Seven Things
A monthly letter from my personal life, sharing all things I'm into and some special things I've found. Inspiration, Eating, Listening, Reading, Watching, Working and Making - all in one joyful Friday morning missive.
WHO AM I?
Photo by Christin Hume
volume 4 - 2023
OLDER ISSUES
Midjourney, Kale Salads, Stromae, Rodeo, Braiding Sweetgrass, Writing, Settling In
volume 3 - 2022
Design Books, Carnitas, Siri Playlists, Resin Videos, Intercepted, Vacation Homes, Candle-palooza
Dry Garden, Onion Soup, Ambient YouTube, The Great S2, Out of Office, 70s & 80s, Backsplash
Arch Digest, Lamb Dinner, Joy Oladokun, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Ten Thousand Doors, 70s Fixers, Re-Upholstery
Texas Modern, Grilled Chicken, Break My Soul, Trixie Motel, By The Book, Our House!!!, Lounge Covers
Western Ranch, Tofu Katsu, 2022 Playlist, Andor, Newsletters, FORTY! HOUSES!, Downsizing
Shavonda Garnder, Pan Bagnat, 2021 Playlist, Tour de France, Home Books, Farmhouses, Wallpaper
Pinterest, Salmon Tzatziki, Flow, Golden, Losing Your Season, Reno Updates, Wood Vase
The Gymnasts, Afternoon Cafe, Olivia Dean, SPORTS!, Poetry, A Whole Website, Pillow Trim
OLDER ISSUES
volume 2 - 2021
Banyan Bridges, Steak Salad, Barefoot Acoustic, Loki, Domino, Mid-Century Prairie, Roman Shades
Signed, Blake, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Billie Eilish, American In Paris, What It's Like, R+R, "Wood Look"
Tory Birch SS 2022, Roasted Veg, Yebba, Minority Report, Boonsboro Inn, Cali Ranches, Candles
Carmeon on TV, Chickpea Caesar, Roofers, Loki Assembled, Country Living, Mod vs. Ranch, Coffee
Amber Lewis, Chicken & Rice, Chris Stapelton, Summer of Soul, The Season, 70s Ranches, Headboard
2021 Fellows, Butternut Stew, Cozy Weather, Mystery Menu, Meg Ryan Fall, Porch Ideas, Office Chair
DeVOL Kitchens, Chicken Soup, Sting Live, '86 Mets, This Land, Colorado Home, Lamp Shades
Pinterest, Pie Crust, Nancy Wilson, Food Tube, Re-Reads, Miami Modern, Maintenance
Pinterest, Chicken & Rice, 2021 Playlist, Loki, Bombshell, 30 Houses, Patio Updates
NEWER ISSUES
NEWER ISSUES
volume 2 - 2021
The Misfit House, Sourdough Bread, Beyonce, Luke Towan, Aminatou Sow, Quarterly Updates, Lampshades
Thom's Lake House, Sushi (Burrito Bowls), Jardin, Secret Sports Society, Creative Living, Non-Profit Designs, Plans
Beata Heuman, Takeout, Adam Baldych, American Style, essaying, Non-Profit Designs, A Nest
Daveed & Emmy, Roasted Chicken, Permanent Vacation, Star Trek: TNG, La Veuve, Mid-Century Exteriors, Random Cooking
OLDER ISSUES
Alicia Cook, Fries & Greens, I Miss You (Remix), Fred & Ginger, Western Ranch Houses, Ranch-A-Palooza, Embroidery
Floorplans of the Past, Marmalade Salmon, Pointer Sisters, Karen Brit Chic, A Table, FL House / TX House, Fringe Decor
Josie Lewis, Steak Dinner, Headwaters, Red Sox, Love In Color, FL House / TX House, No Progress
House of Brinson, Chicken Tostadas, Thelonious Monk, Marx Brothers, Magazines, Modern Mid-Century, Cleaning
Michelle Norris, Burrito Bowl, Change My Mind, Monty Don, The Shopping Cure, FRINGE!, Also, FRINGE!
Brian Paquette, Cod with Polenta, Hot Chip, Escape to the Chateau, Getting a Table, Fringe, Still, Fringe
Rachel Cargle, Veg Sandwiches, Romantic Classical, The Nevers, THE BOOK PILE, Website Updates, Organizing
Some gentle reminders and small moments of joy.
Pinterest Predictions, Marcella's Bolognese, Unwind, War & Peace, Black Romantic Art, Busy Work, Tile Backsplash
Pierce and Ward, Winter Salmon, Song Exploder, Bridgerton, Bucatini Shortage, Writing, A Nest
Don't Look Away
NEWER ISSUES
volume 2 - 2021
Yellowtrace, 5 Minute Meals, Ravi Shankar, High Society, What Kind of Woman, Website Tweaks, Bar Soaps
Amanda Gorman, Fresh Fruit, Nickel Creek, WandaVision, Dan Pfeiffer, Materials Library, New Art
Shavonda Garnder, Lemon Cake, Matriarchs, West Wing, Warmth of Other Suns, Bedrooms, Trellis
Brigette Romanek, Midwest Tacos, Bill Withers, Crazy Rich Asians, Warmth of Other Suns, DIY Design, Table Cover
Far From Cypress, Dumplings, Til I Fall Asleep, WandaVision, Wow No Thank You, Two Houses, Quick Cleans
Dabito, Popeyes Fish Sammy, Jazz Chill, Clueless, Bermuda's Wild Side, Digital Products, Throw Pillow
Abigail Ahern, Farm Style Teriyaki, 2021 Playlist, The Magicians, The Rose Garden, Two More Homes, Afternoon Tea
Style Crone, Carla's Tartar Sauce, White Noise, House & Home, Smooth Brains, A Wee Break, Patio Set-Up
OLDER ISSUES
OLDER ISSUES
#isolationcreation, Fancy Dinner, 2020 Playlist, Ted Lasso, Jasmine Guillory, Email Consults, Pillows
Hood Century, Pumpkin Rigatoni, Linda Diaz, Bluey, Barefoot Contessa, Boats! And Stuff!, Banquette Paint
Micro Weddings, Maple BBQ Salmon, Coffee House, Ted Lasso, The Dry Down, Ranch Homes, Bedroom Futzing
IKEA 2021 Catalog, Steak Dinner, Freya Ridings, Reign, Bittersweet Home, Ranch Home, Candle Testing
Sketch 42, Butternut Risotto, Acoustic Chill, Practical Magic, Magazines, Clean-Up Break, Vase Refinishing
The Modern House, Zuppa Toscana, Birdsong, Age of Adaline, Made for Living, Digital Renderings, Garden Prep
Tuesday Bassen, Australian Meat Pie, Ella Fitzgerald, Ghosts, On Forgiveness, Non-Profit Graphics, Euphoric Cleaning
Hannah Cecil-Gurney, Chicken & Dumplings, How to Focus, Impressive Cookies, Joyful Cleaning, Merch Design, Coffee
amp.wata, Best Cookies Ever, 2020 Playlist, Gosford Park, Voting in America, Merch Design, Christmas Tree
JAA Collages, Buffalo Tacos, Viral Hits, Discovery, Lucille Clifton, Year-End Admin, So Many Things
Timothy Long, Coconut Cod, Verve Remixed 2, Dua Lipa Tiny Desk, Garden & Gun, Email Consults, Carmel Corn
Vaccines, Chicken Curry, Mellow Days, The Crown, 2021 Reno Trends, Ch-Ch-Changes, Office Refresh
NEWER ISSUES
OLDER ISSUES
CLJ Cottage Exterior, Chicken Chili, Melancholy Strings, Great British Bake Off, Key of Knowledge, Boats! And Stuff!, Artwork Tests
Loewe 2021, Peach Caprese, Who Is Jill Scott?, Cheyney McNight, The Heir Affair, Website Updates, Research
Sarah's Basement, Lettuce Wraps, Desole - Gorilaz, Taste The Nation, The Cooking Gene, Rambler Phase 2, Cabinet Organizer
The Nap Ministry, Chicken Tostadas, Superbloom, Baseball, Women Who Read, Rambler Final Touches, Mirror Frame Paint
ColorMix 2021, Sheet Pan Nachos, Melancholy Piano, Japanese Game Show, Field Guide, Ranch Home Blog, Outdoor Lighting
Brandon Maxwell, Corn Cod & Sage, Heaven, The Crown, Luster, Email Consults, Anxiety Cleaning
DNC Roll Call, Bob's Oatmeal, Vol De Nuit, Good Omens, Endless Offseason, Frictionless UX, Home Office
BHLDN Sizing, Carribean Bowl, Mozart, Fave Movies, Surge Capacity, Checkout Process, Piano Bench Paint
CB2 Tabletop, Dipped Apricots, Lou Reed, Tour de France, Nina Compton, Marine Design, Bedroom Updates
Cedric Smith, Farm Style Teriyaki, Fatoumata Diawara, Movies at Home, Culture Study, Marine Design, Piano
Mari Andrew, Cabbage & Kielbasa, Sylvan Esso, Tour de France, Backordered, Email Consultations, Pantry Jars
Heidi Caillier, Scones, Dave Matthews Band, Stump Solha, Designing History, Boats! And Stuff!, Patio Updates
NEWER ISSUES
Peter Braithwaite, Burgers, Hamilton, Gone In The Dark, Party of Two, Playroom, Writing
Cecile Davdovici, Sourdough Crackers, Future Nostalgia, Phryne & Crew, The Joy of It, Blogopalooza, Headboard to Pillow
Nancy Meyers, Collard Greens, Bach Cello, Motherland, The Art of the Draft, Blog, Soft of..., Embroidery
About Time, Tisanes & 'Ades, Piano Chill, Star Wars, Becoming, A-Frame Refresh, Painted Canvas
St. Louis Mid-Mod, Boil for 2, Petals for Armor, A New Dawn, Cookbooks, A-Frame Refresh, Pickles
Stoop Wedding, Parmesan Risotto, Paradise, The Great, Heaven and Earth, A-Frame Refresh, Embroidery
SpaceX Aesthetic, Apple Turnovers, Rainy Day Jazz, Crew Dragon Launch, The Power, A-Frame Refresh, Abstract Painting
Punk History, Civil Eats, Thirst Aid Kit, Black Experiences, Baratunde's Books, Brain & Body, Donations
Bisa Butler, Gateau au Yaourt, This Is How I Feel, Thomas Crown, Jasmine Guillory, Final A-Frame, Wallpaper
Nina Ramos Art, Texas Red Chili, Get Up Summer, Charade, Medina Grillo, California Rambler, Storage Closet
Mikel Welch, Crunchwrap Supreme, Piano Bar, House & Garden TV, Jubilee, California Rambler, Sugar Scrub Cubes
Fenty Beauty, To-Hot-To-Cook Board, Podcasts, ...In The Shadows, Short Stories, E-Books, Digital Time
OLDER ISSUES
NEWER ISSUES
Knot & Bow, Fancy Dinner, 60s Soundtracks, Alice Guy-Blache, Ultimate Gaslighting, Reno Round 2, Shoe Cabinet
Erin Heimstra, Oatmeal Cookies, Morning Mix, Monty Don, Material World, West-South Updates, Backdrops
Juju Just, Turkey Dinner, Birds of Prey, Picard, Too Everything, Warhol Portraits, Candles
Titus Kaphar, Enchiladas Verde, #Nature, The French Dispatch, Edna Lewis, Outdoor Decor, Woodworking
Studio McGee, Kent Mangoes, Zero 7, Derry Girls, Nature of Home, Fab Fringe, Sofa Pillows
Uniqlo SS20, Spicy Ramen, The Romantics, TCM, 2 Bossy Dames, Bits & Bobs, Linen Dress
Domino SP20, Pork Tacos, Ghen Co Vy, The Prisoner (1968), Magazines, Rental Renovation, So Much Soap
Batuu, Schnacks, Reply All, Darcy & Lizzie, Recommentunde, Rental Renovation, Lotion Bars
The New Normal: How to Stay at Home all the Time and Not Go Crazy; Ways to Help Others
#isolationcreation, Bread, Get Up, MCU, Its Grief, Storage Closets, Embroidery
Cirque du Soleil, Salt Fat Acid Heat, Past Perfect, Baseball, American Royals, SEO, Green Screen
Daniel Kanter, Weekend Brunch, My Analog Journal, Westworld, Elements of a Home, DIY Library, Face Masks
SS20 Couture, Moroccan Salmon, Upbeat Chill, The Elliots, Bridgerton, Fab Fringe, Shower Bars
NEWER ISSUES
Hello, I'm Mel, and I'm so glad you're here!
but, Before we get any further...
- My long-term INFJ life goals involve a small, secluded, modern mountain cottage with really good wi-fi for work, a cozy screened porch and a generously sized hot tub.
Someday, somewhere...
- Speaking of unfortunate sports affiliations, I was born a Nebraska College Football fan, and believe that every year can be a rebuilding year. On Saturdays in the Fall you will find me yelling at whatever B1G or SEC game happens to be on TV that day. Sports yelling is a particular joy.
I genuinely enjoy (watching) sports...
- I had the misfortune to fall madly in love with a Red Sox fan, and we've been married for over 20 years. Brian is the sounding board to all my crazy ideas, the person who makes me laugh the hardest in the world, and the reason I've seen Star Trek: The Motion Picture more than 10 times.
I married my college BFF...
- But I reached my truest form when I became an Auntie.
I don't have kids...
- These are the mechanisms I use to keep my mental health in line. I love a list.
I'm a maker & an organizer...
- Smart and snappy romance novels of all genres
- Fancy at-home dinners for absolutely no reason
- Using credit card miles to upgrade any travel experience
My Not-At-All-Guilty Pleasures...
- And equity. Please feel free to unfollow if you don't, or if you're not open to learning how do better along with me. No need to announce your departure.
I believe in science...
- I'm grew up in the West (Montana), but have lived in the South (Georgia & Florida) for a very long time, which means I now eat my chicken fingers with both ranch AND hot sauce.
I'm Western & Southern...
- Mostly exterior materials and specializing in mid-century & ranch homes. I used to design Yachts everyday, and still do sometimes. My goal with design is to help you make sense of it all, empower you to feel confident in your own decisions about your house, and to make the world feel just a little bit more pulled together.
I design houses...
Like my vibe? We should work together.
I create bespoke e-design experiences customized to you and your home's unique needs. Get answers to all your questions, see your home's potential and find the best sources, in one short week.
get started now →
Photo by Maria Orlova
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