Monthly Archives: April 2016
Springtime Scents
Jo Malone Cologne offers citrusy, woodsy, fruity, spicy, and floral scents that can be layered to create the perfect combination for you. My favorites include Nectarine Blossom & Honey, French Lime Blossom, and last year’s limited edition Osmanthus Blossom. Next time you’re near a department store that offers a Jo Malone counter, or a boutique […]
Pretty Minimalist
The concept of minimalism has attracted me for years, partly because I’m convinced over-consumption is hurting our planet and our collective soul, and partly because I’m a control freak. Though I truly do have environmental and spiritual concerns regarding materialism, the real truth is that clutter simply overwhelms me. In effort to adopt a minimalist […]
Lovely Things~ A Welcoming Lantern
Hospitality begins at our front door, so maybe you can use this simple idea to welcome your guests, as well as the changing seasons. I bought an inexpensive lantern at Hobby Lobby~ they come in all styles and sizes. Throughout the year, I open the lantern door and create a happy scene that reflects the […]
Fancy Dinners
One of our first posts featured the books from Jennifer L. Scott’s Madame Chic series. In Scott’s books, she calls on others to “become a connoisseur of life.” Her books inspire readers to seek quality and present the best versions of themselves. More than any other books I’ve read, hers have moved me to improve my attitude and […]
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Need an easy recipe for a dessert? This concoction can be made and frozen for an after-dinner treat, or an afternoon snack! Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of salt 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 3/4 cup of light brown sugar 2 eggs 2 sticks […]
Thoughts in the Night
My phone vibrated on the nightstand at three am, jolting me from a fitful sleep. A text from my son: at Amsterdam airport, boarding soon. He had been traveling alone through Europe for a few weeks, staying in hostels with only a backpack and a 23-year-old sense of adventure. His trip abroad was just one […]
Lovely Things~ Pretty Postage
I find most every little thing in our lives can be elevated to a higher state of loveliness with just a little effort. Take the simple postage stamp. For the same cost as boring postage, you can stamp your correspondence with this beautiful new Botanical Arts series. Or maybe you prefer colorful hearts, coastal birds, […]
Hometown History
When I was a young girl, my uncle and his family moved into a beautiful Victorian home in the historic district of our hometown. The home boasted bay windows, three floors, two staircases, formal living and dining rooms, original fireplaces, and a carriage house out back. When I would come over to visit my family, […]
Lessons in Loveliness 