The Heirloom Edit №2

July's collection of sunlit comforts, gentle reflections, and lingering joys.

Dear Reader,

How is it that I’m already sitting down to write this letter again when it feels like I just pressed send on the first one? June went by in a blink. Time just seems to move differently in the summer, doesn’t it? Somehow we race through May, checking off lists and accomplishing an insane number of tasks, but then June arrives, and suddenly it’s gone… and I’ve only managed to pressure wash half the patio.

I also had grand plans for June to publish here weekly. But I’m realizing that the kind of posts I want to share take time to craft. Rather than churning out quick content, I want each piece to feel thoughtful and intentional. With that in mind, I wanted to check in with you: what would you like to see here? I’ve created a quick little questionnaire, and I’d be so grateful if you took a moment to fill it out, just to make sure we’re aligned!

In June, I wrote about the Camp. Fitting, since that’s where we spent most of our time this past month. While it’s a beloved and storied property in Mack’s family, it’s also a complicated place due to longstanding rifts. We’ve spent time this month trying to mend those fractures internally, neatening, decluttering, and focusing on making new memories there — just the five of us and our chosen family of close-knit friends. Time will be the best healer, and I feel like we’re finally well set up for that now.

This reflection has me thinking about the houses that built me, the places that shaped who I am today. It’s not a new concept for me, but instead of focusing on the homes I live in now, I’ve been revisiting the ones from my past: the rooms, corners, and views that formed my earliest memories and inspire not just my decor, but my fiction writing.

I’ll be sharing more about these spaces in my next piece. I hope it will invite you to reflect on the places that built you, too. Keep an eye out for it soon!

May these summer weeks bring you quiet moments to remember where you came from and dream about where you’re going next.

Warmly,
Nina

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Happy Hydrangea Season to all who celebrate!

After last year’s show-stopping blooms, I worried this season might be a bit of a dud. But despite missing part of my early-season fertilizing routine, the blooms are just as beautiful this year, and even a couple of weeks early! I think they’ve really loved all the cooler temperatures and rain here in New Hampshire. Hey, at least someone is happy about it.

I’ve been filling in more of our back garden with a colorful mix of cottage garden flowers—and by colorful, I mean within my preferred pastel palette of pale pink, blue, and purple. I know from experience that gardening is a “sleep, creep, then leap” process. So I just keep adding as much as I can whenever I can, hoping that one day it will all feel lush and full.

I make mistakes sometimes and don’t love the way things look, but I’ve learned it’s better to plant and move things later than to wait around for the perfect plan. Although I try to read and research, I still have no real idea what I’m doing until I do it, so I’m never going to come up with the perfect plan! Gardening, like so much in life, is really just trial and error.

For now, I’m going to start snipping some beautiful hydrangea blooms to enjoy inside while leaving enough to still make the landscape colorful. Oh, happy days.

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If you enjoyed this peek into what’s inspiring me lately, please tap the ♡ or leave a note below. Your thoughts always make this space feel more like a conversation!

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Here’s a little collection of things I’m loving this month! Some of the links in this section may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only ever share things I truly love and would include in my own home or routines. Thank you for supporting my work in this small but meaningful way!

Camp Chappy Blanket (ChappyWrap Camp Collection)

The perfect fireside companion, this “Camp Chappy” blanket channels classic Pendleton vibes with its cozy weight and timeless stripes. Ideal for wrapping around your shoulders under the stars or laying across an Adirondack to soften the evening chill.
Shop here ➝

Mini Solo Stove S’mores Bowl

Bringing the magic of campfire nights to your tabletop, this mini Solo Stove creates just enough flame for toasting marshmallows without the hassle of building a full fire. Perfect for patios, porches, or cozy evenings indoors.
Shop here ➝

Literie “Mornings at the Lake House” Candle

Smells like waking up to mist over the water and brewing coffee before the world stirs: fresh, nostalgic, and quietly grounding.
Shop here ➝

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

The perfect beach or fireside read. A luminous novel about love, loss, and building a life worth living. It brought me to tears in the best possible way.
Shop here ➝

Adirondack Chair with Cup & Wine Holders + Ottoman

The ultimate fireside seat. This Adirondack chair is surprisingly budget-friendly, includes cup and wine glass holders, and comes with an ottoman for putting your feet up by the flames.
Shop here ➝

Pastel Extendable S’mores Sticks

Because everyone needs their own s’mores stick – and these come in charming muted pastels, making them both pretty and practical for toasting marshmallows by the fire.
Shop here ➝

If this letter brought a moment of pause or a bit of joy, I’d be so grateful if you tapped the heart or shared a note in the comments. Do you have a favorite rose, a beloved period drama, or a perfectly fringed piece tucked into your home? I’d love to hear what’s inspiring you lately! You can also find more over on Instagram.

Here’s to summer nights by the fire, simple pleasures shared, and memories made under the stars.