heather & olive

 

bedroom mantel featuring my grandparents' antique mirror.

This weekend my mom came up and we did a huge closet reorganization. I love my condo, but in terms of storage I have just one (large) walk in closet and it becomes overwhelming very quickly. This has become a bit of annual tradition for us, but this year, we finally did it right. I bought all new storage containers from the Container Store, which is not so conveniently 1.5 hours from Portland, and I got rid of SO MUCH STUFF. Now you can actually walk into my closet without tripping over things and its so nice to have it done. Isn't it funny how a simple organization project relieves a level of stress you didn't realize you had? Giant thanks to my mom for helping me, I could not have done it without her. 

My mom also brought up some things from my grandparents' house: my grandmother recently moved into assisted living, and I'm super lucky to have been given the mirror in the picture above that used to live in their dining room. I also now have a bunch of china from 1870 (!) and it's so special to use these things in a new way. Mixing old and new via inherited pieces is my favorite.

 

monin pistachio syrup.

I'm trying to be better about making coffee at home, and while I have not yet dropped the big bucks on a fancy espresso machine and have been using my very basic nespresso, my lattes have been greatly improved by the addition of monin pistachio syrup. It's very sweet so a little goes a long way, but I much prefer the pistachio flavor in this brand vs. torani.  Add a little steamed oat milk, and you have a latte that rivals that of your favorite local coffee shop. 

 

the bug continues to be extremely photogenic.

I got a new piercing.

I ate a lot of my favorite Belleville ham and cheese croissants.

february was filled with too much snow.

seriously, too much.

but there were cozy moments.

and I ate very well.

 

Ah, the strange time between Christmas and New Year's where time stands still and my sluggery reaches an all time high. This is the first year in a very long time that I've taken extended time off from work around the holidays, and while it has been amazing, I think I'll be ready to get back into a groove on January 1st.

I'm currently in Quebec City spending my days eating croissants and drinking pistachio lattes but have felt a little retrospective about the best things of 2024. So, here they are:

Best Thing I Wore:

j.crew stratus pant in textured satin

I first learned of these pants via Emily's Instagram and they very quickly become the best item of clothing I purchased this year. I have them in black and and navy (and I might need them in green), and they are the most comfortable and chic pants in my rotation (think fancy pajamas). I love them with sneakers just as much as ballet flats, and I know they will continue to get a lot of wear in 2025, especially in the office.

Best Thing I Ate:

the artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street

I posted about this earlier this year, and I still can't stop thinking about it. The artichoke and nettle lasagna from Fore Street was sublime: this restaurant is a Portland staple for a delicious meal, and the wood fired pasta did not disappoint. It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and I only wish they didn't change their menu on the daily so I could eat this forever.

The Best Thing I Read:

all the colors of the dark, chris whitaker

Gah, this book was so good. It's part thriller, part heartwarming/heartbreaking journey about old friends who experienced a tragedy. It follows their lives as they grow up and I loved every second.

 

never enough beach days, but I tried.

perfect summer dinner.

only one concert, but seeing The Head and the Heart at Thompson's Point never disappoints.

lots of golf meant lots of hot dogs at the turn.

outdoor dining friend.

the bug.

my favorite york harbor view.

 

maya brenner's asymmetrical letter necklace

Since Olive died in 2021, I had wanted a little memento to remember her by. Tattoos are not currently my thing but jewelry is (and always will be), and the Maya Brenner asymmetrical letter necklace with the little "o" fit the bill perfectly. My parents gave it to me for Christmas, and I haven't taken it off since. I highly recommend it if there is someone you want to keep with you.