THE ARCHIVE
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Summertime Soirée Favorites
Hosting a summertime soiree is one of my greatest joys, whether it's a lively outdoor BBQ with friends or an intimate dinner with family on the deck. The right touches can transform any gathering into a memorable event, and I believe that thoughtfully chosen stemware, napkins, and hosting accessories play a pivotal role in setting the stage for a wonderful meal. Elegant wine glasses and sturdy tumblers enhance the experience of savoring chilled rosé or a refreshing cocktail. Beautifully patterned napkins add a touch of sophistication, while stylish serving trays and utensils ensure both functionality and flair. Each element, from the soft glow of lanterns to the inviting comfort of outdoor cushions, contributes to an ambiance that welcomes guests and creates an atmosphere of effortless summer charm.
My Guide to an Early Spring Home Refresh
Step into the rejuvenating embrace of early spring with my comprehensive guide to refreshing your home for the season ahead. As the days lengthen and the air grows warmer, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into your living space and embrace the vibrant energy of springtime. Follow along as I share my favorite tips and tricks for welcoming the season into your home with open arms. With these simple yet effective steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a home that radiates with the warmth and vitality of spring.
7 Activities to Ring in Spring in Virginia
The enchanting realm of springtime in Virginia, where nature awakens from its wintry slumber, painting the landscape with vibrant hues and breathing new life into the air… As the days grow longer and the sun's warmth graces us once more, there's an undeniable sense of renewal and possibility that permeates the air. In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a journey through seven of my favorite activities to celebrate the arrival of spring in the Old Dominion. From leisurely strolls amidst blooming fields to quaint picnics in picturesque vineyards, each experience promises to immerse you in the beauty and charm of this magical season. So, let us embark together on this adventure, as we embrace the joys of springtime in Virginia and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
My Favorite Beauty Pie Products of 2023
Step into the world of beauty indulgence as I embark on a delightful journey to share my top picks from Beauty Pie in 2023. From trusted old favorites that have seamlessly integrated into my daily skincare routine to exciting new discoveries that have become instant essentials, each product adds a touch of luxury to my everyday moments.
Setting My Intentions for 2024
While I’ve never been keen on setting a resolution for the new year, I do find January to be a refreshing, reflective, and inspiring month. It’s a month to reflect on the positives and negatives of the past year and look forward to what’s in store for the year ahead. I like to think back on what worked well for me in the previous year, whether that was incorporating a new habit into my daily routine, working on a new mindset towards something, and so on… if something didn’t work for me, I look at the year ahead as an opportunity to re-try and improve upon whatever didn’t work.
The Hunt Country Holiday Gift Guide 2023
With all of the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, now is the perfect time to get a head-start on your holiday shopping. Personally, I like to start planning my holiday shopping in early October so that I can beat all of the last-minute shopping (and chaos!). Holiday shopping is also the perfect time to prioritize supporting small, local businesses. Fortunately, there are numerous beautiful shops in and around hunt country for all of your holiday gift purchases. Here’s a round-up of my favorite shops.
Learning to Embrace a Slower Lifestyle
These days, it seems that we are all constantly being pushed to do more — working longer hours, accomplishing more at home, having a side hustle. I’ll be the first to admit that I bought in to that mentality, particularly in college and my first couple of years after graduate school. However, I’ve quickly come to realize that true joy and contentment in life (at least for me), doesn’t come from working 24/7 and constantly striving to be #1; instead, my truest moments of contentment in the last few years have been when I’m truly balancing work and my personal life. It’s the mentality of “work to live, not live to work”, and it’s made a profound difference in my stress levels and the things I value in life.
Until Next Year, Summer!
Ah, September 23, 2023 — the first official day of fall! While I’ve been slowly introducing fall content over the last few weeks on this blog and on my Instagram, I have been patiently waiting for this day to arrive like a child on Christmas morning. My closet has been cleared out and reorganized for this season, my Pinterest boards updated with new fall recipes to try, and our seasonal fall and Halloween-themed movie lists for the next few months have been updated. I’m currently sipping on a cup of Lavender Earl Grey tea (a personal favorite at this time of the year), I have a pumpkin chai candle lit on my desk, and I’m admiring the rain falling outside — I feel cozy and inspired. I plan on spending the rest of the day continuing to plan my fall content and I may do a spot of online shopping.