Elva Fields Blog
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Latest Loves
A few things I'm loving lately:
1. A mysterious woman washes ashore on a remote island near Antarctica and challenges the isolated family who lives there with confronting difficult truths about themselves, one another, and the natural world they strive to protect. I read this captivating book on a very different kind of island over spring break, but was drawn in by vivid descriptions of such a desolate but beautiful place and the unfolding dramas that took place there.
2. Lightweight, fast-drying, and sand-proof, these colorful towels have become a family favorite. Bonus: the drawstring bag in which they are packaged makes for a great carrier of all the sunscreen bottles and balms in the beach or pool bag. (I snagged our towels at my dear friend's boutique - bonus bonus for shopping small!)
3. My latest Instagram black hole is a super fun in-the-streets music game show called Track Star* in which the host (Jack, who seems like the most cheerful dude) asks the interviewee to "name the artist and win 5 bucks." I learn about new music or play along to old favorites as they (I?) try to double their money each round.
4. Circling back around to sunscreen, this has been a staple since I discovered it on a trip to Paris 14 years ago - soaks in, applies smoothly, no irritation or pore-clogging of sensitive skin, and - most importantly - really works. It might be for kids, but I can attest it's a fit for middle-aged women, too.
5. I've followed Morgan Elvington Walker (@bymelving) on Instagram for a few years now, and I find myself continually inspired by her work and - maybe more accurately - her willingness to flow with her own inspirations, trying new techniques and being open to the process and evolution of her own creativity. Her latest work came about after taking a marbling class in Italy, and the resulting collection - though entirely sold out - might be my favorite of hers yet. I can't wait to see what she creates next.
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Latest Loves
A few things I'm loving lately:
1. Though my fingers are crossed I won't be needing to wear it much longer this year (we're ready for you, Spring!) I've been staying warm in my new winter coat from Costco. Lightweight and just roomy enough for heavy sweaters and extra layers, it was less than $20.
2. Perpetually late to the party, I didn't catch on to this beautiful gem of a show until its third season, but I am a quick and total convert. Healing, hope, humor, authentic portrayals of the awkward, figuring-it-out-ness of adulthood, the joys and struggles of real and intimate friendships - this is truly one of the most wonderful shows created.
3. Mind-blowing and expanding in the very best of ways, this podcast offers a beautiful and profound perspective on how much we can learn about our world and beyond from a population often deemed incapable of communicating: non-speakers with autism.
4. The latest Spotify playlist from Elva Fields includes some old favorites from my college years (thanks to a recent reunion 25 years after our graduation!) and some new songs I've only recently discovered. The Samples take me back to a summer spent in Colorado in the late 90s and Freddy Jones Band is straight from nearly every weekend road trip we took to see the boys "up the road" from Hollins, while the Lucy Dacus song is a new find from my local public radio station - so much love for 91.9 WFPK. Enjoy!
5. Lest you think the reunion weekend was a wild party, I will share that there was needlepointing, pickleball, soup and sourdough making, and an endless game of Rummikub on the coffee table. I'd never played, and now I can't get enough. (Thanks to my thoughtful mom for my new set!)
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Latest Loves
A few things I'm loving lately:1. Not to sound too much like the fashion influencer we all know I'm not, but I am obsessed with my new $14 slippers from Target. Warm, cozy, and like walking on marshmallows in the very best squishy-supportive way, they even make getting out of bed in the cold, dark mornings a bit easier.
2. Although this masterpiece by one of my favorite authors has been on my TBR list for well over a year now, I'd been putting it off after most readers shared that it was "incredibly sad" and "heartbreaking" (albeit wonderful.) For the most part lately I like my reading to be joyful and uplifting, and I wasn't sure I was up for the challenges that "sad" might bring. When I forgot a book on a recent trip, however, I snagged it from the airport shop and was hooked from page one. It IS sad, but it's a sad that doesn't dwell in the depths without bits of brightness, humor, and keen observations of true beauty, love, and belonging. It IS heartbreaking, but only in a way that shines a light on a part of the world that is often overlooked and misunderstood by most. I couldn't put it down, and I can't stop thinking about it.
3. Between peri-menopause and winter, my skin is like the Sahara. After some research, I discovered this bottle of goodness that has changed my dry, scaly surfaces to something resembling healthy human. (And it doubles as a shaving oil, too.)
4. On the topic of hydration, "drink more water" is my annual New Year's resolution that rarely seems to resolve. My teenagers turned me on to this, and though it seems RIDICULOUS to spend money when I could just twist a faucet knob and get it unflavored for free, I do seem to be drinking more water throughout the day when I add the sugar-free flavors to my water. (And I never use the full pouch - one lasts about 4 glasses of water, so more for my money, maybe?)
5. Clever banter, emotional awareness, trauma processing, hilarious neighbors, AND Harrison Ford? Easily my favorite show right now.
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2024 Holiday Gift Guide
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Latest Loves
A few things I'm loving lately:
1. After my vision changed seemingly overnight when I turned 42, I'm now fully in my Readers Era. Evidently, my 13-year-old had had enough of my squinting even WITH my original 1x pair halfway through our family vacation this summer, and she promptly walked me to the glasses display in the bookstore where we were shopping. This was the upgraded (and 1.75x) pair she selected for me before pushing me toward the checkout counter, and I have to admit, they're pretty great. Oprah apparently likes them, too, so I'm not alone in my admiration. Pun intended, I have my eye on this style next, and fingers crossed I won't be in need of a 2x already.
2. The latest Elva Fields playlist is a collection of some recent favorites, a handful of new discoveries, and a few highlights from last month's Bourbon & Beyond music festival here in Louisville. It was a family affair for us, and I pretended to have as much energy as my teenagers as we navigated four straight days of festival fun. This year featured a phenomenal lineup, and despite blazing heat, occasional massive crowds, and crazy parking, it was worth it for the incredible music. Enjoy the festival-inspired tunes from the comfort of your home or car, though, and enjoy the Spotify sounds.
3. Insightful, smart, hilarious, endearing, and wholly entertaining, I loved listening to Rufi Thorpe's Margo's Got Money Troubles on audiobook. Narrated expertly by Elle Fanning, she'll be starring (with Michelle Pfeiffer!) in the upcoming Apple TV series based on the novel. I can't wait.
4. Along with everyone else I know, I completely binged this gem on Netflix a couple of weeks ago. I've loved Adam Brody since he was Lane's forbidden boyfriend on Gilmore Girls (is anyone else still bummed Dave disappeared from the script once his gig on the OC took off?) and the chemistry and dynamics among all the actors in this series just felt like the most joyful, uplifting, best kind of satisfying perfection.
5. This postcard randomly appeared in either a card or a book of mine recently - no idea how - and I cannot stop looking at it. It's a captivating painting from the Smithsonian of the Cornish Headlands, and it's now on my inspiration board in the studio...and on my travel bucket list, too.