A Few Things I've Been Loving Lately

The Life That Shapes My Creativity

One of the reasons I felt led to start a business was to experience greater freedom in building a life I genuinely enjoy.

Yes, I spend my days writing website copy, designing Squarespace websites, researching SEO, interviewing clients, and helping local businesses tell their stories well. I absolutely adore my work.

But I've learned something important over the past few years: creativity doesn't begin when I open my laptop each morning.

It begins with living an interesting, full, abundant life.

The books I read, places I travel to, flowers I grow, conversations around the dinner table, afternoons spent with my granddaughter, quiet conversations with God—all of those experiences shape the way I think, create, and connect with others.

Today I wanted to share a little glimpse into life outside my laptop.

Artistic Journey

One of my favorite discoveries this year has been watercolor painting. I'm still in the learning process, but that's part of the fun. There's something incredibly calming about watching pigment spread across wet paper, never knowing exactly what it's going to do next. It's a beautiful reminder that not everything has to be perfectly controlled to become beautiful.

I've also been spending as much time as possible with my sweet granddaughter. We've enjoyed plenty of simple summer fun—especially outdoor water play. Watching the world through a toddler's eyes has a way of bringing what’s important to light. The simplest moments (petting the cats, watching ants crawl in the lily blossoms, searching for planes in the sky, finding dandelions in the lawn) often become the sweetest memories.

My Book List

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I fell in love with reading as a young child, and believe that reading is one of the best investments we can make in ourselves. This year has been filled with memorable stories. After spending the last five or so years with mainly business, sales, and self-help books, I decided in January to focus on reading books for pleasure this year (meaning gobs of delightful novels!).

Here are five books that have marked me, in the best ways, so far in 2026.

The first book that completely captured my heart this year was Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. If I could recommend just one novel from my reading list, this is it.

Rather than relying on dramatic plot twists, Allen Levi masterfully explores the profound impact one ordinary life can have on countless others. Theo isn't famous or powerful by the world's standards, yet his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering presence ripple through an entire community in ways that are both surprising and deeply moving.

Theo of Golden is a refreshing reminder that a life of quiet faithfulness, genuine relationships, and simple acts of love can change the world in extraordinary ways.

This is one of those rare books I'll return to again and again—and one I'll be enthusiastically recommending to friends for years to come.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans was another standout read this year. Told through a collection of thoughtfully written letters, the novel beautifully captures the quiet power of words, meaningful relationships, forgiveness, and human connection. As the story unfolds, you begin to see how simple acts of correspondence can bridge distances, heal old wounds, and remind people that they are seen, remembered, and loved.

Long after I finished the book, I found myself thinking about its message. In fact, it's inspired me to write more letters, send more birthday and encouragement cards, and put pen to paper more often. I appreciate texts, emails, and social media messages, but there's something incredibly meaningful about opening the mailbox to find an envelope addressed just to you.

This book was a powerful reminder that words have the power to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes the smallest gestures become the ones people remember most. I can't think of a better reason to keep a stack of beautiful stationery nearby.

I finally read The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, and now I completely understand why it has remained such a beloved classic for decades. Pilcher has an extraordinary gift for creating stories that are both sweeping and intimate, weaving together family, love, loss, resilience, and hope with such grace that you never want the story to end.

Her writing is wonderfully immersive. Every page transports you to the English countryside, charming coastal villages, lush gardens, and cozy homes filled with memorable characters. You don't simply read her novels—you feel as though you've been invited to pull up a chair, pour a cup of tea, and become part of the family.

What I appreciated most was the way she honors the beauty and complexity of ordinary life. Relationships are layered, characters are imperfect yet deeply lovable, and even the quieter moments carry significance.

If you've never read any of Rosamunde Pilcher's work, consider this your invitation to begin with The Shell Seekers. You'll understand, as I did, why generations of readers continue to return to her stories again and again. After turning the final page, I immediately reached for another of her novels, and have now read many of her works.

Naturally, after finishing The Shell Seekers, I couldn't wait to dive into another Rosamunde Pilcher novel. Winter Solstice was the perfect choice. Reading it felt like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening—with a cup of tea in hand and nowhere else to be.

As with all of Pilcher's writing, the story unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing the characters and their relationships to take center stage. Themes of hope, healing, redemption, friendship, and unexpected family are woven together so beautifully that by the end, the characters feel like old friends. It's a reminder that life can begin again in surprising ways and that community often finds us when we least expect it.

I listened to this one on Audible, and it made the experience even more enjoyable. The gifted narrator, Jilly Bond, brings Pilcher's richly detailed settings and memorable characters to life, making long walks, car rides, and bedtimes something to look forward to. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend experiencing Winter Solstice this way.

It's the kind of novel that leaves you feeling hopeful long after the final chapter. A rare gift you don’t want to miss.

Most recently, I've been reading Naming the Animals by Stephen Roach, and it's unlike anything else on my bookshelf this year. Thoughtful, beautifully written, and quietly profound, the book explores creativity not merely as something we do, but as part of who we are because we were made in the image of our Creator.

Roach has a wonderful way of weaving together theology, imagination, and everyday life, reminding readers that creativity isn't reserved for artists, musicians, or writers. Whether you're planting a garden, preparing a meal, designing a website, painting with watercolors, raising children, building a business, or encouraging a friend with your words, every act of creating reflects something of the God who first created us.

As someone who spends much of my work—and now my free time—creating, this book has been both affirming and inspiring. It has encouraged me not only to admire beauty but also to participate in creating it. To stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect skill level, and instead to joyfully create something meaningful with the gifts I've been given.

If you've ever needed a gentle reminder to pick up the paintbrush, write a story, plant flowers, bake bread, or simply create something that brings goodness into the world, I think you'll find this book to be a wonderful companion.

One Scripture

This season, one particular Bible verse has found me again and again. You know those times when the same Scripture keeps appearing in sermons, podcasts, conversations, and your own devotion time? This has been one of those verses for me.

Romans 5:17b NIV says:

*"How much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ!”

Take a look at how it reads in The Passion Translation:

“But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭TPT‬‬

So good! And it has encouraged me to ask, “How am I, or how can I better, reign in life?”

Creating Margin

One thing I've become increasingly grateful for over the past few years is margin. There's unexpected magic in the margins of life. It's where some of our most meaningful moments quietly unfold.

Margin to travel. Margin to linger over dinner with my husband. Margin to read one more chapter before bed. Margin to notice the newest flowers blooming in the garden. Margin to spend an unhurried evening with family.

Owning my own business certainly comes with busy seasons, but it has also given me the opportunity to be intentional about how I spend my time. More and more, I'm learning to build a life around the things I value most instead of trying to squeeze them into whatever time is left.

As I look back over the first half of this year, I'm grateful not only for where I've been, but for the life Bob and I are intentionally creating together. A life marked by curiosity, beauty, meaningful relationships, creativity, and plenty of room for laughter and joy.

A Year of Travel

If you know me well, you know that I am absolutely passionate about traveling. It doesn't always have to be somewhere far away. Sometimes a change of scenery—even for a day or two—is exactly what my heart needs.

This year has been one of my busiest travel years yet.

In January, I made a trip to Texas, where so many meaningful memories began. Every visit reminds me how grateful I am for lifelong friendships, family history, and the places that helped shape who I am.

I also made my annual winter retreat to Virginia Beach. It's become something I genuinely look forward to every year. There's something about walking along the ocean in the quieter months that deeply refreshes my soul. The beaches are peaceful, the pace is slower, and I always come home with fresh ideas and a renewed perspective.

My favorite surprise this year has been how much Bob and I have traveled together.

We realized recently that we've already taken four trips as a couple—a record for us!

We escaped to sunny Miami Beach in frigid February, returned to one of my favorite places – Virginia Beach in May, spent a night in Tysons Corner celebrating our anniversary, and most recently explored Chicago together.

Each destination had its own personality. Some were relaxing. Some were filled with sightseeing. Some were simply opportunities to enjoy uninterrupted conversations over good meals without the distractions of everyday life.

One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering the places that make a destination feel unique—the charming coffee shop tucked around the corner, an independent bookstore, a beautiful garden, a waterfront path, or the little restaurant the locals all seem to know about. Those are the places that stay with me long after I've returned home.

Travel is like a love language for me. There's always something new to discover. Adventure and exploring are so nourishing to my soul.

A Summer Favorite

This is a recipe that has been a recent favorite in our kitchen because it's incredibly simple, beautiful on the table, and tastes like summer.

Burrata Nectarine Salad

You'll need:

• Fresh nectarines, cubed

• Creamy burrata

• Fresh basil

• A sprinkle of salt

• A drizzle of balsamic vinegar

• Crunchy croutons or crostini for serving

That's it. Summer simplicity!

The sweetness of the nectarines paired with the creamy burrata and fragrant basil is absolutely delicious. It's light enough for a warm summer evening but would still feel a little special when serving guests.

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones I make over and over again.

What I’m Watching

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a television series that simply feels... comforting.

For me, that's been All Creatures Great and Small.

If you've never seen it, it’s based on the books by James Herriot, whose real name, I recently learned, was Alf Wight. It's one of those rare shows that is gentle without being boring. The music is beautiful, the Yorkshire countryside is absolutely breathtaking, and every episode tells thoughtful stories with humor, kindness, and a big heart.

The characters are wonderfully written. They feel like people you'd actually want to know. They make you want to put your phone away and really get to know them. 

There are so many shows that rely on constant suspense, conflict, or shock value, but this one takes its time. Ordinary lives are sweet, rich, and meaningful.

I've found myself looking forward to each charming episode—not just because of the lack of drama, but because it leaves me feeling hopeful.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

The Beauty of Ordinary Days

The moments I treasure most aren't necessarily the biggest milestones.

They're the conversations over coffee.

Traveling with family.

A long, leisurely walk.

Fresh flowers on the kitchen counter.

A good novel that keeps me up past bedtime.

A day spent with my granddaughter.

A beautiful meal shared around the table with my amazing family.

A watercolor painting that turns out better than expected—or wonderfully imperfect.

These ordinary moments have a quiet way of becoming the memories I'll cherish years from now.

They also remind me that creativity isn't something I switch on during working hours. It's cultivated by paying attention to the beauty and splendor God has placed all around me.

So here's to more books, more gardens, more travel, more family dinners, more long walks, more summer salads, more quiet evenings, and more gratitude for the ordinary gifts that make an extraordinary life. 

I'd love to know—what have you been loving lately?

The Cost of a Cheap Website (That No One Talks About)

If you’re a small business owner in Berryville, Winchester, or the surrounding Shenandoah Valley, chances are you’ve been told at some point:

“You can just grab a template.”

“Your cousin can build it.”

“Just use something inexpensive for now.”

And sometimes that is the right starting point.

But there’s a cost to a cheap website that rarely gets discussed.

And it usually doesn’t show up on the invoice.

Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Simple

Let’s be clear.

This isn’t about judging budgets. Every business grows in seasons.

This is about understanding what a low-investment website often costs you later:

• Missed opportunities
  

• Lower-quality inquiries
  

• Confused visitors
  

• Weak Google visibility
  

• A brand presence that feels smaller than you actually are
  
  

And those costs compound quietly over time.

1. It Attracts Price-Shoppers

When your website looks rushed, overly templated, or thin on messaging, it unintentionally signals “budget.”

That means:

You’ll hear, “How much does it cost?”

Instead of, “How soon can we start?”

Your website sets expectations before you ever speak to someone.

2. It Doesn’t Position You Locally

In a relationship-driven community like Berryville, Clarke County, and the broader Shenandoah Valley, local visibility matters.

If your website isn’t intentionally structured for search (headings, keywords, internal links, thoughtful copy), Google has very little reason to show it when someone searches:

• Berryville, VA website design
  

• Retail store in Winchester, VA
  

• Excavating company in Fauquier County
  

• Local service providers near me
  

A cheap website often skips the strategic foundation that makes search visibility possible.

3. It Creates Extra Work for You

This one surprises people.

When messaging isn’t clear, you spend more time:

• Answering basic questions
  

• Explaining pricing
  

• Clarifying services
  

• Following up on misaligned leads
  

Strong website copy reduces friction.

It educates before you ever get on a call.

4. It Shrinks Your Brand (Even If Your Work Is Excellent)

This is the part no one likes to say out loud.

If your website feels dated or thin, people subconsciously assume your business is smaller, newer, or less established than it actually is.

And that’s frustrating when you’ve spent years building something solid.

Your online presence should reflect the level you’ve grown into — not where you started.

The Real Cost Is Momentum

A weak website slows growth.

It makes marketing harder.

It weakens referrals.

It limits partnerships.

It keeps you explaining instead of expanding.

And over time, that becomes far more expensive than doing it thoughtfully the first time.

When Is It Time to Upgrade?

Not when it’s trendy.

Not when you’re bored.

But when:

• You’ve outgrown your current positioning
  

• You’re ready for higher-level clients
  

• You want stronger local visibility
  

• You’re tired of misaligned inquiries
  

• Your business has matured, but your website hasn’t
  

That’s usually the moment.

If You’re a Business Owner in Berryville, VA…

And you’ve had the quiet sense that your website no longer reflects the quality of your work, it’s worth paying attention to that.

Most of the time, it’s not about starting over. It’s about stepping back, looking at what’s working, and thoughtfully refining what isn’t.

Website design and copywriting aren’t just about how things look on the surface. They shape how people understand your business before you ever have a conversation.

They influence who reaches out, what they expect, and whether they see the value in what you offer.

And when those pieces are aligned, everything feels different — not just on your website, but in the way your business grows.

If you’d like to talk through where things might be out of sync, I’m always happy to start with a conversation. You can fill out my contact form or send me an email, and we’ll take it from there.

Because a well-built website doesn’t just support your business.

It reflects it — clearly, confidently, and in a way that allows the right people to recognize it.

Unlock Your Website's Potential: Top Tips for Shenandoah Businesses!

You’re getting inquiries.

But they aren’t quite right.

They lead with price instead of value.

They don’t seem to understand what makes your business different.

They hesitate when they see your rates.

Or maybe you’re barely getting inquiries at all — and that’s even more frustrating.

If you’re a business owner in Clarke County or the greater Shenandoah Valley, and this feels familiar, I want to gently suggest something:

It’s probably not your work.

It might be your website.

Your Website Is Either Positioning You — or Diluting You

A website should do more than “exist.”

It should work.

It should:

• Attract the right clients
  

• Quietly filter out the wrong ones
  

• Reflect the level of service you actually provide
  

• Communicate your value clearly
  

• Guide visitors toward taking the next step
  

If it isn’t doing those things, it may be unintentionally inviting misalignment.

And most business owners don’t realize that’s happening.

What I Often See with Local Business Websites

As someone who works closely with small businesses throughout the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, there are a few common patterns I see.

1. The Messaging Is Too Broad

When your website tries to speak to everyone, it connects deeply with no one.

Clear positioning doesn’t limit you — it strengthens you.

The right clients are drawn to clarity.

The wrong ones quietly move on.

That’s a good thing.

2. The Design Doesn’t Match the Experience

If you provide high-quality service but your website feels dated, cluttered, or overly templated, there’s a disconnect.

Your online presence sets expectations before someone ever contacts you.

Design communicates:

• Professionalism

• Stability

• Investment

• Care
  

Whether you mean it to or not.

3. The Copy Focuses on You Instead of the Client

Your story matters. Your experience matters.

But effective website copy begins with the person reading it.

It says:

• I understand what you’re navigating.
  

• I see what you desire.
  

• Here’s how I can help you make it happen.
  

That shift alone often transforms how inquiries come in.

4. There’s No Clear Path Forward

One of the most overlooked pieces of website strategy is direction.

After someone lands on your homepage, do they know exactly what to do next?

Contact form.

Service page.

Schedule a conversation.

Clarity builds momentum.

In a Relationship-Driven Community, Your Website Carries Weight

Here in the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding communities, reputation matters.

People ask around.

They look you up.

They visit your website before reaching out.

Your website is often your first handshake.

It should feel like walking into your business:

Polished. Thoughtful. Aligned with the level you operate at.

If it feels disconnected from who you are today, that’s worth paying attention to.

The Goal Isn’t More Website Traffic

It’s alignment.

The right inquiries.

The right projects.

The right long-term relationships.

That doesn’t happen through louder marketing.

It happens through thoughtful messaging, intentional structure, and design that reflects your actual standard of excellence.

When those pieces come together, your website becomes a quiet filter — and a powerful one.

If You’re Ready for Your Website to Reflect the Level You’ve Grown Into

Sometimes the issue isn’t that your business isn’t strong.

It’s that your website hasn’t caught up yet.

If you’ve had that subtle sense that your online presence doesn’t fully represent the quality of your work anymore, you’re probably right.

And you don’t have to overhaul everything to fix it.

If you’re a business owner in Clarke County, the Shenandoah Valley, or surrounding areas, and you’re ready for a website that works as hard as you do, I’d love to hear about your business.

Fill out my contact form or send me an email. We can start with a conversation and see what makes sense for you.

Your website should feel like an asset.

Not a question mark.

A Year I’ll Always Be Thankful For: A 2025 Client Gratitude Recap

Image via Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the work that filled my calendar—and my heart—throughout 2025.

This year wasn’t about chasing volume or cranking out cookie-cutter websites. It was about people. Local business owners, creatives, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs who trusted me with their stories, their words, and their online presence.

That kind of trust is never lost on me.

Every Project Has a Story

Behind every website and every line of copy is a person who poured courage, effort, and hope into building something meaningful.

This year, I had the privilege of working with clients who:

• Care deeply about serving their community
  

• Value quality over quick fixes
  

• Want their website to feel like them—not a template
  

• Are doing real, honest work in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond
  

From refining brand messaging to designing Squarespace websites that feel polished and personal, each project reminded me why I do this work in the first place.

Trust Is the Greatest Compliment

When a client says, “This finally sounds like me,” or “I feel proud to send people to my website now,” I know we’ve done something right.

Many of this year’s projects came through referrals, local connections, and repeat clients—and that means more to me than any metric or milestone. It tells me the work is landing the way it’s meant to.

Grateful Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It

To every client who filled out the contact form, met me for coffee, sent thoughtful feedback, or trusted the process—thank you.

Thank you for inviting me into your business.

Thank you for being open to collaboration.

Thank you for caring about doing things well.

Your businesses deserve websites and words that reflect your integrity, experience, and heart—and it’s an honor to help bring that to life.

Looking Ahead to What’s Next

As I head into a new year, I’m carrying deep gratitude and renewed excitement for what’s ahead. 

If 2025 reminded me of anything, it’s this:

When you slow down, listen well, and build with intention, the work becomes meaningful—for everyone involved.

Here’s to the stories we told this year—and the ones still waiting to be written.

If you’re a local business owner thinking about refreshing your website or clarifying your messaging in the year ahead, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through my contact form or email me anytime—I’d be happy to get the conversation started.

~Scarlett