I’ve been REALLY itching to edit, donate, clean, scrub and just GET MY SHIT TOGETHER. The summer always makes me really antsy to clean house and get organized- maybe it has something to do with the heat and humidity and the desire to have less things? As I prepare to spend some time doing this, I wanted to share the things I love for the purpose of keeping house- both things that bring me joy (this counter cleaner, this candle) to the nitty gritty like food storage containers and stain cleaner. I hope this feels helpful and inspirational to kick start your own “get my shit together” mission! All links (and some more goodies like a great steamer and iron) all HERE.

Of Note:

• The Heirloom Tomato is my favorite summer scent, in the fall I swap to the Cece candle and handwash from Homecourt for a cozier vibe.
• I use regular scent free laundry pods for the kids (kept in these glass containers), but for my sheets I use the Beauty Sleep detergent (and linen spray) and my clothes this Santal version.
• I have very high cabinets and this is the nicest looking step ladder I can find, since I have to leave it out.
• Little joys- decanting things like pasta, chocolate chips and such into these WS glass containers and all our plastic baggies into this wooden organizer.
• In my pantry cabinets we’re using these clear bins to keep things grouped and tidy- in closets I like to use these baskets on shelves.
• I like these woven lidded baskets for extra toilet paper and feminine products next to the toilet.
• A pretty toilet brush totally elevates the powder room.
• I got these dish towels and love them- great feel, absorbency and cheap enough to toss when they get gross.
• I added all of these into my makeup drawers and junk drawers in the kitchen.

We added a few great items from Gates & Co. too!

Table 1: So in love with this tablecloth, which would be great paired with classic cabbage dinnerware and monogram napkins (that look super fancy, but are from Etsy!). Use potted plants as a centerpiece so you can reuse them!

Table 2: So much good cabbage dinnerware in pink and white at Target (I saw it last week, have both in my cart)! Salad plates, wine glasses and napkins are all Target, paired with higher end dinner plates and tablecloth for a high/low mix. Swap in rechargeable mini lamps instead of candles.

Table 3: Starting with a great vintage-inspired tablecloth by Heidi Caillier that I want very badly. Paired with our horn vase and woven charger for a grounding, earthy accent. Add in splatterware to keep it casual and also these Gnori look plates that are MELAMINE!

Table 4: This blockprint tablecloth from Etsy is a stunner. Paired with brown and blue accents and natural materials, as well as a potted fern centerpiece make it springy but also rich.

All this to say, these are all wishful thinking items. Perhaps I can wrangle Emma into one of these adorable dresses- fingers crossed. Here’s to hoping your kids are a little more pliable!

You can find all of these clothing links here (along with some outfits for you as well!) The little easter gift links are here (I’ll be doing a tabletop post next week, but you can get a sneak peek of what I’m saving!)

So many of you asked me to recap my recent week in Woodstock, VT for you so here I am! Doing just that! I absolutely need to do a visitors guide to Boston as well, as I’m often asked for thoughts on best places to stay and eat, so I promise sometime this spring I will do that as well.

For about 20 years my family had a house in Plymouth, VT which is about 15 minutes from Woodstock. So we would frequent downtown Woodstock ALL the time- my Dad was particularly in love with the town and it’s architecture and specifically the Woodstock Inn. So I love going up there for weekends often, it’s such a happy, friendly, relaxed place with great food, people and things to do. We hope to buy a home there in the near future (one we can also rent out!)

STAY:

As I said, we’ve only stayed at The Woodstock Inn because it has everything. Perfect location, two restaurants, a great spa, amazing access to the Woodstock Athletic Club & Country Club (gym, tennis, indoor pool, cross country skiing, golf etc), a pool in the summer and charming lobby. Highly recommend.

In nearby Barnard is Twin Farms, I DREAM of staying there in one of their treehouses!!! It is UBER luxurious, very expensive and simply perfect (I’m told by my friends who have gone!)

This past trip we rented an Vrbo called Spruce Top– it was amazing, perfectly appointed and I highly recommend for a family trip or perhaps a few couples or girls weekend. I want to go back in the fall!

SHOP:

Woody’s Mercantile– the BEST, cutest home store! A must go- the ladies who run the store are hilarious and lovely!

Farmhouse Pottery– a fun place to visit and watch them make pottery, as well as shop- my most favorite coffee mugs, match strikes and dog bowls are from there!

Unicorn- a silly gift and joke shop that has the FUNNIEST greeting cards, gifts for kids and has been an institution since I was little.

Elevation Clothing– Awesome selection of outdoor clothing for men and women.

Echo Market– such a “Vermont-y” shop of clean beauty essentials and wellness focused items.

F. H. Gillingham & Sons– an old school general store- grab wine, syrup, a sweatshirt, a cutting board…. anything!

B.F. Southgate– my sneaky favorite antiques shop up there- last time I scored some seriously awesome art.

Simon Pearce– The obvious glassware, but you can snag seconds and also watch them blow glass! See below too, as it’s a great place to dine!

VISIT:

Billings Farm & Rockefeller Estate– Such a lovely spot in the fall and summer- and there are horse drawn sleigh rides in the winter. The Marsh Rockefeller park and grounds are amazing for hiking and checking out gorgeous buildings.

Quechee Gorge- Kind of a quick stop/ drive by but quite a stunning natural wonder!

Saskadena Six– A super charming small skiing area close to Woodstock- we loved our two days here as the kids are learning but there were still runs I had a lot of fun doing! And good food and drinks by the firepit.

Killington & Pico– Larger mountains for the more serious skiiers. Killington has a great tubing park too!

DINE & DRINK:

Au Comptoir– the CUTEST, COOLEST BAR IN THE WORLD. Go, but be prepared to wait to get in as it’s teeny tiny but so worth it! Sit outside by the firepits in the meantime.

Ransom Tavern– At the Kendron Valley Inn, a wood fired pizza spot with a great bar and locals vibe. We loved it!

Oakes & Evelyn- We had to cancel our reservation here because of a snowstorm but all the locals raved. Apparently also has a great breakfast.

Red Rooster– At the Woodstock Inn- not mind blowing food, but decent and good for big groups and chilling in the lobby by the fire after.

Mont Vert Cafe– great in town coffee and sandwich shop. Always packed.

The Farmer and the Bell– OMG- the DONUTS here. They may be a top 5 favorite food now. I cannot even explain, just GO. The branding and design is also just ADORABLE.

Sante– we had an amazing lunch here- also a great wine bar!

Simon Pearce– Try to snag one of the tables overlooking the waterfall- great food, great views, plus shopping. And now a separate bar too!

Worthy Kitchen– Have not been, but hear raves reviews.

Hope this is helpful!!!!

I barely even know how to start writing this post- I have so many things that I’ve been ruminating on and considering in the past 36 hours. One thing that is crystal clear to me though is that we are at a pivotal moment in American history. It’s been a long time coming (I cannot type that without singing it like Taylor), but I do think we are at that crossroads where if we don’t DO something, we are in peril as a country. Hell, as humans! And what’s required in this moment is not passive participation and silent head nodding while others do the work. It’s active engagement, in big or small ways, letting the world know where you stand regarding human decency and actual democracy.

And that responsibly does fall double on anyone with a platform, like it or not. And while I personally have always felt the responsibility to speak up on issues that matter to me, it’s been a little bit lonely- especially in the world of design and lifestyle. I get it, it’s easier and way more profitable to stay silent. To not “get political” and potentially lose followers or clients- and to a degree, sure, I can comprehend that. A lot depends on your geographic location, employment, safety concerns, current status as a citizen, etc. I recognize that not everyone can speak freely, a privilege I do cherish. And obviously none of us are politicians, nor do we want to be (at least I certainly don’t)- so smaller, local or less scary issues perhaps have not felt like waters you’ve wanted to wade into. Or maybe even bigger ones. Keep things pretty, keep them calm. Preserve professional boundaries and your sense of “peace”. I get it. I truly do.

But this is different. This is a very critical, obvious time where as an INFLUENCER who shares with groups of people your advice, direction and guidance you do have a responsibility to be clear about your feelings about the state of the country right now. I think the adage to never mix “politics” with business is getting rustier and dustier by the minute. If we stop being so scared of “breaking the rules” and speaking up together, that volume could move mountains. This is the first time I’ve ever made such a broad statement, but I am ten toes down on this one. After consuming all the videos, evidence and undeniable gaslighting by the most powerful people in the government, maybe the world, it feels like a really evil and frankly, idiotic, plot to a horror film. I saw one person I follow, whom I’ve liked following for years, say in a really vexing series of posts “I mean, is there really a right side here??”

YES. Abso-fucking-lutely yes, there is a RIGHT SIDE. And I want to know if you’re on it.

And, by the way, the sides aren’t democrat versus republican- no, no-it’s right versus wrong. It’s morality versus depravity. It’s state sanctioned murder versus due process. Yes ma’am, there is a very, very clear right side to this issue facing us. The questions like- are we going to become a fascist state where the government is allowed to execute citizens in broad daylight? Arrest and detain people with no warrants? Terrorize communities with masked men whose whole missions is to instill fear? I hope to God not. I don’t believe any of those things are proud of tenets any American political party I’m aware of.

And if you ARE a Republican, saying “hey, I do not support this” does not instantaneously make you a liberal either, it makes you a compassionate human who cares about the future of America. Maybe you feel strongly about other Republican values, you can still denounce the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Again, this is not a political thing, this is a humanity thing.

This ask heard loud in the past 24 hours by followers and fans to “use your voice” does NOT mean everyone needs to post multiple times, or write verbose missives like this- not every influencer knows what to say, feels like sharing a lot, enjoys writing or speaking to the camera. But there are plenty of graphics and statements you CAN repost to at least signal your acknowledgement and awareness of what’s going on in America. Posting content as usual, like nothing is going on (to me) feels at best tone deaf and worst grossly privileged. No one is asking you to change who you are or what you share day to day, but they are asking for acknowledgment that you too are scared, angry and concerned about where we are as a country. Show some true humanity instead of perfectly curated outfits and homes. Show that you see it. Feel it. GET IT.

And look, I understand that this is how many people make a living and the economic impact is important. Me too. And I also have several employees that count on me to provide for them, overhead to pay and obligations to fulfill. But I am also, and most importantly, a mother. And I have an obligation to stand up against real evil and model for them how, when and why to do that. I want to be able to tell them when this happened that I did not sit idly by and stay silent because it was safer and “less controversial.” I also want to know it for myself.

I wish NONE of us had to “get political”, trust me. I would so much rather be sharing my favorite winter coats and best paint colors to use on millwork. I wish I could just send my girlfriends 18 stupid memes of raccoons in a row instead of watching clips of people being shot in the face over and over and then being told not to believe my own eyes by the president. I wish we could all live in the pretty, curated bubble projected by our socials- but we can’t. Not if we want our children to grow up in a fair, just and thriving society.

That desire my friends, is vastly more important than any number of followers. We can do two things at once- be beacons of beauty AND truth. Share lots of wonderfully fun and entertaining content while at the same time acknowledging the deep wounds we are experiencing in our culture. It only gives you more credibility and influence in the end, to show who you are behind the pretty pictures, to show there is heart and depth to you outside of the frame.

Be safe, be brave, be loud-

Erin

2025 is a year I will never forget and yet one I will always wish I could. One of the hardest years in my life for a myriad of reasons -losing my Dad the most world-shatteringly painful while the constant stress of daily living in this bizarre new world of ours the most consistently soul crushing. The one word I could use to acutely describe this past year is HEAVY. I think most of us felt that in one way or another, I notice a lot of people pronouncing 2025 as the worst year they’ve also had in recent memory, which is interesting to be unified so much all at once.

They say it was the year of the snake- a year of shedding and letting go. I do feel that although it was not intentional, I was forced to shed a lot on 2025- people I loved, notions of being able to fix everything, a little bit of my perfectionism, my desire to be in control. As I enter into this new year, I do feel a little less pressure and a bit more freedom, which comes from great loss and processing those losses within the structure of my daily life. All I thought was perfect was not, as it turns out. What I believed would and should happen did not, and I survived. What I do with the knowledge gained from that is up to me moving forward. I can resent it and let it eat at me or I can use it to change myself for the better. I choose the latter.

A lot of what happened this year coincided with my book release (a great part of 2025) and my tour which meant I had to put on my big girl pants and move through my commitments, and then right into the holidays, undoubtably pushing down a lot of the processing I needed to do. It probably kept me from totally losing it as well though, and seeing all of your lovely faces all over the country really did help me go through the beginning stages of grief with an incredible amount of support and love. For that I am so grateful.

That said, I know I have more work to do internally (thank goodness for my amazing therapist of 12 years) and my soul does feel incredibly weary right now in the quiet of the new year. I have a couple days to rest and be as still as possible before jumping back into work, and I know I need more of that and plan to do that soon but I also am happy to get back to normal life. No book to write, no massive list of commitments outside of work- a little time to get down to the nitty gritty of why I started this business in the first place, a honing in on what I love to do and eliminating the excess and the clutter.

I’m looking at a lot of my life that way- from my wardrobe to my home. Really taking a solid look at all I have and narrowing it down to what I really love and need to make room for what’s to come. Of course, I am itching to take down all Christmas decor and do a good scrubbing of the house, editing of toys and clothes and STUFF (there is just so much STUFF!) A lot of us enter into the New Year this way and for good reason- shedding of the previous year, especially one like 2025, helps you feel hope for the one to come. A clean slate (or clean desk in my case, as of an hour ago) free from debris and distraction is a great way to kick off with a little more freedom and intention.

I also hope that in writing down my goals and hopes for this year help me stay on track (or at least accountable). So here are some of them:

SET STANDARDS AND GOOD PRACTICES AT WORK & HOME

By this I mean really think through which projects we take on and which we pass on. I do have a high overhead so sometimes we do take on not 100% ideal work because, hey- someone has to keep the lights on- but I want to listen to my intuition more when it comes to what we do sign on to. I want to make sure that we have a good mix of very large and not as large projects to keep us creatively connected to the work and make sure our systems are as well coordinated and efficient as possible. Same goes for our home- I want to create efficient and easy organization systems in all rooms and maintain our family calendar on our Skylight like a boss.

TAKE THE LONG ROAD

Sometimes the most efficient route is not the one that helps you grow the most or feeds your soul. And by God, I love to be efficient! Whether it be picking fabrics for a project or taking the time to go for a long walk with a friend, I want to slow down a little and be more intentional with EVERYTHING- my time, my energy, my days, my kids. Take the extra step to make it special or meaningful.

MAKE THE TIME

I do not take much time off, certainly not as much as I need nor want- anyone running a small business feels this way. But I need to make the time to give myself a little more rest than I have been. I struggle greatly with relaxing- I feel SO guilty about it. Like, it makes my skin crawl, and that isn’t healthy. We have a few trips planned this year and I want to be sure I take them all in and breathe. I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be even more productive if I could learn to properly rest.

WRITE MORE

I’ve had to neglect this blog a lot with my books and business in the last 5-8 years and I want to get back to it, writing more like this and connecting with you guys beyond social media and little quips and links. I’m not making any promises about frequency, but I want it to be more and certainly of higher/deeper quality. I have been thinking that making a weekly “TOP TEN or BEST OF” roundup- from sconces to paint colors to jeans- would be another easy way to share useful content. I LOVE me a good “these are the best” lists- which is part of slimming down what I have to just the best essentials.

HAVE MORE FUN

It seems silly, but I am not the best at having fun and letting go. :) I want to just have more fun and take more risks on lots of areas- starting with wallpapering my stairwell (was too scared to do it 4 years ago when we moved in) and adding some more color and detail into my own home and planning some trips as I mentioned. Getting back into skiing (and getting the kids learning) is another.

As for long term goals, I’m not a big believer in manifesting but I figured I put some down here just for funsies. By 2030 (whoa, that sounds sci-fi) I’d love to….

• design a hotel or inn
• buy a second home to design and rent out
• have a furniture or fabric collection
• take the kids to Paris, London, Ireland
• get back into painting
• write a children’s book ( I can’t help myself)
• open a little storefront/ showroom

WHEW. That’s a lot. But what do I have to lose by putting that all out there?

If I learned anything from my dad it’s to take some risks in life- because either he did and it made all the difference in his life, or he decidedly did not and regretted it at the end of his life. I really do not want to end my life wishing I had done more or done things wildly different. I want to feel like I lived the depth and width of my life to the best of my ability and tried and failed or tried and maybe succeeded too.

May 2026 bring us all hope, light and new beginnings.

Cheers,

Erin

Here are some favorites for greenery and accents:

And some favorite faux trees, accompanying accents and ornaments:

Of Note:

• Invest in a good fake tree- this one looks amazing and a good balance between sparse and full.
• Also invest in really good faux garland, especially anything at eye level – Afloral’s Norfolk Pine and this faux cedar are my two favorites.
• I buy all widths and types of velvet ribbon in a palette – last year was all copper and neutrals, this year a mix of brown, blue and olive green. I like both vintage frayed velvet like this and wired ribbon as well.
• I love a good tree basket- I love that this one is hinged so you can put it on AFTER the tree goes in the stand!
• I don’t swap out pillows or decor for Xmas other than sheets for the kids and an occasional throw – like these.
• Our “kid tree” is a bit of a freestyle event, but the tree in the living room is MINE! LOL. I like to have a few sets of consistent ornaments like these glitter stars and tonal balls– and then mix in funny and collected ornaments from over time. This ornament is speaking to me this year.

Happy Black Friday- don’t forget to check out all my gift guides I’ve posted already and stay tuned for more!

Of Note:

I love Salt + Stone stuff – my favorite scents are the Basil, Santal and Bergamot! This gift set is perfect!

This pillow cracks me up.

This cup set works for cold brew OR hot coffee.

For the planning type- a pretty leather day planner and marbled pencil cup.

For the gal who needs some shut eye- a sleep mask plus this amazing detergent and sleep spray.

For the fancy friend, some Celine for under $100 (just barely!)

A set of four coupes ($19 right now!) with a cool shaker or a bottle of champagne!

Van Cleef looking earrings for WAY less.

A great cordless vac is always handy.

A pretty french press for weekend mornings.

A cashmere henley for him.

Shop all my gift guides HERE! I’ll be posting holiday outfit ideas on Friday and then stay tuned next week for Stocking Stuffers, Christmas Decor and my own personal wishlist! Have a very happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Criquet is still an all time Andrew fave- he wants both of these- the cord shacket and cozy button down.

His new favorite item are these Birddogs zip necks.

In the clothing department- Relwen is another all time fave. SO many good pieces (more linked on ShopMy). My brothers like them too.

If you are like me and give your husband the job of breaking down all the boxes in the household, this electric box cutter is a nice offering :)

For the skiier or outdoorsman, this heated vest is such a good gift.

The Peleton Tread is the best gym equipment we’ve ever bought.

Quince has really great men’s boots and shoes right now for great prices! (Also these Blundstone boots are awesome for all weather needs but still stylish)

Andrew wants the new Apple Airpods that translate.

These are our favorite luggage pieces right now for work travel- SO light.

This leaf blower looks like a weapon, but it’s cordless and pretty cool!

OF NOTE:

• My favorite everyday candle (Cece scent), year round.
• The very best suede work/mom bag for under $200. TRUST ME.
• Give her the gift of BONE DENSITY and biceps!
• My ride-or-die, “buy in all colors” fave cashmere sweater.
• I really want this scarf.
• The best makeup brushes.
• Watch that looks like Cartier but is under $300.
• My Heirloom studs, the best bang for your buck diamond-wise.
• For the dog lover who also loves design- this marble dog dish (I die).
• My favorite phone case.
• I got this hair towel and I was skeptical, but I LOOOOOVE it.
• A faux fur shawl to dress up any coat or outfit.

Last year my best surprise gift from Andrew was a night away alone in a hotel room at the Mandarin Oriental with a long massage. I cried I was so relieved to have time to myself to rest – it was truly the only thing I wanted. This year they added a special Celadon Stone Massage in a gorgeous newly designed treatment room if you want to drop the hint to someone…. :)

I think a lot of women would love the gift of time – even if it doesn’t involve a hotel room – someone offering to take the kids for the day and leave you alone in your house?! Sounds pretty dreamy right? Not everything has to be a material item – time, space and rest really are luxuries.

The very best gift we got Henry last year he still uses almost daily is this Razor Crazy Cart. All his friends love it when they come over and it was the best $250 we spent. There is a new light up version that I’m sure would be a HUGE hit too (but selling FAST).

For Emma, my home made-over Barbie house is only slightly a hit. She said she wants the “real plastic one” now (groan). This one is Barbie scale and much cuter, but MUCH pricier. Although she is now wanting all American Girl doll stuff (of course not the original, classic dolls like Samantha, but the new Gen Z nonsense ones- LOL) so this dollhouse would be better but the sheer SIZE of it is insane. But it’s actually done really well.

Speaking of dollhouses I almost DIED when I came across this one. But OH MAMA, almost 2 grand is insanity. But I kind of want it for me. :)

Ok, anyways, back to the gift guide. Here it is, I’m scared of teens so I took some guesses but don’t count my word as bond there. 5-10 year olds I can handle well, though!

SHOP ALL LINKS HERE!!!!

**And again, please let me know if this format is good for you! I can go back to linking individually but much more labor intensive and hard to keep up to date!

From the fanciest mahjong set to the coziest washable throw that still looks chic – we’ve got a little for everyone here. Happy shopping!