Lilify + Life

2020 has required a careful combination of gratitude, grace and grit. We are all amidst a journey we will never forget.

As the holiday season greets us in this tricky time, it is a reminder that gratefulness and joy, even in small, secluded settings are, more than ever, essential.

I am grateful to be a small business owner. More so, I admire and applaud all small businesses and our resilience and adaptability as we wiggle through this weird year.

Small businesses create community, character and charm. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I especially celebrate these small operations, their agile leaders and their dedicated staff.

I am deeply grateful for your continued support. On behalf of my family, and the dream team of artists, makers and movers that make up Lilify, we wish you a warm welcome to the season of feast and festivity.

And, for the days when gratitude, grace and grit are difficult to summon, there are always sweets, treats and tea.

Happy, happy Thanksgiving,

HL

This time of year, this year specifically, keeping cozy is key. It never ceases to amaze me that the transition to brisk weather and rainy evenings make certain things even more enjoyable – tea, soup, jazz, red wine and cuddles. These things are even more delicious and desirable when it is the season of cozy.

And, of course, candles.

This season we are thrilled to introduce our newest releases to our permanent collection SANDALWOOD + PALO SANTO as well as VETIVER + SALT. Both of these candles are deep, warming and wonderful.

And, our FROST + FIR holiday release is back!!! This candle is beloved by many and is only available in November and December. This year we are also delighted to introduce SPRUCE + SPICE. This candle offers a balsamic woodiness complimented with cinnamon and spice. These candles are the perfect way to welcome the cold and the holidays.

Our candles are hand poured locally by Emmaline Molloy of Valley Botanicals and available in shop + online.

I wish you wellness during this trying time and I hope you keep calm, warm and deeply cozy.

HL

Autumn arrives, we find ourselves still sheltering and I’ve become more and more attracted to music created in secluded settings - acoustic shows, solo performances and especially albums recorded at home.

At the apex of my favorite albums list is Tom Petty’s Wildflowers. One of Petty’s most intimate and personal albums, it is set to be re-issued October 16^th. Included in this re-issue are 15 tracks of home demos.

It is this version of the iconic title track “Wildflowers” that is perhaps the best anthem for the year.   The recording feels so confidential, with just Tom Petty and his guitar, and you almost feel like you are in the room with him.

The familiar lyrics performed from such a private setting encapsulate the tandem of 2020 - solitude while yearning to be somewhere you feel free.

Keep an eye out and an ear open for the full release this autumn, so that you can spend a little alone time with Tom.

JS

This summer was a lot of a lot. The challenges we are all facing this year were compounded with fires devastating our communities. The smoky skies created a sepia tone to our days that depleted our spirits.

And, we entered the daily roller coaster of teaching our children from the safety of home.

Amidst the demands, this week I woke to a mellow morning and the distinct smell of fall. I immediately longed for butternut squash with apple and sage and welcomed the realization that even though there is so much out of our control, the transition to cooler temperatures creates a coziness that makes soup taste even better. And, I believe that making soup is a love language.

Another love language is appreciation. I send out gratitude and appreciation for all the firefighters, educators, health care professionals and community leaders who are working so hard to make things work - and also appreciation for the all the parents who are working so hard to make it work for our kids.

I hope that this autumn we all enjoy a hearty, healing soup – because even though a good bowl of soup will not make it perfect, it will definitely make it better.

In the shop, we have white pumpkins, warm candles and warming music to welcome you and celebrate the shifting of the seasons.

We hope to see you soon!

HL

Sending out wishes of safety, strength and a lot of love, especially to the firefighters protecting our communities. 

♡

HL

This year has been a journey. Months, weeks and certain hours can feel up, down and all around. As we navigate the many challenges, a dear friend of mine said it best when he told me “now is a time to be kind to ourselves.” 

What is kinder than a beautiful bubble bath?

Bathing welcomes the time and space to pause and nourish our body, our skin and our soul. To allow oneself to break, breathe and to be, we introduce our newest line of small batch, signature bubble bath.

Created in collaboration with and made locally by Connie Mardon, our bubble bath features the same exquisite scent blends as our beloved body lotions. Herby, earthy and unique, our blends offer careful aromatic pairings created to relax and uplift.

I invite you to extend kindness to yourself or to others, with our restorative bubble bath now available in shop and online.

HL

You know that you’ve got a great summer album on your hands when track one features the melodic genius of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. From there it jumps into all the catchy pop and dance rhythms you could hope for while lyrically celebrating youth and expression.

Both in style and attitude Janelle Monae is making a case to be the heir apparent to Prince. Dirty Computer was even released with a Sci-Fi movie of the same name like Prince did with Purple Rain. This comparison is most prevalent on the track “Make Me Feel”. 

Dirty Computer is fun and relevant to the times we are in. 

Enjoy it on a road trip, at a summer barbecue or just dancing by yourself.

JS

We are absolutely tickled to be partnering with Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza of Ad Astra Bread Co. on our newest delight – the Lilify Loaf.

Made locally, the Lilify Loaf is sourdough bread with seasonal herbs harvested from our personal garden including rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme.

The Lilify Loaf is fresh baked and available in the shop every Friday until sold out.

HL

The first Sunday of this summer, we honor Fathers. And stepfathers. And grandfathers. And uncles. And all those who protect, support, guide and uplift.

We have the most thoughtful collection of cards by independent designers to honor the Fathers in your life.

♡

TT

Lilify is looking within, seeking change and standing together in unity. We are donating to the NAACP Monterey Country Branch, the Monterey Peace and Justice Center and Rock the Vote California.

♡

HL

As we prepare, with excitement, to reopen our doors as soon as possible, we wanted to share our new shop standards.

PERSONAL PROTECTION
So we can all take care of each other, everyone is required to wear masks at all times.

WELLNESS CHECKS
Our team will perform wellness checks before coming into the shop. We also encourage anyone who does not feel well to stay at home.

CLEANING
We have increased routine cleanings. We frequently disinfect all high-touch surfaces and will have locally made hand sanitizer available for you!

SOCIAL DISTANCING
We will manage the number of people inside and have spaced out the shop accordingly to maintain social distancing guidelines and allow everyone at least six feet breadth.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SHOP
When we reopen our doors, we will continue to offer online shopping and curbside pickup.

NEW SHOP HOURS

When we reopen our doors, we will be open Monday - Saturday 10-5 and Sundays 12-5.

♡

HL

Bright Coffee, owned and operated by the talented crew from Cafe Lumiere, is transitioning out of our shared Lighthouse Avenue location.

Follow @cafelumiere + @brightcoffeeca for details!

To Brandi, Felicia, Tito, Alyssa and Devyn. We will miss your bright faces. Go get em'.

Lilify will reopen our doors as soon as possible with a reimagined retail space.

Until then, please visit www.lilify.com for complimentary local delivery or curbside pickup (whichever suits you!) and free shipping for all US orders $35+

On behalf of our family, and the dream team of artists, makers and movers that make up Lilify, we can't wait to welcome you back to our shop.

Thank you for your continued support.

HL