A summer of locking in — and logging off 🌺

Good Digs is a design and decor newsletter from The Good Trade. Every other Thursday, one of our editors pulls back the curtain on their space, inspirations, and reflections on home.

💛 A letter from our editor, Emily

In the past two months, I’ve traveled to Chicago, New Orleans, Cleveland, Phoenix, and Austin. Locally, I’ve driven the hour and change out of Los Angeles to Camarillo, Ventura, Diamond Bar, and Fullerton. Some of these trips were for pleasure, but most of them were for work — mattress factory tours, conferences, and meeting up with partners around the country. I am le tired.

I’ve been on the road so much that, frankly, my day-to-day routines have become frazzled and sporadic at best. Now that I’m grounded for a few months, though, it’s time to lock in and actually make the progress I’ve been craving. Think: clearing clutter, deep cleaning the pantry, and finally — finally — hanging the plants in my living room.

But I’m also making time for pleasure, the simple joys that make all the effort and investment worthwhile, like games with friends, making connections in my neighborhood WhatsApp group, and my sci-fi book club (our latest read, There Is No Antimemetics Division was terrifying and uniquely fascinating). Essentially, community and ritual is the fuel that will keep me accountable during this season of progress.

The goal is to find just the right balance between forward movement and sustainable momentum; not always an easy ask in the heat of a busy summer. So here’s a look at what I’m doing to maintain a healthy tension between the two!

Balancing my fierce drive for progress comes with balancing community, joy, and leisure.

1. It all starts with structure. As I create more space in my home, I create more space in my day to check in on myself. I set up a habit and goal tracker at the beginning of each month, and it helps me feel grounded even during months of intense travel and change. I’m already excited to create one for July! See me set it up in this recent edition of The Weekend Edit.

2. My dreeeeam is to have pothos and mini monstera and string-of-pearls succulents trailing down from the ceiling in my many-windowed living room but it’s just been a whisper of an idea. With the addition of a second (and very adventurous) cat, this has gotten a bit delayed but I think I’m finally ready to build up this jungle oasis with cat-friendly — or at least very inaccessible to kitten teeth — plants. Bring on the summer of houseplants! These macrame plant hangers on Etsy are inspiring me to make my own, if I can find the time.

3. Decluttering my closet. I have so many unworn lovely clothes that it’s time to part with, and I want them to go to good homes. I updated my wardrobe recently with ThredUp, to include more colors and florals to beat away the seasonal depression that lingers. I got a Clean Out bag as well, so I can rotate out the garments that no longer fit me or serve me in this season of life. Fingers crossed I get good store credit! Don’t worry, my review for The Good Trade is on its way soon. 👗

4. I just got an electric grill to make my city patio even more cozy. I can’t wait to have late-evening barbecues, where I finally learn how to grill a steak to perfection. I’m also excited to grill watermelon and bananas, summer treats I always look forward to. (The one I got is currently 15% off!)

5. My friend started a sci-fi book club, and we’ve met two new strangers in our neighborhood who have become fast friends of ours. I highly recommend you join or create a book club of your own! All my friend did was hang up handmade flyers, with her email and a brief description, in a handful of local coffee shops. It’s become a monthly staple for me.

6. Cookouts aren’t quick, which is why I’m also looking forward to getting a rice cooker at long last. I’ve got my eye on this one from Our Place that can also make oatmeal and casseroles, perfect for someone who fixates frequently on different meals.

7. Games, games, games! I love teaching friends new board and dice games; Qwirkle has been a real winner lately. Other easy-to-learn household favorites for when friends stop by are Heckmeck, Zombie Dice, and Blokus.

8. Community doesn’t just mean the fun stuff. I recently joined the neighborhood WhatsApp group and right off the bat found a new walking club to join, and also a neighbor in need of something I can share for free. Here’s to expanding my community, and to putting my idle RugDoctor to good use!

9. Finally, I’ve realized just how much sitting by water helps me focus and stress less. Specifically, bringing my laptop to do work by the pool is always the move. I’m looking into