Worth Noting Issue 10

A new favorite cozy corner of the internet, home tours to linger over, PBS period escapes, culinary wisdom, Substack gems, and other delights

May 11, 2025

Hello, readers. It’s a glorious Sunday here on the bay in Delaware, where I’ve slipped away for a weekend escape to reunite with my mom (back from Florida for the season) for a little Mother’s Day visit. There’s something deeply restorative about returning to this quiet stretch of coastline, far from the city’s hum. I’m finishing this note from the screened-in porch, serenaded by seagulls and the gentle clang of boats bobbing in the marina. The neighborhood is slowly rousing from its off-season slumber, signaling summer’s imminent return—but for now, it's all stillness and sea breeze.

April and early May felt like a turning point. DC has fully unfurled into green again, and with it comes that sense of ease spring delivers…open windows, al fresco dinners, garden tours, impromptu outdoor happenings, and a wardrobe shift into dresses that flutter in the breeze. Even baring my arms in sleeveless tops has felt mildly exhilarating. I’ve been soaking in the season with intention: wandering through garden tours, including Oak Spring Farm, where I had the joy of meeting up with an internet friend, Melissa; stopping by an art gallery pop-up in Georgetown with Alex; and welcoming Chesley into my apartment to photograph and document the space. It’s so nice meeting online friends in person.

I also went to my first DC United game for all the Ted Lasso vibes—a friend had an extra club ticket with field seats… loved. I’ve taken a couple trips to the bay for some R&R and seaside splendor. Generally, it’s been a season of saying yes. Yes to connection, yes to creativity, yes to showing up. And it’s been nourishing to the core.

That said, not everything has been light and blooming. The professional front has brought its own share of unease. I’m immensely grateful to still be employed, but the reality of being a federal contractor means the ground often feels a bit shaky these days. The general vibe at work has been… bleak. For those new here, my 9-to-5 is in communications and marketing, a role I enjoy and value deeply. But the uncertainty is out of my hands, so I’ve shifted my energy outside of my work hours toward creative pursuits that are within my grasp. And they’ve brought me so much joy.

I’ve quietly opened up space to take on freelance design clients again, and I’m currently working with a jewelry designer whose vision and aesthetic feel beautifully aligned with my own. There’s nothing quite like the magic of collaborating with someone who trusts your instincts and shares your sensibilities, it’s invigorating in the best way.

I’m also tinkering with a personal project I hope to launch in June. A little hint? It’s an evolution of the digital holiday gift guide I shared back in December (remember that?). The feedback was so heartening. Many of you asked if I’d ever consider printing something tangible. So… a summery, beautiful, hold-it-in-your-hands kind of piece may be on the horizon. Fingers crossed.

That is all for now! Hope you all have the loveliest Sunday. As always, I’ve tucked a few treasures below that have caught my eye and brought me delight over the past month.

Two Very Good Home Tours—A recent House & Garden feature offers a peek into Steve Martin’s cozy LA hideaway, designed by the ever-charming Kathryn Ireland. Think English countryside warmth meets California cool. Equally captivating: a video tour of Virginia White’s Hampstead Heath flat, which feels so quiet and lived-in… intimate, thoughtful, and deeply personal. I was smitten.

Alexander Widener—If you haven’t yet stumbled across Alexander Widener, allow me the pleasure. After his TikTok on Wedgewood pottery history went viral, he’s become something of a cozy-corner-of-the-internet sensation. A former New Yorker turned coastal Maine resident, he now runs a guest house and is launching a shop soon. His blend of charm, humor, and impeccable taste makes him my current favorite follow.

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Longchamp’s Summer Cookbook—An unexpected delight… Longchamp released a free downloadable summer cookbook inspired by their latest collection, rooted in the hues of seasonal produce. It’s filled with elegant recipes from chefs who cooked for a series of exclusive dinners Longchamp hosted in twenty cities. Chic and delicious.

30 Cooking Tips—In a similar vein, I’ve tucked away this list of 30 things Steph Robinson learned at European cooking school. A goldmine of tips that promise to elevate even the simplest home-cooked meal. I’m already dreaming up dinner party menus.

Two Delightfully Unique Substacks—I’m always thrilled to discover newsletters that stray from the expected product-heavy mold or writer’s journal. The Pleasaunce offers rich historical explorations of gardens, heirloom plants, and artistic traditions. Ex Libris is a haven for vintage art book and illustration lovers. Both Substacks are thoughtfully written, visually stunning, and endlessly inspiring.

PBS Period Pieces—I somehow missed that PBS has a Marie Antoinette series, now in its second season, and what a treat! I’ve also begun Sisi, thanks to my mom’s recommendation. There’s nothing quite like being swept into another era for a little while, especially when it’s presented so beautifully through costume design and set. Also, a gentle reminder that it’s a good time to support public broadcasting and it feels good to be donating to PBS.

Create Academy Lessons—I’ve become completely enamored with Create Academy. I’m currently devouring Bunny Williams’ Design Your Dream Home class, which is equal parts practical and voyeuristic. These courses are perfect for anyone who delights in interiors, gardening, floral arranging, and more. Highly recommend for lifelong learners and aesthetes alike.

Praise Grandma Hobbies—I loved this piece on the mental health benefits of grandma-coded pastimes. And I couldn’t agree more (although I’d argue childlike activities also do the trick). Give me puzzles, coloring books, jewelry kits, and a rainy afternoon any day. I’m thinking I may need to dive into the art of needlepointing next.

Summer Jewelry Treasures—I recently stumbled upon Bona Drag, a beautifully curated shop with an impressive jewelry selection from independent makers. I’m currently eyeing an assortment of beaded and shell-adorned pieces. Brands like La ma r, Labro, and Simuero are topping my wishlist. So glad I fond this treasure trove of summery options.

Page House—A new-to-me discovery via Instagram: Page House, a woman-owned design studio with a quietly exquisite collection of home goods. Their fringed ottomans, sculptural vessels, and thoughtful details had me instantly hooked.

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ta ta,
Natalie