Worth Noting Issue 02
My personal home tour, an Edwardian-themed digital advent calendar, cozy Christmas homes in the Cotswolds, a new shop to watch, over 60 crockpot recipes, and more.
Hello, readers! I hope everyone had a wonderful week and weekend. We’re officially in December and I’ve been diving fully into the festive season. Upon my return from Thanksgiving, I stared decorating my apartment for Christmas, which of course, has made me very happy. Now, I’m content to spend the month cuddled indoors, away from the cold, with my happy twinkly lights and fresh cedar garlands. Minus a few ventures into the city for all the holiday happenings of course.
I’m getting very excited about some upcoming festive things… my building’s holiday party, holiday markets, an annual fondue night my neighbors and I plan, Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker, visiting the city trees, neighborhood walks to enjoy house decorations, and other pop-ups. And of course, celebrating with family at the end of the month.
I know I say this every year, but I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that we’ve entered the last month of the year. Where does the time go? I’m not one to put too much pressure on myself with goals, but I found myself feeling a little panicked about them the other night. To be honest, this year was a good one, but it was just that… nothing amazing happened. No major accomplishments. Just a good year. And that’s ok! Extraordinary things don’t need to happen at every age. And I’m certainly learning to appreciate the slower years too. The moments in between the big stuff.
I think Millie’s IVDD accident at the start of the year really threw things off for me. It was certainly not the opening I had wanted. And I was left with months of recovery and worry. I’m so grateful she is ok, but I definitely just tossed my goals out the window following that whole ordeal and didn’t give them a second thought. And if getting through that together was my one “thing” of the year, I’m so glad we made it to the other side.
Anyhow, I’m already thinking up new plans for the year ahead. It’s been about 1.5 months since starting over with my blog on Substack and so far I’m loving it. I know how annoying emails are and that it can be tough to pick which are worth subscribing too. So, I can’t say thank you enough for choosing to stick with me! I’ve been dreaming up a new project that I hope to bring to fruition in 2024. But I want to get things right, so I’m slowly pulling it all together behind the scenes. Let’s just say that it involves my love for print products and ephemera and I’m very excited about the idea.
More to come on that! It’s time for another Worth Noting newsletter and I have several fun things to share below, including a few Christmasy bits I think you’ll enjoy! Hope everyone has a wonderful week.
From the Blog Lately…
The Holiday Gift Guide—What I hope is a refreshing take and thoughtfully curated collection of gifts worth noting for the holiday season, with an emphasis on shopping small.
A Holiday Film List—Over 50 festive movies to cozy up to this season (plus a printout!).
Two Holiday Playlists to Welcome December—It's officially time to get festive and tune into our favorite, jazzy, holiday classics. Sharing my holiday playlist, plus a second quieter round-up for cozy December days.
My Love Affair with Nora and Nancy—How the oeuvre of Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers has consumed me body and soul (and home) one beautiful room, croque monsieur, wine pour, female lead, cozy scene, and fabulous soundtrack at a time.
Room Study Nº1—Furnishings and decor inspired by rooms that make me swoon - featuring Hanna Seabrook's South Carolina living room.
Other Things Worth Noting…
01. Touring
After many years, I’ve finally shared a full home tour over on my Instagram. I must say that it’s certainly no where near “finished” (is it ever?), but I decided to take advantage of a sunny day and stripped down/clean apartment to share with you all. So welcome into my historic 1930s apartment!
02. Opening
This year, Jacquie Lawson’s digital advent calendar is Edwardian themed… which couldn’t possibly be more up my alley. Full of beautiful illustrations, little games, and a drawing room with a Christmas tree you can even decorate. Plus you can gift it to others as well! Just a little something to bring a few minutes of joy to each day.
03. Revisiting
I pulled up two of my favorites from the House and Garden’s Design Note series…because it’s Christmastime and because I just adore a cozy, English cottage. Amanda Brook’s Cotswolds farmhouse and Luke Edward Hall and Duncan Campbell’s Cotswolds cottage. Even though I tend to keep my home pretty minimalist, I can’t help but love a very kitschy Christmas! And I just adore how they each decorate their spaces for the holidays.
04. Watching
I saw a few people sharing PBS’s Design in Mind series as there’s a new episode with Gil Schafer. I have several of his interior design coffee table books so of course I was instantly intrigued! I ate it up this morning and then dove right into the Bunny Mellon episode which was also a treat. Very good architectural and interior inspiration! And I know you all love a good interior design show.
05. Dreaming
I recently fell into the beautiful mind of Emma Mierop, creative behind Skippy Cotton. While her fun and fanciful crafted artwork is what originally drew me to her, I discovered that she’s also an AI artist… creating the most beautiful, whimsical little scenes from her mind and bringing them to life through artwork. A bit dark, nostalgic, dreamy, and magical all at once. A very fun follow.
06. Admiring
My Instagram friend, Kristin Ellen Hockman, has recently launched her own small shop, Ottar, filled with botanical prints in beautifully hand-painted frames, custom drawn children’s artwork, and even her own illustrated and written children’s book that I can’t wait to get my hands on! Drops are small, but the pieces are so beautiful and worth being patient for. And it’s obvious that she is very passionate about what she’s creating! I’m excited to see what comes of this new little shop gem.
07. Cooking
With winter around the corner and our days slowly getting colder and gloomier… crockpot season is certainly upon us. There’s nothing I love more than my crockpot during the colder months. Platings and Parings recently posted over 60 slow cooker recipes and I’ve already booked too many to count to try this season.
08. Printing
A favorite artist I follow, Carly Kuhn, created a few holiday menu templates available to buy and print this season. I’m so inspired by this idea and may offer something similar before the holiday hits. I just love the idea of printed menus for dinner parties and holiday gatherings, handwritten with delicious eats!
09. Reading
There have been two recent cover stories with two fabulous women. Get cozy with Meg Ryan and hear from Greta how she has no plans to rest following the success of Barbie. Good reads to dive into over coffee in the morning.
10. Subscribing
I mentioned Lydia Millen’s YouTube in a previous newsletter months ago, before switching to Substack, and she’s worthy of sharing again! Especially around the holidays, Lydia’s content is so thoughtful and cozy. She recently published her first book, a raw account and guide to help you connect with nature and fully embrace each season. It’s so beautifully written.
So many lovely things, Natalie. Thank you for sharing! xx