One of my favorite parts of writing these monthly favorites posts is looking back and realizing how often the smallest purchases end up having the biggest impact.

May felt like a month of creating comfort and beauty. Between almost finishing my living room/library makeover (reveal soon!), spending more time reading, and continuing to settle into new routines, these were the items I found myself reaching for again and again.

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Slip-On Sneakers

I am officially at the age where comfort wins.

Whether I was running errands, working on projects around the historic building, or spending hours on my feet, these sneakers became my daily uniform. They’re lightweight, comfortable right out of the box, and easy to slip on when I’m heading out the door with three dogs eager for an adventure.

Not every favorite needs to be glamorous. Sometimes the best purchases are simply the ones that make everyday life easier.

Gold Framed Ophelia Wall Art

If you’ve followed Northern Gypsy Living for any length of time, you know I have a weakness for art, especially pieces with a little mystery and melancholy.

This vintage-inspired Ophelia print feels like it was made for my library. The gold frame adds warmth while the artwork itself brings that romantic, literary, slightly gothic atmosphere I am always trying to create.

It feels perfectly at home among the books, antiques, and moody colors that make this space feel like me.

The Martha Way: Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living

I’ve always admired people who create homes that feel both beautiful and deeply lived in, and few people embody that better than Martha Stewart.

This book isn’t simply about decorating. It’s about intentional living, hospitality, organization, and creating a home that reflects your values.

As someone rebuilding life, home, and routine over the past year, many of the ideas resonated far beyond housekeeping tips.

4,200 Piece Book Tabs for Annotating

My reading life has changed dramatically this year.

With a goal of working through my enormous Book of the Month backlog and becoming a more thoughtful reader, annotation has become one of my favorite parts of the process.

These tabs have been everywhere lately. I use different colors for themes, favorite quotes, historical references, symbolism, and passages I want to revisit later.

They’re affordable, practical, and somehow make every reading session feel a little more intentional.

HOXIYA Dimmable Plug-In Chandelier

This might be my favorite home purchase of the month.

One of the biggest transformations in my kitchen came from improving the lighting, and this chandelier added exactly the kind of warm, romantic glow I was hoping for. I didn’t want a permanent chandelier just yet as we will be doing renovations soon. The plug in is perfect!

As someone who strongly believes lighting can completely change the mood of a room, this fixture helped turn my space from simply functional into something that feels cozy, welcoming, and a little magical in the evenings.

Romanticize Your Life: 365 Simple Ways to Embrace the Beauty of Every Day

This book arrived at exactly the right time.

The older I get, the more I realize that happiness isn’t usually found in major milestones. It’s found in mornings, fresh flowers, good books, long walks with the dogs, and creating small rituals that make ordinary days feel meaningful.

This book serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, pay attention, and find beauty in everyday moments.

In many ways, it perfectly reflects what Northern Gypsy Living has become; a record of rebuilding a life through small joys, meaningful routines, and the belief that ordinary moments matter.

Looking back, May’s favorites all share a common theme: creating a life that feels intentional.

Some helped make my home more beautiful. Some made daily life easier. Some encouraged me to read more thoughtfully or appreciate ordinary moments more deeply.

None of them were life-changing purchases on their own, but together they helped make May feel a little more comfortable, a little more beautiful, and a little more like home.

And honestly, that’s enough.