Soft Cuts: A July Newsletter

Welcome back to Soft Cuts

Welcome back to Soft Cuts! If you are new here.. this is where I share a little about what I have been up to and what has stuck with me each month. My hope is that it inspires you!

My July Mood Boards…

1. Creating…

I can’t make an album without beverages!

My favorite creation this month has been a mix of music and flowers. It’s been a little bit of a slower floral month, which has given me more time to plan upcoming events in the fall, as well as, dive into music, and some travel. Taking a smaller step back from designing and business logistics has been so refreshing. It’s allowed space for visiting new places, writing new songs, finishing old ones, and being around my community.

Right now, I’m working on a new music project that I’m genuinely so excited about. I feel so connected to the project and even on the harder days, when I’m feeling down or uninspired, the process has been emotional in the best type of way. It has been a way for me to process a lot and for that I feel very grateful. I truly think that is what music is all about.

Instead of making a vlog…which I have really tried, but always fail at getting the footage, I thought it might be fun to share a little more of my day-to-day to get a feel on how I schedule out my week!

My Daily Flow

6:30–7:00am

I like to start the day slow. Make a coffee, eat a protein yogurt, and sit downstairs to journal or just be still before everything gets busy. I’m naturally an early bird, but I also like getting a head start on my floral schedule, writing, or personal assistant schedule.

7:00am-8:30am

If I can, I love beginning the day with movement. This might be a Pilates class, a long walk or run, or a gym workout followed by the sauna. Lately, I’ve been enjoying morning runs or walks outdoors just to clear my mind without the noise of work or schedules.

On heavy floral weeks, I’ll swing by the floral market between 7:00 and 8:30am to order or pick up products for the week. I usually pick up a coffee and wander through the market when it’s quiet. It feels like a date with myself and I love it. I look forward to it.

8:30–9:00am

Breakfast! My go-to meal: 2–3 eggs with fresh dill, salt, and pepper. (go ahead and consider adding dill on top of your eggs. It is a simple way to change your life) 2 chicken sausage links, half an avocado, and maybe a slice of fresh sourdough with goat cheese. All topped with hot sauce, of course. Troy is an angel and makes my breakfast most mornings while I am out and about doing the absolute most or sitting downstairs with my coffee haha!

9:00–9:30am

Shower and get ready for the day. My daily routine is simple. Skincare and sunscreen are very important to me. Depending on the day, I usually wear no makeup or light makeup. Linking my favorite products here incase you’re in the mood to shop or are just curious!? - Abby Jane Products

10:00–3:30pm

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I work in the office as a personal assistant. I love it and it keeps me thinking about something other than my own personal goals for a little bit.

Tuesdays through Fridays are more flexible. I might be working remotely from home, in a writing or studio session, or creating florals for an event. Pictured below are my two favorite creative spaces in our home. We have a studio upstairs but honestly I am usually sitting by this piano with my journal or creating something on this table.

Weekends are always different. If there’s an event, I’m prepping or working it all day. If not, I’m recharging, hanging with friends, or spending time with Troy.

3:30–5:00pm

If the weather’s nice, I’ll go for a walk or fit in a gym workout if I didn't have time in the morning, depending on what my body needs that day!!! This is important for everyone, but especially women!

5:00–6:00pm

If we don’t have plans with friends, I’m usually cooking dinner with Troy, drinking tea, relaxing on the couch, working on music, watching a show, writing on here, or playing sims. Possibilities are endless right now!

Lately, on the floral side… Nashville has been buzzing with new openings.

The photo above was for the recent Lemon Laine opening. Their new location is stunning and I am so excited for all of the future events we have planned together.

I’ve recently started partnering with a few brands and shops that love fresh florals in their spaces. I refresh the arrangements twice a month, and it’s amazing how much it transforms the atmosphere. It’s been especially inspiring to connect with other female-owned businesses and creative founders in the area. Working with restaurants and brands have been some of my favorite gigs so far. Forza Pilates has been one of my favorite partnerships as well. They have the best team and all work so hard. I am excited for upcoming events!

2. Listening…

“I’m not the summer of all my worries and I’m not the summer of yours. I’m not the summer of 2015, but I can be the summer of now” I love these lyrics from Summer Of Now by James Blake. If you’ve been reading along you already know he is one of my top favorite artists. I resonate with these lyrics and I think we all can in our own way. We change so much each year and so much happens from summer to summer. Sad and happy things. I love that this song encourages me to be where I am right now, even when the seasons are changing and life is moving.

So, for July I made a playlist that feels a little bit more upbeat. It is kind of a random playlist but again that is what I feel a playlist is. I used to burn my own mixtape CDs for my car every week in high school and it was one of my favorite things to do. I also listened to a lot of Kings Of Leon so this felt nostalgic.

I have been walking and running quite a bit more consistently so I thought it would be fun to curate a playlist based on a mixture of songs to run to and just songs to listen to when I am driving in my car.

3. Pondering…

I’ve been listening to a podcast called Rule of Life, and it’s been a real encouragement to me in my healing and grief process. I’ve especially been drawn to the series on community and family, which has had me reflecting a lot on what truly matters in my own personal life and community. I appreciate how the podcast explores the idea that community is not just helpful, but essential for growth and healing. It is important to walk with others through hardship and even success. But our success can never be everything and in my opinion, a genuine community can’t be built off of that alone. I love that this podcast takes a deeper look into family systems and the importance of being rooted in a close-knit, intentional community. I’ve found it comforting to be reminded that community doesn’t have to be wide or expansive to be meaningful. I’ve long been encouraged by John Mark Comer’s books and teachings, especially during covid when everything was pissing me off. So listening to this podcast has become a grounding practice for me. A way to rest, slow down, and learn.

4. Wearing…

I recently took two really special trips. One with Troy, and one with close friends.

First, Troy and I went back to Mexico, to the same place we spent our honeymoon about four and a half years ago. It was such a meaningful and relaxing getaway for us, full of slow mornings, sunshine, deep conversation, and lots of good food.

Almost like right after, I took a solo girls’ trip to New York to celebrate my friend Sarah’s 30th birthday. It was energizing in a completely different way. Full of city walks, deep catch-ups, tears lol, reminiscing on old memories, dancing and late dinners out.

Of course, you know I had some fun with outfits on both trips:

In Mexico, I wore a white dress from Namur Collection that was the perfect piece. Easy as a pool cover-up but enough for a beach walk and dinner. I styled it with a blue basket-weave bag from Sézane and layered on some silver jewelry from my Jenny Bird collection.

In New York, It was so hot so I kept it cute and comfortable with a mix of skirts, tanks, shorts, and workout wear. For one of the cooler, rainy evenings, I dressed things up a bit with a blazer and skirt combo that felt polished but still easy.

5. Keeping…

Dinners at home

Sounds funny because we all have to eat, but I was thinking the other day how weird and funny it is that we need food to survive. It makes me laugh when I think about it too deeply. I love eating out, but there has been something so special about dinners at our home. Troy and I always talk about how grateful we are that we can always somehow afford to get good and clean groceries and host people in our home or even just make meals at home throughout the week. It is a blessing and I hope I keep that mindset forever.

I’ve always loved hosting, and cooking at home has become such a comforting thing. Over time, I’ve gathered a collection of serving and dinnerware. A collection of pieces I’ve picked up while thrifting, traveling, or gifts from friends and family.

These horse plates and the matching pitcher have become a bit of an obsession. I found them a while back, and they bring me so much joy every time I use them. All I need is an actual horse. The tennis glasses were a thrifted find for Troy’s house back when we were dating in Tulsa. We still use them all the time, especially in the summer and especially when hosting.

The brown placemats were a pop-up shop find in East Nashville. I personally love pairing them with our yellow plates, but honestly, they’d look great with just about anything.

I was gifted the floral napkins and the matching blue placemats from my friend Emily. I use them all the time and they truly fit my vibe so perfectly.

Some of my favorite hosting items are listed here.

A new favorite meal we have been making is cauliflower crust pizzas. We usually buy the pre made cauliflower crust at Whole Foods and a bunch of different toppings. I make a homemade zucchini, kale and basil pesto that we use as the sauce. I love making the pesto because I can use it for pasta another night during the week.

Alright, that’s it for this month’s Soft Cuts. Thanks so much for reading and spending a little time here. I’m already looking forward to gathering and sharing more for the next one. It really is the little things. Until then, I want to leave you with this. You are talented enough and your art belongs in this world. Big or small, it will encourage and change at least one person around you.

Until next time. Love,

Abby Jane