Granite, Garden Beds & Making Life Feel Just a Bit Better
A Note of Gratitude (And a Little Something I’m Holding Onto)
I don’t say this enough, but I am so grateful for you, this space, and the conversations we have here. And for the way it always feels like a real community rather than just a newsletter floating into inboxes.
Whenever you reply, share your stories, or tell me something I wrote resonated, it reminds me why I love doing this.
The past few days have been more somber than usual. My husband’s grandfather passed away, and while I’ve been trying to help him navigate the loss, I’ve also been feeling it in my own way.
Grandad was very British.
I am very American.
And our FaceTime conversations were easily my favorite part of any week. They were mostly him politely enduring my chaotic storytelling and me trying (and failing) to match his dry wit.
More than once this week, I’ve reached for the phone to call him before remembering. A harsh reminder to slow down, to pick up the phone when we can, and to truly cherish the moments we have with the people we love.
My husband was very close to his grandfather, and with everything going on right now, I found myself struggling to help, to say something that made it even a little easier. Sometimes, there just aren’t the right words.
So, I did what I do when I don’t know what to do…I found a small gesture. I read that wind chimes can be a quiet way to remember someone, to keep them close in the everyday moments. So I ordered a set. I like the idea of them catching the wind, of carrying something unseen but felt. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t—but we’ll be listening.
Grief, change, uncertainty—they all have a way of settling in when we’re not looking. So, if you’re feeling a little off, a little overwhelmed, or just in need of a space to breathe—know that you’re not alone. And if you ever need someone to talk to, about anything or nothing at all, I’m here. I mean it.
☕ A Week of Small, Cozy Wins
Little upgrades to make your week feel better, softer, and a little more yours.
Monday Morning Reset
The “Before You Leave Bed” Rule:
Before you pick up your phone, do one small thing that feels indulgent. You could stretch dramatically, sip some water from an obnoxiously beautiful glass, or just breathe for 5 seconds before the chaos starts.
Upgrade Your Morning Coffee Ritual
Ditch the generic mug. Use the special one, the handmade ceramic, the vintage find, the one that makes your coffee feel like an experience.
Add a drop of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing. This subtle, elevated touch makes a difference.
If you want to go full European café mode, invest in a stovetop Moka pot for the richest espresso or a Fellow pour over kit for the ritual of slowing down.
Elevate Your Morning Light
Open the curtains. No overhead lighting is allowed!
Swap out harsh bulbs for warm, dimmable bulbs to make your space feel like a boutique hotel.
Make Your Shower Feel Like a Spa
Eucalyptus under the showerhead? Always. But take it further—add a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil to the shower floor before turning on the water for a makeshift steam room.
Swap your standard body wash for an oil based cleanser for that post shower silkiness.
Finish with a cold rinse for 30 seconds. It’s a shock to the system, but it wakes you up and makes your hair shinier.
Make the Everyday Feel Good
Breakfast, But Make It Special
Even if it’s just eggs and toast, plate it like you care. Use a real napkin, sit at a table, and put on music.
If you’re feeling fancy: Ricotta toast with honey and flaky salt. Simple but feels like a brunch spot find.
Keep an indulgent “The Good” jam or butter in the fridge—think French salted butter or a citrus marmalade 🍋
A Soundtrack for Slow Afternoons
French jazz? 70s folk? Classical? Pick a vibe, commit, and let it carry you through the week.
The Coziest Layering Trick
If your morning involves reading or journaling, throw a heated blanket over your legs (even if it’s not freezing). Something about it just works.
Wear cashmere socks. Not a suggestion.
Instead of a long winded entry, try “Three Good Things” journaling: Write down three things that made you happy this week. That’s it.
Or, answer this: “What’s one tiny way I can make next week feel better?”
The Art of the Mid-Morning Reset
Take 10 minutes to tidy up just the space you spend the most time in. Fluff the pillows, wipe the counters, and light a candle.
Make your bed, but first mist your sheets with a linen spray (DIY: distilled water + a few drops of essential oil).
A Walk With a Purpose
Not just a mindless stroll. Go to the farmer’s market or the coffee shop, or simply walk to find the best morning light in your neighborhood.
If walking feels like too much, you can sit outside with a book or drink your coffee on the porch, balcony, or window seat.
Romanticize Rest
Sunday naps are a luxury. If you can, take one—under a weighted blanket with an eye mask for peak coziness.
If you can’t nap, at least let yourself rest without your phone nearby for 20 minutes.
Make One Small Home Upgrade
It can be as simple as replacing your bath towels with hotel quality ones
Or swap your soap for something fancy because, yes, even the small details matter.
🍽️ The Slow Living Sunday Table (Even If You’re Just Making a Snack)
The secret to making every meal feel like something?
How it’s served.
✨ Where to Get French Bistro Dishes (That Look Designer)
Search “Apilco Porcelain” or “French bistro plates” —they last forever or casual moments, March SF’s enamelware bowls feel rugged but refined.
For everyday, Fortessa collection looks shockingly expensive.
In My Search Bar:
Music, art, and powerful women.
Her work feels like a conversation—fluid, layered, and full of quiet power. If you haven’t yet, take a deep dive into her pieces. A mix of abstraction and emotion, they have the kind of depth that makes you stop and look.
🥗 Celery Date Salad (That’s Shockingly Good)
This might not be on your usual rotation, but trust me—it’s worth it. The crisp celery, the chewy sweetness of dates, a hit of lemon, and the crunch of almonds? Chef’s kiss.
🤖 Using AI to Save Money on Groceries & Shopping Lists
Want to cut your grocery bill without spending hours hunting deals? Try this AI prompt:
💡 "Create a meal plan for the week using seasonal, budget friendly ingredients. Include grocery list, estimated cost, and recipes that minimize food waste."
For better results, include in the prompt your grocery store of choice.
⌚ SPGBK Watches (Bold, and Timeless)
If you love a statement piece that actually means something, SPGBK Watches is it. Rooted in Southern culture, their pieces are modern, unisex, and designed to make an impact.
📖 Women Who Collect (And Why It’s An Art of Its Own)
From vintage perfume bottles to rare ceramics, collecting isn’t just about stuff—it’s storytelling. This week’s rabbit hole: The psychology of female collectors, the objects they cherish, and why the act of collecting is an art form.
🎶 Norah Jones’ 2002 Album (Because We Need Cozy Vibes Right Now)
Somehow, it still holds up—maybe even better than it did 20 years ago. If your week needs a little more softness, “Come Away With Me” on vinyl (or even just playing in the background) is exactly the mood.
The Gray Rock Method (For When You Need Boundaries)
This technique is all about disengaging from toxic people without drama. It's simple:
Keep responses neutral and brief.
Avoid emotional engagement.
Be as uninteresting as possible to shut down conflict.
It’s not about being passive—it’s about protecting your peace. If you’re in a situation where someone thrives on reaction, this is your toolkit.
Before You Go—A Quick Moment of Truth
Here’s the thing: You don’t need another newsletter. You need a space that actually makes your life feel better. That’s what we’re building here.
Every week, I send out the free edition—packed with things to make your home softer, your routines smoother, and your life feel a little more yours. And maybe that’s enough.
But if you’ve been hovering over that Upgrade to Paid button, wondering if it’s worth it—let me make it easy for you.
The paid edition isn’t just more content—it’s the real stuff. The things I don’t post on social media. The sources, the expert tricks, the details that actually make a difference.
This week, I’m giving you:
The fix for an uncomfortable couch: layered, practical, and instantly cozy.
Granite 101: what to ask for, what to avoid, and what to get if the Taj Mahal is out of budget.
The Garden Plan: all the research, none of the guesswork.
Design Sessions & Working Together: because these 1-to-1’s have been so good, and if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time.
If you upgrade today, you’ll get instant access—not just to this week’s edition but to every single paid post I’ve ever written.