Palm Beach Kind of Cozy

It's hard to get into the spirit of fall when living in Florida. I used to force myself to wear sweaters, as if by sheer will I could make it chilly. This year I'm going to try to bring touches of fall into my home, because that is much more realistic. Think vanilla and chai candles, heavier throw blankets, and baking something delicious and comforting. While I'm at it, I may just add in a back-to-school tv show, like Gilmore Girls. There is something so nostalgic about this time of year, right? 

Candles are an easy way to bring in a cozy Palm Beach feel to my home. I've been burning Sincerely, Sarah Jane's Golden candle this week and it brings me such joy. The cinnamon and chai scent is fresh, but in a different way from the bright floral scents of summer. It's perfect for the season and makes it feel just a bit more like fall down here. 

While we're on the topic of cozy scents, there is something so special about baking in the fall. It reminds me of times spent gossiping over baking cookies with my friends. This time of year, my house always smelled like fresh cookies and I. just may have to try this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe from Martha Stewart. 

I also really love any opportunity to bring out my throw blankets! I loooove the Matouk ones I have, because they are heavy enough where they feel substantial, but they are cotton and not wool so I'm not sweating underneath. I have an array of colors, but lean on my my autumnal colors this time of year. 

Back to school time meant it was another new season of Gilmore Girls, maybe the only show I was allowed to watch growing up. I always wanted to be Rory, but now that I'm older I realize I'm now all for Emily Gilmore. She really was one of the best characters on the show. Additionally, there is something so comforting about the show and Stars Hollow. I've been playing old episodes when I get home from work and it adds an extra layer of background cozy. 

ARS xx

Pretty Pins for End of Summer in Palm Beach

I love summer in PB because it's a time when I can finally exhale and enjoy life without the busyness and distractions of season. PB becomes sleepy and much more relaxed, which is what I want in the summer. As much as I love the buzz and the hustle and bustle of winter there is something so nice about a quiet morning, getting my work done uninterrupted, and the lack of pressure to be "on" so to speak. I'm embracing and celebrating the few quieter days of summer before everyone from up North descends upon us. Below are a few pins reminding me that I still have a few days left of summer and to enjoy the few bits of quiet while it lasts. 

Enjoy your week! 

ARS xx

Some Housekeping

This year has been a doozy for me - I finally moved into the home I spent a year renovating, lost my treasured pilates studio, put on fifteen pounds, and crash landed into dog ownership. All of this combined has left me stressed, and not feeling comfortable at home or in my own skin. While I wouldn't change some things for the world - like adopting Paloma - I wish I didn't resist the changes as much as I did. Instead of mourning what my life was like before, I should have worked harder to adapt to my new reality sooner. I can't really go back in time and make better choices, but I can do better in the future. Every hard season has a lesson and purpose, and while I wish I had learned it sooner, I'm telling myself better late than never. All of this being said, in the spirit of embracing changes and growth instead of letting it steamroll me, I'm celebrating a new chapter for Towerhouse! I'm really excited to be moving over to Substack. 

Despite the advice of my good friend, I avoided joining Substack for the longest time. I resisted partly because I loved the ease of this platform and partly because of my natural aversion to change, among a few other reasons. Substack just feels more serious, which is not what Towerhouse is about. Towerhouse is a place for fun, inspiration, lighthearted stories, and what catches my eye. Although I'm hesitant, I'm going to make the enthusiastic jump to Substack and I'm inviting you all to join me! It will be more of the same, just a little bit more polished and have a grown up look. I'm excited to try something new, and while it feels uncomfortable in this moment, I know it will be another lesson I can look back on. 

I'm aiming for a relaunch in January, but will be sharing sneak peeks and behind the scenes looks on the Towerhouse instagram. I'll also be occasionally posting here about my quest to lose the fifteen pounds I gained and getting my home under control, so I'll post a bigger announcement when I'm all settled and ready for my first substack visitors. If you have any feedback or questions for me, I'm just an email or DM away! 

ARS xx