Introducing a new series on Open House, I’m calling “The Pour Over.” I’ve been wanting to give my paid subscribers something a little more fun and easy to read between the bigger posts, which is how this series was born! It will be a quick, casual round-up that will go live every 1st of the month, that will include a word of the month, a cocktail I’ll be making, what I’m reading, and more. For the inaugural post, this will be available for all subscribers – grab a coffee and let’s get into it!

Word of the Month:

Momentum

an object in motion tends to stay in motion, and it takes more force to stop or redirect something that's already moving than something at rest.

I talked about this in my last post, but September carries a natural momentum. With our conditioned “back to school” energy and the weather becoming more fresh and brisk, change is already in motion. Use this to your advantage! Rather than letting it pass us by, we can lean into this momentum and put it toward something that actually matters to us this season. Start the routine, send the email you’ve been drafting, pick up a new hobby. The energy is already there, so use the momentum of the season to A. finish the year on a high note and 2. build a better you.

A Cocktail:

Vanilla Fig Spritz

Summer isn’t quite over, but I think some of us are craving that coziness. This cocktail combines both! The bright, jammy-ness of the figs, mixed with the comforting notes of vanilla.

Ingredients:
¾ oz vanilla fig syrup (see below)
1 oz elderflower liqueur
3 oz prosecco
Sparkling water

To garnish:
Figs
Fresh Thyme

Fill your favorite spritz glass with ice and add the vanilla fig syrup + the elderflower liquor and stir. Top it off with prosecco and sparkling water and garnish with a sliced fig and a sprig of thyme.

Vanilla Fig Simple Syrup:
6 fresh figs, roughly chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Bring all ingredients to a boil, then set heat to medium low. Occasionally stir until figs start to break down (~10 minutes.) Mash the figs inside the pot and strain through fine mesh strainer into a heat safe container. Allow to cool before adding to your cocktail. I made a little extra and have been adding it to my morning lattes!

For The Home:

Painted Floors

Upstairs at our house, we have bedrooms on each side, with an open, in-between room sandwiched in the middle. One room is ours (the primary suite) and on the other end is the guest bedroom. We ended up making the middle room the nursery/library since the baby doesn’t need the privacy of a closed door yet (she’s still sleeping in our room) and we didn’t want to give up the guest room, especially now.

All that to say… I want to paint the nursery floors in a glossy bold color! Currently the walls and floors are white, mostly because the room was still completely gutted when I was 6 months pregnant and we were racing the clock. Now that I’ve had time to sit with it, I would love to be greeted by an amazing color like this green right when I get up the stairs.

Obsessed:

Eye Shadow Sticks in Bold Colors

I saw these Laura Mercier eyeshadow sticks (shimmer + matte) the other day and they stopped me in my tracks! I love the names of various shades: Lavender Slip, Tailored Denim, Port Leather, Camo Trench, Mixed Metals, and Pink Suede. I have never been an eyeshadow person, but these make me want to try!

Champagne Cage Chairs

Fun Fact: My dad has a collection of miniature chairs. They are set up in a semi circle on his coffee table with a matching miniature fireplace (incense burner) and a miniature TV. So when I saw these Champagne Cage Chairs by @kaylaskitchandfix, I just about died. In the video, she uses them as name card holders for a table setting. So whimsical. I will be 1000% recreating for a dinner party this fall and giving them all to my dad when I’m done.

On the Nightstand:

The Dutch House

I believe I’ve officially read every Ann Patchett book. After reading “Whistler,” I wasn’t ready to give up the Patchett train quite yet. This book was originally published in 2019, so I was a little late to the game, but loved it. A mix of family drama, a mesmerizing architectural setting, and a satisfying finish, this book hit all the senses for me. I sent a recommendation to a friend who also loved Patchett’s “Tom Lake” and said it’s a low-stress, yet captivating read (she had already read it.)

The Calamity Club

Started this book last night and I’m already curious about the characters. Set in Mississippi in 1933, this story is about a group of women fighting for what’s rightfully theirs. Written by the author of “The Help,” I have pretty high expectations. Both my mom and dad also recommended this book and between the two of them, they read about 3-4 books a week, so that’s saying something. Will report back!

Under Story

Just realized the scent for this month is also called Understory… there’s a theme here. I can’t wait for this book to be released. I loved Chloe Benjamin’s “The Immortalists” and this is another sci-fi esque, love story set in Antarctica. A perfect September read – already pre-ordered.

A Scent:

UNDERSTORY VOLUME 4

Vintner’s Daughter can do no wrong. Everything they make is incredibly intentional and considered and this fragrance is no exception. This one in particular has all my favorite notes: violet and midnight jasmine, coastal conifers and bay, with accents of delicate moss and petals. I will be saving up for this one – praying it doesn’t sell out too quickly.

Ambre Candle

Truly the scent of the season. If it’s still hot where you are, light this and be transported to a cozy cabin. I will be burning this through November.

What I’m Wearing:

Comme Si Button-Ups

These are my absolute favorite shirts. I love the idea that you can buy just one and style it in so many ways, as seen by their latest photo series on Instagram. I own it in Cortado Stripe and plan on also getting it in Marina and the newest, Florentine Stripe. And I’m serious about wearing neckties too.

If you’re looking for a lower-priced option to style this fall, I swear by this J.Crew one. I have it in both blue and white and wear both of them weekly.

A Quote:

I saw this on Substack and have been thinking about it ever since.

“If you feel like you hate everyone, eat.
If you feel like everyone hates you, sleep.
If you feel like you hate yourself, take a shower.
If you feel like everyone hates everyone, go outside.”

A Journal Prompt:

If I let the natural momentum of this season carry me somewhere, where would I want to go?

I hope you enjoyed this month’s “The Pour Over.” If there’s any other categories you’d like to see here, I’m all ears! I'm excited to research and source special items, tips, and recipes to help kick off your month with a little inspiration.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Open House. To receive this series next month, join a paid subscription here:

Subscribe now

xx,
P.K.

I must admit, I was never a perfect student. However, I was always pretty good at tests, take home projects, and boy, did I love the first day of school syllabus. There was something so satisfying about flipping through seeing what the rest of the semester had in store – books to read, what we’d be learning week by week, milestones, quizzes, and of course, the final project.

I loved buying a fresh planner or notebook and planning out my days and schedule, dreaming of my future and feeling like anything and everything was possible. I don’t miss school at all, but I do miss having a structured overview of the next 6 months and having a glimpse of who I’d be and the knowledge / skills I’d possess on the other side.

In addition to creating my annual vision board, last fall I decided to create a full syllabus for myself. I was so inspired by this podcast episode about the power of changing your life starting in the fall, that I decided to make an outlined plan for the person I wanted to become in the next 4 months.

In this episode, Mel Robbins argues that September is the best time to make changes “stick” because of years of back to school conditioning. She talks about how January should be a time of rest and restoration since it’s following the busyness of the holidays and also in the dead of winter. September on the other hand, carries a natural momentum. The weather becomes fresh and crisp, routines reset, and there’s an ingrained sense of a fresh start.

Mel also brings up Parkinson’s Law which essentially is the idea that work expands to fill the time you give it. Meaning that in September, it’s more of a closed, productive period for actually making change, in contrast to an open-ended January with the entire year to fill.

I’ve always been a believer in vision boards. It’s always surprising look back and seeing how many images resemble your current life. But last year, I was in a bit of a rut and was feeling the need for the structure and the actual coursework. I wanted to reflect on where I was and outline the steps to a brighter future. Creating my own light at the end of the tunnel to close the year strong and set myself up for a better year ahead.

Did it work? Honestly, yes? So many wonderful things happened that I had dreamed up, plus more I could’ve never anticipated. Every category in my life improved. I travelled to places I’ve always wanted to go. I grew in my career exponentially – attaining invaluable knowledge and experience. My health and body image improved. I became a mom!! I started painting. I started a Substack. It was also an honest look at where I was and where I wanted to go, which was more helpful that I realized when designing this.

So this year, I’m doing it again and I wanted to share it with you!

Maybe you’re in a rut. Or maybe you’re fine, but not great. Maybe you’re daydreaming on your daily commute or consistently failing (that’s okay) at hitting your goals. This is for you. :)

The workbook is 35 pages and I will warn you, it does require some thought and effort. This course isn’t for staying where you are currently. It includes filling out and assessing every category in your life, vision boarding, identity shift exercises, a habit builder, planning new daily rituals, and more.

Class is in session!

Below you will find both a digital version of the workbook and a printable version if you like putting pen to paper. This is a gift for my paid subscribers this fall (thank you!) Let’s all use the natural momentum of the season to become our best future selves.

xx,
P.K.

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Before I got pregnant, the idea of having to take any step away from my career was deeply unnerving. Years of experience, building connections, and keeping up with the latest in brand and marketing would have to be put on pause. How could I ever find the time for motherhood while work was already bleeding into my Saturdays and Sundays?

As someone who has always truly loved working, I questioned if motherhood was even for me. Something I had always deeply wanted growing up was now compromised because it seemed like I couldn’t possibly choose both.

After getting pregnant, my thoughts shifted and my mind opened. There are obviously so many incredible women balancing both1, and it was time for me to get inspired, not defeated. I knew I could find a role that would honor this new stage in my life, and that I was capable of finding a rhythm and jumping back in, because at the end of the day, it’s what I love to do.

I ended up stepping away from a demanding full-time role during mat leave and have been freelancing to get by. This has been such a soft, lovely transition while I 1. bond with and take care of our 2.5-month-old and 2. figure out my next move.

And here I am today, pumping2 in prep of being away from my baby for approximately 15 hours for a photoshoot tomorrow. I’m both incredibly excited and also entirely anxious to be away. Getting back into work is surprisingly something that thrills me. However, the excitement is a little more layered now.

So the consistent tennis match in my brain is: do I pursue a full-time role, or continue freelancing?

Here are the pros and cons of each:3

Full Time

There's really nothing I love more than working for one brand and being fully engrained in its world. There's something about being in-house that makes you feel like you're all on a collective mission to create, plan, and grow — incredibly rewarding, fun, while also challenging.

Pros:
– Financial security and benefits
– Career momentum
– Community / Coworkers (there’s nothing better than a lovely coworker?!)
– Structure and Routine
– Identity / Title
– Mentorship and growth opportunities
– Being a part of a brand’s growth
– Deeper creative ownership

Cons:
– Less flexibility for naps, feedings, and daily schedule
– Possibly commuting (generally take 2.5-3 hours each way to drive in LA during rush hour times)
– Missing small daily moments with my daughter
– Harder to be spontaneous (trips down to my parents, days spent on the lake, etc.)
– Less time for creative pursuits (Substack, painting, etc.)
– Potentially needing to stay in California (a long-term concern)
– So many meetings!

Freelance

Like I said earlier, this has been a real privilege and has been a soft in-between for transitioning back into work. I get to work with brands I love, doing work I love, while having the capacity to breastfeed, cuddle, play, and more with Ralph.

Pros:
– Can be fully present in this newborn season
– Autonomy over my own schedule and workload
– Ability to live / move wherever
– More time for creative pursuits
– No commuting (generally)
– Building my own brand and business
– Ability to travel and make plans freely
– Being able to work with multiple brands I admire

Cons:
– No steady paycheck / not quite enough income
– Keeping track of hours and invoicing
– Doing my own taxes
– Less mentorship and structured growth
– A wider view across brands rather than deep immersion in just one
– Different systems and communication brand to brand

Some journal prompts that can be helpful to anyone in a similar position:

If I imagine myself one year into full-time work, what does an average Tuesday look like? How do I feel at the end of the day?

If I imagine myself one year into freelancing, what does an average Tuesday look like? How do I feel at the end of the day?

What part of full-time work do I actually miss?

What part of freelancing would I grieve if I gave it up?

What's the worst-case outcome of each path?

What matters most to me in this exact season?

Who am I when I'm not defined by my job title?

What would "enough" actually look like? Enough money, enough time, enough career growth?

It’s a question I’m asking myself daily, and am having long chats with my husband about. What does my next step entail? I feel very grateful to be in a position with CA’s state paid family bonding benefits4 and freelancing, to have the gentle time to decide. And most importantly, to set an example for my daughter. Whether that’s finding fulfillment in growing my career as a full-time mom, or on the other end of the spectrum, taking a financial risk to focus on motherhood and my creative pursuits.

I think sometimes ambition can take a backseat, or simply take on a different form, to enjoy specific seasons of life. I’m genuinely excited about what comes next, and forever grateful to be working at home alongside my baby, whether it’s full-time or freelance.

I wanted to write this article to hear from you. What have been your experiences? Motherhood aside too, do you lean one way or the other?

xx,
P.K.

Post-photoshoot: While driving to be on set, I listened to a podcast that pointed out that sometimes it’s not just this or that. You can write out 50 different possibilities big or small and find the thread between them, which I will be doing today.

Also, can confirm it felt incredible to be back at it, but I do not miss LA traffic!

Growing up in a touristy town (Newport Beach), and now living in another touristy town (Lake Arrowhead), the end of August and early September have always been a magical time. As much as I love fresh faces coming into town (I really do) it’s the best having the longer days, beautiful weather, and the barbecue on, while having the place to ourselves again. It starts to feel like our own vacation in our own town, instead of everyone else’s, if that makes sense.

Because I gave birth at the end of May, summer slipped by quicker than I anticipated, and we weren’t able to get out much. So I’ve been thinking of ways I personally want to make the most of these final weeks, by making my own town, home, and routine feel like a summer vacation.

Hopefully you can do the same where you live, and we can soak in these final moments of the season before welcoming in autumn. Here’s what I came up with.

No. 1 – Jump in the water.

This one is the most important on the list. Water is incredibly healing and also just the epitome of summer. I will be jumping in our local lake, but highly recommend the ocean if you’re close by, a pool, or perhaps an outdoor shower. Wherever you’re getting your final dose of summer water, I recommend making it cold. Cold water triggers a release of endorphins and is an instant mood lift. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which leaves you feeling nice and calm afterwards.

No. 2 – Eat a vacation breakfast.

Admittedly, I’m not usually a breakfast person (something I’m working on), but on vacation I never go without it. I think it’s the hot coffee out of a new mug, fresh fruit cut up perfectly, and homemade granola that really does it for me. Or maybe I’m just dehydrated from one too many drinks and too much sun the day before. Either way, I think a great way to close out summer is to treat yourself to a breakfast spread you normally wouldn’t spend time on in your day-to-day.

This can include freshly squeezed orange juice, a hotel-feeling bistro mug, a fresh pitcher of ice-cold water with cucumber and lemon, some local seasonal fruit cut up, bread from your local bakery with a summery jam, and eating outside with a newspaper or a book, all while still in your robe. Even if you have to wake up an hour earlier, I guarantee it’ll be worth it.

No. 3 – Get some sun.

Time to soak up a full dose of sunshine. We all know the benefits of sun first thing in the morning especially… helps you feel more awake and improves sleep, supports bone health, immunity, and mood regulation. Makes you feel a little more bronzed and gorgeous. Lay out one more time, with sunscreen of course.

No. 4 – Read somewhere other than bed.

Purchase the last beach read of summer and go out and read somewhere new! Post up at your local coffee shop or wine bar, lay out a towel in the backyard, or even just read on your couch with all the windows open. Reading is the best way to slow down the day, escape to another world for a bit, and soak in the relaxation of summer.

This summer I’ve read Yesteryear, Whistler, Theo of Golden, June Baby, The Mountain is You, Dolly All The Time, Lost Lambs, Our Perfect Storm, and The Lost Summers of Newport. All were so good. I have a few more lock and loaded on my Kindle that I’m planning on diving into these next four weeks to squeeze in my final beach reads of the season. And I plan on reading them outside in the sunshine!

No. 5 – Pack a picnic.

My husband and I (when we were dating) used to go on a picnic about once a week. We’d pack up a few snacks and beers and hop on the motorcycle to find a good view. Times have certainly changed, but we both still love a picnic. Nothing says summer like easy snacks, a chilled red, and laying out on a big blanket.

Nowadays, we put some olives, cheese, a baguette, and some dark chocolate in our fave ride-or-die cooler and post up in the back of our SUV. It’s no motorcycle, but I love watching the sunset on the lake, taking a break from cooking for the night, and spending time outside. It’s an easy post-work activity that we’ll miss when the weather gets colder.

No. 6 – TREAT YOURSELF!

This can be big or small. I haven’t gotten a facial or massage in probably 5 years at this point and I plan to before the clock strikes fall. I also believe in the power of back to school shopping, even if there is no school in your life. Buy a new work bag or maybe a new candle for your at-home desk.

On a budget? Treat yourself to a delicious iced coffee on Friday morning before work or give yourself and at-home mani + pedi (my favorite kit ever.)

Anything to make to feel productive, special, and slightly upgraded before the new season.

No. 7 – Pick an ingredient.

Choose your favorite summer seasonal fruit or veggie and make something with it one more time! The heirloom tomatoes are gorgeous right now and I plan on using them as much as possible.

berries – folded into a galette
watermelon – blended into a frosé or paired with feta + mint
peaches – grilled over burrata or ice cream
tomatoes – paired with peaches + whipped goat cheese and arugula or a toma-tini.
zucchini – 10/10 recipe sent to me by my best friend last week. (I also made this with corn)
figs – with ricotta + honey on toast

Just choose one ingredient that exemplifies summer and make one final cocktail or dish, you won’t regret it.

No. 8 – Establish one new habit.

Fall has become my “new years” where I set new intentions and resolutions to close out the year (more on this to come.) So, in these final weeks of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead of it and start just one new habit.

For me, I’ve started to go on morning walks. So simple I know, but it isn’t something I was doing all summer. Now that the temps are more reasonable, I’ve started every morning on a walk with my coffee to-go and the baby and dog in tow.

What’s one new habit you’d like to already be in the rhythm of this September?

No. 9 – Host a get-together.

Gather your friends and neighbors and have cocktails in your backyard after dinner. Have a movie night with your girlfriends. MAYBE have a potluck where everyone brings a dish with their favorite seasonal ingredient? Just one final summer send-off where you can still where a mini dress outside.

We had our friends over a couple weeks ago for a branzino night and our drink of choice was boxed wine… I think boxed wine is back? Did it ever leave? It was so delish and easy for everyone to refill their glasses all evening. Highly recommend.

No. 10 – Write it down.

Will there ever be a day where I don’t suggest journaling on Substack?

The best path to an abundant life is being grateful for exactly where you are now. Write down your favorite memories this summer. Journal about all the ways to grew this season. Create a list of 20 things you loved the past few months. I promise this allotted time for reflection will set the tone for the season ahead.

Although summer is my favorite time of year, I can’t help but get a little excited when a chill starts to hit the air. Before I step fully into autumn and create my fall syllabus, I’m going all in on summer.

xx,
P.K.

When I first started Open House, I knew I wanted to design monthly editorial catalogs. It was a way to combine everything I love: writing, design, and curating an assortment to fit a certain vibe or season. These easily take the most time and effort, but have become my favorite posts to create each month. And as much as I love building a collection of most-wanted items, I love seeing what other writers and creators are dreaming up even more. So, for the next phase of these catalogs, I wanted to partner with other Substackers to bring them to life together.

And who better to launch our first ever collaborative catalog than Allison.

I’ve followed Allison of Take Care of Yourself since the moment I joined the platform. I absolutely adore her personal style, the atmosphere of her beautiful lake house, and seeing her iconic curly bob. From her EVERYTHING BUT THE BATHROOM SINK series to her L’Argent aging honestly interviews, I look forward to anything that hits my inbox.

For this issue specifically, we are highlighting The Golden Hour of Summer. Golden hour is the period shortly before sunset when the sunlight is soft, warm, and diffused. The sun sits low on the horizon, leaving that warm, golden, almost glowing quality. It’s flattering, softens shadows, and gives everything a cinematic quality. This feels perfectly accurate for this time in the year.

These are the final weeks that still include plenty of limoncello and time spent by the water, but are seemingly slower and precious. Usually during this time, I am savoring the last moments of my favorite season of year. But instead of counting down the days, I treat it more as a reset (more on this coming soon.)

Our guest editor, Allison, shows us her golden hour essentials with everything from cashmere socks to post swim essentials. Enjoy. :)

Cheers to enjoying the Golden Hour of Summer. Treat yourself to something cozy, curl up in your favorite chair with a good book, and embrace your natural curls.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Take Care of Yourself.

xx,
P.K.

P.S. I will be continuing this series monthly with different creators and have some amazing ones lined up! So let me know if you have any suggestions or anyone you’d love to see next.

On August 8th, you can bet I’ll be doing a little ceremony to get clear on everything I’d like to bring into my life, that doesn’t necessarily include material items. I like to find at least 30 minutes (harder to do with a little babe), light a candle and play some calming music, write down everything I’m letting go of and everything I’m bringing in. I burn the list of the things I’m releasing and with the list of things I’m inviting, I fold the paper towards me multiple times and set the folded paper under my incense holder and light the incense. Is this at all the right method? Who knows! But I love the ritual and I do believe I have manifested a lot of the things I’ve written down.

But purely just for fun, as I was washing my face this morning I was thinking if I could show up to this Lion’s Gate and be granted any 10 products for the upcoming season, what would I choose?

Here’s a roundup of my ~*material*~ Lion’s Gate wishlist.

No. 1 – A vintage car. I’m in my mom mobile era and it’s the first time I’ve driven a car that has bluetooth and a back-up camera. I’m looking forward to driving an old car again and this time it’ll be a Porsche 911, a British Racing Green Mini Cooper, or a Mercedes 560SL convertible.

No. 2 – An espresso machine. I dream daily of the La Marzocco Linea Mini and this sleek Fellow one. I was also using my sister’s the other day and it was SO delish, she has the Breville Barista.

No. 3 – The perfect fall jacket. You know I love this Ralph Lauren bomber, this one has been on the wishlist for about 2 years and it’s even cuter in blue, the ultimate chic fall coat with the best sleeves, and the Sailor Coat of my dreams.

No. 4 – A vintage watch. Either going with Cartier, Rolex, or Gucci, obviously lol. But I will say, I love these vintage inspired ones too. I have this one currently that I love.

No. 5 – An original piece of art. If the Picasso’s and Monet’s are taken, here are some current favorites. “I’ll Meet You There” by Danielle Kosann. Really any by Chad Etting. And “Siren in the Deep Emerald” by Brittany Ferns.

No. 6 – A signature scent created specifically for me. In the meantime, these ones are pretty close. Beach Walk by Maison Margiela, Neroli 36 or Violette 30 by Le Labo, or this one for the bottle alone…

No. 7 – The skincare lineup of my dreams. The holy grail face oil. Everyone’s fave face cream. Have heard so many great things about this balm. And maybe a device as well? Suggestions?

No. 8 – A sweater made to cozy up in daily. I have my eye on this polo one in the chicest knit, La Ligne never fails – this one is perfection. And lastly, I’ve been dying for a Guest in Residence one… either the Cozy Crew or the Baseball Oversized Crew, obsessed. And Lion’s Gate portal or not, we should all own a J.Crew rollneck!

No. 9 – A collection of matching tableware. The Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano collection is everything to me.

No. 10 – A Jacquemus bag. Either the Small Valérie in a fun color or the raffia Turismo.

Honorable Mention – Custom Painted Bode Couch. The one they made for Kendall Jenner haunts me. Which reminds me, have you seen this renovation done by a group of friends from art school? It’s INCREDIBLE. They hand-painted a couch themselves which I think I may need to do to one of my white couches.

Is that too much to ask?

I will say, having a daughter makes me think of all the fun heirloom pieces I could pass down to her. Even if it’s just GAP crewnecks or an LL.Bean tote. I invite you to make your own dream list. I’m always adding to mine just for the romance and whimsy of it all. And hey, maybe you’ll even check something off your list this Lion’s Gate portal.

xx,
P.K.

P.S. I do want to know, what’s one thing on your list?

Jake and I are in our 5th place together as a couple. We met in Salt Lake City. Jake is from there, and I lived there for basically my entire 20s. It was a place I never thought I’d stay in. I moved there at 18 for school, moved home about a year later, and figured that was that. But I went back a couple years after, and found an entirely new relationship with a city I’d once felt so disconnected from. New lifelong friends, romances, jobs, experiences.

From Salt Lake City, we moved to Newport Beach so I could be closer to my job in LA once people started returning to office. I’d grown up spending summers there, and my family moved there full-time when I was in high school. It held so much nostalgia and I was excited about being close to the ocean again, but being back was different at this stage of life. We couldn’t afford to buy anywhere in Orange County or LA, something we’d been able to do in Salt Lake City. And besides my family, we hadn’t found our people there.

Jake started looking for the cheapest house in Southern California, and we landed in the mountains, about an hour and a half away. We put in an offer not really knowing anything about the town, but we were up for a new project and loved the idea of a mountain weekend house to call our own. We ended up loving our new little cabin so much. We’d get up there as soon as we could Friday afternoons and stay as late as possible Sunday evenings. It became the ultimate place of peace and refuge.

We didn’t think it was our full-time place, though. It was an incredibly small town, our house was a little over 400 square feet, and we still didn’t have a friend group. So when an opportunity came up to move to Bellingham, WA and take over someone’s lease, we started mentally packing. We’re both dreamers, and we’d already started picturing our life there. Then the lease fell through.

Plan B: a bigger home in the town over, Lake Arrowhead, where we’d have more space to host family, be closer to the lake, and fix up another house while figuring out our next move. We bought an almost hundred-year-old cottage that needed so much work. Mushrooms-growing-out-of-the-fireplace amount of work. Still a little unsettled, but excited about a new project.

That’s when everything fell into place. One friend introduced us to her friends, and I feel like I hit the lottery of the world’s best friend group. We cook together about once a week, spend time on the lake together, talk and sip drinks into the late evening hours, support each other through life transitions (hello, new baby). It’s a small, dreamy, idyllic little lake town, and still have a solid group of about 20 people our age who live up here full-time or come up every weekend from LA. We’re surrounded by trees, the lake is private and beautiful, and we get to work remotely. And it’s a real community – you know everyone at the post office, there’s one brewery where you’ll always find a friend to sit with, and since there aren’t many great restaurants, you end up cooking incredible food together at home instead. We’re also an hour and a half from family. Pretty great, right?

Here’s the thing about being dreamers, though: it’s a gift and a curse. We love change, new places, imagining other timelines. Now we have a two-month-old, which adds a whole new dimension to where we want to end up. We spend our evenings dreaming up alternative realities, talking about walking to a coffee shop on Saturday mornings, visiting a new art exhibit at a museum after work, booking date-night reservations at an amazing restaurant in our neighborhood, our daughter going to an A-rated public school, having a full garden and an amazing farmers market. I love working remotely, but I’ll admit it’s fun to fantasize about getting dressed and going into an office a couple days a week (if the commute were a city walk, or at least under 30 minutes with traffic.)

But how could we ever imagine giving up the place we’re in? How do you actually balance the pros and cons of each place? What happens if you pack up your whole life and it turns out to be the wrong call? Is it ever really greener?

Here’s how I think through where to find the greenest grass.

No. 1 — Assess your values. What matters most to you? Career, family, access to nature, art and culture, history, great food, personal growth, affordability. When you think about where you live now, or where you want to live, which of your values actually align with that location?

No. 2 — Map your hobbies. What do you love to do? Hike, cook, take neighborhood walks, sit on a patio surrounded by trees, meet friends for drinks, play tennis. Write down 10-20 things you love doing or want to start doing. Does this place support at least half of that list?

No. 3 — Find your pace. This depends a lot on your stage of life. Are you in your 20s, still figuring out your career and your people? In your 40s, navigating family life? Retired and craving reinvention, or retired and craving slowness? Figure out your current pace and whether the place you’re in (or considering) actually supports it.

No. 4 — Community is key. You can live in the most beautiful place in the world, but without the right people around you, it won’t matter. Location aside, the people in your orbit shape the trajectory of your life more than anything else. You don’t need to make friends right away, it takes time. But look around. Are the people here kind, community-oriented, sharing your values? Your community is everything.

No. 5 — What’s your budget? Money isn't the most romantic part of this decision, but it's a real one. Think about what you're willing to trade… maybe a smaller space for a location you love, or a longer commute for more room to grow. Getting clear on what actually works for this season of your life means you can enjoy where you land instead of stressing over your monthly rent!

No. 6 — Never settle. I think it’s important to leave where you grew up, at least once. Living somewhere new, outside your comfort zone, sparks real growth. And don’t forget to dream a little bigger too! It might take a few stepping stones to get to the real dream, but don’t lose sight of it. Where you live determines your entire life, so make it count!

Of course the phrase rings true, the grass is greener where you water it. I feel grateful everyday for where we live – the community, the nature, our home, proximity to family. At this stage in our life, it’s pretty perfect. I’m also forever grateful we gave it a fair shot and took the time to make it a place we truly wanted to be.

However, different phases call for different places sometimes. I think it’s always important to take a healthy look at what you want out of life and not be afraid of change. If the grass can be green anywhere, why not try a few places?

I’m curious, where do you live? Do you love it? What are some factors you considered/consider?

xx,
P.K.

I’m currently in a phase of life I haven’t found myself in before, which is both thrilling and terrifying. My former days consisted of early wake-up times to catch 7am meetings, putting out metaphorical fires, using both the left and right sides of my brain to design campaigns and manage daily operations. Now I'm waking up to take care of my daughter, hopping on my computer during naps, and climbing into bed earlier than I have in my whole life, feeling like I've accomplished both everything, and yet nothing at all.

For the past 12+ years, I’ve worked full time, first running my own studio with a friend with 20+ clients, then starting my in-house career. I have loved these years of my life, even though they were in the peak girl boss hustle culture era. I’ve learned a million things, my creativity has blossomed, the relationships with coworkers have become lifelong friendships, and growing these small brands has been so rewarding – hard, but fun.

A while back, I did one of those wheel of life exercises, where you actually break down where your time goes, hour by hour, category by category. Work, relationships, health, etc. It really came as no surprise that mine wasn’t even close to balanced. Work was eating up something like 80% of my actual hours and an even bigger share of my headspace. Everything else was whatever was left over, if anything was left over at all. I knew that I needed to make some major adjustments to give time back to my relationship, my growing family, creative pursuits, and time for stillness in general.

Going on maternity leave allowed me to take a much needed pause and official reset. Even though if I was giving advice to a friend, I probably shouldn’t have waited until the last stages of pregnancy to officially hit pause.

Fast forward, I now have a two-month old and have had the luxury of leave to reassess what I want the next chapter of my life to look like. During this period, I’ve created actionable steps to reflect, reevaluate, and create a game plan going forward. This has allowed me to become the best version of myself, enjoy the day-to-day, and stay excited for what’s to come, while also learning to just sit in the “I don’t know” realm.

Even though sitting with the unknown is important, it’s also crucial not to stay stagnant. You should be becoming the best possible version of yourself in these periods of in between to set you on the right future path. No more dead ends or detours.

No. 1 Get honest about what you want. This was more challenging than I realized. What you’ve always told yourself you’ve always wanted, gotten experience in, etc. isn’t exactly always the right course of action. I suggest journaling, vision boarding, and reflecting on your interests as a child to get back to your roots to find the way forward. Key is being honest and actually allowing yourself to consider the dream instead of the reality.

No. 2 Keep your hands busy with things that matter to you. This could be reading, writing, painting, developing recipes, arranging florals, freelance work – whatever hobbies or skills are useful for where you’re headed (see step No. 1). It’s important that you’re building momentum instead of waiting passively for an opportunity to appear.

No. 3 Stay visible. This differs case by case, but I don’t recommend hiding out during these pauses. Network, stay in touch with old colleagues, share your work. There’s a saying that luck finds you more easily when you increase your surface area for it. The more visible and active you are, the more chances opportunities have to find you. Get out there, tiger.

No. 4 Get your nervous system regulated. You can’t make a clear decision from a place of burnout or anxiety. Rest, pause, and taking care of yourself provide a foundation for making the right next move. Therapy, journaling, meditation, yoga, exercise, gratitude. Whatever helps you feel calm and grounded.

No. 5 Learn something new. Now is the time to learn a new skill. It truly doesn’t have to be anything major. Maybe it’s 10 minutes of learning French. Or perfecting a recipe. Personally, I’ve been reading a lot of Paris Review and any magazines I get in the mail – Vogue, House & Garden, AD to familiarize myself more with editorial writing for Substack. I’m also learning to oil paint via YouTube. Learning a new skill builds confidence and can potentially open more doors.

No. 6 Give yourself grace. These moments of not knowing what’s next are so beneficial to setting the course of your life straight. Live your life! Cuddle with your baby for hours, pour yourself a glass of wine, wander aimlessly around the farmer’s market or your neighborhood. Life isn’t always about being productive every second of the day.

No. 7 Don’t be afraid to take a leap. When you’re finally feeling ready, after giving steps 1-6 a valiant effort, now’s the time to do something out of your comfort zone. Send the email, apply for the job, put out a body of work. Take a risk and reap the rewards!

I don’t know what’s next yet. But I’m not just waiting around for it to show up either!

I’m painting. I’m writing. I’m freelancing. I’m present for my daughter in a way I couldn’t have been a year ago. In the in-between, I’m working on becoming the version of myself who’s ready for whatever comes next. Which is hopefully better than I could’ve ever imagined.

xx,
P.K.

Our July muse is Nora.

A few years ago, my husband and I went on a trip to Sonoma County to explore the area and, of course, try a few different wines along the way. We booked a reservation at Scribe Winery, a place I had always wanted to visit, but what I wasn’t expecting was to have one of the greatest wine tasting experiences of my life. We were greeted with a delicious pét-nat, perfect for a hot summer day. My husband and I looked at each other in awe, was everyone and everything just 10% more beautiful than anything we had ever experienced? The people, the location, the wine and food.

Since that experience, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nora, the creative director behind Scribe Winery. If you’ve ever stepped foot in the hacienda they renovated to its original glory, the design was Nora. If you admire every illustration that Scribe posts to announce new experiences and collabs? That’s Nora too.

And aside from her incredible creative career at Scribe, she’s a mom, runs a boutique travel agency, gardens at home, and still manages to make a cocktail to drink in her front yard to connect with her neighbors.

Safe to say, she is the ultimate muse. I asked Nora about Scribe, travel, gardening, and motherhood. Find the interview below.

Walk me through your home. What's the feeling you've tried to create there?

I want our home to feel relaxed. I’m happiest surrounded by things that feel familiar, natural, and collected over time. My husband Noah used to own an estate sale company, and my great-grandmother was an avid collector of art and antiques, so we've inherited a love of objects with stories. We both love modern art, too, so our house is a mix of old and new that's constantly evolving. I'm excited for our son to grow up surrounded by pieces that spark curiosity and conversation.

What's your relationship with clutter, collector or minimalist?

I've realized my love of abundance sometimes sneaks into our home in ways that aren't always helpful. I genuinely love collections: books, ceramics, art, old furniture, but I'm also learning that editing a space lets the things you truly love breathe.

Is there a room or corner of your home that feels most like you?

There’s a chair by the living room window with an ottoman that’s become my little sanctuary.

It’s surrounded by shelves full of art and interiors books. My favorites are Nickey Kehoe’s Golden Light + Tamsin Johnson’s Spaces for Living, the gardens of Piet Oudolf, sketchbooks of Hockney, Picasso and Twombly, the Retrospective of James Turrell and Sophia Coppola. There are too many to list. And years of T Magazine issues I’ve collected. I can sit there with a magazine, look out into the garden, and completely lose track of time.

What's on your nightstand right now?

A little ring dish, my favorite Mexican water glass, the current issue of Cabana magazine, a silver frame with a photo of baby Beau, and Attar from Monastery.

What's growing right now that you're excited about?

Tomato season is everything.

What’s always on your summer table that came straight from the garden?

Fresh herbs. Thyme, chives, basil, and dill. I use them constantly. Having herbs growing just outside the door somehow makes every meal feel a little more special.

The easiest thing someone could plant that makes the biggest impact?

Lavender. There are so many beautiful varieties, they're drought tolerant, the texture is incredible, they instantly make a garden feel Mediterranean, and the bees and butterflies absolutely love them.

Morning coffee in the garden or evening wine, which is the better ritual?

Evening wine, without question. I'm not much of a coffee drinker. I love ending the day barefoot in the garden with a glass of wine after the sun slips behind the roofline. Right now our vegetable garden is in the front yard beside a little Fermob table and chairs. Some evenings Noah and I sit out there playing cards. It's become one of my favorite rituals.

What does your outdoor space look like and how do you use it?

Last year we added a hog-wire fence, two raised vegetable beds, and some new hardscaping, and it completely transformed our front yard.

Our neighborhood is incredibly friendly, so instead of hiding in the backyard, we often have a cocktail out front. Friends stop by, neighbors wave, kids ride bikes past.

We’re planning the backyard now, and I’m dreaming about a pergola, a space for outdoor cooking, lounge areas, and a space where our three generations can gather comfortably throughout the year.

How do you describe what you do when someone asks at a dinner party?

I’ve been the Creative Director at Scribe Winery for almost twenty years.

My role has touched almost every aspect from design and storytelling, to packaging, the restoration of the Hacienda and gardens and the overall feeling people have when they visit.

What does your creative process actually look like?

I keep thousands of saved images, collect books old and new, and I'm constantly making little mental notes about colors, gardens, architecture, typography. Working on one brand for nearly two decades has also taught me something important: I have to keep falling in love with the story. I revisit the history and our shared memories often and I pay attention to what’s happening everyday with the changing seasons. There's always something new to notice.

You run a boutique travel agency on top of everything else. How did that come about?

Travel has always been one of my biggest sources of creative inspiration.

Planning trips started as a hobby. I genuinely loved researching destinations and crafting itineraries for our family. Eventually that little hobby grew into Carte Blanche. (@withcarteblanche / www.withcarteblanche.com)

Today, I design multi-stop international trips, often for honeymoons or milestone celebrations. I work closely with local experts in places like Morocco, Portugal, France, Greece, and Patagonia to create trips that feel seamless but deeply personal.

I love working with curious people who appreciate beautiful spaces, incredible food, and a little adventure alongside luxury. Watching someone’s dream trip come together is incredibly rewarding.

What are you drinking this summer and what are you serving with it?

Scribe’s White Pressed Pinot Noir.

I’d pair it with stone fruit, salty charcuterie, grilled corn, and simple baked local fish with olive oil and citrus.

What's your go-to move when you want a table to feel special without a lot of effort?

Colorful plates and flowers from the garden. (I really don’t like eating from white plates)

What does your ideal summer dinner party look like? Who's there, what's on the table, what time does it start/end?

A hillside in rural Vermont where my aunt lives. My whole family would be there, including my dad. I miss him so much. Dinner would begin as the light turns that deep blue-purple just before night. We'd eat simply: fresh pesto with homemade pasta, sliced tomatoes and ever flowing wine. My bare feet are in the grass. And, fireflies. After dinner Noah would project an old Criterion film.

Where did you just come back from and where are you going next?

We just spent the weekend at AutoCamp Yosemite.

The Airstreams were incredibly comfortable, but the real luxury was Yosemite itself. We are so lucky to live on earth, I hope we can preserve it.

Later this summer, we are headed to France. Beau is starting a French immersion preschool this fall, so we’re excited to introduce him to Paris. After a week in the city, we’ll train down to Marseille for a few days and then spend the rest of our trip in Provence.

What destination has stuck with you the most?

Going on safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. I still think about it often, and I can’t wait to take my son one day.

The one that changed how you see things?

Honestly, road trips across America when I was growing up.

Driving through Appalachia and the Southwest gave me an understanding that everyone’s life is shaped by different landscapes, family stories and circumstances. It taught me empathy long before I had the words for it.

What's the perfect trip for someone who cares about beautiful spaces, good food, and slow days?

Portugal completely surprised me. The architecture, ceramics, museums, gardens, and street facades are endlessly inspiring. You can wander Porto, spend a few days wine tasting up the river in the Douro Valley, eat your way through Lisbon, relax on the beach in Comporta, and finish up in beautiful Tavira on the eastern Algarve. It’s one of the easiest countries to build a beautifully balanced trip around.

Best meal you've ever had traveling and where was it?

One evening in the Algarve we found a tiny wine bar with tables scattered across the grass out front.

We ate clams served mixed in with creamy polenta and drank crisp Portuguese white wine. Just easy and lovely.

Motherhood and a creative career, what's the honest version of how that actually looks?

My husband and I are both creatives, which means we both need uninterrupted time to make things, but we also both want to be deeply involved in raising Beau.

Noah wakes up early to write before anyone else is awake, then makes breakfast. I get Beau ready, and breakfast is the one meal we always share together. We walk him to school, and the walk home is our chance to reconnect before the workday begins.

We work from home and even share an office! In the evenings, we trade off cooking, bedtime, and dishes, daily. We will usually watch a film and enjoy having that time together.

Our lives are pretty organized, but that’s what creates space for personal projects, creative work, and the occasional workout. Sometimes the creative work gets done and the laundry waits. Sometimes it’s the other way around. Though if I’m being honest, Noah is usually the one folding laundry at midnight. :)

Thank you, Nora, for letting us into your world.

xx,
P.K.

But with a newborn at home and a budget in mind, I’m bringing Euro summer to me. And I think you should too. Because you don’t need a flight to have the perfect evening.

This month we’re going to Europe. A little Italy, a little France. Think a cold cocktail made for lounging, an outfit built for a heatwave, a pasta that pairs perfectly with golden hour, and all the activities we usually save for vacation. A paperback dog-eared on the table. A round of bocce before the sun goes down. Maybe a cigarette to end the night.

The full July hosting guide is below. The menu, the signature drink, the table, the outfit, and everything you need to make it happen.

It’s my birthday and I’m celebrating by giving you 20% off monthly subscriptions through the end of July! That includes monthly hosting guides, paid-subscriber-only pieces, and lots of fun things coming this year.

Find the promotion here.

Read more

I took this birthday tradition from my friend Scott — every year, I ask my friends their favorite part of the last year, their least favorite, and something they’re looking forward to. Driving to my daughter’s doctor’s appointment, I started asking myself those same questions. What am I proud of? What do I want to let go of? And what can I start today that, a year from now, my future self will be so glad I did.

The past year brought some of the biggest shifts of my life. Leaving a job, becoming a mom, hitting a few final breaking points, starting new and exciting projects. There’s been deep reflection and accountability on where I still need to grow. And there’s been sincere pride in how far I’ve come.

And, I keep having this feeling that I’m standing at the edge of my biggest chapter yet.

So this year, I’m sharing the “what I’m looking forward to” part of my annual birthday prompt. And to make it fun for myself, I’ve turned it into a bit of a glow up list. The things I’m starting, stopping, and continuing so that a year from now, I’m a little closer to the woman I’m always aiming to become.

And since it’s my birthday, I’m celebrating by giving you 20% off monthly subscriptions through the end of July! That includes monthly hosting guides, paid-subscriber-only pieces, and lots of fun things coming this year.

Find the promotion here.

The Glow Up List

Motherhood

I’m deep in newborn land, which is exactly what I expected and absolutely nothing like I expected simultaneously. The highs and lows can happen in the same five minutes. I’ve started just telling myself, embrace it. I can’t help but kissing her mid-scream. Smiling at all her little quirks. Having a good cry after a particularly tiresome day. I’m soaking up the weird, tender chaos of it all.

I’m letting myself feel proud for figuring out “the balance.” Writing emails between naps, snuggling her on calls, finding a good routine, accepting help. Just learning how to be a mom!

Career

Officially back on the market after the first real break I’ve taken from work for more than a week since I was sixteen. Good news, it turns out I actually missed it! I’ve always loved working, even my high school retail shifts were somehow the highlight of my week.

Freelancing has been the perfect reentry, and I’m trusting the timing on whatever’s next. This year, I’m attracting my dream job or opportunity.

Confidence

Not necessarily affirmations in the mirror (though also yes to that). But more making bold moves without talking myself out of them first.

I’ve always been a jump-first kind of person, until fear or doubt or worrying what people will think gets in the way. Starting this Substack is a perfect example. I went back and forth forever before finally hitting publish. So glad I did. More of that energy, please.

Authenticity

Being a people pleaser has gotten into more messes than I’d like to admit. Saying yes when I meant no, biting my tongue to keep the peace, talking myself out of things I actually wanted just to keep everyone comfortable. Though this is a characteristic I have learned to love about myself, it’s time for some boundaries! This year, I’m following my gut, speaking up, letting people (myself included) be a little uncomfortable. I’m an easy going person by nature, so why kill that vibe and take on other’s emotions? On this subject, I love this article written by my friend and unbothered queen herself.

Abundance

"I can afford everything I want" has been living on my vision board for a while now, and this year I want to actually believe it. Less scarcity thinking, more trusting that there's enough room for everything I'm working toward. Enough success, enough opportunity, enough good things headed my way. Dreaming a little bigger and getting out of my own way.

Substack

I started Open House this February — a New Year’s resolution I almost talked myself out of — and I’m thrilled people are reading it. It’s become my favorite part of my week. I keep a notebook on hand in case inspiration strikes, I am designing for myself which is so fun, and I’m feeling more creative by the day. More of this, please! More writing and hopefully some IRL meetups and collabs too.

Painting

I’ve painted my whole life, but this year I want to actually take it more seriously. I’ve been taking courses, reading textbooks before bed, and putting in practice. A huge dream of mine is to one day have a solo art show and I can’t get there without putting in the hours. If I want to retire as an artist one day, it’s time to start painting now.

Travel

Doesn’t even need to be anything major, little getaways or long weekends are also welcome. I haven’t taken a trip that’s not for work in a couple of years and I’d love to get back in the rhythm. Ideally, one international trip a year with lots of smaller trips sprinkled in. I feel my absolute best when I’m traveling, so it’s important to plan and make it priority this year.

Strength

Obviously freshly postpartum and not going to pretend everything’s back to normal, because it’s definitely not. This year isn’t about “feeling like myself again.” Instead, I want to feel like the best version of myself yet.

Getting strong. Drinking my water. Cooking with seasonal ingredients. Moving my body daily, no excuses. Yet, still saying yes to dessert and a glass of wine and loving myself through every stage.

Also, want to prioritize dry brushing and lymphatic draining…thoughts?

Skin

Postpartum skin is its own beast. Hormones going wild, lack of sleep, not having a consistent routine. This year, I want to treat myself in the skin category! I created a note of my holy grail products that I’d like to keep on hand and also would love to get a couple of facials a year. Does anyone have recommendations of procedures / products? I’m all ears. I’m ready for a glow.

Style

I spent the last year dressing for comfort, which is exactly what that season called for. Now I’m feeling tired of the baggy everything. I do have a go-to uniform, but I want to wear and find more flattering silhouettes that work specifically with my body and make me feel great. I also want to invest in some pieces I’ll have forever to build a closet that feels more intentional, containing things I actually love. Fewer impulse buys, more pieces I’ll still love in five years. Also, trying things on IRL!

That’s the glow up list! I’m already channeling this new version of me, and I can’t wait to look back at this exact list next year and see where I’ve landed.

Thanks for letting me share and for celebrating my birthday with me. This year, all I want is a slow, easy day of painting, ending with a martini and some oysters and fries. Maybe treating myself to a forever wardrobe piece as mentioned above? We’ll see.

xx,
P.K.

High summer, the best two weeks of the year.

I wanted to design another catalog to capture this time in the season. When I think of High Summer, I think of fireworks, packing up your weekender, a 6-pack of your favorite beer, flip flops with every outfit, eating every meal outside, and living in your bathing suit. Which is why this the Weekend House edition. Everything I’d pack, read, wear, and entertain with.

You know the rules, flip through with something cold to drink!

It’s almost Friday and somewhere there’s a porch with your name on it. A cold drink, good company, a deck of cards, wet bathing suits hanging on the railing, the perfect tablescape.

This is high summer!

xx,
P.K.

This time I specifically wanted to walk the neighborhoods, which are arguably better than the main street itself. Every house is so full of charm and character. Little cottages with open dutch doors, perfect outdoor dining setups, views of Boston Whalers and Duffy’s drifting by.

It was one of those days that left me completely beaming. Peak summertime energy. Kids out of school running everywhere, long lines for ice cream, perfect sunny weather, sailboats passing by. Walking around with our coffees while our daughter slept in the stroller felt like I was living my best possible life.

It got me thinking about my dream home, which Balboa Island has always inspired. A cedar shingled house, a dutch door, flowers surrounding it, a water view, a balcony off the primary suite. A farmers market within walking distance.

I drove home feeling grateful and inspired. And though I’m not living in this exact scenario yet, I started thinking about how much of that feeling is already available to me right now, in the home I already have. A dream home isn’t really a place. It’s a feeling. And feelings are available right now, regardless of the square footage or the water view.

The gap between your current home and your dream home is smaller than you think. Here's how to start bridging it.

No. 1 | Good things take time

Don’t rush to fill your home. The impulse to get something, anything, just to fill a blank wall or an empty corner leads to a house full of things you don’t actually love.

The most beautiful, unique homes are built slowly and collected over time. I’ve loved slowly building my coffee table book collection, finding more vintage sailboats to display, and renovating room by room so we can fully enjoy each change before moving to the next.

No. 2 | Borrow from the places that inspire you

Think about every hotel, vacation rental, restaurant, or home you've ever walked into and felt something. What specifically was it? The light? The smell? The furniture arrangement? The seashells in a line on the windowsill? Most of the time it's something very specific and very replicable. You don't need the budget of a five star hotel, you need to identify the one detail that created the feeling and find your version of it.

No. 3 | But also, make it yours

Remember, this is your home or space. The most beautiful homes have a point of view and that point of view should belong to the person who lives there.

Make a moodboard. Flip through vintage coffee table books. Collect images that genuinely speak to you and let those guide your decisions rather than whatever is trending right now. Your dream home will never feel like your dream home if it’s the same as everyone else’s.

No. 4 | Set it up for your actual life

Do you love facilitating conversation and hosting friends? Face your chairs and couches toward each other instead of toward the TV. Do you love cooking? Display your favorite pans and cookbooks on the counter. Maybe treat yourself to a beautiful olive oil or honey to keep out on the counter. Is your bedroom your sanctuary? Keep it tidy, buy the good sheets, put your favorite hand cream on the nightstand.

Your home should be a reflection of how you want to live, not how you think it should look.

No. 5 | Collect things with meaning

The most beautiful homes aren’t the most expensive ones, they’re the most comfortable and personal ones. The ones filled with objects that have a story. Maybe a piece of art from a trip, something inherited, something handmade. Start collecting. Go to flea markets and antique stores or look on eBay. Pick things up when you travel. Those are always the pieces that make a home feel alive.

No. 6 | Invest in the (small) details

You don’t need to fully renovate to make your home feel more considered. Sometimes it’s the small things that can make the biggest difference.

Fresh flowers on the kitchen counter. A really good candle in the bathroom. The nicest hand soap you can find by the sink. A beautiful tray on the nightstand. Linen napkins instead of paper ones. Unique, playful lampshades swapped out from the standard ones. These are the details that make a home feel like someone really lives there and really cares.

No. 7 | Create an outdoor moment

A balcony, a stoop, a fire escape, a tiny patio, a window. Wherever you have even a sliver of outdoor space, make it worth being in. One good chair, a small (or large) table, a flower pot. The ability to step outside into a space that feels intentional. Fresh air and a place to sit with your coffee in the morning is available to almost everyone.

No. 8 | Give every room a mood

I love doing this. Walk through your home and ask, what is this room's personality? In my home, I wanted the dining room to feel like a café or an old English pub. The living room to feel like a cozy hotel lobby with everything centered around the fireplace. The nursery to feel like the inside of the Arts + Crafts cabin at summer camp. Start with one room and try and capture the feeling and design around that.

No. 9 | Scent as a design element

Most people think about how their home looks but not how it smells. A signature scent, a specific candle, a diffuser, fresh herbs on the counter becomes part of the identity of your home. Guests will associate it with being there and you’ll associate it with being home.

No. 10 | Design for your best self, not necessarily your current self

Most importantly, imagine the most elevated, intentional version of your life and design your home for her. The version of you who reads in the morning, who cooks beautiful dinners, who thrives in her work from home office. Set your home up for that person and you'll naturally start becoming her. Your environment shapes your behavior more than almost anything else.

Remember, a dream home is rarely finished. It grows with you, changes with you, reflects the different chapters of your life. Our home looks different than it did two years ago and it’ll look different two years from now. Maybe we’ll be in a new place entirely.

Don’t wait until it’s perfect to love it. Love it now, in this version, in this chapter. The dutch door, the water view, and the perfect farmer’s market are coming. In the meantime, this is the home where our daughter came home from the hospital. Where we’ve hosted many pizza nights with our favorite people. Where the sky is blue and cloudless almost everyday. Where Dude sleeps on the front stoop.

Already pretty dreamy if you ask me.

More than most holidays, more than New Year’s, the solstices and equinoxes feel like the best celebrations there are. No real set traditions, no obligatory gifts, no forced family get togethers (I love my family get togethers, but just saying.) Just the earth doing what it does and us welcoming a new season. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, the sun going down at the latest possible moment. Summer officially here.

In Celtic folklore it’s believed the veil between worlds is thinnest on the solstice, the fairies most active, the magic most available. Shakespeare set ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ on this night for exactly that reason. The herbs are also said to be at their most potent today. Lavender, chamomile, rosemary are believed to carry extra power. What’s not to love...

There’s something about acknowledging a transition. Even without doing anything splashy… just enjoying a good meal outside, finding moments of gratitude, cheers-ing with friends, writing an in-depth journal entry.

Coincidentally, the first official day of summer is also the first day of Cancer season. So here's how I'm celebrating the solstice, Cancer season, and everything that comes with being born in the most magical time of year!

How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

A seasonal journaling session

The midway mark of the year. I love sitting down on this day specifically and writing through some seasonal prompts. What has this first half of the year been? What am I releasing as summer fully begins? What do I want the next six months to feel like? It’s one of my favorite journaling sessions of the whole year.

A meal eaten entirely outside

With a menu created with everything that’s in season. Either set up a nice table outside with flowers, candles, the whole thing or put together some small plates to eat with a glass of wine on your front stoop. I’ll be making grilled corn with herb butter,
a really good tomato something, fresh pasta with zucchini and basil, a strawberry galette, and some soft of lavender cocktail.

A cold water ritual

Swimming at sunset on the longest day of the year is probably a Top 5 favorite feeling. A lake, an ocean, a pool, even a cold shower. Water and the solstice together feel like the most powerful reset! If you can get in water on this day, do it.

Flowers for the season

Cut a bunch of flowers from your garden, grab them from the farmers market, or buy from your local market and arrange them to welcome the season ahead. Make these creative and fun, don’t be afraid of color. Foxglove, sweet peas, lavender, roses, whatever is blooming right now. Put them somewhere you’ll see them every day for the next couple of weeks.

Watch the sunset

The solstice sunset is the latest of the year. Go outside and actually watch it. With someone you love if possible. With a glass of something cold.

Set a summer intention

Before the day is over, write down one thing you want this summer to be about. One word, one feeling. Try and reflect on the word at least once a day, all season long.

Sun water

Leave a jar of water out in the sun all day on the solstice and then use it for something intentional. Drinking it, watering plants, adding it to a bath. Sometimes I even put it in my coffee machine for an extra magical cup of joe, lol. Do I believe in this? Idk, but it’s fun and why not.

Making a flower or herb bundle

Gathering flowers and herbs, bundling them together and either burning them like a smudge stick or hanging them to dry. Lavender, rosemary, chamomile are all traditional solstice herbs. In this post, I suggest adding lavender to your closets and drawers for the best scented spaces, today is a great time to make these.

Being barefoot

Grounding, literally. Standing barefoot on grass, sand, or soil is said to be especially powerful on solstice.

And hello to Cancer Season

Cancers are known as the most emotional, nurturing, home-oriented sign in the zodiac. The homebodies. The ones who cry at commercials, have a Pinterest board for every house they've never lived in, and take a while to trust someone but love them forever once they do. Hard shell, soft center, you know the vibe.

I relate to almost all of it.

The home thing especially. As much as I love going out and spending time elsewhere, my own space is the most important thing to me. Making sure it’s a reflection of the me and the life I want to live. I’ve spent most of my life thinking about how spaces feel, what makes a room special, how to curate some kind of atmosphere wherever I am. I even built an entire Substack around it…

Cancers also are known to love hosting. Really, because they want everyone fed, comfortable, and taken care of. We collect objects with meaning, create spaces that feel personal, and need a creative outlet or we become completely insufferable.

And then there’s the water thing. Growing up by the ocean, living now in a lake town, physically needing to be near a body of water at all times. Slightly dramatic, but unfortunately true. Some of my clearest thinking has happened in the ocean. Some of my best ideas have come in the shower.

Cancer season feels like coming home. Which, for a Cancer, is best case scenario. And since our season kicks off on the solstice, it feels like the universe is giving us a little extra something to celebrate...

Here’s the wishlist:

Happy solstice and happy almost birthday to every Cancer reading this. The longest day of the year is here! Go make it magical.

xx,
P.K.

I have experienced anxiety for basically my whole life.

My earliest memory of it was as a fourth grader. I was so anxious about the first day of school (always was) that even though I had a great day, made friends immediately, and had one of my favorite teachers, I still couldn’t kick my body out of fight or flight mode. My stomach was turning all day, I was sweaty, nervous, had trouble breathing, and finally ended up throwing up my lunch on my roller backpack on the bus ride home, one of the more embarrassing moments in my life. I couldn’t pinpoint anything specific that would have caused it. But anxiety became a constant companion from that moment on.

So, I am an experienced overthinker who has tried a lot of different tools to manage my thoughts and root myself in reality and my favorite of all of them has been journaling. I have had moments of complete calm, almost euphoria, after a really good journaling session. When I look back at the times I’ve felt mentally my best, daily journaling has always been part of the routine. I’ve found peace and clarity writing through some of the hardest experiences of my life. I’ve attracted wonderful things by writing as my future self. I’ve slept better, learned more about myself, processed things I didn’t even know I was carrying.

When I talk to other people about journaling, they usually get hung up on two things.

The first is embarrassment about reading back old entries. I’ll be the first to tell you, as soon as it’s written, you never have to look at it again. Burn it if you need to. It’s a practice to get your thoughts on paper, not an archive you have to revisit.

The second is not knowing what to actually write about. For me it’s always different, but it’s rarely a recap of the day. It’s more about feelings, discoveries, anxieties, wins, gratitude, general concepts rather than a 24-hour rundown. But when I get stuck, I use prompts. They’re a great way to expand your mind, work through something, or just dream a little.

I wanted to put together a journal prompt bank for you to come back to over and over again. Just pick two or three from the same category or mix and match and always end with a short gratitude list to close it out. That’s really all you need. It’s been a life-changing tool for me and I hope it can be for you too!

Morning

How do I want to feel today?
What is one thing I can do this morning to set a good tone for the day?
What am I grateful for before the day has even begun?
What would make today feel really good?
Who or what am I excited to see or do today?
What intention am I setting for today in one sentence?
What does my highest self do this morning?
What do I need more of today: rest, movement, connection, solitude?

Evening

What was the best moment of today?
What am I proud of from today, even if it was a hard one?
What did I learn or notice today that I don’t want to forget?
What am I releasing from today that I don’t need to carry into tomorrow?
How did I show up for myself today?
What would I do differently and what would I keep exactly the same?
What made me laugh or smile today?
How did I feel in my body today and what does it need tonight?

Monthly Planning & Reflection

What do I want this month to feel like in one word?
What are three things I want to prioritize this month above everything else?
What didn’t work last month that I want to do differently?
What am I most proud of from the last month, big or small?
What drained my energy last month and how can I protect myself from it this month?
What do I want to say yes to more of this month? What do I want to say no to?
What would make this month feel really successful when I look back on it?
What relationship do I want to invest more time in this month?
What is one new thing I want to try or experience before the month is over?
What do I need to let go of from last month to move into this one freely?
If this month were a chapter in a book, what would I want the title to be?

Visualization

Describe your dream life in as much detail as possible — where are you, what are you doing, who are you with?
What does your perfect ordinary day look like?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Write a letter from your future self one year from now. What do they want you to know?
What are you calling into your life right now and why do you deserve it? (hint, you do)
If your life were a movie, what would the next chapter look like?
What does the most abundant version of your life feel like?
Close your eyes and picture the home you want to live in. Describe every detail.

Home

What does my dream home look like and how does it make me feel?
What does home mean to me?
What is one thing I can do this week to make my home feel more like me?
What room in my home makes me happiest and why?
What does a really good evening at home look like?
How do I want guests to feel when they walk into my space?
What objects or pieces in my home carry the most meaning and why?
What would my home say about me if it could speak?

Becoming

Who am I stepping into this season?
What old version of myself am I ready to leave behind?
What does the best version of me do differently than I do right now?
What quality do I most want to embody this year and what would that look like in practice?
What would I do differently if I truly believed in myself?
What story am I telling myself that isn’t serving me anymore?
What does growth feel like for me right now?
In ten years, what do I hope I did more of starting today?

De-Stress

What is actually worrying me right now and is it within my control?
Write down everything that is on your mind (every task, worry, and thought) until the page is full and your head is clear.
What would I tell my best friend if they were feeling exactly the way I feel right now? What is one small thing I can do today to feel a little better?
What does my body need right now that I haven’t given it?
What am I making too big in my head that is actually very manageable?
What has gotten me through hard times before and how can I use that now?
What would surrender look like in this situation?

Self Love

What do I love most about myself right now?
What am I proud of that I haven’t given myself credit for?
How have I grown in the last year in ways I haven’t acknowledged?
What does taking really good care of myself look like this week?
Write a love letter to yourself (the real kind, the kind you’d want to receive.)
What do I need to forgive myself for?
What makes me uniquely me and why is that worth celebrating?
What would I say to myself if I spoke to myself the way I speak to my best friend?

Motherhood

What kind of mother do I want to be and what does that look like in practice?
What did my own mother do that I want to carry forward?
What do I want my child to feel when they think of home?
What am I most excited to share with my child as they grow?
What am I most nervous about and is there grace I can give myself around that?
What does unconditional love feel like to me right now?
What traditions do I want to create for my family?
Write a letter to your child that they can read someday.

Summer (or whatever season you’re in)

What does my perfect summer day look like, hour by hour?
What do I want to feel by the end of this season?
What is one thing I want to do this summer that I keep putting off?
What does summer mean to me and why does it feel so different from every other season?
What memory from a past summer do I want to recreate this year?
Who do I want to spend the most time with this summer and why?
What would make this the summer I actually remember?
What am I most looking forward to and/or why haven’t I planned it yet?

Starting Over

What am I leaving behind and why is it no longer serving me?
What does a fresh start actually look like for me right now, in my home, my relationships, my daily life?
What would I do differently if I could begin again with everything I know now?
What chapter of my life is ending and what do I want the next one to feel like?
What am I most afraid of about starting over and what would I tell that fear?
What has ending something taught me that beginning something never could?
What does the most courageous version of me do next?
Who do I want to be on the other side of this?

Light + Easy

What would I do with a completely free Saturday and unlimited budget?
What’s a hobby I’ve always wanted to try and what’s stopped me?
If I could live anywhere in the world for a year where would it be and why?
What’s on my ultimate dinner party guest list, dead or alive? Describe the setting.
What’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been and what made it feel that way?
What song is the soundtrack to my life right now?
What would my perfect morning look like if nothing was off the table?
What’s something small that makes me really happy that I don’t give enough credit to?
If I wrote a book what would it be about?
What do I want to be really good at by this time next year?

Journaling has been a therapist, an honest mirror, and the best tool I've found for actually understanding myself. There's something about putting pen to paper that lets things flow more naturally. You’ll surprise yourself by what comes out, uncovering fears you didn't know you had, realizing dreams you forgot about, finding clarity you didn't know you were looking for.

I hope these prompts give you a place to start. Come back to it whenever you need it. On the hard days, the good days, the days you feel completely stuck, and the days you just want to write about something lighthearted and fun.

xx,
P.K.

We hear it time and time again – the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Honestly, I was worried that being postpartum I wouldn’t have time to spend in the kitchen, my favorite space. And that if I did, I’d be quickly microwaving something to feed myself before racing back to my newborn. I have found the complete opposite to be true.

Some of my favorite moments of these first 11 days have been cooking with her in her bassinet nearby, bossa nova playing, windows open, our dog sleeping in the sun on the front stoop. Frying up onions for a summer pasta while she snoozes. Barefoot, unhurried, the kitchen providing more joy than ever.

There’s something about the kitchen in the warmer months especially. The recipes are somewhat effortless and refreshing. Summer cocktails are being dreamed up. The energy is lighter, happier, easier.

I picture wicker chairs surrounding a breakfast banquette, freshly squeezed orange juice, hot coffee, croissants, a newspaper, a slow morning conversation with my little family. Holding our daughter while talking about the plans for the new patio.

A kitchen where sunshine pours in, honeysuckle climbs along the outside edges of the windows, cold tiles under bare feet. Freshly showered hair, a favorite linen outfit, something already marinating in the fridge for the grill later that evening. The way my family posts up at the island while we cook, a bottle of chilled wine open at the center of it all.

A space for beauty, creativity, nourishing meals that make you glow from the inside out. A place to start and end the day.

In our kitchen right now we always have a cookbook open in the stand ready to flip through for inspiration. Currently it’s the Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook, perfect for summer and Something From Nothing for the nights when you want to cook from whatever you already have.

We also always have a big bowl of fruit out. Lately it’s been peaches. I’ve been pairing them with burrata on a bed of arugula and also freezing them to put in my orange wine. We also keep bananas and mangos stocked and I’ve been making a little pre-breakfast treat: frozen banana, mango, and coconut water blended together and served in a beautiful coupe alongside coffee. It feels like staying at a really good hotel, luxurious and special.

A few other things that make our kitchen feel like ours. Little bud vases and terracotta pots filled with fresh herbs on the windowsill, a favorite apron hung and ready, a fun cocktail shaker ready for muddled fruit.

There's a reason people always end up in the kitchen. This summer I'm treating mine like the sanctuary it is and I hope you do too!

Here's to peaches on the counter, bossa nova on the speaker, and a summer spent wearing an apron.

xx,
P.K.

For this month’s guide I wanted to channel something a little different – summer camp meets garden party. A crafting activity while snacking on a really good cheese board and sipping wine with frozen fruit. No cooking, no cocktails, no fuss. Just an easy activity, a beautiful spread, and a sunny patio.

Inside you’ll find what to put on your cheese board, my favorite summer wines, an activity your guests will love, playlist recs, and everything else you need to pull it off.

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It’s noon on Friday, you close your laptop, the week is done. You’re throwing a weekender together with your favorite sweater, some flip flops, a good book, a couple of games. Packing the car with only the essentials and maybe a Diet Coke for the drive. Windows down, heading to your weekend escape. A little cottage, a lake house, a friend’s place. You stop at the small local market on the way in. Grab some beers, a bottle of wine, chips, something for the grill. You kick your shoes off and exhale, the whole weekend awaits.

My sister sent me a photo today of my nephew and his little crew on the last day of school, already in their swim trunks, standing by the pool, the most Sandlot-looking group of kids you’ve ever seen. And I thought this is Summer Friday energy, the best feeling in the whole world.

So, how do we get that back as adults?

Most jobs don’t offer every Friday off from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Also, sadly, most of us don’t have weekend homes to escape to (yet). However, I genuinely think we can channel the spirit of it no matter what our schedule/location looks like.

Here are some things I’m trying.

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If winter is for rest and spring is for growth, summer is for play. It’s a time to simply enjoy. Have fun, don’t take it all too seriously. Have a crisp beverage, put on an outfit you feel incredible in, read a million silly beach reads, drink your coffee outside.

But here’s the thing – even though it’s for play, there’s a way to make the absolute most of it so it doesn’t just slip by. Because nothing is worse than getting to Labor Day and thinking wait, what did I actually do all summer?

These are the things I'm adding to my everyday to make sure that doesn't happen. To stay present, feel good, and have a little glow up, mentally, physically, all of it. Here's the summer routine I'm committing to. Consider it your official guide.

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Most of us don’t get an official summer vacation anymore, but I personally think the new season deserves a little celebration. Gather your friends, eat great food, enjoy the sunshine.

I picture warm dock boards under bare feet, saltwater hair, potato chips and olives in cute little vessels, oysters on ice, the perfect martini. The smell of the grill, fresh herbs tucked into bud vases, everyone in linen, holding a glass or bottle covered in condensation. A really good playlist, a lot of laughter, and a fire at the end of the night when nobody is ready to go home.

That’s the vibe. And this month’s hosting guide has everything you need to pull it off… a full dinner menu with tips, three signature cocktails, flower and table inspiration, hosting notes that will actually change the way you host, and printable menu cards for both the food and drinks.

Subscribe to get the full guide before the weekend.

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