Worth Noting Issue 08
Fresh endeavors, a quiet podcast on country estates, a gorgeous Italian-style home tour, the YouTube channel bringing me comfort and more.
Welcome to a slightly refreshed Worth Noting newsletter—a monthly courier where I share all the things that brought me joy and inspiration in the past month, plus some personal thoughts I’ve been sitting in recently.
This newsletter is too long to view in email, so be sure to hit expand when prompted or read it on the Substack website or app for a more engaging experience.
Hello, dear readers. I hope this Sunday letter finds you well and you’ve managed a quiet moment to settle in. The weather in DC has taken a gentle turn—windows cracked open, a crisp breeze curling through my apartment, and the sweet trill of birdsong nudging me awake this morning. Everyone, I firmly believe, should be woken by birdsong.
I plan to venture out for a slow stroll through a favorite neighborhood, and perhaps settle into a cozy corner of a café with my laptop to focus on my next Substack post or some design work. There’s something about working in a bustling café that makes everything feel just a little more romantic, don’t you think?
I’m so glad to be here in your inbox again. Though I’d much prefer if we were gathered around a table, sharing brunch, and chatting away. While this is a digital space, I often think of it as a quiet little salon where we can meet, muse, and sift through our thoughts together. And lately, thinking is all I seem to be doing.
I’ve found myself in an emotional and mental fog these past few weeks, the weight of change pressing in. This new administration’s shifts have sent ripples through my work life, and for the first time, I’ve felt a creeping uncertainty. I’ve always found joy in my job—cherishing the people I work with and the rhythm of it all—but lately, the news seems to bring more unease than answers.
With the outside world feeling unsteady, I’m turning inward, leaning into what I can control—my little corners of the internet, the spaces of my own where I create and share. In times of high anxiety, I find comfort in pouring myself into what brings me joy. Lately, that’s meant daydreaming about ways to expand my online spaces, scheming how to deepen my connection with this community, and pondering how my passions might evolve into something even more meaningful.
One of those changes? Moving my blog back to Substack. I know, I know. But here’s the thing—I changed my mind… and that’s ok, no? After six months of housing my blog posts on my personal website and reserving this space for monthly newsletters, I realized something undeniable: readership isn’t what it used to be. The rise of social media has made it harder than ever to bring people to my website, and when I see that my Substack views are 154% higher than my blog’s, well… the decision made itself. This is where people are connecting. This is where the conversation is happening. So here we are—back to regular posts on Substack, and honestly, I’m excited about it.
And while I’m thinking about the future, I’ve been toying with new creative endeavors. Maybe even reopening my freelance design services part time, or finally stepping into a new creative project that feels fresh and aligned. I’ve been scribbling down lists of everything that brings me happiness—designing, hosting, curating, styling, antiquing. Print ephemera, interiors, graphics. The list spills over, and my very right-brained self struggles to focus on just one thing. But just know… something is brewing. A fresh design business? A revived online antique shop? We’ll see. All I know is, I’m craving refinement in my side quests and passions.
In the meantime, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the dust settles soon. I believe deeply in manifesting our outcomes, in speaking our wants and needs into existence. So I’m trusting the process, knowing that something good is on the horizon. I’ve also been referring back to my latest repost on romanticizing life—sometimes, it’s the only way to steady myself…making each day a bit more intentional.
And with that, I’ll stop rambling. Below, you’ll find a few things I’ve bookmarked over the past few weeks—little sparks of inspiration that I hope bring you as much joy as they did me.
The Country House Podcast—I recently came across this podcast through their Instagram and have been completely charmed. Each episode feels like a quiet conversation over tea, unraveling the rich histories, architectural details, and cultural significance of storied country estates. Lately, I’ve found myself letting it play in the background during the workday—an easy, transportive listen.
Lydia Millen for An Escape—As I’m leaning into feel-good content these days, I’m found relying on Lydia’s YouTube to bring me comfort. I adore her content, a beautiful blend of lifestyle content with a special touch of English countryside charm. She effortlessly merges elegance with rustic vibes. If you're into luxe styling, cozy home inspirations, and a dash of garden envy, this channel is definitely worth checking out.
A Niche Obsession: Wobbly, Painterly Stemware—Shannon Claire’s latest deep dive into 16-18th century Dutch still life paintings had me hooked—specifically, her obsession with the delicate, painterly wine glasses and goblets that quietly steal the show. She unpacks their allure, from the way they catch the light to their timeless elegance, and curates a selection of intricate stemware to bring that old-world charm into your own modern-day tablescape.
Elena & Beatriz Perelli Interiors—I’ve been heavily inspired lately by Elena and Beatriz’s gorgeously designed interiors. They seem to effortlessly blend timeless elegance with a quiet, understated modernity. With an eye for natural textures, muted palettes, and sculptural forms, their interiors tell a story of refinement and ease. Every project is a masterclass in restraint, proving that true luxury lies in thoughtful details and a deep connection to space.
The Otherwise Shoppe—A new find on Etsy, this shop is a little treasure trove of vintage pieces. The shop features thoughtfully curated finds and was an instant save for me after noting the collection of unique candle holders. Every single one has made its way onto my wishlist—definitely a must-visit for anyone seeking one-of-a-kind finds.
Martha Stewart vs. Joël Robuchon—Macarena Blanco of Hauteville reflects on the contrast between two inspirations…Martha Stewart’s curated elegance and Joël Robuchon’s rustic, French culinary tradition. She paints a picture of a kitchen shaped by time and use, where food is a ritual, not a performance, and explores how Robuchon’s cookbooks evoke authenticity, warmth, and the beauty of imperfection—offering a refreshing departure from Stewart’s polished perfection.
An Italian-Style Villa in California—I was drawn to John Saladino’s stunning home tour while browsing Pinterest the other day. Blending antique and modern elements, Saladino's retreat reflects his dual heritage and exceptional design sensibility. I adore the Old World charm and how the home instantly transports you. From the stunning courtyard to the luxurious interiors it’s a masterclass in sophisticated, timeless design.
1980s Evening Decadence—Loved this post by Glenn Mae on her reflection over Fashion Week and the constant churn of trends, all while spending a sick week in bed. The bold, retro vibes of the Jacquemus and Schiaparelli collections she hones in on had me hooked. And the jewelry selection? Absolutely drool-worthy.
Thank you for being here! My Substack remains a free space—free of ads, free of sponsored posts, and always filled with content I truly love sharing.
If you enjoy reading, the simplest ways to support are by liking and commenting on posts, or shopping my finds. Sharing Worth Noting with others makes a world of difference, too. Your support, in any form, means everything!
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xx,
Natalie
