Things I'm Loving: August

Things I'm loving, listening to, watching, reading, inspired by...

Goodness me, summer is flying by, per usual!

I’ve just returned home to North Carolina after two weeks in England — a much-needed trip to visit my old home. If you’re new here, I lived in London for four years, followed by a year in the English countryside before moving back to the States at the end of 2022.

Every time I return, I’m reminded just how deeply that chapter of my life shaped me and how large the UK shaped hole in my heart is. Despite a few unexpected hiccups, I came home feeling creatively inspired, socially refilled, and with a list of things I’m excited to share.

Which brings me to something new...

Welcome to Things I’m Loving —

This is a roundup of everything that’s caught my attention over the past month. Books I’m reading. Podcasts that strike a chord. Places worth traveling to. Clothes I actually wear. Recipes I make on repeat. Beautiful objects, thoughtful brands... You get the idea.

Let’s dive in!

LISTENING TO

• Expanded Podcast with Chloe Legras
  Considering I owned a popular antique rug business for many years, I was surprised I had never heard of Chloe Legras or Boxwood Avenue until listening to this episode, but it was so good and expansive for my fellow interior/antique/Europe lovers out there.

• Letting Go by David Hawkins (Audiobook)
  This book was recommended to me in 2015 by my first spiritual teacher, Mary. It is so good. It’s hefty, but she recommended I listen to it on audio to really let it sink into my subconscious. I’ve listened to it on and off over the years and recently started playing it again. It’s one of those books I could listen to for the rest of my life and continue to pull nuggets out of. A must read/listen for everyone.

READING

• Throne of Glass Book Series
  I know I’m late to the party here, and that Sarah J Maas is basically the new JK Rowling, but I have to say… I’m loving the Throne of Glass series. I’m only on book two, but I love me a fantasy/romance drama with a strong female lead and this has all of it. Have you guys read it?

TRAVELING TO

• Trevear Farm Hotel in Cornwall
  As previously mentioned, I just got back from spending two weeks in England. Three of my best friends and I took a long weekend trip to Cornwall and stayed at the stunning Trevear Farm. Cornwall is one of Europe’s best-kept summer secrets, and if you’re traveling with a group, add Trevear to your list. They have a farm shop, spa treatments, sauna/steam room, stunning indoor pool (in case that English weather makes itself known), a delicious hamburger truck on site, padel courts, you name it…

• Thread Caravan x Woven Women x Zazi Retreat
  My dear friend Jeanne de Kroon, founder of Woven Women and Zazi, has just launched a retreat to Oaxaca this October that looks divine. If you don’t follow her, Jeanne is a magic woman, and the trip will no doubt be both absolutely fabulous and soul expanding. You’ll stay at a stunning hotel and can expect a deep dive on traditional female craftsmanship, several creative workshops including plant dyeing and candle making, a temezcal ceremony, and more. If I had the time and finances, I’d be there in a heartbeat!

WEARING

• Le Set Kyoto Pants
  These pants have been going viral for a while now, and for good reason. Just about every brand has copied Le Set’s design, and guys, I’ve tried all the dupes. I tried J. Crew, I tried Gap… Unfortunately, none of them compare to the originals. They’re definitely a splurge, but very worth it, in my opinion. They’re such a versatile pant, I could wear them every day. I bought the Chocolate (pictured below) but also have my eye on Blue, Military and Ice.

• Calie Tank from Reformation
  Every so often I do a tank refresh in my closet. Whether I’m wearing them solo in the summer or under sweaters and jackets in the fall/winter, I love finding a good tank top. This one ticks all the boxes for me: the length is perfect, I love the neckline, and it’s made of organic cotton. Win win win. I have it in white, black, and mole. (I love wearing the mole with my chocolate Kyoto pants!! — pictured below.)

AT HOME

• Maison de Vacances Cocoon Blanket
  Four years after launching my first business, Frances Loom, I brought on a business partner - one of my dearest friends - Heather Kane. One of the first things Heather suggested was that we add Maison de Vacances to our inventory - MdV is a French home goods company. I was very hesitant to carry another brand until I tried the Cocoon blanket. OMG. This blanket feels like you’re wrapping yourself in a cloud… There’s no other way to describe it. I have the colorway linked above, but you can find more options here.

EATING

• Sweet Potato Beef Bowl
  I live for an easy meal. We’re big on rice bowls in this house, so when this sweet potato/beef bowl popped up on my Instagram feed, I knew I needed to try it. I made it the last two nights for dinner and it was so simple, delicious and nutritious. Everything you want from a dinner!

WELLNESS

• Remineralize by BodyBio (discount code below)
  I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to health, which is why you’ll rarely hear me say that everyone should be taking X, Y, Z supplement. Minerals are my one exception. Our bodies rely on minerals for everything, from energy production to hormone function. However, modern farming practices have left many soils significantly less mineral-rich than they once were. If the soil is depleted, the food is depleted. I consider remineralizing to be one of the simplest, most foundational things you can do to support your health. I really love and trust BodyBio as a brand and have been taking Remineralize every morning for years now. I add two droppers to my juice every morning and it’s become one of the few non-negotiables in my daily routine. Get 15% off with code: KELLYV (I also take PC, Tudca, and Sodium Butyrate daily!)

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Wearing my Le Set Kyoto Pants in Chocolate with my Reformation Calie Tank in Mole.

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A housekeeping note:

Unlearning is entering its next chapter (!!!)

Beginning September 1, most essays/shares will be reserved for paid subscribers. Paid members will also receive access to a monthly writing club, my monthly prayer circle, and more to come.

Subscribe before September 1 to become a founding member and lock in the original $5/month price for the lifetime of your subscription. After September 1, membership will be $8/month.

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I hope you enjoyed the first installment of my new series! Let me know if you’ve tried any of the above and if there’s anything you think I should test out for next months edit. What are you loving right now??

So much more to come!

x Kelly