Studio Sunday (no. 22)

Hello friends. Happy Father’s Day! I just had breakfast with my dad and heard some incredible stories.

Welcome to my weekend newsletter where I share ten things I loved, learned or discovered recently. In the opening photo you can see my work in progress paintings. I’ll share a photo soon of the completed pieces.

1. Mid-Year Planner

I just ordered a mid-year planner and I’m so excited to break it in. There are so many cute designs at Papier it was difficult to choose.

2. A Summer Purge

I’m in the middle of a HUGE home purge and organizing. I did one of my kids bedrooms this week and ended up donating two huge moving bags of toys and clutter that won’t be missed (I always save the kids donations for several days to make sure they don’t notice anything missing). When she came home to see her decluttered room she was so, so happy. Today I’m doing it with my closet too. I have to wait until I’m in the perfect (heartless) mood to really purge.

Best feeling ever.

I’ve been keeping a list in my notes app of charming boutique hotels like this one and this one. Please send me your favorites (and I promise to make us all a big guide of the cutest spots eventually!).

I found this Bookish sweatshirt on Etsy and had to order it. I love the embroidered gingham letters.

I tried Laundry Sauce in the Australian Sandalwood scent and immediately ordered more. It smells really good and not overpowering.

I got The Children from Book of The Month this month and it’s exactly the type of writing and story that hooks me. Use my link to join Book of the Month for just $5. I’m loving it so far.

I’m almost done listening to Whistler and I absolutely loved it. I’ve decided to take a writing break in July and do nothing but read, so hopefully I’ll have lots of new books to share with you soon. As always, thank you for your recommendations! You are truly the best.

When we moved to this home I really wanted this dining table but it only came in light wood finish. I even considered getting it stripped and re-stained to a classic dark finish, but ended up holding off. Three years later they started offering the dark stain and so I ordered one and also a round table for our dining room (I think it’s going to fit the space even better!).

I love browsing early Halloween for fun. My favorite items are this mug, create your own tarot cards and this mini tree with mini ornaments.

I got this green silk dress from Dôen and it’s the perfect summer date night dress. I always overthink these purchases but then end up getting a lot of use. There’s this one Dôen dress in my closet from 3-4 years ago that’s my most worn dress of all time.

I’ve set a goal to be consistently active on social media again, which meant it was time for me to order a Brick LOL. If you aren’t familiar it’s a device that lets you block certain apps on your phone (it’s more difficult to bypass than the limits you can set inside your phone). I’m going to try some forced moderation this week. I’m thinking no social media in the morning until 10 or 11 and then it will all turn off again around 3 pm for a peaceful evening. I want to have enough time in the apps to do everything I need to do and enjoy it without overdoing screen time.

If you’ve tried it I’d love to hear your tips!

PS. If any of you have been thinking of joining ShopMy, I am enjoying it and recommend it. You can use my referral link to join.

Thank you for being here!