September 2022 Mood + Updates

August is now spent and crisp September mornings are on the horizon. As it’s wont to do, this time of year has me feeling reflective, invigorated, and re-inspired to set things in motion for the remainder of 2022. For some, January peeks its head around the corner and spurs a similar feeling of excitement but there’s just something about Summer’s end that feels like a new start, isn’t there? Blame it on notions of sharpened bouquets of no. 2 pencils, I suppose.

In the wake of an ever-changing social landscape (a landscape that places 30-second video clips on a pedestal and redirects attention away from static images and lengthy prose), I’ve been feeling pulled to revisit this corner of the web. Surely nobody has noticed the absence of a 30-something former serial blogger but there is something especially appealing about your own personal void in which to whisper product recommendations and chronicle current obsessions. This space has always been like my very own time capsule and, after a little facelift, I’m looking forward to updating it more often. If nothing else, the snapshot in time will provide an extra jolt of creativity and something fun to look back on.

LIFE UPDATES:

On a personal note, it’s been a while since I checked in here and so much has shifted. From graduating from my degree program, to buying our first home in Seattle, and taking on a full-time position as the Director of Operations at LOHO Bride, my priorities and goals have shifted quite a bit in recent months. Thus, my tastes have evolved and I’m feeling quite grounded in what I like and dislike these days.

Feeling like following along? Here’s what I’m…

COVETING:

My wishlist mostly consists of home goods these days but there’s always room for various obsessions:

Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Bar Cabinet

The perfect Black Tiba Heeled Sandals that I have in my cart for Bridal Fashion Week

The Cove Straw Hat for early autumn gardening

a Vintage Bleached Oak Armoire from my dreams

Jenni Kayne’s Cotton Cocoon Cardigan is always on my list

The Routine from oak essentials

Prairie Sconces in Cloud via Etsy

& The Ravenna Dress in Salt from Doen

LOVING:

Lucy Williams’ New Home (An English Dream)

Joanna Plant’s Eccentric Interior

A Sprawling British Estate Complete With A Library & Whiskey Room

READING:

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

The Outlander serious is my white whale and I’m slowwwwwly inching along (whilst reading other books here and there). While I haven’t had a ton of time to read in recent months, I’m hoping that the beginning of cozy weather allows for a bit more downtime than our bustling Summer did.

LISTENING TO:

Pia Baroncini’s “Everything Is The Best” Podcast

WATCHING:

Netflix’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ - I know the internet at large hated this version but I found Dakota Johnson charming and the vibes are reminiscent of Bridgerton.

Starz’s Outlander series… again - I became obsessed with the series (hence the big push to get through the books) last year and have been enjoying rewatching it lately. There’s nothing like the Scottish Highlands to feed into my interior and color palette whims.

March Mood + Soundtrack
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It’s the last day of March and, in true form, I have waited until the very last minute to compile my monthly vibe. I’ve noticed a trend over the last few years and, of course, pandemic living is playing into this feeling - I feel so called to retreat from online living and funnel my time into my home, my mind, and my person. I’ve been trying to read more for pleasure, toiling away in the garden (our first veggies of the year are in the ground), and generally indulging in things I actually enjoy doing (like paint by numbers - who knew?). With April on the horizon, I’m excited to dive fully into Spring and continue living seasonally and introspectively.

Feeling like following along? Here’s what I’m…

Reading:

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Listening To:

What You Are - Pete Brandt’s Method
Future Days - CAN
Come on Doom, Let’s Party - Emily Wells
Suga Suga -Nepal, Doums
Number 1 - Goldfrapp
Woman - Angel Olsen
C.R.E.A.M. - El Michels Affair
Anchin Kfu Ayinkash - Hallu Mergia, Dahlak Band
Milonga Del Angel - Astor Piazzolla
Tiebraker - Thomas Doherty
Pains - Silk Rhodes
My Heart - Donnie & Joe Emerson
Mother - Danzig
Lavender - BADBADNOTGOOD
Tearz - El Michels Affair, Lee Fields
Black Ego - Digable Planets
Them Changes - Thundercat
Vitamin C - CAN
WEIGHT OFF - KAYTRANADA, BADBADNOTGOOD
Soluk - She Past Away
Seabird - Babeheaven
Breathless - Caroline Polachek

Listen to this month’s soundtrack HERE.

LifestyleChelsea Jackson
A Charming Mill Valley Home
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We’re well into March and it finally feels like Spring is here. The days are crisp but the sun is bright and, with the onset of daylight savings time, the days are getting longer. We’ve planted a little vegetable garden, the windows are open as I type this, and I finally feel like I’m starting to come out of the winter fog I’ve been in for the last several months. I’m not sure about how you’re feeling these days, but COVID winter was much darker and drearier than any from recent memory.

Something in the air has significantly shifted my taste in most things, including spaces. I have been pulled toward English Country cottages and traditional Americana lately. I think period dramas like Outlander (I gobbled this series up this winter) definitely had a hand in bringing about these changes for me. Layered, cozy, homey spaces really pull on my heartstrings these days and I’m very intrigued by antique touches, a little tartan, and (dare I say it?!) color. This 1870s historic Mill Valley home by G.P. Schafer Architect and Rita Konig fits the bill perfectly:

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imasges by G.P. Schafer Architect via Georgia Grace