Valentine Pajamas for My Girl

Since February is my second favorite month, I lean entirely into everything pink and anything with a heart. I am a simple girlie in February—all pink, all day long, plus anything with a heart or a bow. I definitely look like a walking Valentine, and I am completely okay with that. 💟

Water Cannon Salute

 

 While I perusing social media yesterday, I came across a video of the plane leaving DC carrying the flight attendant from the PSA flight that crashed the week before while descending into Reagan International Airport. Flight attendant Ian Epstein wasn't scheduled for the flight he served but had switched shifts with another attendant so they could play golf.  What I have read and seen about Mr. Epstein's life was nothing short of inspirational, and I know his wife and family are immensely proud of the man and employee he was. I came upon the water cannon salute on social media, which I did not know existed before watching the video.  It was a stunning, peaceful, respectful video, and I immediately started researching to learn more. 

The Way I Love Ralph

I have loved all things Ralph Lauren for as long as I can remember.  I have shared many times that I love every aspect of RL and have many vintage pieces of clothing and a few plaid handbags and luggage pieces that I covet.  There is just something about the mix of plaid with classic investment pieces that I just can't get enough of, and recently, the love seems to have exploded. 

Things of Note ...

Happy Monday!  I hope you are greeted with a bluebird day, blue skies, and so much sun.  The sun shining in my office windows each morning is doing wonders for my seasonal blues.  There is just something about those grey days that makes me so unproductive!

How about a fun "things of note"?  We are clearly overdue!

What's Next For Shop Pink Clutch

I am super excited to share that 2025 brings a new chapter for me ... a fun move into a local antique shop and local in-person shopping for Shop Pink Clutch.  At the moment, my move-in date is March 1, but that could change and be quicker.  I am excited to curate, shop, and create a booth that will hopefully be loved by all. I have shopped at my local spot for many years and started working on the vision in December of 2023.  Fast forward to now, and I have secured a booth of good size with great bones and a good location.  Taking my online presence to a physical one will be so much fun. 

My Beloved Millie

It's been a week and a half since we said goodbye to our precious Millie, and the house is still so sad without her.  She was my first rescue, my first beagle, and an instant perfect addition to our family.  She was quiet, unless it was meal time, so kind and loving, and never met a stranger.  She loved car rides and a small snack of cheese until she left us, every single meal she ever ate.  Our girl was the best protector and sidekick and a lifeline to me during cancer, our hospital stay, and more.  

Valentines Day with Rifle Paper Co.

 

It is no surprise that the newest collection is excellent. Every single thing Rifle Paper Co. produces is better than its last collection. But I may be biased because this one seems extra special. 

Needlepoint Gift Ideas ...

If you have a needlepointer in your life .. or are a needlepointer, this gift guide is for you.  Send it over to someone who will be shopping for you, or if you want to start grab a few pieces for yourself.  If you are shopping for a needlepointer I would grab the scissors, sweatshirt, project bag, or any other piece that will definitely add to their fun. If my husband is reading this, I want one of all please and thank you!

Let's Get Decorated ...

 

It is time to pull out the boxes, see what we are missing and get the house decorated!  There are some sales today, and they are GOOD. 

Rifle Paper Company gave me a discount code to share with you, PAIGE25 will give you 25% off the site, and I told you I have so many pieces I am using this year!!

Four Days at The Claremont

Before I even dive into this post, I am not sure I will ever have enough time in Maine or at The Claremont. The trip was a bucket list item, and the hotel and its staff were magical. I sit here typing, sipping coffee, and craving to sit on the back porch with the chill in the air, taking in the stunning view. I tried my best to soak up all of the goodness and magic of Maine to keep it in my heart.

 It was that good. 

Fall Sale At Barrington Gifts

I don't know which news I am sharing is better, that Barrington Gifts launched green leather trim or that they are currently hosting a fall sale?  I mean, they both things I HAD to share. When I noticed the new green leather trim offering I immediately started designing items in my head.  I love to buy and gift Barrington pieces and having an option for a green trim with their patterns is next level fun.  I have a number of pieces with brown leather trim, a few with blue, and must choose something to design with green. 

And the sale is the perfect time to make that happen. 

Barn Jacket Round Up

With the cold snap right around the corner, it is time to check your jackets and grab a new one if need be. This fall has seen a resurgence of the Barn Jacket, and every shop I can think of has released at least one of them. I tried several of them and settled on two, both lightweight, with corduroy collars and pockets. 

So, what is a barn jacket, and why is it trending this season ... 

Pencil + Paper Co. Meets Mark & Graham

Early last month, the amazing Pencil + Paper launched another collection with Mark + Graham; all I can say is that it is sooo good.  I was treated to a few items and immediately invited the family for happy hour on our porch.  The fall weather is fantastic, and any time I can spend on the porch makes me very happy. This collection is heavy in reds, blues, and fun little patterns, just as I would expect from Gen and her iconic style. 

Fall At The Claremont

Tomorrow morning, I take off on a bucket list trip, one I have been dreaming of and planning for months, even more than a year.  I can't believe it is accurate and I might not be able to sleep tonight with all the excitement I feel.  I will be in Maine for the week, leaving Friday evening to come home. I am taking four friends to stay with me at the beauty that is The Claremont Hotel in Maine.  Just by opening their website, you will instantly be filled with visions of a fall Hallmark movie as it is toted as the most beautiful hotel in the world. 

Needlepoint Magnets, Oh My

I have been a needlepointer for five years and love every day I get to stitch.  After five years, I tried to get creative in my finishing so I would have more than just ornaments and framed pieces.  For a while, I have thought it would be darling to finish pieces as magnets for the refrigerator, and today, I saw a visual of someone finishing theirs in this exact way. 

Aren't these darling?  I spotted them on Pinterest this morning; I apologize for the language in the one photo. Now, I am hyper-focused on creating magnets with a few of my finished pieces and choosing others for this exact purpose. 

Meet Me At The Top

I have always been fascinated with the Empire State Building.  I am terrified of heights, but the tallest buildings intrigue me the most.  Yes, I realize how odd that is, but I may be intrigued by my fear.  I have been in the building lobby but never in the elevator.  I viewed it from another building at night, but nothing was high inside it.  My grandparents took me to New York City when I was little, and my grandfather and I climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty.  He was so excited to see me and asked if I was ready.  Did I look? Nope.  Did I climb back down and never see the view? I sure did.  

Things of Note ...

Happy Monday!  What a weekend.  Mine included some laundry, some family time, some bestie time, a fun dinner out on Friday ... and the SEC game of the year on Saturday night. Nathan is traveling this week so I have some plans to attack a project or two this week.  I love a project when he is gone, it gets me busy all day long and I don't miss him quite so much. 

This is always one of my favorite blog posts to write, and today I have so many fun things to share. 

Bag Charm Palooza

Are you dressing up your bags and shoes this fall? I have jumped on the bag charm trend and am loving how fun it is to dress up my bag according to my favorite things. I have one that is very fall and preppy and one that feels more "Chanel."  I will share when I am done. It is way more fun than I expected. I should have known dressing up anything would be the most fun!!

Prepping For Guests ... Volume 2

If you still need to read yesterday's post, start there, as we are diving into prepping for guests to stay in your home.  Yesterday, I discussed the importance of bed linens and towels, lighting, rugs, and luggage racks, and today, we will cover a ton of what I love the most.  The little details are the best part of prepping to have people stay with you.  I treat our house like a hotel and try to make them feel pampered, loved, comfortable, and ready to return for another stay.  We love company, and I want to ensure our guests know how much we love them coming to stay. 💗

Prepping For Guests ... Volume 1

We had the best weekend, the wedding was so much fun.  I spent most of last week preparing the house, prepping two guest rooms and two bathrooms, and ensuring our house was TIDY.  After having so much stuff stored all summer from our girl's dorm room + all the new house stuff, I felt like we just had little piles of stuff everywhere.  When you have extra stuff around it is so easy to set down another pile and lose it amongst all the other, shall we say crap?? 

I got it all done.  The house is so tidy, and everything that needed to be managed was managed.  I even organized the garage, and my car is back inside as she prefers.  It feels incredible.  I need to invite many more people over soon so the house stays this neat and tidy.