A few things I'm loving lately:

1.  I'm a sucker for a skirt set - give me multiple ways to wear a few items, and I'm sold. Top with jeans, skirt with tee, top and skirt together...so much to love about a set, which is why this pair (sold separately) in my favorite color of red-orange was a no-brainer. Bold, comfortable, cotton, and under $56 for both. (Skirt , Top)

2. I can usually select any title from Grace Atwood's Library and enjoy it, but this book was an exceptional pick from her. A twist on the typical fairy tale, I was fully engrossed in this fictional accounting of a princess at odds with her picture-perfect life, and I'm still thinking about the freedoms of a female body, societal expectations of a public life, and what it means to be of service as a member of a royal family. I'm not at all interested in the monarchy, but this wonderfully-written story from the inside was entirely compelling.

3. A recent trip to Richmond, Virginia allowed a few hours of unclaimed time in our schedule, so a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was the most delightful diversion. Aside from the charming restaurants and outdoor sculpture garden (all lovely) their permanent collections were a joy to discover, and one of my favorites on display was this 19th-century custom charm bracelet possibly designed and created by the firm of Fabergé with the most incredible carved hardstone, gold, and jeweled animals, figures, and charms. (I could not get over the enamel and diamond lobster claw or the gold Foo dog!) 

4. This one's for my Louisville peeps: if you have not yet experienced the deliciousness of M. Peppers in the Highlands, may I suggest a visit? It's a charming French bistro that serves weekend brunch and nightly dinner with elegant indoor seating and a relaxing umbrella-covered outdoor patio, too. Though an entire meal is the real treat, their happy hour has fantastic cocktails and maybe the best cone of fries in town.

5. Reminding me of A Man Called Ove, Ouiser from Steel Magnolias, and a bit of its own mystery, magic, and personality, this gem of a story was wonderful as an audiobook. The characters come to life through the unique voices and performance, and I found myself pivoting back and forth on the dual timeline of the tale, wanting to know and understand the main character (Mabel) more and more. 

UP for Women and Children is an incredible drop-in day center that supports unhoused women and their children with daily needs like showers, phone use, customized case management, assistance obtaining vital documents, and receiving mail. 

UP also provides food and clothing to moms and kiddos, and a portion of proceeds from each heartfelt necklace from now until Mother's Day will purchase undergarments and easy on-the-go snacks from UP's wish list. 

Hearts joined through beauty, hope, and love, whether a family by birth or by choice, let's expand our village of mothers, helping one another and remembering we are all connected. 

Shop the limited edition set here!

A few things I'm loving lately:

1. Both books on this list tell a heartwarming story of family - created and connected (even if they had no idea at first) by blood, mistakes, secrets, shame, sadness, and - ultimately - love. With a deeply lovable (though frequent poor-choice-making) main character in this gem of a book (or audiobook, as I listened to it) you'll be rooting for this family as they make their way across the country on what you know is a fool's errand of a road trip.

2. One of my favorite writers, Kevin Wilson has crafted yet another quirky, laugh-out-loud tale of family and connection, and - in addition to the learn-to-love-them-along-the-way family members - a PT Cruiser is almost a main character itself. Until it's replaced by a Chevy HHR. 

3. Our gift to you with any purchase of $150 or more this month, we made our Lucky Charms totes by hand with the help of some iron-on designs. Enough for many projects to come, I cut the various lucky shapes out by hand from a roll of golden-hued vinyl sheeting that I then affixed to the fabric with the swipe of a hot iron. T-shirts or sweatshirts might be next!

4.  One of my teenagers (read: the age largely unimpressed by most things) proclaimed this was one of the top three meals I had ever made for her. (And I feel like I've made a lot of meals for her and her sister.) Easy, quick, and delicious - I'm liking and making A LOT of Pinch of Yum's recipes lately.

5. I know I've shared about gardenias before, but this one I grew myself from a small potted plant I snagged at Trader Joe's two or three years ago. (They sometimes offer them around Mother's Day, so look for them mid-late April!) I've been curious about how to keep these blooms healthy since three appeared just in the last few weeks, and I'll be doing my best with these tips to keep my thumb (and this plant) green.

A few things I'm loving lately:

1.  I crafted our latest Spotify Playlist after a gals trip to West Texas with my college girlfriends, inspired by the beautiful landscape, country music playing on our evening ranch rides, and some of my favorite Texas artists.

2.  Both book picks this month feature a main character I'd like to be a little more like - and this tremendously-beautiful gem of a story introduced me to a small southern town called Golden and its handful of residents who are all touched by the love, intentionality, wisdom, presence, and kindness of mysterious Theo. I am FLOORED this incredible book was originally self-published and almost never came to be at all. 

3. A story told entirely in letters, this unexpected novel made me want to buy a beautiful set of stationery and set aside time each day to hand-write a note or two. After all, we never know what a difference our words might make - in ourselves and others.

4. I couldn't wait to gift these cute crustaceans to my favorite little ladies as a tiny and fun reminder that they are loved and supported. The delight was immediate. (And the customer service impeccable - when my original order was lost in transit, they immediately replaced them!)

5. A dear friend sent this to me as a gift a few years ago, and it was the morning appliance I didn't know I needed. I love its sleek look and fast heating to the temperature of my choice (and even the timing of my preference.) And even though I'm not crafting pour-over coffee every morning, I still love the kettle's stylish spout.