M A K A Y L A M A R I E

“It’s so beautiful outside.

The sun is beaming down on my black ensemble, seeping into the fabric, and keeping me warm.

Then breezes come and they go but when they stay, they refresh me. They cool me off. Along with the breaks they deliver, they rustle crunchy leaves and brown debris. They line the edges of the sidewalk as contentment fills the corners of my heart.

Contentment—the confidence in…

Slowing Down: A Conversation on Fast Fashion

I recently watched a powerful documentary called The True Cost*, cataloging the devastating truth behind the fast fashion industry. Many companies refuse to hold responsibility for the outsourcing of their production in countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and India (among countless impoverished others), where labor is incredibly cheap, living wages are nearly never met, working is a dangerous…

I found it fitting, in this moment of solitude, to write again. If you’re wondering where I’ve been, I’ve been in busy-ville. If you’re wondering why I haven’t shared, it’s because I’m in overwhelming-ton. If you’re simply wondering how life in Portland is, it’s hard. Despite the weight I’ve felt on my shoulders this week, nothing compares to the easy yoke and light burdens that come with just…

Here are some ideas for:

The Creative

Taschen Basic Art Series 2.0

Price: $14.99 each

I’m always found to be buying books in this series from Taschen because one, they are great places to look when in need of inspiration, but because they look really nice on a desk and are fun to read through. If you’re local to Portland, they have nearly every one at Powell’s up in the pearl room.

The Skin Enthusiast

Glossier

Price: $12-60

If you have a cool-girl friend that is super into taking care of their skin, wearing makeup, or is big on brands that kill it on social media, anything from Glossier will do. Balm Dotcom is great because it comes in 6 flavors, can be bundled in three’s to save money, and is all around amazing. Just $12 each! Products like Cloud Paint, Generation G, and Priming Moisturizer are great in case you don’t know what shade to get of Stretch Concealer or Boy Brow.

Perfect if you’re in a rush because they are upgrading all shipping for FREE in order to receive your orders by Christmas. It’s also fun to ship the package straight to your friends! They package it beautifully and it will ultimately get there quicker! Press the link above and you’ll also get 20% off. You can’t go wrong, just dew it!

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Price: $15-22

This product has saved my cracked, winter hands. It smells really good, is small enough to throw in a bag and take if you’re flying this holiday season. If you’re in a hurry, a gift card to Kiehl’s would be a great gift. They have so many great products to choose from, the skin enthusiast in your life will be happy to have choices.

You can find them online, at Nordstrom’s, or Macy’s.

The Modern Intellectual

Kinfolk Magazine

Price: $18-24

Kinfolk has great options for the readers in your life. Each issue is specially curated with essays, writings, editorial photography, and much more, all thinkers will love. If your budget allows, Kinfolk’s other published work like The Kinfolk Home and Table and their newest, Entrepreneur, are great gifts too.

The Minimalist

The Modernist’s Coloring Book

Price: $18

I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t on my own wish list. I can’t imagine a more perfect gift for the minimalist in your life. Can easily be paired with a set of monochromatic pens or simply a pencil (*winks*).

The Gardener

A plant

Price: $5-15

Swing by your local Home Depot, Walmart, or florist and pick up a little succulent or tropical plant for the green thumb in your life. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

The Reader

Magazine

Price: Varies

Any reader would love a new magazine to flip through and read. Some of my favorites are: Kinfolk, Darling, Tapestry, Cereal, Define, and The Gourmand.

Here’s a really amazing blog post about other magazines every creative should have from Creative Boom.

The Caffeinator

French Press

Price: Varies

A french press is a great, affordable gift for those who love coffee or tea. It’s an easy method of brewing both in the comfort of your home. You can find them practically anywhere, but here are a few of my favorites:

Bodom Brazil Press, Ikea Coffee/Tea Maker, and if you want to splurge: Yield French Press

The Planner

Poketo Stationary

Price: Varies

Whether it’s notepads, planners, pencils and pens, sticky notes, envelopes or calendars, Poketo has just the gifts you need for the organized. Plus, they’re designed well and easy to carry around wherever you go.

The Health Conscious

Care/Of Vitamins

Price: $30-120

Give the gift of wellness with Care/Of personalized vitamin packs. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go through the trouble of selecting the vitamins. Simply select a gift card amount and send their way. They’ll get to make all the decisions to fit their needs. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, or rather, delivering.

The Sentimental 

Artifact Uprising Gift Card

Price: Varies

Send a friend the gift of nostalgia and keep print alive. The perfect gift for that person who loves to keep mementos on their shelf and can’t throw away anything because it means so much to them. They can order personalized prints, photo, wedding, and baby books, calendars, and more.

The Art Student

Art Every Day Hat

Price: $36

For the dedicated or too-cool-for-school artist in your life.

I will say that the best thing you can do if you’re stuck figuring out what to get that one person, it’s to go out and support a local business. Find a boutique in your neighborhood and buy from their goods. Support a coffee shop and buy a pound of their locally roasted beans. It’s likely the quality will be better, it will be unique (maybe even one of a kind), and it will be made well, chosen with care. I’ve had the best luck going out and getting off of a screen to find the perfect something for that someone special, things I couldn’t think of while stuck inside.

Yet still, the best gift you can give someone is your time. It’s priceless yet valuable, and better than any material possession you could ever give. So if all else fails, spend a day. Take a moment.

Simply being present with another is a present.

Makayla Marie

I knew of Totokaelo but didn’t plan on visiting while in Seattle for a day (in fear of cramming too much), so I didn’t mention it. I had no idea where it was, but after eating lunch at Oddfellow’s Cafe and Bar and seeing it right next store I got pretty excited. How convenient was that? Like I’ve said before, I can’t afford anything in stores like Totokaelo, Johan, Frances May, etc. But I can…

The holiday season is a time so near and dear to my heart I was weary of not getting to spend it with my immediate family this year. I’ve been moved for over two months now, my mom is married and moved, and the rest are dispersed in several parts of the country. One would think that not spending Thanksgiving with your family is hard. But, to my surprise, it was just as, if not, more, enjoyable…

On Earth as It Is in Heaven

Tonight, as I sit and rest with Jesus, I’m inspired by heavens call to see believers and people alike press on. Heaven’s heart I believe is never rushed, but I do feel an urgency to move forward. To step out and be a strong pillar of faith. “It’s time to run,” says the Lord. Not away from fires but straight into them. Filling your hearts with compassion and joy. Seeking the lost. Opening your…

No One Left Behind

This week I’ve been pondering the subject of division and the enemy’s attempt to bring strife. While at the same time, still thinking more of God’s heavenly unity. There’s a wonderful passage in Ezekiel 33 where God says, “You, son of man, are the watchmen. I’ve made you a watchmen for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked man, wicked woman,…

Self Portrait Series: October

I decided a good way to share my self portraits for October was accompanied by a general life update. And apparently 3 days into November. It’s been about a month and a half since I moved to downtown Portland, transferred jobs, and started my serious design studies at PSU. It’s been a little bumpy (much like any transition), but I believe it’s starting to smooth itself out as I find routine, new…

A Guide to Self Care and Awareness: the Do’s, Not the Don’ts

Be passionate about your work. Focus and give your all. Take joy in the little things: a Sunday afternoon off, a breeze in the air, a mellow lo-fi playlist, a new skincare product, greeting people on the street, sharing dinner with a friend, turning in an assignment, drinking coffee while it rains. Praise yourself for showing up, for being present. Write more. Curate and guard your thinking. Read…

Today I can’t stop thinking about the things God has already done through his people that are available for us to use against the principalities that come against us. I can be frequently found asking God for tools to strengthen me, to give me the advantage I need, and the courage to stand up boldly in the midst of doubt. The thing is, he’s almost already given me all the tools I’ve asked for.…

A space I strived to make my own and an extended part of the person I am.

Thoughtfully curating my space all started after viewing the documentary “Minimalism” back in February. I was convinced I had a problem spending money, consuming, and that the things I owned meant nothing to me.

The things that surrounded me were not sparking as much joy in me as they could until I made some adjustments.

Since then, I have taken a lot of the minimalists and Marie Kondo (author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) methods to heart when it comes to decluttering and riding of the unnecessary junk we tend to keep in our lives.

For me, minimalism looked like getting rid of the majority of the things I had because 1). I didn’t/no longer put value on them and 2). I used shopping and buying material things to fill what used to be unknown voids in me.

Even though certain things were harder to get rid of than others, I’ve noticed how much I don’t miss the things I’ve ridden of. So much so, I wonder why I hadn’t been living with less all along.

  The absence of clutter in my life meant a clearer mind and a desire to be more authentic when deciding what areas in life to prioritize over others.

I miss this space because of the oasis I made it. It was my first real hiding spot. My secret place.

I spent nights in it afraid, nights in it laughing on the phone with Curtis.

Mornings in my bed until 10, mornings full of singing.

Late afternoons drinking tea or writing or spinning vinyl.

  Things are looking good in my new space and I think I’m doing an okay job at adjusting. It’s been difficult finding a routine that doesn’t make me lose my mind. Everyday has looked different the last week yielding to God’s rhythms of grace, learning to budget my money and my abundant amounts of time, and remembering that above all, I need Jesus during every waking moment.

Sure I can live with less stuff, less clutter, and less consuming.

But I can’t come to terms with ever living with less of Jesus.

I’ve decided the only way I will make it the next three years on my own is with his help. With his spirit dwelling inside of me. His peace, his wisdom, and his love will keep me afloat, will keep me sane, and keep me moving.

My good friend Carla offered to photograph my space before I packed it up and made my move. She did a wonderful job of capturing the nooks I admired and spent most time in and the items I found most value in.

I took pride in my thoughtfully color-coordinated open closet showing her my most favorite pieces and explaining the joy I’ve found in curating a simple, capsule wardrobe where everything goes with everything. Perk: No more mornings spending endless minutes taking outfits on and off. Everything matches. And so what if I wear the same pair of pants three days in a row? I’m gonna wear them.

  In the midst of decluttering I discovered that my books were probably my most valued possessions. I couldn’t think to throw any of them away (with a few exceptions) and found they brought me the most joy when stacked nicely on a dresser or a nightstand or even on the ground. I don’t necessarily believe that “knowledge is power” but I do believe it’s inspiration. And that is the one thing I wanted to surround myself with when designing aspects of my room: inspiration.

A book on Charles and Ray Eames, the pioneers of the mid-century modern era, and My Name is Hope (written about in a previous blog post) are like my ride-or-die pair. Both are easily my favorite books. I go to Eames when thirsty for design inspiration and My Name is Hope when I’m anxious or discouraged and find myself in moments of weakness.

Journaling is a big part of my life and my primary system of processing what I’m experiencing and learning. You may be able to see several of my notebooks being stored near my plants below. Those are always things I will never be able to part with, as they’ve become quite literally physical, outward expressions of my growth and thinking. I like to think of them as volumes. As collections of my words and the words spoken over me to look back on and remember. To bring me courage in times of doubt and peace in times of chaos.

  The next few images are probably my favorite because they become a little more sentimental. And if there’s one thing I struggled with when donating/throwing away lots of my belongings, was remembering the reasons why I kept them, much of which were sentimental. I learned through the process that it’s okay to rid of something and recognize it’s diminished value. It’s always a good time to make room.

In the image below I’m pointing to what I would call my favorite picture of Curtis and I. The photo strips we collect are mementos I will never get rid of. Because I believe they will always spark that much joy in me.

When deciding what things to focus on after decluttering I chose to start exploring skincare and the art of self care. Because of the calming aspects of a step by step routine of cleansing, massaging, and moisturizing my face, it’s become a ritual I look forward to everyday to create a healthy canvas for minimal makeup.

Last but not least, one of my favorite things about my space was getting to share it with my pal, Romeo. Who, ironically, fit right into the aesthetic I was going for. I don’t know how Carla captured him so well, for he never seems to deliver anything but grumpy looks. If you know me but at all, I’m a cat lover. And I’m somewhat obsessed with my persian. Seeing as I wasn’t able to bring him with me into downtown Portland, looking at these photos today makes me miss him so much. My gentle, little fur ball.

I strongly believe that the concepts presented within minimalism are biblical. They foster the idea that the things we own don’t define us. They encourage us to focus on the things that matter and to view contentment differently.

Jesus says:

“Take care, be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

Jesus is reminding us to guard our hearts against the ways and distractions of the world and reiterating our call to live purposefully and with intention. Not experiencing temporary contentment that comes with owning “stuff, but instead investing in eternity:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

I want my heart to reflect a stripping down to the bare essentials. I want to invest in what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. For I know that those things will last. I know that those things will spark joy not just in these moments on earth, but future ones in heaven.

Makayla Marie

All photo’s taken by the amazing Carla Pena (with VSCO filter edits by yours truly). You can find her at http://www.carlajuliett.com and you can follow her personal Instagram: @carlajuliett

Almost 24 months. 42 (going on 43) posts. 2,900 views. 1,642 visitors. Read in 25 countries. 1 girl. 1 idea. But who’s counting? I’m in awe at where this “idea” has taken me and the course in which I see it going. I couldn’t be more humbled by the responses I get from all who follow along. The encouragement you give. Your affirmation. And most importantly your support. To be quite honest I don’t…

A few days ago I finished what to me was the most life changing book ever. To say I devoured it is an understatement. I couldn’t stop reading it. Every word of it is God-breathed and full of truth. I already want to read it a second time. It gave me the courage to step out and into my freedom. To turn my fears into faith. It gave me the strength to stop making excuses and start irradicating the…

I’ve been wanting to properly introduce someone very special to me, to you. And now feels like the best time to do so. His name is Curtis. Curtis Lovrak. He’s about 5’11”, maybe 6′, has the best blond hair and blue eyes, drives an e36 BMW on most days, and has liked this girl named Makayla for a long time now. He’s my boyfriend, but more importantly he’s my best friend. He’s caring, hysterical…

It’s been a really incredible week. I mean like, really good. I’ve been on the biggest inspiration, writing, creative, and peace streak of my life. I started reading My Name Is Hope by John Mark Comer; It’s a book on anxiety, depression, and life after melancholy from a biblical perspective — and let me tell you, it is changing my life, convicting me, and most importantly, healing me. Just a…