The Special Little Things

This post is the most personal so far, touching on a major motivator in how I choose things for my home, and ultimately, curate things I hope you’ll love.

For new readers, I’m Angela- founder of Anacua House and design aficionado.

Growing up as the youngest child of a single mother living on a public housing project, we didn’t have a “lot” (by American consumer standards), and much of what we had were thrift finds, hand-me-downs, dollar store, or sale finds. I’m not denigrating the thrift-store lifestyle- recycling and upcycling are economical and environmentally friendly ways to find unique furniture, décor, and clothes. But when your towels have frayed edges and old food containers are reused as Tupperware (a habit I still have), it’s easy to feel like you’re just getting by- nothing special.

This feeling isn’t limited to the low-income; who hasn’t perched on the corner of their couch, eating takeout from the container?

I propose a simple upgrade; but first, a story:

My mother had a set of pretty little faceted-glass bowls, gifted to her at her wedding well over a decade before I was born. She used them. All. The. Time. She filled them with buttered popcorn (extra butter) for home movie nights. She used them for instant pudding or boxed jello, making a cheap dessert extravagant. They appeared at our Thanksgiving table, and with snacks on random weeknights.

Those glass bowls hold a special place in my memories; a night at home watching movies became a special occasion, a budget dessert an elevated treat. They made the mundane magical, a real “treat yourself” moment.

Here’s the suggestion: Use the pretty bowls. Better yet- delight your children with the pretty bowls. Pour a drink in a nice glass, and offer one to your spouse or a friend. Tuck into a well-made and stylish throw blanket for a Netflix binge. Get the nice dishes out for a meal, even if it’s from DoorDash. Make your morning coffee in a luxurious French press. Light a candle. In adding a fancy flourish to everyday moments, they become little rituals; these little rituals lift your mood in the moment and become comforting traditions at home.

In tough times, you can return to these routines for solace. The crystal glassware or glow of candlelight can be a surprising ally in healing or maintaining relationships; creating a space to connect with your partner amidst the chaos of parenting and careers or unwind with a friend after a long week.

My mother’s glass bowls were my inspiration for stocking these fluted glass beauties at Anacua House; the concept of the glass bowls is evident throughout the shop. I only curated items I could see being in someone’s home for years. Well-made and -designed pieces that elevate your home and add that little bit of magic to everyday moments.

We all have the power to design our lives: define our traditions and celebrations, and curate the objects that surround and support our daily lives, some of which become personal heirlooms. How will you create extraordinary moments?