I love what this little line does. It gives softness structure. It outlines a silhouette, almost the way an artist finishes a sketch in ink. Against creams, whites and warm neutrals, it adds just enough contrast to wake everything up without disrupting the quietness of the room.

Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to it: romantic, but with restraint. Soft, but with an edge. Below are some beautiful objects I’ve sourced, mostly vintage some new. Aren’t they just simply beautiful to look at? You can view a full list here.

Places you could bring the detail into a home

I would look beyond accessories, too. Black piping on an ivory sofa or chair would be beautiful. So would contrast welting on an upholstered headboard, bench cushion, dining chair or window seat.

For textiles, think black-edged linen napkins, bordered tablecloths, pillows with black edge, bedding with contrast piping, Roman shades with a narrow black border, curtains with black tape trim, or even a cream bath towel with a dark stitched edge.

Then there are the smaller “objects with edge”: cream ceramic trays with black rims, enamelware, dishes with a fine black line, mirrors with slender black frames, black-edged mats around artwork, boxes, wastebaskets, planters, baskets with dark binding, and even lampshades you trim yourself.

And architecturally, you can take the same idea larger: thin black-framed French doors, black window (like below), a dark stairs handrail against a pale wall, black edging on cabinetry, or a very fine painted border around a doorway.

Classic design doesn’t necessarily look “old.” Sometimes you can date a room more easily by what was ripped out than by what was left in.

The 1998 date almost makes the photograph more interesting. If I saw this without knowing the source, I could easily believe someone had styled and photographed it recently.

This bathroom from 1998 feels remarkably current nearly three decades later. I love how the bold black-framed windows create an almost drawn-on edge against the soft, creamy room. So many of the choices are rooted in classic forms and materials rather than a specific trend, which is exactly why it could be recreated today. I also love how they’ve treated the bathroom like an actual living space. I love the framed architectural drawings, a little chrome table, a cute lamp, plants and books make the room feel collected and lived-in—and so many of these details have circled back around today.

Inspired by the room above. Take a look at the round up I found below, some are new like the tub faucet, soap and towels, however everything else —old and beautiful!

I had so much fun creating this article—following one small detail and seeing where it takes me. I flip through my old ’90s interior books and am constantly being pulled back to the old, noticing ideas and details that somehow still feel completely relevant today. I love seeing how design circles back around, and how something as simple as a thin black edge can connect an old interior, a piece of fashion, and an object in our homes today. There’s so much inspiration waiting to be rediscovered in the past. Let me know if you enjoyed this little deep dive and if you’d like to see more articles like this—I have a feeling there are many more details worth obsessing over.

Thank you for stopping by.

All links can be found here.

warmly, Olga

Aurate New York — Large Paperclip Chain & Round Gemstone Solitaire Necklace

These have easily become two of my most-worn necklaces—I reach for them constantly, whether I’m wearing them alone or layered together. I’ve received so many compliments on both; they’re timeless, effortless, and the kind of jewelry that somehow works with absolutely everything. use code OLGAO20

SWEED — Pro Eyelash Serum

This is one of those products that became part of my nightly routine without me really noticing it happening, formulated with peptides, biotin, pumpkin seed oil and other conditioning ingredients. This lash serum is one I genuinely miss when I run out. I just replaced an order.

ANFISA ÂN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Treatments

I’m not really a gloss kind of girl—I personally prefer a good lip balm or lipstick. But when I tried these… oh my goodness, I finally understood all the hype! They’re silky, nourishing and feel so incredibly nice and cool on the lips. I also love the applicator tip and the really pretty colors. They’ve definitely won me over, and I think they make the perfect little gift, too.

MESSY Rough Dry Styling Cream + Overnight Repair Hair Serum

Messy immediately appealed to me because the whole philosophy is essentially work with your hair, not against it—which is exactly how I want to approach beauty. The products give my hair that effortless, undone texture I love without making me feel like I need to spend an hour styling it. I also love that every purchase comes with a little how-to card that walks you through exactly how to use the products step by step.

Tan Boosting Anti-Aging Body Oil SPF20

Coco & Eve makes sun care feel like a little vacation in a bottle. I love their tanning oil because it gives my skin that gorgeous, glossy summer glow while still offering SPF protection—it’s one of those products I genuinely look forward to using while I’m tanning. I took it with me to Maui on my recent vacation and used it every day.

Counter — All Bright Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C has become one of those non-negotiables in my late-30s skincare routine. I love it for keeping my skin looking bright and even, while supporting collagen and giving my skin that extra antioxidant protection during the day. At 38, I’m less interested in chasing “anti-aging” and much more interested in taking really good care of the skin I’m in.

Le Prunier — Plum Cleanse™

I love taking a little extra time to give myself a lymphatic facial massage with this cleansing oil—it turns such a simple part of my routine into something genuinely therapeutic. It’s become one of my go-to products that I reach for almost daily, and my skin always feels soft, nourished, and cared for afterward.

TULA Protect + Glow SPF 30

I’m always looking for an SPF that feels more like skincare than sunscreen, and this one has become a favorite because it leaves my skin looking fresh and glowy rather than heavy or chalky. TULA does that beautiful balance of practical skincare you actually want to put it on every morning.

Uni — Body Care

Uni is one of those brands where I fell for both the product and the philosophy. It’s beautiful enough to leave sitting out, but thoughtfully designed around refillable packaging and reducing waste. I love that the brand treats body care with the same attention we usually reserve for facial skincare.

SOSHE — Peptide Glow Hydrating Lip Treatment

I love this hydrating, elevated take on a classic Chapstick. It feels creamy and buttery on my lips. Infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid, it leaves my lips feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and hydrated with just the right amount of plumpness.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian — Fragrance

I love perfume samples. They’re perfect to have in my bags and in my car. I love Maison Francis Kurkdjian for fragrances that feel sophisticated and memorable without feeling like everyone else is wearing them—and having a few beautiful little samples makes it easy to change the mood wherever I am. - Use code Olga20

My favorite scent out of the four is Ylang d’Or. I think this one will be my scent for autumn.

Composition
Top | Sichuan Pepper, Cardamom, Timur Pepper, Elemi, Bergamot, Pink Pepper
Middle | Tuberose Absolute, Ylang Oil, Coconut JE, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
Base | Cedarwood, Patchouli, Bright Musks

Today someone told me, “You look 23!” and just the other day it was, “You don’t look a day over 25!” Ha! While I’ll happily blush, smile, and take the compliment, I genuinely believe that consistently caring for my skin—and using products I truly love—has helped keep it healthy, hydrated, and fresh. I’m 38, and I’m not trying to look 23; I just want to take good care of the skin I’m in and let it age beautifully.

I’d love to know if you tried or use any of these products?

Thanks for being here.

warmly, Olga

I’ve been in the midst of it all, soaking up the season. So, here’s a little roundup of what I wore, what I’ve been eating, and a peek at what’s been filling my Pinterest boards and Facebook Marketplace saves.

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

I thrifted this vintage slip dress with its matching robe a while back and waited for the perfect occasion to wear it. Our anniversary dinner felt like exactly the right moment.

Every anniversary, I find myself reaching for white. This year was especially sentimental because I rediscovered the pearl necklace I wore on our wedding day 19 years ago, on July 8, 2007. Yes… almost vintage.

I paired it with nude heels and a vintage beaded purse, and I have to admit there’s something about slipping into silk or satin that instantly evokes romance. It’s elegant, timeless, and makes an ordinary evening feel just a little more special.

And because I couldn’t keep this find to myself, I did a little searching for you too. If you’re looking for a similar vintage-inspired slip or “nightgown” dress, I’ve rounded up a few beautiful options look here.

what I wore

outfit: old pair of faithful the brand capris. these polkadot capri pants are cute. vintage St John tank. J crew clutch moms scarf

striped skirt from France. similar one here. dusty blue bag, brown vest, flip flops

My recent thrift find is this red eyelet skirt. Original tag was $398! I got it for $30! It fit like a glove and is so flattering! love me a pop of red. always.

eyelet top, green pants- I’m selling them on depop, old vince falts

what I ate

Have you ever had a Manoushe? It’s a Lebanese flatbread topped with fragrant za’atar herbs mixed in olive oil, then layered with avocado, cucumber, yogurt, olives, fresh mint, and salami (though it’s just as delicious without it). Everything is wrapped up in warm, freshly baked flat bread.

It’s become our favorite Sunday lunch at the farmers market, and it’s one of those meals I find myself looking forward to all week. Fresh, flavorful, and somehow even better enjoyed outside on a Sunday afternoon.

This is what $100 can buy you at the local Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market here in California.

my happy place

Book in hand: The Portrait of a Lady—I’m finally reading this classic.

A beach towel is always packed, and a sweater too. It’s sweater weather more often than not here in Southern California.

You can find me here once or twice a week. The beach is a must— a quick stop, a place to pull over, take a deep breath, and simply be. It steadies me, grounds me, and fills me in a way few places can. Sitting quietly and watching the waves roll in and crash onto the shore has become one of my favorite rituals. It’s peaceful, restorative, and something I try to make a priority every single week.

from my garden

My beautiful potted hydrangeas are finally in full bloom. I planted them back on May 21, and watching them change over the past few weeks has been such a joy. They began as creamy white blooms, slowly blushed to the softest pink, and now they're taking on lovely shades of green. Nature never ceases to amaze me. I catch myself admiring them every time I walk by. They're a little reminder that beautiful things take time.

what I saved

facebook marketplace saves (in san diego)

These vintage swan-upholstered chairs. Swans may have had their Pinterest moment, but I think they're here to stay. The rich red fabric feels both classic and whimsical, and I love the idea of adding a bold accent chair like this to an otherwise neutral room. It's the kind of piece that instantly starts a conversation.

I firmly believe you can never have too many lamps. They instantly add warmth, coziness, character, and personality to a room. If you're building a home that feels collected over time, start by thrifting lamps. It's one of my favorite things to hunt for. 10/10 recommend. ✨

A set of eight vintage silver coupes, made in Italy. If you've been on Pinterest lately, you've probably noticed silver coupes are having quite the moment. I'm always searching for them at thrift stores, but this set was too good not to save. Elegant, timeless, and at a fantastic price. It's proof that Facebook Marketplace can be just as good as your favorite thrift shop.

Vintage Russell Woodard wrought iron outdoor chaise lounges. Seriously check your fbm for outdoor furniture! So many great deals out there!

Woodbridge Furniture Marseille Hall Chests / Nightstands (Pair)- SOLD. But what a gorgeous set for the bedroom!

Chrome Fish Wall Art- seller took them off. But I thought they were cute.

Plaid Tufted Headboard - Queen - Reminds me of Ralph Lauren. I think Plaid is one of those fabrics if styled “well” in a room- there is a vision there can you see it? I promise plaid is classic and is here to stay.

Vintage Wrought Iron Side Tables/nightstands. These are beautiful! Wrought iron is definitely having a comeback. It reminds me of the '90s and early Y2K era, but somehow it feels fresh again. I especially love the delicate swirls and curves. They add so much character without feeling heavy. I've been spotting it everywhere

Vintage Brass Spoons with Green Bakelite Handles - Set of 6 - I just think these are so cute. Imagine eating vanilla ice cream with them? Love that “electric green” its everywhere right now, and I’m sorta into it too.

Reminder: You can always ask if the seller is willing to ship the item. A lot of the times for smaller objects they will agree, you pay for shipping of course.

from my home

Never underestimate the magic of foraged greenery. A few magnolia branches from my front yard and a vine of ivy completely transformed my nightstand. It softened the space, added life, and somehow made the whole room feel calmer. Nearly two weeks later, the ivy is still thriving—a gentle reminder that the most beautiful decorating often comes from just outside your front door.

My kids have been making lemonade stands this summer. Freshly picked lemons from my sister-in laws garden. Abundance of free lemons. so grateful.

Did you know?

I started selling on depop. you can find me under olgasvintage—where I mostly sell clothes from my closet. I’ve been adding vintage girls clothes, books, and some home decor on there. so please check it out!

from my shop

Bees wax candles are available. I include them with all my mystery bundles. Along with a beautiful vintage book. check out Olgas Abode.

Thats all I have for you this week. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Xx,

Olga

There are certain fabrics that seem to return with the seasons.

Eyelet is one of them.

The moment the air softens and the days stretch a little longer, it quietly reappears stitched into blouses, dresses, and skirts that feel like they belong under sunlight. There is something about eyelet that feels both delicate and enduring, as though the fabric itself remembers summers long before ours.

Tiny embroidered holes, arranged like small constellations across cotton, allow the light to pass through. It is a fabric that breathes. A fabric that lets the wind move through it.

Perhaps that is why I have always been drawn to it.

I love that broderie anglaise isn't confined to blouses and dresses. Its delicate beauty has found its way onto window curtains, tablecloths, handbags, hair scrunchies, and even into works of art. You can still find vintage eyelet blouses and dresses all over the secondhand market. Just search for “eyelet” or “broderie anglaise”

I’m not sure if this comes with age or simply a growing curiosity, but the older I get, the more intentional I become about what I put on my body — everything from the beauty products I use to the clothes I choose to wear.

I’ve found myself wanting to learn more about the stories behind the things we use every day. So I thought it might be interesting to occasionally write about one particular object or fashion item — and in this case, broderie anglaise - “eyelet”

Let’s do a little historical deep dive into eyelet. I promise it won’t be boring, just some interesting facts I didn’t know until I did a little digging.

A few months ago, I stumbled upon this little book called Linens & Lace by Tricia Foley, published in 1990. The pages are filled with beautiful photography, and an appreciation for the natural fabrics and handcrafted details that have stood the test of time. I found myself fascinated by the history, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty woven into every chapter. It’s what inspired me to write this article.

Interesting Facts About Eyelet

1. Eyelet is technically an embroidery technique—not a fabric.

Many people call it “eyelet fabric,” but eyelet actually refers to the embroidery technique of cutting small holes into fabric and stitching around them so the fabric doesn’t fray. The base fabric is usually cotton or linen.

2. It has a French name with English roots.

The name “broderie anglaise” means “English embroidery.”
Although the technique spread across Europe, the French called it broderie anglaise. It became especially popular in England during the 19th century.

3. It was part of heirloom clothing.
Many christening gowns and baby garments were made from eyelet because the fabric symbolized purity and delicacy. Some of these garments were passed down through families for generations.

4. It was considered practical luxury.
Unlike lace, which could be fragile and expensive, eyelet offered a lace-like beauty with the durability of cotton, making it perfect for summer dresses and everyday elegance.

5. It began as handwork.

It used to take approximately 40-80+ hours depending on the amount of embroidery to make one eyelet blouse in the 1900’s. Can you imagine?! It is perhaps this patience that still gives the fabric its quiet sense of craftsmanship today.

6. White-on-white was the original look.

One of the reasons eyelet feels so timeless is that it was traditionally made as white-on-white embroidery. white thread stitched onto white cotton or linen. Wearing crisp white clothing became a subtle sign of care, status, and elegance.

7. Eyelet isn’t just for clothing.

While dresses and blouses are the most recognizable uses today, eyelet has long been used in tablecloths, curtains, pillowcases, baby bonnets, christening gowns, handkerchiefs, and aprons. Its versatility helped it become a beloved textile in both fashion and the home.

8. It became a summer staple.

Eyelet’s airy construction made it perfect for warm weather. The tiny openings allowed for better airflow, making it both beautiful and practical long before breathable performance fabrics existed.

9. It has never really gone out of style.

Unlike many seasonal trends, eyelet has been worn continuously for over two centuries. Designers revisit it almost every spring and summer because it feels fresh, feminine, and timeless.

• Eyelet is one of those fabrics that never quite disappears

• It returns every summer

• Perhaps that’s why we keep reaching for it

• Because some fabrics don’t just clothe us — they remind us of seasons, memories, and the beauty of simplicity.

  One of the things I love most about eyelet is how it has found its way far beyond clothing. This delicate pattern has been embraced in all kinds of beautiful design, often in the smallest, most unexpected details.

  I love spotting it in the pages of a journal or as a delicate bookmark, wrapped around serving utensils for a thoughtfully set table, or used in prop styling to add a touch of softness and romance. I’ve seen eyelet-inspired details woven into lampshades, carved into woodwork, and even reimagined in metal, like a vintage letter holder I recently spotted on Chairish. It’s a reminder that beautiful design doesn’t have to be grand to make an impression—sometimes it’s the quietest details that capture our hearts.

My Instagram For You page has been overflowing with beautiful eyelet pieces lately. Here are a few that caught my eye. @elie.rtl wearing a gorgeous skirt and top thealiceedit wearing this Plumo dress. @alinarinacio wearing farmrio dress and sezane blouse @abbyelizza wearing vintage. @yana.sushchik wearing this laneway the label dress. @lucciazolea wearing Ciao Lucia dress.

Yes, there are modern brands today that beautifully embrace this vintage, romantic, french-country aesthetic. Labels like Dôen, Sézane, Posse, Christy Dawn, Sea-NY and The Great., just to name a few of my favorites, they all capture the feeling of heirloom clothing with their delicate eyelet details, timeless silhouettes, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

As much as I admire these beautiful brands, I always encourage checking the secondhand market first. There are hundreds—if not thousands—of beautiful vintage pieces already out there, simply waiting to be worn, cherished, and loved again and if I’m being honest a lot less in price but quality the same if not better.

As I learned more about eyelet, I found myself appreciating it even more—not just for its beauty, but for the history stitched into every tiny detail. What began as a practical embroidery technique centuries ago has become a timeless symbol of craftsmanship, femininity, and the quiet elegance of slow fashion.

Perhaps that’s why eyelet continues to find its way back into our wardrobes every summer. It doesn’t demand attention or chase trends. Instead, it offers something softer: a reminder that beauty often lies in the details, in garments made with care, and in styles that stand the test of time.

So whether you thrift a vintage eyelet blouse, invest in a beautifully made dress, or simply admire its delicate patterns from afar, I hope you’ll see it with fresh eyes. Sometimes the loveliest pieces are the ones with a story woven into every stitch.

Until next time,

Olga

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Something I like to do is scroll through my month look at all the photos I took, the screenshots I saved, the quotes that caught my attention. I love looking through where I went, who I spent time with, the little things I noticed, and the purchases that found their way into my everyday life.

I like remembering what I reached for again and again: the books I read, the show I’ve been enjoying in the evenings, the perfume I couldn’t stop wearing, and the makeup products that became part of my everyday routine. I love revisiting the outfits I wore most, the flowers I brought home, and the little treasures I thrifted along the way.

There’s something comforting about gathering the fragments of an ordinary month and realizing how much beauty was tucked inside of it. The older I get, the more I cherish these small collections of memories—the moments, objects, words, and experiences that shaped the rhythm of a season.

So before June carries me too far forward, here are a few notes from May.

My most-worn shoes this month were my Tkees flip-flops and these strappy sandals that seem to go with everything. But my favorite find has to be a thrifted pair of Tevas. Oh my goodness—they are the most comfortable shoes for hiking my local trails. I’ve reached for them again and again and can’t believe I waited this long to try a pair. Safe to say, I’m a fan.

My favorite flower arrangement this month was made from magnolias gathered from the tree in my front yard. Their fragrance filled our home—a creamy, lemony scent with soft notes of citrus blossom, vanilla, and warm honey that greeted you as soon as you stepped through the door.

The Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans from Reformation remain my favorite pair of denim. I love their slightly baggy silhouette, which feels relaxed without looking sloppy, and they're surprisingly stretchy and comfortable. They're the kind of jeans I can wear all day and never think twice about.

My favorite Cotton Gwendolyn Sweater in Butter I wore it too many times this month. It’s beautiful and a perfect summer sweater to own.

I love a good pointelle top. I have a pointelle tank from Aritzia that I reach for constantly throughout the summer, and my most recent purchase was the Pointelle Slim Fit Tee from Leset.

There’s something so sweet and simple about a pointelle top paired with a favorite skirt or a comfortable pair of jeans. Since I’m always on the lookout for beautiful basics, I rounded up a few of my favorite pointelle pieces for you below.

I've been wearing Westman Atelier's Chocolate Terracotta Mascara. I love the thick brush and the beautiful results it gives, making it perfect for everyday wear. If you're in the market for a brown mascara, I think you'll love this one.

Ilia's tinted moisturizer with SPF 40 -shade Paloma has been a staple in my makeup bag for years. It's my go-to base product and the one item I reach for almost every single day. I love how creamy and lightweight it feels on the skin.

RMS - Blush in French Rose - The most prettiest fresh naturally rosy, sun-kissed flush in my opinion perfect shade for summer.

Speaking of RMS, my newest makeup obsession is this Revitalize Hydra Concealer I've been so impressed with it. perfect match for my skin, and the coverage is just right for brightening under my eyes while still looking natural.

My makeup routine wouldn't feel complete without Merit Brow Gel. It's one of those tried-and-true products that I never seem to run out of because I immediately replace it.

I've been wearing 003 almost daily lately. It's fresh and zesty, thanks to the yuzu and vetiver, with a brightness that feels like sunshine filtering through open windows. Light, crisp, and easy to wear. I purchased mine in Paris.

The UNDO Hairware No. 4 Claw Clip has become an everyday essential for me. I can honestly say I wear one almost every single day. I have one in black and dusty blue. This color is very pretty too. I promise its worth every dollar, very well made in Italy.

I love my crown affair waffel hair towel. I've been using it for quite some time now, and it's become one of those little luxuries I wouldn't want to be without.

ÂN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Tint in Berry Crumble is divine. the applicator is cool to the touch and simply feels incredible on my lips! new favorite lippy.

This gorgeous Scallop Twist Cord Necklace by Chan Luu caught my eye at a local jewelery store, it’s stunning! On my summer wish list.

Lately, I’ve been completely enamored with the armchair covers from Bemz, particularly the Atelier Fit in Simply Linen Mineral Blue. Bemz creates the most beautiful slipcovers and fabrics for IKEA furniture, and every image feels like a page torn from a European interiors magazine.

I don’t actually own an Ektorp chair, but I do have two vintage armchairs with very similar proportions that I’ve been meaning to reupholster for quite some time. The project has lingered on my to-do list, and I’m beginning to think that draping them in this linen might be the perfect solution.

Truthfully, their product description alone sold me. Sometimes a beautiful story is just as persuasive as a beautiful fabric.

I added a few original watercolor paintings to my Etsy shop . one-of-a-kind beautiful vintage pieces with pretty matting. I also added some clothes and books to my Depop shop. Take a look here.

I also came across some wonderful vintage finds along the way. A fluted silver vase that I’ve styling with foraged blooms from my trail walk. Similar one spotted here. I also found a neoclassical lamp for our entryway. It’s lovely in every way and feels as though it was always meant to be there. Spotted this gorgeous one here.

My favorite find, however, was a signed lithograph by YRJÖ EDELMANN. You can see his original works sold on auction. I first spotted it a few months ago at a local vintage consignment store in Rancho Santa Fe and couldn’t stop thinking about it. At the time, it felt a little too expensive, so I left it behind and told myself that if it was still there when I returned, it was meant to be.

Well, it was.

When I went back over Memorial Day weekend, the sweet older woman who volunteers at the shop offered me a wonderful discount, and I happily brought it home. The print depicts a bowl of fruit fashioned entirely from paper—a simple concept, yet endlessly intriguing. There is something whimsical, thoughtful, and slightly surreal about it that I absolutely love. Honestly, it feels like my entire personality captured in a piece of art.

It now rests by my entryway alongside a stack of beloved books, greeting me each time I walk through the door.

I came across this quote in a garden book I recently brought home:

“All bliss consists in this, to do as Adam did.”

The more I sit with it, the more I think Traherne was speaking about wonder. Adam walked through the garden seeing everything as a gift. Nothing was ordinary because everything was new. A flower, a tree, a bird, a stream—all of it was enough.

All true joy is found in looking at the world with wonder, gratitude, innocence, and delight—seeing creation as a gift from God.

Perhaps bliss is not found in having more, but in seeing more. In noticing. In receiving the world with gratitude. In remembering that beauty has been around us all along.

P.S. I've been binging Poldark lately and absolutely loving it. Between the dramatic Cornish landscapes and the sweet romance between Demelza and Ross, I'm completely hooked. There's something so comforting about settling into a good period drama, especially one with characters you can't help but root for.

Thank you for being here.

Xx,

Olga

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I’m not talking about perfect or “ethical in every way” furniture — but pieces that feel more grounded, less disposable, and more aligned with how I actually want my home to evolve over time.

As someone who prefers estate sales, antiques, facebook marketplace, and secondhand finds, I’ve always been skeptical of the fast furniture world. I love pieces with history, craftsmanship, and character — things made to last and I’m sure you do to.

But after doing a little digging, I realized Wayfair is much more layered than I originally thought.

It operates less like a single furniture brand and more like a massive digital department store for home goods — a platform that brings together thousands of manufacturers, design houses, and furniture brands under one roof.

Within that mix, you’ll find everything from lower-cost mass-produced pieces to higher-end designer collaborations and more intentional, design-led collections.

Some of the brands I look for include Four Hands, Dovetail, Perigold, Rowe, Bernhardt, Universal Furniture, Amber Lewis x Four Hands— just to name a few. These brands offer more intentional design, better proportions, and in many cases, solid wood or higher-quality construction.

And while yes, a lot of it is mass produced, that phrase itself is more nuanced than it sounds. Because what does “mass produced” actually mean in today’s furniture world?

Nearly every furniture retailer manufactures at scale in some capacity — whether it’s affordable flat-pack furniture or high-end designer collections. The difference isn’t simply whether something is mass produced, but how it’s made.

A chair can be produced in large quantities and still be thoughtfully designed, made with solid materials, and built to last. Another piece might also be mass produced, but made quickly with lower-grade materials and designed around trends rather than longevity. I try to stay away from this.

In today’s furniture industry, even many luxury brands rely on global manufacturing, factory production, and large-scale distribution. “Mass produced” no longer automatically means poor quality — it simply means the piece was manufactured efficiently and at scale.

The real differences often come down to materials, craftsmanship, sourcing, and longevity. That’s where I started asking myself:

Which pieces actually survive my filter of proportion, material, and longevity?

Intentional sourcing doesn’t disappear in mass retail — it just becomes harder to see. You have to learn how to recognize it through material, proportion, and restraint rather than branding alone.

In a way, it becomes less about where you shop — and more about how trained your eye is to separate design from volume.

So I went searching through the chaos of Wayfair with my own vintage, eclectic lens — looking for pieces that felt thoughtful, well-designed, timeless, and worth bringing into a home.

Here’s what I found:

How to read furniture descriptions on Wayfair

I’ve learned the photos alone can be very misleading. The real story is usually hidden in the product details and materials section.

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• Solid wood over particle board whenever possible

• Pay attention to weight

• Look for timeless silhouettes

• Read customer review photos, not just the styled images

• Search by materials, not trends

• Look for natural materials and finishes

• Pay attention to proportions and scale

• Look for pieces that can mix well with vintage finds

• Focus on versatility and timelessness

• Choose pieces that feel collected, not overly matched

“Would this still feel beautiful in 10 years?”

Search terms matter more than brands sometimes

• solid oak

• travertine

• linen upholstery

• handwoven

• reclaimed wood

• plinth coffee table

• Belgian inspired

• organic modern

• European farmhouse

• textured neutral

Real reasons people shop on Wayfair

I personally would never furnish an entire room — or an entire home — in one order, unless I were working as a home stager. When a space needs to be turned around quickly, Wayfair becomes incredibly practical. You can source pieces fast, order in bulk, and work within a very specific budget. In staging, it’s not about forever pieces — it’s about visual impact, speed, and availability.

But outside of that context, I believe furnishing a home takes time, patience, and a mix of vintage and new. That’s what makes it feel personal, intentional, and truly beautiful.

And maybe that’s where I’ve landed with all of this.

I still love secondhand pieces the most — the ones with history, patina, and a sense of time. That will always be my starting point. But I’ve also learned that modern sourcing isn’t just black and white. There are layers within mass retail that can surprise you, if you’re willing to slow down and really look.

Wayfair isn’t a replacement for that way of collecting a home — but it can exist alongside it. It can fill the gaps, support a season of life, or help you bring a room together when you need function and beauty at the same time.

For me, it all comes back to discernment. Not where something is from, but whether it holds its place in a home with intention. Whether it feels like it belongs — not because of a label or a price point, but because it quietly works within the life being built around it.

That, more than anything, is what I’m learning to look for.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to give it a heart, share, or leave a comment. I truly appreciate your support. This was not sponsored by Wayfair. I simply enjoyed going on a little scavenger hunt and deep dive through the site.

As always, you can Shop my Abode Collections here and secondhand furniture here

Xx, Olga

A couple years back, I started capturing my outfits while holding my toddler’s hand. I called it “Hand in Hand.” Looking back at the photos, seeing what we both wore instantly brings me back to that exact day and where we were going.

My youngest daughter is 4 years old — Eleanor, nicknamed Nora or Ellie. She loves dressing up like her mama and always notices the little details in my outfits. I let her pick out her own outfits most of the time and since she goes thrifting with me almost every week, she’s naturally started developing her own eye for things.

Her closet is probably 95% thrifted, consignment, or hand-me-downs from her older sister. She’s built quite the collection of little shoes, bags, and dresses over the years. I’ve collaborated with brands like Jamie Kay and Fostered Collection in the past, but outside of that, I mostly shop consignment stores around so Cal and thrift the rest. Occasionally I’ll buy her new shoes because she wears through her thrifted ones so quickly. Our most recent purchase was the Black Mary Jane with Bow from Rothys, and she loves them.

I’ve really been cherishing her little hand in mine and trying to capture quick photos as we walk into the library, playdates, parks, grocery stores, coffee runs, church, or the beach.

My oldest daughter turns 12 next week, so I know just how quickly time passes. The saying, “The days are long, but the years are short,” feels truer every year. I’m learning to slow down and really enjoy this season of having a 4-year-old daughter. Time with her feels sacred, and I know these toddler years are slipping by faster than I want them to.

Easy, breathable, and a little bit nostalgic. The kind of look that moves from errands to slow afternoons without needing to change a thing.

Some days I take a little longer picking out my outfit, but honestly, most days I throw on what feels comfortable and casual, accessorize with a few pieces of jewelry, and head out the door. My outfits are practical and intentional. Occasionally I lean into color and play and spend more time styling everything together, but most days my style feels soft, simple, and homebody at heart.

I think that’s what this season of motherhood looks like for me — clothing that allows me to move through ordinary days while still feeling like myself.

For summer, I imagine I’ll be wearing a lot of skirts, cami tops, flip-flops, and lightweight sweaters wrapped around.

I’d love to know — what does getting dressed look like for you in this current season of life? Has your style changed over the years, or do you find yourself returning to the same pieces again and again?

We love finding vintage clothing for kids, especially at local markets and while traveling. Some of my favorite pieces in her closet have been found tucked away in little antique shops, flea markets, and thrift stores during our trips. There’s something special about giving old pieces a new life and collecting clothing that carries a story with it.

What is your favorite place to shop for your child, children?

As always thank you for being here.

You may shop my closet here. Vintage & Secondhand here.

warmly,

Olga

For this post, I went on a little treasure hunt online for secondhand and vintage pieces and had so much fun putting these layouts together. There are so many beautiful dresses, shoes, bags, and pieces of jewelry out there if you simply take the time to look. But don’t worry, I picked out some gems for you. These are all saved pieces from Vestiaire Collective.

If you’re looking to add something special to your wardrobe — maybe a dress for a wedding, summer dinner, or upcoming event — there are so many beautiful finds. Personally, I’ve been eyeing Chanel ballet flats lately, and I can’t stop thinking about silk strappy dresses for summer.

I once read, “Style is something you have, fashion is something you buy,” and that quote has stayed with me ever since. Anyone can go out and buy what’s trending or what the industry tells us to wear, but styling it — making it feel personal, lived in, and reflective of who you are — is something entirely different.

True style feels collected. It’s shaped by memory, taste, travel, art, nature, films you love, the way your mother dressed, the colors you’re drawn to, the objects you keep in your home. Fashion can be purchased, but style is slowly cultivated over time.

Tulips (1930), an oil painting by Australian artist Arthur Streeton

Thank you for being here. If you enjoyed this newsletter, a little “like” helps others find my work too. And your comments always feel like a note from a friend.

Vintage & secondhand finds | Perfumes | Gifts

Warmly, Olga

Of course, these can really be for any special occasion — a friend’s birthday, a housewarming, a wedding present or simply a “thinking of you” gesture.

I love including new brands I discover along the way. And there is almost always something from Etsy tucked inside. I try to include personal pieces too: things I already own and love, or gifts I’ve given before that felt especially meaningful.

I hope you enjoy this gift guide I created. Happy shopping ♡
And do share in the comments — what’s something you would love to receive yourself, or a gift you’ve given a loved one that they still treasure?

An ode to the women who make a home feel warm long before the kettle sings.
For the mother who gathers beauty in quiet ways.

• I want this robe for myself. It’s not only the plush feeling of cozy comfort wrapped like a hug, but the little red piping detail is what made it stand out to me instantly. Gosh, it’s so cute.

• How about a custom oil painting on canvas from a treasured photo? Now that is a gift to keep forever. Real hand-painted commissioned art feels so meaningful. It’s the kind of piece that becomes part of a home, passed down and cherished for years to come.

  

• Handcrafted Estrelas teapot with a clear glass infuser by Gabriela Seres. Wow have you seen her work? Gorgeous! Made in Romania. I enjoy the ritual of tea, from loose tea leaves to the slow, intentional pause it creates in a day. My dad harvests wild fireweed in the Northwest and dries it himself, and my mama sends it to me. It’s become my favorite herbal tea: simple, grounding, and would be perfect to enjoy from this glass teapot.

• I personally own and love this body cream. It was first gifted to me, and since then I’ve repurchased it and gifted it to others too. Plumbody™ by Le Prunier is a velvety, antioxidant-rich body cream that leaves skin deeply hydrated, soft, and glowing. Powered by their signature patented plum extract. I love a good story about products especially when they go on your skin. I ordered this for my mom this year for Mothers Day! Enjoy mama!!

• The Quiet Botanist brand is so lovely. I adore their delicate branding. This particular candle feels like a garden bursting with life: fresh green fig layered with florals. I got the candle, their floral tote, and the Behrhaus Magnesium Oil for my mother-in-law, and I think she’s really going to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each piece.

  

• This rare Christofle silver-plated cup with its delicate spiral handle feels so timeless and elegant. I can already imagine sipping my morning latte from it while slowly reading Substack articles. Sadly, it’s sold out.

  But honestly, anything from The Oblist feels special. Their housewarming gifts, curated library, and beautiful vintage objects always leave me inspired. It’s one of those sites I endlessly love browsing.

  

• If you own a Mason Pearson hairbrush… please tell me all the hype about it because I truly want one. I’m such a sucker for a good story behind a product, and the history alone has me intrigued. Handcrafted in England since the 1800s, made with pure boar bristles and that famous cushioned brush design everyone swears by…

  People say it smooths the hair, distributes natural oils beautifully, helps with shine and frizz, and somehow lasts for decades — like the kind of object passed down from mother to daughter.

  And don’t even get me started on the detail that you can engrave one with your name. I love things like that. Tiny heirloom touches that make an everyday object feel personal.

  So tell me honestly… should I finally get one?

• I love the handwoven brown raffia Charlotte Bag from LIÉ STUDIO spacious enough to carry all the large vintage books I thrift, while still feeling timeless, refined, and effortlessly understated.

• I want this L'Eau Sézane perfume . I remember smelling it in the Sézane shop on my last trip and instantly wanting to bottle that entire memory. Notes of Mandarin, Jasmine and Peony. It's fresh and pretty and priced well.

• I’ve always loved a pedestal bowl overflowing with fruit it feels like a painting. This hand-glazed porcelain raised bowl from ABASK is especially beautiful. The work of Park Nahye is particularly inspiring — handcrafted in South Korea with such quiet elegance, organic form, and thoughtful glazing. Each piece feels both sculptural and deeply functional, the kind of object that makes even simple fruit feel intentional.

  

I’ve included many more beautiful gifts on my ShopMy page — from beauty products, candles, books, jewelry, vintage scarves, my favorite Herbal tea gift box, and original mother-and-child works of art from Etsy. If you won’t be seeing your mom on Mother’s Day, sending her a thoughtful gift can still make her feel deeply loved and remembered.

Thank you for your support. I love creating these gift guides. Let me know if your interested in another one? I did start a wish list for the gardener

warmly, Olga

I’ve been gathering moments the same way I gather objects
slowly, with intention, holding onto what feels meaningful.

Here’s a little of life lately…

Franklin, Tennessee — A Motherhood Retreat

There was something sacred about this time away.

This was my third time attending the Intentional Parenting Motherhood Retreat, and each year I leave with no regrets—it has become a gift I give myself.

I come home with a journal full of notes from wise, thoughtful speakers who gently call you back to what matters most in motherhood. The atmosphere feels full—deeply moving, grounded, and rich with purpose.

Yes, it’s emotional—come prepared to cry. But also to laugh, deeply and freely.

A pause in the noise.
A soft return to what matters most.

Motherhood has a way of stretching you thin,
but also deepening you in ways you didn’t expect.

This retreat felt like being held—
by conversation, by stillness, and by the quiet reminder that we are not alone in it. There is something truly powerful about standing in a room with over 600 mothers, all carrying the same sacred calling in different ways.

You leave feeling reminded, steadied, and refocused on the kind of mother you desire to be.

Bring a friend, come with your mom—there is something so special about experiencing it alongside someone you love.

Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s rich. It’s rewarding.

I left feeling encouraged. Fuller. More rooted.

I’m already planning to attend the next one in Portland, Oregon this October maybe I’ll see you there.

The retreat was a three-day gathering, structured with a rhythm to follow. In between sessions, we were given pockets of leisure—time to wander, to notice, to take it all in. This is a glimpse of where we stayed, what we saw, and what we enjoyed along the way.

We stayed at the The Harpeth Hotel, right in the heart of Franklin, just across from a beautiful antique mall. We chose it for its charm and its proximity—a twelve-minute walk to The Factory at Franklin, where the retreat was held.

The weather was perfect spring softness.

We spent slow moments walking along Main Street, noticing old churches, historic buildings, and rows of inviting boutiques. There were cozy restaurants tucked into corners the sounds of live music drifted through the air. Franklin felt quaint and charming—almost like stepping into a Hallmark scene.

One of our favorite stops was the French-inspired Perenn— Bakery and café. We enjoyed the pastries and shared a yummy salad for lunch. We also wandered through the town’s oldest bookstore, stopped in Nueflora, where I picked out a collared silhouette dress , and spent time driving through nearby neighborhoods, admiring the sweetest porch-wrapped Tennessee homes.

Also The Coffee House next to our hotel had the most delicious crepes!

The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a must-see if you have the time. We decided to visit just before heading to the airport, and it felt like the most peaceful way to end our trip.

It’s the kind of place that makes you linger. With its historic home, gorgeous botanical gardens, and thoughtfully designed grounds, it felt both grand and deeply serene.

This gem was breathtakingly beautiful. We only had an hour to explore, but even that felt like a gift.

We began in the home itself. The full gallery upstairs was closed, but the first floor alone was enough to take in—each room thoughtfully preserved and full of quiet charm. I especially loved the dining and tea rooms, where everything felt timeless and softly elegant.

There’s something almost storybook-like about Cheekwood—gardens in bloom, quiet corners to sit and reflect, and a calm that gently follows you as you wander.

Even the drive there felt like part of the experience. Rolling past grand homes, acres of land, and towering trees, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking in its own right—setting the tone long before you arrive at the estate.

If you’re interested to know more about this estate and the history of the family that owns it, you can read about it here.

With a little time before our flight, we stopped by the Sézane Store—my first time stepping into Sézane in person. They were just about to close, so we had only fifteen minutes to wander, but even that felt like enough to take it all in.

I slipped on a pair of their sandals, sprayed their new perfume, notes of Mandarin and Jasmine very fresh, soft, and floral (it would make such a lovely mothers day gift) and admired the straw bags, each one perfectly made.

There’s something about seeing pieces in real life, feeling the fabrics, and experiencing the space that makes all the difference.

I’ve admired Sézane from afar for so long—through online browsing, Pinterest, and the way others have styled their pieces—but stepping inside, even briefly, made it all feel more tangible.

I left with a quiet sense of certainty… and a growing wishlist of pieces I’d love to bring home someday.

Thats it for now.

I will leave you with a beautiful poem that I’m holding on to written by Diane Comer from the motherhood retreat.

warmly, Olga

note.

I sometimes write poems. I love reading them too, and lately I’ve been collecting little fragments of words in my notes and journals. Every so often, I like to sprinkle one in here.

I actually wrote this piece last year, but recently I found a bookshelf on Facebook Marketplace and had so much fun styling it with some of my favorite books. This poem felt like it belonged in that quiet little scene.

I hope it brings a smile to you.

warmly, Olga

Where My Love for Plants Began

I wouldn’t say I have my mom’s green thumb, but my love of plants definitely comes from her—so thank you, Mama. She has over 80 indoor plants and what I like to call a sun room in her living room, with soaring ceilings and plants on every wall, mantel, pedestal, windowsill, and even the piano. Every visit includes an update about her newest additions; her obsession with indoor plants is truly fascinating.

Between 2014 and 2019 I had quite the indoor-plant collection in our old home in Oregon before we moved to Southern California. I admit I had an obsession for a while like everyone else was getting fiddle-leafs and expressing themselves through plants. The very first thing I bought after we built our home was indoor plants, and my favorite setup was a bar cart in the kitchen that I filled with them.

Well, fast forward to today 2026 I sadly only have three indoor plants. I gave most of mine away during the move; many went to my mom and sister, and I sold the rest. Living in Oregon, the weather influenced my love of houseplants: it rains a lot, so indoor plants brought greenery, freshness, and a hobby — something to grow and care for inside. Now I live in a completely different climate, with an average temperature of about 68°F year-round.

I enjoy outdoor gardening, mostly in pots. I have a small front rose garden that could use a bit of tending—I keep telling myself I’ll fully immerse myself in learning how to care for them well, though I haven’t quite gotten there yet. Still, somehow, the roses return faithfully each year.

We also have a 12’ x 12’ bed where we grow some vegetables, herbs and annual flowers. I recently planted a calla lily plant, a nostalgic flower that makes me think of our wedding. In my backyard, we have an apple tree that faithfully produces fruit each year. Our small backyard feels rich and alive, it brings me joy to wake each morning to the sound of birds chirping. Lately, my four-year-old and I have been especially drawn to birdwatching. There’s something so special about experiencing nature through the lens of her eyes.

We have a small courtyard so common here in Southern California. I’ve planted lavender in the center, along with camellia bushes that bloom each autumn, two varieties of climbing jasmine, and a few evergreens in pots.

Here are a few glimpses of my garden. I’d love to add some vintage French iron furniture in my courtyard —just a small place to sit with my morning coffee, quietly watching the hummingbirds.

I prefer daily walks, gathering wild greenery to arrange in vases and scatter throughout my home. This is more than a hobby now; it’s become a grounded, personal part of me. I may not have many indoor plants anymore, but my love for plants hasn’t faded — it’s grown deeper and richer.

note.

Today I enjoy reading about gardening, especially old poetry. I love collecting poetry books about nature vintage gardening books, and I often share the pages that inspire me here in my notes.

I’ve also linked my favorite Gardening Books here. I will be adding more to my every growing library.

A nature walk reminds me that everything was created in love, and I now have a deeper appreciation for flowers and plants than ever before it makes me slow down.

This month I found Classic Garden Style by Inès Heugel published in 2004. The photography is absolutely breathtaking, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the read. The book beautifully explores how decorative and ornamental details can turn a garden into a true extension of the home.

After looking through this book I was inspired to go on facebook marketplace to look for some furniture and search for: garden containers, sheds, planters, terracotta pots, metal planters, wrought iron furniture, wicker, bamboo and rattan furniture, Lloyd Loom, parasols, and hammocks.

note: I’m to do a second post about what I find on FBM let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see my round up?

Here are some of the lovely page spreads I’ve been savoring:

Here are 15 simple ways to weave the garden even deeper into daily life.

(let me know if you try one, or have done some of these before)

• Tie eucalyptus bunch over the tap of running water in your bath or shower head- releases their soothing fragrances.

• Make a list of Garden centers or stores in your area, compare prices, create a list of what you want to add to your home.

• Visiting a local garden or flower field. Dress up don’t forget your hat.

• Dry bundles of lavender, rosemary, or mint and tuck them into drawers or hang them in the closet for natural fragrance.

• Create a simple potpourri mix from dried rose petals, citrus peels, and garden herbs to scent your rooms. I love this book, has the best recipes.

• Start searching facebook marketplace for backyard furniture, planters, furniture.

• Go to an estate sale. Don’t forget to check in the backyard, most of the time there are lots of planters and teracotta pots.

• Press garden flowers or leaves between book pages to create your own botanical art. I love to use it in my junk journal page spreads. Or as bookmarks.

• Keep a garden journal: sketch quick plant observations, note what’s blooming.

• Bring the outdoors in with a “nature shelf” - wildflowers in tiny jars or vintage bottles.

• Get lost in the gardening section of a vintage book store or library.

• Write a garden or nature poem from what you observed on your walk.

• Keep fragrant flowers by your bedside.

• Grow edible flowers.

• End the day with a garden-inspired evening ritual: light a beeswax candle, sip herbal tea from your own harvest, and flip through your favorite gardening book.

Now I’ll end with Tasha Tudor forever kind of aesthetic. These remarkable photos of Tasha Tudor. If you don’t know who she was (1915–2008) Tasha Tudor was an American illustrator and author of children’s books, known for her delicate, nostalgic watercolor illustrations that evoked 19th-century New England life. She published over 100 books, including classics like Mother Goose. She lived a simple, old-fashioned lifestyle on her Vermont farm that deeply influenced her magical, timeless art. We love her children’s books and I highly recommend to purchase Tasha’s Tudor’s Garden 1994.

Whether you have a yard, a patio, a small balcony, a terrace, or even just a sunroom, whether you love the patient work of gardening or prefer a more natural, carefree disarray simply meandering through your green space can lead you to something beautiful to pick, pluck, or prune and carry inside.

Thank you for stopping by. Hope you left inspired!

If you enjoyed this letter. I think you’ll enjoy these two:

• Favorite Vintage Floral Books

• Nature Ideas to do with your kids

Subscribe now

Not the expected kind, no mass prints or predictable fruit bowls, but original timeworn pieces… oil paintings that have lived another life before finding their way into yours.

A portrait, softened with age.
A still life of peaches, so vivid you could almost taste them.
A wildflower bouquet, caught in bloom, never fading.
A simple vase, shaped by hand, yet full of quiet majesty.

When you bring art into the kitchen, something shifts.

It becomes less of a workspace and more of a lived-in canvas.

A Collected Kind of Beauty

We often think of kitchens as purely functional spaces. Places of movement, noise, dishes, and routine. But art interrupts that rhythm in the gentlest way.

It invites you to slow down.

To notice.

To create a moment.

Even the most outdated kitchen, really worn cabinets, imperfect tile, lighting that hasn’t quite been updated can feel entirely reimagined with the presence of beautiful, original art. Your eye is no longer drawn to what needs fixing… but to what feels meaningful.

Art doesn’t renovate a space.

It redeems it.

The Charm of Vintage Oil Paintings

There is a depth to vintage oil paintings that cannot be replicated.

The texture.
The brushwork.
The quiet imperfection.

They carry a story—even if you never fully know it.

And perhaps that’s the beauty of it.

There is something I deeply admire about still life fruit paintings.

More often than not, the artist didn’t imagine the scene—they created it. Carefully selecting each object… a vase, a pedestal bowl, the fruit, the books, the petals. Arranging them just so.

And then they sat with it.

They studied it.
They painted what was right in front of them.

There’s a term for this “painting from life” (or in French: “d’après nature”)

It’s intentional seeing.

A slowing down long enough to notice light, shadow, softness, imperfection.

And maybe that’s why these paintings feel so alive…
Because they were first deeply observed.

Be Inspired by What Draws You

Over the years, I’ve collected and flipped through hundreds of books—lingering on certain pages longer than others, slowly discovering what I love. The tones, the compositions, the feeling a painting carries.

I’ve walked through museums, like The Met in New York, and found myself completely in awe standing still, studying the smallest details, the way light falls, the way fruit rests, the quietness of it all.

And inspiration doesn’t stop there.

It can be found in the most unexpected places
a street market on a trip,
a table of gathered objects,
a window display,
a simple arrangement of everyday things.

If you begin to pay attention, you’ll start to notice patterns in what draws you in.

The colors you linger on.
The textures that feel familiar.
The compositions that make you pause.

That’s where your eye begins to form.

And from there, choosing art becomes less overwhelming…
and more intuitive.

Where to Find Them

If you have the time, nothing compares to the thrill of finding art in person.

A dusty corner of a thrift store.
An early morning estate sale.
A forgotten painting leaning behind a stack of frames.

A live action online.

There is magic in the hunt.

But I also understand that life is full—children, schedules, responsibilities. Not everyone has the margin to spend hours searching.

That’s where curated vintage sellers come in.

Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and 1stDibs have become quiet archives of beauty filled with pieces already sourced, already waiting. Someone else has done the digging for you.

Shop my favorite vintage art all linked here.

All you have to do is choose what speaks.

A Kitchen That Feels Like You

At the end of the day, this isn’t about decorating.

It’s about creating a space that reflects you.

A kitchen where coffee tastes slower.
Where flowers feel at home in a simple glass vessel.
Where candlelight and art coexist in the everyday.

It doesn’t require a renovation.

Just a shift in what you choose to see.

And sometimes, all it takes…
is a single painting on the wall.

Notes from the Hunt

1. Thrifted art I once used for staging and how I regret not keeping it. Some pieces pass through your hands and only later do you realize how much they meant.

2. A recent piece I spotted at a beautifully curated antique store. The kind that stops you mid-step, making you linger just a little longer.

3. A stunning painting from an estate sale in La Jolla, California. It was a little out of budget for me at the time. I told myself I’d wait knowing it might go half off the next day.

But that’s the thing with art… and with pricing.

If a piece draws you in if there’s something about it that you can’t quite explain, but deeply admire and your budget allows, don’t overthink it.

Purchase it.

Because more often than not, it won’t be there tomorrow.

And you may find yourself, like me, looking back… wishing you had brought it home.

You can see more of my trip to the South of France. Take notice the still life paintings in the kitchen.

A Stylist’s Touch

In my years of home staging and styling my own homes I’ve always been drawn to incorporating thrifted art into the kitchen.

Especially the small, unframed canvases.

There is something so effortless about them. No heaviness, no commitment to the wall just a quiet presence. Leaned against a backsplash, tucked into an open shelf, resting beside a stack of dishes or a small vessel of flowers. My favorite way to style.

They feel collected rather than placed.

I love how they soften a kitchen.
How they invite a sense of artistry into even the most functional corners.

Sometimes the smallest piece, a simple study, an unfinished still life, a canvas without a frame is the one that brings the most charm.

It doesn’t try too hard.

It simply belongs.

If you found beauty here, you may enjoy this post—where I explore fruit styling in my own kitchen.

For those looking to bring this feeling home, my curated Fruit Still Life Shop is here.

Thank you for being here, it means more then you know.

March always arrives softly.

Not with loud declarations of spring, but with hints — a petal here, a longer stretch of evening light there. The air begins to loosen. Windows open a little wider. The hills of Southern California begin whispering green again.

This month I find myself leaning into small rituals and beautiful details that make everyday life feel a little more poetic.

Thrifted Treasures

Most days you can find me wandering through thrift stores, slowly combing through racks and shelves like a quiet treasure hunt.

I come in with little to none expectations
But somehow the right things always find their way into my hands.

These are some of my finds this month.

Thrifting is less about consumption and more about continuation — giving objects another chapter.

Florals

Even the smallest bloom feels like a celebration after winter’s quiet. When I walk outside, I find myself stopping more often — noticing petals, branches, the way light touches.

Almost weekly I bring a few stems home.

They end up in simple vases, kitchen island, coffee table, bedside, bathrooms. Nothing arranged too carefully. Just nature entering the room.

Florals always remind me that beauty doesn’t rush.

What I’m Wearing

My outfits lately have been simple, layered, and comfortable.

Eyelet cotton top, Loose denim. Barn jacket. Trench coat.
A cashmere sweater tied around my waist or over my shoulders.
A vintage scarf wrapped around my neck or my bag.

Style for me has never been about trends. It’s about expression — a quiet way of telling the story of who you are without speaking.

I love mixing thrifted pieces with modern ones, textures from different eras finding harmony together.

Fashion, in its best form, feels like art you can wear.

I wrote about it here

I thrift about 95% of my closet. On the rare occasions when I receive a PR package from a brand I truly love, or when I decide to splurge on something especially cute, I make an exception. Most recent purchase was this eyelet purse from Anthropologie I couldn’t resist it, I think it was missing from my spring outfits.

shop my closet - ** I add mostly secondhand finds from poshmark, Etsy, Ebay, Depop.

What I’m Reading

There is always a book nearby.

Right now I’m halfway through Katherine by Anya Seton, a historical novel and I truly cannot put it down. The story follows Katherine Swynford in medieval England — a sweeping romance filled with court intrigue, devotion, and resilience. The writing pulls you so deeply into another century.

Because I source books, I’ve collected quite a few this month. On my coffee table which is always changing weekly. right now I have been flipping through Antiques at Home by Barbara Milo Ohrbach 1989 —a beautiful book that celebrates living with antiques in a warm and personal way. It reminds me that a home becomes meaningful through objects that carry stories.

A Vineyard Garden 1991 by Molly Chappellet is beautifully written and photographed on creating a soulful garden in harmony with nature, filled with wildflowers, stone paths, and seasonal rhythms—something I love because it feels less like gardening and more like living poetically with the land.

Linens and Lace 1990 by Tricia Foley is a timeless celebration of romantic interiors filled with soft textiles, heirloom linens, and quiet domestic beauty—something I love because it captures the poetry of simple living and the elegance of everyday home rituals.

I also recently picked up a vintage parenting book from 1967 titled Let’s Bring Them Up Sensibly by Mae Garden. I’m always drawn to older books like this — there’s something thoughtful and grounded about the wisdom found in earlier generations.

And of course, there are always a few poetry books nearby — the kind you open randomly and read slowly, letting a few lines linger with your afternoon tea.

In the Word

This year I began a Bible-through-the-year reading plan. I started on January 1st and, by God’s grace, I haven’t missed a day.

I’ve been learning so much about the character of God and feel deeply moved by the history of the beginning of time. The Bible is truly a fascinating book if you’ve never read it. It is alive — the scriptures seem to leap off the page and teach in ways that nothing and no one else can.

The way everything is woven together feels like threads of wisdom running through generations.

It has become a well I return to again and again whenever my soul feels thirsty.

I’ve also been attending a weekly women’s Bible study where we are studying women from the Old Testament. So far we’ve learned about Eve, Jochebed, Abigail, Leah, Ruth, and Huldah.

Taking time to study these remarkable women each week has been incredibly rewarding and moving. Through their stories I’m learning more about the character of God and the strength, faith, and courage these women carried in their lives.

Skin Food

Lately I’ve been drawn to skincare that feels simple and nourishing.

Two products I’ve been loving are The Aloe Serum and The Attar Balm from Monastery.

The Aloe serum feels light, refreshing, and deeply hydrating. I press it gently into my skin every morning, while taking in deep breaths.

The Attar balm is deeply richer calming and floral (jasmine). I reach for it on the nights I take a hot bath. It’s a rich botanical concentrate that melts into my skin, leaving it soft, nourished, and my skin feels fed by morning.

The new Biome Balancing Cleansing Oil by Le Prumunier has been such a treat. I’ve only recently got it and am quite enjoying it. I already have the Plum Beauty Oil and it’s probably one of my favorite oils. Handcrafted from sustainably sourced plums, this indulgent oil is an excellent source of nourishing vitamins and antioxidants.

These small moments feel soothing in the most beautiful way.

Perfume

Lately I’ve been paying more attention to scent.

Fragrance has a quiet way of becoming part of memory — the scent of a room, a scarf, a page in a book, or the warmth of skin after a bath. It lingers in subtle ways, tying moments together.

Recently I’ve been enjoying the LIIS discovery set, and I truly love it. Each scent feels unique and different in its own way, like small moods captured in a bottle.

I really enjoyed Choux Choux ( notes: Citrus Peel, Fresh Cream, Vanilla Beans, Fleur de Sel, Caramel, Sandalwood, Cocoa) and

Bo ( notes: Elemi, Tobacco Leaves, Redwood Pine, Incense, Guaiac Wood, Cedar, Vanilla Beans) all through out the winter.

Lately I’ve been reaching for Lucienne (notes: Pomelo, Lemon Zest
Magnolia, Dragon Fruit, Waterlily Sea Shells)

Floating (notes: Bergamot, Peach, Wild Orchid, Crisp Linen, Sequoia Wood) which feel especially beautiful as the days begin to soften into spring.

If you’re looking for a new perfume but aren’t quite sure which one to commit to, I highly recommend starting with a discovery set. It allows you to experience the entire line and see which notes unfold best on your skin and last throughout the day.

Twisted Lilly has some great sample sets you can try aswell!

Here are some of perfumes I really liked this past year.

Fragrance is such a personal journey, and sometimes the most beautiful scents are the ones you discover slowly.

The Nostalgic Table

Lately I’ve also been busy packing orders from my shop, Olga’s Abode.

My Vintage Mystery Boxes — The Nostalgic Table have been finding their way into homes all over, and the orders have been flooding in every day. I feel incredibly grateful each time I wrap one.

Each box is carefully gathered and gift-wrapped by hand.

I offer three sizes:

• Petit (2-4 items)
• Classic (5-8 items)
• The Collector (9-12 items)

Every piece inside tells a story from another time. No two boxes are ever the same.

Inside you might find old paper ephemera, vintage textiles, beeswax candles, small glass objects for the home, beautiful forgotten pieces that once belonged to someone else’s everyday life.

Unwrapping one feels a little like opening a small gathering of forgotten treasures — perfect for the nostalgic soul, the homemaker, or the dreamer who finds meaning in the past.

I love imagining these pieces finding their way into new homes and new stories.

Choosing What Grows Your Garden

I recently read something that stayed with me:

If it makes you happy,
soothes your soul,
grows your garden —
choose that.

Maybe that’s what March is about.

Choosing the things that nurture life slowly and intentionally.

For me, that looks like:

reading the word of God
being inspired by old books
thrifting forgotten treasures
arranging simple flowers
wearing clothes that feel like art
reading beautiful books
caring gently for my skin
wrapping small boxes of nostalgia for others

Spring doesn’t arrive all at once.

It unfolds.

And maybe we are allowed to unfold a little too.

Warmly, Olga

paper beneath fingertips,
scissors in hand,
ink that does not disappear,
moments kept, not scrolled past.

It is choosing what is real
sunsets over screens,
letters over notifications,
a life measured in pages and memory.

To let beauty arrive unannounced.
To sit with the quiet
without reaching for the noise.

To honor the sacred art
of being present.

Returning to Paper

This month, I have grounded myself in the things that matter most to me
the things I loved making long before social media existed.

I used to scrapbook for hours.
I made collage spreads from my Teen Vogue magazines.
I attended scrapbook conventions and creative events.

I have always loved making something beautiful out of scraps — paper, clippings, fragments that others overlooked.

Last week, I cleaned out my craft closet.

I had been putting it off for years coming up with excuse after excuse not to do it. But if I’m honest, the real reason was distraction. Hours slipping away to that social media app we all love and hate Instagram stealing hours of my creative time I didn’t even realize I was surrendering.

This year, I said no more.

I am taking back my time.
And I can feel my creative juices beginning to bubble again.

The sweetest part of all of this is that I have a four-year-old daughter who is completely obsessed with scrapbooking just like me. She glues everything. Scraps, wrappers, tiny bits of paper she finds.

I bought her a couple of little journals, and she has been expressing herself so beautifully. I love how freely she cuts and glues without hesitation, without perfection, without rules.

It’s honestly adorable.

And truthfully? She’s the one who made me want to junk journal again.

So here I am — doing just that.

Bins.
Shoe boxes.
Drawers full of what the world now casually calls “junk.”

But the word junk simply refers to everyday, discarded items — things that might otherwise be thrown away — reimagined into layered, tactile pages.

A more romantic name for it is paper ephemera.

Old letters and envelopes.
Postcards.
Tickets.
Fabric scraps.
Wallpaper samples.
Receipts.
Book pages.
Maps.
Labels and packaging.
Newspaper and magazine clippings.
Cards.
Stamps.

These pieces were once ordinary and temporary — but over time, they become treasured fragments of story.

Paper ephemera adds texture.
History.
Handwriting.
Patina.
Imperfection.
Soul.

It carries fingerprints of the past — faded ink, worn edges, folds, stains — proof that it was once held, once meaningful, once alive.

For someone like me — who loves thrifting, vintage books, petals tucked into pages — ephemera feels like the quiet poetry of paper.

What Makes It Different From Regular Journaling?

Traditional journaling focuses mostly on writing.

Junk journaling blends:

• Writing
• Collage
• Scrapbooking
• Mixed media art
• Memory keeping

There are no rules. Pages can be messy, poetic, stitched, painted, or filled with pockets and hidden notes.

Why I Love It

Junk journaling feels:

slow
analog
grounding
nostalgic
creative
personal

It invites you to touch paper, cut with scissors, glue with intention —
to create something physical in a digital world.

It asks you to stay.

To linger.

• When was the last time you made something without posting it?

• Do you keep paper memories?

• What scraps are tucked in your drawers?

If this stirs something in you —
if you feel the urge to cut paper, layer stories, and create with your hands again

I’ve put together a handful of mixed media junk journal kits, each one thoughtfully hand-selected from my own collection of ephemera.

Vintage papers. textured scraps. tea dyed papers, french floral fabrics.
Fragments of story waiting to be reimagined.

You can explore them in my Etsy shop Olga’s Abode

I would love to see what you create.

Let’s go analog together.

I’ve always loved Etsy for the way it gathers artisans, whimsical makers, vintage sellers, and quiet creatives all in one place. It’s a space where sustainability meets imagination, where hands and heart still matter, and where there is truly no shortage of beautiful, handmade heirloom pieces waiting to be discovered.

This letter is less about buying and more about inspiration—ideas to encourage you to pick up a hobby, make something with your own hands, or support the artists whose work you admire. And even if you don’t purchase a single thing, I hope you leave feeling stirred to create. Valentine’s Day, after all, feels best when it’s handmade. Remember crafting your own Valentine’s cards as children? Think of this list as that same spirit—just grown, a little more chic, and made to last.

Handmade Etsy Gifts (Heirloom-Inspired)

• Handmade Beaded Choker

  Carrying heritage, craftsmanship, and quiet adornment.

• Embroidered linens
  Napkins, hand towels, or a small table runner with initials, florals, or symbols.

• Pressed-botanical artwork
  Framed botanicals from walks, gardens, or meaningful places.

• Handmade Blue Floral Ceramic Mug

  Thrown and painted by hand, made for slow mornings.

• Custom Embroidered Ruffled Cotton Sleep Mask

  A small luxury stitched with care, bringing beauty to rest and quiet evenings.

• Custom Book Embosser

  A timeless way to mark beloved books as part of one’s personal library.

• Floral Tissue Box Cover

  An everyday essential dressed in softness, turning the ordinary into something lovely.

• Hand-stitched fabric sachets
  Filled with dried lavender, rosemary, or rose petals for drawers and closets.

• A small hand-bound journal
  With handmade paper or a fabric cover.

  ---

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• Handcrafted Wooden Carved Comb

  A quiet, everyday luxury made to age beautifully with use.

• Original Figurative Painting on Vintage Letter

  Art layered with history, where story and brushstroke meet.

• Handwritten Ceramic Mug

  Personal and intimate, holding words meant to be read slowly.

• Throw Pillow made out of Silk

  Soft structure and subtle sheen, bringing warmth and character to a space.

• Tassel Agate Necklace

  Earthy and elegant, each stone uniquely its own.

• Studio Pottery Cat Plate

  Whimsical yet timeless, made for collectors and quiet smiles.

• Handmade Bow Bible Cover

  A tender way to honor faith, wrapped in beauty and care.

• Ceramic Snack Plate

  Small, thoughtful, and perfect for everyday snacks.

• A handmade recipe book
  Written or collaged by hand, filled with family recipes and notes.

Note:

I love gifting a vintage floral coffee table book. There’s something deeply beautiful about holding a tangible object filled with pages of florals meant to be lingered over, revisited, and displayed. Pair it with beeswax candles, poured and molded into perfection. In the archives of my old vintage blog, I once made handmade envelopes from Anthropologie catalogs, and it felt like the right time to share them again here.

Currently Crushing featured in collage:

• This homemade floral tiramisu cake found on pinterest—because anything baked with love is, of course, chef’s kiss.

• These soft handmade leather house slippers by Yonder.

• This hand-embroidered floral motif fringe bag by Rosewater House is gorgeous!

• Romantic yet bold hand-painted vase by George Bronwin

• This gorgeous handpainted Swan plate that’s in my cart.

• Elevate your lingerie storage with the Di & Glynni Bra & Pantie storage bag. Umm.. yes please! how cute, perfect for traveling too!

• This Ribbon Teacup and Saucer set, delicate and pretty! Because every meal deserves a moment of artistry.

• If you can’t tell I might have a little obsession with anything swans. how about this Charming swan pearl pendant found on poshmark.

  ---

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be loud or fleeting. It can be soft, slow, and made by hand. The most meaningful gifts are often the ones shaped with time and intention—meant to be used, loved, and remembered. An heirloom approach invites us to give something that lingers, long after the season has passed.

Full Handmade Etsy List on my shopmy.

Thanks for being here.

xoxo,

Olga

Our bedroom faces east, with windows that catch the sunrise as it lifts over the mountains. In winter, the light is especially bright and golden. I often lie still in bed, half-dozing, staring like a dove in quiet gaze, watching the sun slowly rise, its glow spilling in, shadows stretching and dancing softly across our bedroom walls. It’s so beautiful.

Earlier last year, we partnered with Thuma, and honestly we couldn’t be happier. Thuma has brought a sense of calm and intention into our bedroom, and it’s been a joy to live with these pieces daily.

We lived without a rug for far too long (still not sure why we waited), but now it’s one of those details I notice every single morning. When I wake up, the first thing my feet meet the wool rug beneath me. So soft. So grounding. Such a small luxury that changes the rhythm of the morning.

We chose the Signature Italian Wool King Bed, the Nest Nightstand in Espresso, the Paneled Wool Rug in Java, and the Cove Mirror. Each piece feels thoughtful and timeless, the kind of furniture you grow into rather than replace.

I especially love the nightstands for their generous length. I’m a collector of books, flowers, candles. I keep a tray for my little catch-alls: lotions, oils, jewelry, hair clips. The more room, the better—give me all the space. As a natural prop stylist, I need surfaces that allow me to play, style, and live a little. That’s why I chose the espresso finish—it’s rich, grounding, and photographs beautifully, as you can clearly see.

If you are interested in vintage objects to style on your nightstand check out my shopmy for ideas. There are so many beautiful vintage pieces out there waiting to be discovered.

New vintage Art Books now listed in my shop. So many many wonderful good ones coming in the next weeks.

I’m still slowly tending to this space. I’m on the lookout for a beautiful soft rug and eventually some Roman shades. Nothing rushed. I like letting a room reveal what it needs.

The treasure chest technically doesn’t belong here—it’s filled with Legos and was living in the garage. During winter break, the kids carried it in to play, and it sort of… stayed. Partly because it’s incredibly heavy to move back, and partly because I’ve grown fond of it here. For now, I kind of like it.

I recently found this giant Art Nouveau book it weighs nearly five pounds and is filled with the most incredible, inspiring imagery. I’ve read a few newsletters lately noting how Art Nouveau is re-emerging as a major trend this year, and I couldn’t agree more.

There’s something timeless about this period. Even owning just one or two pieces like a chair, a vase, or a lamp can instantly add depth and distinction, making a home feel more personal and thoughtfully collected.

I recently discovered that Treasure & Bond is one of Nordstroms “give-back” brands, and a part of the sales goes to charity. This cute sweater is cashmere and on sale too. Birthday outfit details, skirt from france, suede Dolce Vita clutch, favorite western boots ever.

a vintage ode

you are the same through every year,

unchanging love that draws me near.

threaded through time, your steady hand,

a faithful guide where I now stand.

there is no new thing under the sun,

yet your presence feels ever-new,

each walk with you, my spirit sings

the hush, the light, the grace it brings.

among the weeds and wildflowers too,

I see the tender heart of you.

like vintage treasures I long to find,

you search for me with love so kind.

my good, good father, ever true,

this vintage ode I write to you.

Thanks for being here.

Warmly, Olga

xo

Want more Abode links? Head to my ShopMy.

Tip #1: Use specific keywords. The more intentional your search terms, the better the results.
Tip #2: Save items you like or are considering this also helps refine what Marketplace shows you.
Tip #3: Don’t sleep on it. The good stuff goes fast.
Tip #4: Check daily. Consistency is key.

I live in San Diego, California, where there’s no shortage of gorgeous vintage furniture but don’t assume your area doesn’t have similar treasures. Trust me, it does. You may need to drive an hour or two, but it’s there and worth the hunt.

Keywords I use when searing for FBM

Be specific which item: sideboard, credenza, console table, buffet, china cabinet, hutch, writing desk, secretary desk, nightstand / bedside table, coffee table, accent chair, armchair, bench, bookshelf / bookcase, apothecary cabinet, vintage armoire

Material & Finish Keywords (VERY important) oak / walnut / teak / mahogany

search: Antique Furniture

search: Silver tableware

So much good silver is out there. I truly believe it’s classic and never going out of style, it makes hosting a table feel chic, elevated, and simply beautiful. I personally use silver trays as catch-alls, sugar bowls as flower vases, and I’ve even used a teapot for flowers.

search: Charcoal Artwork

search: Burlwood or Burled

It’s often considered a luxury wood, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s rare, unpredictable, and naturally artistic the tree’s imperfections turned into beauty.

I thrifted a burlwood lidded box and keep my polaroids inside. There’s something so unique about this wood—it instantly draws you in. Whether styled on an end table, coffee table, or console, it’s definitely a conversation starter.

search: Vintage Poster Art

search: Danish Furniture

search: Pine or Oak wood furniture

search: Brass Lamps

search: Primitive / Old world Furniture

This is where you can get more specific and search what exact piece you are looking for. examples: old cabinet, european table, wooden chest, linen cabinet, church pew, vintage armoire, apothecary cabinet, vintage armoire

search: Wrought Iron Candle holders

search: Metal chairs

search: Ceramic Pottery / Patina

Again, I mostly thrift pottery but you’d be surprised how many large pots people need to get rid of for a ridiculously great price.

search: Vintage MCM / Mid Century Modern furniture

If this is your style, need I say more? So many great pieces with fine lines are looking for new homes. I love walnut wood, it’s a classic and don’t be afraid to mix it with other woods in your home.

search: Chrome Furniture

I love having a touch of chrome in a space. Start small like a vintage chrome lamp or a side table. It feels modern and super cool.

search: Stainless Steel Furniture

Search: Art Deco Lighting

Instantly regret not snagging up those alabaster brass sconces. They were priced for $250 for both! Steel deal!

search: Lidded Vessels

I normally thrift these smaller home décor items, but when they pop up on my Facebook Marketplace feed, it’s hard not to save them. Some sellers are willing to ship you just have to ask.

search: Vintage Ralph Lauren

You might find more clothes than furniture or maybe even an old Ralph Lauren perfume bottle, but Ralph Lauren does make high-end furniture. The line began in the late ’80s and ’90s, so there could be some really nice solid wood pieces out there just waiting for you.

search: Ladderback chairs

search: Floral Upholstery /Floral Fabric

Looking to add some floral prints to your home? Start small with an accent chair or some needlepoint floral pillows. Maybe you even want to reupholster a bench. Try searching Laura Ashley or English fabrics in your search bar you might be surprised at what you find!

Well, there you have it! I had so much fun sourcing all of these beautiful pieces. I hope these tips were helpful. Whether you’re a beginner who’s never shopped on Facebook Marketplace before, or a seasoned pro, have fun—and please share what you find. I’d love to hear!

Note: I didn’t purchase these items most of them are still available on Facebook Marketplace in the San Diego surrounding area. These were all saved from this week alone. So many good ones, right? Many of you agreed over on my TikTok too 🤍

Thank you for your likes and support!

I’d love to hear: what search keywords do you use to uncover treasures?

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Last night, my husband and I rang in the new year at one of our favorite places in San Diego, Herb & Sea. We didn’t have reservations, but we found a little space at the bar around 10 p.m. It felt just right unhurried, and full of much-needed togetherness.

For the past four years, New Year’s Eve has looked the same: pajamas, the kids, a charcuterie board, Martinelli’s bubbles, board games, and the ball drop. Cozy and familiar. This year was different. After weeks of sickness and staying in, I was ready to step out for a moment.

Earlier in the day, I was in a reset mood. Cleaning, decluttering, clearing space. I wanted to wake up in the new year to a home that felt fresh and gently ordered.

This morning, we slept in until nearly eleven. I drank coffee in bed and read my Bible one of my hopes this year is to read it all the way through. We shared a late French toast breakfast, and then I tackled the craft pantry (a necessary task after a year with four creative kids).

Later, with a hot herbal tea in hand, I journaled and made a list not of things I should do, but things I could do in the year ahead. Art waiting to be framed. A bookshelf I want to build. More books to read. Local museums to visit. Gentle possibilities, not requirements.

In the afternoon, we kept our tradition and went on our annual New Year’s Day family walk, a rhythm we started when we moved to San Diego five years ago. And by evening, I was back in the kitchen making a big pot of homemade chicken Alfredo, with extra protein for our two growing teenagers.

It wasn’t loud or elaborate yet it felt grounded, full, and true.

Instead of asking What should I do this year?
I’ve been asking a softer question: What could I do?

These are not goals or expectations just small invitations.
Ideas to return to creativity, presence, beauty, and care.
Take what resonates. Leave the rest.
Let this list be a place to rest, not another thing to accomplish.

Here are a few gentle things you could do this year.

Gentle Things You Could Do This Year

1. Play with your Artist side.
   Mine includes junk journaling, fabric mixed-media art, poetry writing, and prop styling. No pressure to master them just permission to begin, slowly. Don’t force it. Just show up and see what is born out of your creativity.

2. Thoughtfully clean one space.
   A drawer. A closet. A pantry. Maybe even your craft stash. Imagine opening that space once it’s clean and organized—how much lighter and more productive you’ll feel.

3. Watch a documentary about something you’re curious about.
   Let yourself learn simply for the joy of learning.

4. Create a mood board or collage for your home.
   Gather images of how you’d love your space to feel. Personally, I dream of a floor-to-ceiling custom bookshelf. I’ve always loved the idea of a home library and as someone who sources coffee table and rare vintage books for my shop, I want to see them displayed, re-stacked, and lived with.

   

5. Spend time in prayer.
   This is deeply personal, but never underestimate the power of prayer. In our old home, I had a small “prayer closet” really a wall in the kids’ playroom out of all places covered in taped scriptures, spoken words, and song lyrics. I was reminded again and again of God’s immeasurable grace and love.

6. Continue your personal fragrance journey.
   Make a list of the base notes you love. Pay attention to the scents you naturally gravitate toward—what lingers on your skin, what comforts you, what feels most you. Notice how certain fragrances shift with the seasons or mirror different moods and chapters of your life. Scent has a way of revealing memory, desire, and identity. Getting to know your preferences is a subtle, beautiful way of getting to know yourself.

7. Watch a classic black-and-white film.
   There’s something grounding about slowing down with an old story.

8. Create a digital photo album.
   Through Artifact Uprising or anywhere you love. You know that trip you took with your sister to Europe? Give those memories a home.

9. Be a prop stylist.
   With a few simple props such as some fruit, petals, glass, light, and a bit of imagination, create small compositions and still-life scenes. Play with textures, colors, and shadows. Arrange and rearrange. There’s beauty in experimenting with props and letting curiosity lead the way.

10. Wallpaper a room.
    I’ve been wanting to wallpaper my girls’ shared bedroom. My oldest is 11 and my youngest is 4, and they’re both at such a sweet age where we can bounce creative ideas back and forth and they lovingly let me be creative, too.

11. Make your own natural facial cleansing grain
    I love this one. I mix it with my cleanser and gently scrub my face, neck, and décolletage. The best part? It’s made entirely from ingredients already in your kitchen. (uncooked rice, ground oats, bee pollen, dried rose petals, flax seeds)

10. Spend time with the elderly.
    There is something deeply beautiful about sitting with those who’ve lived long lives—listening to their wisdom, their stories. A few years ago, I befriended an elderly neighbor through our dogs. She’s an artist, a collector, a musician. I’ve spent quiet afternoons in her home over wine and cheese, simply listening. I want more of that this year.

11. Start a new collection.
    I’m a collector at heart—shells, perfume, paper memorabilia, books, art, vintage clothing. This year, I want to bring back brooches and scarves. They’re such a simple, joyful way to let your personality shine. I’m really looking forward to collecting and styling more of these timeless pieces in the year ahead.

    

12. Look for shadow art.
    Practice the art of noticing beauty in nature—even in shadows. Watch how light falls through trees, dances along sidewalks, or stretches across walls. This is something I always look forward to on my walks: quiet, fleeting moments that ask only to be noticed.

13. Don’t speak—for an entire day.
    Imagine what you might hear instead.

    First of all, it feels nearly impossible not to speak for a whole day. I have four kids. My house is loud. There are small pockets of quiet, yes maybe a couple of hours while the toddler naps and the older kids are at school but an entire day of silence? That would require being away. A staycation. Completely on my own.

    Not speaking a single word.
    Just listening. Journaling. Breathing.

    It sounds both challenging and deeply appealing.

    My birthday is coming up later this month, and maybe—just maybe—this is how I’ll mark it. A day set aside not to say anything at all, but to notice everything.

These aren’t resolutions.
They’re invitations.

Little doors you can open slowly, one at a time.
Perhaps your year doesn’t need fixing just tending.

Sometimes, a new year simply asks us to notice.
To make a little space.
To move gently toward what’s been quietly waiting for us.

As this new year begins, I’m holding space for small intentions, quiet joys, and room to breathe.
Maybe that’s enough.
Maybe that’s exactly how a year should begin.

Thanks for being here. xo.

That is the light of a beeswax candle.

Long before paraffin, before factories and mass production, humans were drawn to beeswax for its purity and beauty. Archaeological records suggest beeswax was being used as early as 3000 BCE, found in ancient Egyptian tombs and vessels. The Egyptians used beeswax for everything from embalming and cosmetics to sacred offerings and candles burned in temples.

In ancient Rome, beeswax candles were prized and expensive, reserved for ceremonies, religious rituals, and the wealthy. Early Christians later adopted beeswax candles for church services, believing the wax produced by living creatures symbolized purity, devotion, and the light of Christ. For centuries, beeswax candles were considered the cleanest, safest, and most sacred form of light.

What makes them so special hasn’t changed much since then.

Beeswax candles burn cleanly and naturally, without the toxins often released by paraffin (a petroleum byproduct). They burn longer, and they release a subtle, honey-like aroma—no added fragrance required. When lit, beeswax releases negative ions that can help neutralize dust, mold, and pollutants in the air. It’s a quiet purifier, doing its work gently, without asking for attention.

Beeswax candles do drip—and I love them for it. There’s a quiet romance in the way the wax gathers over time, marking hours spent in warmth and presence. I have a pillar candle cloaked in layers of melted wax, and each time I see it, I’m reminded of moments shared and memories made under its gentle, golden glow.

But beyond the science and history, beeswax candles carry something deeper.

For me, they are personal.

My papa is a beekeeper. Bees have always been part of my world—not as an aesthetic trend, but as living, breathing contributors to our family’s rhythm. I grew up understanding that honey doesn’t just appear on shelves, and wax doesn’t exist without careful stewardship. Bees are tended to, protected, respected. Their work is sacred.

The beeswax I use comes from his cherished hives. Wax shaped by thousands of tiny wings, warm days, flowering fields, and patient care. When I make candles, I’m not just pouring wax into a mold—I’m preserving a story. A lineage. A connection between generations, land, and light.

Lighting one of these candles feels like inviting something ancient into the room. A slower pace. A reminder that beauty can be useful, and usefulness can be beautiful. That the smallest creatures can create something extraordinary.

In a world that feels increasingly synthetic and rushed, beeswax candles are an invitation to return—to simplicity, to nature, to warmth that asks nothing of you except to be present.

This is why I love them.
This is why I make them.
And this is why I believe they belong in every home that longs for a softer kind of light.

If you feel drawn to this kind of light—the slow, honest kind—I make a small batch of beeswax candles by hand using wax sourced directly from my papa’s hives. Each one carries the quiet work of his bees and the care of our family, poured intentionally and without haste.

I also love pairing them with vintage, one-of-a-kind pillar holders—pieces that have already lived a life before finding their way to a new home. Each holder is imperfect in the most beautiful way, and meant to complement the warmth of beeswax rather than compete with it. I’ve sourced some beautiful vintage candelabras for you. All unique and so gorgeous!

You can find both my hand-poured beeswax candles and a rotating collection of vintage pillar holders in my Etsy shop, Olga’s Abode.

They’re there for those who love meaningful objects—things that hold light, memory, and story.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for choosing handmade and timeworn things.

— Olga 🐝🕯️