Hi there, happy Summer Friday!

A heatwave has finally arrived in Oceanside, I’ve learned in our two years in California seasonal weather shifts are on a 2 month delay. We spent last weekend in the pool to keep cool and I think there’s a strong chance Thomas will be back in the water this weekend. A trip to our favorite local ice cream shop is also very much on the table.

When it feels like your home is now located on the surface of the sun, getting dressed produces more questions than solutions. If I sweat, will it show through in this? Does this material breathe? How can I look put-together if I end up looking schvitzy after being outside for more than 5 minutes?

You know I love a good outfit formula. It reduces decision fatigue and you can feel like your best self without standing in front of your open closet for 20 minutes just staring and feeling overwhelmed. While my address is California (for now!), my style remains very decidedly East Coast. These photos are old but the outfit formulas and pieces are classic and timeless and will keep you looking chic and feeling cool as a cucumber. I rely on these for days when the temps are soaring and my get ready time is about 10 minutes or less.

Which outfit formula is your go-to for beating the summer heat?

Outfit Formula: Shirtdress + Sandals + Rattan Bag with Scarf Tied

Royal Shirt Dress (In case you want a longer, more maxi-style dress, this is a fantastic option) // Lemon Square Scarf (A steal at $12) // Rattan Hand Bag (Another Amazon option in the same colorway) // Packable Sunhat

I love a good shirt dress for weekends, especially during the dog days of summer. The shirt dress above comes in a variety of patterns so sky’s the limit for styling. I’ve been leaning more towards maxi-length dresses with the constant “up, down, up, down” demands from our toddler. If you’re in this phase of life or if maxis are more your style, I think this shirtdress is so effortlessly elegant and you can accessorize and style it a zillion different ways depending on your plans.

Outfit Formula: Boyfriend Button-down + White Jeans + Neck Scarf

The Boyfriend Shirt (I’m wearing a size medium) // White Jeans (I swear by these jeans, they’re not see-through at all!) // Lemon Square Scarf (Check out my tutorial on how I tie it into a neck scarf!) // Mini Wicker Hand Bag (Here is the current J.McLaughlin version) // The Best Amazon Sunglasses (Another great Amazon pair of sunnies)// Sam Edelman Loafers

When I tell you my lemon scarf brings me joy, I’m not being facetious. It just naturally brightens up your look! This outfit is perfect for a lunch date with a friend or an afternoon out that warrants something a little pulled-together but not formal. I’m personally behind schedule on a pedicure right now so reaching for loafers or my Rothy’s drivers.

Outfit Formula: Gingham Dress + Sandals + Sun Hat

Gingham Maxi Dress (My J.Crew version is from a few years ago but I found a similar style for under $100 from Quince) // Lauren Sandals // Packable Sunhat

Put this outfit on and hop into the car for a fun day trip! This outfit is pretty much made for a winery visit, a beach day, or even escaping the heat to go antiquing. The dress above is an older J.Crew dress and right now doesn’t fit me postpartum. But I love the look and this dress is a longtime summer favorite of mine. J.Crew Factory has a red gingham boatneck dress that made me think of this dress and I promptly ordered it for the Fourth of July and have been wearing it on repeat because it’s so comfortable. I featured this dress last Sunday on my Weekly Favorites on Instagram!

Outfit Formula: Sweater Shell + White Jeans

Sweater Tank (Old from a few years ago, J.Crew Factory has their classic sweater shell in navy that is a closet workhorse) // White Jeans // Draper James Pebble Backpack (You can still find it on Poshmark! If you love the taupe kind like mine, here is a similar backpack just over $100) // Amazon Gold Layering Necklaces // Amazon Sunglasses // Panama Hat

Quite possibly THE most important outfit formula in this post. Best deployed when you and your family are going somewhere, your toddler is dressed and happily distracted with a toy, your partner is ready, and it’s finally your turn to get dressed. Oh, and you have less than 10 minutes. Ready, set, go! A sweater tank or sweater shell plus white jeans (or linen shorts, depending on the day) plus some simple gold jewelry (or maybe let’s go wild and do a statement necklace to zhuzh it up) and you are ready to head out the door.

Outfit Formula: Patterned Dress + Sweater Over Shoulders + Nude Ballet Flats

Tuckernuck Hayes Shirt Dress (Available on Poshmark and ThredUp, this Callahan dress is the closest look!) // Kate Spade Satchel // Sarah Flint Natalies

Getting dressed for work when it’s hot and humid can feel daunting and impossible. This outfit formula takes the guesswork out of it.

Chat with you soon,
Lauren

• This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from the things you buy when you click on my links (at no cost to you!). Thank you for supporting my writing and trusting my recommendations!

• If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to click the heart button at the bottom. Not only does it help me know what you’re enjoying, it helps others discover my content!

• Or please consider forwarding this newsletter to someone you think might like it.

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Hii!

I hope you and your family had a fun Fourth of July! My parents came into town and we kicked off Independence Day with a visit to the beach. Thomas had such a fun time, he ran nonstop through the sand, only pausing for snacks. After the beach and a nap, Thomas went for a dip in the pool while James did all the work in smoking ribs for dinner. It was such a fun, relaxing day with family and was exactly what we needed!

Today isn’t just the start of the weekend. It happens to be Thomas’ 18 month milestone! My Photos app is doing that “memories” video from photos of our little guy from this time last year, which is both incredible and cruel all at once. I cannot believe my smiley baby with the chubby cheeks and just two teeth is now a smiley toddler who has the best cheesy grin, doesn’t stop moving, and is starting to hold really strong opinions (with the most expressive furrowed eyebrows you’ve ever seen). He’s grown leaps and bounds and I love getting to watch him explore the world around him. Being Thomas’ mom has made me slow down, appreciate the little daily rituals like when he has his breakfast in the morning as I sip my tea, and find joy in his joy. I love him immensely and I can’t wait to celebrate his milestone with his favorite mac ‘n cheese and perhaps an order of fried pickles from a local restaurant that’s become our regular spot.

Beyond that, I think my weekend plans is to read outside during Thomas’ nap. I have the most egregious sneaker tanline from walking with Riley and it’s really time to rectify that.

Do you have any fun weekend plans? I’d love to hear them!

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

Outfit Details: Stripe Shorts (These pull on shorts are currently available in all sizes and on sale for $22, they ended up being great for a beach day) // Oversized Linen Shirt (Old Navy nailed it for a beach cover-up. It’s white and a little sheer for everyday wear but for the beach or pool, this was breezy and no big deal if it gets covered in sunscreen and sand) // Favorite Packable Sun Hat // Red Crossback One-Piece Swimsuit (So so good, I need to do a whole post on it) // Favorite Amazon Sunglasses

Thomas’ Outfit Details: Seersucker Swim Trunks // Floafers (How cute are these?! Thomas wears them to the pool, for water day at daycare, and for restaurants because they look dressy in a California casual way. Plus so easy to clean!)

Recent Style Finds

I’ve been really behind lately on sharing my recent finds over on my Story so let’s share it here and I can cross that item off my to do list!

Hot Pink Gingham Button Down: I spotted this hot pink gingham button down when my mom and I popped into a Nordstrom on our LA day trip. Plot twist - it’s actually a pajama top and has boxer-style shorts to match. It stopped me in my tracks because it reminds me of a nearly identical button down I have in my closet, which happens to be what I was wearing when James and I met so I have a lot of sentimental value in that piece. This may be a pajama top but trust me, you can definitely wear it as a button down and no one would be any the wiser!

Canvas Tote Baseball Hat: We are at the point in the summer where I don’t leave the house without a hat. I love baseball hats and getting to display my love for L.L. Bean’s iconic canvas tote while keeping the sun off of my face? Sign me up.

Nautical Pattern Scarf: A scarf is such a versatile way to style one look several ways. The ships pattern on this scarf is classic and chic.

Seersucker Matching Shorts Set: We all love a good matching set to reduce decision fatigue in the morning and look put-together. And now summer heat is in full swing so a seersucker shorts set definitely caught my eye. The shorts and the oversized shirt are both cute on their own!

Fish Drop Statement Earrings: I don’t know about you but I loovvveee statement necklaces and earrings back. Bring on the costume jewelry! These fish drop earrings would brighten up a white cotton shirtdress or look chic worn poolside.

Making A No-Greens Salad This Weekend

Okay so lettuce is off the table right now, no pun intended Which is a downer when it’s summertime and you’re like me who just wants to make a giant bowl of crispy, crunchy salad for every meal. May I present to you a delicious workaround…the panzanella salad. And we’re going to level this salad up with one of my favorite Trader Joe’s seasonal items, halloumi.

Panzanella salad is super simple to make, it’s really just a bunch of prep work. Here we go!

Chop up tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion (I like to use a shallot because it’s less waste with just me and James enjoying this dish). You can add bell peppers or even drained chickpeas for extra protein! Mix them up in a bowl with basil (Fresh is absolutely best here).

Next up is the bread. You’re going to want to use a baguette or bread with a thick crust. Heat up EVOO in a skillet and add sliced bite-size pieces to the skillet, cook until toasted on both sides.

And now the secret star, halloumi! Halloumi is a miracle cheese you can grill without melting. All I do is heat up a bit of EVOO in a skillet and sauté sliced bite-size pieces of halloumi until it’s golden brown, crispy, and delicious.

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.

Time for the red wine vinaigrette! It’s so easy just like everything about this panzanella salad recipe.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

1/2 cup EVOO

1 tsp Dijon

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Splash of lemon juice

Add the red wine vinaigrette to the veggie, bread, and halloumi mixture, and let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy!

A Trip to the American Girl Store in LA

American Girl was a significant part of my life growing up and I loved playing with my Kirsten doll, reading all of the books, and learning more about American history. I’d go so far as to say it was a formative factor in choosing my career trajectory. My mom brought my Kirsten doll down to DC so we could take her to the American Girl store at Tysons and get her hair done. Years of playing and enjoying retirement had loosened and un-looped her braids. The store wasn’t sure how to recreate her original hairstyle but they gave her two braids and that’s how she remained until now.

My mom and I headed up to LA to the American Girl store to give Kirsten another glow-up. Thankfully, this store knew how to give our girl her iconic looped braids and in about 10 minutes, Kirsten was restored to her glory.

Seeing my beloved doll look just like I remembered her looking when I opened her on my 4th birthday made me a little misty-eyed, I have to say. Getting to feel the same rush of joy and excitement as I did when i was a little girl was the ultimate dopamine hit. I brought home The Official American Girl Cookbook to keep the dopamine going so stay tuned on my Instagram for more on that!

A Before & After of Our Patio Wicker Chairs

I will be totally honest with you and say I didn’t do this makeover. This was all my mom and I really so appreciate her tackling this! Our wicker chairs and table on our patio took a beating from a monsoon of a rainstorm that stripped so much of their paint. It’s been on my to do list forever but always ends up on the “I’ll do that next weekend.” My mom in town plus James having to work an overnight shift = these chairs got the paint job they needed. Her trick? Using this spray gun and getting in close to the chairs and table with the spray paint. She promises the paint will more evenly coat the nooks and crannies of the wicker with this method. And I can’t argue with the results!

Weekly Favorites

Every Sunday, I share items I’ve been loving and reaching for over the last week. Not just clothes but kitchen gadgets, the best thin-stemmed wine glasses, etc. Here’s a preview of my Sunday picks!

The Linen Shorts I Wear All the Time: I reach for my linen shorts probably 3 times a week at least. They’re perfect to throw on and go and feel put-together. Pair with a stripe tee for a more casual look or a linen button-down in the same color to create a matching set.

Red Gingham Boatneck Dress: I bought this dress to wear for the Fourth and have worn it multiple times since then. I’d say it runs TTS although I’ll note the smocking is only in front, not in the back, so I would take that into consideration. It’s an ideal dress for church, brunch, or weekend outings. I’m so glad midi dresses are in style because this dress circles the square when it comes to keeping your style and chasing after a toddler.

Woody Plush Toy: I LOVED Toy Story 5 and maybe a hot take but it’s become my new favorite Toy Story movie in the franchise. James gave Thomas this Woody plush toy and Thomas loves to hold Woody and carry him around the house. Makes my heart melt!

Tea Kettle: I’m not exaggerating in the least when I say this 1 liter tea kettle has changed my mornings for the better. James surprised me with this tea kettle and it’s been fantastic to heat up water for my tea while I’m getting Thomas’ breakfast ready instead of trying to do it when he’s done and bopping around the living room. It comes in a variety of colors (I have the white one) and looks so pretty on our counter (And I’m a stickler about counter minimalism).

American Flag Sweater That’s Available in All Sizes & Under $100: Feels like seeing a unicorn, right? I thought we were at the part of the summer where all the American flag sweaters go into hibernation (retail-wise, not style-wise). Then I found this sweater that’s available in sizes XS - L and $98 so I KNEW I had to share it with you guys!

Recent Blog Posts on ByLaurenAnne.com

Coastal Grandmother Summer Outfits (Includes outfit formulas for all occasions!)

Trader Joe’s Spicy Mango Margarita

• This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from the things you buy when you click on my links (at no cost to you!). Thank you for supporting my writing and trusting my recommendations!

• If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to click the heart button at the bottom. Not only does it help me know what you’re enjoying, it helps others discover my content!

• Or please consider forwarding this newsletter to someone you think might like it.

• Follow me on Instagram, ShopMy, and LTK and check out my website, By Lauren Anne.

Hi there!

I am so excited for my favorite summer holiday! I have so many happy memories of Fourth of July parades, family cookouts, neighborhood get-togethers, and fireworks. The Fourth was always a focal point for my summer and I have unabashedly romanticized the holiday. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little bummed we won’t be in DC for the 250th. But my parents are driving in from Arizona and I know we’ll have a wonderful time! Especially since this time, James, Thomas, and I won’t be super sick like we were when they came for Memorial Day weekend (fingers crossed).

Whatever is on your planner for the Fourth of July, I’ve created outfit formulas to keep you looking polished and effortlessly put-together. And since Americana isn’t a style exclusively for July 4th, these are outfits you can wear all summer long. Cue The Beach Boys song.

For The Parade: Gingham Dress & Flag Sweater

Gingham Dress + American Flag Sweater + My Favorite Sunhat + Jacks + Gold Earrings

I purchased this dress myself yesterday, hoping to wear it for the Fourth of July festivities in Oceanside!

Flag sweaters are going fast right now! Here is a lobster sweater and an adorable patriotic puppy sweater that give the same aesthetic and are available in more sizes.

P.S.: I rounded up the best American flag sweaters under $100 here, check it out!

For The Beach Picnic: White Linen Top & Blue Linen Shorts

Linen Button-Up + Linen Shorts + America Palm Hat + Red Beaded Necklace + Red Sandals

Sunshine Tienda is my favorite hatmaker, their story is incredible and their hats are incredibly well made. I’ve worn mine to the pool, beach, everywhere and it’s looks good as new! Check out this blog post for help with finding the right fit.

For A Lobster Roll Lunch: Stripe Halter Dress

Stripe Halter Midi Dress + Red Coral Earrings + Wicker Handbag + Navy Sandals

Or layer a sweater for the office for July 2nd!

For The Backyard Cookout: White Polo & Red Linen Pants

White Polo + Red Linen Pants + Madras Tote + American Flag Baseball Hat

It’s supposed to be a Ralph Lauren summer, right? This outfit really leans into the theme!

For A Harbor Walk: Stripe Tee & White Jeans

Stripe Tee + White Jeans + Lobster Canvas Tote + Sperrys

Chat with you soon,
Lauren

• This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from the things you buy when you click on my links (at no cost to you!). Thank you for supporting my writing and trusting my recommendations!

• If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to click the heart button at the bottom. Not only does it help me know what you’re enjoying, it helps others discover my content!

• Or please consider forwarding this newsletter to someone you think might like it.

• Follow me on Instagram, ShopMy, and LTK and check out my website, By Lauren Anne.

Hii!

Summer is in full swing and I’m so excited because if there is one season I romanticize the heck out of, it’s summer. May went by in a blur. Thomas started daycare and let me tell you, the germs start coming and they don’t stop coming. I finally, finally have kicked my pre-Memorial Day cold and bronchitis combo and I am so thankful because I haven’t been that sick in years. It’s time to make up for those weeks where I was less than fully functional. Thomas is getting pool time this weekend and I’m re-potting the plants that have been sitting in their store containers on our patio, silently judging me as I hacked up a lung.

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

Outfit Details: Gingham Maxi Dress (Also love this $30 red and blue gingham dress) // American Flag Sweater (Mine is from Hollister a couple of years ago. Here is a similar flag sweater for $50 and available in all sizes. If you’re looking to splurge, I’d go with this one) // Wicker Handbag (This one is from J.McLaughlin, here is their current style. For a clutch version, I love the starfish detail on this one) // Jacks // Favorite Amazon Sunglasses

My Americana Style Favorites

I shared these finds on my Story earlier this week and the response made it clear: you all love Americana season as much as I do. So I’m rounding everything up here in one place — permanent links, no 24-hour expiration, no frantic screenshot required.

For me, Americana style is less “4th of July costume” and more a year-round language: navy and white stripes, a flag sweater tossed over the shoulders or layered over a dress, red accents that read classic instead of theme-party. These are the pieces I reach for through Labor Day (and let’s be honest, well into September).

Flag Sweater: This $35 sweater is still available in all sizes so I’d scoop it up before the Fourth of July rolls around!

Madras Dress: I did end up buying Tuckernuck’s madras dress and it arrived last weekend! I was under the weather and didn’t want to try it on

The Best Linen Shorts: I LOVE these linen shorts for daycare drop offs & pick ups. I’m actually wearing them right now! They’re so incredibly comfortable and I reach for them on days when I’m working from home and want to ditch the leggings. I re-purchased in other colors to add to my collection because I’ve been reaching for them so often. They are a stretch waistband and do run roomy, I would size down.

Wicker Handbag: How cute is this wicker handbag?! Talbots’ accessories and shoes sections are sneakily so good!

Faux Wicker Handbag: A more budget-friendly faux wicker handbag that’s very cute.

Lobster Napkin Rings: These are just too perfect for summer backyard meals. They make me want to plan a party just looking at them!

American Flag Mug: We don’t need more mugs in our house. On the other hand, this mug is a classic.

Perfect Linen Shirtdress: No notes on this sleeveless linen dress, it’s perfect for Summer Fridays at the office and the weekend.

Seashell Studs: I’ve been wearing earrings again now that Thomas is in daycare. Switch up your daily routine with these summer seashells!

Adding Pilates Into the Mix

I’ve been on a roll lately with my incline walking pad (minus when I was sick). I pair my walking pad time with a TV show, like old school Law & Order (Lennie Briscoe is my favorite detective, his one-liners are the best) or early seasons of The Real Housewives of New York. Shows that help make the time fly by.

I also started adding in Pilates back into the mix since April. My yoga studio began offering mat Pilates classes on the schedule and I was so excited to sign up! I religiously did Pilates before our wedding and my arms had never looked so toned. I still have the Melissa Wood Health subscription for home workouts or when I went to get in 15 minutes of movement but really there is just something about getting to workout in person alongside other people, especially when I work from home.

Pilates is popular again, primarily with the reformer machines. The closest I’ve come to reformer Pilates is when I did Solidcore in DC a handful of times. I truly thought I was going to ricochet off that machine and across the room but man it was a good and challenging workout. I’ve looked into a reformer studio in Oceanside and thought about trying it out but right now I really enjoy mat Pilates.

Here's the thing nobody tells you about coming back to movement postpartum: The hardest part isn't the workout. It's walking through the door in a body that doesn't move the way it used to and having to consciously make the decision to show up anyway. The first class back, I spent half the time renegotiating with muscles that had apparently decided to still be on maternity leave. By the third class, something clicked. Not "I'm back to my old self" clicked and suddenly I can side plank like I used to. Something better. This version of me showed up, did the work, and felt strong. And yes, right now I’m keeping my bottom knee on the ground during side planks but that’s okay because I’m re-building my strength and believe me, I’m still getting a great workout in. My obliques were on fire the next day!

My Favorite Couch/Patio Margarita

PSA for my fellow Trader Joe’s devotees: the Spicy Mango Lemonade is back!! You can find it in the fresh prepared section next to the orange juices, it’s $2.49, and it is seasonal. Which means you have to enjoy it while you can!

It’s genuinely delicious on its own (add a splash of seltzer and fresh lime and you have a very respectable mocktail), but where it truly shines is as the base of my Spicy Mango Lemonade Margarita — sweet from the mango, tart from the lemonade, just the right amount of heat, and ridiculously easy to make. One bottle makes 5–6 margaritas so it’s tailor-made for summer hosting. Pro tip: grab TJ’s Chile-Lime seasoning blend while you’re there for rimming your glasses.

Too Hot to Cook: My Canned Salmon Salad Lunch

I think we are all too familiar with those days when you get home from work, from kids’ activities, or it’s just a Saturday and you want a nice lunch. But you truly believe you will combust if you turn on the oven because it’s just that darn hot outside.

This is the moment where this salmon salad is the answer.

I don’t have a picture but trust me when I say it’s light, filling, and so flavorful!

Ingredients:

1 lemon

Your favorite salad mix

Fresh basil, finely chopped

Mayo (I prefer Duke’s)

1 tsp Garlic (or garlic powder)

1 can of salmon, drained

1 avocado, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped (I prefer to use shallots to cut down on waste)

Shaved Parmesan cheese

Ingredients:

Prepare the aioli dressing by mixing together a squeeze of lemon juice, the freshly chopped basil, about 4 tablespoons of mayo, garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust to get the consistency you like for your dressing. Use warm water to thin out the consistency.

Top your favorite greens (I like spring mix, personally) with the canned salmon. I use about 1/2 of the can for one serving. Layer the avocado and red onion on top.

Drizzle on the dressing and garnish with shaved Parmesan and more freshly chopped basil.

Last Week’s Favorites

Every Sunday, I share items I’ve been loving and reaching for over the last week. Not just clothes but kitchen gadgets, the best thin-stemmed wine glasses, etc. In case you missed it, here are my top picks:

The Best Sunhat: On walks with Riley, I have my ol’ baseball hats. When I want to dress up just a bit and keep the sun away from my face, this packable sunhat is my go to. You can squish this hat into any suitcase or carry-on and it’ll pop back into its original shape in moments. I wore it all through our honeymoon in Europe and it’s made for al fresco summer meals.

My Tried ‘n True White Jeans: The BEST white jeans in my humble opinion. You can’t see through them at all AND they have a good amount of stretch so picking up Thomas and running after him in these jeans is a breeze. They run TTS and I was able to wear them for most of my pregnancy. I’ve sworn by them for almost a decade at this point!

Long Last Nails Without the Salon Price: The simplest, no-fuss, budget-friendly way to have firecracker red nails this summer are these press-ons. Highly recommend you also use the nail glue. Mine last me about 2 weeks and are gentle on my natural nails when I remove them. Gel wrecked my nails and these have been a solution for me.

Lobster Sweater: I cannot believe we haven’t talked about this lobster sweater yet!! The star-spangled bandana? Perfection. I’d layer my stripe stand collar top underneath and my linen shorts for a casual yet chic Fourth of July outfit.

Breezy Linen Pants: I know, I know linen wrinkles just by looking at it. But that’s the point! Embrace linen and all its wrinkles (and this is coming from someone who actually enjoys ironing). I love these pants, they’re under $100, run TTS, and can be dressed up and down with a few accessories.

Recent Blog Posts on ByLaurenAnne.com

The Best American Flag Sweaters Under $100

• This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from the things you buy when you click on my links (at no cost to you!). Thank you for supporting my writing and trusting my recommendations!

• If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to click the heart button at the bottom. Not only does it help me know what you’re enjoying, it helps others discover my content!

• Or please consider forwarding this newsletter to someone you think might like it.

• Follow me on Instagram, ShopMy, and LTK and check out my website, By Lauren Anne.

Every family has a recipe that feels less like dessert and more like a memory suspended in time.

Read more

Hi there, happy Thursday!

Pull up a chair and get comfy because I have a lot to catch you up on. I kept meaning to write this over the past two weeks and then life kept, well, going. So grab your coffee, chai, or maybe a glass of wine or cocktail depending on what time you open this email and let’s chat.

Thomas Is Officially in Daycare

The biggest update: Thomas started daycare!!! If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know how long we were on waitlists and praying an opening would pop up because with my freelance work picking up, it was getting dire.

I’ll be honest with you. I was bracing for the worst with daycare. I had mentally prepared myself for weeks of drop-off crying (his AND mine) and Thomas looking at me like I had personally betrayed him every single morning.

Instead? Thomas did go on a quasi-hunger strike for the first couple of days and wasn’t really interested in eating, even when I packed him his favorites. Then about a week and a half in, something just...clicked. He loves his teachers. He loves the other kids. He knows the new routine.

But I really buried the lede here. Thomas started walking. At home. After Day 2 of daycare.

James and I had strongly suspected he could walk for a while but he had absolutely zero motivation to give up crawling at home. Why would he? He had us wrapped around his little finger! But apparently all it took was being surrounded by a room full of new friends moving around on two legs for Thomas to decide crawling was for babies, not big boy toddlers like him.

And just like that, we officially have a walker in the house.

Watching him gain confidence so quickly has honestly been incredible to witness. Meanwhile, I was working to regain my own confidence with…

Returning To Work Full-Time

The first week of being back to work felt incredibly surreal.

I dropped Thomas off at daycare, drove home, walked into a quiet house, made myself a chai latte, and slowly and carefully carried my mug upstairs to my desk.

No one needed me (Riley might contest that statement with her unquenchable need for pets). No one was crawling toward something they shouldn’t touch. I could just...work. I think I sat there for about five minutes and just listened to the silence.

And then last week I had my first real “head down, in the zone” work day since probably my Senate days. I finally looked up from my laptop at 3:30 in the afternoon and realized I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Or moved for that matter. It was exhilarating and exhausting all at once.

I’m genuinely thrilled about my client work right now and I’m equally ecstatic to get back to By Lauren Anne in a real and meaningful way.

That momentum for my blog got slightly delayed after I caught an absolutely horrible cold last week (courtesy of daycare germs making their grand entrance into our household) but I’m finally feeling human again and excited to dust off my camera and get back into creating content that hopefully brighten your day and bring joy.

What I Added to My Summer Wardrobe

When Thomas was home with me full-time, I pretty much lived in tshirts and leggings (or bike shorts when the weather was warm). It was too easy to get into a loop of throwing on this uniform, as frumpy as I felt at times, when I knew my day would consist of toddler pouches, Goldfish crackers, and chasing a little boy.

Now, I actually have time to get dressed consistently again! It sounds silly but putting together outfits have done wonders to make me feel ready for the day and to get to work when I sit down at my desk.

• I took advantage of the MDW sales to add another pair of these breezy linen shorts in light blue to my closet. I have these shorts already in white and found myself reaching for them often so it was time to add another color. They run TTS & are still marked down!

• To complete the set, I also bought another of my favorite linen button-down in the matching light blue. This time I bought it in my postpartum size.

• I’m a dress girl through and through. But chasing a toddler every day around the house, dresses weren’t exactly practical. I picked up this linen shift (starting to see a pattern here…) and wearing it will feel luxurious. Maybe I’ll even style it for a date night!

Oh, and One More Thing...

I’m going to breeze past this casually even though I’m very much NOT calm about it internally: This weekend I’m sitting down for my first ever podcast interview, where I’ll be talking about my postpartum experience.

Here’s the thing. I have spent a large part of my career writing talking points for interviews. I’ve done full media prep with principals. I’ve stood in the background, off camera, and clenched every muscle in my body until a hit ended, and then immediately sprinted to my computer to push out content from it.

And yet. When it’s me in the chair? Entirely different feeling.

I’m excited and nervous, at the same time. The kind of nervous that means it matters to you. When I was invited to speak on this podcast earlier this year, it was kind of a “why not” moment for me. Postpartum is something I’ve wanted to talk about more openly for a while and this felt like the right space to start. I’ll have more details soon (including where to listen) but I just wanted to put it out there into the universe (and to a group of people I trust, hi, that’s you) before the weekend.

And yes, I’ve written talking points to organize my thoughts.

Okay. That’s the update. I’m back, Thomas is walking, and I’m going to be on a podcast!

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

Summer is probably my favorite season to cook.

I know, it seems counterintuitive because during the hot, humid days of summer, being in the kitchen with the oven on seems like the very last place on earth you’d want to be.

But there are plenty of delicious, no-cook meals and we’ll get to that later this summer.

Right now, I’m talking about the flavors of summer.

Everything feels brighter, fresher, and somehow easier this time of year. The tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes again. Fresh herbs make every meal feel a little more alive. Even simple dinners start feeling special when there’s something sizzling on the grill and you’ve got a crisp glass of vinho verde in hand and the sun is still out at 7 PM.

The second summer produce starts showing up, my brain starts spinning with ideas. Preparing zucchini in every way possible. Finishing dishes with squeezes of fresh lemon. Big bowls of crunchy salads. Cold pasta dishes. Adding all the herbs clipped fresh from the garden.

Honestly, this season fills me with so much cooking inspiration my head feels like it’s buzzing a little. Or maybe it’s the vino? Kidding, of course!

And Trader Joe’s during summer? Downright dangerous for people like me.

One quick grocery trip somehow turned into a full week of meals we’re already planning to repeat all season long. Let’s dive in!

Chimichurri Steak Salad

From the receipt:

• Ribeye Steak

• Spring Mix

• 1 Container, Cherry Tomatoes

• 1 Package, Zucchini

• Trader Joe’s Chimichurri Sauce

A summer spin on one of our favorite meals.

We ate this at least once a week last summer because it checked every box:

• hearty enough to feel satisfying, light enough for a summer meal

• fresh and vegetable-packed

• minimal effort

• tastes fancy with very little work

James gets his steak. I get my greens and grilled vegetables. Everybody is happy.

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On Monday, Thomas officially starts daycare.

Even typing that sentence feels surreal. After months of stagnation and “No need to call us, we’ll call you” and complete despair culminating in me tearing up in a very kind daycare director’s office, it all happened so fast.

A week ago, Thomas and I went for a daycare tour and I felt really great about it. Vic…

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Hii!

It’s been a bit, closing out Q1 was a whirlwind of good chaos. Good because I signed two new clients for my freelance communications business (more on that below!) and chaos because I managed to do it while being a full-time wrangler of an increasingly adventurous and always curious toddler. And before you ask, yes, we are still waiting on an opening for daycare. I’m just praying at this point Thomas will get a spot before James gets orders for his next PCS (aka our military-sponsored move 😊) in a year.

A few things I’m looking forward to this month: Spring has sprung here in California and I’ve got trips in our plans to see The Flowers Fields in Carlsbad and excursions to check out sea lavender popping up along the coast. Thomas and I are going to check out the farmer’s markets and enjoy local bookstore story hours now that he’s much more interested in his board books. Him climbing into my lap with a book and looking up at me to start reading melts my heart every single time.

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

Outfit Details: Stripe Tee (So incredibly soft!!) // Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt (Similar option linked here for $36) // Wide-Leg Linen Pants // Favorite Amazon Sunglasses

I Landed a New Client!!

This one feels really good to write. And believe me when I say I really restrained myself with only two exclamation points.

I’m starting with a PR firm next month as a freelancer and I’m downright giddy to get back into communications strategy in a meaningful way. If you’ve ever job searched outside of your existing network, you know how discouraging it can feel. It seems as if there are extra hurdles to open doors. Moving away from DC meant leaving behind not just a city I love but a professional ecosystem where I knew and resources to help.

This opportunity didn’t just fall into my lap. It took lots of posts on LinkedIn, follow-ups, research, remembering how to have professional conversations, and faith to remind myself everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. After I signed this contract, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

It felt like a step back to myself.

Spring Cleaning My Postpartum Wardrobe

Linen Pants // Beaded Necklace // Stripe Terry Half-Zip Pullover // Stripe Terry Shorts // Double Buckle Sandals

This “haul,” if you’d like to call it that, was my first big purchase in awhile. It’s been hard to justify clothes shopping when I’m at home all day with Thomas and Riley. But at a certain point, I started feeling less “comfy” in my uniform of tshirts and leggings and started feeling frumpy. Add that to a wardrobe where my clothes aren’t all fitting my postpartum figure (more on that below) and it was a recipe for intrusive thoughts.

Sometimes, retail therapy does work. I needed a few pieces that felt like me again. Classic, colorful, but practical for my current California life.

Here’s how I’m styling them:

• Linen pants: I can throw on and instantly look like I have a plan. Add my favorite chambray shirt and toss my American flag sweater around my shoulders. Finish with white sneakers (these washable ones have been a lifesaver with Thomas, I also love my tried ‘n true Tretorns) and I’m ready for an outing with Thomas.

• A beaded necklace that makes even a simple outfit feel styled when layered with my daily gold jewelry.

• A stripe terry half-zip + matching shorts set (very “I have my life together,” even if I don’t) can work together or as separates for errands, a trip to the zoo, or a weekend jaunt to acquire caffeine.

• I picked these double buckle sandals because I needed an easy shoe to slip on and off for going to my yoga classes. I know. That might be the most California sentence I’ve ever written.

And right now J.Crew Factory has marked everything 50% off, which makes this feel less like a decision and more like a yes, obviously.

I’m not rebuilding my entire wardrobe. I just needed a handful of pieces that make me feel like myself again and get excited to get dressed.

My Postpartum Health Journey & What’s Moving the Needle

Okay, here’s where we get real personal. And, at the risk of sounding cliche, I get plenty vulnerable.

I’ll be honest with you. I really thought some of the baby weight would just fall off.

It didn’t.

And for a while, I let myself stay stuck in a loop of “I’ll deal with it later.” My job search became the catch-all reason. Every free pocket of time went toward applications, outreach, and trying to figure out what was next.

But eventually I had to call myself out.

It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s necessary.

I was already going to barre and yoga a couple times a week, which helped me get out of the house and feel stronger. But it wasn’t enough to really move the needle.

I had clothes in my closet I missed wearing.

So I asked myself a simple question: When have I felt my best?

The response came to me immediately. When I was living in DC and constantly walking. Specifically when I lived in Glover Park. Who needed a gym when you can walk up Wisconsin Avenue?! If you know, you know. I didn’t have a car so walking 7 miles in a day was a given, naturally built into my day and life.

I don’t have that built in here. And Riley, as much as I love her, prefers a leisurely stroll over a power walk.

I needed a change that would challenge me. I bought an incline walking pad and whew, I can already feel the difference. This one has a 10% incline, which was the highest I could find on a walking paid, and I set it at 3.2 speed initially. Now, I start at 3.2 and work my way up to 3.6. I aim to walk at that speed for at least 30 minutes.

I feel proud of myself after I finish my workout and then immediately hit the shower because yikes I sweat on that thing!

It’s not complicated and that means it’s consistent and something I can actually stick with. Most importantly, it feels like I’m showing up for myself again.

And right now, that matters more than anything.

Thomas’ Favorite Books Lately

When I was pregnant, I wished our baby boy would love and devour books as much as I do. Judging by the above photo, I’m starting to think I should’ve expanded more on that wish.

Thomas loves to be read to and I am more than happy to have him settle into my lap and read to him. Right now, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a big hit in our home. I’m fairly confident I could stand up in front of a crowd and recite it as my Ted Talk at this point. The dog is his favorite animal in the story and he constantly returns to that particular page, I wonder if it’s because of Riley?

I added The Tale of Peter Rabbit to Thomas’ Easter basket and boy was it a big hit. I didn’t see that one coming. Thomas had me read it several times, flipping back to the first page as soon as the words “The End” were out of my mouth. I’m running with this as a sign and adding more Beatrix Potter tales to Thomas’ library.

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James’ Famous Deviled Eggs Recipe

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I follow arguably a significant amount of Trader Joe’s Instagram accounts. I like to see what’s popping up in stores and add items to my Trader Joe’s List on my Notes app. Since it’s not as easy to pop into TJ’s here in California the way I could in DC, I like to make sure I’m optimizing my weekly or bi-weekly trips.

There are plenty of TJ’s items I fee…

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This post is part reflection, part life update, and part love letter to the quiet seasons of life.

I put myself on a strict book order to start the year.

After barely reading last year as I navigated life with our baby boy, I made a pact with myself this year: clear the nightstand. No skipping ahead. No impulse grabs. (My American Girl re-read doesn’t count!) Just steady progress through the stack of books that has quietly watched me for over a year, falling into bed and maybe doomscrolling on my phone or watching Reels for 10 minutes (Okay, fine 30 minutes) before turning off the light.

It feels symbolic — reclaiming reading, reclaiming focus, reclaiming time, reclaiming little pieces of myself.

And then a couple of weeks ago, I disrupted the order.

I picked up Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.

It wasn’t on my radar. It wasn’t “next.” I didn’t even know the book existed until a DC real estate Instagrammer I follow posted about it on their Story. But I had the gut instinct this was a book I needed to read right now.

Wintering is about dormant seasons. The quiet stretches. The times when life slows, fractures, pauses and how those periods aren’t failures but necessary winters.

And I realized something almost immediately:

I am in a winter. I’ve been in a winter for a long time.

Not a dramatic one. Not a sad one. But a subtle, in-between season.

My freelancing is picking up steam. Contracts signed. Conversations unfolding. There’s energy building. After I put the finishing touches on this post, I’m going to switch gears to copywriting for a client.

Thomas going to daycare is on the horizon. Fingers crossed he gets off the waitlist soon!! A structural shift is coming.

But it’s not here just yet.

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There are weeks when I want to cook creatively, leisurely opening my fridge and pantry, get a bolt of inspiration, pour myself a glass of wine, and start chopping.

And then there are weeks when I need dinner to simply work and get on the table efficiently. There’s likely still a glass of wine in this scenario, too.

Right now I’m focusing on eating more protein (who isn’t though?) and vegetables without adding more complexity to our evenings, especially when work schedules shift, the day doesn’t go as planned, and I’m either running off to my office to send out emails or driving off to a barre class.

Each week, I build my Trader Joe’s cart around a slightly different strategy. This week’s focus was high-protein, veggie-forward dinners that could flex if schedules changed.

I asked James if he had any cravings or requested meals. He said no and I jumped at the opportunity to pack as many veggies into our meals this week as I could.

I usually plan four to five core meals, check the pantry for gaps, and build my list from there. The goal is always the same: dinners that feel put together but efficient.

Here’s how one Trader Joe’s receipt turned into six dinners:

The Game Plan

• Viral Dumpling Bake (with extra vegetables)

• Steakhouse-Style Salad Night

• Southwest Veggie & Beef Skillet (two-night dinner)

• Spicy Seafood Vodka Pasta

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Bowls

• Friday Night Ravioli

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It’s been a LONG time since I’ve posted the Question sticker on my Story and said AMA. It’s also been a long time since I’ve talked to my camera on Stories, surprisingly I did it in one take! Also lucky since Thomas was up from his nap and boy did he have some energy to burn.

In the past, I’ve typically answered the questions directly on my Story but with all the big changes and shifts happening around here lately I decided to switch it up and post my responses as this week’s newsletter. You guys always ask such insightful, thought-provoking questions and I wanted to do them proper justice in my responses, not rushing to get out an answer before the recording clock ran out on Instagram.

Let’s jump right in!

How is your thinking about CA life shifting now that you have a hopeful end date?

When I said we’re jumping right in, I meant it. This is probably going to my longest response but it really explains everything I’ve been carrying within me during this life chapter. Okay, here we go.

Honestly, having a hopeful end date has completely shifted how I’m thinking about our time here. It’s helping me see California less as a place where everything felt hard and more as a chapter that held some of the biggest life transitions I’ve ever experienced and a chapter I now feel ready to enjoy more intentionally.

When we first arrived, we were ready to dive in. Exploring the San Diego area, hitting up wineries, cruising along the coast, all of it. Two days after settling in, I learned I was pregnant (planned but still a surprise!) and my Google searches quickly shifted from “hot yoga studio near me” to “prenatal yoga near me.” Sidebar: I did find an incredible yoga studio in Oceanside that has become a place of rest and escape for me.

I genuinely enjoyed California during pregnancy. I got into a groove with walking Riley, leaning into prenatal yoga and slower flows, and settling into this new chapter. But behind the scenes, my job was veering my career (and, candidly, my personal happiness) way off course. It eventually reached a point where I had to choose myself. James and I made a plan, budgeted carefully, and I gave my notice.

Around that same time, my brother Tommy’s health took a sharp decline, and he spent several months in the ICU. In hindsight, as challenging as it’s been rebuilding my career postpartum, I’m incredibly grateful I wasn’t tied to a traditional job during this time because it allowed me to be there for my brother and my parents. Being in California also made traveling to Arizona much easier when we needed to go at a moment’s notice. Sadly, Tommy passed away in December 2024, and just weeks later his namesake, our baby boy, entered the world.

Postpartum brought an entirely different experience and this version is one I never want to go through again. Not having family or friends nearby made it feel lonely and isolating once James returned to work. After spending 16+ years in a city, I realized how much walkability and everyday human interaction support my mental health. There were stretches where I could go days without really seeing or speaking to people outside of walks with Thomas and Riley, and that compounded the sense of isolation.

I learned being postpartum in a space where I don’t have “roots and routines” (family, friends, and a support system paired with routines I could do with my eyes closed like walking to Jacob’s Coffeehouse) is not a space I thrive in. I was also fighting intrusive thoughts about getting back to work and restarting my career. I was also internally beating myself up for being in a place with palm trees and where people would LOVE to live…and having to work SO hard to be happy.

A friend, who is very smart and very pretty, recently gave me an analogy that perfectly captured this season. She flew to California from DC to run a race along the Pacific Coast. Race day arrived and with it came a monsoon-level rainstorm. The ocean views were still there in all their beauty but all she could focus on was keeping her bib pinned and the rain out of her eyes. That’s EXACTLY how the last year has felt — wanting desperately to fully enjoy California but navigating pregnancy, grief, career rebuilding, the daycare doomloop, and the exhaustion of being the primary parent during the day.

Now, though, things are shifting.

I’ve landed a few clients for my freelancing business (more on that in another response), Thomas should be starting daycare within the next month. I’m excited to return to work I genuinely love while also having Thomas socialize and explore. Yes, I know daycare germs are coming for us — but please just let me have my moment.

We also now know James’ next PCS (permanent change of station) will be Summer 2027. We don’t know where we’ll go next but odds are we’ll be back on the East Coast.

The fog of postpartum feels like it’s lifting and the career anxiety has eased. Instead of feeling stuck between survival mode and expectations, I feel excited to make the most of our remaining time here. Thomas already loves the San Diego Zoo and we go fairly often. Disneyland, Legoland (all the lands!) are officially on the family bucket list. Smaller joys are going onto the calendar too, like returning to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad at peak bloom, exploring Temecula wineries, and visiting our favorite local winery that makes you feel like you’ve somehow landed in Italy.

So I’d say my mindset shift is this: instead of trying to force California to feel like home while I was just trying to stay afloat, I’m now approaching it as a chapter we get to fully experience. Now it feels less about counting down the time and more about living in it.

The difference in life pace. Is California more relaxed?

Oh my gosh, YES! This is officially the longest I think I’ve gone without seeing men in suits on a regular basis. Beyond the dress code, I’d say I noticed this more when we initially arrived. I could actually feel how much more tightly wound I was than other people. After a few weeks, James confessed having this same emotion and I was SO relieved it wasn’t just me. People here are just not in a hurry the way East Coast people are (with the exception being when they’re driving, some of these California drivers make me feel like a little old lady in my Mini) and I’ve come to appreciate the slowed down pace.

What’s a new Trader Joe’s item you’re excited to try?

At the top of my Trader Joe’s list right now is a new item in their freezer section called “Spicy Spuds.” It’s diced potatoes seasoned with parmesan cheese, lime, onion, paprika, and cayenne pepper. I’ve never met a form of breakfast potatoes I didn’t love and I’m excited to use “Spicy Spuds” as a base for a cheesy, chorizo-filled brunch-at-home dish.

What do you miss most about DC?

Obviously, my friends is my #1. That’s a given. Beyond that, I miss the Cap Hill/Eastern Market neighborhood to my bones. The energy, the neighborhood community, walking Riley around Stanton Park and Lincoln Park, the farmer’s market (of course). It’s where I truly feel most like myself and I hope we get back there permanently one day. James and I send each other Zillow listings all the time, it’s definitely where we’ll wind up eventually!

What’s one small habit that’s making you feel more put together lately?

Thomas is sleeping longer and his wake-up times are much more consistent. I’m also getting more sleep so waking up before he does is now MUCH more doable than before when I was fighting for every moment of shut-eye I could get.

I’m one of those people who has to wash their face every morning right away or else I just feel gross. Getting back in the habit of washing my face and going through a quick skincare routine (toner, Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, SPF) has done wonders towards making me feel like a human again.

Do you stay up on DC and what’s going on?

Yes but not to the extent I did when I lived there. I still am a faithful listener to the daily Punchbowl News podcast and I read my politics and policy newsletters I’ve subscribed to for years now. I follow Instagram accounts that share DC news and happenings. And my friends and group chats keep me posted.

What’s your go-to ‘feel like myself again’ outfit formula right now?

Getting dressed consistently has been really tricky since I’m home all day with a now-toddler. Between feeding Thomas and his teething-induced drool, getting dressed beyond leggings and a tshirt feels like a “why bother?” moment. Weekends are when I can get dressed up without as much of a fear of getting splattered with something (the fear is never gone, just diminished). For those days, I’ve been outfit repeating this shirt dress with various scarves depending on where we’re going. I’m also happy to be in California where the weather is moderate and I can extend my warm weather clothes beyond the summer. My breezy cotton pants paired with a stripe tee or chambray button down is another outfit formula I repeat for a more casual weekend outing.

How is freelancing going?

I’m very, very happy to report freelancing is picking up real momentum!! I have a few clients now and some exciting meetings on the calendar over the next few weeks. Getting my business up and running alongside an unpredictable day was no easy feat and it feels really good to see things starting to click into place.

Once Thomas starts daycare and I have more focused work hours, I’m especially excited for what that means both for client work and for more consistent posting here, on my blog, and on Instagram. I have creative ideas and visions for those spaces, just not enough time to execute!

As challenging as 2025 was, I feel like everything I learned is finally translating into forward movement and I have a really good feeling about 2026!

Okay, I promise next week we’ll be back to Trader Joe’s receipts turned into recipes. But before we return to the familiar rhythm of food and style, I want to close the loop on last week’s essay about knowing when to ask for help.

Today is about what happens after the decision is made. The quieter season when the support is there, the work has begun, and you’re learning to sit with the waiting while something unseen begins to grow.

There’s a particular kind of quiet that arrives after a decision has been made, not the loud clarity of a breakthrough lightbulb moment, but the softer, steadier stillness that follows.

That’s where I find myself now.

The past few weeks have felt like standing at the threshold of something new while still fully rooted in the present. The contracts are being negotiated. The conversations are happening. The plans for daycare are slowly taking shape. New opportunities I never even had thought of are arriving.

And, for now, my days remain slower and more centered than ever around the small rituals of life with Thomas.

It would be easy to treat this time as a waiting room, twiddling my thumbs.

But I’m beginning to think it’s something else entirely.

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Hii!

January felt like a year in of itself. My communications freelancing is picking up steam, which is so exciting! After months of feeling stuck and fielding fun intrusive thoughts like “Oh my gosh, did I ruin my career?,” it felt so good to get meetings on the books and have irons in the fire.

It also made it extremely difficult to juggle having vocal, on-the-go Thomas at home with me. I love him immeasurably but a one-year-old isn’t the best assistant. And, as I’m sure you know, daycare is quite expensive, putting us in a loop of “I need to work to afford daycare. I need daycare to work.” I worried I would lose momentum just as I started and felt overwhelmed to my core.

I am so lucky and grateful my mom was able to come out last week to spend time with Thomas and give me the space to sit at my desk and focus. Parenting without family and friends nearby has been far harder than I anticipated and if you are going through this experience as well, please know I’m right there with you. You’ve got this 💙

We’re optimistic daycare will fall into place soon, keep your fingers crossed!! Thomas is a social butterfly and I think this will help us all thrive.

Okay phew I know that was kind of a lot but I like to share the roses and the thorns. Let’s lighten things up with a few little joys getting us through the winter!

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

A New Sauv Blanc To Enjoy

Did this label catch my eye? Yes. Did I buy this Sauvignon Blanc because of the name? Absolutely yes. Super Happy Sauvignon Blanc is a $9.99 bottle at Trader Joe’s and is from Santa Barbara. Which means I’m now looking to visit Santa Barbara while we’re still in California.

I enjoyed sipping this bright, crisp SB at the end of the day when Thomas is sleeping in his crib and Jeopardy is on TV. It has a tart taste and if you are someone who normally isn’t a Sauvignon blanc drinker because of its “grassy” notes, you won’t find a shred of that in Super Happy Sauvignon Blanc.

You can pair this wine with seafood, I am pairing it with pajamas and Tournament of Champions.

Two New Recent Wardrobe Additions

Stripe Boatneck Tee // Sage Seersucker Shirt Dress

My shopping for the last few months have exclusively been leggings (the BEST leggings at a great price) and yoga bras (I wear these pretty much every day). Being at home with Thomas, it’s been hard to actually get dressed beyond athleisure. I wake up, get dressed, get Thomas ready for the day, feed him breakfast, load Thomas into the stroller and take him and Riley for a long walk, play with Thomas, lunch time, and then baby boy is down for his nap. It’s hard to have a costume change in there for me.

But now that daycare is on the horizon, I decided it was time to add a few pieces for video meetings and to bridge the gap between what currently fits and what’s currently in my closet.

This stripe boatneck top is on sale for $29 right now and available in this colorway XS-XL. It also comes in other colorways! I’ve only purchased shapewear from Spanx and wow I was impressed by this top. It has a relaxed fit, which is what I’m enjoying these days, washes well, and pretty much doesn’t wrinkle. I went with a size L and it circles the square.

I also took advantage of the recent Tuckernuck sale and added a royal shirt dress in a size up. The royal shirt dress was a staple in my DC wardrobe, styled with a blazer for work, and fun earrings and jewelry for weekend. I’ve missed having this closet workhorse in my postpartum wardrobe, it’s good to have it back.

A Winter Skincare Must Have Under $10

Trader Joe’s beauty section is sneakily really fantastic so don’t stroll by with your cart! I picked up their Marula Facial Oil on a whim a few years ago and it’s earned a permanent spot in my nighttime skincare. It’s especially fantastic during the dry winter months as the last step in your regimen to lock in moisture and hydrate.

First things first – how much is Trader Joe’s Marula Oil?

Trader Joe’s Marula Oil will cost you a very reasonable $6.99 for 25mL! To give you a comparison, Drunk Elephant sells their marula oil for $40 for 15mL. So like most Trader Joe’s items, you’re getting a terrific price.

What are the benefits of adding marula oil to my skincare routine?

Since I’ve added marula oil to my routine, I’ve noticed a visible difference in my skin. My complexion looks more hydrated and (dare I say) dewy, which has helped reduce the appearance of fine lines on my forehead. I also think my skin looks smoother and my slight rosacea on my cheeks isn’t as noticeable.

What step should oil be in my skincare routine?

I apply marula oil as the final step in my skincare routine. Thankfully, it’s very quick to absorb and surprisingly non-greasy for an oil. So I don’t worry about it getting on my bedding. It’s also colorless.

How else can I use marula oil?

Personally, the skin on the back of my hands get really dry during the colder months. After I pat the marula oil onto my face, I wipe the excess over my hands. It’s made a difference in my cuticles, decreased the amount of hangnails, and helped keep my hands moisturized against the chill in the air.

I’ve also applied a few drops onto the ends of my hair after washing it to help with split ends and dryness. Trader Joe’s rose facial oil (it usually comes out around Valentine’s Day) is also great for applying to the ends of your hair. I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil during the wintertime but I think adding a few drops of marula oil to your elbows, knees, or other dry skin-prone areas would be beneficial.

Re-reading American Girl

Lately, I’ve been leaning fully into an American Girl re-read I love how it feels like reconnecting with an old friend. Maybe it’s the algorithm clocking me as a millennial woman and serving peak nostalgia or maybe it’s just this season of life where revisiting stories that shaped you feels grounding in the best way.

What surprises me most now is how differently I read them as an adult. Beyond the nostalgia and beautiful illustrations, I see resilience, bravery, and girls navigating complicated worlds with courage far beyond their years. They’re still comfort reads but they also feel like quiet reminders that women have always been capable of doing hard, meaningful things.

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Last week, I hit a wall.

Not in a dramatic, movie-scene way where I slowly slide down the wall onto the floor in despair.

No. This was a regular Monday wall.

The kind where nothing is technically “wrong,” but you feel like you’re spinning your wheels.

Because here’s what happened:

I started January feeling really good.

I felt renewed. Reinvigorated. I had ir…

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Happy 2026!

It feels so good to be back writing again after taking a couple of weeks off for the holidays. We traveled to Tennessee to spend Christmas with James’ parents while my parents generously took care of Riley girl for us in California. Thomas was a champ on our flights and he loved crawling all over his grandparents’ home and playing with his Christmas presents. It was a lovely, relaxing week.

Now we’re back in California and have been laying quasi-low largely thanks to it being our rainy season. But I’m more than happy to plan out the first quarter of the year and write while James makes pizza, Thomas plays with his stackable rings (he truly cannot get enough of that toy), and Riley lounges across the entire length of the couch.

Chat with you soon,

Lauren

Hope GoodReads Is Ready for This Throwback

I made my mom so happy last month when I said the words every parent of a millennial wants to hear: “Can I get that box of my American Doll books from your house and bring it home with me?” That box was prepped and ready for delivery in a snap.

I’ve found myself in a place where the Insta algorithm knows I’m a millennial woman and is serving me all the American Girl content. And you know what? I’m here for it. Bring on all the nostalgia! My AG books collection and my Kirsten doll have been lovingly housed in my parents’ house first in Orchard Park and then in Phoenix. I’ve re-read the books on Christmas breaks by the family tree. The nostalgia for a simpler time we’re all feeling is pretty apparent. But revisiting the American Girl books also reminds me of the adversity, challenges, and hardships these girls faced at such a young age. They’re not only a core childhood memory but inspirational reminders of how women have always been able to do hard things.

I’m so excited to re-read my AG books and if you’re an AG fan, please DM me so we can chat about all things AG!

Refocusing on My Health

I went to my first Pure Barre class in ages last week and whew it feels good to be sore. 2025 was largely spent in survival mode and I let my self-care fall to the very bottom of my priorities’ list. It’s time to reset my priorities when it comes to health, especially with an active little boy who is so so close to walking and then running. I’m excited to get back into my favorite workout and love how it’s a place I can show up to in multiple chapters of life. It’s also 50 minutes where I can truly tune out the noise of my inner monologue and focus on myself and in this season of life that’s a precious commodity. Even if we’re in chair pose and the instructor cues highest heels and pulses. Best and final 10…

Winter Skin Savior: Trader Joe’s Marula Oil

If you’re looking for a little self-care this winter, this Trader Joe’s find deserves a moment in the spotlight. I’ve used Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil as my final step in my nighttime winter skincare routine to lock in all the moisture and combat cold weather dryness. For under $7, this oil feels like a luxe addition to your skincare routine without the sticker shock of high-end oils.

This lightweight, scent-free oil absorbs quickly, hydrates deeply, and leaves skin looking dewy rather than greasy — perfect for cold, dry winter days. I’ve also noticed Marula Oil helps with reducing redness I have in my cheeks, it makes a big difference right away.

Bonus: a little goes a long way and I like to swipe the excess over my dry hands to prevent cracking.

A Recipe to Try: Trader Joe’s Bulgogi Beef Stuffed Peppers

January calls for low-effort yet delicious dinners. Enter: Trader Joe’s Bulgogi Beef. This sweet-savory, Korean-inspired staple is perfect for stuffed peppers that are cozy, flexible, and quietly impressive. They’re great for an easy weeknight dinner or a “we’re staying in but not ordering takeout but want to feel like we are” moment.

Get the full recipe here! And if you’re a paid subscriber, you can find more simple and delicious Trader Joe’s meals like this one here (Bonus: The latter link has a full week’s worth of meals!).

A Winter Citrus Spritz

Light, citrus-forward, and a perfectly pretty cocktail that easily transforms into a mocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol

• 2 oz fresh blood orange juice (Cara Cara orange works beautifully, too)

• 3 oz Prosecco

• 1 oz club soda

• Ice

Directions

• Fill a large wine glass with ice (My personal wine glass of choice for spritzes).

• Add Aperol and fresh citrus juice.

• Top with Prosecco and a splash of club soda.

• Gently stir once or twice.

• Garnish and sip immediately.

Garnish Options

• Thin slice of blood orange or grapefruit

• Sprig of rosemary for that subtle winter-herb moment

Tips from Your Bartender

• Make it extra dry: Use brut prosecco and skip the soda

• Mocktail makeover: Blood orange juice + San Pellegrino + splash of bitter Italian soda

• Let’s get herbal : Add ½ oz elderflower liqueur for a softer, floral finish

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I’ve been a little quiet here on Thursdays.

I’ve been in a manic-productive mode: job searching, emailing everyone in my mental rolodex, scrolling job listings, and posting the slightly cringey LinkedIn content I wish didn’t work…but absolutely does (I’ve learned to lean into it). All of this while being the primary parent to a very confident and increasingly mobile little boy during the day.

This time of year usually pulls me into reflection mode. I normally think about goals, tweaks, and how I want the next year to look a little sharper around the edges.

This year feels different.

The past twelve months held both the hardest and most beautiful moments of my life. It began with grief, losing my brother in December. It shifted quickly into joy when we welcomed our son just weeks into the new year. Now I’m closing out 2025 trying to find my way back into the workforce while learning how to hold ambition and motherhood at the same time.

Recently, I saw an Instagram post that stopped me mid-scroll:

That line resonated deeply with me.

Not every year is about scaling, optimizing, or glowing up. Some years are about getting through the day. Some are about giving yourself more grace. Some are about learning who you are when life asks everything of you at once.

2025 year asked a lot.

And if you’re reading this feeling behind, scattered, or unsure how to wrap your year into a neat list of wins, you’re not alone. Survival counts. Showing up counts.

I also want to say this out loud: I really miss blogging. I miss slowing down enough to pick up my camera and capture ordinary, beautiful moments of life. That pull hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it’s gotten stronger!

This will the last newsletter for 2025 since next week is Christmas and we’ll be in Tennessee spending time with family and kicking off Thomas’ first birthday celebrations!

What’s coming next: January will be a return to rhythm. More writing. More photos. More intentional storytelling. Less urgency, more presence. I’m excited to ease back into creating in a way that feels grounded and sustainable.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family! I hope you find a few moments to unplug, rest deeply, and give yourself more credit than you probably do. You deserve it.

And thank you for being here this year, it truly means so much to me!

Chat with you in 2026!

Lauren

December has been full. Full of movement, full of emotions, full of the quiet pressure to keep going until it’s “pencils down” or, in our case, “wheels up” to spend Christmas in Tennessee. I didn’t want to write a “best of” list or a monthly recap. Instead, I wanted to hit pause and share the handful of small, ordinary things making this month feel ligh…

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