Oh hi!
Welcome to More + Merrier Life. A Seattle based lifestyle blog for those who want a cozy space to feel inspired, understood and in on the joke.
Home Decor - Motherhood - Food - Connection
I’m so glad you’re here. Grab a cookie, stay awhile and don’t mind the f-bombs.
With love,
Steph
Recent Posts
My Body Thinks It’s Pregnant…It’s Mistaken
Which is Harder : Working Mom or SAHM
DIY Kitchen Wall Divider
I love that it’s open to what the kids and I refer to as the “Art Room” aka the family room in other homes, but with no walls or enclosures around the range or fridge we were staring at some mid-tier appliances throwing out their worst angle.
Father’s Day Gift Guide 2021
If you’ve got Dads in your life that are totally killing it right now, be sure to celebrate the hell out of them on Sunday June 20th. Check out my guide for a few ideas.
How to Style an Interactive Coffee Table
A well styled coffee table is an aesthetic gift. An interactive coffee table is an invitation to engage, be curious and to play.
Why I Quit Taking Anti-Depressants After 20 years
I was 15 the first time I reached out for help. I wrote a note to my parents on a piece of lined school paper, and hurriedly thrust it into their hands with the instructions not to read it until I was upstairs in my room. I knew what I was feeling didn’t seem “normal”. I was so sad, and I was so ashamed. I also knew that I couldn’t handle it on my own.
My Top Picks for Outdoor Entertaining + Decor
We all deserve a great outdoor season this year, whether that’s a picnic in a public park, a small spread on your fire escape or a casual BBQ in the backyard of your Hampton’s cottage (I’ll bring dessert). There’s a lot to be hopeful and excited about, and I intend to make the most of it. As I write this, I am sitting in my backyard listening to the sounds of the suburbs (mostly golden doodles barking and Moms topping off their Sauv Blanc) and imagining my friends laughing while seated at my outdoor dining table, cocktails in hand, bellies full of pot luck dishes.
Divorce Anniversary
Today is my one year divorce anniversary. This time last year, I opened my email to the subject ‘Final Orders’ and ‘The Commissioner has reviewed and signed your orders for divorce.’ in the body of the email. A tidy pdf attachment rounded out the technical and unceremonious dissolution of our marriage.
My 40 Before 40 List
Many years ago when I was a year and change away from turning 30, I compiled a 30 before 30 list. I found it was a great exercise in reminding myself to explore and stay curious. Now that I am within spitting distance of turning 40 (Summer ‘22), I feel the urge to draw up a list again.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021
Here’s a list of items, experiences and ideas to make it abundantly clear how much we appreciate the Moms in our lives.
How to Style a Family Bookshelf
I love a well styled bookshelf.
I have spent much of my educational and work experience merchandising horizonal or vertical planes for photo shoots, events and interior spaces. Finding the right balance of color, size and texture is no easy feat and there’s such a feeling of accomplishment when everything finally falls into place.
Land Your Dream Job / My Interview With Career Coach Nic Frick
The pandemic has disrupted the careers of so many people the world over, but women in particular have been hit hard. Whether you’re looking to get back into the workforce after a hiatus spent caring for family, navigating the choppy waters of resume building and interviewing after a layoff or seeking a position that leaves you fulfilled instead of burnt out, read on for valuable insights from my interview with career coach Nic Frick.
10 Reasons Being an Adult is Awesome
When I was a kid I dreamed of being an adult. Adult life seemed glamorous and cool and full of really fulfilling responsibilities.
I was mostly wrong, but you know what? I was kind of right too…read on for validation that becoming an adult was the right decision.
Stuck in a Rut?Here are 5 Ways to Climb Out
I have been stuck in a creative and motivational rut for the last month, and there are many reasons I can point to that have drained me of creative and motivational energy. I have been accepting of my plateau and given myself grace, which is a mindset I’ve only recently adopted in the last year, but…
This plateau has become a wall.
My Daily Uniform
My early forays into fashion were colorful, experimental and often fodder for gentle jabbing from my siblings.
Who could blame them?
I once walked into dinner wearing denim mule stilettos and suede short shorts circa 2002. Perhaps a bit outlandish, but I was doing an NYC undergraduate program in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising and pushing the envelope was part of the deal.
A Love Letter to Love
This Valentine’s Day I’m rolling single having just gone through a breakup a month ago, and readers, it was a doozy. Going through a divorce last year and then putting my heart back out there was a leap of faith, or maybe insane. It started off innocently enough- a rebound to get me through the most destabilizing time in my life- and I ended up falling in love and gaining a best friend.
The Transformative Power of Greenery
There is something so calming, so effortless and so naturally beautiful about greenery arrangements. Pretense is absent and it feels like nature just stepped inside and made itself comfortable in the nearest vase.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021
Taking a day to focus exclusively on those you love, not just a romantic partner, is pretty great. If you’re the gift giving type, I’ve picked out some fantastic options that will last beyond the day and be a loving reminder that you care.
Welcome to Motherhood / My Letter to New Moms
Three years ago a close friend of mine was on the precipice of first time Motherhood. After the birth of two kids, I felt I had a few kernels of wisdom to share, so I wrote her a letter.
Ode to the Cloth Napkin
You may be surprised to learn just how important a napkin really is. It is not just a square of cloth, it's a tool for bringing people together and showing them how important they to you. See? I knew you’d be surprised!
