Things I'm Loving Lately Volume 7.0
Spring Favorites: From Dutch Tulips to Ethical Fashion Dilemmas
A little joy, a lot of opinions, and at least one wildly specific obsession.
Welcome back to another edition of Things I’m Loving Lately—a curated (but not over-curated) list of what’s been bringing me joy, keeping me inspired, or just making me feel more like myself.
Sometimes it’s a product. Sometimes it’s a moment. Sometimes it’s a capybara. Either way, I’m glad you’re here.
PS: Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no cost to you. I only share things I genuinely use and love.
⭐ Kiley’s Pick of the Week
If you only check out one thing from this list, make it this.
Holland Scents - Tulips by the Sea
Why I’m obsessed: I've found my holy grail candle. Tulips by the Sea has dethroned the reigning champion in my collection, the widely beloved Capri Blue Volcano, and that's saying something. The fragrance is absolutely transportive; each time I light it, my entire space transforms.
If my budget (and storage space) allowed, I'd stockpile these by the dozen. Instead, I've limited myself to buying 2-3 at a time since they frequently sell out. The scent has universal appeal; everyone who visits comments on how incredible my home smells.
My sincere advice: if you see this in stock on their website, don't hesitate. Add it to your cart immediately. These gems disappear quickly, and for good reason. (And no, I do not earn a penny from recommending this candle. I’m just obsessed).
🛍 Something I Bought (and Loved)
Charlotte Stone Lenu Kortman Shoes
Where to find it: Charlotte Stone
Quick take: These Charlotte Stone Lenu Kortman mules have me completely smitten! They're giving major Carrie Bradshaw energy (think those unforgettable mismatched Louboutins from Sex and the City), but with a crucial upgrade: cushioned insoles that make them actually wearable for more than just cab-to-curb outings.
The playful color blocking is an instant mood lifter. I can't count how many times strangers have stopped me to ask about them. Whether I'm styling them with casual denim or dressing up for an occasion, these mules instantly elevate any look with a touch of sophisticated whimsy. Did I mention I’m obsessed with them? Because I am.
🎧 Something I’m Listening To
A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
Why it’s on repeat: "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey has become my ultimate mood-lifting anthem whenever stress or sadness creeps in. Though I'm late to discovering this 2024 hit, its perfect blend of country acoustics and hip-hop nostalgia creates an irresistible vibe that instantly transports me to that Friday night feeling of leaving worries behind. What makes this song special is how it celebrates everyday joys and creates a sense of community through its infectious chorus and gang vocals. It reminds me to take necessary breaks from life's pressures and find reasons to celebrate with friends. Despite only recently adding it to my Spotify playlist, it bridges my diverse musical tastes perfectly, serving as both a pick-me-up and a celebration song that keeps me coming back for more.
📚 Something That Stuck With Me
The Mother My Husband Knew by me (Kiley Reynolds)
What it’s about: What if the person who knows me best today could meet the person who made me who I am? In this blend of memoir and speculative fiction, I explore a question born from my EMDR therapy sessions: What if my husband Chris could somehow step into my childhood memories and speak with my mother, who passed away from cancer when I was just ten years old?
Through the impossible doorway of memory, Chris becomes the bridge between my past and present, able to ask the questions I've carried for decades. This isn't just a story about grief. It's an exploration of how my mother's love continues to echo long after she's gone, and how healing can come from the most unexpected places. It's a testament to resilience and a reminder that sometimes, the most profound healing happens when we dare to reimagine what's possible.
Why it matters: Writing this book has been deeply healing in my journey to process this traumatic loss, but my purpose extends beyond my own healing. I want to share the transformative power of EMDR therapy with others who might be struggling. While my story weaves fiction with memoir, the therapy that inspired it is very real—and its benefits have been life-changing for me.
I'm not a medical professional, but I hope my narrative opens meaningful conversations about both breast cancer awareness and mental health treatment options.
As this project develops, I'll be creating a landing page for those interested in pre-ordering the book. Stay tuned for updates. Your support means everything as I bring this deeply personal story into the world.
Begin Your Journey
If you're new to "The Mother My Husband Knew," I invite you to start with Chapter 1: "The Memory That Changed Everything." Begin reading here →
✨ Something Unexpected
The Gorilla Chew
The backstory: On a routine trip to Theisens in Pella, Chris and I stumbled upon the Gorilla Chew in the pet section. Curious about how our pack would react, we decided to take a chance on just one. What followed was nothing short of a canine obsession! The most surprising reaction came from Mya and Jo, our most discerning critics when it comes to toys. While our well-mannered dogs don't typically fight over toys, we noticed the wooden chew was rarely left unattended—constantly being passed between them, with Mya and Jo showing particular attachment to it. The popularity of this simple wooden chunk was so overwhelming that on Mother's Day, I made a special trip back to Theisens to purchase three more, ensuring each of our furry family members could have their very own treasure.
Why it mattered: Finding a toy that captivates both Mya and Jo is practically a miracle given their notoriously picky nature. These two rarely agree on toys—Mya typically loses interest within days, and Jo within hours. Seeing them both genuinely excited about the same chew toy has been a revelation for our household. It's brought a peaceful energy to our home while giving our discerning duo a healthy outlet for their chewing instincts. When these two find a toy they truly love, we know we've struck gold—it's these small victories that make pet parenthood so rewarding.
🎁 Something Worth Sharing
Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa is truly a magical experience worth adding to your spring bucket list. This three-day festival transforms our charming town into a vibrant celebration of Dutch heritage that feels both nostalgic and fresh every single year. The streets come alive with traditional Dutch dancers in authentic costumes, complete with wooden shoes that create a rhythmic soundtrack as they perform throughout town.
If you’re interested in the fashion I was wearing for Tulip Time, you can find it in my latest Everything I Wore This Week Volume 14.0.
A highlight you can't miss are the twice daily parades—one at 2:30 PM and another at 8:30 PM—featuring intricate floats, marching bands, and the unforgettable sight of locals scrubbing the streets in traditional Dutch costume. These parades give visitors multiple chances to experience the pageantry, with the evening parade offering a particularly enchanting atmosphere with the floats covered in lights.
The real stars, of course, are the thousands of tulips in every imaginable color painting our town in breathtaking displays. Each corner reveals another photo-worthy garden that reminds us of Pella's deep Dutch roots.
My personal favorite spot during the festival this year was my friend's shop, Thistles, flower carts. Sha had set up adorable flower carts scattered throughout town, which became little havens where I was able to pick fresh tulips to bring the festival magic home. As I mentioned above, I can never leave her shop grabbing her handcrafted "Tulips by the Sea" candle, which I didn’t. The scent perfectly captures both the floral essence of the festival and fresh coastal notes that somehow make the experience last long after the blooms have faded.
Whether you come for the history, the flowers, the Dutch letters pastries, or simply the joyful atmosphere, Tulip Time offers a slice of Netherlands heritage right in the heartland that's truly worth experiencing.
That’s it for this volume! What's your favorite candle scent right now? —I love hearing what you’re loving lately, too. 💛
Until next time,
Kiley
I hope you enjoy this mix of things and experiences I’ve been loving lately. Each post, I try to curate a collection of what’s bringing me joy—whether it’s a small business find, a thought-provoking read, or a moment of nostalgia. It’s never just about stuff—it’s about the experiences, ideas, and little things that make life richer.
Read More
Things I'm Loving Lately Volume 4.0
A curated collection of joyful discoveries, small-business gems, thought-provoking reads, nostalgic comforts, and the occasional Carrie Bradshaw-level indulgence. In this latest volume, I’m sharing everything from a handcrafted purse found at a Día de los Muertos festival, to a reminder about the power of fact-checking in today’s media world, to the newsletter that inspired me to shop more mindfully. Plus, I revisit my not-so-guilty obsession with Sex and the City and highlight a new song that’s been on repeat in my house.
No affiliate links, no commissions—just me sharing what I love, in case you might love it too.