Honestly, I have no clue where the last year and a half went.

Not only was the world dealing with an insane pandemic, but our everyday routines changed, social lives changed, jobs changed, my wardrobe changed (sweat pants for life), AND on top of all that we were knee deep and living in the middle of a giant home renovation. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m tired. I have no idea how we lived our previous lives before the pandemic when we would pack everything we could fit into 24 hours. Just thinking about it makes me want to take a nap.

Due to schedules, and stress, and sleep, it got to the point where some things had to take a back seat, and unfortunately the blog was one of them. I didn’t want to push out content that was half-assed just for the sake of pushing out content, so I decided to focus on the rest of life before getting back into the swing of things here. (And based on other people’s social media accounts and the frequency of their blog posts, a lot of other people were feeling the EXACT same way).

At first I felt guilty about the lack of posting, but I kinda liked not having to think about instagram numbers and google page views, and all that stuff. I decided to give myself a break. Although 2020 (and most of 2021!) wasn’t bad for me personally, it was still a lot to deal with in regards to a lifestyle change. Mentally, physically, and emotionally.

But, I am happy to report that WE’RE BACK!

And you may have noticed by now, but the blog was also in the middle of having a brand new look designed and updated too! (Think we had enough going on, or what?!)

After (what seems like) an eternity, I can’t believe that I’m finally writing this post. Little did you guys know, but this blog redesign has been in the works for years (Literal years. No joke).

Due to procrastination on my end, updates, changes, revisions, additions, and more changes, it took FOREVER to get this baby off the ground. Thank you to the team at Mara Design Co. for putting up with me!!!

But it’s finally here and I’m hoping it’s going to work a whole lot better than the old site did and have a lot more functionality to help you guys find more of what you need!

There are still a few little hiccups and issues we’re working through, but we’re just about there! (Time to pop the champagne!)

So without further adieu, let me show you guys a few of the new features!

First up, there’s a brand new bio page with some fun facts and a shiny new FAQ section too! I’m hoping this will be a quick way to answer some of the questions that I get asked the most. I’ll continue to add to this section from time to time!

This next section is one that I’m most excited about. I’m finally sharing a shop feature! I’ll be sharing direct links to my favorite items and all the things that I share in each post. You’ll also be able to shop the IG feed and find my Amazon favorites too! This section has a few hiccups that we’re working through at the moment, but it should be up and running smoothly very soon. I’ll also be working behind the scenes to add links to past posts and in feed photos too!

In the next few months, Let’s Mingle will be rolling out a new newsletter! Soon you’ll be able to sign up to receive emails containing my fave pieces of content, recipes, DIY’s, hot deals at my fave stores, and exclusive content that I’ll only be sharing with newsletter subscribers. This feature will be up and running soon!

Searching for posts on the old site was a bit of a challenge, but the new website makes it so much easier! You can click on any of the little icons above to go to a specific section on the blog or use the search bar if you’re looking for something specific. This feature is a great way to find a recipe, DIY, or anything that isn’t featured on the home page.

I’m also highlighting a few of my fave posts in the “Featured Faves” section. I’m hoping this section will help you find a new favorite too!

I love partnering with brands to create fun new content for you guys and in the “Fave Collabs” section, I’m sharing…you guessed it…my favorite collaborations with those brands! You’ll find recipes, cocktails, DIY’s and more in this section!

On top of everything else, I also gave myself a challenge to read 24 books this year, and I’m documenting it all on Goodreads. You can find my profile by clicking the “Currently Reading” section on the sidebar to see what books I’ve finished, what books I’m currently reading, and what I have on my shelf to read next!

So there you have it! Some brand new, shiny features on the new website design and some more things we’re working to get up really soon.

And not only that, but we’re working on A LOT of new content behind the scenes that I can’t wait to share including house renovation updates, travel guides, video content, and a fun new series that Josh is helping with too!

I hope you guys will take a look around, get comfy, and mingle with us on the new site!