Finding Lovely

A quick solo overnight to go antiquing and shop local! I woke up to the sunrise, tea and lobster boats, calm seas so different than last weekend, and then dragged furniture around as I dreamed, nested and DIYed. Swipe to see the finds I brought home.

The couches had been anchored on the opposite wall and though it seems counterintuitive to put one of the couches opposite the view, the flow is better and now I can find an antique hutch for that wall.

I found this drop leaf antique table and the copper lamp yesterday in Wiscasset. It clearly needs a new shade but it has a beautiful patina.

Tea and lobster boats.

Couldn’t walk away without this sweet pitcher from Cabot Mill Antiques

Also on my agenda was sanding my facebook marketplace find. Turns out hubby only bought fine and extra fine sandpaper which made the process take a loooong time.

Arm and ab workout

It’s better but clearly needs more work.

Hung the little copper fish in a temporary spot until I find plates

Currently sourcing vintage pendants because this kitchen light is not my favorite thing.

Morning sunrise

Let’s go antiquing in Maine! From Wells to Wiscasset, I was on the hunt for some lovely treasures.

A weekend Nor’easter made for some lovely memories beside the sea. Cotton candy skies at sunset, waking up to the sound of the sea, trying to make it cozy with a few quick Facebook Marketplace finds, lots of games and coloring, cinnamon rolls, and a practically empty Coastal Maine Botanical Garden made for some full hearts.

Saturday morning almost-fall light at its sweetest. Tea in hand and moving slow.

A perfect night in September for a garden party with Mary Frances Maker

Friends, flowers and sparkly treasures made for a lovely evening indeed.

Song choice curtesy of The Super Mario Movie my family is currently watching on this riveting Friday night.

Here’s a peek at the beginnings of some designs coming together on the kitchen counter. I hopped down to the design center this morning but didn’t make it any further than Studio 534 because everything was so good. Which patterns are catching your eye?

Is AI going to make it so that the stove magically makes dinner without getting dirty on cleaning day? Because I’m ok with that.

Also, PSA, the Garden Mint candle from Terrain is my new favorite kitchen candle. Perfect for a dreary, rainy day.

Snaps of Life.

Purposely finding lovely in the ordinary and unspoken hard bits. By the sea on a hot 4th of July weekend. Stopping at an orchard for summertime bounty. Making memories with Littles. Maine. Time with friends. Lovely things indeed.

One of my favorite New England beaches with my sweet family.
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester.

I’d be lying if I told you beach days were a breeze for me. I do a lot of praying through the hard and uncomfortable and usually want safe friends and my husband around. But I love the beach, it’s a very tangible and intentional opportunity for me to find the lovely.

I think it’s a normal mom response to want to keep your kiddos safe. For most, that’s simply making sure they don’t wander too far out or away. But when we had Cade and beaches became places he needed to take his prosthetic legs off, “the keeping him safe” extended to careless words or mean scrutiny. For the most part, it is simply curious kids wanting to understand what they are seeing. And there’s nothing wrong with being curious. We welcome questions. I think sometimes it’s the scrutiny without engaging dialogue that is most tricky to navigate. Prosthetics are interesting and uncommon. But there is a point, loitering and stares cross from being friendly to feeling uncomfortable. Especially when he’s just a kiddo wanting to play unencumbered by the sea. Sometimes as a momma, you just want to curl up in a chair with a book and not have to be on your game. And I think sometimes I’m just more sensitive depending on the week. Today there was lots of lovely and I’m thankful for that. Because I love this beach. I suppose it’s easy to see people through these tiny screens and forget that everyone has a something…a something they battle—fears, insecurities, internal wrestling matches. People are complex and lovely. Be kind and find the lovely.

Charleston, South Carolina with

What a joy to explore South Carolina with so many wonderful women and brands! Thank you for sharing this beautiful part of the country with me and giving me all the suggestions. I loved everything except the alligators.

was a gorgeous stay with a magical view from the pool, perfect spa and lovely restaurant.
threw the prettiest party . Sneaking a peek at the fall line with friends was a joy.
took us on a lovely tour providing fascinating insights into a historical city. Book Taylor for a private tour!
opened their doors to us for a jewelry making session
made us the most delicious lunch which I frankly would fly right back down to eat again.
and threw a wonderful pool party and
set the most stunning table I’ve seen!