Love Notes- August 2025
This is a new kind of round-up—a little love letter to the month gone by. Filled with the things I’ve tried, learned from, and savored. I’m calling it an appreciation of sorts, because I recently read somewhere that gratitude is our natural state, and I want to do a better job noticing all the little bits of goodness that show up along the way!
With the vintage shop closed, I’m settling into a new rhythm. Trial and error is my creative process—it’s how I build, test, and refine my vision as I go. So far, Substack is feeling really good; I love that each post is a blank page to work an idea out on.
So, this is me gathering, pausing, and reflecting on everything I’ve been soaking in—maybe it will inspire your unique rhythm too.
Enjoying
- Watermelon Tomato Salad- My friend sent me a beautiful green-on-green splatter-wear bowl, which inspired a dinner gathering and this fresh summer salad: equal parts watermelon and tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh basil, olive oil, champagne vinaigrette, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sunday Farmer’s Market runs- The elevator in my building has been down for months (and I live on the top floor!) so I’ve been grocery shopping more frequently and found a Sunday farmer’s market rhythm I love. Right now, I can’t get enough corn on the cob, pluots, nectarines and early girl tomatoes. Next up I want to make a flank steak salad with corn and tomatoes and a peach crisp.
- Roman Shades- I finally updated the blinds in my living room and office to roman shades and love the elevated look. I ordered them custom from Home Depot and like the quality of them. You can order free fabric swatches beforehand- I went with a cream linen for my living room and natural linen for my office. One thing, I wish they didn’t come with a liner as it would allow more natural light to flow through.
- Osea Body Oil- My mom sent me some new Osea products. I already love their mineral sea mist and eye repair cream. And I’ve been enjoying the undaria algae body oil at night with some self-massage to release tension in my hips, shoulders, and neck. I’m also trying their hyaluronic acid and protective day cream, which smell clean and fresh.
- Create Academy- I’m not a big TV gal, but I saw an ad to sign-up for a Create Academy subscription with Bunny Williams and was hooked! It’s such a cool platform where you can learn from experts in design. I’m now watching Amanda Lindroth- I just love her beach vibe aesthetic.
Trying
- Signature Group Experiences- This fall I’m pouring energy into two six-month group experiences. I have a few sign-ups and am aiming for eight members in each. Excited to see how these grow. More info here, would love to have you if either resonates with the chapter you’re currently in.
- Design Book Library- I screenshot things on IG stories all the time and recently went through what I’ve filed into my “books” folder to make a list of 50 design books I want to explore. Next step: check out local stores and the library before purchasing. Eventually, I want a small, curated library for layout, color, and material reference. Planting seeds for a new home some day!
Learning
Confidence- In this new chapter, I’ve been realizing how much confidence comes from inside of us. You can get all the external validation in the world and while it feels good in the moment it is always fleeting. It will never be enough to fill the disconnection with your own heart and aliveness. Love this quote- “You don’t need validation when you have a vision.”
Fall Shopping- Dare I say I think fall is my least favorite shopping season? Aside from dreamy coats, jewel tone sweaters and prints, many key silhouettes feel too formal to me- blazers, fitted vests, loafers, dressy tops. Cozy winter fashion with bright stripes, fun color, and whimsical textures appeals to me more. I’ll still be shopping, just more mindfully! I’ve been filing some options away here.
My Tastes in Artwork– I hadn’t reflected much on my artwork preferences until the energy of a bright abstract floral painting in Switzerland caught my eye. I still love a matching pair of botanical prints I found at Roundtop a couple years ago but they feel overly romantic now. I’m sitting with where I like romanticism in home decor—or if I even do anymore.
In The Works
365 Manifestation Books- I ordered this three-book series as a refresher. I love gathering insight from multiple experts, though my all-time favorites remain Becoming Supernatural and A Happy Pocket Full of Money. I heard To Be Magnetic is launching a book and I cannot wait for it to come out!
Consulting Support- I’m working on a two-month project with my friend Katie, refining my coaching philosophy, framework, and offerings. Her guidance is helping me build internal confidence around what and how I share and work, and I’m just so grateful for her support. I’m also opening up to speaking and workshop opportunities this fall, so if you know anyone looking to collaborate, please let me know.
Refreshing Essentials- The peek of summer is an odd time for shopping as I usually have everything I need for the season, plus summer in San Francisco doesn’t start until September, so I’ve been using this time to refresh some essentials- like a classic white robe, shower cap, Clarisonic brush heads, pink lipgloss, tinted moisturizer and shimmery eyeshadow.
A Trip Back to Buffalo– I’m heading to visit my family in a couple weeks and planning to pack in a carry-on using the same color-story, theme method that worked brilliantly for Europe. I’m calling this one East Coast cozy prep- blues and creams with a pop of pink- seeing that’s my roots after all! I’ll probably pack this exact outfit I wore last weekend.
