Worth Noting Issue 04
02.04.24: A history of cameo jewelry, the peace in living single and alone, two gorgeous NY home tours, and more.
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Hello, readers. Hope everyone has awoken to a relaxing Sunday. It’s been absolutely gorgeous here in DC! The sun has awoken my affections for spring… I’m so happy to hear it’s coming sooner than later (thank you, Phil). My plans for today involve a stroll through the park to the pond—Millie and I will pretend we’re Anita and Perdita in hopes of getting swooped away by a dog running away from his handsome owner. Tangled in our dogs’ leashes, we’ll fall into the pond and the rest will be history. If you know that reference, I love you. Anyways, from there I have big plans with my chaise and a good book. I digress…
As I was writing this, it occurred to me that I’m officially over three months into Substack. I love it here. Substack has offered such a refreshing approach to sharing content and connecting with my people. It feels intimate. I feel comfortable. Perhaps it’s the reassuring feeling of knowing that you, at some point, voluntarily signed up for my newsletters. It’s nice to know that so many of you are interested in what I have to say or share. So, thank you. These little chats (though heavily one sided) are more like conversations with friends over brunch with mimosas in hand or across loungey sofas with our shoes kicked off.
To be honest, I’m actually quite shocked that I managed to be so consistent this past month since turning on paid subscriptions! Truly, this platform has given me new life. Ok, let’s get into it, shall we?
Beautiful things worth noting…
01. I enjoyed this article from 1st Dibs on the history and significance of cameo jewelry. It was fun to learn a bit more about where they came from and what they’re worth! These little pieces are so beautifully crafted and it’s easy to slip into a dream about who the figures are and the many lives these items have lived.
02. I nearly died and went to heaven when Bryce Dallas Howard invited us into her old historic home with AD—the most charming New York cottage. Between the minty dining room inspired by Jane Eyre classics and her Wes Anderson office, this is an easy one to draw lots of inspiration from.
03. I can’t stop following Annie’s Instagram account called This Oak House. She also happens to be the daughter of Nancy Meyers—so we know the eye for design is good. She’s currently renovating her gorgeous home and has been taking us along on the journey. I cannot wait to see all the interiors come together.
04. Poorna Bell wrote about the restful houses of women who live alone and I couldn’t relate to this piece more. So well written. I don’t take my time as a single woman living alone for granted… for there is honestly so much peace in it. And I’ll probably miss it terribly when life starts to look different. She captures my feelings completely. You may relate too.
05. I recently started following Maddy from @handmethefork and have loved her style of sharing cooking content. She’s a private chef for Rebecca Cohen, the founder of LoveShackFancy. You get to see a mix of her day in the life videos, follow along as she cooks for fun and fancy dinner parties (and the table settings!), and get sneak peeks of the gorgeous NYC home she works in.
06. In similar chef news, I started following Romilly Newman toward the end of last year and have also enjoyed her Substack. Her NYC home tour was recently on Homeworthy and it’s just this cozy, effortless little gem that I keep coming back to over and over. Mid-century woodwork set against the classic character of the old brownstone and all her antiques and personality mixed in make for such a great space.
07. Sometimes Instagram ads do get it right. I’ve been seeing so much of Kaiyo during my scrolls and finally clicked through to find what is now a go-to for searching antiques and vintage online. And there are some very good affordable pieces!!
08. If you’ve always dreamed of having an antique verdure tapestry, but can’t get past the steep prices, this alternative may be of interest! Lore and Lea recently created a verdure tapestry throw blanket to give customers a more affordable option for the same aesthetic. Hang it, toss it over furniture, or use as a throw. I’ve certainly added this to my wishlist.
09. And yet, another home tour (you know you love it). A dreamy feature in Cabana magazine of Cy Twombly's home in Bassano, north of Rome—a country house and summer studio. It’s aged details and all the raw beauty instantly drew me in. I can’t help but fantasize about running through the halls with all that history. So grand and undone.
10. Lastly, a quick self-plug that I’m in the process of editing my Spotify playlists. If you’re not already following along, there are several available for listening. Some follower favorites include my Regency Romance playlist, Feel-Good RomCom playlist, and Jazzy Afternoons and Rainy Days. I’m pretty invested in curating these, so hope you enjoy.
Until next time!
Natalie
Lately, on Substack…
The Apartment on Connecticut Avenue—From my desk, admirations of the home I've come to love most. Listen or read!
Creating a Warm Home as a Neutral-Loving Minimalist—10 tips for curating a simple and classic space that still welcomes you in like a warm hug.
Curio Cabinet No.3—A curated collection of beautiful pieces I'm eyeing for home and closet.
Gone Antiquing (most popular!!)—20 beautiful old finds for a well-curated, timeless, and collected home.
The Business of January—On nesting, hibernating, and tidying up this winter.
Cozy Films with Beautiful Sets—Over 100 films to sink into on quiet days when you just want an escape.
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