A cloud-shaped disco ball, the Sargent siblings at the Met, and chocolates perfect for Valentine's Day

Plus, the bath pillow that transformed our shallow tub

I’ve just closed up the house for the night, a ritual that always makes me think of and feel close to my father - who never failed to make this nightly tour when I was a kid. As I turned off the last lamp in the living room, I was surprised by the eerie blue light of the almost-full moon reflected on the snow outside.

I find a certain reassurance in the rhythms of adulthood, of parenthood, of the moon, of simple things like the pleasure of watching a movie on a Saturday night. Alex and I enjoyed The Rip on Netflix tonight - we both love an action movie - and while the plot is a bit of a hot mess, I was reassured by the enduring fun that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have together.

A. I really want to go see the Emily Sargent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum - I didn’t realize that John Singer Sargent and Emily Sargent were siblings - the show includes paintings by their mother, too. There is something very charming and, yes, reassuring, about the paintings of the family being reunited 100 years after John Singer Sargent’s death.

B. A friend texted me a photo of this Lego tree her son had built, and I put it on my wishlist.

C. I’m a cloud lover, and this cloud disco ball is pretty great.

D. I bought one of these Camp Snap digital cameras on Poshmark. It’s a digital camera with no screen, so it’s allowed at some sleepaway camps that forbid electronics. In my attempt to be on my phone less, I realized that I’ve been taking fewer photos overall - maybe I can find a happy medium.

E. This pretty floral top is a keeper. I don’t love the elastic cuffs, but the fit and fabric are excellent.

F. This J. Crew Sweater is part of their Olympics collection - I can’t wait for it to arrive.

G. These chocolates from new-to-me brand Bon Bon Bon would make a very nice Valentine’s Day gift for someone!

H. This bath pillow is pricey but spectacular - I gave it to a bath-loving family member at Christmas, and it has transformed bathing in our shallow 1990s era tub into a truly wonderful experience.

January 29th 5:30 pm - The days are getting longer!

It’s been a true joy to share slices of my life with you over the past year, along with the useful or beautiful things I’ve seen or used each week. This newsletter has been a Substack bestseller for over a year now, and I’m so grateful. I’m offering an anniversary subscription discount and a small bonus: if you become a paid subscriber this month, I’ll send a piece of design history to your mailbox. I have collected vintage postcards for years—I can never resist them—and I would love to send a hand-written one to you as a thank you.

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I include a few bonus finds here each week for paid subscribers as a small token of appreciation for making this newsletter possible.