BI-WEEKLY 1
Enter the BI-WEEKLY, an every-so-often bonus email delivering delightful finds to beat mid-week blues. As always, I encourage you to shop these finds directly from the makers or local businesses in your area. Found it in a local shop? Let me know so I can update the local source list to include your favorite boutiques!
the HOME
*“DA OLFO” by NATALIE OBRADOVICH // Photographer Natalie Obradovich has a fabulous eye for summer scenes that lend themselves to interiors fabulously. It’s no wonder. Before she was a full-time photographer, she worked for Kelly Wearstler.
*NEWPORT FLAG by SLIGHTLY CHOPPY // Catherine Lowe, editor of The Scout Guide Newport Beach introduced me to Slightly Choppy, a Newport Beach-based artist producing vintage-inspired, hand-stitched, hand-painted flags that hearken to surf culture’s past and present. Every month (or so) they do a limited edition drop of products and offer custom options. I love the idea of framing these in an acrylic shadowbox for a little boy’s room.
*TERRELL SWANN CHANDELIER by STRAY DOG DESIGNS // I discovered Stray Dog Designs long before I started collecting (hoarding?) light fixtures and I’m still coveting their color-happy line of whimsical, hand-crafted designs. Each fixture is made-to-order using recycled materials by artisans in San Miguel. And, despite its widespread popularity, the brand, which gets its name from a — you guessed it — beloved stray dog, is still a family business.
*EXTENDED WALL SCONCE // These sconces, which come in 7 finishes, are so fun. Use them in a bathroom or over nightstands for a pop of color.
NAVENE BLUE OUTDOOR PATIO DINING ARMCHAIR // This blue is nothing short of dreamy. Too bad I’m literally incapable of purchasing anything that’s not in a neutral colorway.
MATCH SOUTH ILLUSTRATION // Framed matchbooks and matchbook illustrations are nothing new, but they’re no less darling. Match South has, as the name suggests, a wealth of southern favorites — from The Buckhead Diner to Austin Country Club — that would make a great gift for your nostalgic friend.
CORDLESS TABLE LAMP // Lately, I’ve seen these rechargeable outdoor lamps everywhere. It doesn’t make me love them any less. Local Sources: ALKMY (Birmingham, AL), Bering’s Hardware (Houston, TX)
the KITCHEN
*SABRE CUTLERY SET // I scored a set on sale from The Avenue a year ago and only use them for special occasions. They feel so fancy. Or at least too fancy for people like me and C. Local Sources: Big Night (New York, NY), Baker Tatum (San Antonio, TX), Blue Print Store (Dallas, TX)
ICE BUCKET // While I have literally no need for an ice bucket, this cutie caught my eye when I was sourcing items for a TSG Birmingham article. It’s so darling. Local Source: Home With Hechart (Midland, TX)
*MERCI COCKTAIL NAPKINS // These embroidered cocktail napkins are from a very cool ex-pat living in Paris. See her book below!
GINGHAM LINEN POT HOLDERS // These make for a cute housewarming gift!
LAVAZZA SUPER CREMA WHOLE BEAN COFFEE BLEND // As avid coffee drinkers we’ve done extensive research on coffee brands. Countless cups later, we’ve settled on this as our go-to. It’s bold yet creamy and would probably taste even better if I’d clean my coffee maker… Pro Tip: We have it delivered through Amazon’s subscription service every three weeks.
*WEDGWOOD BLUE ONION COLLECTION // I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I simply must start collecting dinnerware. And while I love the thrill of the hunt (or rather the thrill of the discovery) and prefer to collect by way of auctions, Facebook Marketplace finds, and antique stores, Etsy has a wealth of vintage and antique dinnerware to help you get your own collection started sans sketchy Facebook Marketplace meet-ups.
the CLOSET
OAT MILK DAD HAT // I love a dad hat. I love a cheeky dad hat even more.
EVA BIRKENSTOCKS // Clearly I’m obsessed with Birkenstocks. But hear me out, these are pool/beach friendly, so you need both.
STRIPED SET // I’ve been searching for the perfect striped set for over a year and have yet to find anything that fits the way I want (oversized top, loose fitting and short bottoms) and C doesn’t make fun of. Maybe this set will work. I’ll get back to you. P.S. here’s the top!
PARAVEL PACKING CUBES // While I hate to travel, I do love to pack. This is what I would gift someone who likes both. Local Sources: The Travel Studio (Birmingham, AL)
KODAK-STRIPED TOTE BAG // Another email, another tote bag.
BLOCK PRINT ROBE // These would be so cute for bridesmaids!
STRIPED TEE // I always size up when ordering tees, no matter where they’re from.
the BEAUTY
DUNE SUNSCREEN // I’ve been seeing this everywhere and while i’m currently stocked up on sunscreen, this will be my next buy.
SALT + STONE x OV SUNSCREEN // I think it’s a best practice to keep a sunscreen stick on hand wherever you go.
BOTTEGA CREDIT CARD CASE // I recently made the switch from a bulky wallet to a card case and haven’t looked back. Turns out I don’t need to carry around the gift cards I always forget to use.
DR. BRONNER’S PURE CASTILLE LIQUID SOAP // Turns out is Dr. Bronner’s is a divisive, but I like to keep the all-in-one product around for when we inevitably run out of other products, including (but not limited to) shaving cream, dog wash, and laundry detergent. Read about more interesting uses for the castile soap here.
the ETC
*ZILKER BELTS DOG COLLAR // Leigh Ann Kalman, former editor and owner of The Scout Guide Austin introduced me to this Austin-based maker years ago and Wilson has been wearing their collars ever since. When Gus joined our family, we bought two more, because he ate Wilson’s. He’s since stopped eating collars and both have subsequently held up well. Local Sources: Huck & Harlow (Rosemary Beach, FL & Seaside Beach, FL)
*OMBRE DOG LEASH // Love a rope leash and this ombré version is so cute. Full disclosure, we use these (6 foot option in Medium to Large) from Amazon which I like to look around my waist for a hands-free dog walking experience. And yes, I have been thoroughly warned about the dangers of “wearing” the leash but have thoroughly tested my dogs’ collective ability to drag me. Mama wins every time. Local Sources: Driftwood Beach (Palm Beach, FL)
LOCKABLE STORAGE BOX // This is the best (only?) portable lockable storage option I’ve seen. It was very clearly made for/by parents who smoke weed, but I think off-label use for jewelry/passport/cash/responsible small weapon storage is fabulous.
“JOIE: A PARISIAN’S GUIDE TO CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE” // Interior designer Allison Crawford turned me on to her fellow Parisian ex-pat who recently published this gorgeous book.
BIRTHDAY CARD // I’m particular about greeting cards. I’m also forgetful. It’s a combination that ensures I’m always disappointed when it comes (past) time to find one for whatever occasion I’ve forgotten about. Thus, I think it’s prudent I stock up ahead of time with cute cards like this. Etsy is full of ‘em.
DESIGN OF THE 20TH CENTURY // FYI, this book is about 8” x 5” so it’s perfect for styling small spaces.
THE MEDITERRANEAN HOME // A perfect addition to the coffee table book collection of an architecture aficionado.
PIECEWORK PUZZLES // Piecework Puzzles are gorgeous, adult-approved puzzles that make for great gifts. I’ve seen them in locally-owned businesses across the country, so keep your eyes peeled for places to buy locally!
Asterisks indicates that the item has been sourced from a small business. Where possible, sources for locally-owned shops that carry the item(s) are listed so you can support them in-person!
