Hello. This week is all about books, spring cleaning, neighborhood walks and all the windows open. I’ve been making space, both in my home and my heart, for the coming season. Here are ten things that made this week a little brighter.
1. A Local Bookshop
Recently a new bookshop opened in our neighborhood. We took a walk there yesterday and I had so much fun picking out a blind date book and more.
2. Ex Libris Stamp
I love this Ex Libris Stamp from Etsy. Let me know if you have, how do you decide which books to stamp?
3. Current Obsession
My current mindless scroll (in a good way!) is browsing Goldbelly. It’s so much fun. I became fixated after I decided that when my novel query is complete I’ll celebrate with a Tom Cruise Cake. Anyone else get fixated on foods you see on tv and can’t have? Just me?
It’s probably the millennial in me, but I’m not going to die without trying every famous cake and cupcake on this planet.
4. Current Read
I just started Great Circle and am loving it.
The happiest book display in the whole shop.
5. Grandma Moses
I just learned that Crystal Bridges (the closest museum to my home) will have 80 Grandma Moses paintings starting in September. I’m going to plan a whole weekend around it (maybe a writing retreat?) and will spend the next few months looking forward to it. What a gift!
6. A Cookbook
I preordered Retro Recipes this week. I’ve always admired Bobby for his absolute grind at creating videos (how does he do it?). I can’t wait to use the cookbook to make something out of Jell-O with my kids (they love Jell-O).
7. Diamond Windows
One of the last home updates we are doing (for a long, long time) is installing some windows we ordered last year. There were two areas of our home that needed new windows, but I also ordered two HUGE diamond windows (inspired heavily by Emma Robert’s home tour—after watching it her big diamond window never left my mind). They will go in the two biggest windows on our main level in our living room and the new (library) dining room. They just got delivered and now I can’t wait to see them in place!
Spring cleaning!
8. Closet Clean Out
It’s been about two years since the last time I cleaned out my closet and this week I spent some time trying everything on and letting go of things I’m no longer using. I’m considering giving the closet a mini-makeover as well. As you can see here, it’s the only place in our home where orange wood is still remaining. I’m thinking about adding carpet tiles or potentially painting the floor.
9. Public Domain Art
A lot of the art I used to design this website and my email is from the public domain. It’s so fun to search through and a billion times cooler than Ai generated art. If you’ve never fallen down that rabbit hole, you’re going to love it!
Diamond windows and tulips.
10. Stuck in my head.
Whoopsie-daisy, yoo-hoo, yelling, “I love you” is on repeat in my head. I can’t wait for the full album. When do you think it will come out? Do you think it will still be called Stove? All theories are welcome. I’m invested.
Thank you for supporting The Lost Arts. I’m glad you’re here.
