September Newsletter

NOTE FROM KI

A SUMMER OF LAUGHTER, LOVE AND LETTING GO. There are still a few weeks left to savor what has been a summer full of the ordinary, the exciting and the truly memorable. I tackled long-overdue projects (culling photos from my overloaded Dropbox) and giggled my way through lessons (beginner tennis alongside my 10-year-old granddaughter). For the 10th time, I celebrated 4th of July fireworks and concert with old neighborhood friends at the Hollywood Bowl. (Earth, Wind & Fire was ridiculously fun!) 

There were personal changes — I grew out my hair, purchased my first pair of wide-leg barrel jeans and stuck with the three-times-a-week strength training workouts, pushing myself a little harder each session.

One of the most meaningful parts of my summer was traveling to Florida to spend time — the last —  with my younger sister, Karla, before she died from Alzheimer’s. (If you ever attended my Junk Bonanza event, you may remember her as the always-cheerful, always helpful greeter.) A dear friend shared a quote that clings to my memory:

“Death gives life meaning. It’s the fact that we can lose what we have that makes it sacred and precious and wonderful. …You can choose to cut yourself off to buffer the sense of loss, or you can have an incredible life and mourn wildly when it’s over.”

I choose the latter.

And because summer isn’t over…Tuscany, here I come!

Cheers to the summer of 2025 and to all things vintage.

Ki

A GREAT ESCAPE. A talent for unearthing unexpected treasure in junkyards and secondhand markets led a designer and collector to rescue a ramshackle cottage and transform it into an inviting country retreat. Read More.

GEAR UP FOR A VINTAGE PICNIC. Ride off to a quiet spot for a picnic under a leafy canopy. By bike (our preferred mode of transportation) or car, this outing is a true breath of fresh air! Read More.

LOOKING FOR THE LIGHTER SIDE. When I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the news of the day I seek relief by visiting my favorite Instagram pages and posts.

@georgelewiscom Chuckles about parenting, pets and everyday.

@justbeingmelani Laughs about midlife, motherhood and real life.

@sbmowing Can't get enough before, after and happy endings.

@calebrownnnnn Love watching this man dance.

@ageingdisgracefully_ Inspiration for staying fit.

@igoldford Music to my ears.

BOOKS TO BANDANAS. Timeless designs inspired by vintage book illustrations are what transform each Heading Prints bandana into wearable works of art. See how this Maine company has translated the magic and elegance of antique volumes to fabric accessories here.