Hi all, and to the several new subscribers here — welcome!
While the primary focus of this newsletter is interior design, I’ve always tried to share the reality of what happens when you’re just living. The online world does a great job of displaying highlight reels, but it often fails to acknowledge the hard things that are thrown our way in the thick of it.
Today, that feels especially true as I balance my love for design while recovering from a major surgery and witnessing the current events unfolding here in my Minnesota community.
With that, if you’re just interested in the links, below is my updated list of what’s actually worth buying. You can browse A to Z home finds, interior design trends, and even shop my own home.
Endometriosis
When I mention this condition to a man, most look at me quizzically. When I mention this condition to a woman, most nod but still don’t fully understand what I’m referring to.
The reason I’ve been MIA is that a little over two weeks ago, I underwent my second surgery in less than a year to address this condition, which I was diagnosed with last year. While I won’t bore you with the details, I do want to highlight a few facts in hopes of bringing awareness.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet it takes an average of 8 years to get diagnosed. Despite groundbreaking medical advances (like the recent news of a successful eye transplant), the only way to confirm whether you have endometriosis is through surgery. Yes, surgery. Additionally, the exact cause remains unknown, and there is no cure.
For me personally, this condition has caused me debilitating fatigue, persistent brain fog, gaslighting from former friends and colleagues, and numerous social events that I’ve missed. On one hand, I am so grateful to have a doctor who has always advocated for me and has never dismissed my symptoms. On the other hand, it’s maddening to learn how little is known about this condition, considering the lack of funding available.
If you’d like to learn more or even donate, please check out the Endometriosis Foundation of America. And if you, or someone you know, is struggling with this condition, please have them reach out to me, as endometriosis can be extremely isolating.
Minnesota
Some of you will see this and immediately unsubscribe because you feel like I’m being “political.”
But for me, this isn’t about politics or who you voted for. For me, this is about humanity in its truest and most essential state.
By now, most of you know about Operation Metro Surge and have heard about the tragic losses of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Or maybe you saw the photo of Liam Ramos, the 5-year-old boy wearing a blue bunny-eared hat, who was detained by ICE along with his father.
FYI — Liam and his father have now been released and are back in Minnesota.
I can no longer remain quiet, especially given the privilege I have.
The events here in Minnesota are hitting us all differently, but the impact is inescapable. Two weeks ago, one of my closest friends was sprayed with tear gas, hurt, and traumatized, simply for being a legal observer. My husband is now working from home, as his company has instructed all employees to do so until they feel safe enough to return to the office. Outside my own home, I hear helicopters throughout the day. And several small businesses are facing the grim fact that they may have to shutter their doors for good.
While I am horrified, devastated, and frustrated, I’ve never been more proud to call Minnesota home. Our weather may not always be ideal, and yes, we may have funny accents, but when it comes to standing up for one another, we show up. And that, my friends, is community.
If you’re looking for ways to support Minnesota, please check out this link.
If you’re still with me and haven’t unsubscribed, thank you.
Next week I’ll be back to design, rambling about kitchen and bathroom faucets. I’ll cover the most common mistakes and forgotten factors, as well as a roundup of my favorite faucets to date.
As always, thank you for being here. If you’ve enjoyed reading this post and want to show your support for my work:
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In the meantime, choose kindness, say “hi” to strangers, be goofy, and hug your loved ones.
Until next time, friends. Cheers! — Alyssa
Whew, like we aren't going through enough here in Minnesota you go and add surgery to your list. I'm so sorry - sending strength and healing thoughts your way.
Thanks for sharing your real life experience and reminding us all that life is more than the curated versions we see online. Sending good vibes your way! Also I can't wait to hear about faucets bc they come up in our house often lol