Love through Turmoil
February Mood Board, Motherhood Photo Sessions & Butterfly Notes
“If you really think about it, if we begin to teach history exactly the way that it happened―good, bad, ugly, no matter what. I believe that we’re going to find that we are closer, more connected than we are apart.” - Ruby Bridges
Hi Dear Readers,
Whew! Made it through the longest January of my life…you? (If you’re reading this, WE DID IT TOGETHER!)
For the past month, I have been uninspired and frozen…both literally and figuratively. Amid the relentless flood of daily news—more like a never-ending storm—the discord is overwhelming. It is a constant barrage; a stripping away of everything I believed made this country exceptional. I’m just now thawing out, reaching for a mindset of perseverance. I was born a stubborn girl, and the older I get, the more determined I am to remain steadfast in finding light through these dark days.
Today’s note is titled “Love through Turmoil” I want to let you know that even with the unbearable sadness of the state of our world right now, I want to offer love (after all, it is FINALLY FEBRUARY!) and a few moments of distraction from doom-scrolling.
The first order of business is to announce my annual Motherhood Sessions!
This year I am doing things a little differently. Instead of offering back-to-back petite sessions, I am now offering these petite sessions year-round and with some added perks. See all the details below:
Please note that these are specifically Motherhood Sessions to celebrate mamas with their children. A fabulous gift idea for birthdays or Mother’s Day in my humble opinion!
I am also booking full family photo & film sessions for Spring and Summer. Details including pricing are available on my website. I can’t wait to create with you!
And now onto the fourteenth Chapter of B.U.T.T.E.R.F.L.Y. Notes. A roundup of little notes I’ve made throughout the month.
🛍️ Buying & Eyeing
1) Lou Helium Heart Necklace - this gorgeous necklace comes in silver and gold. I especially love the bold chain.
2) Noel Green Enamel Shimmer Ring - also from Gorjana, this is a beautiful statement ring with the perfect shade of green and pops of shimmer (my favorite color as of late).
3) Pavé Triple Ear Cuff, Gold- this would be a splurge. I saw a woman wear this it was beautiful on her!
4) Celestial Pave Ear Cuff - a more affordable alternative to #3.
5) Satin Kajal Liner in Olive - a beautiful forest green eyeliner for something unique and fun to play with for makeup lovers.
6) Adidas Samba OG leather sneakers - love this color combo of Sambas! I plan on adding them to my collection soon.
💡 Useful Idea
The 70% rule: If you’re roughly 70% happy with a piece of writing you’ve produced, you should publish it. If you’re 70% satisfied with a product you’ve created, launch it. If you’re 70% sure a decision is the right one, implement it. And if you’re 70% confident you’ve got what it takes to do something that might make a positive difference to the increasingly alarming era we seem to inhabit? Go ahead and do that thing. (Please!) - Oliver Burkeman
📺 To Watch
My Old Ass
This was one of those movies I randomly chose to watch while folding laundry one day. I went into it knowing nothing; I haphazardly watched the trailer earlier that week and gave it no thought. It turned out to be one that I genuinely loved. It feels like a 90s movie - short, entertaining, and charming. I was crying by the end because of how sweet the message was. 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting to feel something good!
📚 To Read
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
“Broken things are beautiful. More beautiful in the end than perfect things, which are usually an illusion of some sort.”
I read that this book was “Daisy Jones and the Six” meets “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” somewhere on the internet and picked it up to read immediately. I think that description is quite accurate and I’m currently breezing through this intriguing and heartfelt story. Each chapter is written from a different character’s perspective. It is a beautiful story of love & forgiveness. I’ve fallen in love with all of the characters and the lessons they teach each other.
🦉 Educate Me
Ruby Bridges
February is Black History Month and I want to celebrate an American civil rights activist, Ruby Bridges. I learned about her last year through my son’s elementary school as they honored her in a “Walk to School Day”. History, whether it is a hard reality or a shining pivotal moment is a vital part of learning who we are as a culture. On November 14, 1960, at the age of six, Ruby became the first Black child to attend an all-white primary school in Louisiana. Upon attending the once all-white school for the first time, Bridges not only faced blatant discrimination but was also the only student in her class. She never missed a day of school that year and continued to attend amidst the constant prejudice and racism she faced. Whether she was aware of it or not, Ruby’s bravery became a blueprint for Black Americans. I am in awe of her story and the work she has continued to do into her 70 years here on earth. “She has remained a vocal advocate for anti-racism and encourages kids to make meaningful connections with peers of all races,” writes Steve Rose of the Guardian.
🎤 Recommended
Nate Bargatze World Tour
A few weeks ago I took a short trip to Las Vegas with my siblings and friends to see Nate Bargatze perform his comedy show at the Wynn. This is a necessary show for anyone and everyone who needs to laugh. It truly felt like medicine. 11/10 recommend.
🪻 Fresh take
🎧 Listening to
Raye
The winner of this year’s Best New Artist Grammy went to this insanely talented, twenty-seven-year-old, British singer-songwriter, Rachel Agatha Keen (aka Raye). I had heard her hit, “Escapism” a couple of years ago, but was completely taken away by her incredible voice and performance at the Grammys this year. I’ve been listening to her album, My 21st Century Blues, on repeat ever since.
💄 Yes, Please!
The Red Lipstick Movement
Check out the red lip I’m thinking about rockin’ here.
Thank you so much for being here! I’ll see you all next time!
Flutter On,
Sara
I need to check out My Old Ass!
My Old ass was the best movie I watched last year. It stuck with me.