Today we’re throwing it back with some old school blog vibes! Do you remember when bloggers shared those what’s in my bag posts? I never actually did one, and have no idea if the topic is still of any interest, but I used to like getting a peek into what others carry in their bags, and more importantly, how they organize them! Because to me, that’s priority level two - right below don’t forget my phone. So, in an effort to do something fun and frivolous, (because our ongoing world issues have been feeling very heavy) let’s dig into my bag!

My weekend was spent trying to avoid the news with the same distractions I’m sure you’ve been practicing - reading, watching movies, and cleaning. Why does that last one feel so therapeutic? Is it because our minds are preoccupied with all the scrubbing and washing or that we leave the tasks with a sense of accomplishment? Because let’s face it, that feeling is rather hard to come by right now. So in an effort to feel more normal, I dove in headfirst into tidying up. Here are the things that made me feel better - and might do the same for you?

It’s easy to feel anxious when the immediate future seems uncertain, so I wanted to bring a little light into your life with this list of happy, helpful resources! I hope these will brighten your day as we spend time at home and that it helps make the social distancing feel a little less overwhelming. If you have other ideas, please share in the comments, we’re in this together.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting France, is to shop for beauty products at any one of their famous pharmacies. I could literally spend hours perusing the aisles of lotions and potions and I never leave empty handed. Over the years, there are standout products that I buy again and again, often stocking up on multiples of my must-haves, before returning home. So if you’re like me, obsessed with French beauty products, you might find my list of favorites and what I love about each of them, helpful on your next visit abroad. And if a trip to France isn’t on the agenda - you’re in luck, as I’ve found most of them online for you!

Earlier this year, mid-January in fact, I decided to make a few significant changes in my life. These weren’t new year resolutions, which we all know fall by the wayside come February, but more like small doable shifts in how I go about my daily routines and work life. I had felt the need to change for months before actually taking any steps towards making it happen. It was like a quiet voice inside whispering - there’s a better way to go about my life and work. I thought I’d share the ones that made the biggest impact on me in case you might be feeling those same winds of change in your own soul this time of year.

We celebrated Christmas over the weekend with an open house holiday party at Grove House. We invited friends, family, and all of our neighbors to come for festive appetizers, drinks, and desserts. There was a hot apple cider bar, dozens of appetizers (my husbands lobster dip is always a hit!) and a dessert bar set up in my studio with a chocolate fountain and homemade treats.