weekend things.

 

bedroom mantel featuring my grandparents' antique mirror.

This weekend my mom came up and we did a huge closet reorganization. I love my condo, but in terms of storage I have just one (large) walk in closet and it becomes overwhelming very quickly. This has become a bit of annual tradition for us, but this year, we finally did it right. I bought all new storage containers from the Container Store, which is not so conveniently 1.5 hours from Portland, and I got rid of SO MUCH STUFF. Now you can actually walk into my closet without tripping over things and its so nice to have it done. Isn't it funny how a simple organization project relieves a level of stress you didn't realize you had? Giant thanks to my mom for helping me, I could not have done it without her. 

My mom also brought up some things from my grandparents' house: my grandmother recently moved into assisted living, and I'm super lucky to have been given the mirror in the picture above that used to live in their dining room. I also now have a bunch of china from 1870 (!) and it's so special to use these things in a new way. Mixing old and new via inherited pieces is my favorite.

the thursday special.

 

monin pistachio syrup.

I'm trying to be better about making coffee at home, and while I have not yet dropped the big bucks on a fancy espresso machine and have been using my very basic nespresso, my lattes have been greatly improved by the addition of monin pistachio syrup. It's very sweet so a little goes a long way, but I much prefer the pistachio flavor in this brand vs. torani.  Add a little steamed oat milk, and you have a latte that rivals that of your favorite local coffee shop. 

2025, so far.

 

the bug continues to be extremely photogenic.

I got a new piercing.

I ate a lot of my favorite Belleville ham and cheese croissants.

february was filled with too much snow.

seriously, too much.

but there were cozy moments.

and I ate very well.

It's March! We've sprung forward, and as brutal as that initial time change is, I'm so grateful for brighter evenings and the current thaw. January and February are traditionally my most hated months: I am not a snow girl and we got pretty slammed during February. I know we're not completely in the clear, but I'm just happy to be wearing shoes outside that are not snow boots.

Aside from that, the state of the world has me completely depressed, I started a new role in January that I absolutely love and is keeping me very, very busy, and I have some travel to look forward to over the next couple of weeks. And of course, the bug remains an absolute dream.

Here's to meteorological spring!

the best of 2024.

 

Ah, the strange time between Christmas and New Year's where time stands still and my sluggery reaches an all time high. This is the first year in a very long time that I've taken extended time off from work around the holidays, and while it has been amazing, I think I'll be ready to get back into a groove on January 1st.

I'm currently in Quebec City spending my days eating croissants and drinking pistachio lattes but have felt a little retrospective about the best things of 2024. So, here they are:

Best Thing I Wore:

j.crew stratus pant in textured satin

I first learned of these pants via Emily's Instagram and they very quickly become the best item of clothing I purchased this year. I have them in black and and navy (and I might need them in green), and they are the most comfortable and chic pants in my rotation (think fancy pajamas). I love them with sneakers just as much as ballet flats, and I know they will continue to get a lot of wear in 2025, especially in the office.

Best Thing I Ate:

the artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street

I posted about this earlier this year, and I still can't stop thinking about it. The artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street was sublime: this restaurant is a Portland staple for a delicious meal, and the wood fired pasta did not disappoint. It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and I only wish they didn't change their menu on the daily so I could eat this forever.

The Best Thing I Read:

all the colors of the dark, chris whitaker

Gah, this book was so good. It's part thriller, part heartwarming/heartbreaking journey about old friends who experienced a tragedy. It follows their lives as they grow up and I loved every second.

Best Beauty Buy:

D.S & Durga - I Don't know What

Is perfume a beauty product? I'm going with yes. It's no secret I love to smell good and this is my new favorite (and I've never received more compliments on how I smell). It's multi layered and sophisticated and I also love that this company let's you sample multiple scents and then put the money you spent buying the samples towards a full size. This will be a repeat purchase for sure.

Best Show I Watched:

slow horses on apple tv

I was admittedly very late to getting into this, but it quickly became my favorite thriller. I loved every episode, and by the time I got to season four I could finally watch without subtitles (those english accents are no joke).

Here's to more good things in 2025!

merry, merry!

 

a summer well spent.

never enough beach days, but I tried. 

perfect summer dinner.

only one concert, but seeing The Head and the Heart at Thompson's Point never disappoints.
 

lots of golf meant lots of hot dogs at the turn.

outdoor dining friend.

the bug.

my favorite york harbor view.

This summer flew. We lucked out with pretty great weather, especially compared to last year, and I tried my best to soak everything in. I'm so lucky to live where I do.

But now it's officially fall, and while I've been burning this candle since September 1st, it's only started to really feel like the season has changed this past week. I put away my air conditioner, it's been getting dark super early (and I've been ready for bed at 8:00 which is not ideal), and the mornings have been perfect for runs around the neighborhood. I try not to wish seasons away, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't psyched it's fall: it's my favorite.

the thursday special.

 

maya brenner's asymmetrical letter necklace

Since Olive died in 2021, I had wanted a little memento to remember her by. Tattoos are not currently my thing but jewelry is (and always will be), and the Maya Brenner asymmetrical letter necklace with the little "o" fit the bill perfectly. My parents gave it to me for Christmas, and I haven't taken it off since. I highly recommend it if there is someone you want to keep with you.