Elle Kay

This list brings together the spots that make Austin easy to love; good food, great coffee, laid-back parks, interesting museums, family-friendly fun, and low-key grown-up hangs. It’s made for slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and nights that don’t need a big plan. Whether you’re exploring with kids, meeting friends, or just following a craving, these are the places that feel very Austin.

A collection of unique, off the wall, and maybe a little bizarre gift ideas that has a little something for everyone!

Skincare and beauty finds I’ve grown to love in my 30's. I try to be intentional about choosing ethical, vegan, and cruelty-free brands, and these are the products that have earned a permanent spot in my routine.

This list is full of kitchen pieces that have a sense of humor. Think bright colors, playful shapes, and utensils that might make you laugh a little when you reach for them. It’s a mix of silly and practical. The kind of everyday kitchen stuff that doesn’t take itself too seriously and makes the space feel more fun to be in.

I’ve always collected mugs, not just for coffee and tea, but as little pieces of decor that also happen to be functional. To me, a mug isn’t just a cup. It’s something that lives on open shelving, sits beside the coffee maker, or gets styled into a cozy kitchen moment. The right one can add personality, warmth, and a little charm to your everyday routine. This is my curated collection of cute, quirky, and cozy mugs that I absolutely love. You’ll find playful statement designs, aesthetic everyday staples, unique ceramic coffee cups, and pieces that feel just as good displayed as they do in your hands. Some are perfect for slow mornings, some are giftable finds, and some simply make your kitchen look a little more styled. If you’re building your own mug collection or just want a coffee cup that makes your daily ritual feel more special, these are my favorites worth checking out.

I put together this little list of vases that make me happy. Ones that are a bit odd, a little bold, or just plain fun. Each vase has its own personality, and I love imagining how flowers (or even nothing at all) look in them. This list is my personal collection of finds that brighten a shelf, a corner, or even just my day.

I love fresh flowers, but I don’t love watching them wilt and die after 3 days. This is my curated collection of faux florals that bring the same warmth, color, and softness into a space, without the depressing countdown. Think paper blooms, wooden stems, iron sculptures, ceramic buds, glass petals… pieces that feel thoughtful and artful, not artificial. To me, these aren’t just substitutes for real flowers but they’re more so decor pieces in their own right. They add texture, personality, and that little “something” any room needs. These are the forever blooms that stay vibrant on your shelf, coffee table, or entryway all year long.

If I can avoid turning on the big light, I will. Overhead lighting is aggressive. Interrogation-core. Absolutely not the vibe. This list is my curated collection of fun, artsy, whimsical (sometimes downright silly) lamps that make a room feel cozy, creative, and a little magical. Think sculptural bases, funky shapes, glowy little characters, colorful shades, and pieces that double as decor. These are the lights that set a mood, start a conversation, and make everything feel softer and warmer. I fully believe lighting is a huge part of the personality in a home. Welcome to the soft glow side.