March’s reading list felt like being dropped into the interiors of other people’s lives — marriages, friendships, families, ambitions — sometimes deliciously, sometimes uncomfortably, but always with a kind of closeness that made it hard to look away.

It began with Broken Country, a slow burn that nevertheless became insatiable. I found myself genuinely excited to return to it each night, and as a book club pick, it was one of those rare unanimous wins that we all tore through.

Homeschooled was undeniably fascinating and unflinchingly open, but where you hope for some catharsis or clarity in a survival story, I found myself instead filled with unresolved frustration. I found the memoir to feel at times more like anecdotes of growing up with a narcissistic mother and less than a true story of transformation or growth.

Then came a complete tonal shift with Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, which I was clinically obsessed with. Irreverent, insightful, and imaginative, it struck that perfect balance of humor and vulnerability — I laughed, I cried, I paused to think. It felt like both a conversation and a mirror, the kind of book you underline and immediately want to gift.

Fictional delight for anglophiles showed up in Royal Spin — fizzy, fun, and smart, and exactly what you want if you love the world of The Royal We, the behind-the-scenes intrigue of From the Corner of the Oval, and the charm of Emily Henry. It’s the literary equivalent of champagne at Afternoon Tea— light, sparkling, but still thoughtfully done! Plus, it’s co-authored by a real member of the Royal Rota, Omid Scobie!

Other reads leaned more introspective. I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen opens with the author’s admission that the life she lives and the topics discussed within the book are incredibly privileged, but she is refreshingly honest about a life of keeping up with the Joneses in a way that feels disarming rather than performative. And Strangers: A Memoir offered a kind of scrumptious voyeurism — an intimate, layered reflection on marriage that at times felt like an Elin Hilderbrand character come to life: coastal, affluent, but grounded in emotional rawness.

And then there was A Death in Diamonds — the one I wanted to love most, and the fourth installment in the Her Majesty Investigates series (essentially fan-fic of Queen Elizabeth II solving mysteries!). A young Queen Elizabeth II solving a murder and political sabotage in 1957 should have been a guaranteed success for me. And while the palace details and royal atmosphere delivered, the reading experience didn’t. It felt like a slog — too many characters, an unclear central mystery, and shifting storylines that made it difficult to stay invested. Even as an ardent royal watcher, I found myself close to giving up multiple times, which pains me to admit.

Taken together, March was less about easy enjoyment and more about immersion — books that pulled me in, whether through delight, discomfort, or sheer inability to look away. Some I devoured, some I wrestled with, but all of them demanded a reaction.

Without further adieu, here are the rankings for the books I read in March 2026.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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April always feels like a true turning point—the world softens, the light lingers a little longer, and everything begins again without asking for too much in return. Opening the windows. Blooms popping through. “Can we sit on the patio, please?”

Here’s a list of simple, seasonal reminders to carry you through the month, one charming moment at a time.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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Your April Appointments

1). You simply must buy yourself tulips.

2). Take your morning coffee outside on a particularly soft day—no phone, just birdsong and air that still feels new.

3). Turn on a spring playlist and let it float through the home. Try something classical; it’s a salve for your cortisol levels.

4). Knock out birthday cards for every April baby on your calendar—early, intentional, and handwritten!

• I loved A.A. Ford’s take on this practice.

5). Bake something lemony!

6). Wear an all white ensemble. It’s so crisp; so Nancy Meyers.

7). Spend an afternoon dilly-dallying—bookstore, then gift shop, and a specialty food market as your grand finale. A special, fizzy drink must accompany.

• If in Atlanta, may I recommend Virginia Highland Books; Lucy’s; and Gather’d Market?

8). Try a new way to move your body. Something that feels playful, preferably.

9). Clean out your handbag! Begin again with only what you actually need. Utilize pouches to cut down on clutter.

10). Apply body oil, then lotion. While doing this, have your pajamas heating in the dryer.

11). Buy something blue. Or yellow. Or both.

12). Keep one morning sacred—no phone until 9am.

13). Reflect on the goals you set for Q1. Celebrate yourself for what you achieved. Pick one measurable thing you can adjust for Q2.

14). Take yourself out for coffee and people watch—an underrated hobby.

15). Eat what’s in season! Let nature set the menu.

16). Consider a pair of clogs—equal parts charm and practicality!

17). Get a facial to slough off (what a scrumptious phrase) winter skin remnants.

• If in Atlanta, may I recommend FACED Facial Studio?

18). Keep nails simple, clean, and neutrally polished.

19). Notice the blooms in your neighborhood—and look up what they are.

20). Turn on The Masters Naturescape while you putter or read. There’s truly nothing like Augusta in April.

21). Open the windows while you tidy your kitchen. Let the air move through as you clean. This feeling and smell is true divinity.

22). Drive with the windows down if you haven’t yet this year, even for the shortest errand.

23). Buy good French butter. It will change everything.

24). Bring a canvas tote to the farmers market. Fill it up!

25). Choose one weekend day with absolutely zero plans. See what life invites in when you give it space to do so.

26). Order your 2026 Mahjong Card!!!

27). Read a crumpled, well-loved paperback. Something that’s been carried before you and has stains from tea, lotion, and the outdoors.

28). It’s time for a new phone background—something that sparks a small moment of delight each time you reach for it.

29). Plan a “girl dinner” with a friend it’s been too long since you’ve seen—fries, a simple salad, champagne.

• If you’re in Atlanta, may I recommend Brasserie Margot’s Margot Girl Dinner?

30). Ask yourself, every single day: “What’s the best thing that could happen?”

A few seasons ago, Frank & Eileen sent me their Carmel Travel Set along with the Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt in their Famous Denim. And the moment I put the pieces on, I was a goner.

The pieces felt considered and truly crafted in a way that is increasingly rare in a white-labeled world. I was immediately struck by the substance and design of the fabric—the weight, the drape, the feeling of luxury behind it. I immediately stood a little taller and felt instantly put together, all while wearing some of the most comfortable pieces that were joining my closet.

Despite its distinctly Irish name—borrowed from the founder’s grandparents—Frank & Eileen is California-born, with its identity anchored in Italian craftsmanship. The result is a compelling balance: relaxed, West Coast ease underpinned by European precision and heritage-quality textiles.

I will say what many of you are likely thinking: the price point gives pause. It certainly did for me. A shirt, a cardigan, a travel set—these are not typically investment purchases.

But what becomes immediately apparent when you open your parcel is that these are not fleeting additions. The fabrication is exceptional, the silhouettes are thoughtfully engineered, and the pieces integrate into your wardrobe with remarkable fluency. They are the garments you instinctively reach for, day after day, because they consistently deliver—on comfort, on fit, on polish.

What I find particularly compelling is Frank & Eileen’s commitment to refining core silhouettes rather than endlessly reinventing them. The same perfectly cut shirt or cardigan appears in a spectrum of hues—designed to be layered, interchanged, and worn in rotation without friction. It transforms getting dressed into something intuitive rather than deliberative.

So, if you are considering a spring wardrobe reset or basics resfresh, I would begin here.

These are not trend-driven purchases. They are the pieces that accompany you through the full spectrum of your days—your busiest mornings, your unhurried lunches, your travels, your time at home.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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Lauren’s Typical Sizing Guide

Tops: M

Pants/Dresses: 6

Denim: 28

Height: 5’3”

Body Type: Curvy

What I Added for Spring

The Mary Dress (M) — Famous Denim, Tattered Wash
An immediate staple. Effortless yet composed, with just enough structure to feel intentional. It is the sort of piece that requires very little styling yet always reads as complete. For now, I’ll wear it with sandals and a sweater draped over my shoulders; later, it will transition seamlessly into cooler months with boots.

Jackie Cardigan (L) + Kennedy Skirt (M) — British Royal Navy, Lemon Yellow, White
This pairing captures everything I want from spring dressing: ease, movement, and versatility. The Jackier Cardigan offers a tailored sensibility without rigidity, while the Kennedy Skirt lends a fluid, feminine counterpoint. Owning them in multiple colorways allows for effortless variation without overthinking.

Patrick Vintage Jersey (M) — White, British Royal Navy, Navy French Stripe
If you are new to the brand, this is where I would begin. These are elevated essentials in their most refined form—exceptionally soft, impeccably cut, and endlessly versatile. They underpin everything else.

Galway Denim (28, 26”) — 1986 Wash
Denim with integrity. Structured enough to maintain its shape, yet softened by a lived-in sensibility that makes it immediately wearable and activity friendly. It strikes that elusive balance between polish and ease.

Patty Vintage Jersey (M) — White, British Royal Navy, Navy French Stripe
Another foundational layer in a short-sleeve modality. Absolutely indispensable in their simplicity.

My Wish List

Once you begin building within the world of Frank & Eileen, your perspective shifts from acquisition to curation.

I find myself drawn to additional travel sets—unrivaled for long weekends—as well as more Eileen Relaxed Button-Ups in crisp whites and softened neutrals. I am increasingly falling for their Lemon Yellow and Dive Blue colorways (a dream of buttery brightness when paired together), but also at my core gravitate to a restrained palette: navy, white, stone. Oh, and my first pair of Galway Denim will not be my last. In sum, pieces that harmonize rather than compete, that layer with intention and ease.

My love affair with reading began since my days of hooked on phonics. And it has been the most constant thread running through every version of my life—before careers, before marriage, before adulthood. Like a good perfume or catchy song, the books I have devoured are now tucked into every milestone and memory.

Over time—through school, work, and life becoming fuller and faster—I’ve had to be much more intentional about keeping reading in my days. What used to happen effortlessly now happens by design. I still get through about 50-60 books a year, but it’s not without diligence!

These are the habits, systems, and small shifts that have allowed me to stay a voracious reader—and I believe they can help you become one, too.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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How to Become a Voracious Reader

1. Treat Reading Like a Muscle

The most important mindset shift: reading isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it strengthens with repetition.

Law school (and later, my early years in Big Law) forced me into a kind of reading boot camp—processing dense, technical material for hours on end. What surprised me most was how quickly that stamina translated into reading for pleasure.

If you feel “out of practice,” that’s all it is.

You don’t have inability. Just atrophy.

The fastest way to become a voracious reader is simply to start—consistently, imperfectly, and often.

2. Make It a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Day

The easiest way to read more is to stop treating it as optional.

Anchor it to something you already do—most naturally, your wind-down routine.

For me, reading is the final exhale of my day. It’s the moment my brain understands: we are done now. I reach for my book the way someone else might reach for a glass of wine or turn on a show.

Because it’s tied to going to sleep, I don’t have to decide whether I’m going to read. It simply happens.

Even 15–20 minutes a night adds up quickly. And once it becomes part of your rhythm, the volume takes care of itself.

3. Protect the Ritual

Once you’ve set your time to curl up with a book, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, block off your calendar, and protect this small pocket of quiet.

Reading doesn’t compete well with notifications—it needs a little ceremony, and all of your attention.

4. Make It Easy (and Inexpensive)

The easier and cheaper it is, the more you’ll read. Friction is the enemy! I utilize these resources to help keep costs low:

• Library — My personal favorite. All the excitement of shopping, without having to spend a dollar!

• Library e-reader apps (Libby/Hoopla) — A best-kept secret! Many libraries are affiliated with apps like Libby or Hoopla where you can rent digital versions of books without having to leave your couch.

• BookBub — A daily digest of deals tailored to your wishlist or recommendations based off your reading. I love adding want-to-read-but-not-in-a-rush titles, and then snagging them once a deal pops up!

• Book of the Month — For a low price, you receive a curated choice of selections from best-sellers, burgeoning authors, and first releases! And, if the monthly picks aren’t to your fancy, you can always defer your credit. Plus, you get “add-on” privileges, which allows you to access BOTM’s large catalogue of popular titles at a significant discount! Picking my book each month feels like SUCH a treat!

• Kindle Unlimited — While I ultimately decided to cancel my subscription, I know so many people who adore the access to thousands of titles a month for less than the price of one book.

5. Buy a Kindle

I know. E-readers are controversial and balked at by purists. But if your goal is volume and consistency, nothing compares.

It removes barriers—no lighting issues, no bulk, instant access—and turns reading into something you can do anywhere. Mine lives in whatever bag I’m carrying (and small enough to fit into my everyday clutch), so I can quickly pull out when waiting for an appointment or a friend to meet up.

6. Track What You Read

There is something so powerful about seeing your literary life accumulate. And, it taps into the same psychology that James Clear’s Atomic Habits teaches: what gets tracked gets repeated. You’ll also have access at your fingertips to what you want to pick-up next!

• Use Goodreads

• Follow friends (including me!)

• Set a realistic annual goal

7. Listen to Audiobooks

They count. Fully!!!

Commutes, walks, getting ready, cleaning—these are all hidden reading pockets. Once you start stacking them, you’ll be shocked at how quickly you move through books. I like to listen to non-fiction books, especially. Plus, did you know Spotify has audiobooks for immediate listening as part of its Premium Plan?

8. Read Multiple Books at Once

This is an underrated trick! I always am reading a fiction title and listening to a non-fiction audiobook.

9. Call Yourself a Reader

Not “someone trying to read more.” Not “someone who used to read.” A reader.

No one is going to hand you a certificate. There’s no threshold you have to cross, no number of books you need to earn the title. You get to decide.

And more often than not, we rise (or fall) to the level of the identities we claim. When you start to see yourself as a reader, your habits begin to align accordingly. You reach for a book instead of your phone. You bring one with you without thinking. You finish more than you start.

So say it—I’m a reader.

And then, little by little, make it true.

The Books That Will Help You Do It

• If You Want a Beach Read — Anything by Elin Hilderbrand

  • My all-time favorite author. I savor her works, tucking them away for summertime only like a special seasonal treat (the only exceptions being The Academy, which she wrote with her daughter and is set in the fall; the Winter Street Inn series, set at Christmastime; and the Winter in Paradise series, set around New Years).

• If You Want to Fall in Love with a Series — The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

  • Deliciously British and charming, you will be ready to reach for the next installment as you are turning your final page on its predecessor.

• If You Want to Fall in Love with an Author — The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  • TJR can build a world and enrapture you right within it.

• If You Want Multiple Points of View — The Authenticity Project or Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, both by Clare Pooley

  • Clare Pooley’s novels are multi-generational and sprawl across economic, cultural, and ideological backgrounds. You will leave each session with a newfound appreciation for the stories of those who quietly surround you.

• If You Want Your Heart Warmed — The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher

  • This was a completely random and impulsive pick-up from the library, and I think about it at least once a week since I finished it over 18-months ago.

• If You Want to Feel Slightly Voyeuristic — Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden

  • This book inserts you into the real-life affluence of a Elin Hilderbrand novel, weaving between New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. It also is a quick read at ~240 pages!

• If You Want a Memoir — The In-Between by Hadley Vlahos

  • Another book I have thought about constantly since finishing. I loved listening to this as an audiobook, since every chapter was about ~45 minutes and focused a different patient’s story. It felt like a podcast!

• If You Want to Be on the Edge-of-Your-Seat —The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

  • I could not put this book down! I picked it up last year during an evening snowstorm that kept us homebound, and I stayed up until 1am finishing it!

• If You Want to Laugh — The Guncle by Steven Rowley or How Do I Un-Remember This by Danny Pellegrino

  • The Guncle (and its sequel)will have you laughing one page and unexpectedly tearing up the next—warm, witty, and full of heart.

  • Anything by Danny Pellegrino is guaranteed joy, especially his first publication. As one of my all-time favorite podcasters, his books capture that same irreverent, observant humor—so much so that I have genuinely laughed out loud in public more than once.

• If You Want Historical Fiction — The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

  • A sweeping, emotional story set in World War II that follows two sisters navigating survival, resistance, and impossible choices in Nazi-occupied France. It’s immersive, deeply moving, and stays with you.

• If You Want to Read Before the Movie — The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

  • Set at a summer camp, this book blends mystery, family dynamics, and class tensions into a slow-burning, atmospheric read.

• If You Want to Savor Something — Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

  • It’s quiet, reflective, and deeply human—the kind of novel that makes you look forward to your time with it. Less about urgency, more about presence. And that, very much, is the point.

• If You Want Essays — Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

  • Sharp, witty, and deeply relatable, this essay collection reads like a conversation with your smartest, funniest friend. It’s perfectly suited for dipping in and out—little vignettes on love, friendship, and growing up that feel both personal and universal.

• If You Want Poetry — A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush

  • Modern and instantly recognizable, Rush’s collection capture smalls, specific experiences and emotions with surprising clarity.

• If You’re Newly Engaged or Married (or Have Been for a While!) — How to Be Married by Jo Piazza

  • Part memoir, part global exploration, this follows a journalist navigating her first year of marriage while facing a multiple sclerosis diagnosis—and simultaneously traveling the world to understand how different cultures define partnership. It’s thoughtful, perspective-shifting, and one I’ve gifted to countless friends after reading on my own honeymoon.

When I started The Lauren Letter, it was never about building a business. It was about creating a space—one that felt beautiful, grounded, and always romanticized.

That has not changed.
And it won’t.

The Lauren Letter will always be free.
No paywalls. No gated posts. No “premium” version of what has always been shared openly.

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Because at its core, this space exists to make the everyday feel more thoughtful, more elevated, and, in its own small way, more magic-filled—and I don’t believe that should sit behind a barrier.

But if this space has become something you look forward to—
a small ritual in your week,
a source of inspiration,
a reminder to approach life with more intention—

you now have the option to support it.

If you feel so inclined, you can now support The Lauren Letter through:

• Monthly

• Annual

• The Patronage, a customizable annual gift, from which 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Malala Fund, supporting girls’ access to education globally.

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Become a Patron

There is no expectation here—only an invitation:

To support, if you’d like.
To simply keep reading, if you’d rather.

Either way, I am so glad you’re here.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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This past few weeks of shopping have been a study in balance — pieces that feel polished but not precious, comfortable but not careless. The kind of acquisitions that slip seamlessly into real life: travel days, quick dinners, mornings that start slow and end somewhere unexpectedly chic.

Included in this Report:

• An structured but comfortable set that will keep up with the longest of travel days

• A holy grail sneaker

• An under $25 bright and springy candle

And now — the receipts:

Alex Mill Coco Sport Set

This is what I want to wear every time I run an errand or board a plane.

Comfortable, yes — but crisp. The structure keeps it from veering into loungewear territory, while the ease makes it ideal for long travel days or slow Sundays. It’s that elusive middle ground: you look pulled together, but you feel like you’re in pajamas.

Already eyeing it in red and grey.

Alex Mill Taylor Sweater

What narcotics are in Alex Mill designs? Truly. They are addictive!

This sweater is the perfect weight — that magical cashmere-cotton blend that feels substantial but breathable. The high neck folds over effortlessly (no fussing required), and the structure gives it just enough polish to carry an outfit.

Veronica Beard Valentina Sneakers

The height is perfect, the slip-on design makes them wildly practical and fun, and somehow they still read elevated — not gym-adjacent. I’ve already ordered another color, which is my personal gold standard of endorsement.

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt

I’m deep in a monogramming phase — every small detail feels like an opportunity. This oxford was no exception!

I ordered a small petite to get that boxy, borrowed feel without drowning in fabric, and it was exactly right. Crisp, lightweight, endlessly versatile.

Cadets Rollneck Sweater

Lightweight cotton, airy but still cozy — it makes me think of breezy coastal evenings, a glass of crisp white wine, and just enough salt in the air to justify staying out a little longer.

Few Moda Rosa Satin Shorts (Gifted)

These are the definition of elevated casual — that rare piece that feels indulgent but still wearable. Pair with an oversized sweater and a ballet flat, and suddenly you have a full moment with minimal effort.

Varley Annika Playsuit

I am already obsessed with Varley, and this playsuit only deepened the attachment.

Cinched at the waist for just enough femininity, but otherwise the definition of throw-and-go. It makes me want to do a cartwheel!

Quince Grapefruit Candle

The scent is luxurious, bright, and quickly fills the entire home — no hovering required. My only complaint: it doesn’t come in a three-wick (yet), which I would purchase immediately!

Oak Essentials Restorative Face Mask (Gifted)

I am notoriously selective with skincare PR — I rarely stray from my tried-and-true. But Oak Essentials (by Jenni Kayne, a name synonymous with quality) felt like an exception worth making. And, unsurprisingly, it delivered.

After just 10 minutes, my skin looks visibly quenched, brighter, and more even. It’s one of those products where you see the result immediately.

On my first day of law school, I had a very specific picture in my mind of what the next three years would look like: memorizing statutes, studying the elements of crimes, and quizzing myself on legislative updates.

In short, I assumed I would be learning the law.

Boy, was I surprised.

That first lecture ended up being memorable for more than one reason—most notably because I met my husband just a few seats away—but also because our professors quickly disabused us of our expectations.

They told us something that felt almost unsettling at the time:
Learning how to actually be a lawyer comes much, much later.

How to represent a client.
How to deliver a compelling closing argument.
How to negotiate a deal.

Those are things you learn after you pass the bar and begin practicing.

What law school is really designed to do is something else entirely:
It teaches you how to think.

Over three years of school—and then half a decade in practice—my brain was completely rewired. What surprised me most, though, is how transferable those lessons are.

When I stepped away from the all-consuming intensity of Big Law and moved in-house—creating space for relationships, hobbies, and simply living—I began to notice just how often those same lessons were shaping the way I move through the world.

So today, I’m sharing a few of them—lessons you can borrow without ever being cold-called in front of sixty of your classmates.

1. Listen Twice As Much As You Talk

Clients rarely present their situation like a carefully constructed PR package. The real issue is often buried somewhere between the facts they emphasize and the details they nearly skip over.

So, a good lawyer learns to listen—fully, patiently, and without rushing to respond.

The same is true in life. If you let people finish their sentences, they will tell you basically everything you need to know.

In a world that rewards quick takes, the ability to truly listen is an advantage.

2. Don’t Let Emotions Cloud Judgment

Law trains you quickly: feelings are not evidence.

That doesn’t make emotions irrelevant—they often explain why something is happening—but in legal analysis, decisions must be grounded in what actually occurred, bow how intensely someone feels about it.

This has been invaluable in my personal life.

Is my husband attacking me as a human being with no regard for all I do for our household?
Or is he simply offering a (perhaps unsolicited) opinion on how to load the dishwasher?

Taking a beat to ask, what actually happened here? has saved me from more unnecessary spirals than I can count.

3. Get Names Right. And Use Honorifics.

In my earliest days as a summer associate, I misspelled a very intimidating senior partner’s name in an email and he called me down to his office for a “chat”. I was absolutely terrified as he laid out my trespasses from across his giant mahogany desk, convinced I had lost my job at my dream firm before it was even offered. And while, upon reflection, this performance was a tad dramatic, I learned quickly.

This extends beyond remembering names. It means also using proper honorifics—Judge, Professor, Doctor. Titles exist for a reason, and acknowledging them signals professionalism and care. I will never forget a law professor who chided my cohort anytime one of us referred to a supreme court justice by last name alone. I can still hear his Appleton, Wisconsin accent commanding the room—”That’s JUSTICE Blackmun”. It’s why I still refer to my friend, pure barre client, and dentist who I am very much on a first name basis with as Doctor Lauren and my sister-in-law’s father as Doctor Jeff and a former colleague who joined my firm after time on the bench as Chief Justice.

It’s not about vanity; it is about attention. People notice when you make the effort. It tells them you’re detail-oriented, prepared, and respectful of the room you’re in.

In everyday life, the same rule applies. Remember names. Use them. Double-check them. The small effort communicates far more than you might think.

(But, for what it’s worth, you can call me really anything!).

4. “I Don’t Know” Is Never the Final Answer

In law, “I don’t know” is never the final answer. The correct response is “let me find out.”

The law (and life!) is far too vast for anyone to hold entirely in their head. What matters more is your willingness to investigate, learn, and return with an informed insight.

Adopting this mindset turns uncertainty from a dead end into a starting point. Instead of feeling defeated by not knowing something, you become curious and resourceful. And, for what it’s worth, curiosity is a powerful predictor of success, often surpassing raw intelligence, because it drives continuous learning, engagement, and adaptability.

5. Be Unimpeachable With Your Word

Your reputation is one of the most valuable assets you possess.

If you say you’ll do something, you do it. If you promise a deadline, you meet it. If you say you’ll follow up, you follow up. And, if life understandably happens, you communicate accordingly and as soon as practicable.

It sounds simple, but reliability compounds over time. People quickly learn who they can trust and who they cannot.

Being known as someone whose word can be relied upon builds trust in friendships, family, and everyday interactions. It doesn’t require grand gestures—just consistent follow-through and small promises kept.

6. Sunlight Is the Best Disinfectant

One of my favorite jurist quotes comes from US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

The most pragmatic lesson that I’ve learned in my nearly decade of studying the law is that transparency solves problems far more effectively than secrecy.

Misunderstandings often grow when information is incomplete or hidden. When expectations aren’t communicated clearly, people tend to fill in the blanks with assumptions—usually unhelpful ones.

Bringing clarity to a situation early almost always makes things easier. Honest conversations, clear expectations, and straightforward communication tend to prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.

In both legal disputes and everyday life, sunlight tends to resolve problems faster than shadows ever will.

7. Nothing is Black and White

Learning to sit comfortably with nuance is one of the most valuable skills law school teaches. It encourages you to examine issues from multiple perspectives and remain open to information that challenges your initial (or even built-over-time) assumptions.

Inviting curiosity into your own tightly grasped beliefs invites compassion, neuroplasticity, and, most importantly, peace with divergence in worldviews from friends, family members, and strangers online.

8. Efficiency Is a Skill

In Big Law, your life is measured in six-minute increments. Your value and success is boiled down to how many of those little .1s of billable hours you tallied by the end of the year.

Add in constant deadlines and ruthless priorities, and you learn quickly that not everything deserves equal attention.

Efficiency, in this sense, isn’t about rushing. It’s about understanding what truly deserves your energy, what does not, and the decisiveness to act accordingly upon that analysis.

That skill becomes just as valuable in everyday life, where the ability to focus on what matters most often determines whether a week feels productive or overwhelming. This requires careful examination of your assumptions as to what truly is a priority (e.g., financial health, physical movement, quality time with your family) and what you have mistakenly labeled as non-negotiable (e.g., your third volunteer committee meeting of the week, showing face at a networking happy hour).

9. Don’t Tell Yourself “No”

One of the biggest mistakes I see—professionally and personally—is self-rejection.

In negotiations, assumptions about what the other side will say are often wrong. Offers you think are too ambitious sometimes land. Opportunities materialize at the eleventh hour (I love a good courthouse-steps settlement).

The key is simply allowing the conversation to happen and having the courage to put yourself out there.

In life, this translates to a simple but powerful rule: don’t preemptively reject your own ideas, ambitions, or opportunities.

The world will tell you no plenty of times. Don’t do it for them.

10. You Can Challenge a System While Still Working Within It

Let me say it clearly: you don’t always need to burn something down to improve it. Sometimes the most effective change comes from understanding a system deeply—and then working within it to make it better.

Law is essentially a structured way to push back. The system exists, but it also contains mechanisms to question it. Learning how to navigate rules while advocating for change is a surprisingly powerful life skill.

It’s a lesson that has made me both more pragmatic and more hopeful in my entire worldview. Acceptance of this will also promote sustained advocacy and prevent burnout when entrenched structures inevitably fall short of your ideals.

11. Presence Matters

Before you say a word, people are already forming an impression.

In a courtroom, judges and juries notice everything: posture, tone of voice, eye contact, confidence. Even before someone speaks, their presence communicates something about how seriously they take the moment. There’s a reason these memes are hilarious:

Standing tall, looking polished, and meeting someone’s gaze isn’t about performance—it’s about signaling that you respect the moment and believe in what you’re saying.

12. Details Are Never “Small”

I have worked on cases that have been in litigation for over a decade . . . because of a comma.

A comma.

Tiny details—wording, timing, punctuation—can change outcomes entirely.

And that lesson extends far beyond contracts.

A well-lived life is often the sum of small attentions:
the sunlight hitting your desk in the morning,
remembering your friend’s mother is awaiting biopsy results,
wearing the bracelet your grandmother gave you.

Nothing is small when it is paid attention to.

13. No One Gets to Define You But You

During my second year of practice, I worked briefly for a partner whose behavior was, without exaggeration, some of the most cruel, vile, and unprofessional I have ever encountered (or even heard of).

It became so untenable that my husband insisted I take a leave of absence for my health. My therapist and multiple senior mentors agreed.

After I returned from my five-day hiatus, a firm leader called me into their office.

They told me my experience wasn’t legally actionable (I never alleged that it was)—and then added, with casual cruelty, that perhaps I simply wasn’t built to be a litigator.

I was crushed.

At that point in my life, my identity was deeply tied to being good at this. I had sacrificed vacations, cancelled countless social obligations, worked through my honeymoon, taken calls during wedding dress fittings, ignored my failing physical and mental health, and billed hours from hospital waiting rooms while my mom underwent chemotherapy.

To be told I “wasn’t built for it” felt like an unraveling.

But then I did what law had trained me to do: I interrogated the narrative.

I looked at the evidence, like any good litigator does. Strong reviews. Meaningful wins. Creative strategy. Positive feedback. Resilience under pressure.

The facts didn’t support the conclusion. I was, and am to this day, a patently great litigator.

Nevertheless, this confrontation led to me to begin a revaluation of who I was and, more importantly, who I wanted to be.

I intentionally shifted my career toward balance and alignment. I invested in my health, my relationships, and creative pursuits. I disentangled my worth from my output. I fell in love with myself.

And I stopped accepting other people’s conclusions about who I was.

In litigation, every case comes with competing stories—each side presenting a version of events they hope the decision-maker will believe. A good lawyer learns quickly that the loudest narrative isn’t always the truest one.

Throughout life, people will project their assumptions onto you: who you should be, what you’re capable of, what lane you belong in. Some of those narratives are subtle, others quite direct.

The key is learning to be critical about which messages you accept as fact.

You are allowed to question the stories others tell about you. In fact, you should. Because ultimately, the only person who gets to define who you are is you.

2024 nearly broke me.

Twelve weddings. Each with a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or some festive fête that demanded a second formal outfit. Then came the black-tie holiday parties. The cocktail receptions. The charity soirees.

And the final straw?

A gala in March 2025 that Carter casually informed me about eight days in advance.

Eight. Days.

Now, I love an excuse for a fabulous dress as much as the next girl. I adore the hunt for something special—a standout gown, a punchy color, a dramatic sleeve for an event you’ve been anticipating for months. But by the end of that jam-packed year I was experiencing what can only be described as formalwear fatigue.

So I finally did what I should have done years ago: I invested in my no-brainer, go-to black formal dress.

The one that lives quietly in the back of my closet but is always ready for duty.

And most importantly—it’s not trendy! This dress isn’t about fashion fireworks. It’s about reliability. It’s tasteful. It’s elegant. It’s appropriate almost everywhere.

There is something so incredibly grounding about knowing that in your closet at all times is a beautiful, flattering black dress ready for whatever invitation lands on your doorstep. No panic. No frantic online ordering. No overnight shipping.

Below are a few of my favorite styles that perfectly fit the brief.

In a rush? Shop all my selections here.

P.S. The Lauren Letter Stories are free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could consider giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me. xx Lauren

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Hill House Home — The Tulle Ellie Nap Dress

This is my personal formal black dress! She’s 50% off right now, to boot! P.S. You need to wear with a slip; I recommend this one.

Hill House Home — The Lace Ellie Nap Dress

P.S. You need to wear with a slip; I recommend this one.

Tuckernuck — Black Dupioni Esme Dress

P.S. You can get 20% off with code YOUROCK.

Tuckernuck — Black Soleil Gown

P.S. You can get 20% off with code YOUROCK.

Tuckernuck — Black Tie Front Bow Bea Maxi Dress

P.S. You can get 20% off with code YOUROCK.

Tuckernuck — Black Dupioni Clea Dress

P.S. You can get 20% off with code YOUROCK.

Tuckernuck — Black Feather Jamie Dress

P.S. You can get 20% off with code YOUROCK.

Few Moda — o.p.t Elowen Dress

Sam Edelman — Women’s Novalee Mixed-Media Strapless Dress

Under $100!

Show Me Your MuMu — Dalia Maxi Dress

Show Me Your MuMu — Tinsley Tube Dress

I’m admittedly the personification add to cart —but I’m equally quick to print a return label. If an item makes getting dressed easier, improves a daily routine, or helps me romanticize the everyday, it stays. If it doesn’t? Well, let’s just say the UPS clerk is on our holiday card list.

So here’s this year’s roundup: the purchases that truly delivered — along with the ones that were sent right back!

*denotes that I have recieved PR from this brand within the past year.

The Best Purchases

Closet Staples

• Sue Sartor Flounce Dress – My favorite dress I purchased in the past five years. There’s a reason I picked this piece to wear on our Homeworthy episode! Instantly flattering, feminine, and flirty.

• Tuckernuck Cashmere* – As I like to say, clinically obsessed. I now have three pieces from Tuckernuck’s Cashmere collection, and it is an instant elevation and investment staple. Plus I love the monogramming option for a little luxurious wink!

  • P.S. Use code “YOUROCK” for 20% off Tuckernuck’s Cashmere collection!

• Frank & Eileen Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt* – While all their pieces are absolutely exquisite, I can say with my full chest that this button-up is the absolute best in the business. Everytime I throw it on I feel like the main character in a Nancy Meyers film.

• Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater* – I now have this piece in two colors, and they are a go to grab for cozy, elevated dressing.

• Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan* – Another go to for pairing over a set for barre or for the perfect styling with denim.

  • Sizing Note: Take your usual size! I love how the small fits on me. I tried to size up to a large for a slouchy look, but it just turned out frumpy.

• Aritzia Effortless Pant – After searching for the perfect work trouser, I discovered this pant and immediately purchased in five colors. When something works, commit!

  • Sizing Note: I sized up twice in these. A single size up would work with a thin blouse or slim button down, but I wanted the option to tuck-in a sweater or thicker top. The short length is perfect on me (I am 5’3”).

• Citizens of Humanity Lyra Wide Leg Crop Raw Hem Jeans – I was intimidated by wide leg jeans for so long, but these are insanely flattering and drive wild amounts of compliments (both for their look and how slimming they are). The entire collection is now on my wishlist!

• Perfect Day Crew Sweater from Nell MV – I severely underestimated the breeze when strolling Martha’s Vineyard in late May 2025, which led me to one of my absolute favorite finds! After popping into the cutest store, Nell MV, I quickly snagged this lightweight cashmere as a salve for chilly summer nights, and I find myself reaching for it constantly. The layer comes in so many colors, and I cannot wait to collect them all!

  • Sizing Note: This sweater is designed to be boxy, so take your usual size for the oh-so-slightly oversized (but not slouchy) fit.

  • P.S. It also comes in cotton for under $100!

• J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater in Heather Sky – I don’t need to wax poetic about the icon that is the J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater (although I could)! But. This. Color. It’s the most scrumptious, icy blue that carries you through summer nights with a breeze to winter mornings by the fire.

  • Sizing Note: I took a large for a “just stole from my husband” extra-oversized look.

• Alex Mill Sport Set – My new travel, work-from-home, and errand-running go to. Soft yet structured; casual yet chic. I purchased about a month ago, and I’ve already worn five times.

  • Sizing Note: I took a medium in the bottoms and a large in the top to accommodate curves!

• Veronica Beard Valentina Sneakers – I LOVE THESE SNEAKERS. AND THEY’RE SLIP ON! AND THEY MAKE ME FEEL SO STYLISH! And they just feel and look so well made. I have the navy pair, which is so different from my typical taupe/white neutral shoes, but I will quickly invest in their other colorways as well.

• Amazon Brown Stripe Dress – A rare Amazon winner! I wore this on vacation at Round Hill Resort, and it got so much love. It’s wildly flattering, and the price is unbeatable. The best part? It’s under $20!

• LAKE Pajamas* – I’ve been exclusively wearing LAKE pajamas to bed since 2022, and I will never stray! I purchased a few new sets this year to expand my rotation and improve longevity in all my pairs. I especially adore the Long Sleeve Bundles, which give you pants and short options!

• Lorna Murray Island Ravello Hat – The perfectly packable hat. Inspired by Kathy Hilton, this accessory is one of my favorite statement pieces for summertime. And the grosgrain ribbon makes it feel fabulous enough to carry me from the pool to posher settings.

• UGG Scuffette II Slippers – After longer than I’d like to admit, I finally invested in a new pair of UGG slippers. I wear these around the home every single day, officially bringing my cost per wear to mere pennies, and I’ve never found a substitute worth my dollar.

Beauty & Hair

• Crown Affair The Towel* – Immediately takes hair from sopping to damp, yet is gentle enough to not damage your locks.

• Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo* – Non-aerosol, not prone to that “build-up” feeling, and the kabuki brush allows you to really control where the product goes!

• Teleties Flat Hair Clip – Absolute perfection for barre/pilates mat work!

• Beauty by Earth Self Tanner – An absolute fool-proof self-tan that looks like a natural vacation glow. Plus, it’s clean ingredients! I swear by the mousse and facial spray, and, even though I’m naturally pale (read: vampiristic), the medium-dark shade is perfect!

• La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask* – My nightime moisutrizer! My dry as scales skin absolutely drinks this up, and I wake up with a glowing, hydrated barrier. Although a higher price point, a tiny bit goes such a long way.

• Diptyque Philosykos Body Wash – The Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee featured this body wash in their guest rooms, and I was immediately enchanted. The scent is soothing and transports me every time I use it, and, unlike some perfumed, higher-end body washes, this one suds up spectacularly.

Interiors

• Ruggable Kairos Ivory & Blue Rug* – One of my most requested links on Instagram! The perfect neutral rug for a traditional home, and the price is absolutely unbeatable.

• Amazon Oushak Rug – Another rug that made the list! And a rare Amazon find, no less, that punched up our dining room immediately. The cost for quality is fantastic, and I love that it is offered in so many different colorways.

• Pooky Lighting Lampshades – Updating our lampshades from manufacturer-grade, generic white to more playful patterns and silhouettes has made such a difference. It’s an instant injection of charm without having to break the bank. My favorite selections can almost exclusively be found at Pooky!

Little Luxuries

• Nespresso by De’Longhi Vertuo Next Premium Coffee and Espresso Machine in Creamy White with Gold Accents – I am a Nespresso loyalists (my husband calls it “fluffy coffee”). Carter got me this darling new machine for Christmas, and I just swoon at the gold accents. If something is going to live on our countertop, it needs to be beautiful!

• Kindle – After losing my Paperwhite at the Drake Chicago, I tried to power through without an e-reader for a few months. And it was horrible! I splurged on the even smaller, classic model and keep it on me at all times! It fits perfectly in my YSL clutch I move from tote to tote and is ideal for travel.

• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – I am notorious in my book club for being a cheap reader. With a library card that gives me access to all the books I could ever want, physical or digital, and no room for a true library in our townhome, I have a hard time justifying the spend. But I am so glad I invested in owning this book which I know I will read over and over again.

• Morningside Mahjong Travel Mahjong Set* – You cannot beat the quality of this travel set for the price. For under $200, you get a canvas case that fits all pieces, a travel sized mat, beautiful tiles, racks, and an acrylic storage box. Perfect for vacations, patio days, and playing on the couch or in bed!

  • Use code LAUREN15 for 15% off orders of $100+!

• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Travel Spray Set – While I purchased this full set back in 2023, I purchase a new set of refills every single year, so it technically makes the list! This scent is iconic for a reason, and everytime I put on even a spritz I recieve compliments galore. I keep this chic, gold carrying case in my everyday clutch which is perfect for travel or a quick touch up. And believe me; the refills last forever.

• Amazon Clothing Rack – Originally purchased to sift through PR deliveries, I have now integreated this under $30 workhorse into my weekly planning by setting out my styled outfits in advance. The bottom rack for shoes and accessories is not to be overlooked!

The Worst Purchases

Amazon Experiments

• Amazon Battery-Powered Sconces – I wanted to save a buck (classic) and avoid electrical hardwiring (scary) when I opted for these battery powered sconces. Unfortunately, they looked just like their price: cheap. Plus, the bulbs were not a flattering light and lost juice quickly. We eventually ponied up to install the Ballard sconces of my dreams, and I am so happy with the result.

• Amazon Dress Pants – While searching for the perfect dress pant, I decided to conduct a comparative analysis between the aforementioned Aritzia Effortless Pant and Amazon dupes. I quickly found out you get what you pay for, when my new trousers delivered via prime had snags, a faulty zipper, and smelled of plastic.

• Amazon Lounge Sets – Yet again, the lesson is pay now or pay later. I spent beaucoup-s of money on cheap, polyster sets from Amazon this past year only to finally concede to investing in a few very select Varley, Frank & Eileen, and Alex Mill outfits. Whereas the Amazon sets felt worn, puckered, and itchy after one wear, I find myself reaching for my investments time and time again (and they hold up through the wears and washes!). It was this trade-off that began my critical analysis of thinking about shopping through the lense of price-per-wear versus initial cost.

Fashion Fails

• Barrel Jeans – Absoloutely not. And that’s all I have to say about that.

• Tuckernuck Meg Skirt* – An extremely rare Tuckernuck fail! If you have any bottom-half curves, this skirt is not the best option for you.

• CRZ Yoga Square Neck Bra – While I loved it on my first wear, the moment I placed in the wash, it entirely fell apart. I normally don’t mind CRZ Yoga as a budget athletic wear option, but lately I have felt that the quality has diminished (or perhaps I’ve just gained higher expectations for my peices???).

• Old Navy Square-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress – Sometimes I can absolutely hit the jackpot with an Old Navy find (see my latest workout set). I had similar hopes for this darling summer dress last June, but it was unlined, unflattering, and felt just as cheap as its price.

Things I Thought I Needed

• Kindle Unlimited – I signed up for a free trial, but promptly cancelled before my card was charged. While plenty of people I know adore their membership, I didn’t find the selections compelling, and, given my avid library usage, for $12 a month, I would rather purchase one buzy book that I am giddy to read as opposed to having access to a collection of “fine” selections.

• Clean Skin Club Clean Towels – While the concept is great (a new, fresh, single use cloth for your face every day), I found it somewhat wasteful and less gentle on my skin than my typical freshly laundered, soft face cloths I use every night (one use then it goes to the hamper!).

• Salt and Stone Aluminum Free Deodorant – I became convinced aluminum deoderant would give me cancer. After trying this product, I became more convinced I would take my chances with poisonous antipersperant over being the smelly girl. Note: Major health organizations state there is no conclusive scientific evidence that aluminum in deodorant or antiperspirant causes cancer.

New series alert! Every six weeks or so, I’ll be sharing a little wardrobe roundup: Things I’ve Been Wearing. Not trend reports, not shopping pressure—just the pieces that are actually earning their keep in my closet right now! The outfits I reach for on repeat, the staples that do the heavy lifting again and again, and the occasional new find that makes me feel like I’ve cracked a code!

Think of this as a peek into my real rotation—how I’m styling things, what’s proving surprisingly versatile, and what’s worth adding to your own closet if you’re in the mood for something new.

In this edition, you’ll see:

• A new favorite lounge piece that feels polished enough to leave the house in

• A classic sweater silhouette

• My new go-to matching set (pricey, but worth the investment)

• And an absolute steal of a spring dress—under $35!

• And more! Including sizing insights!

In a rush? Shop all the pieces here.

P.S. The Lauren Letter Stories are free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could consider giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me. xx Lauren

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Lauren’s Typical Sizing Guide

Tops: M

Pants/Dresses: 6

Denim: 28

Shoes: 7-7.5

Height: 5’3”

Body Type: Curvy

• Max Mara Belted Cashmere Cardigan — XL for a roomier fit/styling over thicker fabrics

• Amazon Lounge Set — L for more room through seat

• Varley Annika Playsuit — L for more room through seat and bust. Cinched waist keeps it flattering and tailored while comfortable for curves.

  ---

• Quince 100% Cotton Striped Crew Sweater — M for slightly roomier fit without being “oversized”

• Guest In Residence Wild Rag — One size

• Lingua Franca Crewneck — L for non-fitted look.

• J.Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater — L for oversized, “just stole from my husband” look.

• Hill House Scarlett Midi Nap Dress — M! Take your true size (if between sizes and have a curvy chest, go with your larger size).

• Alex Mill Coco Sport Cardigan — L (I recommend sizing up once, twice if you have a curvy chest).

• Alex Mill CoCo Sport Pant — M (take your true size; if between sizes and have curvy hips or seat, go with your larger size).

• Veronica Beard Valentina Sneaker — 7.5 (take your true size; if between sizes, size down. I wish I had done a 7, but these still work!).

• Spanx Air Essentials Half Zip Sweatshirt — XL (SIZE UP 2-3 times! An XL fit like my “true” size).

• Spanx Air Essentials Slim Straight Pant — MP (take your true size; if between sizes and have curvy hips or seat, go with your larger size).

• Tuckernuck Cotton Americana Sweater — L for an oversized fit.

• LAKE Pima Long Sleeve Bundle — L for a comfortable, roomy fit (LAKE is 100% pima cotton and will shrink a bit if you throw in the dryer. I recommend sizing up at least once!).

• Target Smocked A-Line Dress — M! Take your true size (if between sizes and have a curvy chest, go with your larger size).

• Frank & Eileen Carmel Set — M for a tailored look! Take your true size (if between sizes and have a curvy chest or seat, go with your larger size).

This post is created in partnership with Spoonflower. As always, all opinions, commentary, and strong feelings about creating a charming home are entirely my own.

I love the modern renaissance of wallpaper.

It makes a room feel like a jewel box — intentional, layered, and transportive. Especially in a traditional home where trim, millwork, and saturated paint colors deserve something equally thoughtful to play against.

But, for years, Carter put his foot down: “Too expensive.” “It’s just a fad.” “What happens when we sell?”

So, as a compromise, we decided to wallpaper the dining room and our primary bedroom! :)

Why We Partnered with Spoonflower

Spoonflower has tens of thousands of designs available in multiple formats — including peel & stick, which is what we used.

For a true forever home, I would likely opt for traditional paste wallpaper. But for our current townhome — which has an expiration date as our family one day hopefully grows — peel & stick was the perfect compromise. If we ever decide it impacts resale value? It removes cleanly.

What I especially loved about ordering from Spoonflower:

• Hefty sample sizes (non-negotiable when trying to determine scale and repeat)

• Coordinating fabric options (dangerous information for someone who romanticizes matching drapery or upholstery)

• An intuitive filtering system for sifting through the library of selections — I narrowed by:

  • Colors: neutrals, greens, blues

  • Style: their “preppy” collection

Pro tip: If your Pinterest algorithm is well trained, search “Spoonflower wallpaper” there. It’s shockingly effective at pulling tailored selections.

We ultimately chose patterns that complemented our trim paint — Sherwin-Williams Gray Screen.

For our dining room, we selected NT Soft Blue Pallavi by Danika Herrick:

For our primary bedroom, we selected Leafy Trellis in French Blue on White Copy by Danika Herrick:

Here are some others we nearly selected:

From top left clockwise: Soft Blue and Greens on White Emma Stripe by Danika Herrick; Large Soft Blue on White Charlie Stripe by Danika Herrick; Graham Blue Stars by Heights Design Studio; Custom Butterscotch Green and Dusty Blue on Cream Elsie’s Garden by Danika Herrick

Tools You Actually Need

• Spoonflower’s wallpaper calculation tool (+ 10% extra for safety)

• Extra-large smoother

• Hobby Knife

• Scissors

• A truly giant ladder (you need to get up in there – I used an 8 foot)

• Comfy clothes – this is physical work. Here’s what I wore over my install days:

Day 1; Day 2; Days 3 + 4

• Patience!!!

The Steps (Peel & Stick Install Overview)

Based on Spoonflower’s installation guide and our real-life experience, here’s the order of operations:

1. Measure (Twice. Actually Thrice.)

Measure full wall height and width – use the tallest wall height for all.
Do not subtract windows or doors.

Patterns require continuity, and panel alignment is everything. Order based on total wall space, not negative space.

2. Order Your Paper

Use Spoonflower’s calculator.
Add 10% extra for pattern matching, mistakes, and emotional security.

3. Prep the Walls

• Clean surface thoroughly

• Ensure walls are fully dry

• Smooth out debris

• If freshly painted, allow adequate cure time

Light texture is workable, but heavily textured walls or certain paint finishes can increase bubble risk (We learned the hard way. Le sigh.).

4. Start at the Top

• Use a level or plumb line to create a straight vertical starting point

• Peel back just the top portion of the backing

• Align carefully and press into place

Do not remove the entire backing at once!!!

5. Smooth As You Go

• Work from top to bottom

• Use your smoother tool to push air outward

• Move slowly

• Peel more backing gradually

If bubbles appear, gently lift and reapply. Peel & stick is forgiving.

6. Pattern Match Carefully

Align each panel before fully committing pressure.

Lattice proved easier than expected, despite my fear it would be chaotic given how imperative it was that the panels aligned. The more organic vine pattern? Surprisingly harder to keep on repeat!

7. Trim Excess

Use a sharp hobby knife along ceiling and baseboards for a clean finish.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

• TAKE BREAKS. I installed two panels at a time and then would take a break. Yes, it extended the work to 30 minute spurts over 4 days, but the physical and mental resets are critical to a job well done with attention to detail.

• Corners are the biggest pain in the neck.

• You will have to revisit panels to smooth bubbles — especially with textured walls or flat paint finish.

• Choose wallpaper with a base tone complementary to your wall color. It disguises minor misalignments. :)

  ---

The Verdict

Dining Room

Primary Bedroom

I do not intend to make DIY a habit of mine, but, let me say in the words of Elle Woods: “We did it!”

Is it perfect? No. But it is an instant injection of charm, and character, and genuine, heart-fluttering beauty into our home. And, above all, I had some fun along the way as I surprised myself with a new skill! As cliché as a 90s rom-com heroine finding herself as she paints the walls with splatter overalls, staring wistfully at the possibilities before her (metaphorically and design-ly) is, I had a ball transforming our space as I danced and sang along to Maisie Peters and cranked through audiobook memoirs. I also am so proud of myself for trying an activity completely out of my comfort zone.

If money is no object, or if you are someone who will break into a hot sweat even just imagining your mother-in-law inspecting a slightly imperfect corner, hire your professional installer and sip something sparkling while she works her magic. But if you’d rather allocate that budget elsewhere or can live with tiny human evidence of effort, it is absolutely doable with research, patience, and a tall enough ladder (I cannot emphasize this one enough!).

One week in, the peel & stick is holding beautifully. We did have to revisit a few bubbles (flat paint finish has been our foil), but overall it’s a low-impact, removable option that’s ideal for renters or non-forever homes.

Our dining room now feels layered and intimate. Our bedroom feels like a jewel box. And perhaps the most unexpected endorsement of all? Carter — former anti-wallpaper lobbyist — went to be the first night grinning, saying he felt like he was “sleeping inside a Christmas present.”

Which begs the question: Which room should I do next?

If February had a thesis, it was this: aging is not a slow fade — it’s a sharpened edge.

My month began with a Libby hold I had been waiting on for eons: How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley. I adore Pooley, so my anticipation was high — perhaps too high. I’ll admit, I nearly gave it two stars. At times the antics of her septuagenarian cast felt slightly overworked. But then I reached her author’s note — her insistence that she wanted to write older characters who are not bumbling, not helpless, not background noise — and something shifted. The novel became less about plot mechanics and more about reclamation. Aging, in her hands, is mischievous and strategic and very much alive.

That theme echoed beautifully as I revisited my favorite fictional retirees in The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman — the third installment in The Thursday Murder Club. This series remains one of my absolute favorites I’ve ever discovered. Equal parts mystery and meditation on aging, Osman’s characters are charming, amusing, and quietly profound. They solve cold cases, yes — but they also wrestle with loss, relevance, loyalty, and time. Each return to Coopers Chase feels like a warm hug and cuppa.

Nonfiction joined the conversation, too. Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy by Chris Duffy explores the scientific basis of humor and the measurable ways laughter benefits us personally, professionally, and intellectually. What lingered with me most wasn’t a punchline, but a posture: humor as noticing. Humor as curiosity. The simple act of listening more closely — even to the stranger across from you on a subway — as a pathway to connection. In a month so centered on aging, this felt like an instruction manual for staying nimble: remain curious, remain amused, remain open.

And then there was Dianaworld: An Obsession by Edward White — unflinching, occasionally contrarian, and deeply analytical in its study of Princess Diana. At times the critique feels almost differently critical for the sake of it, but that tension is part of the point. The book is less a straightforward biography and more an examination of obsession — how a single woman became a cultural mirror for longing, grievance, romance, and myth. For a Royal enthusiast, it’s rich with factual (and occasionally theoretical) nuggets. But beyond that, it’s about narrative — who controls it, who projects onto it, and what survives when the person at the center is gone.

Without further adieu, here are the rankings for the books I read in February 2026.

March is the month we tighten systems, retire what carried us through winter, and set a clean place for the coming weeks. We’re not overhauling our lives; we’re polishing them. Put these on your calendar like you would therapy or a board meeting — because tending to your life is both.

Your March Appointments

1). Retire winter coats to storage (after thanking them for their service!).

2). Buy tulips every Monday this month.

3). Buy a bright, effervescent candle.

4). Try on every piece of clothing you own as you swap out your Fall/Winter wardrobe for Spring/Summer. It’s cumbersome, but the best way to audit.

5). Afteward, drop off your culled out selections at Goodwill.

6). Reorganize your car’s center console and restock it with necessities!

7). Clean out your refrigerator (check expiration dates) and wipe down the shelves.

8). Order a buzzy new book in hard copy (Kindle is practical, but there’s nothing like cracking a spine).

9). Make a light, spring dinner dish with lemon, parmesan, peas, and risotto.

• Carter’s on a protein kick, so I will probably also add in some rotisserie chicken!

10). Wash your makeup brushes!!!

11). Start teeth whitening once a week.

12). Upgrade your everyday schlepper. Bonus points for a fun, ironic monogramming.

13). Review all your subscriptions and cancel two.

14). Then audit all your other auto-pay bills. Knowledge is power!

15). Review your annual goals progress from Q1, and decide what has been working and how you can adjust your sales for Q2.

16). Plan one no-spend weekend.

17). Order new stationery and select a signature pen.

18). Let a spring playlist float through your home as you tidy up.

19). Create a Sunday reset ritual.

• May I recommend starting with Your Sunday Appointments?

20). Invest in a cute new rain jacket for spring showers! If you’re feeling crazy, galoshes too!

21). Refresh your everyday tablescape with a new vase, florals (faux is fantastic!), and candle holders.

22). Order (or better yet, thrift!) a piece of your favorite vintage collection. Think Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood, Famille Rose.

23). Hire a couch cleaner! Results are instantly gratifying and somewhat concerning.

24). Deep clean your dishwasher and washing machine (yes the washers need washing).

25). Create a “What I’m Not Buying This Spring” list.

26). Create a gift closet, featuring a signature surcee to have on hand and darling details for affixing.

27). Get your car detailed (or at least an interior clean at your local car wash).

28). Replace your washcloths.

• And if you don’t alrady use a new washcloth everyday for your face, this is the time to start!

29). Clean out your nightstand and repack using organizer blocks. Don’t forget the dark chocolate!

30). Create an “Oh Shit Kit” ("OSK”) for your purse.

31). Review your credit card perks and make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table!

In a world where most of our memories live on phones, an heirloom refuses to be swiped past. It demands to be held. It slows you down. It asks you to sit.

I wanted our wedding album to feel like that — substantial, intentional, worthy of the characterization — but, while I believe in investing in the right things, I also believe in discernment.

The Album Chasm

If you’ve ever looked into wedding albums, you know the chasm.

On one side: ultra-luxury, fully bespoke albums quoted at $5,000 and up. Gorgeous, yes. But unconscionable in price.

On the other: plug-and-play online options, still pushing four figures, yet offering minimal customization and layouts that feel template-y.

And like any good Goldilocks, I wanted something substantial, beautiful, and personalized — but for less than a mortgage payment!

Enter Acroalbum — a Lithuanian company (serendipitous, as both Carter and I are Lithuanian). It felt like a wink from the universe!

Acroalbum

We ordered a 12x12 album for under $500.

Let me repeat that: our wedding album cost under $500.

The quality? Exceptional. Thick, lay-flat pages. Rich color saturation. Substantial weight. The kind of album you instinctively handle with care. The cover options are refined and elegant — linen, leather, velvet, custom finishes — without veering into anything overly trendy.

And the customization? Extensive, design-forward, and collaborative, all while still remaining price point accessible.

We loved it so much that we created smaller duplicate versions for our moms for Christmas (we opted for 10x10s). Watching them open those albums — their own heirlooms — was one of my favorite post-wedding moments. And we already know we’ll return to these designers for future milestones!

Here’s How It Works

Step 1: Purchase the album size and cover style.
We selected a 12x12 format for a classic, substantial look, but Acroalbum offers a variety of sizes and orientations.

Step 2: Design the pages ourselves.
We exported our high-resolution wedding photos to a digital file. We then designed each spread in Canva (you could use any design software). We treated it like a magazine layout — thoughtful pacing, full-bleed hero images, quiet white space moments. Once finalized, we saved the full album layout as a PDF.

Note: It was helpful to the designer to organize the image files in the same order as they appeared in the album layout.

Step 3: Send the images and PDF to the designer.
Acroalbum’s team reviewed, formatted for print specifications, and handled production.

Step 4: Add custom detailing.
We sent in our custom duogram — designed by Shuler Studio in Columbus, Georgia — and Acroalbum stamped it in gold foil on the cover. We also added complementary detailing to the binding, featuring our wedding date.

Other Heirlooms by Acroalbum

• Keepsake Box (we also have this piece and printed our duogram on it!).

• Guest Book

• Pregnancy Journal

• Baby Book

• Travel Photo Album

• Pet Photo Album

• And so much more!

Welcome to the first edition of The Receipt Report — a monthly(ish) rundown and review of the very best things I’ve acquired recently. Consider this equal parts audit and applause: what earned its place, what exceeded expectation, and what I would repurchase without blinking.

Included in this Report:

• An ultra-flattering throw and go frock

• A book I actually paid for (as a library borrowing purist)

• An unglamorous Amazon find that delivers disproportionate joy

And now — the receipts:

Hill House Scarlett Dress

Romantic but not saccharine. Structured but not stiff. The Scarlett Nap Dress is what I will reach for when I want to look like I tried without actually trying. The silhouette does the heavy lifting — nipped waist, gentle volume, utterly flattering proportions. I have the Chili Red Clip Dot version, but I’m setting my eyes on Pale Blue next.

Tuckernuck Cashmere

I have not-so-quietly become evangelical about Tuckernuck cashmere. The weight is substantial without being bulky, and it holds its shape beautifully. The options are classic with just enough personality in available colors, and I adore the monogramming options for a bespoke micro-lift.

Power Cord Organizer

There is nothing glamorous about cable management — until you no longer see cables. This little organizer eliminated the visual noise beside my nightstand that has been driving me insane, and I cannot overstate the psychological benefit of not staring at a tangle of power cords and wires.

Amazon Oushak Rug

You know I love a high-low moment, and this rug delivers. The pattern reads far more expensive than it is, and, despite going for a brighter design than I typically opt for, it has made our dining room feel layered rather than loud. And, you truly cannot beat the price.

Aritzia Effortless Pant

There is a reason these have cult status. The drape is impeccable — structured enough for meetings, fluid enough for dinner. They elongate the leg in a way that feels architectural rather than trendy.

P.S. I sized up two sizes!

Theo of Golden

Confession: I am an unapologetic cheapskate when it comes to books. I worship at the altar of my Kindle and my library card. I wait for holds. I toggle between Libby and Goodreads like it’s a part-time job. I do not, as a rule, purchase hardcovers.

And yet — this one I bought. Because within a few chapters I knew: This is a book I will reread. This is a book I will underline, dog-ear (gently), revisit in different seasons of life. This is a book I will hand to a daughter or a friend and say, you must.

J.Crew Rollneck

I sized up 2x for that slightly borrowed-from-my-husband ease, and it was the right move. This rollneck feels like settling in to a winter in the Cotswolds, and I am eyeing this green next. This is the piece that will be in your wardrobe for decades to come.

Guest in Residence Wild Rag

This is an accessory that carries the outfit for you. I am absolutely adoring the colorway I selected, but there are so many options available to play with too. I am loving navy/clear sky. You can truly throw this piece over a sweater and instantly feel chic, or wear as a little shawl.

If you’ve ever built a wedding registry, you know the particular spiral it induces.

Suddenly you are convinced you will be hosting weekly twelve-person formal dinners requiring museum-quality porcelain. You begin contemplating whether you need port glasses — port glasses!?!? — as though you have ever in your adult life sipped port after a perfectly composed lamb course. A sales associate gently suggests a $100-per-glass situation (“they’re handmade in the Loire Valley and perfectly balanced to allow maximized oxygenation!”) and you nod thoughtfully, as if this aligns with your lived experience.

The registry haze is real.

It’s so easy to start registering for the fantasy version of yourself: the woman who decants Bordeaux on a Tuesday and casually references her Herend pattern by name. Meanwhile, the actual future you will be reheating pasta, hosting spontaneous friends-for-takeout nights, and desperately searching for a matching lid to your leftovers.

Nearly five years into marriage, I can report back from the other side. The items that endure are not the overly aspirational, hyper-formal ones. They are the beautiful-but-practical pieces that quietly shape your everyday life and make ordinary moments feel elevated.

And here’s the secret: none of this is relationship-dependent. Whether you’re getting married, moving into your own place, buying a home, or simply ready for a life upgrade, these are infrastructure pieces. The sort of things that make you feel like an adult with standards — not just a bride with a scanner.

Below, organized by category (because we love a system), are the registry must-haves I still swear by nearly five years later — and a few I wish I’d added.

Classic Registry

Inexpensive Wine Glasses That Are Sold Individually

You will break them. Your guests will break them. And nothing ruins a bubbly night more than the awkward tango of a $100+ mistake hanging in the air (“Please let me Venmo you . . .” “Oh no, it’s fine . . .”).

My favorite party trick? When a glass inevitably comes crashing to the ground, I already have a single replacement en route before my friend can effusively apologize. And if they insist on paying? I can assure them that I will let them grab a cup of coffee next time we are together. We all move on!

My secondary tip on glassware? Register for more than feels reasonable — 12-16. Future you will be grateful when hosting a large group or a gaggle that switches glasses with each distinct pour and you’re not forced into a mismatched scramble.

• We Selected: Crate & Barrel Hip 31-Oz. Large Red Wine Glass

• Other Options: CB2 Muse Modern Red Wine Glass; Target Blue Stemmed Wine Glass

Beautiful Everyday China

Not “only for holidays” china — I mean the plates you want to eat Tuesday night roast chicken on. When your everyday dishware is lovely, you automatically romanticize dinner. It’s tempting to select the $500 a plate en vogue fine china, but may I politely suggest restraining a bit on your elevated collection and splurge a bit on your daily set? I personally think Costa Nova and Juliska have some of the best options that sit in that space between plain jane department store and handle-with-gloves luxury, and most of their collections also have accompanying serveware which is perfect for family style dining or casual hosting.

• We Selected: Costa Nova White Pearl Dinnerware

• Other Options: Juliska Berry & Thread Dinnerware

Luxury Champagne Flute Set

In addition to a regular set of flutes, register for a special set just for you two that you’ll use on your wedding day — and then on anniversaries, promotions, good news, and random Thursdays that deserve bubbles!

• We Selected: Waterford Love Forever Flute

• Other Options: Villeroy & Boch Grand Royal Flute

A Dutch Oven

The workhorse that is worth the splurge. Soups, braises, sourdough, short ribs, roast chicken. It’s the single piece of cookware that makes you feel like someone who knows what she’s doing and is such a staple in our home that it lives on top of the stove.

• We Selected: Le Creuset Signature 5.5-Qt. Cream Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

• Other Options: Caraway 6.5 qt Dutch Oven

Good Food Storage

Matching, stackable, glass containers make leftovers feel intentional instead of chaotic. A strangely transformative adult purchase.

• We Selected: Pyrex 20-Piece Glass Food Storage Set

• Other Options: Modern Picnic 10-Container Set

Around the House

Beautiful Coffee Mugs

Aside from your daily china, this is one of the other few items you will use daily. Choose ones that make morning feel like a ritual instead of a groggy fog.

• We Selected: Godinger Dublin Crystal Coffee Mugs (Set of 4)

• Other Options: Monique Lhuillier Juliana Scalloped Mugs - Set of 4

Multiple Sheet Sets

At least two per bed. When you place one in the laundry, you immediately can remake the bed and not feel like life is dictated by the wash cycle.

• We Selected: Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

• Other Options: Frontgate Resort Collection Ladder Stitch Sateen Sheet Set

Good Dish Towels

Not novelty. Not thin. Thick, absorbent, coordinated towels that can actually handle kitchen and cleaning moments.

• We Selected: Williams Sonoma Classic Logo Towels

• Other Options: Weezie Kitchen Towel Bundle

Matching Hangers

It’s an instant aesthetic and organizational upgrade for very little effort.

• We Selected: Amazon Velvet Hangers

• Other Options: NEAT Method Everyday Hangers

Tool Kit + Electric Screwdriver

Every household needs one! And, the electric option is so lovely once you have it on hand.

• We Selected: BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Drill & Home Tool Kit

• Other Options: SUGIFT 121-Piece Home Tool Set with 12V Cordless Drill

Pretty Step Ladder

Vertical storage is a must after gathering all your registry wares, and it is so important to have a way to access said goods! Go ahead and ask for pretty versions, because if it is living in your pantry, kitchen corner, or closet it should be something you don’t mind looking at.

• We Selected: 3 Step Ladder Aluminum Lightweight Folding Step Stool

• Other Options: Frontgate Ultralight Slimline 4 Step Stool

Gold Chip Clips

Tiny luxury, big joy.

• We Selected: Steel Chip Clips

Hosting Essentials

Matching Serveware (Including a Giant Ice Bucket)

Serving bowls, platters, and one dramatic oversized ice bucket. The ice bucket, especially, changes the tone of a party!

• We Selected: Mariposa Pearl Collection

  • Mariposa Pearled Medium Service Tray

  • Mariposa Pearled Three-Tiered Server

  • Mariposa Pearled Serving Bowl

  • Mariposa Pearled Large Serving Bowl

  • Mariposa Pearled Wavy Chip & Dip

  • Mariposa Pearled Small 3-Section Server

  • Mariposa Pearled Large Oval Platter

  • Mariposa Pearled Double Ice Bucket

  • Mariposa Pearled Wavy Bowl

  • Mariposa Pearled Oval Platter

  • Mariposa Pearled Ice Scoop

  • Mariposa Pearled Oblong Casserole Caddy with 3-Quart Pyrex

  • Mariposa Pearled Service Tray

  • Mariposa Pearled Cheese Knife Set

Hemstitch Napkins

Cloth napkins instantly elevate even takeout. Hemstitch feels classic and slightly European. You can select cheeky quips or personalization.

• We Selected: No longer available :(

• Other Options: Monogrammed Linen Dinner Napkins; Swiss Dot Cocktail Napkins; Matouk Aziza Napkin

Serving Tray

Morning coffee. Cocktails. Passing hors d’oeuvres. Uber Eats in bed. A tray makes everything feel deliberate and elevated.

• We Selected: Mariposa Pearled Medium Service Tray

• Other Options: Addison Ross Eau De Nil & Khaki Lacquered Scallop Medium Two-Tone Tray; Sharland England Hadley Tray

Beautiful Bud Vases

Scatter them down a table with grocery store flowers and suddenly you’re hosting a dinner in the Cotswolds without having to decipher how to curate a stand alone arrangement.

• We Selected: VIETRI Hibiscus Glass Bud Vase

• Other Options: Kim Seybert Trumpet Bud Vase in Clear; Two’s Company Verre Bud Vase, Set of 5

Elevated Games

A beautiful version of a classic game encourages phones in a basket and conversation around a table.

• We Selected: WS Game Company Scrabble Luxury Edition

• Other Options: Monogrammed Double Deck Playing Cards; Oh My Mahjong Starter Kit

Travel

Matching Luggage Sets

High-quality luggage is the pinnacle of you don’t think about it until you don’t have it. They’ll carry you through honeymoons, girls’ trips, work conferences, and the occasional sprint to Gate 32.

• We Selected: Away The Large; Away The Bigger Carry-On

• Other Options: Quince Carry-On & Large Check-In Suitcase Set

Structured Travel Tote

A durable, wipeable tote is invaluable for road trips, beach weekends, and car loading situations. The goal: something structured enough to hold its shape and sturdy enough to endure years of actual use.

• We Selected: Scout Bag Original Deano Tote Large; Scout Bag 4 Boys Zip Tote XX-Large

• Other Options: Hulken Signature Rolling Tote Bag

Personal & Sentimental Keepsakes

Photo Frames

Invest in frames that match your home. When photos are properly framed, they feel curated instead of cluttered.

• We Selected: Addison Ross Chiffon Enamel & Gold Frame

• Other Options: Addison Ross Grey Chinoiserie Frame; Addison Ross Gold Locket Frame Double

Keepsake Ring Box

For your wedding ring on the big day — these photograph beautifully. Then, a forever after bedside trinket.

• We Selected: The Mrs. Box The Antonia Classic Double

• Other Options: Herend Porcelain Ring Box; Waterford Heritage Round Ring Holder

Keepsake Box

A stunning archival storage system for wedding memories, paperie, and meaningful textiles. Perfect for styling around your home as well!

• We Selected: Personalized Luxury Wedding Keepsake Box

• Other Options: Petite Keep Grand Bridal Trunk

Keepsake Plate

A single commemorative piece — whether custom or inherited — anchors memory in a physical way. Displayed intentionally, it becomes part of your home’s visual history.

• We Selected: Sasha Nicholas Weave 24K Gold Oval Platter

• Other Options: Tricia Lowenfield Wedding Platter in Green

Wedding Album

A wedding album is archival. Invest in one with weight — thick pages, thoughtful layout — the kind you will revisit on anniversaries rather than scroll past.

• We Selected: Lay Flat Wedding Album

• Other Options: Artifact Uprising Album

If you had told me a year ago that I would voluntarily, enthusiastically, and with a straight face be discussing THC beverages in my aesthetically-driven newsletter, I would have assumed you had confused me with someone who owns a lava lamp.

I have never historically been a THC girl. Not in college. Not in law school. Not in adulthood. My personal brand has always leaned more “sparkling water in a wine glass” and the only thing remotely herbal was a Fortnum & Mason tea. My indulgence ceiling? A celebratory coupe of Champagne and perhaps a second if the night is particularly jubilant.

Which is why what happened this January feels so improbable.

After a holiday season of joyful excess—cheese boards, dinner parties, bubbles on bubbles—I decided to do a Dry January reset. I wasn’t looking for a personality pivot. I simply wanted to feel clearer, sleep better, and stop waking up mildly annoyed at my past self for pouring that second glass.

Enter: a friend who gently suggested I explore THC beverages.

I blinked.

THC drinks have recently become regulated and more widely available here in Georgia (and across many other jurisdictions). They are positioned not as “weed,” but as low-dose, controlled, adult alternatives to alcohol. Think: 2–10mg, clearly labeled, portioned, and intentionally formulated. It is surprisingly civilized.

I was skeptical, but curiosity (and Dry January resolve) won.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented cautiously—different brands, different dosages, different cannabinoid blends. What surprised me most was how nuanced the category is. Some drinks are cozy and sleep-forward. Others are bright and social. Some are ideal for reading a novel in bed; others are delightful at a small dinner party where you still want to be fully present.

And here is the part that truly converted me: I never woke up regretting it!

No 3 a.m. dehydration. No puffy eyes. No low-grade moral inventory about that second pour. Just sleep. Or conversation. Or both.

Somewhere along the way, my DMs began filling with “wait . . . YOU?” and PR packages started arriving addressed to the most unlikely THC correspondent in Atlanta. The irony is not lost on me. If anything, I think my very square-ness makes me the ideal reviewer. I am not predisposed to love this category. It had to earn me. And it did!

So below, I’ve ranked every flavor I’ve tried, with a few superlatives if you prefer the headlines over the tasting notes.

As always: indulge responsibly (21+ only). Start low. Go slow. And I’ve clearly noted with an asterisk (“*”) which products were sent as PR.

From one former skeptic to another: consider this your permission slip to be curious.

Rankings

14). Five Flowers Grapefruit Miamosa Cooler

5mg THC; 5mg CBD | Ranking: -1/10

Dear Reader, I simply could not. The scent alone transported me to a fraternity basement circa 2013. I did not proceed further than an initial whiff.

13). Señorita Mango Margarita

5mg THC | Ranking: 2/10

Overwhelmingly sweet—so much so that I couldn’t finish it. I suspect it might improve dramatically over ice, but as served, it wasn’t for me.

12). Artet Chamomile Lemon Spritz

5mg THC | Ranking: 3/10

Insert the “I was rooting for you!” Tyra here. On paper, this should have been my soulmate: chamomile! lemon! spritz! But the flavor and aroma skewed distinctly hemp-forward. After tasting the rest of the field, I realized my initial generosity was misplaced.

11). BREZ Lemon Elderflower

5mg THC; 10mg CBD; Lion’s Mane | Ranking: 4/10

Originally reviewed more favorably, but after comparison, it fell short. More foamy than fizzy, and the taste skewed gritty and earthy. That said? It did help me sleep exceptionally well. So while it won’t win for flavor, it may have a niche.

10). Nine Dot Peach Punch*

3mg THC; 5mg CBG | Ranking: 7/10

Bonus points for being an Atlanta-based company! I feared “peach punch” would skew syrupy, but it was light and pleasant. Lower-dose friendly and approachable.

9). Wyld Strawberry Guava

10mg THC; 10mg CBC | Ranking: 8/10

Sparkling water profile—barely-there flavor in a LaCroix-adjacent way. Cozy and clouded without blasting me into orbit, which is impressive at 10mg.

8). WIMS Pocket Tonic*

4mg THC; 4mg CBD | Ranking: 8.5/10 | Best for Beginners!!!

Ingenious packaging (snap-to-open, no ripping required) and completely flavorless when mixed. Subtle effect—like a weighted blanket gently draped over your shoulders. Not as sleepy-making as others, but excellent for first-timers or microdosers.

7). BLNCD Prickly Pear Bee’s Knees

10mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 9/10 | Best Taste!!!

I am OBSESSED. The flavor is, without question, the most delicious of the entire lineup—bright, juicy, complex. The only reason this didn’t take the crown overall? The 10mg THC paired with 10mg CBD absolutely sends me to the moon. Divine for at-home-in-bed evenings. Perhaps not for PTA meetings.

6). BLNCD Hibiscus Punch Brain Boost

5mg THC; 5mg CBD; adaptogens | Ranking: 9/10

A light, fizzy sparkling water with just enough flavor to feel elevated. The 5mg + 5mg CBD combination was perfect for a couple’s mahjong night: relaxed, softened edges, fully present. Not sleepy. Not foggy. Just lovely.

5). CANN Naked High Boy*

5mg THC | Ranking: 9/10

An elite socializing option. Mixes clear and tasteless, quick onset, and without CBD it kept things floaty/fun rather than cozy/sleepy. It’s discreet, easy to carry, and ideal for small gatherings where you want to feel sparkly but sharp.

4). Happi Glow (Blood Orange Ginger)*

5mg THC; 5mg CBD; 3mg CBG; 2mg CBN | Ranking: 9/10 | Best Feeling!!!

Light, tart, and beautifully balanced—but the true star was the experience. Cozy, gently clouded, yet clear enough to read my novel. I slept deeply and woke before my 5 a.m. alarm fully rested. And refreshed.

3). CANN Grapefruit Rosemary*

5mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 9.5/10

So delicious—though very rosemary-forward with grapefruit as the supporting actress. Excellent for intimate dinner parties or winding down at home.

2). Gigli Strawberry Spritz

10mg THC | Ranking: 9.5/10 | Best for Socializing!!!

Poolside with a lime wedge and a splash of Pellegrino? I cannot wait. Despite the 10mg, the absence of CBD kept me alert and connected. It made me gigli (you’re welcome), but not foggy. This is your summer soirée drink!!!

1). CANN Lemon Lavender*

5mg THC; 10mg CBD | Ranking: 11/10 | Overall Winner!!!

My crown jewel. Fizzy, light, beautifully flavored—lavender present but not perfumey. The CBD adds a cozy undertone that eases you toward sleep, but not so much that you can’t enjoy it socially. Mahjong? Yes. Dinner party? Yes. In bed by 9:30? Also yes.

I stumbled into the art of dating myself in a season that was anything but romantic.

When my husband, Carter, was diagnosed with leukemia, life contracted overnight. In the earliest days of his treatment, he still wanted to attend a bachelor party at Sea Island in an effort to reclaim the normalacy of life as a twenty-seven year old guy. By doctor’s orders, I went along, not as a guest, but as a caregiver on quiet standby. I remember feeling acutely aware of myself: alone at dinners with the company of only a novel; solo poolside, convinced everyone must be staring and wondering who was this strange woman haunting the property.

On the last evening of the stay, I wandered down to lawn chairs to watch the sunset, wrapped in that particular loneliness that hums just beneath the surface. Then, a gaggle of chic young girls approached me and asked, quite earnestly, what my story was — and where I was from — because I “seemed so glamorous being here all alone.” They told me they’d been playing a game all weekend of “Who could she be?”. My favorite guess of theirs? A literary agent from Chelsea, London.

I laughed. I glowed. I blushed. And I realized something subtle but seismic: no one was pitying me. No one thought I was strange. I was simply . . . a woman at a beautiful place, alone.

Later, when Carter became neutropenic throughout his treatment and our world narrowed even further, my only sanctioned outings were solo dinners — hospital cafeterias, quiet restaurants near treatment centers, the occasional bar seat around town. At first they felt heavy. Then they felt strengthening. I learned how to order confidently. How to savor slowly. How to sit without reaching for my phone like a flotation device.

Some nights I made fascinating friends, bellied up at the bar. Other nights I disappeared into a book so fully the room dissolved around me. In those dim, in-between hours, I found a surprising amount of peace.

Carter is healthy now, and life is so wide again. But the habit stayed!

These days, I never go to New York City without a standing date for one at Bergdorf Goodman, tucked above Fifth Avenue, where champagne feels like punctuation and dessert is a foregone conclusion. I also adore carving out a special reset, just for me, at a favorite local coffee shop on a slow, meandering morning.

Here is what I know now: No one is going to romanticize your life for you. Not consistently. Not with the specificity you deserve. That work belongs to you.

To sit alone at a candlelit table — or in the bright gloss of a French café — in crisp denim and a collared shirt, lashes darkened, lips softened with balm, a novel tucked beside your glass? That is not loneliness. That is fluency. Fluency in pleasure. In pacing. In self-possession.

We so often romanticize being chosen. This is about choosing.

Below is your checklist. In order. Consider it an appointment with the most enduring companion you will ever have.

Your Appointments for a Date With Yourself

1. Set the Scene Before You Leave
Decide your mood as you settle in to make a reservation and guard this date on your calendar as a non-negotiable. A dark, candlelit corner with low jazz and tiny votives flickering against brick? Or perhaps a bright, French café moment with bistro chairs, clinking cups, and buttery light?

Text no one. Tell no one. This is yours and yours alone.

If you’re in Atlanta, may I recommend the following spots?

• Brasserie Margot

• Houston’s

• Le Bilboquet

• Le Bon Nosh

• Little Sparrow

• Lucian Books & Wine

• Mend Coffee & Goods

• St. Cecilia

• The Chastain

• The Garden Room

• Yebo Beach Haus

2. Get Dressed Like You’re Seeing and Being Seen
It doesn’t need to be uncomfortable or stiff: Crisp jeans. A proper collared shirt. Sleeves pushed just so.

For the face? Mascara. Eyeliner. Brows brushed up. A balm that makes you look like you drink water and mind your business. No foundation: Let your skin breathe.

Optional but encouraged: a spritz of an expensive-feeling scent.

I highly encourage turning on a feel-good playlist and elevating a tiny detail: press your top; buff your nails; clean your rings.

Extra-credit if you wash and iron your sheets before you leave, so the coziest, most crisp bedding is waiting for you to slip into after.

3. Pack Your Companions
Pack a tote with a few glossy magazines or a fizzy novel.

4. Arrive Early
If you can, walk to your date, or ask to be dropped off a few blocks away. Arrive slightly flushed from fresh air.

Before checking in with the hostess, glide over to the bar for a welcome cocktail. Don’t pull out your reading companions quite yet; stay full present. Enjoy eye-level conversation and observe the the choreography of bartenders as they alchemize.

When the time for your reservation arrives, introduce yourself with a steady voice; shoulders back. Settle in, phone turned off, and take in the room around you.

Engage and connect with your waiter, and invite them to guide you through the evening. “What’s your favorite thing on the menu?”

5. Your Ceremony of Events
If it’s daytime: Sparkling Water + Coffee → Soda or a Mocktail.

If it’s evening: Cocktail → Wine → Champagne.

6. Order Something Slightly Indulgent
I highly recommend selecting a specialty or inviting the kitchen to use their imagination, depending on your culinary setting. At the very least, try something seasonal and off your typical menu.

7. Read Between Bites
Alternate your sips and pages. Underline something and let yourself linger. There is no need to rush. In fact, try to slow down the time.

8. Dessert, Always
Regardless of hour: you will be ordering dessert. This is not optional. Take this course as an opportunity to notice and name sensory details enveloping you. The weight of the glass. The way candlelight flickers against wallpaper. The sound of forks against china.

9. A Romantic Exit
After you’ve taken your final bite, pay the check and finish your libation. Conclud the chapter or article your on. Then, on your egress, make eye-contact with your waitstaff and hosts and thank them generously.

10. An Additional Ritual

For a Morning Date
Afterward, pop into a specialty store and buy a bouquet. Trim the stems properly when you get home. Choose one more true little luxury (under $25). A French soap. A beautiful piece of stationery. A candle. Something unnecessary and lovely.

For an Evening Date
During the break between your entrée and dessert — and only once — pull out your phone. Scroll Etsy and order one small treat (under $25). A linen tea towel. A hand soap. A tiny treasure for future you. Write a note to yourself in the gift message box.

11. A Grand Finale
Change into something soft. Light a candle and turn on a soundbath or meditation.
Journal one page about how it felt to love yourself seriously.

This year’s guide is a carefully curated edit of pieces that feel thoughtful, elevated, and genuinely delightful to give (or to claim for yourself — no justification required). From small luxuries to lasting keepsakes, each selection was chosen with care, designed to feel personal rather than predictable.

Whether you’re shopping for someone you adore or leaning into the art of loving your own life well, consider this your invitation to gift beautifully.

• Grown Brilliance Round & Pear Lab Grown Diamond Flower Earrings

• Quince 14K Gold Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Necklace

• LAKE Pima Scallop Robe in Rosewater + LAKE Pima Crew Long-Long Set in Darling Pink Heart

  • I recently purchased this set for a Galentine’s birthday party!

• RIZZOLI A Screaming Blast

• Favorite Daughter The Valentine’s Day Triangle Scarf

• Empire Cake Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies, Set of 12

• Sophie Lou Jacobson Totem Glasses

• Estelle Colored Glassware Champagne Flute, Set of 6 in Blush Pink

  • A Black, female-owned business!

• Roxanne Assoulin Heart & Soul Necklace in Gold

• Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress in Light Pink Trellis

  • Size down! I take a XS/S and normally wear a M/6.

• Etsy Heart Huck Towel

• Herend Raspberry Porcelain Mouse

• Tory Burch Romy Seude Pick Stitch Bucket Bag

• Weezie Patterned Toiletry Bag

  • You can personalize!

• Diptyque Roses Large Candle

• Veja Rio Branco II Lite Sneakers

• Furbish Studio Not My Circus Needlepoint Decorative Throw Pillow

• Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Large Oval Platter in Porpora

• Drowsy Sunset Pink Silk Sleep Eye Mask

• Tart by Taylor Acrylic Match Striker Set - Hot Pink Matches

• Lingua Franca “love trumps hate” Women’s Crewneck

  • A longtime favorite designer!

• Gucci Laminated Printed Silk Twill Carré

• Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Stain

• Sezane Justine Basket Bag

• Le Lion Puff Sleeve Laursie Cardigan

• MME.MINK Miss Minky Coat in Rose

• MME.Mink The Gigi Mink Basket in Burgundy

• MacKenzie-Childs Rosy Check Mug

• Etsy Vintage-Inspired Mini Cameo Goat Milk Soap

  • Select your color and scent, and under $10!

• HART Luck and Love Clover Charm

If January is about structure, February is about warmth — about softening the edges without losing your standards. It asks for devotion, but not necessarily the romantic kind. Devotion to your home. Devotion to your body in winter. Devotion to small pleasures that make the cold feel ember-lit and romantic instead of bleak.

Think: flickering light, red wine lips, well-tended friendships, and meals that take just a little longer on purpose.

Here are your 28 appointments for the month, sure to keep you warm in every sense of the word.

Your February Appointments

1). Write a handwritten Valentine to a loved one and actually mail it.

2). Deep clean one small, ignored space — a drawer, a handbag, your makeup collection.

3). Buy fresh flowers — even if they’re from the grocery store! — and trim them properly.

4). Delete five apps on your phone that don’t deserve your attention (at least for the month!).

5). Take yourself on a solo date and bring a real book. Sip coffee or wine and keep your devices tucked away.

• If you’re in Atlanta, may I recommend Le Bon Nosh?

6). Declutter your car and restock it with tissues, hand sanitizer, and a good pen.

7). Try a bold lip color you usually save for special occasions.

8). Organize your closet by color and prioritize reaching for red and pink this month.

9). Invite a girlfriend over for champagne and dessert served on your china. Wear femme pajamas.

10). Audit your winter skincare and add one deeply hydrating product.

11). Watch a comfort movie while you scroll Pinterest.

• May I recommend About Time or Little Women (2019)?

12). Write down five things you’ve been tolerating — and eliminate one.

13). Buy good French butter and hearty bread from a specialty market.

• If you’re in Atlanta, may I recommend Alon’s?

14). Select your “cold weather uniform” — the outfit you can default to on chilly days at home.

15). Read poetry!!!

16). Make a list in your Notes app of ten things you love about yourself.

17). Elevate the most indulgent tomato soup and grilled cheese — bacon, arugula, fig jam, Gruyère.

18). Add one special luxury appointment to your calendar: a blowout, a massage, a sound bath.

• If you’re in Atlanta, may I recommend The Daily Pilates Reformer Stretch and Soundbath?

19). Get a library card.

20). Host a screen-free game night — music in the background, mahjong or cards on the table, phones in a basket at the door.

21). Iron your pillowcases.

22). Look up your horoscope!

23). Wash your sheets midweek and climb into them early.

24). Start a tiny herb pot in your kitchen or refresh an existing one.

25). Place dark chocolate in your nightstand.

26). Try a new craft. The important part is starting — painting, needlepoint, something Valentine’s-themed!

• May I recommend exploring Penny Linn’s Needlepoint 101 and Beginner Canvases?

27). Make a playlist titled “February” and play it while getting ready.

28). Buy a heated blanket or pad. Your furry friend(s) will thank you — and promptly commandeer it.