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I recently got this skirt, and it is perfect. Easy to style now, but I can’t wait to add chunky sweaters with it when the temperatures drop (how long, O Lord??).

Needed supplements are THE BEST. I said it. I took their prenatal and choline all through pregnancy and breastfeeding, still take their Omega-3, and will forever use their collagen peptides (they are truly undetectable - no taste, no texture when added to coffee or yogurt or whatever). Use code SARAHF20 for a discount!

How am I just now using a milky toner? This one is less than $15 and makes my skin GLOW.

I mentioned in this post that I don’t make my kids’ lunches. I always start them out with these labeled bento boxes that help them get in the habit of creating well-rounded nutritious meals for themselves (just ordered the pink one for Evangeline).

This bubble hem sweatshirt keeps coming to mind when I dream about fall dressing (so soft and under $50).

The Cupid and Psyche panels by Edward Burne-Jones are…I tried to type out my thoughts just now and everything fell short. They’re nothing short of remarkable.

Speaking of Cupid and Psyche, this is probably my favorite C.S. Lewis book you haven’t read. It’s his retelling of this myth, and it is absolutely genius.

I want it to be less than one thousand degrees here in Texas so I can sit outside with some wine in these faceted acrylic wine glasses.

Add this delicate tennis necklace to your go-to pendant for some elegant layering.

Believe me when I tell you I have no interest in watching fall mums die on my porch this year. I’m getting this faux bunch (same cost as real, but I’ll get to reuse them every year) and putting them in these beautiful planters (that are less than $75).

Always trying to think outside the box and bring a little more quirk, interest, and color into our home. This curvy side table feels like a great opportunity to check all those boxes.

xo,

sarah

So let’s time travel, shall we?

It’s 2018. I have three boys, aged 5, 4, and 2. We’d moved into our family’s second home - which we spent about six months gutting, remodeling, and renovating - the year before. It was my first major design undertaking (our first home we tackled extremely slowly over eight years), and I loved just about every second of it. Pulling inspiration, making decisions, communicating with our contractors - it was all incredibly life giving to me, and there was honestly a bit of grief when it ended and we moved in.

Speaking of grief, I had also recently walked through the second-trimester miscarriage of our fourth son, Amon. It was horrible and traumatic (both emotionally and physically), but God’s grace abounded and an understanding that He would use our loss for His glory and our good was clear almost immediately.

If you’ve experienced significant loss before, maybe you know this feeling: you’re broken, shattered, in pieces. After some time, you feel yourself reconnecting, reassembling, but it’s not as if you’re returning to your original form. You’re becoming something new. This is all the kindness of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, but I was paying attention and wanted to participate. I wanted to notice how God had made me, and spend my days living in the fullness of that. Creating a home for my husband and children was something I felt uniquely gifted in, and the thought of being able to serve others in that way was quietly thrilling.

As my body and soul began to heal after losing our son, I gave myself one simple challenge: the next time someone asks you to help them with a design problem, say yes. Since we’d moved into our new home, friends would often say, “Oh my goodness - I need you to come over and help me with my living room,” or, “We’re planning to redo our bathroom - please help me decide what tile to pick!” Usually I would laugh and change the subject. They were just being kind and paying me a compliment, not genuinely asking for help. But when I would consider how I would love to spend my time, helping other people experience the peace, joy, and rootedness I was experiencing after fully designing our home was high on that list. Hence the challenge. If that was something I wanted to do, the opportunity was clearly there. So instead of giggling and moving on, I followed up with, “I would love to help. When can I come over?”

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It only took a few times of doing this before a total stranger texted. He’d gotten my number from a friend I’d helped, and wanted to hire me to decorate his new house (the whole thing). We met for coffee, discussed what things could look like moving forward, hit it off personality-wise, and things rolled from there. What followed was a whirlwind of internet searches. “What does an interior design contract look like?” “How much do interior designers charge?” “How does one start a website?” “What is an LLC?” “What does ‘Doing Business As’ mean?”…all the things that come with the advent of an unexpected business. Huge shout out to the many friends who helped me create a logo, decide what to charge, allow me to use their warehouse for receiving, teach me the difference between IMAP and MSRP…the list goes on and on.

I sort of expected to have this one client, start an Instagram account to document the process, then go back to simply helping friends pick paint colors and the like. But one opportunity always led to another, and there was honestly never a pause between clients. I decided early on to invest in good photography to build my portfolio (it was really my only major expense at first), and I am very confident that it was that choice that led to a steady stream of clients. So, aside: if you’re contemplating building any kind of visual business, pay for good photography.

By 2022 I had rebranded and launched a new website, attended all the major home markets multiple times, taken on a design assistant, and was working on full service + ground up design projects. I was only able to work two days a week (because my boys were only in school those days), but you better believe I was filling every single minute with site walks, presentations, showroom visits, invoicing, etc. I’d often have a boy tag along to quick site checks, which was always so fun for me to get to show them in person the things they’d seen on my computer while snuggled up against me in the evenings.

Then, in November of that year, everything changed.

Come back for part two next week.

xo,

sarah

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Doen dresses are in a league of their own, and this plaid one is the perfect transition piece.

These faux nandina berry stems look so realistic, and you get twelve pieces for a fantastic price (most stems I like are this price just for one!).

I don’t love a lot of parenting books, but this one was an absolute game changer recently.

I’m officially an over-ear headphone girl now. The sound quality on these is amazing, and they are crazy comfortable (plus, I love the plum color!).

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin. I was recently introduced to the Ghent Altarpiece (this site and video does a great job walking through the whole piece), and I think it’s one of my favorite depictions of Mary I’ve ever seen.

Speaking of Our Lady, I had this gorgeous pendant from Joy Dravecky and sadly lost it (I was rushing out the door and didn’t clasp it properly) - I need to repurchase, because it is so so lovely.

I recently got this all-purpose spray cleaner, and I want to BATHE in it. It smells absolutely divine.

I’ve already waxed poetic about the diaper bag I’m using now (that looks absolutely nothing like a diaper bag). I used this duffle bag from the same brand on a trip recently and it was equally wonderful.

It took me a minute, but I’m into the satin + lace shorts trend. I saw them paired recently with this denim shirt I wear constantly and now I’m inspired to try.

We don’t deserve the new Pierce & Ward x west elm collab. This striped sofa might be my favorite piece from the collection.

xo,

sarah

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1. These curtains from Evangeline’s room are one of my favorite details. So much so that I’m considering bringing them into the dining room (which is in desperate need for some pattern).

2. I’ve tried a LOT of exercise dresses, but Abercrombie’s are just the best. The perfect length, luxe materials, and the hip detail on this one in particular is so cute.

3. This ceramic pendant light looks handmade has so many details (plus it’s under $100).

4. We recently started work on a new playroom for the kids (more details to come), but m’thinks a playcouch in an assortment off stripe colors would be so fun in there.

5. Lamia by John William Waterhouse. The story of this piece is incredible.

6. I stumbled across this pillow recently and can’t stop thinking about it. I need to get it (several?) because there’s literally no room in my house it wouldn’t work in.

7. I did a scent tour of our home recently, and this is the device I use to make it all happen.

8. I’m stacking this super affordable ring with my Oura, and the style factor has been upped immensely.

9. The War on Beauty is one of my favorite IG accounts, and I just somehow realized Julia has a jewelry line. This St. Therese necklace is calling my name.

10. Things my kids are sick of hearing from me: “Huckleberry Finn is basically The Inferno,” or, “Huckleberry Finn is basically The Odyssey.” This is my first time reading it, and needless to say I am loving it.

11. You will not believe where this butter keeper is from, nor how little it costs!

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful alongside you,

sarah

In case you missed last week’s post, I shared a bit of a burden I’d been carrying lately (a burden I do not believe is unique to me), as well as what I plan to do in order to break free.

On a lighter note, here’s a quick round up of things I’ve been loving lately…

1. Mina Baie bag: After trying to make do with my ancient tote, I finally upgraded to this stylish diaper bag. Incredible quality, doesn’t look like a diaper bag, isn’t humongous…I love it.

2. Ulysses and the Sirens: This stunning work by John William Waterhouse (a favorite of mine) is the current art on our Frame TV. The colors are absolutely stunning, and we notice a new detail almost every day.

3. Silver Candelabra: I still love brass, but the timelessness of silver is catching my fancy lately. This vintage candelabra is currently in my Etsy cart.

4. Outdoor Planter: Is it me or are large planters absurdly expensive?? I found these beautiful ones at Walmart recently and bought a few right on the spot. They’re technically practice, but look just like stone and are the perfect size.

5. Revolutionary America: This new documentary from Hillsdale Studios is wonderful. Great interviews, beautiful images, Tom Selleck (swoon) narrating… 10/10 recommend a watch in this auspicious year of our country.

6. Loretta Boots: David bought me these recently and I love them so much. They are a really flattering shaft height (just below the knee - I prefer a tall boot) and the color is gorgeous (although I’m now very tempted to get them in blue suede).

7. Poplin Dress: A new favorite date night dress. Incredibly flattering, sweet yet sexy, and the material is perfect for these hot summer days (and nights).

8. The Perfect Book Series: I said it - perfect. I’m so late to the game on Emma M. Lion’s journals, but I also find someone every day who hasn’t read them. So this is me doing my part and spreading the word. Read them.

9. Titanium Earrings: I have incredibly sensitive ears, and almost all earrings that claim to be hypoallergenic still don’t work for me…until I found Tini Lux. So many great designs (I love these chunky hoops), great price points, and they don’t irritate me at all.

10. Summer Crochet Blanket: This blanket is so beautiful and would add just the right texture to a simple bedding set up (like mine). Currently 20% off, too!

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful with you,

sarah

Life is…wild. And as a mother, not one’s own.

To begin this little letter to you with some vulnerability, that fact - that much of my life is not my own - has felt like a burden lately. On a much-needed getaway with David earlier this month, I confessed that on some days I can be tempted to believe the lie that I, as an individual, do not exist; but rather, my sole purpose is to assist in helping the other six people in our household exist. I’m not so much a person as I am a utility.

What’s tricky about lies like this are that they are somewhat true. As a mother, it is my job to feed, clothe, instruct, love, and disciple the five children God has entrusted to me. As a wife, it is my job to support my husband as he leads our family (that means maintaining joy and order on the homefront, praying for him, listening and giving wise counsel when needed, etc). So yes - a large part of my life is in service to others.

When does this truth become a lie? I can see a couple different ways:

1. When the part becomes the whole. I am a Wife and Mother, and those are two of the biggest pieces of my identity, but they are not the entirety of who I am. That title goes to Follower of Christ. All of my purpose flows from that central truth: that I have been rescued and redeemed from the wreckage of my sin by the perfect love of God and salvation Christ provided through his death and resurrection. And on that note,

2. When worship is excluded. If I look only to the practical elements of life (the chores, the transports, the diapers, the meals), I can keep inspired…for a very short period of time. If those actions are not observed through the framework of loving and serving others as worship, then from what well could I possibly be drawing motivation? The answer is myself: the glory these tasks bring me (none), the thanks I receive (often none, these are very young humans I’m serving - sinners at that), the happiness it affords me (joy is there, to be sure, but not always happiness)… I can hear the engine puttering out as I type these words.

An entire book could be written on this subject (many have), so I won’t belabor things too much. The point of this note is to connect with other parents who may have had these thoughts lately (hi, I see you), and to offer a bit of encouragement, both in the form of illumination (above) and practical ways to move forward.

1. Become rightly ordered. This is actually a medieval idea that is beautiful and inspiring and perhaps something we’ll chat about more in a later note; but for now we can just take it at face value. Our lives require order, especially our loves. Placing family or career or comfort as the primary love in our lives is a recipe for disappointment (and pain and sin). Love for God - as enabled through the Holy Spirit because of Jesus’ death and resurrection - must be preeminent. The Good Life we are all seeking is only achieved by placing all aspects in submission to this love.

2. Life as worship. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31… “Whatever you do”… Might this mean change a diaper? Might this mean make a meal (that someone will inevitably complain about)? Might this mean drive to soccer practice? Might this mean deliver consequences to a disobedient child? YES. And viewing these things as worship - as a chance to glorify God, either be celebrating the good things he’s blessed you with, or pouring yourself out in a small way as Christ did in the ultimate way for you - will not only inject your days with more purpose and joy, but keep your steps righteous (it’s hard to yell in frustration or cope by overindulgence when worshipping - just saying).

3. Tend to your soul. By this I mean more than “have a daily quiet time” (although I don’t mean less than that). Another way of saying it would be “engage with things that matter.” So practice the spiritual disciplines (Bible intake, prayer, fasting, living in community, giving generously), but also read the classics, spend time with great art, enjoy nature, challenge yourself with a new goal. These things matter, although it is common for people (specifically mothers) to view them as secondary or “leisure” activities. But I contend that taking a comprehensive view of who you are as a person combats the lie that began this entire note. When we do these things, we chisel out a clearer picture of who we uniquely are while broadening our perspective of what life truly means.

Again, the aim of all this was to encourage, and I deeply hope that it was you have found. Selfishly, it was a joy for me to write. As I hope is very clear, I need this lesson more than most. The idea of “tending to your soul” is especially sparkling to me at the moment, so perhaps that’s where we’ll go together next?

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful alongside you.

xo,

Sarah

Gifts for the Homebody

1. AD at Home: A book of inspiring home images that’s as beautiful on the coffee table as it is inside.

2. Personalized Pajamas: I love the block print. Order soon for Mother’s Day delivery.

3. Bookshelf Jigsaw Puzzle: Picture her cozying up with cup of tea and putting together this beautiful image.

4. Silk Sleep Mask: One of those chic utility items she wouldn’t buy for herself.

5. Arched Picture Frame: Slip your favorite family photo in and watch her tear up.

6. Round Salt Lamp: Casts the most beautiful, calming glow.

7. Playing Cards: Anything Rifle Paper Co. is a win, but these are darling.

8. Engraved Silver Vase: Looks beautiful even without flowers.

9. Botanical Taper Candles: There’s nothing homebodies love more than good candlelight, and these give vibes even when unlit.

Gifts for the Patio Princess

1. Scalloped Hammock: Such a sweet addition to the backyard.

2. Paloma Hat: I have this, and it’s perfect. Great sun protection, but light enough to not ruin a good hair day.

3. Outdoor Dinnerware: The scallops and pearl edging are adorable, and she won’t have to worry about breakage.

4. Hummingbird Wind Chime: It’s so delicate and beautiful and would only make a subtle chime.

5. Outdoor Pillow: Can you even believe this is for outdoor use? So chic, and would elevate any outdoor space.

6. Serving Platter: I love the detail, and it’s fiberstone so suitable for outdoor use.

7. Party Tub: Have it engraved and watch her proudly pull it out every time she hosts.

8. Outdoor Drinking Glasses: Water or wine, she can feel safe putting these into the hands of her guests.

9. Oval Sunglasses: If you don’t know about Goodr yet, you’re welcome. They’ve recently released this chic silhouette and they’d make a great gift.

10. Portable USB Lamp: Weather-resistant and super cute.

11. Adirondack Cover: Hers might be getting a bit splintery, so these chic striped covers could be just what the doctor ordered.

Gifts for the Bookworm

1. Amazon Kindle: A whole library in your purse? She’ll love it.

2. Birthflower Bookmark: The most gorgeous placeholder.

3. Hannah’s Children: If you’ve been here even a minute you’ve heard me talk about this book. It’s by far one of the most encouraging motherhood books I’ve ever read.

4. Devoted: This is a collection of mini-biographies of the mothers of great men like St. Augustine, Charles Spurgeon, and John Piper.

5. Hobby Mug: Imagine her curled up in her favorite chair, reading a good book, and nursing a cup of something in this sweet mug.

6. Crossway Short Classics: Some of the most theologically marvelous short works in beautiful William Morris-covered paperbacks. There are so many different ones to choose from!

7. Little Women: A Rifle Paper Co.-covered classic? Sold.

8. Jane Eyre: Arguably one of the most important novels every written (change my mind). This one has notes and is guided by none other than Karen Swallow Prior.

9. Library Candle: I absolutely love these candles. They smell fantastic, have a fantastic burn time, and feature quotes from great authors.

Gifts for the Chef

1. Washed Cotton Apron: Easy enough to throw on, but she’ll look like an elegant homesteader.

2. Herb Stripper: Save her from the agony of individually pulling herbs with this beautiful little tool.

3. Staub Heritage Pan: I could run a fully functional kitchen with this one pan. Plus it’s gorgeous.

4. Checkerboard Cutting Board: Beautiful, has a reservoir border, and is reversible.

5. Deviled Egg Platter: She’s famous for hers, so thank her with this adorable serving piece.

6. Our Place Dream Cooker: She can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, and keep food warm in this absolutely gorgeous little appliance. On my wishlist.

7. Kitchen Standing Mat: Her knees and floors will thank you when you gift her this beautiful padded kitchen mat.

8. Wood + Brass Measuring Set: Hers are most likely old and in need of replacing.

9. Oil Cruet: I was gifted a gorgeous cruet a few years ago, and it still brings me such joy to use something so beautiful and artisanal when I’m prepping dinner.

10. Global Knife: Literally the only knife one needs.

Gifts for the New + Expecting Mom

1. Cashmere Nursing Cover: Help her to feel elegant when nursing in public. It also doubles as a car seat shade cover.

2. Jo Malone Hand Cream: Something luxe for her to keep bedside or throw in the diaper bag.

3. Monogrammed Robe: A fun robe is the perfect gift for a mom in this stage; it helps a girl feel put together in those early days at the hospital or at home (order soon for custom monogramming).

4. Neoprene Diaper Bag: An investment, sure, but one that sparks joy and that she’ll use (hard) every day.

5. YETI Stackable Cup: Something to keep her coffee warm as she attempts to drink sips throughout the day (plus it fits in most cup holders).

6. Silk Scrunchies: A fun and helpful way to keep her hair up and extend the very rare blowouts.

7. Nursing Nightgown: Help her to feel elegant in this beautiful and cooling nursing gown.

8. Sleeping Lip Mask: Feels like such a pamper product, which she deserves.

9. Patterned Water Bottle: Keep her hydrated while standing out from the Stanley pack.

10. Birthflower Necklace: Such a sweet and delicate keepsake.

11. Undereye Patches: Really no explanation needed #newmomlife

12. New Mom Discovery Set: This is actually an insane value. So many products from luxe brands stuffed into an adorable Stanley cooler.

Gifts for the Everywoman

1. Gola Sneakers: A closet staple, but in a fun color she feels too practical to buy herself.

2. Maison Marie Louis candle: Everyone - everyone - loves this scent.

3. Waterproof Tote: So many great colors - order soon for monogramming!

4. Theraface Depuffing Wand: This is a wonder-tool with cold and hot settings to help depuff and relax.

5. Lululemon Belt Bag: It’s called the Everywhere Bag for a reason.

6. Tower28 Lip Shine: The perfect color in a non-stick formula. Plus, it’s nontoxic.

7. Floral Drop Earrings: Just absolutely stunning and a surprisingly low price point.

8. Manicurist Set: I recently tried this nontoxic nail kit and I’m shook. I may never pay for a manicure again.

9. Jewelry Box: Have you ever seen a more fun and whimsical jewelry keeper?

10. Washed Denim Cap: Couldn’t be more classic if you tried.

11. Marble Tray: There are infinite uses for this gorgeous (and affordable) tray; and that scalloped edge? Adorable.

12. Silver Bangle: Haven’t you heard? Gold is out, silver is in. I love the soft, organic shape of this one.

13. Supergoop Glowscreen: I’ve given this as a gift no less than five times. SPF 40 in a universally flattering tint with the glowiest finish.

xo,

sarah

Goal-setting has become quite the thing in the last decade, has it not? Theories and opinions on the “right” way to set them abound, and there’s truly no end to the amount of money one could spend on products to help track and record them. I’m not immune to any of it; I have a somewhat crippling desire to do things the “correct” way, and have to actively resist the temptation to aesthetically enhance every aspect of my life, even goal-setting. But as I look over the goals/intentions I’ve outlined for this upcoming year, I can’t help but notice an inconsistency across the board in the “type” of goals I set. Some are extremely specific and trackable, others are very broad and directional. Hell, some are just downright vibes I want to cultivate. And I am totally and completely fine with that.

Having actively set aside time to reflect over the previous year and plan for the next for almost a decade, I’ve come to know for a fact that subtle changes lead to big impacts, a goal half-met is still a 50% positive increase, without a vision the people perish (Proverbs 19:18), and - despite its being cloyingly overused - the phrase “progress over perfection” is absolutely correct.

I typically take a full day out of the house to reflect + plan (David and I each take turns doing this, then plan a fun date night to discuss everything), but with a nursing baby at home, this year looked more like snatches of time between feedings and a lot of shooting from the hip and listening to my gut. It was borderline stream of consciousness planning, but I’m okay with where things turned out. I decided to think of the different roles I inhabit in life and make goals in accordance with how I want to flourish in those positions. I’ll share below some of what I’m planning for the next year.

As a follower of Christ…I want to pursue Him, obey Him, show love to others like Him, and worship Him - radically.

• Pray regularly, both sporadically and intentionally, as well as continuing to reflect on the Jesus Prayer and Revelation 4:8 as repeated scripted prayers. I started this practice toward the end of 2025 as a way to orient my mind toward God when it would normally roam aimlessly, and it’s been impactful.

• Serve others, “officially” through ministry at church (I’ve taken time off since Evangeline was born), but also growing in my ability to anticipate and meet needs of those around me. I’d also love for our family to serve together 1-2 times this year.

• Memorize Psalm 103 by April 1st (I love this psalm so much and cannot wait to have it written on my heart).

As a wife and mother… I want to create a home in which all members of our family feel adored and supported.

• Carve out and protect time to connect with David (our evening routine needs work, and we want to attempt two date nights per month)

• Plan one meaningful trip away just the two of us.

• Read aloud with the older boys again (this is one of the most important things I think mothers can do with their children, and I’m sad to say the habit has taken a hit as they’ve gotten older and busier; but 15 minutes in the evening is just more than doable, no matter what practice or event we’ve had that day).

• Prioritize scripture memory with the kids (this is part of their schoolwork, but it’s definitely felt secondary this past year).

• Initiate allowance/commission plan for the older boys (confession: this has been on our parental goals list for years, and we just feel stuck).

As a physical human…I want to be strong and healthy in order to honor God with my body and care for others both now and in the future.

• Exercise daily. This will vary in intensity and modality, but movement is the goal.

• Be able to do a pull up by April. This feels wildly unrealistic (my upper body strength is basically nonexistent), but the movement feels like it would address a lot of areas of pain and weakness I’m experiencing, and it’s a trackable achievement.

• 20 squats and 20 push-ups daily. Honestly, this is just a random thing I tacked onto the end. But it’s trackable, and I’m curious as to what kind of impact this small habit will have on my body.

• 100 oz of water and 120 g of protein daily.

As a thinking human… I want to remain an active learner, enjoying the pleasure I feel in being a “student”.

• Take two Hillsdale College courses + one House of Humane Letters course over the year.

• Finish Dante’s Inferno and Purgatorio (I’m currently about 60% through Inferno from the last year; I chose a tricky translation that I love, but is taking longer than I was expecting to walk through). Jason Baxter, whom I adore, has a new translation of Purgatorio out that I think I’ll use for part two.

• Write in Substack once a week. I’m already behind in this one, but I truly love writing and connecting with + building this community, so here’s to plodding along.

• Read Augustine’s Confessions (how have I not?).

• Read 50 books this year. This is about half of what I was reading in the years I didn’t have a baby in the house, so I’m hopeful this is a realistic benchmark I could maybe even surpass. However, I have a few larger, denser texts I’m hoping to enjoy this year (again, see Dante and Augustine), so I won’t feel an ounce of shame if I read fewer but better books well.

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There are a couple of uncategorized ideas that come to mind daily (engage with AI as little as possible, do a major wardrobe purge + overhaul, kickstart the garden again, to name a few), but these are the big ticket items in which I’m hoping to take ground this year. I’m thinking of doing maybe quarterly check-ins here on Substack as a way to track growth (and hold myself accountable), but we shall see if that happens.

What about you? Does January ignite the same fire for you as it does for me? I’d love to hear any of your goals for the year!

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful with you,

Sarah

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I’m planning on sharing my goals for the year in another post coming soon, but for now here are a few things I’m loving lately…

1. Tyler Guinn: This is an Austin-based, Jesus-loving artist that I cannot get enough of. His paintings are beautifully textured and exude feeling.

2. Pierce & Ward End Table: I’m still in love with everything from the Pierce & Ward x West Elm collab, but this simple yet quirky end table caught my eye recently. A tiered table is a great way to provide function (the top, obviously) and style (add books + accessories to the bottom).

3. Substack: You know those “In and Out for 2026” posts flying around? Well, for me, Substack is in - Instagram is out.

4. ESV Study Bible: I went to link just the normal ESV study Bible we own (just the best there is in terms of translation + commentary), but then saw this one from their Artist Series by Jessica Denis Bush and fell in love.

5. Antique Crystal Lamp: I’ve linked to one of these before, but I won’t apologize. It’s the perfect way to add a tiny bit of light + dressiness to any space.

6. Epiphany Door Blessing: We plan on doing with our family on the 6th. Ashley Tulum Wallace is one of my go-to leaders in liturgical living, and she has a great post about this tradition here.

7. American Needle Jacquard Hat: I got this for Christmas and I’m not sure it’s left my head since. Feels like I’m wearing a tapestry (in a cool way).

8. Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth: Oh, dear. Apologies in advance for recommending one of those books that completely changes how you see the world in a deeply uncomfortable (but highly important) way.

9. Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti (art by Hilda Koe): My goodness, this poem. I read it recently and was so, so moved. You can read it for free here. I would highly recommend listening to this podcast series on it as you read, as this poem is RIPE for misunderstanding (you’ll get that fruit pun after you read it).

10. Faux Fur Blanket: Beautiful, soft opulence. Sign me up.

11. Monstrance Necklace: The Eucharist and all that it means has been front of mind for me over the past couple of months. I love this delicate pendant that would serve as a reminder of what Christ has provided us through His death, burial, and resurrection.

All for now :)

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful with you,

Sarah

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It’s absolutely self-indulgent, but I like to give a comprehensive rundown of everything I read. It helps me recall and cement these books I’ve spent so much time with over the past 12 months, and paints a more accurate picture of my reading life for the year. But this year, I’ll also highlight a few picks that are especially worth mentioning; a TLDR, if you will.

Favorite Book of the Year

Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk

If you’ve been following me at all this year, you’ve seen me mention this book at least once. It is an incredibly well-researched, intelligent look into the lives of college-educated women choosing to have five or more children. While highly evidence and interview-based, it’s also the most encouraging book on motherhood I’ve read in the last decade (possibly ever).

Best Fiction of the Year

The Hallmarked Man: A Cormoran Strike Novel by Robert Galbraith

This was book eight in Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)’s Cormoran Strike detective series. If you aren’t familiar, this is the best detective fiction to be written since Dorothy Sayers, and I’ll fight anyone who’d like to argue. These are not “cozy mysteries”; they’re gritty and dark. But the characters are so compelling and the writing is truly top-notch.

Literary Milestone of the Year

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Dickens is one of my very favorite authors, but I’d yet to take in this classic. I have a theory that if Copperfield is your first Dickens, it becomes your favorite. As it was my sixth, I can’t say it claimed the top spot. But I’m still glad to have gotten to enter into that world.

Most Thought-Provoking Book of the Year

Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in the Secular Age by Rod Dreher

This was one of those books that, as the kids say these days, changed my brain chemistry. Dreher does a fantastic job of opening our eyes to what modernity has blinded us. The purpose of art and beauty, the power of God, the demonic forces constantly opposing His people and purposes - these are just a few of the topics covered in this book that I am so so grateful to have read.

Most Surprising Book of the Year

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I do not often read science fiction; I just… don’t care? I find half of the text to be descriptive (necessary when building new worlds for the reader) and the other half technical (snore). I’ll admit that I picked this one up because the trailer for the upcoming film adaptation looks so good, and I’m shocked to say I enjoyed it so much. I’m still correct in my analysis: much of the book is highly technical in nature. But Weir creates such lovable characters and shares all the “facts and figures” in such a charming way, that it’s not only endurable but enjoyable. I can’t wait to see the movie next year.

Those are all of my notable call-outs. See below for a full rundown of everything I read this year (which was very little, to be honest). Asterisk indicates a recommendation.

The God of The Woods by Liz Moore

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Hannah’s Children by Catherine Pakaluk*

Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers*

The Wife (Kristin Lavransdatter #2) by Sigrid Undset*

The End of Woman by Carrie Gress

A Voice in the Night by Simon Mason

The Scandal of Holiness by Jessica Hooten Wilson*

Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson*

Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow*

Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser*

Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means

The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith*

Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir*

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell*

Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo

The Body Teaches the Soul by Justin Whitmel Earley*

Living in Wonder by Rod Dreher*

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Ways of Attending Iain McGilchrist

How was your reading life this year? Did you find any gems (or utter garbage)? I’d love to know.

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful with you,

Sarah

But I do love it, this little community we’re building. And I love writing. I feel most me when engaging with words, so it is absolutely part of my Postpartum Recovery Plan to make time for this going forward. We’ll start easy with some life updates, Evangeline’s (mercifully short) birth story, and a few things making life a little easier or more beautiful lately.

House Updates

The house is FINISHED. Or, rather, this current round of renovations is finished. Our bathroom was a close one; we actually had to kick out our shower glass installer the night our baby was born because I had a feeling I was about to go into labor. But he’s come and gone again since, so we are officially done. I’m so so grateful and love the way everything has turned out. I’ll make separate posts outlining all of the details of each project, so be on the lookout for those, but to recap we:

• replaced all of the engineered wood flooring with real hardwoods

• painted the main living areas

• fully renovated our primary bathroom (see our inspiration here and selections here)

• fully renovated the boys’ bathroom (surprise! Can’t wait to show you everything from this one)

• lots of little fixes here and there that really aren’t worth documenting (like adding a door and exhaust fan to our guest bathroom).

Evangeline’s Birth Story

The two days leading up to Evangeline’s arrival were filled with little cues that she might be coming soon, chief among them intense but inconsistent contractions. I just tried to ignore them as best as I could, carrying on with life as normally as possible.

By Wednesday evening, they still had no consistent rhythm, but were definitely requiring focus to get through. A kind friend offered to bring us dinner that night, which we gratefully accepted. However, I didn’t have much of an appetite. I ate what I could and begged David to ask our glass installer to leave (poor guy; he was having a really tough time and was ALMOST done, but I really needed him - and his drilling noises and his mess - out).

I tried to sleep, but after about two hours of tossing and turning with these inconsistent contractions, I decided to try and let gravity help out. I walked around our bedroom and bathroom, rolled my hips around on the birthing ball, all of which seemed to really help kick things into gear. I woke David around 10:30pm and had him call our midwife to update her. My contractions were about 4 minutes apart and very intense. She arrived around 11:20pm and I had David fill the tub while she checked baby’s heart rate.

I was nervous because while things were definitely progressing, I was concerned I was getting into the tub too early (I wanted to try to wait until the very end, and I just wasn’t convinced I was there yet). But sure enough, contractions shifted into pushing and my water broke. We’d decided that water breaking would be our cue to wake up the boys (well, Coen and Truman; no way was I having a toddler down there, and Deacon had already told us he wanted a “Christmas morning” experience if the baby came in the night, so we let him sleep to be surprised when he woke up).

Almost immediately after David snuck upstairs to get the boys, baby’s head was out. The birth attendant ran out and called after him to come back so he wouldn’t miss the actual birth. He had just enough time to run in and reach into the water to catch our baby and put her on my chest. The two oldest boys came in right after, which was honestly perfect timing. After unwrapping the cord around her neck (3 out of 5 of mine have had nuchal cords), I asked everyone if they were ready to know who it was who had just joined us (meaning, boy or girl). We all agreed, I lifted baby off my chest to take a peek, and honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. “It’s a sister!” I laughed, and we all collectively gasped, cheered, and cried tears of joy. It still gives me goosebumps to think about that moment.

Listen, I realize that wasn’t as short as I’d led you to believe it would be; but believe me when I tell you I wrote it all out and then cut about 50% of the details out, lol. So, you’re welcome.

Loving Lately

Evangeline is living in this wrap, as all of my other babies have in the past.

This was my first read postpartum and my goodness - an absolute game changer. It’s so short, but so incredibly rich.

I’m not able to be perfectly consistent with my skincare at this current time (sometimes I literally just fall asleep with baby girl on top of me without even washing my face), but I switched to exclusively Dime products recently and my skin feels healthier than it has in months. The Works Discovery Set is such a value and a great way to try all they have to offer.

Spending time in God’s word is both critical and extremely difficult in the newborn season. Our church is reading through the entire Bible together this year, and being able to use the app to listen to the text while nursing or holding a babe has been so helpful. Feel free to jump in and read along with us!

This top and shorts set + a nursing tank is my postpartum uniform.

xo,

sarah

We added on a very fun project upstairs just before work began (more on that below!), and then the leak has brought with it a whole host of things that need to be done (as well as some that just make sense to do since we’ll be out of the house).

I thought it would be nice to do a full rundown, room by room, of what all exactly is going down at the moment…

Read more

Here are a few things making life just a tad more beautiful lately…

Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson: This has been on my to-be-read list for a while, but I started it this weekend and my goodness. I’m about halfway through, and have already commonplaced so many lines. I’m also writing a series on thinking deeply as a mother, and this book is proving to be quite the resource for it.

Pierce & Ward x West Elm: My favorite design team collaborating with a go-to retailer? No words. It’s all so good, but this lamp and these bowls haven’t left my brain since I saw them. See the full collection here, and a roundup of my favorites here.

Maternity Jeans: I found them. Wide leg, raw hem, perfect length, good stretch. I’ll be reaching for these again and again.

Antique Pendant: In case you missed it, I shared the details + links for our primary bath renovation earlier this week. I’m still looking for the perfect vintage light to go over the bathtub, and this Barovier beauty is exactly what I’m looking for (just out of my budget, unfortunately).

The Salutation of Beatrice: The pre-Raphaelites have been on the brain lately, especially this beauty by Dante Rossetti.

Merit Foundation Stick: I’m a minimalist when it comes to makeup. A tinted SPF + this foundation stick (just a few swipes/dots in a few key places) is all I really want these days. Bonus, Sephora is having it’s member sale so you can use code SAVEMORE for 20% off.

The Mythmakers by John Hendrix: We picked this up at our school book fair a couple of weeks ago, and my older boys devoured it within days. It’s a beautifully told and illustrated look into the lives and friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They also loved his book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Farmer Protein: I’m ready to call it: this is the best protein powder out there. All solid ingredients, includes colostrum and collagen (thereby removing two other supplements I was taking), and tastes incredible. I’m talking vanilla milkshake good.

Hope you all are finding things to be grateful for, moments to be quiet in, and beauty to be amazed at this week.

xo,

sarah

The amount of drafts and design boards and Canva mockups I have of this space…sheesh. It’s gone through so many iterations, but everything (well, most things - 85%) has been specified and ordered…and I’m SO EXCITED to share these details with you.

If you read this post, you know I’ve named the style of our house Cozy Curious. Essentially this means a mix of color, pattern, texture, and periods. So how does this translate to a bathroom? Let’s dive in…

1. Oxblood Zellige Tile: This tile is clearly going to be the star of our show. From the unique shape (a triangle mosaic), to the saturated color, to the imperfectly glossy texture catching and sharing the light… It’s combining all of those aforementioned elements that make up our home’s overall vibe. It also feels like such a risk and makes me slightly terrified, which is exciting. This will be going in our shower (floor, ceiling, walls) and behind our bathtub.

2. Natural Stone: For our countertop surfaces, we’re going to go with something natural with a lot of depth + movement. I’m hesitant to select this too soon, as there’s really nothing worse than falling in love with a slab and it selling before you’re able to procure it. So I’ll be waiting until I have the go ahead from our contractor to select. This Bordeaux Crystal Quartzite is making my heart beat faster, though, so fingers crossed it’s available when the time comes.

3. Vintage-inspired Lighting: There are SO many lighting options out there - I was beginning to feel quite overwhelmed. I finally made myself focused on what shape + elements of wall sconces I wanted most. This bathroom (as well as this one) served as major inspiration, and both have beautiful milk glass globe shades. They both also look vintage. I searched high and low for antique pieces I could use here, but it’s quite difficult to find four of a set. However, I came across Mullan Lighting in my journey and fell in love. Their lights are handcrafted in Ireland, and the ones I selected have the most gorgeous patinated brass finish, and a gloriously vintage design.

4. Whimsical Wallpaper: I have been wanting to use this specific wallpaper for AGES, and I’m thrilled to have found the perfect place for it at last. This will go floor to ceiling in the water closet. I love adding beauty and whimsy to an otherwise very - ahem - utilitarian space.

5. Stained Wood Vanity: I went back and forth on painted vs. stained when it came to the vanity, but ultimately I wanted to bring in as many natural elements as possible; so staining it is. We’re going to have it made of oak and stained a rich, mid-tone brown. We’ll also use these unlacquered brass knobs and latches.

6. Taupe Floor Tile: Because the shower tile is so striking, I wanted something more muted for the bathroom floor. But I also wanted it to have texture/variation. Enter the Celine tile from Bedrosians. We’ll lay it in a herringbone pattern for some added interest.

7. Elegant Plumbing: I cannot tell you how in love with our plumbing selections I am. The Kohler Artifacts line just oozes sophistication, and the Vibrant French Gold finish is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect mix between polished nickel and polished brass (like if you just continued to turn the temperature up on polished nickel and made it super warm).

8. Freestanding Tub: I’ve had my eye on this tub for so long. It’s so substantial, and I love the curves.

Things I still need to source:

• accessories (like towel bars, toilet paper holder, etc.)

• lighting above the tub (I want to do something really special and truly vintage here; I just need to find “the one”)

• wall paint color (I could say Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore right now and I know it would be lovely, but I’d really like to wait until more elements are installed before I commit)

• vanity mirrors (I’m pretty sure I’ll be using two of these; I just want to get cabinet drawings back first to triple check the size)

After so many months of planning and making/changing my mind, I really can’t tell you how good it feels to have (most) things purchased and en route (if not delivered).

What do we think? Cozy enough? Curious enough?? Am I missing anything? Let me know what you think!

xo,

Sarah

Here are things making life either more beautiful, efficient, enjoyable, or rich lately…

These sneakers are absolutely saving my knees lately (plus I love this muted colorway).

This customizable planner has been such a great help to me this year. I love that you’re able to choose so many different elements that make it unique to your life.

Crystal has been on my brain lately, and this tiny antique lamp would add just the right amount of luxe charm to a space.

THIS BOOK. I can’t stop thinking or talking about it. It’s absolutely the most interesting and encouraging book on motherhood I have ever read.

I’d been looking for an ashwaganda-free greens powder (because #pregnant), and this one has been great. Bonus points because it tastes way better than others I’ve tried (looking at you, AG1…).

I give my scalp a good scrub about once a week (which, incidentally, is about how often I wash my hair; the two are connected) and I love the natural ingredients and smell of this one.

This does-everything pan had been on my wishlist for at least a year. I finally went for it a couple of months ago and have been so pleased. Plus, that grenadine color - swoon.

xo,

sarah

Since our primary bathroom was mostly functional, I really didn’t expect us to touch it for several years, perhaps saving it for The Big Renovation (in which we will most likely have to move out entirely for a bit). But then we spent our first summer here…

We moved into the house in December, and all was fine. But as soon as the temperatures started to rise, we found ourselves in the presence of some uninvited guests: sewer flies. These are not fruit flies, my friends, which are also annoying but relatively easy to eliminate. No, these are larger, heart-shaped baddies that live in (you guessed it) pipes and drains and other dark/damp locations, feeding on the organic matter that grows there. I tried everything to get rid of them: nontoxic and extremely toxic remedies, DIY and professional solutions. Not only could we not get rid of them, it’s been near impossible to even locate their breeding grounds. If they were in the drains, the solutions we’ve poured down should have had at least some impact on them. We covered every point of visible entry with tape (every drain, every overflow, every jet in the massive corner jacuzzi tub that I can’t wait to get out of my life) and still they persisted.

Plumbers finally informed us that it was most likely uncapped sewer lines under the bathroom slab. To fix this, we would need to either A) tunnel in from outside (extremely expensive) or B) demo from inside (less expensive in and of itself, but then you’re left with a wrecked bathroom). Since the bathroom was already on the list of rooms we knew we were going to redo one day, we decided to go with option B, as A was the more expensive investment when all was said and done. And since we are expecting a new baby in (checks notes) 15 weeks, we wanted to tackle this project ASAP. Demo began while we were in Paris, and it’s all very exciting.

If you read my last post, you know that I’ve dubbed the style of our home “Cozy Curious.” So how does this translate into bathroom design? The first mock-up I did was really lovely. Serene, classic, semi-interesting. But one question always nagged in the back of my mind: Was it weird enough? I’m laughing while saying this, but it’s also true. It was a very beautiful design, but it could have worked in almost any house and was ultimately something I’d seen before many times. When a tile brand and I recently agreed on a collaboration for this project (more to come on that exciting news) and it was revealed that a lot of the tile I wanted was on backorder, I saw this as an opportunity to go back to the drawing board and double-down on the “Curious”. Here is a peek of the spaces that I’ve found most inspiring:

Texture, rich colors, vintage-inspired shapes + fixtures… These, I’ve found, are the elements I’m most drawn to for this space. I’ll share our full mood board and materials list soon, but wanted to give you guys an idea of where we were headed. I’m so excited (and a bit nervous, which just adds to the excitement).

Stay tuned for more!

xo,

Sarah

Since we moved, I've been trying to nail down what I would call the design direction of this new home (or, more accurately, what we will be making it as time goes on). I tried on several different phrases or commonplace design-style verbiage, but none quite fit the bill. Then one day, out of nowhere, it popped out of my mouth and feels so, so right…

While our previous house (which we truly loved), was very clean, crisp, airy, and borderline minimal, a couple of things are going to drive this new home in a different direction. First, the architecture of the house is different. From detailed moulding to Colonial-style windows to French doors with ornate brass hardware, it was clear from the start: the style of this house is going to be more traditional. But "traditional" in and of itself was too broad (and subjective) a term to really apply well to what I'm envisioning.

The second thing that has driven the aesthetic direction of this house is our family. My husband and I have spent a lot of the past couple of years thinking about our particular family; how we are unique, what our specific values are, what principles make us say "yes" or "no" to various opportunities... More on that in a different post (because we got really into it, made up words, I'm working on a coat of arms...it's been very fun), but having done that really made a surprising impact on how I view our home and what I want it to foster and communicate, and therefore how it will be designed.

So, without further ado, I hereby dub the style of this house "Cozy Curious".

I want this house to be hard to leave. I want it to be my boys' absolute favorite place in the world; to prefer to be here over everywhere else. I want it to feel like a hug (from a kind, insanely gorgeous person who also smells fantastic). Rather than bright white walls, I want to showcase the natural light in the house by letting it play with and reflect off of colors with lots of depth to them. I want it to be the very best place to read, nap, have meaningful conversations, create beautiful things... This is all the "cozy" element.

I also want this house to make one think. I want it to surprise. I want the pieces in it to make people ask, "Tell me the story behind this one..." It will be full of color, details, history, pattern, and nature. I know for sure the choices I make won't be everyone's favorite, but I don't think we could call it "curious" if it appealed to all people.

This is the first time I’ve tried creating a “signature style” for our family, and it’s been such a fun surprise to see how it’s kept me on track when making design decisions. Similar to (but less important than) a family motto/mission/creed keeping your parenting on the course, I’ve been kept away from temptations to either play it safe or neutral when choosing finishes for our home.

I’ve created a Pinterest Board loaded with Cozy Curious inspiration, should you care to take a closer look. It’s full of spaces like these breath-takers below.

I’m really putting this vibe to the test with our primary bathroom renovation, the demolition of which begins THIS WEEK. I’ll be taking you along for the entire ride, so be sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out on any updates.

Chasing the good, true, and beautiful with you,

Sarah

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