When life changed for all of us and we secluded to indoor activities, I became slightly fixated on a very relaxing hobby I hadn’t done in years, stitching by hand. In the evenings I would pick it up while watching a movie or take it with me any time I thought there might be a bit of down time to work on a piece. What began with a stitched portrait of a Henri Matisse ink drawing, quickly lead down a path of reinterpreting works by other famous artists. There were no self imposed expectations or goals of perfection, only quiet mindful stitching by hand. I thought I’d share how my simple approach to handwork ended up being the best stress reliever over the last seven months and how you can create your own little works of art.

One of my favorite ways to kill a few minutes of spare time is to scour the internet for unique finds, vintage treasures, and handmade pieces. Due most in part to my years and years as a stylist sourcing props for magazine photoshoots, it seems I’m forever pinning, saving, and favoriting my discoveries.

Add to that my slightly obsessive hobby for making and collecting pottery, I thought it would be fun to find the most unique and special handmade and vintage mugs for you! I really like collecting functional pottery, and with frequent daily use, handmade mugs seem to elevate my morning lemon water, black coffee with a tiny splash of cream, and my evening herbal spice tea before bedtime.

Soft throw blankets, scented candles, and pumpkins are fall classics that we know and love (although the pumpkin spice flavor craze may be a little more divisive), but lately I’ve been thinking about autumnal things that still bring on cozy feelings, but that may be a little more, unexpected. Rather than simply bringing in pretty, warm toned decor, I wanted to make the season feel like an experience by exploring it through our Five Senses. Rich textures, delicious flavors, warm scents, soft sounds, and natural visuals get me into the autumnal spirit. I hope these offer new ways for you to embrace the season!

When I was in high school, I spent several summers working at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park selling turquoise jewelry to tourists. I thought it was a pretty sweet gig, making a king's ransom of minimum wage, while having the chance to practice speaking French with unsuspecting customers visiting from abroad. Early each morning, I would park my car in a grocery store parking lot and take the 40 minute ride to work aboard the company bus. I would spend much of that time reading books or staring out the window at the vast desert landscape, lost in thought. Looking back now, I see that it was the beginning of my morning quiet time ritual, one that I still practice to this day.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really missing travel - the excitement of waking up somewhere new and experiencing the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of a place. I’m particularly missing my annual trip to France to host The Academy and have been reminiscing about the last six years I’ve spent gathering women from around the world for a week of inspiration and creativity. In an effort to travel vicariously with you, I’m sharing how we created this beautiful table setting to celebrate our final evening together, gathered at the table with a delicious meal, and give you the recipe for our aptly named - French Farewell Salad.

Yay, it’s Friday! Or does it feel like a Wednesday to you? I know it can feel like they all blend together now. I’ve been keeping busy with coaching clients and moving the shop over to the main site so we’re not running two websites. Bringing it all in house feels good and like the right time to do it. There will be new inventory from France is coming soon! Today I thought I’d bring back another old school post - Friday Favorites! I’ve missed these simple types of posts and hope you have too. Here are some things I’ve been loving lately, from my favorite flowy dress to what I’m reading.