A restful March, spring apartment updates & antiquing in Litchfield

along with a wonderful celebrity encounter and the freedom of giving things away

Hi! I hope you had a restorative weekend. Welcome to Dream Sequence, where I share inspiration for a simple, intentional life, vintage treasures, interiors, and ideas for building a home that feels like a haven of comfort - along with life in my own tiny space in the West Village of NYC.

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Every March, I have Mary Oliver’s Worm Moon on my mind - “but tonight even the men who walked upon the moon are lying content by open windows… because it is spring”. How beautiful?

This month, I’ve been making an effort to do less spending and more donating. I’ll usually bring a bag of clothing, shoes, or home items to Housingworks down the block. Why does it always feel so much better to give things away, than it does to buy? It’s freeing.

After donating, my apartment always feels extra clean - and I’ve still been loving my Maker candle.

I also had an exciting (to me) apartment update where I swapped my sheer white curtains in the living room to a heavy espresso-colored velvet. A dark curtain can make such a big impact; it makes the living room ridiculously cozy. I forgot to take a photo, but promise I will soon!

In early March, I traveled to Deer Valley for a ski trip with some girlfriends. In town, we came across a magical store called Tanner Trading. They’ve been sharing Native American made fine jewelry and art for five generations, and place great emphasis on the talent and creativity of the artisans. I rarely buy jewelry (I wear the same simple gold pieces everyday) but I came home with two beautiful turquoise rings - instant heirlooms. If you’re ever in Park City, keep them in mind for your own special turquoise piece.

I also spent some time in the countryside of Litchfield County, CT - a beautiful area for antiquing, farm to table meals, and historic homes. On the itinerary: dinner at Lost Fox Inn, coffee and pastries at Arethusa a Mano, brunch in the garden room at the Mayflower Inn, and stops at Jeffrey Tillou Antiques, Privet House, and The Hunt for vintage shopping.

Besides traveling to Utah and Litchfield this month, I enjoyed lots of quiet time with my family at my parent’s home. We took daily walks to the pond to watch the ducks, and in the evening watched a show or read by the fireplace. The last of indoor fire season, before we transition to bonfire season (so much to look forward to!)

My friend Alex stayed at my apartment when I was gone, and I came back to flowers, dark chocolate and the most thoughtful note from him.

I love knowing friends are enjoying the comforts of the home I’ve spent so much time and energy creating.

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An interior photo that inspired me this month, via pretty in the pines.

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Currently Loving

This chicken bone broth is so comforting and delicious.

Season 2 of 1923 is finally out. I love a Western; and this Yellowstone prequel is captivating. I think it’s fascinating to see the harsh reality of life then, but also the beauty of it. The early settlers were strong, determined, romantic - they had the fortitude to make it through the harshest conditions, with deep gratitude for the everyday. It makes me feel like the conveniences of modern life are detrimental to our health and happiness, and also like I want to run away to Montana.

On a spring morning, there’s nothing like an iced coffee in the sunshine on the back porch of my parent’s house. I’ve been loving this one with milk & cinnamon.

I just started Liane Moriarty’s newest book - the concept: if you knew when you were going to die, what would you do differently? I’ll let you know how I liked it in April’s letter.

I’m on a The Mamas & The Papas kick lately. I love their harmonies, and their album covers are fantastic. Cass’s voice on Dream a Little Dream of Me is angelic. Also this performance (the banana eating was to protest being made to lip-sync on live air)!

These scented bookmarks I picked up at Hickory Stick bookshop in Washington, CT are perfect for spring.

Hyacinth on my desk.

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Dream Sequence Finds

Solid vintage brass sconce.

Antique silver tray - a light polish and it would be perfect for keeping essentials or perfume on top of a dresser.

Vintage Christofle silverplate chamberstick with shell handle.

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I have a really wonderful story to tell, want to hear it?

I’m never one to approach a celebrity - we’re all just humans going about our days, trying to enjoy our meals, etc. But this time was different.

A few weeks ago, I was having dinner with my girlfriends in a West Village restaurant when we noticed Anderson Cooper sitting at a table across from us. I took notice of this because my mom adores him, for a very important reason.

Anderson has a grief podcast called All There Is, which he started after experiencing the loss of his brother, father and mother. He’s created a space for people to share their grief and discuss how we live on after experiencing life-altering losses. After losing my younger brother in 2020, these kinds of discussions became very meaningful to my family.

So I quietly walked over to his table and said, “I’m really sorry to interrupt, but I want to let you know that your podcast has helped my mom get through the loss of my brother, and you make her feel like she’s not alone. Thank you for the work you’re doing on grief, it’s so important.”

At least I think that’s what I said! I kind of blacked out.

I could see the understanding in his eyes as he held out his hand and said, “That means so much to me, thank you. What was your brother’s name?”

“Jake,” I said. “He was 25.”

I felt my voice wavering - there are never sufficient words to summarize an entire life lost.

I said simply, “He was the best.”

He asked some more questions about Jake, and offered the kindest condolences. We went back to our separate dinners. A few hours later, he was leaving - and my girlfriends told me he was approaching our table. I felt his hand on my shoulder, he leaned over and said “Carly, I’m so sorry again for the loss of your brother. Please tell your mom I said hello, and thank you.”

It was a special interaction that left me feeling so good. And of course, when I called my mom to tell her, she was overcome with emotion. It’s these moments of sheer humanity that make life feel so wonderful sometimes.

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What’s inspiring you lately? What changes are you making around your home to get ready for spring? I’d love to hear from you.

To morning sun and new beginnings,

Carly

p.s. this note resonated with people so much! I feel like everyone is collectively growing tired of Instagram reels, overconsumption and wasting precious time on screens. a hopeful sign in the most hopeful season.