We’re finally renovating the kitchen!
Hakanson Home Alyssa H Hakanson Home Alyssa H

We’re finally renovating the kitchen!

For the last two months, Joey and I have been in the thick of a kitchen remodel. This has been on our project list since the day we moved in, and I have to say: I’m glad it took us 3 years to get to it. We’ve picked up so many skills over the last few years of homeownership, and it was all leading here.

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2023: Connect
Musings Alyssa H Musings Alyssa H

2023: Connect

I’ve been thinking about how Joey and I can build a life here, so far away from the place we began. About how it will continue to feel a little bit impossible with shallow roots… I’m beginning to wonder if I need to make it all a bit more explicit: “I’m choosing you. I want to show up for you. I want to be inconvenienced for you. I would love for that to be mutual. Can I count on you? Can I love you?”

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Gift Guide: For the Homebody
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

Gift Guide: For the Homebody

This year, I’m pretend-shopping for three portions of my personality and sharing a few things I’ve loved and a few things I would love. First up: the homebody, the lover of a quiet night in, the curator of cozy.

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What I’m Planning for Our Study
Hakanson Home, Design Alyssa H Hakanson Home, Design Alyssa H

What I’m Planning for Our Study

This was meant to be our first project after moving in, but suddenly it was a home office for me, I started calling it “the study” like I lived in a period piece, and it was no longer a priority on our project list. But during the pandemic, the corporate world shifted, we now have the option for some flexibility, and we’ve decided to take it. All this to say: I guess The Study is here to stay, and it needs to be extremely functional.

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The 10 Best Books I Read This Year
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

The 10 Best Books I Read This Year

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a book roundup, but I’ve continued my tear through genres and bestseller lists. I’ve read as widely as usual (over 50 books this year!), but this list is definitely more heavily weighted toward sci-fi, fantasy, and magical realism than most have been. I think maybe I’ve wanted a bit of escapism!

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Gift Guide 2021: The Good Stuff
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

Gift Guide 2021: The Good Stuff

last year I published an “Upgrade Your Life” wish list full of things I loved and slightly splurgey items that were on my personal wish list, and it was a fun excercise in finding beautiful, quality things that really add to my life. This year I want to share items I’ve received and loved and items I personally love to gift.

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Every Product on my shelf right now
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

Every Product on my shelf right now

It’s no secret that I’m product-obsessed. My lineup of skin care is held in check only by the force of my relentless frugality and my hatred for clutter.

From holy grail skincare faves to the new things I’m trying, here’s what’s in my medicine cabinet right now.

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9 Things I Bought & Loved Lately
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

9 Things I Bought & Loved Lately

I thought I’d share a few things that I’ve bought and loved over the last several months just in case you’re on the lookout for something similar. All of these have been in my possession for at least 2 months, and I would buy them again and/or rave about them to my friends. Happy shopping!

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The 10 Best Books I Read This Year
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

The 10 Best Books I Read This Year

I read almost 40 books in 2020. I’m a reading generalist: I’ll pick up most anything and finish it, but I don’t like them all equally. I went through my list of this year’s reads and pulled out my favorites. These are books that deserve to be read.

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How to Fight Maskne
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

How to Fight Maskne

To this day, my skin remains incredibly dramatic. My joke is that it’s always looking for a reason to be mad at me, and Covid masks have given it a reason to be furious.

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10 Books I’ve Loved Lately
Lifestyle Alyssa H Lifestyle Alyssa H

10 Books I’ve Loved Lately

I’m a voracious reader, and I always have been. Though I spent my childhood obsessed with adventure and historical fiction, I now read everything from sci-fi to religion to romance to biography. This perfectly positions me as a recommender of your next read!

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