Let's Catch Up with Toby Payne
The designer behind TobysHome dishes on how long it takes him to film his videos, where he gets his interior inspiration from, and his dreamy wedding day.
Hi friends,
Happy holidays! Is it officially the time of the year when I can start saying that? I’m going to regardless, so I don’t want to hear it!
How is it already mid November? The next time we talk, Thanksgiving will have come and gone (we’re hosting my family and PJ’s this year, wish us luck!!). This time of year is when business picks up for us and we’re busier than ever, which I always have such mixed, bittersweet feelings about.
On one hand, I’m so grateful for the work, especially during times like this and of course around the holidays. But on the other, I’m always the most stressed during this time (hello adulthood! hello parenthood!). Deadlines seem to come all too quickly and there are always a million things to do and get ready for, and in the meantime, it sometimes feels as if life passes me by.
I want to soak up this season, I mean really soak up these moments with my family and take in every little bit of it. It’s our favorite time of the year, so shouldn’t we enjoy it as much as possible? I got to have a Thanksgiving lunch with Allan and Anna at school yesterday, which was so cute and fun and little moments like that are what this season is all about to me, but I want to find a way to prioritize better and divide my time more evenly. I want to find a way to be able to get everything for work accomplished before the kids get home. I haven’t cooked a meal for dinner in, I am ashamed to say, WEEKS, because I am still typing away during that time, or editing a video, and I think a lot of it has to do with time management. I know there’s a better formula, and I think I will make it one of my resolutions for next year to figure out what it is.
My brother uses his PTO every year to take the last week and a half of December off and I would love to find a way to do that, though when your job is technically the internet (which never sleeps), I don’t see that happening as much.
Any suggestions?
In related news, we’re going to the tree lighting ceremony in town tonight, which is definitely something festive and fun! And I fully intend to be in the moment experience it all as it’s happening. I remember being little and going downtown to the Christmas parade every year, smiling and waving at all the floats as they drove by. Everything is so effortlessly magical when you’re young, and when you’re older, you really have to work to find that feeling and hold onto it as much as you can. It helps when you have kids, and their child-like sense of wonder rubs off on you a bit, reminding you why they’re the loves of your life and why you love this season so much.
What did we do before them?
ALSO! Some things to note this week:
My sister got married!!!
You can also see that day in video form.
The floors at Holiday House are finished and they’re so beautiful I could cry.
Last week’s Vino & Vent was a fun one.
Lastly, in this week’s issue, we’re interviewing Toby from TobysHome! His jaw-droopingly beautiful and cozy English cottage stopped us in our tracks when we came across his account last year, and we’ve been following him ever since, which is partly why we were so excited when he agreed to be featured in Okay McKay! His designs are so aspirational, and we’re taking notes on how he creates little moments that make his home feel so warm and comfortable.
Below, he’s dishing on his favorite paint colors, what book he’s reading and where he gets his inspiration from. You can also check out his brand new website here, if you want.
Okay! Put on your comfy clothes, grab a glass of whatever, and let’s catch up with Toby Payne.
