Who we are
We are two sisters, Martie and Merilee. We have a shared love for all things cozy, creative, and homey. We’ve always had a deep appreciation for the warmth and comfort a cozy space can bring. Whether we’re cooking, organizing, hosting, decorating, or just enjoying time at home, we’re all about making spaces feel like a true sanctuary.
About Merilee
Hi! I’m Merilee, an artist by day, and by night. During the day, I work as a Lead Product Designer, shaping how people interact with digital products. By night, or during any free time I have left, I paint, draw letter, resin, and design. I live in Utah with my chef husband, Mark, and our two cats, Miles and Mimi. I also have two amazing bonus daughters, Stormy and Emma, who mean the world to me. My life feels complete with our little family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m a former roller derby girl who still loves roller skating, traveling, and cozy nights in with Mark, eating whatever delicious creation Mark cooks up, watching our favorite shows, or cozying up in our living room to visit. Years ago, I started The Awkward Years Project, a blog that went viral. It encouraged people to share their most awkward childhood photos alongside how they overcame those years. It landed me on news stations, and in publications, with my proudest moment being featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things Magazine in December 2013.
With Home Sweet Homebodies, my goal is to become an aspiring interior decorator, sharing & selling my artwork, and help give inspiration to help make homes extra cozy and meaningful. I also want to explore hosting and party planning. With my sister, Martie, I’m transforming my home, one room at a time, and sharing the journey here, when my budget allows, of course! Lots of my content will be featured with small refreshes, whether it’s changing up decor in a room, or making over a corner, in between entire room makeovers. I’m also gearing up to start selling some artwork soon. Stay tuned on that! Creativity is my heartbeat, and I can’t wait to share it all with you I hope it sparks some creativity in you along the way!
About Martie
And to introduce myself, I’m Martie! I also live in Utah with my husband, Arland, our two beautiful daughters, Ella (10) and Ava (7) and our cat, Teddy. We have lived in our current home for nearly 13 years and we plan to live here until we are old and gray. I love our home and my goal is to make every space a cozy haven.
In my past life from the ages of 16 to 21, I was a full time model and traveled/lived all over the world from California, New York, Paris, London, Italy and Spain. I decided to end modeling after I met Arland. My agency would not let him travel with me and I didn’t want to leave him. The modeling life was tough at times but also a life changing experience that I am forever grateful for. I am now a stay at home mom and I love to spend time with my family, create traditions, have creative time with the girls, and cozy up to a good show.
Whether it’s decorating, baking, drawing, or finding creative ways to make a house feel like home, I love it all! I’m here to share tips and ideas to help you love where you live. Let’s make our homes feel warm and inviting together!
Follow along with our blog, also on Instagram, as we share our home decorating journey. We hope to inspire you with cozy ideas, selling our artwork, and tips to help you love your home even more! ✨