helping your pocketbook (who still calls it a pocketbook?) When choosing a fixture you can look for the WaterSense label. These fixtures include bathroom faucets, showerheads, toilets and landscape irrigation valves. 

A WaterSense bathroom faucet uses a maximum of 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute). A standard faucet is 2.2 gallons per minute. Over time, this really adds up. Another option is to install a WaterSense aerator which can cost less than $5!

Pictured above are some of my favorite WaterSense bathroom faucets right now. They can in various price points and you can find information about each one below. 

American Standard Two-Lever $278.68
Moen S6700 90-Degree One Handle $270.34
Delta 35710LF Two-Handle $79.95
American Standard Gooseneck Two Handle $107.46
Moen Weymouth Two Handle Wall Mount $653.55

Other simple ways we save water in our house:

• While I wait for hot water in the shower or faucet I collect it to water outdoor plants. We have a small back patio with no built in-irrigation so this is sufficient for our watering needs. I also save the water from drinking cups, obsessive as it might be, it's easy to just collect at the end of the day and toss into the pot of a thirsty plant. 
• Only do laundry when you have a full load. If you must do a small load make sure to change the water level as well. 
• Same goes for the dishwasher, wait for a full load.

More strategies:

• Use native and drought tolerant plants in your yard, and better yet...ditch the lawn. So many good reasons for this, not just water usage. It looks beautiful, less maintenance and it reduces pests.
• Drip system
• Rain sensors on irrigation controls

Remodeling or designing a new home? 

• Replace old toilets. Look for toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. A family of four can save 14,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per year according to Energy Star. 
• Locate the hot water heater, laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms as close together as possible. 
• Don’t put in that pool, go to the community pool instead. Swim with friends, save some money!
• Energy star dishwashers and washing machines save a significant amount of water (and electricity).
• Dual flush toilets

What are some ways that you save water at home? 

Justina Blakeney - Episode 001

It's here! It's here! We are finally airing the first episode of The Honest Home Podcast. I couldn't be happier to kick this off with our first guest, Justina Blakeney. 

I've followed her blog for years now, so I loved talking with Justina. Among other things, we talked about her bold style and if she feels pressure to have a magazine worthy home since she has thousands of blog followers as well as thousands following her on social media. You can listen simply by hitting play below or downloading it. (Available on iTunes soon, working out some of the kinks!)  I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed talking with her. Photos of her fantastic designs below. 

Music in this show by Fialta. 
All photos via Justina Blakeney

Find Justina on:

Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook

Grandma's House + What Matters

She always listened to every word my 6 year old self said as I sat next to her and talked her ear off the entire Thanksgiving dinner. Going to her house meant sitting on the back patio eating pita sandwiches with strawberry smoothies and playing uno. In college I would meet her for lunch. When I was pregnant with our first she handed me a list of names that she liked, including a column of girls' names "for the future". 

Early last month I had the opportunity to sit with my grandmother as she was dying. I had brought my boys with me and they traveled in an out of the room. To sit with someone at their most vulnerable state is a privilege. I struggled to tell her all of what I wanted to say, but when I told her that I loved her she would say “I know” and that was enough. 

All photos by Loveridge Photography

During the two and a half hour long drive home I reflected on the beautiful memories that she gave me. Then my mind settled into realization that my own time on earth is finite. I reevaluated my own goals and values and who and what was important. Heart wrenching life events bring us to our knees, but they have the ability to strip away the garbage and noise and allow us to zero in on what is real and important. She died a few days later. 

I wanted to share a few photos* from my grandma's (and grandpa's) home. Her home isn’t from a magazine, but in my eyes it’s much better. She had an amazing way of adding details throughout that made me smile. The “Le Pissor” sign on the bathroom door, a hot air balloon hanging from the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen. I didn’t realize it when I was younger, but as an adult I am in awe of how organized her home is. Even as she struggled with words, she told us exactly where we could get some pictures from a closet in another room to look through.

But what I loved most about her home was that we gathered there. 
*All photos by Loveridge Photography