Collective Joy
....plus a vibrant winter slaw, a coffee table book I am loving, joyful thrifting and an inspiring Ted Talk
Hi friends,
Hope you’ve had a great week! In this issue, I wanted to share a few things that are inspiring me and bringing me joy lately. I am interested in the idea that individual moments of joy can spread and positively affect the larger community. Perhaps you see a great play, knit an amazing scarf or cook a special meal—and feel good afterwards. Perhaps then you see a coworker and your smile brightens their day, and they bring that vibe to the next person. A joy chain reaction! If lots of people are experiencing small individual moments of joy, I can only imagine it positively affects the community (and even world?!). What brings you joy lately?
I found a great vintage coffee table at a thrift store last week (joy!) and put out one of my favorite books to display. Mamma Milano is part coffee table book, part memoir. I read it like a novel in bed each night and drifted to sleep feeling inspired. Author J.J. Martin tells her story of growing up in California, moving to Italy, working in fashion and journalism, and ultimately starting her own brand, La DoubleJ. The brand’s mission is clear: to “raise your vibration” and she does that by creating the most lavish, colorful, pattern-filled clothing and homeware. Her dresses are amazing! While her pieces are still a bit aspirational for me, I definitely notice how wearing colorful clothing and setting a vibrant table bring me joy!
This reminds me of author and designer Ingrid Fetell Lee who runs The Aesthetics of Joy. Her book, Joyful, helps people bring joy into their home and lives via design. I heard her speak at a conference years ago and have followed her ever since. I recommend her inspiring Ted Talk.
Colorful food also brings me joy. I am always looking for the most colorful item in the produce section to bring home. Around this time of year you may be able to find golden beets and watermelon radishes, which make any salad pop. Check out this colorful slaw—>
I love setting a colorful table and some of my favorite linen napkins are by a small woman-led brand in New York, Goldie Home. A few years back they gave me some of their Rose Marble Napkins and I still use them all the time.
I have a rule that I won’t pay more than $5 for a vintage plate. I got all of these plates featured in the front of The Forest Feast Gatherings at estate sales and thrift stores and I love mixing them on the table.
My parents are visiting Madison this week and I’m excited to watch the Oscars on Sunday with my mom. The fabulously joyful chef Jessie Sheehan suggests we make her gougeres for Oscar night and I think I might do just that! Fluffy cheese puffs with bubbly, anyone? Yum.
***
Lastly, I so appreciate you following along and want to make this newsletter great for you. I’d love your feedback! What would you like to see more of each Friday? Please submit your feedback here.
Wishing you moments of joy this weekend,
xx
Erin
Please enjoy my wildly colorful skiing outfit and consider preordering a signed copy of The Watercolor Feast :)