A few things I'm loving lately:

1. One of my favorite humans ever just sent me this box of heaven, and I'm still dreaming about (and enjoying in real life) the beautiful fragrance that emerged when I opened it. Gardenias top my list of scents, and it is a wonder of our modern world that an entire box of blooms can be shipped across the country to be enjoyed. (High Camp Supply does this with impeccable style.) It's decadent and amazing, and a gift like this is remembered forever.

2. Another gift (albeit of a more practical nature) is my new favorite puffy vest by Cotopaxi. Between the unexpected color combinations AND their thoughtfully-designed and crafted "gear for good" business model, it's the perfect added layer under my down jacket on super-cold mornings (not into this 20-degree nonsense) but provides just enough warmth on its own on the spring-is-sooooo-close days it's not as frozen outside. Feels good, does good, all good.

3. On these cold mornings, a warm start is just the thing. I've officially been converted from a "I'll just pour my oat milk straight from the refrigerated carton into my coffee" to a "that refrigerated carton is dead to me, one absolutely MUST steam and froth oat milk before adding it to one's hot drink" kind of gal. I don't even recognize myself. This under-$40 indulgence whips, froths, heats (optionally) and preps with lots of available customization options, and I'm never going back.

4. Amor Towles's A Gentleman in Moscow might be my favorite book ever, so I've been anticipating (read: mildly obsessing over) the release of his latest novel, The Lincoln Highway. I adore Towles's storytelling skills, unspooling fascinating details about each character in ways both unexpected and startlingly familiar with descriptions that stay with the reader long after the book has been closed, and this line-up of memorable personages was no exception. I was along for the ride (literally, as it's a tale from the road) and sad when it ended in more ways than one.

5. Another favorite of mine (this list seems to be full of those) is the band The Head and the Heart. A new album is on the way, and their latest single is part of the latest Elva Fields playlist. (And, if, like me, you're wanting a THATH fix before you can see them on tour, their show at Pike Place Market was recorded for a special on Amazon Prime Video. I may have watched it more than twice.)

A few things I'm loving lately:

1. I'm not one for binging tv (I know, I know - I might be the only one) but this series was irresistible once I discovered it (late to the party, of course) back in January. Heartwarming and hilarious, I found myself laughing with and loving every one of the characters, and I'm so excited to see what happens to them all in Season 2, which officially kicks off TOMORROW! (But only one episode release at a time, so no binging this time around.)

2. Also irresistible, these sweet-and-savory snacks from my beloved Trader Joe's.

3. My all-time favorite denim is part of Everlane's Summer Sale, and I may have snagged another pair of my tried-and-true jeans for under $40 this week. Getcha some, friends.

4. Sunburned lips are the worst. This stuff is the best. Texture/taste/ease of application: perfection.

5. I was super sad when this magical tale came to an end, but it was a delight along the way. I listened on Audible, but I bet it would be heaven to read in hardback.

6. My new favorite song right now (and part of the latest Elva Fields playlist on Spotify!) There is nothing that José Gonzalez creates that I haven't adored (I even took myself to one of his concerts after a particularly challenging experience years ago, but that's another story) and this song is no exception. The video is achingly beautiful, too. 

A few things I'm loving lately:

1. The latest from one of my favorite authors, a book that brought tears, laughter out loud, and warmth of heart - and a reminder that humanity (in all its flaws and mis-steps) is beautiful.

2. I don't even know how I stumbled down the rabbit hole of the beautiful creations of Morgan Levine, but I'm so glad I did. Her ceramics are stunning.  

3. In this last year, I can count on one hand the number of clothing items I've purchased (and two of those may or may not be sweatpants.) When an incredibly talented and creative friend shared a vintage quilt for sale near her sewing studio and proposed creating something with it, I jumped at the opportunity. Treating myself to this made-by-hand beauty felt so joyful; wearing this reversible treasure of a jacket feels even better. (And, yes, she can make one for you, too!) 

4. When I had to pass on a family vacation last month, my thoughtful mama brought me a sweet gift to let me know I was missed. The scent of these decadent soaps from France were nearly as transcendent as a trip to the beach might have been.  

5. Fascinating, mesmerizing, transporting, beautiful, and thoughtful are a few words that come to mind about this gem of a documentary. So so so good. 

A few things I'm loving lately: 

1. This snake series from Wink Wink Studio. Truly, there is not a single painting of hers I don't adore.

2. Jon Batiste can do no wrong, and his latest single is on repeat for me. (It's the grand finale song on my January playlist.)

3. I've had to be my own traffic cop lately to slow myself down, sit still, and meditate to clear the crazy that's often scrolling through my mind these days. Instead of a speeding ticket, I gave myself an incentive to ease up my pace: a ritual with incense that feels like a luxurious treat to myself. Each stick burns for 20 minutes, so I know I'm at least going to get that much attempted calm, and the scent is NOTHING like the nag champa haze of college dorm days - light, floral, but grounding. (Bonus - my kids dig it, too, and sometimes sit a minute quietly before moving on to their next mess.)

4. One of my top-three teas of all time, no question. Never ever gets old. (And not just because of its name, but that certainly doesn't hurt.)

5. To distract me from my occasional doomscrolling, I've picked up a new habit...and even though it doesn't disconnect me from my screen, I figure it activates my brain and keeps me on the up-and-up with my vocabulary. (And isn't there something about word games keeping dementia at bay? Does asking that make me even more of a granny? Please don't answer that, actually.)