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 going. Inside, you’ll find a mix of book recommendations, rituals, vision boards, playlists, and even a little sustainable fashion inspo.
This edition isn’t as full or fun as usual, thanks to a lot of personal life updates, but that’s okay! Sharing how I’m navigating the hard times is just as important.
After some much-needed downtime and adjustment, I always find myself inspired after a move or a big change. Channeling this sadness into art, will only produce great things.
Routines and Rituals:
Last month, I shared my morning routines and my struggles with intense inflammation. Stress induced? At the end of February, I started moving out of my partner's house in Washington and back to Portland, Oregon. I know what you’re thinking: “She moved again? Is she okay?” Yes, I am okay—well, I think I am—and I’m really happy with where I am now. I found an adorable cottage-style house in the SE Woodstock area, and it’s under my budget! It even has a large studio in the back, porch swing, an amazing fenced yard, and four raised garden beds. And of course, the bathroom has a tub. I can’t wait for spring to plant a garden and see what blossoms from this property. I already see strawberry leaves poking out through the ground around the front porch, a sign that this is where I’m supposed to be.
With the move, a lot of my routines went out the window. I skipped yoga, even though it was when I needed it most. I didn’t stretch and often forgot to eat. I managed to drink water, journal, take my vitamins, and walk my dogs—that’s about all I could keep up with. Moving is hard.
I got my blood tested and found that my iron levels were extremely low (again). Hehe, who would've guessed! I’m waiting to hear back from the specialist to arrange an iron IV injection—I didn’t even know that was an option? In the meantime, I’m taking iron supplements and making sure to get lots of vitamin C to help with absorption (aka eating a ton of little mandarins).
If you want to hear more about the move and this transition, stay tuned for a personal essay coming later this month. It will be behind a paywall. I am still feeling raw and need time to process and move through the feelings.
Vision Board :
Leading up to finding my little house, I spent hours on Pinterest, scrolling through old boards to get a sense of what I really wanted in my next living space. I also scoured Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. A friend suggested I might have to settle for an apartment or studio, but I refused! With unwavering faith, I knew my next home would be a house—with a yard—and undeniable charm.
Because I really do call in the best homes <3
My Pinterest board for March is now mostly filled with interior decorating inspiration and gardening ideas as I settle into my new space and get excited for the upcoming spring.
What I’ve been listening to :
Taylor Swift - I can do it with a broken heart, Guilty as Sin, How did it end? (any and all Taylor swift tbh — sorry not sorry)
but here is also my famous CRY playlist
What’s on my nightstand :
Currently Reading:
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
yup. the same as last month, because watching mindless reality tv is medicine for a broken heart and reading is hard when I’m sad. I watched all of Love is Blind and The Ultimatum… and I’m caught up on White Lotus.
Every morning, I do peak at Ceremony by Brianna Wiest for some uplifting words
and will probably re-read When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
Outfit Inspo:
What have I been wearing? The hoodie my ex and I shared. I wear it everyday. I don’t have an outfit inspo right now, and thats okay. I will however recommend my favorite protein powder for smoothies — it’s hard for me to eat when I’m sad, and this has been saving me!
Recipe :
1 Scoop Four Sigmatic Vanilla Protein Powder
handful of spinach
1 banana
two ice cups
scoop peanut butter
1 date
sprinkle of cinnamon and turmeric
What I’m working on :
After another heartbreak, I feel compelled to write and release all these emotions. Journaling will always be apart of my processing, and my notes app is overflowing. I’m refining and editing everything down. Some days I want to let it all out, while other days I want to keep it close. I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Choosing yourself can be difficult, but it gets easier with time. I know having so much time to myself again, I will have more energy to pour back into my creative projects and friendships. There will be a personal essay coming soon <3
I haven’t had much time to sew lately due to moving (again), but I did record a podcast that I launched on the first of this month. Part two will be coming later this month.
As for the House Block Pattern I created, I plan to teach a small, three-day class where I’ll show you how to construct a wall hanging using these blocks and pattern. The class will be hosted on Zoom, where you can ask questions live, and you’ll have access to the recording forever. Afterward, I’m considering selling the recorded classes—stay tuned for more info! Once you take this class, you’ll have the skills to make a full quilt if you’d like! <3
I will be offering 1:1 sessions again, if you are interested shoot me an email
I’m also in the process of re-recording past classes I’ve taught, starting with the Travel Bag class, followed by the Mending class and an Intro to Sewing. STAY TUNED!
Thank you all for your patience and understanding as I navigate the ups and downs of my ever-changing, rollercoaster life.
Donation station:
Northwest Dog Project is one of my favorite rescues to donate to.
“We rescue, re-home, and enhance the lives of neglected, abused, and homeless dogs while advocating for responsible pet ownership. We welcome medically challenged dogs and provide a nurturing forever sanctuary to seniors who have been abandoned in their golden years.”
Do what you can with what you have <3
What I’m grateful for :
Friendship, my dogs, fresh tulips, Ethel Cain’s - Preachers Daughter coming out on vinyl next month, crime shows, sad music, Sellwood dog park, antique stores, being self aware and sure of who I am and what I deserve.
I hope this newsletter brings you some comfort, reminding you that life can be tough, but spring is just around the corner! I’ve been saying it for what feels like ten months, but it’s almost here—I can feel it. Remember to take care of each other. Alright, that’s all for now. Take care! GOD IS CHANGE — okay bye.
Woodstock is a beautiful area. That’s wonderful that you found the perfect home. I’m so sorry that you are hurting, warm hugs your way.
Hope you are hanging in there, you’re a tough cookie 🫂