Welcome to A Dandy Line with Avril: Your Guide to Creative Intentional Living

Welcome, friends (both those who have been here from the very beginning and those who are finding me for the first time)! When I first launched A Dandy Line years ago, I had a simple goal: to share my journey toward living a life that felt creative, intentional, and fully my own. Since then, life has shifted in big, bold ways more than once, and if you’re here, maybe yours has too.

What Is Creative Intentional Living?

It’s a way of showing up in the world with purpose. It’s saying ‘no’ to autopilot and ‘yes’ to creating a life that feels aligned with who you are now and who you are becoming. It’s looking at the vision you have for your future and the dream you keep tucked away because it feels too big, too unrealistic. It’s saying, “You know what? I can do that!”

Over the years, people have asked me everything from how I travel so often on a budget, to how I did a specific project, to how I started multiple businesses after being told it wasn’t possible. I’ve answered those questions in emails, in late-night messages, in conversations over coffee. But now I want to take it a step further. I want this space to be your resource for turning “someday” into “right now.”

Because here’s the truth: many of the things I’ve accomplished (the bucket list trips, the career pivots, the creative projects…) started with someone or some thing telling me they weren’t realistic or possible or that I ‘shoudn’t’. And yet, here I am, proof that they were possible all along. Not because I had endless time or money, but because I learned how to be intentional with my energy, my creativity, and my choices.

That’s what this website and blog is about. Not perfection. Not following someone else’s blueprint for success. But inspiring you to find your own version of a life that feels vibrant and full of possibility. Whether that means decorating your home on a budget, finally planning that solo trip, starting a business that feels aligned with your values, or simply making your everyday routine feel more supportive. I’m here to share what I’ve learned (and what I’m still learning).

I believe we all reach a point where we pause and think: “Is this it? There has to be more than this.” If you’ve had that thought lately, you’re in the right place. This is your invitation to dream bigger and to know wholeheartedly that it doesn’t have to stay a dream.

What can you expect to find here?

You will receive stories from my own journey, practical how-tos and DIYs, and resources that make it easier to live creatively and intentionally without draining your time or your bank account. I’ll share the wins, the lessons, and the real-life strategies that have helped me (and so many others) go from “maybe someday” to “I’m doing this now.”

So, whether it is welcome back or welcome for the very first time, I’m so glad you’re here. Pour a cup of coffee or tea and let’s start creating a life that feels like yours. Because I promise you: the life you want is possible, and it begins today.

Let’s get started.