The Lauren Letter | April 3, 2026
From a girl who is not checking her notifications!
Happy Friday!
It’s April!
This week’s inspiration comes from a piece of wellness advice that’s been repeated so often it almost loses its meaning: don’t check your phone first thing in the morning.
But when it was repackaged with a brand new bow for me this week, it landed differently—you wouldn’t let thousands of people walk into your bedroom at 5am, all talking over each other, demanding your attention. So why do we allow it through our devices?
It wasn’t until I decided to flirt with this practice that I realized what an ingrained reflex that instant reach and scroll bas become. So, on Thursday morning, I challenged myself to go just 10 minutes without checking notifications (I do use my phone as an alarm, so there’s no avoiding that part). Somehow, that 10 minutes turned into 40 . . . and then another 50 as I moved through my morning and into my barre class.
And the difference? Immediate! How you start your day truly does set the tone. I felt calmer, more focused, and—most noticeably—less reactive all day long.
I’m excited to keep building on this practice and (hopefully) make it a new normal. If you’re feeling similarly pulled in a hundred directions before your feet even hit the floor, consider this your encouragement: start small. Even 60 seconds counts.
Until our next correspondence,
xx Lauren
P.S. The Lauren Letter is on hiatus next week as I’m heading off on my annual trip with my mom—this year, a wellness-style retreat. I’ll be largely offline (a true test of everything I just wrote!), but I cannot wait to share everything when I’m back.
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.
Wearing | Frank & Eileen
I added several beautiful staples for spring and summer and did a full breakdown for your reading pleasure.
My standout favorite? The Lemon Yellow Jackie Cardigan paired with the Kennedy Skirt—equal parts polished and effortless, and wildly flattering.
Eating | Margot’s Girl Dinner
Brasserie Margot at the Four Seasons Atlanta invited me along with one of my closest friends (it’s been far too long since we’ve caught up) to try their new “Margot’s Girl Dinner.”
Think: your best friend, a Caesar salad, four oysters, unlimited house fries, and two martinis—for $70.
You had me at unlimited fries!!!!
Reading | The 21 Best New Books to Read This April
I find myself between books as I write this, deciding what to bring for my vacation stack—but this list has me so excited for April’s releases.
If you’re also in a “what’s next?” reading mood, it’s well worth a browse.
Watching | Rooster
I am loving the new HBO Sunday drama-dy, starring Steve Carell and Ted Lasso’s Phil Dunster.
Charming, witty, and set against the backdrop of East Coast academia—it’s an easy, engaging, cinematic watch.
Listening | Olivia Dean Radio
A friend had this playlist on by the pool last weekend, and every song that followed felt like a new favorite.
Jazzy, bright, and gentle, just like spring arriving.
Trying | Molton Brown Shampoo
I’ve long loved Molton Brown for their body washes and lotions (they even hold a royal warrant), so when I saw they had a shampoo and conditioner, I was curious.
Only a couple of uses in, but my hair already feels bouncier, hydrated, and incredibly clean.
Champagne | Oh My Mahjong Aqua Jong Pool Mat
Personally tested this week and can wholeheartedly recommend.
A chic, playful addition to any pool day—just don’t forget to laminate your cards!
Frites | Oak Mt. Mahj Watermahj Pool Mat
An under-$200 option available in a variety of colors—perfect if you’re looking for something playful and giftable.
Limited batches—so if you love it, don’t wait!
STORIES
How to Make Your Weekdays Feel Like Weekends. By Paige Kershaw
Books I Read | March 2026. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Introducing: The Patronage. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
How to Become a Voracious Reader. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
13 Lessons I Learned as a Lawyer That I Use Every Day. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
The One Piece Every Woman Needs in Her Closet. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
YOUR APPOINTMENTS
Your April Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
CLOSET
Latest Finds | April 2026
Tuckernuck New Arrivals | April 2026
Latest Finds | March 2026
Tuckernuck New Arrivals | March 2026
Samantha Varvel
Dreamy in every sense—Samantha’s photography, interiors, hosting, and overall lifestyle.
She’s officially influenced me to add her camera equipment to my (ever-growing) wish list, and her aesthetic—elegant, feminine, clean yet vibrant—feels like such a beautiful addition to my daily scroll.
