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.)

Few things are more fun than an opportunity to combine pink and red, go bonkers with some vintage hearts, and to share the love with you all! For these reasons and more, we love this time of year when our Valentine-inspired designs arrive, often dubbed our Happy Hearts collection. This year is no exception; I've created a small collection of one-of-a-kind Elva necklaces - many with vintage heart elements, others with less super-obvious connections to love and Valentine's Day. There are gummy bears (yes, iridescent gummy bears!) and a nod to the most romantic city in the world (Paris), and even some love bugs in the mix. 

For the small-batch portion of the collection, I rounded up some sentimental and fun favorites: from golden lockets (both vintage and new) and some fresh beaded chains to bring color into the picture. I love imagining you all finding some sweet somethings in these happy heart offerings for your favorite gals: sisters, friends, friends who are like sisters, daughters, mamas, maybe even yourself, sharing the love and cheer with ease and style.

Also...though I completely forgot to mention this in the email launch as the collection goes live today (!) I had the MOST fun painting some canvas zip pouches recently, and after adding a vintage ribbon and felt heart pull to each zipper, I decided they must be shared. So - every order of $100 or more for the next two weeks will include one of these happy heart pouches as a thank-you gift. Each is unique and, as with our gems and art around here, made by hand and with love.

Enjoy!

XO

Emily

 A few things I'm loving lately:

1. Maybe it's this time of year - I spent my first stretch of time living in New York City during my Alma Mater's January Term, so as late December rolls around, it's as though I'm readying myself for another stint in The Big Apple. (I wish!) Paulina Bren's The Barbizon is hitting all the notes of female independence, Manhattan housing options, and brave ladies finding ways to earn their living in New York from the 1920s on in this account of one of the first hotels exclusively for women. 
 
2.  I first saw Sylvan Esso live a few years ago and mayyyyy have been one of the oldest peeps in the audience. When they played a few weeks (months? this winter has been kind of a blur so far) ago in Louisville, I was reminded of how fun their music is - lights, sounds, and all. A few of my favorite SE songs are part of our latest Spotify playlist, and this album in particular brings up all the feels from one of their live performances.

3. There are all kinds of new and trendy hot sauces out there these days - and many are delicious - but I've been revisiting an old favorite lately, and it's just the reliable awesomeness I need for eggs in the morning and the occasional sandwich. As it turns out, they've been making this magic for almost 100 years, so clearly they know what they're doing.

4. I ordered my first pair of clogs a few years ago and went straight for the gold. Handmade and entirely glorious, I adore wearing these shining shoes with denim and dresses alike, bringing a bit of boldness and comfort to any outfit. I'm eyeing black and pale pink as my next additions, and at less than $70 a pop, they're not a break-the-bank adventure.

5.  You know those gifts you buy for others that you'd really like to have for yourself? That was the feeling that surfaced when I snagged this kit at a favorite store in town for my little bro's Christmas gift. I mean, who hasn't dreamed of singing backup and shaking a tambourine on stage one day?