Hello friends and welcome to Between the Seams,
where creativity, routine, and self-care intersect. This newsletter is where I share the inspiration, musings, and insights that keep me inspired. If you are here for the deeper, more personal posts, those will still exist and will now be behind a paywall. This offering and my podcast, where I interview other makers and artists (TBA) will be free.
Here, you’ll find a blend of book recommendations, vision boards, playlists, and even some sustainable fashion inspo.
Routines and rituals: I must first acknowledge what a privilege it is to have such time to myself every morning. It is one of the perks of being the “boss”. I can start work whenever I want! But I need these routines to counteract the stress of owning a small business :)
While I thrive on spontaneity, I absolutely need routine. My rituals ground me—they’re how I stay connected to myself, how I nurture my creativity, and how I show up as a better person, partner, and friend. Without them, I feel off balance, like I’m rushing from one thing to the next.
chug water, try to eat animal protein before coffee —but that is rare.
coffee, but half-caff. full caffeine makes me too anxious, and cutting back has helped immensely .
Morning pages, via The Artists Way by Julia Cameron with a note book on the side for my LISTS. I usually spend an hour writing.
Smoothie and at least 20 minutes of yoga or stretching. Adriene Mishler (my go-to yoga teacher) always knows how to get me centered, and when I feel like I need more movement, I turn to MadFit and dance along to Taylor Swift with her.
Sometimes, I pull a tarot card and set my intention for the day.
I never check my phone before 9 a.m. or until my routine is complete. That’s my time to reconnect with myself before the world starts demanding my attention.
Check my horoscope on the CHANI app, and sometimes do her daily guided meditation. I love her voice so much and the way she articulates whats going on astrologically and collectively.
I walk the dogs or take them to the beach or dog park.
And then, I EAT THE FROG. Aka, I try and do the thing I want to do the least, first. whether thats call my mom back, or reply to the scary email. I try and do the least appealing thing first, so the rest of my day has more ease.
I read this almost daily. From The Artist Way by Julia Cameron If you’re wondering, “How long does all that shit take her?” I usually spend about 2 hours getting my head on straight… I could cram it into an hour if I needed! However, the point is going slow and easing into my day. Take what you want and leave the rest. I find that when I wake up with Cory at 5:30, it doesn’t feel like such a chunk of my day. Vs. waking up at 8.
Vision Board :
Don’t underestimate the power of a vision board! I’ve been using Pinterest for nearly 10 years, and as I scroll back through my old pins, I’m amazed at how much of what I desired has actually come to me. Cute cabins, good food, dirt bikes, my landcruiser, dogs, clothing, places and experiences. It’s a little creepy—and honestly, pretty cool.
I’ve noticed something about my energy after scrolling aimlessly on Instagram: I often feel depleted, comparing myself, or like I’m not doing enough. But after spending time on Pinterest? I feel inspired. I feel excited. Suddenly, I want to paint my nails, braid my hair, crochet a new hat, or even make a Christmas wreath—and I don’t even like Christmas.
Whenever I take breaks from social media, I find myself spending more time on Pinterest, and honestly? I’m not mad about it. If you don’t already have a Pinterest account, I highly recommend it.
All of my boards are private (because, you know, secret dreams and aspirations), but I’m now going to start sharing a monthly vision board of the things that are inspiring me lately. And just to be real —I may or may not have a board called MAN-ifesting, where I just pin a bunch of hot, attractive men doing cool things. And looking back at it, I’m like, “Wow, a lot of these guys look like Cory...”
What I’ve been listening to :
What’s on my nightstand :
I would like to re-read Wintering by Katherine May. I devour it every year and it’s always a great reminder that winter is a time for slowing down and going inward.
I just Finished Animal by Lisa Taddeo. It was raw and intense and I loved it. Last year I read Three Women by her as well, and I really enjoy the way she writes.
Currently reading :
All Fours by Miranda July. I am half way through, just got to Part Two, and it’s hard for me to put down. Lately I’ve only been giving myself an hour before bed to read, and I want to change that. I want to read more.
Feeling cute:
not trying to INFLUENCE but… I will share my favorite things lately.
I’ve been using the under eye roller by living libations. it smells soooo good. Blue Tansy is one of my favorite smells.
I changed it up and bought the SALT & STONE BLACK ROSE & OUD deodorant vs the SANTAL & VETIVER, and I really like it.
I’ve been tying red ribbons that I got from the thrift store in my braids and it makes me feel festive but not in a cheesy way.
I’ve picked rosemary from my neighbors yards and boiled it down until it’s a deep rich brown and put in a spray bottle. It has helped with my dry scalp and it smells good! and it’s FREE. I also add a little apple cider vinegar to help keep it from going bad, but I use a lot of it quickly! It also refreshes my curls when they are sad.
My red socks from Baggu. They are thick and comfy and well made.
I LOVE a vintage thermals, and I’ve bought mine on depop - or as Cory calls them, “Johnny’s”
I’m trying to thrift the perfect wool trench coat, as a short king it is hard to find the right length. to be continued…
Things that bring me joy in the heavy days of winter:
Any tea from SMITH tea, lighting a candle, trying a new recipe, petting my dogs, rewatching the Harry Potter series, starting a new knitting project, drives to the beach, antiquing, voice noting friends, remembering to put my gloves in front of the heater before a walk, doing a yoga challenge, writing lists, doubling up my socks, no phone on walks, cookies, trying a new restaurant, reading before bed and getting my nails done is bright colors with little flowers, even though they don’t match the season.
What I’m working on :
I am putting together a PDF pattern for the house block quilts I have been making, that will come with instructions and a YouTube tutorial on how to construct the block. This would be a great beginner friendly project!
I have a plethora of fabric scraps at the moment and will have a bundle deal where you can purchase a curated scrap bag for making a house block. I’ve sold scrap bags in the past, and I love seeing what folks create out of fabric I’ve been holding on to.
With this pattern, I plan to teach a small three day class where I show folks how to construct a wall hanging with said blocks and pattern. It will be hosted on zoom, where you can ask questions live. You will have access to the recording forever. Once recorded, I will debating selling the recorded classes! TBD. Once you take this class, you will be able to make a full quilt if you so choose! <3
Donation station: I wrote this before the LA fires, so here is an updated version
Do what you can with what you have <3
I hope this brings you inspiration and joy in what can be a dark, and scary time. Not just in winter, but in the world. Take care of each other.
MANifesting! Ahh, love it ✨✨✨. I‘ve tried to manifest a cute, warmhearted man for me, but will now see it in a more fun MANifesting way. Thank you! 😍
My morning time is extremely important (I’m almost protective of it) to me too! I also take about 1.5-2 hours - lots to do in the AM! I am also aware this is a luxury, yet it is also a nonnegotiable as a business owner. It’s something I will no longer go back on at this point.