Musings and Musts: March
Some Sunday reading for you.
A collection of things inspiring me —what I’m up to and into lately…
A moodboard
I created this vision board recently to save to my desktop and phone home screen. I love to do this every couple of months to look forward to and remind myself of rituals I enjoy in that season of life. Imagery that evokes prioritizing enjoyment and makes me want to jump out of my seat to go style, make, or engage in something that lights me up. Picnics (which Grace is very into and it makes me so happy), shedding back winter layers, bike rides, raffia bags, mornings spent outside when the weather permits, and I really can’t wait for some pet-nat in the garden once the baby is here!
As someone who prioritizes creating little luxuries around me in my day to day and spending time on rituals that make my nervous system feel held… it can be easy to sometimes fall into autopilot. With long to do lists, distractions, and our busy/fast-paced world, it’s always nice to slow down and hone in on the things that make you tick.
Podcast reflection, as promised
I mentioned a pod I listened to recently in my Editor’s Note post with Richard of Flamingo Estate—and how it really resonated. The conversation in general is beautiful, one of those episodes that sweeps you away and you feel like you’re there. I couldn’t be more inspired by someone who is so clearly in their lane, doing what they are meant to do.
I’m not surprised at all by his wild success for many reasons, but adored learning more about his story and approach to creating everything he has. Heart-led and rooted in curiosity. When you’re showing up in the world or creating something from such a genuine place, the magnetism you generate is palpable. You can literally feel that kind of juicy sparkly energy, even through a screen!
I was captivated the most by his desire for a simple life. A focus on what is really important and just living in a way that engages all the senses. I also really loved when he mentioned how he has never tried to be strategic with how the world of Flamingo Estate has unfolded. It has been natural and organic—and really, creative endeavors that led to a lot of inspired and curious eyeballs.
He’s simply followed the lead of what is exciting him. I’ve taken this same approach with my work over the many years, so it was really nice to feel a bit validated, especially by someone I admire. The slow and steady, focus on what I love in the moment, natural way of passing along my ideas—is the only sustainable way for me to keep this long lived passion of mine alive and well.
To simplifying our daily lives and keeping a sharp focus on what’s *actually important, finding your lane, and staying true to yourself. Magic will follow.
I have a whole podscast playlist here where I always save the really good ones. Feel free to send along any episodes you come across and love!
Organization favorites
Our pantry was such a fun one to conceptualize and bring to life. I love the storage systems we have, so wanted to make note of this bunch first since it’s seen and utilized every single day
Vintage wine rack I found on Etsy many years back.
We have a ton of these air tight Williams Sonoma jars in our pantry. They are the best. I also got wooden scoops for some of them.
I discovered this brand on Amazon and they make so many great resin rattan baskets, made perfect for durable but chic pantry / drawer organizing!
I needed a few smaller lidded jars and gave this amazon set a try and love them!
Love our Evermill spice rack which you can customize! 100% organic spices and such a good selection to choose from.
A couple more lidded jars from Jenni Kayne. They aren’t air-sealed, so keep this in mind! A great bathroom counter option, too, if you need something for Q-Tips and Cotton pads. You can use my code on these: AshleyK15
Our cafe curtain rod and clips are from deVOL and the custom curtain was made using Rose Uniacke fabric.
These baskets are a favorite, we have them throughout the house. Love the color, weave, and quality!
A few more organizing favorites that have made a big difference—
Obsessed with this tupperware. Nice to ditch the plastic lids, but also so beautiful and fantastic quality.
An acrylic box for under the sink to hold dish pods
Drawer organizers really do work wonders! I have had these now for a few weeks and my workout drawer has stayed so tidy! I use the narrow one for sports bras and the square one for pants, and then have folded tanks and tops in between. I also am using some for Grace and the baby’s new dresser, too.
A couple more organization finds here and here!
Pregnant life
Officially 32 weeks — and starting to feel really uncomfortable! I’ve had a few spells of days or a week at a time where I can tell a lot is happening in there—hormones heightened and I become a zombie. One thing that’s been really nice this pregnancy is that I’m more comfortable experiencing all the fleeting things because I know they pass. I have more trust that my body really does know what to do. In pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood… you can’t help but adopt to just roll with things. It’s all a practice in trust and patience.
In other news, we have finally decided on a name! I can’t wait to share it with you all. I had Grace concretely decided since I was in my teens, so this time felt strange not being wholehearted about a name, but I fell in love with one…
51 days… but who is counting?
And a few more good things…
A handful of things I’m loving from Zara Home: little vessels that felt right up my street to use for flowers, candle votives, toothbrush, makeup brushes… they are beyond cute, I had to get 2! | ribbed cruet for balsamic or salad dressing | chic glass jars for your pantry | the best hamper and also comes in lidded trash bin size for bathroom | glass bottles with lid 1 and 2 | gorgeous hammered glass pitcher | I got 2 of these spray bottles for DIY home cleaners | Lastly, this vase feels very much like my Hein Studio vase and this one reminds me of antique murano Daum or Barovier pieces. I’m telling you, check Zara Home often, they have been killing it over the years.
Another little DIY project you might like! A year or so ago I discovered a shop on Etsy that make really lovely tortoise frames. So so chic! I used one to frame a dried flower piece I got from JamJar Edit—but decided to order a bigger size in the frame to make into a mirror. I always am drawn to antique tortoise mirrors! I’ve done this trick in the past with big wooden vintage frames from Etsy… such an easy way to customize something for your home that feels unique and is usually quite affordable! I ordered a beveled mirror insert from Amazon and was so easy to place inside.
Okay another Etsy gem that I’ve been keeping close to my chest. This shop makes the most gorgeous pouches! So many different sizes and styles and ways to customize by fabric colors, fonts, piping color, and they have liberty patterns, too. I am a pouch queen and use them constantly in my handbags (which make it easy to swap bags when you want), for baby / kid stuff, traveling, organizing beauty products or toys. The sky is the limit. This lady probably thinks I’m crazy because I’ve made so many orders since discovering her shop this summer, it’s addicting, warning you now. Enjoy!
One more customizable score on Etsy. I am obsessed with this font (they call it Avery on this shop). It’s far and few between monogram shops I find it, so when I do, I get so excited! I ended up having 3 of their large natural totes made. They have other color options for the straps, but I like the simplicity of this one. I love their font color options, too, I did Harper in tan, Grace in a light pink, and our baby girl’s name in light green. The quality is amazing and they have a top zipper which I love for trips. Price is right!
I’m always asked about my linen nightlight in Grace’s bathroom and in our mud room. They are old RH baby and have been sold out for ages… however, I found a very exciting shop on Etsy that I am happy to pass along! They are even cuter than the ones I have, so I may have placed an order myself…
More soon! Enjoy your Sunday!
Do something that feeds your soul.
Ashley
Aww your bump!! Looking so so cute lady ~ and I might need those Zara vessels!
It’s a crisp Sunday here, and this was the perfect read—sparking all the spring joy! Could you share the font on your monogram green pouch? I’m thinking #7. Thanks for sharing! Xx