May Musings
What I loved, noticed, and carried with me
It’s already June, and I’m still lingering over my notes from May.
Something I like to do is scroll through my month look at all the photos I took, the screenshots I saved, the quotes that caught my attention. I love looking through where I went, who I spent time with, the little things I noticed, and the purchases that found their way into my everyday life.
I like remembering what I reached for again and again: the books I read, the show I’ve been enjoying in the evenings, the perfume I couldn’t stop wearing, and the makeup products that became part of my everyday routine. I love revisiting the outfits I wore most, the flowers I brought home, and the little treasures I thrifted along the way.
There’s something comforting about gathering the fragments of an ordinary month and realizing how much beauty was tucked inside of it. The older I get, the more I cherish these small collections of memories—the moments, objects, words, and experiences that shaped the rhythm of a season.
So before June carries me too far forward, here are a few notes from May.
My most-worn shoes this month were my Tkees flip-flops and these strappy sandals that seem to go with everything. But my favorite find has to be a thrifted pair of Tevas. Oh my goodness—they are the most comfortable shoes for hiking my local trails. I’ve reached for them again and again and can’t believe I waited this long to try a pair. Safe to say, I’m a fan.
My favorite flower arrangement this month was made from magnolias gathered from the tree in my front yard. Their fragrance filled our home—a creamy, lemony scent with soft notes of citrus blossom, vanilla, and warm honey that greeted you as soon as you stepped through the door.
The Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans from Reformation remain my favorite pair of denim. I love their slightly baggy silhouette, which feels relaxed without looking sloppy, and they're surprisingly stretchy and comfortable. They're the kind of jeans I can wear all day and never think twice about.
My favorite Cotton Gwendolyn Sweater in Butter I wore it too many times this month. It’s beautiful and a perfect summer sweater to own.
I love a good pointelle top. I have a pointelle tank from Aritzia that I reach for constantly throughout the summer, and my most recent purchase was the Pointelle Slim Fit Tee from Leset.
There’s something so sweet and simple about a pointelle top paired with a favorite skirt or a comfortable pair of jeans. Since I’m always on the lookout for beautiful basics, I rounded up a few of my favorite pointelle pieces for you below.
I've been wearing Westman Atelier's Chocolate Terracotta Mascara. I love the thick brush and the beautiful results it gives, making it perfect for everyday wear. If you're in the market for a brown mascara, I think you'll love this one.
Ilia's tinted moisturizer with SPF 40 -shade Paloma has been a staple in my makeup bag for years. It's my go-to base product and the one item I reach for almost every single day. I love how creamy and lightweight it feels on the skin.
RMS - Blush in French Rose - The most prettiest fresh naturally rosy, sun-kissed flush in my opinion perfect shade for summer.
Speaking of RMS, my newest makeup obsession is this Revitalize Hydra Concealer I've been so impressed with it. perfect match for my skin, and the coverage is just right for brightening under my eyes while still looking natural.
My makeup routine wouldn't feel complete without Merit Brow Gel. It's one of those tried-and-true products that I never seem to run out of because I immediately replace it.
I've been wearing 003 almost daily lately. It's fresh and zesty, thanks to the yuzu and vetiver, with a brightness that feels like sunshine filtering through open windows. Light, crisp, and easy to wear. I purchased mine in Paris.
The UNDO Hairware No. 4 Claw Clip has become an everyday essential for me. I can honestly say I wear one almost every single day. I have one in black and dusty blue. This color is very pretty too. I promise its worth every dollar, very well made in Italy.
I love my crown affair waffel hair towel. I've been using it for quite some time now, and it's become one of those little luxuries I wouldn't want to be without.
ÂN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Tint in Berry Crumble is divine. the applicator is cool to the touch and simply feels incredible on my lips! new favorite lippy.
This gorgeous Scallop Twist Cord Necklace by Chan Luu caught my eye at a local jewelery store, it’s stunning! On my summer wish list.
Lately, I’ve been completely enamored with the armchair covers from Bemz, particularly the Atelier Fit in Simply Linen Mineral Blue. Bemz creates the most beautiful slipcovers and fabrics for IKEA furniture, and every image feels like a page torn from a European interiors magazine.
I don’t actually own an Ektorp chair, but I do have two vintage armchairs with very similar proportions that I’ve been meaning to reupholster for quite some time. The project has lingered on my to-do list, and I’m beginning to think that draping them in this linen might be the perfect solution.
Truthfully, their product description alone sold me. Sometimes a beautiful story is just as persuasive as a beautiful fabric.
I added a few original watercolor paintings to my Etsy shop . one-of-a-kind beautiful vintage pieces with pretty matting. I also added some clothes and books to my Depop shop. Take a look here.
I also came across some wonderful vintage finds along the way. A fluted silver vase that I’ve styling with foraged blooms from my trail walk. Similar one spotted here. I also found a neoclassical lamp for our entryway. It’s lovely in every way and feels as though it was always meant to be there. Spotted this gorgeous one here.
My favorite find, however, was a signed lithograph by YRJÖ EDELMANN. You can see his original works sold on auction. I first spotted it a few months ago at a local vintage consignment store in Rancho Santa Fe and couldn’t stop thinking about it. At the time, it felt a little too expensive, so I left it behind and told myself that if it was still there when I returned, it was meant to be.
Well, it was.
When I went back over Memorial Day weekend, the sweet older woman who volunteers at the shop offered me a wonderful discount, and I happily brought it home. The print depicts a bowl of fruit fashioned entirely from paper—a simple concept, yet endlessly intriguing. There is something whimsical, thoughtful, and slightly surreal about it that I absolutely love. Honestly, it feels like my entire personality captured in a piece of art.
It now rests by my entryway alongside a stack of beloved books, greeting me each time I walk through the door.
I came across this quote in a garden book I recently brought home:
“All bliss consists in this, to do as Adam did.”
The more I sit with it, the more I think Traherne was speaking about wonder. Adam walked through the garden seeing everything as a gift. Nothing was ordinary because everything was new. A flower, a tree, a bird, a stream—all of it was enough.
All true joy is found in looking at the world with wonder, gratitude, innocence, and delight—seeing creation as a gift from God.
Perhaps bliss is not found in having more, but in seeing more. In noticing. In receiving the world with gratitude. In remembering that beauty has been around us all along.
P.S. I've been binging Poldark lately and absolutely loving it. Between the dramatic Cornish landscapes and the sweet romance between Demelza and Ross, I'm completely hooked. There's something so comforting about settling into a good period drama, especially one with characters you can't help but root for.
Thank you for being here.
Xx,
Olga