June - Between the Seams

Nettle tea, backyard BBQ's & the luckiest day of the year

Greetings 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.

I’m sending this month’s newsletter on June 9th—a little late, but apparently everything astrologically is pointing to this being the “luckiest day of the year.” That has me doing some reflecting as I look for the luck in my own life and in my everyday routines.

I’d say living in gratitude has me appreciating what I already have. Yes, I welcome more financial abundance, but I’m also in a season of enjoying the stability and ease I’ve created for myself. Technically, I only have $200 in my personal account, but my bills are paid. I’m sipping on a Diet Coke, I had a beautiful sandwich for lunch, and the dogs are walked and fed.

I did get paid today for a rug campaign I created content for. It was less than I expected, which initially left me feeling a little bitter—like, “Well, that’s not luck. I just got paid for a job I did.” But when I zoom out, I can see that it is luck in its own way. It’s another example of the ease I’m bringing into my life through forms of income that exist outside of sewing.

35mm photo : shot by my friend Alissa

Routines and Rituals

Still going to the gym 3–4 days a week! I don’t really feel stronger yet, but I know it’s good for me, and that’s all that matters.

A few people have asked what I actually do at the gym. Usually, I rotate through 6–10 of my favorite machines, doing sets of 15 reps, and then finish with 30 minutes of cardio. When I first started going, most of the machines intimidated me. After going with a friend, we started challenging each other to try the scariest looking ones. Like the machine where you essentially strap yourself in at the waist and thrust your hips toward the sky. Yeah, fuck that one…

My vision boards lately have been filled with beautiful backyards, candlelit BBQs, and bonfires. Since moving into my place last year, I’ve always wanted to host people. My house is small (under 600 square feet) so summertime is really the only season I can comfortably have people over. My yard, however, is huge and fully fenced, which makes it perfect for a dog party.

Last month, I hosted two backyard hangs, and while my yard still needs a lot of work, it felt so good to finally have people over. I even went thrifting for more dishes because living alone means I somehow only own four forks and two plates. I’ve liked it that way, but now I’m officially equipped to entertain.

What I didn’t realize until the next day was that the evening looked, sounded, and felt exactly like what I’d pinned on my vision board.

That’s why I truly believe in Pinterest.

I can’t wait to get my film developed from the past month. <3

35mm photo of my bonfire by Alissa <3

Currently Reading :

Mostly self-help and money books... which feels a little embarrassing to admit, but maybe thats part of accepting the life you want, you have to do cringy things? so here you go:

• The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson

• Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche

I also have it on my to-do list this week to finally get a library card! and hopefully they have a copy of :

• Heart the Lover by Lily King (a recommendation from a friend)

As much as I love buying, owning, and collecting books, I’ve moved too many times over the years to justify building a massive collection. Every move seems to end with boxes of books being donated, or gifted away. These days, borrowing feels a little more practical.

That said, I don’t think I’ll ever stop wanting to own my absolute favorites.

Outfit Inspo:

• Only ever wearing my Youswim for the beach or river days <3 duh! you can still use my code : TAYLORRANDAL10 for a deal : )

• I have some cute fits linked in my SHOPMY along with my glasses and lipstick I use.

• Cherry red nails— always gel!

• on the hunt for the perfect white dress — I’m short so it has to be knee length or higher, short sleeve, wide open neck, not fitted more flowy. I have a vision and I will find it!

• still knitting my babaa dupe sweater for fall. it’s gray which is my least favorite color, but it was the only yarn they had a lot of, and when I went back to buy more they were actually out and had to special order it hehehe. but it will be good and I will wear it, or give it away.

• I’ve been craving getting tattooed lately and I started saving up to fly to NY to get my right arm covered up and get my sides done. I’m so excited for my second layer & new skin.

• I’ve been drinking a lot of nettle tea for an assortment of reason. After brewing my coffee in the morning, I use the remainder of hot water to steep two bags of nettle tea. Good for hair growth? Hormones? I don’t remember, but I’ve been doing it.

What I’m Working On:

The Middle Makers IRL meetings from now on are going to be at Honey Latte Cafe! The next one is this Saturday 6/13 @ 11 AM in Portland, Oregon. Bring a craft, or don’t! one will be provided for you — courtesy of Inner Grandma you can still use my code for 10% off goodies from their site! : SOFTPAWVINTAGE10

I for sure want to make a handful more of the House in Nebraska camo crewnecks! I just need some darker blank crewnecks.

Okay, I think that’s all for now.

If becoming a monthly subscriber here isn’t your thing, you can always buy me a coffee instead 🤍

Take care. OKAY BYE.