FINDING INSPIRATION
What are your absolute favorite things? I'm talking about those items that spark inspiration in you, not people or animals, but tangible objects that ignite creativity in your soul.
Let me preface this inquiry with a personal note. Lately, I've been grappling with a sense of lost inspiration, as if it's slipped through my fingers or been tucked away somewhere. To those who know me, my mom had a horrific accident 3 days before Christmas, this past year. Two full on craniotomy’s later, she is with us, and with it but she still can’t hear. My mom and I are very close, we talk multiple times a day, so not be able to ‘talk’ with her on the phone and ask a simple question about a chicken recipe, or gardening question has been heartbreaking. To me, my mom is one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. She is effortlessly chic, hilarious, timeless, she’s a master gardener and can outcook Ina Gartner and Julia Child any day of the week, just to start.
So I ask myself again, what THINGS bring me inspiration…
What are your absolute favorite things? I'm talking about those items that spark inspiration in you, not people or animals, but tangible objects that ignite creativity in your soul.
Let me preface this inquiry with a personal note. Lately, I've been grappling with a sense of lost inspiration, as if it's slipped through my fingers or been tucked away somewhere. To those who know me, my mom had a horrific accident 3 days before Christmas, this past year. Two full on craniotomy’s later, she is with us, and with it but she still can’t hear. My mom and I are very close, we talk multiple times a day, so not to be able to ‘talk’ with her on the phone and ask a simple question about a chicken recipe, or gardening question has been heartbreaking. To me, my mom is one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. She is effortlessly chic, hilarious, timeless, she’s a master gardener and can outcook Ina Gartner and Julia Child any day of the week, just to start.
So I ask myself again, what THINGS bring me inspiration…
1) FLOWERS: Fresh blooms are like my personal mandate at home. You'll rarely find a day without them, unless I'm off gallivanting somewhere. Trader Joe's has practically become my second home—I'm there twice a week for their blooms (although I may tell my hubby it's for groceries). And come spring and summer, you'll find me knee-deep in soil, bringing the outdoors inside. I definitely got my green thumb from my mom, whose Iowa gardens are legendary. There's something magical about flowers, their simplicity can transform any space.
2) WINE: Picture this: the day winding down, and there I am, cradling a glass of smooth red wine, just unwinding.
3) CANDLES: Diptyque candles are like my lifeline. Even if I were living on the streets, you'd bet your bottom dollar I'd have those candles with me, alongside my beloved flowers. And don't even get me started on floral scents—roses, jasmine, lilac, I want them all!
4) CORK PLACEMATS: Now, this might raise an eyebrow, but to me, placemats signify good food and family time. And cork placemats? They're a game-changer in terms of cleaning ease. Pimpernel's got some cute ones, and I might have gone overboard collecting them.
5) ANTIQUE/ORIGNAL ART: Nothing on the walls in my house you will find at IKEA, Hobby Lobby or Target. All my art has been collected, mostly from my European trips and the rest from my mom/ grandparents. I refuse to put something on my wall that doesn’t show beauty, tell a story, and/or have a great memory. And I personally, won’t find that at Target (do love Target for other reasons though).
6) NAPOLEON: I have a Napoleon lamp, it was my Grandma’s. My Grandma passed about 10 months ago, however, I have had the lamp for some time. In the event of a fire, I am grabbing the lamp! I should also note, I had a Japanese Chin, named Napoleon who passed over a year ago, and was the little furry love of my life, my first baby, so even the name Napoleon means something to me. Hell, I made my husband carry a 70lbs Iron statue of Napoleon all over Europe. Anything ‘Napoleon’ just brings me a smile.
7) BIOT WINE GLASSES: Technically the wine glasses I have from here are called ‘Sangria Tumblers’ but whatever. I have them in clear. They are glasses made in France and I love them. My mom has them in blue, my mom’s friends have them, my grandma had them, they are just a good quality glass and oh so chic!
8) LIMOGES: I love Limoges. Any kind. I just love the beauty of it, the timelessness of it. TIP: I have found great Limoges before at the Good Will trift hunting. Keep an eye out.
9) MY SONS BLANKET: My son has had this gray blanket since before he was born. It was a gift from my aunt to him. He calls it ‘D’. I know there will come a day when he doesn’t want it anymore, but when I look at it, it reminds me of how much I love being a mom. Please note, this blanket at one point was gorgeous, now, not so much. However, they make excellent baby & house gifts. Minky Couture, another check out!
10) BLUE: Yes, the color. To those who know me the best, you would think I would say WHITE or BLACK as those are the primary colors of my house, but truthfully, I love the color blue. My moms whole house is blue. But when I think of BLUE I think of: THE Chicago Cubs, France, a sunny day, America, my son’s eyes, and my mom. However, technically blue isn’t a thing, but this is my list, I make the rules. 😊
Me in Paris, France
Having laid out my list, I can't help but notice how many of my favorite things are intertwined with memories of my mom and her profound influence on my life. It's a testament to her enduring presence and the immense impact she'll always have on me. Now, I'm curious—what are your favorite THINGS?
ON A SUNDAY…
Sunday inspiration!
How do you spend your Sundays? What rituals do you have to ease the anticipation of the week ahead? While I'm not an expert on anxiety, I do have my own routines, particularly on Sundays, which might offer some solace to others or spark inspiration for new habits!
Make my bed! I can’t stand an unmade bed, so make that bed, baby!
Shower and get dressed! I usually opt for comfortable athleisure attire on Sundays, although my outfit choices may vary depending on the season. In the autumn, you'll often find me sporting Vikings gear.
Head to Trader Joe's to pick up fresh flowers, French wine, and groceries for Sunday night dinner. While I visit the TJ’s frequently, Sundays are primarily reserved for stocking up on blooms and wine. Fresh flowers are a non-negotiable in my home!
Tidy up around the house! I typically send my husband and son out for a few hours so I can vacuum, dust, and organize to my heart's content. There is no such thing as too clean in my house.
Whip up lunch/brunch for the family! My son loves chocolate chip pancakes, while my husband can't get enough of my French-style eggs.
Tackle my inbox! I can't stand the sight of a cluttered email inbox, so I make sure to clear out the junk to avoid feeling overwhelmed on Monday.
Workout tend to my garden, or take a family walk—depending on the season. I firmly believe even on your worst days, sitting outside helps your mind so much.
Prepare and enjoy a Sunday dinner with my family. We make it a point to gather around the table. Eating on the couch in our house is a big no-no. Soon I’ll do a post of Sunday Dinner ideas.
Follow our bedtime routine for my son: bath time, laying out preschool clothes, bedtime prayers, and reading books. This ritual remains unchanged throughout the week.
Prepare coffee for the next day, because who wants to make coffee when they are tired on Monday AM? Tidy up once more, then unwind with my husband.
What are some of your Sunday rituals?
XO, Larah