Thoughts on Christmas cards + a surprise!
Also in here: an unexpectedly sparkly trip to Target
On Friday night my friend Cynthia and I threw a candle exchange party! (My sister Lizzy gave me the idea.) Everyone dressed up and squished into Cynthia’s beautiful bungalow, it was so fun. And of course, I got almost zero photos, which is my tell: If I’m having fun, I forget to take pictures! Cynthia brought this pink candle that smelled exactly like a rose garden, and I brought an Anthro classic, night gardenia. We might have just started a new tradition!
today’s bouquet
Surprise! Everything in the Handpicked Print Shop is 50% off for the rest of the year! Digital downloads you can print anywhere. Have fun with them! And please show me how you use yours
Movie rec: NYAD. I’d never heard of Diana Nyad or her Cuba-to-Florida swim, but I can’t stop thinking about her and this excellent film. New favorite sports movie. (via Grace Atwood)
Podcast rec: Malcolm Gladwell’s six-part series on guns. Changed me.
Remembering one of my heros, Sandra Day O’Connor. Her childhood home, the Lazy B Ranch, is still a working cattle operation run by my badass Aunt Kristen in rural Arizona. I’ve shared lots of my favorite photos of my kids there.
Kelly Clarkson could sing a nutrition label and I’d like it. Her cover of 500 Miles can’t be topped. (via Nate)
Next year, I’m getting everyone a pack of face cards with their face on them. (via Courtney)
Love it when you guys send me stuff. Amy found this pretty daisy mug!
Lunchbox fruit: transformed.
Was feeling very razzle dazzle at Target this week, got this top and sparkly boots and then settled down with a sensible skirt + cardigan set.
This will be the cover of my memoir
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot—it’s all there.”
– Maya Angelou
happy holiday
Do you send holiday cards? I’ve loved Christmas cards since I was a child, especially, tbh, as a boy-crazy teenager perusing for cute sons of my parents’ friends and colleagues. Our 2023 cards are officially in the mail (*pats own back*). This year I included a mini annual update, which I haven’t done for a while; it felt silly when I had already shared everything on my Instagram. Even though it’s been six months since I left Instagram, I’m feeling a little shaky about what to share and with whom. Still figuring that one out – maybe it doesn’t even matter?
Some of my favorite Christmas card designs: letterpress, holly, colorful borders, clean lines, peace. Next week I’ll share ours! We used this design from VistaPrint.
Cute gift for a friend group or bunch of cousins: a puzzle with everyone on it.
Gingerbread treats from 11 different countries. Mom wants to try Swiss gingerbread cake. (via Mom)
Our Christmas ornament tradition: We use a simple formula of one ornament per person per year. Here are some of my favorites on our tree.
kodak moment
Photographer’s tip: if you’re on the fence about dressing up or down for family pictures, dress up. Diana’s romantic dress brought femininity and personality to their photos. It would have been a whole different vibe if she had worn jeans.
Southern CA readers, it’s not too late for family pictures! Message me alex@alexsteele.co for dates and pricing.
three gifts
One favorite from each gift guide.
Guys: a sweatshirt you can borrow from him
Kids: a sign with their name on it (and permission to color it however they want)
Ourselves: tiny beautiful signet ring
*Don’t forget your free $40!
last thing
Most clicked link from last week: new milk
Readers today: 1,378
Happy birthday to my big little brother!
“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other—above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.”
– Albert Einstein
NYAD was SO GOOD!
I saw that top at Target and literally said out loud, “I wish I had somewhere to wear that!” But like, I do?? It’s called, Earth?? And now I want to go buy it 🥰 Also your baby brother as show and tell 🥹🫠