How I'm Creating More Softness in Everyday Life
(10 Small Things That Helped Recently)
Lately, I find myself wanting more softness in life.
In redefining my relationship with work and rest, I've realized softness is often the bridge that keeps everything in balance. It's what holds things together — not by doing more, but by creating breathing room. Pausable moments. Little exhales built into the day, for me and for my family, no matter how everything else unfolds.
None of it happens by accident. It's something I'm actively learning to make space for.
Here's what that looked like this week — and how you can fold a little more ease and joy into yours too.
1. A new entry table. I finally got the one I'd been eyeing — lower profile, more our style. It makes the whole entryway feel cleaner and bigger. Instant exhale every time I walk through the door. Soft places start at the threshold.
2. Fresh flowers on the coffee table. Green and white mums, Veronica, and Gypsophila from Trader Joe's. Simple. Beautiful. Worth every dollar. I don’t know how to explain it but there’s something about fresh flowers that makes a home feel lived in and loved.
3. Hats and a low bun. With a busy schedule, remote work, and a toddler home full time, sometimes I need a chic, effortless, win. This week, it was hats. Perfect for off-camera days or a quick walk around the lake to see the ducks. Also, a major essential with temperatures already reaching the 90s. (Linking my favorite below.)
I’m wearing this hat all summer! This with a low bun + chunky earrings works every time. Shop Now →
4. A Petco adventure. My toddler is obsessed with fish right now. A ~1.5 hour drive to the aquarium through LA traffic wasn't happening — so we went to the Petco three minutes away. It was one of his best days yet but also, another quick win for me. 😭
5. New olive trees — and old ones coming back. I planted two new little ollies out front . But what really got me: the older ones that had a rough winter, lost nearly all their leaves — they're back! Growing more full and green each day. I'm sooo glad I didn't give up on them. (pictured below)
6. Sweet evenings around the kitchen table. Basque cheesecake. Strawberry shortcakes (below). My husband's face when dessert came out. Us lingering at the table laughing, long past when we should've cleaned up. These are the moments.
7. Saturday snuggles in West’s bed. We took over our son's room mid-afternoon after he decided there’d be no nap 😅. It was so nice to snuggle, and brace ourselves, while he jumped on us, played, and rolled around. Nothing else existed and I could’ve stayed there for hours.
8. Tea outside during rush hour. There’s something almost healing about stepping outside, into birdsong and golden hour light while the world moves fast all around you. Our home is a soft place to land. Standing in it — I don't take that for granted.
9. A pistachio candle. Lit it while I sat in the chair and watched my toddler jump out his last bit of energy before bed. It was the exact signal my body needed to come down. The candlelight, warmth, and soft blanket all felt like permission.
10. Lamp glow vs. overhead lights. I've been turning off the overheads as the evening winds down. Yet another small, but significant signal I give my body that says: we're slowing down now. It's starting to work…and I loveee that warm romance it brings the house.
None of this is random. I'm learning that softness doesn't just happen — you have to make room for it. The evening ones especially. That's where the day either unravels or settles.
If you're craving that feeling too — a place where the day actually gets to end — I made something for you.
→ [The Night Time Routine Guide — your soft place to land.]
With Love,
Ambyr