Love Notes- November 2025

To keep your creative juices flowing!

Here we are—it’s officially November! The days are shorter, the nights are cozier, and somehow so much has happened since my last round-up… and at the same time, it feels like nothing at all.

I have so many conversations during the week, and the ever-present question always comes up: “So, what’s new with you?” Does anyone else feel like they need some grand update every time? For me, most of time, what I’ve got going on are tiny habit shifts—creative experiments always in the works!

It’s been about six months since I committed to writing here twice a week. Externally, nothing miraculous has changed—no one is knocking down doors or selling out items via my links. But that’s not what doing what you love is about. It’s about who you’re becoming along the way. Looking back over all my posts, I’m amazed at how creativity never runs out, how the tiniest sparks add up, and how, when it’s all woven together, energy comes alive.

This is a quote that keeps popping into my mind:

“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” - Rumi

I sincerely appreciate every little like, comment, and message you’ve sent my way on this journey! Thank you for letting what I share inspire you to feel safe exploring the unknown waters of your own creativity and aliveness too.

Here’s all the things I’ve been eyeing, buying, and trying to help keep your creative juices flowing too.

I finally got my hands on How to Manifest by To Be Magnetic—their work has changed my life, and having all their practical tips in one place is a manifestation come true. I blew through it in a weekend, marking it with notes to keep on hand for both myself and clients.

On a recent plane ride, I re-read Be Your Future Self and was reminded of the Gap vs. the Gain concept. Rather than getting stuck on what you don’t have, notice all you’ve grown into—new skills, small shifts in behavior, the ways you’ve shown up differently. It’s such a beautiful lens for reframing discomfort and seeing progress in the midst of change.

Ashley Kane Harper texted me a podcast where Madonna shared her spiritual practices and perspectives on manifestation for the first time ever. We both geeked out on it. Madonna defines manifesting success as wanting something for the sake of sharing it—and that idea really stuck with me. It inspired me to dust off my gratitude journal and dive deeper into my own manifestation practices, which was the inspiration behind this post.

And of course, antiquing will always bring me so much joy. Building a home item by item, with objects that carry meaning, is such a satisfying hobby. I manifested a gorgeous oil painting at Alameda Flea a couple weeks ago—the carved frame is incredible, and it reminds me of Monet’s Giverny Garden, which is on my bucket list to visit someday in France. I sure hope it’s a nod to what my future self has in store for me!

I also picked up some short candle holders at Antique’s on Second in Napa—they have that perfect aged patina. I invited a girlfriend over for a cozy dinner to light candles and just soak in the warmth of it all.

After staring at this vintage chandelier for years from my bed, I finally tried mini lamp shades—and wow, the difference! Little tweaks really can elevate a space. Other little treasures I’ve been loving lately:

• Nail Polish Organizer- organizing my Olive & June collection with a dab of each color on the top of the caps has been so satisfying. I also stocked up on some fall colors, jammy for the perfect wine color and secret recipe for a vintage red.

• Cocofloss- had to restock the best floss there is! I swear it keeps my teeth squeaky clean and white.

• Sweaters- I recently splurged on this Fair Isle sweater, which is just stunning! I can’t wait to wear it when the weather cools off. I also invested in a Jenni Kayne Flynn sweater in grey, that I found on Poshmark. My first time trying cashmere second hand and the quality is better than expected!

• Sweater Shaver- it’s a seasonal ritual to pull this out and clean up my tried and true cashmere treasures for the days ahead.

I’ve been leaning into more simple pleasures which is why I recently went on a deep dive into my make-up, hair care, and skin care routines. It was a way for me to organize my collections, fill in some holes, and savor my little morning and evening routines. Discovering the perfect rosy pink blush and this rich smelling body lotion brought me joy too!

Speaking of pleasure, I’m trying out the Melissa Wood Health app as a way to infuse more movement into my day in tiny bursts rather than long taxing workouts. So far I’m loving it! Such a great mix of pilates, yoga and stretches in under 30 minutes.

A couple weeks ago, I went to the San Francisco Fall Show with a client, Angela Grace Design. It’s such an underrated oasis for design lovers filled with booths of art and antiques. We caught Amy Astley, editor of Architectural Digest, talking about trends in personalization and uniqueness in home design. We couldn’t resist ordering her new book as soon as we got home! It’s packed with so much inspiration.

I recently got a small lamp for my kitchen and it’s making baking and cooking feel so cozy. This Mexican fall chili was yummy topped with tortilla chips, avocado, and dairy free cheese from Trader Joe’s. The snickerdoodles were a crowed pleaser at a recent birthday party. Slowly, I’m creating my own recipe book, collecting tried-and-true favorites alongside printing out new ones I find on Pinterest and taste test approve.

As for little joys of leisure, I’ve been rewatching Diane Keaton classics—Father of the Bride, 1991! and Something’s Gotta Give, 2003 (the year I graduated high school!). Next up is Baby Boom, 1987- I don’t think I’ve ever seen that one.

Lastly, a client recently asked about my favorite Substack’s. What are you loving?Here’s a few I’m keeping tabs on:

• Lifestyle: Alicia's Substack, as of late, Cassidy’s Substack, This Part of Me

• Wisdom & Empowerment: Within

• Human Design & Business Insights: Trade Offs by Julia and Thomas Berolzheimer , Live Your Design Substack, Musings of a Merchandiser

This is my love note to you this month—a mix of what I’m learning, savoring, and experimenting with. Snap photos and remember your days fully—they weave together such a beautiful story. Until next time!