playing hooky on v-day + taking your seat
what i learned this week, plus chairs with flair, and interior inspo for your weekend
Hello all, Happy Friday!
This post is another long one, so remember to open a separate tab to get all the deets if you are reading this via email:)
I played hooky this past Wednesday (aka Valentine’s Day) and didn’t post for several reasons:
I am historically terrible at feigning excitement for holidays; therefore crap at thinking of something topically I want to write/speak upon
Writing 3x a week might have been more than I can do (with ease), but I am committed to the bit.
I think we all get enough in our inboxes during any given holiday.
As a long-term (and by my own volition) singleton, I wanted to spend the day learning to romance myself.
Lastly, I am constantly thinking about how to better align the content I create here with what I want to convey, and needed time to reflect.
Anyway, that is where I am at. Thankfully, in better spirits than I had been over the past week. I believe the uptick in positive sentiment is due to the approaching Pisces season. (More on that on Monday.)
QUICK ASIDE:
After a lifetime of being mostly quick and reactionary in terms of my choices to the realities or events of my life, I am attempting to pause more and ask why. Why that choice? Why now? What could be gained or lost?
In addition to the above Q&A, I am learning that I have to check in to see if I am either avoiding or punishing myself. Two super fun habits, I have picked up along the way. Ugh.
Mid-life self work is a freaking bear. Start doing it sooner than later.
So, what did I learn from taking a beat on Wednesday?
I don’t need to lean into any holiday. I can save that for those who have the enthusiasm for them. I can fill in the gaps elsewhere.
I like writing. I used to love writing and am leaning into that as fully as possible in 2024 to revive that love. But I can give myself a pass when my well-being can profit from a break - especially while this newsletter remains free. It’s much more work than I anticipated! Thank you all for being here.
That said, I am thinking about the stress my inbox gives me when I‘ve got too much going on, especially as someone who appreciates an organized and clear inbox.) I am considering combining two Wednesdays and Fridays editions and posting twice a week.
Apparently, romancing myself includes a deep clean of the kitchen, a trip to Trader Joe’s, white tulips, John Oliver, clam chowder, and a swath of time to ruminate.
As I continue learning through others who have taken on this Substack endeavor, the process is ever-evolving, especially during these early stages. It’s okay not to have all the answers.
I love interiors and fashion, style and beauty (in all its forms), and possibilities. These lifelong interests and passions have felt more difficult to align with during this particular time of tremendous upheaval and uncertainty.
I often ask myself if this work/content is needed, what I should be doing/focusing or, worse, if I am feeding the machine of malaise and mindless consumption. IDK yet.
Because outside of those interests and passions, I am a human first, and the world is on f*cking fire. And it is increasingly hard to focus.
As an avid student of history, I am well aware we have endured times of extreme duress throughout history - albeit not with the Earth's ability to sustain us giving way - and we have weathered through it as a speices, for better or worse.
But at this moment, I would like us to do more than weather it.
I would like us to be collectively triumphant. To move (and act) through and past this current landscape toward something that more than resembles universal freedom, equality, and community but actually is. Full stop. Of course, that will take some disruption of the status quo.
On the flip side, I want to create joy around and unabashedly celebrate innovation and beauty. And I did promise this newsletter would be a good time.
So, what’s next?
I am not 100% sure, and again, I thank you for bearing with me as I grapple with all of this.
What I do know is:
I don’t want to stick my head in the sand, and I want to be part of the solution.
I don’t want to miss out on creating and sharing beauty
I want to do this all while being authentically me
I will continue to write (and design!)
And is it possible to do both (the creative and the necessary)
I have some ideas percolating! From now, I am done with my rambles for now.
Onward to the main event…
TAKING YOUR SEAT: CHAIRS WITH FLAIR
This may go without saying - if you have been following along this journey with me - but I am rarely going to share a piece of furniture or decor that isn’t fun. Be it in color, pattern, or shape. I always want to encourage making a statement.
Damn, the trends or what timelessness means to the masses; only you can define these for yourself. You are the captain - take your seat!
Below is a snapshot of the best that have recently caught my eye during my sourcing excursion on the internet.
Get inspired, snag one for your space, or simply enjoy the eye candy.
FOR A PRIMARY POP OF COLOR
FOR UNDERSTATED DRAMA
FOR VINTAGE WHIMSY
FOR MODERN PIZAZZ
FOR CRUELTY-FREE ANIMAL CHIC
FOR WHEN ITS ALL ABOUT THOSE CURVES
FOR THE SCULPTURAL + SPENDY VIBES
INTERIOR INSPO FOR YOUR WEEKEND
Okay, crazy cats, I’m off to start my weekend where I will continue to recenter myself within my work, other activities, and just being. I’ll be back on Monday.
Wishing you all, as always, good stuff only and that this weekend you get what you need (and give what you can.)
Ciao for now.
<3 Nicole