WHERE WE STAND + PINKY PROMISES // #BEHINDTHEBLOG

image by Carrie Elizabeth Photography

As I'm sitting here starting to type this post, I can't believe it's been six years since For All Things Lovely came to life.  With no idea what I was doing, what it would turn into or even what I wanted it to turn into for that matter; my little space of the internet started with so much heart and such a simple mindset.  Little did I know, it would take me on one of the most amazing journeys of my life.

From that little spark of creativity and passion to now my full time job, I feel like we're a little overdue to renew a few vows.  When I think about the community we've cultivated through For All Things Lovely + social media over the last few years, the places we've been able to go, the people we've been able to meet, and the amazing brands we've been so amazingly blessed to work with, I'm simply overwhelmed.  Grateful doesn't even start to cover it.

But now, a little more than six years later - the job has evolved.  

Like anything, the game has changed - the investment is greater, the struggle is harder, and the stakes are higher.  

After the last year or so of soul searching and trying to figure out what I can do better, how I can grow more, or what sets me apart from the millions of amazing women who now do the same thing I do every day - only one answer came to mind.  

DO YOU.

At the end of the day, all I want is for my blog + social outlets to be a genuine reflection of who I am as a person, who we are as a family, and sharing real life with you.  If it ever becomes anything but that, I don't want it anymore. 

After all that soul searching, what I realized was that you're not only following me.  The days of posting on instagram simply to sell a $40 top are long gone.  Who cares?  Life + love are bigger.  And the opportunity we've had and still have to build a community full of strong, supportive, amazing people is everything.  Yes, the passion for decor, fashion, and travel is all still there and will continue to be a lot of how we share life with you.  But, the end game is so much more.

You're following my family.  You've invested in our journey.  From the early years of our marriage and milestone celebrations, to closing chapters of our lives and opening others, from family struggles to health issues, from moving + renovating our new home to welcoming endless family + friends into our lives and sharing those relationships with you - for six years, we've let you into our lives on purpose.  

Some days more than others.  Most days it's really easy to share the light-hearted, crazy moments with you.  Other days, life occasionally knocks you off your feet and there may be radio silence for a few days.  Whatever life brings, the best part is that we get to do it together.  We get to be real people, with real ups, and downs.  We get to do life together.  And that my friends, is my favorite part of what the past six years has cultivated.

So, what now?

If you've followed me for quite some time, you most likely already know these things by seeing them lived out on a daily basis.  However, there's something so important about setting expectations and sharing what you stand for that's so necessary - and we're long overdue for a few pinky promises.

Here's what you can expect when letting us into your lives:

- We vow to never pretend to be anything we're not.  

The people you see on social media and read about here, are exactly the people we are in real life.  What we believe in, what we stand for, who we are as people + as a family all translates in the brightest light possible.  Always has, always will. 

- Intentional Living.

With every part of us, what you see is what you get.  While this blog is a business, it's also a huge part of me.  Of both of us.  In a world where things can be deceiving, we promise to be honest.  To let you in on the small things, the big things, and everything in between.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  

- We vow to love + support you, just like you do for us.

Some of our very best friends have been made through the world of blogging + social media.  Between other influencers, brands, businesses, and public relations, we've cultivated the most amazing relationships through this little space of the internet.  While it's not realisitc for all of us to cross paths in life in person, we want to be an outlet for you if ever needed.  From marriage questions and advice to what type of chickens you should get for your backyard (ha), we want to be a resource that you can rely on and trust.  With every single 'like', blog comment, social comment, or recommendation, you guys support me on a daily basis and it would be the very LEAST we could do to return that love + support in any way possible.  

And that's it.  After six years, hundreds of blog posts, and a lot of life lived in-between - that's what it comes down to.  

Creating something you're proud of and building a community of people who get it.   

We are so thankful for each one of you reading this and love you more than our hearts can convey.  

XX.

J and Meg

P.S. - On that real life note, I'm taking off to the West Coast and headed for Coachella with my Revolve family!  It's my first time and I'm not going to lie, I have a little anxiety about what to expect!!  But, I'm looking forward to a few days in the sunshine (and I get to bring my M Bleu with me, so you know it's going to be fuuuun)!  I'll be sharing it all on instagram + stories, so stay tuned!!