Calm and Connection 🩵
The small joys that make life feel lighter
I’ve been staring at my laptop, trying to find the right words to say, and honestly, it feels hard right now.
The world feels heavy.
Maybe you’re feeling it too—that strange in-between of wanting to make things beautiful while questioning if it even matters in moments like these.
But here’s where I’ve landed: Our homes, our spaces, aren’t just about looking good. They’re where we exhale, process, grieve, and start to find our footing again. Not to escape what’s happening but to create a place that holds us while we figure it out. Right now, it’s not about big, grand gestures, but rather those small, grounding moments that remind us we’re still here. The smell of coffee brewing in the morning, thrifting for art that reminds you of that Italy vacation you took a few years back—these are the little corners of life that feel like an exhale.
With everything going on right now it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My heart is especially with those of you navigating the fires and all the uncertainty that comes with them.
If you’ve been looking for a way to help, GoFundMe has created a verified wildfire relief fund 🫶
This space, this community, reminds us that we’re not alone. When the world feels heavy, connection matters more than ever. It’s in the shared moments, the small rituals, and the comfort we find in each other that we begin to make sense of it all. So, here’s to holding space for each other, finding beauty where we can, and building something real together.
NEW NEWS:
The TikTok Ban:
TikTok isn’t just another app; it’s the only space where I’ve truly felt like myself. It’s where so many of us have found real community—a place to learn, connect, and feel seen. Right now, I’m in total denial. I’m devastated at the thought of losing this space that’s been so much more than social media. But while I’m not ready to fully process it, I know this community is bigger than any one platform. We’ll find ways to stick together, no matter what happens.
On a Lighter Note:
Let’s take a moment to distract ourselves with something that feels a little more manageable.
Have you heard of The Rocco, the super-smart fridge?
It’s ultra-quiet, has isolated temperature zones, and you can even see inside it from your phone. It’s basically the fridge equivalent of a private jet. Perfect for commercial use—or just for making sure you never forget your milk again.
And while we’re here: let’s talk small joys. El Patio Tortilla Chips is my current obsession (I wonder what a life without these would be like), and if you haven’t tried honey sea salt in your coffee yet, consider this your sign. It’s the little things, friends.
Looking for Design Help?
If you’re ready to take your space to the next level, my design waitlist is now open. I keep it small and personal so every project gets the attention it deserves. Whether you need a full room refresh or just a nudge in the right direction, let’s create something beautiful together.
The Power of One Calm Corner
Creating a calm corner doesn’t have to be an overhaul. Start with these simple steps:
Soft Textures: Layer a cozy throw with a few oversized pillows.
Insider tip: Ikea’s faux sheepskin rugs are an affordable way to add texture over a chair or bench. Drape one over the back of a chair, a bench, or even the edge of your bed for an effortlessly luxe feel.
Lighting That Exhales: Replace overheads with a mix of portable sculptural lamps or rechargeable lanterns from Menu Design. Use LED strip lighting tucked beneath floating shelves to mimic the subtle glow of gallery lighting.
Pro tip: Cluster antique brass candlesticks with beeswax candles on your dining table for ambient light.
A Personal Touch: Curate moments that tell your story. Frame your child’s art or a postcard from a favorite trip in oversized mats for an artful statement. Display hand-thrown ceramics sourced from local artisans.
Insider trick: Find vintage matchbooks from meaningful places (old restaurants, hotels, or bars) and arrange them in a shadowbox for a nostalgic yet polished vignette.
The Simple Apple Tart That Feels Fancy
Comfort often starts in the kitchen. This apple tart recipe is my fail-safe when I need something quick but satisfying:
Ingredients:
Store-bought puff pastry (Dufour is the secret to a bakery-level crust)
2 apples (Honeycrisp for a natural sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart twist)
1 tablespoon raw sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup or salted caramel sauce
Steps:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Roll out the puff pastry on parchment paper and score a 1-inch border around the edges.
Thinly slice the apples and fan them out in rows, overlapping slightly.
Sprinkle with raw sugar and cinnamon for a golden, caramelized finish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges puff and turn golden.
Brush the apples with warm maple syrup or salted caramel for extra shine and flavor.
Serve with a dollop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt for that perfect balance.
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