ABOUT
howdy! i’m mj.
I’m the gal behind The Modern Eclectic.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a serial hobbyist. One month I’m planning a trip to a new city, the next I’m learning about gardening, experimenting with a recipe, hunting for thrifted treasures, or searching for the best local coffee shop to work from around town. I’ve always been drawn to learning, exploring, creating, and collecting experiences.
A few years ago, I came across the Japanese concept of ikigai โ often described as your reason for being or the thing that gives your life purpose and fulfillment. Since then, I’ve found myself continually returning to the idea and wondering what my own ikigai might be.
What I’ve discovered so far is that my joy comes from staying curious and building a life filled with experiences, people, and moments that matter.
I believe a rich life is built through curiosity โ trying new hobbies, cooking new recipes, exploring new places, supporting local communities, spending time outdoors, gathering around the table with people you love, and finding joy in the everyday.
For me, that might look like cooking a meal for loved ones, traveling somewhere new to experience another culture, spending a night out for cocktails and live music, hosting friends for game night, hiking or camping in the mountains, tending to my garden, or cozying up with a cup of tea and a good book. Some days it’s an adventure across the world; other days it’s a picnic in the park on a sunny afternoon.
That’s exactly what you’ll find here.
The Modern Eclectic is a collection of recipes, travel guides, local recommendations, curated finds, meal plans, and stories from along the way. Some posts will help you plan your next trip. Others might inspire tonight’s dinner, a weekend adventure, or a new hobby you never knew you needed.
I also believe that living well goes hand in hand with doing good. That’s why giving back and supporting causes I care about will always be woven into this space as it continues to grow.
Whether you’re here for a recipe, a travel guide, a recommendation, or simply a bit of inspiration, I’m so glad you found your way here.
Welcome to The Modern Eclectic.
โ MJ
