I’m trying out a new monthly recap series. A bit of what I did, maybe saw, bought or didn’t buy, saved to my wishlist, thoughts or ideas I had. Could just be a round-up of vintage finds, maybe it’s more personal. This is really to help myself stay more present and consistent on this platform, a goal I want to work towards for my readers by the end of this year. Right now, I’m thinking this first one will be free, give you a taste of what to expect, but moving forward these will be paid. Okay, let’s dive in.

My Weekend Runs

Every Saturday my husband and I run on the greenway in West Ashley. It’s a 10-mile trail path that goes through the neighborhood, crosses scenic tidal creeks, low-country wetlands and marshlands. I love running it, biking it, walking it, it’s so fun. It’s well-used and I’m someone who likes to wave at the people I pass, it genuinely brings a smile to my face every time. Smiling during a run is so underrated. Think about how just making yourself smile in hard situations, whether you’re in the middle of a cry, upset with something out of your control, making yourself smile actual alters something in your brain chemistry to feel better.

If just a smile can change your entire mood, imagine what sharing a smile with a stranger on a run can do, especially when they smile or wave back. PURE JOY! If you are new to running or struggling, there are literal studies that show how smiling actually improves your run and mental strength. Even elite marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge famously smiles to stay relaxed and manage pain during races. It’s the simplest little habit, that great for you and even better for the people around you.

After the run, we like to head to a cafe nearby. We text our friends who live close in case they are able to meet us, something they do, sometimes they’re busy, but we always ask. And it’s become a another way to stay connected to our little community.

Style Mule: Bianca Jagger

Sometimes when you save imagery you can notice a theme, sometimes it’s a location, and sometimes it’s a muse. I came across the wedding images of Mick & Bianca Jagger during research for a brand I’m working on. Which lead me down a rabbit hole of the style of Bianca Jagger. It wasn’t really one specific look that stood out to me (although the multi-colored striped wrap is striking) it's the whole attitude, the way she wears everything like it's draped on, completely unbothered or fussy feeling, even with her more tailored couture looks.

My July Saves

A look at what I acquired, saved, thought about or did this month.

1. Recently during a trip back to my parents, I was at the grocery store and saw they were selling fresh wheatgrass. In the spirit of always trying to better my parents health, I bought some to juice for us all to try. We enjoyed it, so I’ve been on a bit of a kick lately. Luckily I found a shop back home that sells it. It feels very early-2000s health-culture, which as toxic as it was at times, I find it so comforting.

2. I’m actually shocked it took this long for these to make it to any list of mine. Flores Paper is a sister-run paper company, selling the the coolest notepads. This month I’ve gotten back into keeping a paper panner for my tasks, and I’ve found it to help me stay more on track vs keeping it online. With that, these notepads have made it onto a more purposeful wishlist other than just a beautiful object.

3. I’m currently on a healing-journey, and coconut yogurt has been on a daily rotation. I’ve tried a few different brands and cocojune is a clear winner.

4. I’m typically not big on big logos on my clothing, but even I know there’s a time and place for everything. There was something about this terry-cloth Chanel bag that really caught my eye. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it or the dotted logo, either way it’s made it way onto my July saves.

5. The Moderna Wedge from Beatrice Valenzuela. I actually came across a similar pair for $15 while out and about and I’m obsessed with how versitile this style is. Dress it up or down, wear it with gym shorts or a dress and it feels so intentional. The pair I have aren’t real leather, and seem poorly made, so once those wear out, which I think should be soon from how much I wear them, I plan to invest in these.

6. July is my birthday month, and along with my free Starbucks, I got a birthday email from goop for a free afterglow body oil with purchase. Which came at an opportune time because I needed to get a new dry brush. Excited to give this body oil a try.

7. A good design x wellness moment via Katie Stone

8. A birthday gift from my husband: Gil Rodriguez white terry sweatpants.

Installed my Draperie Curtains

Draperie is a new homeware brand designed to live with you, focused on bringing window treatments and pillows to your space all made from natural fibers, in timeless designs and colors. I’m the co-founder, and helped build this brand from scratch with my friend Daisy. I finally got around to installing my curtains in our apartment and can’t get enough. I still need to give them a good steam, but wow. Shown below is our Classic Linen in Soft White and I did our Classic Linen in Mustard for my bedroom to really enhance that early morning glow.

If you’re interested in trying Draperie, enjoy complimentary swatches with code onthehouse to see it in your space before you decide. And once you’re ready enjoy for 15% off your entire order with code RISETTE.

And last but not least, I’ll leave you with this paparazzi moment from 2006 that feels more like a work of art:

Thank you for reading, I’m excited to continue building the Risette world with you all.

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Recently I shared my reset method. And while doing the method myself I noticed something…

In most of the imagery I collected for the ‘life direction’ also known as ‘what I want my life to look like’ section there was a common theme. When thinking of one word to summarize these images, what came to mind was the word ‘relax’. So what does this mean for me? Afterall, this was the point of this exercise.

Being relaxed, feeling relaxed, just relaxed, who doesn’t want this word to be a huge part of their lives? A word so closely linked to being on vacation. Does it mean I want to vacation more? Probably not, so in the nature of doing my own method properly, I waited a few weeks to come back to it.

And sure enough, it came to me.

A person who regularly takes vacations would be considered a ‘successful’ person. But someone who can vacation frequently would need the financial freedom to do so. By default, that would mean to be relaxed is to be ‘successful’, and the only thing standing in the way of being relaxed is having enough money right? Then you can afford to always be relaxed or have that sense of relaxation in your life right? Except no, sure have enough money to pay to ‘relax’ is great, but the relaxation we ‘buy’ on vacation and the relaxation I saw in those images aren't actually the same thing.

Let’s break it down.

The ‘relaxation’ you achieve from a vacation is borrowed. You leave your life for that feeling of being relaxed, then that feeling leaves you the second you land back home and open your laptop. That's the version or definition of being relaxed money rents you and sure, more money rents more of it but in the end it’s still leaving your life to only return to the life you left, and all the thing that led to to wanting that vacation.

Money ≠ happiness and happiness = success.

Therefore, if relaxation = success, and success ≠ money, then money (or endless vacations) can’t be root of relaxation. It can help, but doesn’t equate…but I’m bad at math so who knows.

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What I do know is those images are pointing to something outside of a vacation relaxation, and something far more available to most of us: ease as a baseline, not an escape. Not a place you fly to but how you move through an ordinary Tuesday. This form of relaxation doesn’t need lots of money, sure it can help, but it’s not necessary to get there. Remember money ≠ happiness, there’s plenty of people with every freedom money can offer and they still live life completely clenched.

So maybe the question was never how do I afford the relaxed life. Maybe it’s where is the tension preventing me from being relaxed actually coming from?

What if the real definition of success is just moving through your life without tension?

We spend years optimizing productivity, careers, routines, health, but very little time asking do I feel at ease in my own life? Instead we ad another app or tool in a search of that answer.

When I stepped back and looked at the reset method as a whole, specially the imagery I collected, it all lead to one thing: I aspire to be relaxed.

Which can be confused with a vacation, having too much time to spare, or doing nothing. I don’t actually want that in my life, I like to work, I love to create and while I enjoy a week long vacation I don’t see myself as ‘happy’ being in that constant state. I’m seeing relaxation as internal spaciousness. Someone who is relaxed:

• moves slowly even when their life is full

• speaks without rushing their words, allowing there minds to gather their thoughts

• doesn’t feel the need to prove themselves in every room

• makes decisions without frantic urgency

• has a sense that life is something they are currently inside of, not chasing

It’s feeling at ease in your own life.

I was on a walk with my husband recently when I told him something this post had me feeling: I think I would have thrived in the 90s/2000s. I genuinely love to work (it helps that I work in a creative field). I love building things. I probably would have loved that era's version of ambition, the hustle, the burnout, the toxic-but-glorified grind. I fear I’d have been good at it.

But the difference then was it was more attainable to become successful from that life, where that kind of chasing or struggle actually paid off. You could work yourself past burnout in your twenties and end up with a house, stabilty, and what we are told is ‘success’. In todays world the cost of living gets higher each month it seems and my husband and I’s dream of owning a home feels less and less likely.

It use to feel that if you worked your butt off success would follow, but that doesn’t seem so trusting anymore. That means we need to shift the definition of what made someone successful. Where the person working 12 hour days or the person scraping by with a part-time gig can have the same definition. Again, money ≠ happiness.

At a certain point I think we all are taught success looks like $$$ and to get there is from optimization, productivity, ambition, growth, always moving towards something bigger and better. But if money ≠ happiness. Then maybe success is more internal, what if it looks like:

• time that doesn’t feel overcrowded or hunted down

• mornings that begin gently

• relationships that feel present

Which all sounds great, but we only touched on work, there’s also everyday life, friendships, marriage, children, which can begin to feel overly administrative if your careful. Marriage can become: calendars, logistics, shared tasks, bills, errands….

All necessary.

But when life becomes only management, that’s when you stop actually living it. Taking an approach to a relaxed life doesn’t mean an absent of responsibility, but where responsibility doesn’t crowd out presence.

To me, a relaxed person doesn’t avoid work, not build things or pursue excellence, but someone who is relaxed is able to move through all those things without constance pressure, or at least a little bit less pressure.

A Different Way to Measure Success (According to me)

For example, instead of looking at your daily productivity or how many tasks your checked out, look at how you move through those tasks.

This is an idea I’m still working through, but wanted to share it with you all to see if there is other insights to this I might be missing. What does being a relaxed person mean to you? Maybe it’s just moving slower or not rushing every decision, or maybe it’s getting to a point where your routine finally feels like your own and not copying someone else’s.

The most compelling people I know seem at ease in their own life. Maybe this isn’t something you perfect until old age, just as most of life works. But it’s worth starting now, wherever you are in your life.

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1. 1960s Vintage Sweatshirt. You should know my love for vintage sweats by now. So, if you don't already own some, consider this your nudge. There's nothing quite like pulling a worn-in crewneck over a bikini on a cool summer night. This combo always feels perfect.

2. Meet Draperie. I'm not sure I've said it here yet, but I’m the co-founder to a newly launched homeware brand, Draperie. The idea started with my business partner, Daisy when designing her own home, she wasn’t able to source window treatments that were design-first, well-made with natural materials, and didn’t cost a fortune. So we decided to make it ourselves.

   

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3. Tessa Terry Tunic by Gil Rodriguez. The tunic is one of those pieces I’ve always loved, and this one is the ideal thing to throw on après-swim (and beyond). The founder, Eliana Gil Rodriguez wrote an ode to the tunic on her substack to go with the collection. There’s an interesting conversation about age and how she started making crop tops for women in their twenties, and the tunic is what feels right for where she is now. This tunic still has the same sexy, free feeling as the crop top, just grown into. She's also honest about how frightening it is to release something, to put a year of yourself on a rack and hope it reads the way you meant. With Draperie just out, I feel that one in my chest. But there's a freedom in it too, the kind that only comes after you've let the thing go, and her essay reminded me of exactly that. Made me want to add it to cart even more.

4. New season, means new swimwear, while I’m not currently in the market I had to share this pair from Gaudir Swim: La Mimada Top and Bottom.

5. What Artist Wear by . When I first read it, I loved it but couldn't quite put my finger on why it resonated so much. The author asked me to let her know if I ever figured it out — and I finally did (see below).

6. Vintage Leather Lounge Chair by Nicoletti Salotti, Italy, 1980. File this under things I think about more than I'd like to admit. The form alone is worth a second look, but the red leather really stuck out. I want to

7. Small Tea Pouch Leave it to Doctor Stolberg to make the ‘zip-lock’ baggie look chic. As she puts it: “For meals out, long days, and the moments when a tea emergency strikes. A Well Being is never caught without one.”

8. Black Shoshi Mug What can be better than a CAP Beauty collaborations? This one's with Shoshi Watanabe, the Japanese-born, LA-based ceramicist whose work folds traditional Japanese technique into a kind of easy California softness. I’ve been eyeing this mug since it’s been sold-out, and was very excited when they brought it back. Was able to snag 2 during their birthday sale over the weekend which I’m using as I write this post!

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How do you know you’re feeling lost? There’s the literal interpretation, sure, but then there’s the one that doesn’t really make itself known. It’s not from a breakdown. It’s not even a bad week. It something that happens quietly overtime. It’s not dramatic, it’s just a feeling of something off.

There can be a few signs, a common one that I experience was how I felt getting dressed. Where you look in the mirror and don’t feel like yourself. Or when you stand in your closet looking at your clothes and not feel inspired.

Another moment was the inspiration I was saving. I’m always building mood boards, it’s something I do constantly for my job. So I’m typically archiving personal inspiration everyday, but I noticed when I look back at those personal boards, I lost the through-line that linked back to myself. My inspiration started coming from the ‘internet’ or algorithm instead of my own instincts. I’ve started to save visuals without asking why or going back to ask why if time didn’t allow in the moment. This ended up resulting in clutter, not inspiration.

There have been some other moments, but for the purpose of this post I’ll leave those two as examples for how I felt that something had drifted (and you might too).

Right now, my life is genuinely feeling full in the best way. I’m building a company, Draperie, with a talented friend and interior designer (who also just launched her substack). I’m shaping what Risette is becoming with my husband (sign-up to be notified when that launches here). I’m also feeling inspired in my current full-time role where I help launch fashion brands. There’s a lot happening, and most of it feels good and right and like it’s going somewhere.

But "a lot of good happening" has a way of pulling you in every direction until everything starts to blur. You move through your days without really being in them. Your taste slowly gets replaced by whatever's closest. You stop choosing and start just absorbing. You're not falling apart, but you're not really growing either. You're just kind of floating through it all.

I came across this image in one of Studio Noto’s posts and something just clicked. The image shows two spirals, one flat and circular, labeled “don’t spiral,” and one moving upward and outward, labeled “evolve.” I kept coming back to it while writing this. The goal isn’t to avoid the discomfort of feeling out of sync. The goal is to let it take you somewhere instead of just going in circles.

That’s what a reset means to me. Not a reinvention. Not a new routine or a color-coded calendar. Just a check-in of does this still feel like me?

What I Feel Most Resets Get Wrong

Most reset methods start with change. Asking you to bring in a new habit or goal.

But that doesn’t really solve the problem. Because having a lack of habits or routine, isn’t really the issue (though that might be part of what you discover later). The problem is you’ve stopped paying attention to yourself and the gap between who you are and how you’re living has gotten too wide. With our access to the internet, we're constantly surrounded by other people's lives, other people's tastes and an endless stream of things to absorb. It's never been easier to lose yourself in all of that noise.

For example, you see something online, feel an instant pull toward it, and before long you've built a habit around it or bought into it completely. This is where the noise is taking over. Admiring something doesn't mean it belongs in your life. I can like something without it actually being mine. The same goes for a morning routine someone swears by, or a habit that looks great on paper. Borrowed pieces don't always fit.

So instead of starting with action, I like to start with observation.

I gather things. Images. Objects. Environments. I look at what I’ve been saving and I ask: what is it I’m actually responding to? The mood? The silhouette? The physical object in the image? Noticing the feeling an image gives me, not just the subject of it.

That distinction, between the surface of what I’m drawn to and what it actually means to me is how you can begin to find your way back.

To get the most out of this method, it’s important to move through it slowly. I’ve narrowed this down to six sections. I also created a worksheet for paid subscribers to follow along, return to, and use. Those subscribers can download it after the paywall, before section three. Okay, let's get into it.

Before You Begin: Gather First

Before any of the prompts, the worksheet asks you to do one thing: collect imagery, magazines, Pinterest, internet archives, whatever you actually use. Create loose sections: Inspiration, Wellbeing, Beauty, Style How I Want My Life to Feel, and Creative Energy.

It’s important to not analyze yet. Just collect what’s calling to you.

If you’re a visual person (and I suspect you are, or you probably wouldn’t be here), this step does more than you’d expect. Your saves are already telling you something. The worksheet just helps you hear what that is.

Now that you’ve begun to gather inspiration, the first section asks you to take inventory of how you feel. Maybe you learned something you are missing from the resources you gathered, like that you use to go on morning walks and haven’t or that quality time with loved ones is lacking and making you feel off. While you might not make a direct connection at this stage, it’s valuable to recognize whatever you’re feeling.

Everything in your life gets filtered through your wellbeing and how you’re feeling. Which means it’s worth looking at honestly. When you do this section, give yourself time to reflect over a couple days or even weeks. We really don’t believe a quick fix, so if you’re looking for a method to change everything over night, this might not be the one for you.

The worksheet asks:

• How has my energy been lately?

• What parts of my routine currently feel nourishing, and which quietly drain me?

• When during the day do I feel most like myself? When do I feel calm and present?

• What small change would make my day feel lighter?

The goal here isn’t to overhaul anything. It’s just to notice. You can’t adjust what you’re pretending isn’t there.

This section can only be as impactful as you are intentional with it.

There’s a huge distinction between being drawn to something and then understanding why. Sure there will always been those moments you can never quite put your finger on, and that’s okay. But when you start asking why as a practice, it's like finding the clue from lifting up a rock that was sitting right in front of you the whole time. You start to see that maybe you weren’t saving the look because you liked the exact outfit, instead it was the silhouette. Or it wasn’t the room you liked, it was the chair in the corner.

In then end, I'd save something, implement it into my life some way and feel less like myself. That happened because I saved it without asking why. When you look at inspiration only at surface level, you learn what draws you in, but not what’s underneath it all.

So this is where you really dive in. Go through each image or resource individually and call out specifically what it is you like. It can help to write directly on the image itself, circle, point, write out a note. Ask yourself: what specifically draws me to this? The silhouette, the mood, the color, the object, the atmosphere? Be as honest with yourself as you can here. Once completed, the worksheet asks:

• What images, environments, or aesthetics have been catching my attention lately?

• What themes appear repeatedly in what I save or admire?

We close this section with: something I’m realizing about my taste. That’s where your actual answer lives, not in the surface of what you saved, but in why.

This is a good place to pause. The next four sections are where the method gets specific, and where the worksheet becomes a real companion to this post. If you've been thinking about subscribing, this is a genuinely good moment, paid subscribers can download the worksheet below and open it alongside the rest of this.

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1. Coupole Hair Clip At the start to every Spring I find myself on the lookout for a great clip or hair accessory for holding my hair up as the temps rise. The Coupole Hair Clip by Sophie Buhai is the one catching my eye right now.

2. Waxed Cotton Wine Bag Warmer weather means the sun stays out longer, which means more energy and time with friends. A reusable wine bag is one of those things that just makes sense, this one is waxed cotton canvas and it carries wine, baguettes, bouquets. It does it all.

3. Leave it to Dunsen Dunsen to do something like this with a door. Amazing.

4. Dry Brush We love our dry brush year round, but warmer weather means less layers and more skin, so this is really when it earns its place in the routine.

5. The Flea Market by Pacific Tote Company Did you know your favorite tote company has a ‘flea market’ section on their website selling amazing vintage tees? Go give it a look, because buying second-hand is the second most sustainable thing you can do this Earth Day outside of shopping your own closet.

6. Vintage Tom Ford Era Gucci Bag with the best pop of green for spring (and year round). Maybe I’m partial to the shade (peep our branding), but I don't think I’m wrong.

7. Sightsee x Wake Refill in Charleston hosted one of the coolest events: A Repair Fair, where volunteers helped fix your well-loved items, a shirt that needed mending, a broken chair, whatever you brought in. After all the most sustainable thing you can do is take care of what you already own. I’d love to see this everywhere. Has anyone seen this happening outside of Charleston?

8. Benji Bandaids I have zero spatial awareness, so bruises and scrapes are basically a given. Last year I had two moles removed right before a trip to Miami and could not commit to standard bandaids. I came across these gradient ones from Welly, but I ended up sending 80% of the pack to my sister-in-law for her kids because most of the designs were cartoons or kiddish. Then I came across Benji, these are exactly what I was looking for. Not only are they great patterns and colors, but they are non-toxic and made without forever chemicals. Bandages that feel as intentional as everything else you choose.

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Good people tend to get better with age. Their wisdom clearer, their interactions and conversation richer, their wardrobe more distinctly personal. Leather boots slowly shape to your foot, a wooden butcher block shapes to the foods you cut. In modern day there’s a disconnect to the objects we hold, a loss of relationship with things because of their fleeting nature. Most items made today aren’t worth the care or repair because they are made to wear out, not in. To keep these relationship within your everyday, it all starts with one simple choice: interact, make and buy things that do the opposite: wear in, not wear out.

We loosely spoke about that worn-in feeling in our recent article on vintage sweats. And the luxury of having the time to actually ‘wear in’ the things you own. How those object become more beautiful, more comfortable, more distinctly yours over time. It is the way leather softens to your movement. The way raw denim shapes itself to your life. The way a cast iron pan becomes seasoned not just with oil, but with memories of past recipes (whether they were successful or not). You don’t get to see or experience the true quality of an object for YEARS. Something of good quality doesn’t quite make it known on day one. It reveals itself slowly over time.

This is true in most facets of life. A friendship slowly grown can feel more sturdy and trustworthy over the long course than the fast friend. Fast friendships, fast fashion, fast homes built, they all seem to fall apart just as fast. A cheap pair of jeans may immediately fit pretty comfortably, but wear out just as they really start to form to your body. A great pair may feel a bit rigid at first, but with time they grow to know your hips and knees better than any “pre-faded” or “pre-broken in” pair you can buy.

In today’s marketplace we are surrounded by things literally designed to expire. Clothing that pills and stretches on the third even first wash. Furniture that wobbles within a year. Products optimized for the thrill of purchase rather than the dignity of use. This cycle exhausts our homes and our attention, and removes the opportunity to love the things with which we surround ourselves.

Take for instance Willie Nelson and his guitar, Trigger. For more than fifty years, Trigger has been played night after night. Its body is worn through near the sound hole. It bears scars, signatures, and the unmistakable marks of devotion. By the standards of a showroom, it looks damaged. By the standards of a life well lived, it is priceless. It did not wear out. It wore in. It became inseparable from the artist and the music itself. Its very life reflects and very likely has the same longevity as its partner.

This is what we mean by quality. Not perfection preserved behind glass. Participation over time. Objects that record our touch without falling apart because of it.

Choosing to make these choices can come at a cost, but you need to consider the reality of the money you’re spending. Is it an investment or something you’ll need to buy over and over again making it more costly in the long run. A $2,500 table that lasts your lifetime is less expensive than a $500 table that must be replaced every five years.

One is an investment in stability. The other is a subscription to frustration and delayed expense.

What looks like saving money often costs more in the long run, not only financially, but emotionally. Each replacement requires time, effort, disposal, and decision fatigue. Longevity simplifies life. Longevity brings joy in the things that live alongside you.

Side Note: Expensive doesn’t correlate to quality. A flashy fashion house may charge more for something of cheap materials than a skilled maker using long-lasting materials. Note the difference between a brand that means quality, and one that represents merely a lifestyle classification.

And this philosophy reaches beyond objects. Habits and rituals can wear in alongside these everyday objects. Your daily walk with the same ceramic mug. A shared Sunday dinner on your kitchen table. A practice of writing by hand with a refillable pen.

Relationships certainly wear in. Trust deepens. Conversations grow richer. Inside jokes accumulate. What endures becomes irreplaceable.

The best things in life are not consumed and discarded, but lived with and shaped over time. Buy and make things that wear in, not wear out.

Let time be your ally.
Let use create beauty.
Let your life gather patina instead of clutter.

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1. Sauna Wood Candle by Boy Smells, an invitation to slow down and inhabit a moment. A sweet reminder of the beauty of scent, it’s not just atmosphere, it’s memory, place, and ritual. For those days when you need to be transported to the calm that comes from being at a sauna.

2. Doctor Stolberg Rest + Digest Tea I’m a sucker for good branding, and even more if the product is worth-wild. I’ve been researching loose tea leave blends with the intention of mixing my own and moving away from tea bags, but this is one of those moments where I might gladly compromise. If anything just for the benefits that can come from this simple daily ritual.

3. Etaat Beauty Spira Comb is as beautiful resting on your countertops as it is in use. Designed to open curls, soften the silhouette, and restore movement without undoing shape.

4. This breakfast plate shared by Sara Keene of the substack is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy breakfast, or really most meals for that matter.

5. Rounded Metal Frame We adore framing the pictures we’ve taken so naturally we’re always on the hunt for cool frames and this one from West Elm recently caught my eye.

6. Tools Magazine is an annual publication that examines the skills and techniques behind the objects we live with, with each issue focusing on a specific process. Through historical context, factory visits, technical analysis, and studies of iconic forms, it looks beyond the finished product to the hands, knowledge, and industries that shape it. What we appreciate most is how it treats objects as more than just what they are, framing them as quiet influences in our daily lives.

7. There’s something deeply Risette about this note from , the longing for mornings that aren’t pre-optimized or pre-performed. Before notifications, before comparison, before someone else’s 5am discipline becomes the invisible standard for your own life. It’s a reminder that a day can begin slowly, with rituals that exist only because they feel good, not because they’re shared. We think about this often: how to return to objects and routines as lived-in experiences, , not content. How to let a morning belong to you again.

8. Small Plate with Red Iron Glaze by Philadelphia-based ceramic artist, Jordan McDonald, whose practice sits at the intersection of function, form, and lived experience. Elevating the everyday through his functional objects.

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I’m writing this 10 days before Valentine’s day, and while my husband and I don’t really celebrate the holiday, I still felt there is something to be said about love. And more so, what that means on February 14th.

On this day, love is expressed through familiar scripts.

Flowers, cards, a dinner reservation.

Usually feeling less like an intimate gesture, and more like an expectation. This exchange doesn’t really deepen a relationship, but it can make things feel, well acceptable. But when the exchange doesn’t happen, it introduces an unnecessary tension, as though something important was missed. That dynamic can make the day feel oddly high-stakes for something that’s meant to feel simple.

This had me thinking about other holiday’s where something is expected. There’s birthdays, a time to make someone feel special on the day they came into the world. Then anniversaries, which mark the specific, shared histories between people. And when considering what these have in common, I noticed it’s that they are personal by nature, shaped by the relationship itself.

This is where Valentine’s day fails. In this light it feel more…general? It’s less about your story, your love, and is just about love, in and of itself.

And I think that’s where we get these rather annoying expectations from our relationships (outside of the obvious commercial strain I’ve been ignoring in this post). Instead of thinking it’s a day for your love, maybe we should be thinking of it as a day of love. In the shared human experience kinda way.

For us that’s a freeing feeling. Offering a chance to celebrate love in many forms, not just in the personal or intimate relationship kind of way. So if you find your stuck where this day feels more like an obligation, try viewing it in this lens.

It’s really doesn’t need to be anything more, or less than just love.

xx

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1. Like a kiss, but better. The Noto Botanicals Lip & Cheek Stick, is perfect for building while nourishing. A multitasking makeup stick that minimizes your morning routine and revives your skin with vitamins and natural ingredients.

2. Palo Santo Sticks, there’s something about this smell I’ve always adored, and the burning of the stick I guess could feel like your burning passion for each other.

3. Filmstrip Photo Frame I’ll always love a photo booth moment, but real life doesn’t always make that easy. We came across this Filmstrip Photo Frame that gives the nostalgic look using photos you already have.

4. Hand-thrown Mug Love shows up in routines. If your shared ritual is coffee in the morning, then a mug feels especially thoughtful. And on the mornings you’re apart, it’s something small that still feels connected.

5. Smoking Lips Enamel Pin Playful and a little cheeky. Sometimes a gift doesn’t need a long explanation.

6. Initial Brooches I’ve shared this a few times, but I just love it. Maybe because it’s that they’re Calder-inspired, or personalizable, either way this is a win in my book.

7. Porsche Museum of Japan Is there really more I need to say about this one?

8. If you love sharing a meal over a show, a pair of Lazy Jamie TV trays makes it feel intentional instead of accidental. A shared experience disguised as an object.

9. Red Oragnic Cotton underwear from Oddbody, for that pop of red.

10. Shell Jewerly Box by Gohar World. Handmade in Portugal and perfect for holding small treasures, jewelry, notes, or things that don’t quite have a place yet.

11. Is it really a Valentine’s gift guide without including chocolate? These Spring & Mulberry bars, sweetened with dates, are among my favorite to recommend.

12. High Vibrational Beauty book, give the gift of self-love with this comprehensive manual for radical self-care from CAP Beauty.

13. Yves Durif Petite Brush & Comb Set So they can always feel their best wherever they are, this essential set is perfect for maintaining healthy hair at home or on-the-go.

14. Lentil Soup Shirt Maybe this one’s just for me (my husband loves lentils) but these shirts from Katie Kimmel are just the best and a great gift if you spot your partners favorite food.

15. Spicy Cacao Body Stone from Kate McLeod. Show your skin some serious love.

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Working remote adjust your days in ways an in-person job wouldn’t. The most obvious is the way you dress. I’ve never been one to dress-up much in the day-to-day, I can’t deal with a fuss or a lot of layers, but I have always loved clothes and the art of wearing them. So when it comes my personal style, I tend to lean more casual. While this category includes a lot, this article is specific to sweats.

We’ve seen some posts on sweats. recently did an ode to the sweatsuit which is worth a read, and there’s endless talk of vintage clothing, on and off this platform. But what seems to be missing (at least on my algorithm) is the talk about vintage sweats.

So why is no one talking about vintage sweats?

Maybe it’s the phrasing. The word “vintage” which typically translates to used and “sweat” which has it’s own negative connotations. Maybe the two words together feel a bit too intimate for most. But like all second-hand finds, once you riffle past the stained and over-worn, you come across a treasure, which this time is a used sweatsuit. You just need paitence and maybe a little bit of understanding for this one.

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This admiration was realized during a trip to Chattanooga in 2024. We stopped into a vintage shop downtown, the kind where everything is picked with intention but doesn’t still feel too precious. Great denim, cool graphic tees, all with the right amount of wear. But where it sparked for us was while combing the sale rack, and tucked among everything else were two things: a faded crewneck, marked down to $15, and a pair of bright blue sweatpants for $20.

My liking to them felt almost absurd. I couldn’t quite figure out what drew me to these items out of everything else. It wasn’t because they were rare. Not because they were styled ironically or labeled as collectible (they were in the sale rack after all). But the thing that I didn’t realize until that moment, was how they felt: worn in.

I’ve always loved vintage and pat myself on the back for starting in my early teens. Shopping at goodwill not only was an affordable way to get clothing at that age, but shopping this way gives you a better chance to really understand your personal style since you’re not surrounded by trendy agenda pushing collections. Anyone who’s shopped second-hand knows the feeling of a great second-hand find, especially if you’ve been doing it a majority of your life. But something I didn’t quite connect until we came across these two pieces among the vast collection, was that worn in feeling.

Spending $15 on a used crewneck can feel silly when you can buy a brand-new one for about the same price (and probably for cheaper). But by doing this you’ll be missing out on what makes that $15 one more worth it. For one, there’s an undefinable quality in vintage fabric, something you can’t quite get with a new one, even if you buy the ‘vintage-washed’ blend. Because it isn’t just the soft-ness we’re after, it’s the familiarity.

Then the other advantage to vintage sweats is it saves you time.

The time it takes to truly wear-in the fabric. My husband, methodically wears a few of his favorite shirts to bed in pursuit of that ‘worn-in’ feel. Sure there’s merit in living with our clothes, allowing them to mold intimately to the contours of our lives. But not everyone has the time or patience. And most fabrics today aren’t meant to hold up to that amount of use. They wear out, not in. So you’ll end up with something that feels exactly like what it is: new and anonymous.

Easily replaceable. Never familiar. Easily forgotten.

This isn’t to say there aren’t brands out there laying down the foundation for a new wave of vintage apparel to surface in the next 20 or so years. There are so many great brands ensuring their garments are crafted with a quality that will stand the test of time, hoping that one day, they too will be sought after pieces. As we love to shop second-hand, it’s cool to think about the cycle of a well-loved modern garment evolving into a vintage piece as a kind of magic we hope gets embraced more. Maybe our next post will be on those brands, but for now, we’re still enjoying the feeling of vintage sweats.

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I can’t say I really buy into resolutions so much anymore. They feel like a contract you sign with a version of yourself that doesn’t yet exist and then punish yourself for not becoming fast enough. Really the problem I have with them is they tend to be unrealistic in that they’re not sustainable.

What I have been buying into is calibration.
Small, thoughtful adjustments. Clearing static. Paying attention to the habits, patterns, and conveniences that slowly soften your relationship to what you actually want, not completely, but usually just enough to dull it.

So instead of promising to overhaul my life in January, , I spent some time looking back at 2025. Looking at what didn’t quite feel right about my habits, environment, or behavior (probably important to note, but this is based on what I can control, not what’s out of my control.) And this year I’m replacing the word resolution with reset.

Although those words can share some overlap, to me ‘reset’ feels more forgiving. Similar to a routine, it’s something you can return to, rather than succeed or fail at. This week I’m replacing our regular series The Risette List with The Reset List. In honor of ‘forgoing’ the in/out or resolution list, and instead a collection of gentle but meaningful re-patternings and objects we feel that can support them.

Not a “new me.”
A more honest one.

Here’s what I’m resetting as I step into 2026:

1. Welcome Mat Treat the threshold of your home with the power it deserves. Refreshing the first thing you see when you leave and return can be an easy reminder of the ‘reset’ you are welcoming into your life.

2. Mushroom Coffee We bought a bag from a local shop last year and have yet to use it, we love espresso so when it comes to ditching it we tend to forgo that. But this year we’re excited to ‘reset’ our palette and dive into this new flavor.

3. Stretch
   Whether it’s after a workout or within other aspects of your life, like saying the honest thing a little sooner or asking for help before it’s too late. To stretch is to create room where you usually tighten.

4. A Record Player Listen to whole albums, front to back, as a reminder that some things are meant to be experienced in full arcs, not fragments. Sure, this can be done with streaming, but the record player comes with the forcing function.

5. Glass Cleaner This one came from to “Clean your entry mirror to clarify your vision for the new year.” Which we took to and cleaned every mirror in our home on the 31st.

6. Matching Pitcher & Cups this one goes with #9, but the sentiment here is to open your home more to friends and family. Let go of only inviting someone in when expected weeks in advance and bring back causal drop-ins. And having a pitcher set is great for those casual hosting times on the fly.

7. Retire One Convenience That Has Become a Crutch
   We are living in an age of instant fulfillment. And while I love ease, I’ve noticed that too much convenience slowly dissolves your relationship to effort, to place, to people, to time. This reset is to intentionally remove one of these convenience habits (even for just one time). These could be:

   1. Walking into your local shop for body lotion instead of tapping Amazon.

   2. Sitting inside your favorite take-out spot and ordering from a human instead of your phone.

8. Red LED Mask Next to dry brushing, this is our favorite thing to commit to weekly and truly feels like a ‘reset’ even after just 10 minutes! A reminder that healing can be passive, too.

9. Less Going Out
   Not isolation, but invitation. If your default is meeting at a bar, try hosting. Light a candle. Put a record on. Make a simple drink. Let conversations unfold. Let your home become a place that holds people.

What are you doing to reset this year?

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1. Cassis and Cardmom Milk Jellies From comes the most fun recipe for the holidays (and beyond).

2. Cherry Red Papers from Sackville & Co. in a perfect holiday red printed with cherries. Made from 100% Orangic Rice Paper, these papers are thin and slow burning.

3. Rhinestone Stickers from Free People, a fun way to add a touch of sparkle to your holiday stationary, gifts, and whatever else!

4. Cable Jewerly How great is this extenison cord? Perfect for your holiday tree lights and great for everyday use!

5. Greentree Home Everyday Tapers in Red, of course.

6. Simone Cashmere Whipstitch Scarf from Lelet NY. Made in Italy from 100% pure cashmere, making it the perfect layer for cooler days ahead. The color-blocked whipstitch trim adds a fun edge and it’s made to order, meaning less waste.

7. Espresso Coffee Maker by Richard Sapper for Alessi. We are huge fans of anything that comes from Alessi, always timeless and well designed. This one is actually the first espresso coffee maker in Alessi's history, but also the first of several Compasso d'Oro awards and the first Alessi item exhibited at the MOMA in New York.

8. Casa Bosques Chocolate “Allow each bite to take you on a journey through the sensual and sacred, intoxicated by the decadent flavours of rich cacao and organic cane sugar, garnished with the unexpected flake of pure sea salt.” Yum!

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The art of finding the perfect gift doesn’t need to be something big but instead maybe something small. Or rather, maybe thinking small is buying big, and by this we mean ‘shopping’ small. Those artisanal boutiques and little finds that, trust me, always make for the best gifts because they come with their own little backstory.

We’ve scoured (well, scrolled furiously) for hours, to put together our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. And as with any gift guide we put on here, we try to do always is lean towards things that feel a bit exclusive, not like the ‘velvet rope’ type of exclusive or cost exclusive, but the sort that says, “I found this and thought of you immediately.” We like each item to hold a charm that goes beyond the physical, gifts that feel both personal and a bit unexpected.

While we aim to make our Gift Guides always intentional (along with everything we hope to share with you), isn’t technically about being 'intentional’ but rather highlighting small businesses, which in a way is kinda intentional. So, with holiday gifting season still in full-swing, we hope maybe we’ll pursued you to shop small. Here’s 25 small business picks from our gift guide. Because, around the holidays, we could all do with less hassle and more ease.

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1. Natural Agate Stone Eye Patches

Not only are these natural stone eye patches beautiful on there own, but they serve a ‘beauty’ purpose as well. The smooth stones offering a cooling relief, perfect for calming puffy eyes after late nights (or early mornings).

2. Acupressure Relaxation Mat

Not fancy, not fussy, just lie down and let it work. Great for relaxing muscles when you’re sore or run-down (holiday season, wink wink). It’s practical and kind of genius.

3. Ceramic Box by Edith Beurskens

A sculptural little box that’s perfect for everyday use. Handmade, simple, and somehow very calming to look at.

4. Viola Vessel from Hattie Molloy

Not only is Hattie Molloy known for her more like ‘art’ than flower arrangements, but this Australian florist also makes artful vessels, like the Viola Vessel. This muli-purpose vase has a pre drilled hole at the base to hold your favorite incense or add in a flower frog to use as a vase.

5. Chainstitched Canvas Ranch Hat by Wythe

Wythe was born from a search for the soulful staples of classic Americana, the oxfords, pearl snaps, and sweatshirts once worn by icons like Miles Davis, James Dean, and Paul Newman. Today they reimagine those heirloom pieces with modern fit and lasting quality, ready to be treasured and passed on.

6. The Hot Sauce by CAP Beauty

From one of our favorite brands comes something unexpected, a hot sauce packed with adaptogens and superfoods for a flavorful kick and a wellness boost. It’s the multitasking pantry staple you didn’t know you needed!

7. The Chateau Coaster by L&Clay Ceramics

Artist Lesley Boerio combines text with ceramics to create bold and striking vessels that are as practical as they are beautiful, making a vibrant statement in any home. This coaster features the famous Chateau Marmont logo.

8. Universal Balm by Monastery Made

Dry hands, chapped lips, flaky skin, sound familar this season? Well this balm fixes it all. Plus, it’s chic silver tube looks great on your counter or in your bag.

9. Matcha Tempo from Cafe Matcha

For your matcha-loving friends (or for you, let’s be honest). It’s smooth, energizing, and a little ritual in a cup.

10. BB Cup Holder by Tanchen Studio

It’s cool and turns your to-go cup into a piece of art, what more is there to say?

11. Bread Bag by Jolene Bakery

Because every loaf deserve a little love. This soft, beeswax breathable bag keeps it fresher, longer and it’s biodegradable.

12. Chuncho Drinking Cacao by Loco Love

Gold Sun Discs of 100% pure wildcrafted Chuncho Urushayhua cacao. One of the world’s most aromatically rich varieties, it’s a grounding daily ritual. More than a drink, it’s a gentle, uplifting alternative to coffee, offering focus, warmth and a quiet glow. An ode to light, brewed in a cup.

13. Massager Comb by The Wax Apple

This comb looks beautiful sitting on your counter and it’s practical. It’s relaxing, good for circulation, and kind of addicting once you’ve tried it.

14. Abel Fragrance Gift Set

I can’t stand perfumes that don’t last. Abel has recently reforumated all their scents, keeping them 100% natural but just made to last longer.

15. Car Fragrance by Olauto

Speaking of scents comes the new kind, made for your car. Scents that unfold gradually over 3+ months with layered notes that feel elevated and atmospheric.

16. Sheepskin Cap by Cawley Studio

A classic, that’s cozy and cool all at once. Seriously wearable for cold days or just lounging around.

17. Knit Cardigan by Found Store

This cardigan is warm but doesn’t make you feel bulky. It’s one of those forever pieces, and it looks good with anything.

18. Espresso Cup by Cedar Mountain Potters

We picked up this espresso cup on our recent trip to Maine. We loved the sculptural nature of this piece, it’s practical and lovely enough to keep out on your counter for your daily rituals.

19. Radish Tote Bag by Chateau Orlando

The Chateau Orlando x Café Deco collaboration tote salutes several of Café Deco’s iconic dishes including fresh radishes and egg mayonnaise. Café Deco is a bar, restaurant and wine shop, the very good food (by Anna Tobias) makes at Café Deco simple and honest, a celebration of the best available produce, clean flavours and unfussy plating. A spot on our list to visit one day.

20. Spiral #1 by Serena Mitnik Miller

For the person who loves a good decor moment, this understated print is an instant upgrade to a bookshelf or entryway.

21. Palo Alto Sticks from Walden

We’ve use palo alto sticks everyday, and never get tired of it’s highly aromatic scent. These from Walden are sustainably wild harvested from the Forests of Peru.

22. Coasters from Casa Oleo

Known for their quality pajamas, comes the perfect gifting moment, coasters. Made from the same material and prints as their pajamas.

23. Exfoliating Soap Block by OEM

An exfoliating body soap with a refreshing hinoki scent and juniper harvested from the high desert. From OEM, which just reaching their vision page makes us want to purchase every product.

24. Wellness Membership by Doing Well

The Doing Well Membership from health coach is something that I think we end up on our gift guide every year. I’ve been following her since 2017, and have always recommended her to friends and family. The membership is packed with practical advice you can actually implement, even just recommending to follow her instagram account is a gift in itself.

25. Tea Solstice by Gohar World

A tea blend that feels thoughtful and grounding for the holiday season from Gohar World. As noted on their webiste “Tea time signifies a much-needed pause from everyday life, and, similar to the Gohar World philosophy, a ritual of coming together. In collaboration with Artment.Dep, we created these restorative teas to slow down, recharge, and connect with our local community.”

We may earn some money if you make a purchase through one of the links above. Content is the single most important aspect on this substack and affiliates are never given preferential treatment.

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I’ll be home for Christmas... but at what cost to your wellbeing?

Every year, holiday travel feels like a marathon we didn’t sign up for. There are flight delays, unexpected schedule changes, chaotic crowds, and the looming stress of making it home in time for the gathering. Traveling this time of year can be a mess. And between skipped meals, indulgent holiday treats, and days spent sitting in cars or planes, it’s way too easy to let all your healthy habits fall apart. Despite these challenges, with a little planning and mindful approach, staying well doesn’t have to be a casualty of your travels. As we prepare for a 6 hour drive tomorrow we felt this seemed like the perfect time to share what works for us, here are the tips that have helped us to not completely abandon our wellbeing when on the move.

1. Bring Your Own Food (Well Most of It)

There have been years when we’ve just winged it and relied entirely on whatever our travels had to offer. Regrets? Not really, but it did make the trip a bit difficult. Instead of leaving your nutrition up to chance, use this as an opportunity to set yourself up for success, and pack (some of) your own food.

We love giving our take-out containers a second-life, these and they are perfect when traveling (we particularly love the one our egg-drop soup comes in for this). Or if you buy your greens in packaging, hold onto it the week you travel or just make a salad out of what you have letfover. Even just putting together a bag of cut veggies can set you up. Not only does packing your own food save you time and money, but you’re way less likely to feel sluggish or regretful after eating something healthy.

Tip: If you’re flying, make sure whatever you pack is TSA-compliant and won’t get confiscated, also be prepared to get stopped. From experience we’ve had them question our chia pudding, but it still made it through.

Another great option for travel days is powdered packets. We love this broth brand for a easy nourishing sip while on the go. And for those moments when the road offers crappy gas station coffee, consider packing a few of these matcha sticks from CAP Beauty. For both options all you need a cup of hot water, which you can get anywhere (even on the plane). A travel-friendly way to keep you feeling well while out of your normal routine.

2. You Need More Water Than You Think

Why is traveling during winter so dehydrating? Between plane air, not drinking enough water, and being distracted by chaos, I end up dry and tired if I’m not careful. I used to make the mistake of not drinking much water while traveling (mostly to avoid having to run to the restroom), but now I always have water bottle and use it constantly. Whether your bring one yourself or purchase one first thing after security, it’s the easiest step you can take towards staying well. Hydration isn’t just good for avoiding headaches or jet lag, it also helps your skin look less blah after a long day of travel.

3. Move Around When You Can

Long flights and car rides are rough on your body. When you sit for hours you end up stiff and (if you’re me) honestly a little cranky. What helps? Move around when you can. If you’re on a long plane ride, take little walks up and down the aisle or stretch while you’re waiting for the bathroom. We found that even just lightly shaking your legs while seated helps. My husband has also taken to a simple practice of periodically tightening and releasing specific muscles. It’s a quiet, intentional way to encourage blood flow, keeping stiffness in his back and neck at bay. And for a kill two birds with one stone moment if you stay hydrated it by default forces you to get up for bathroom breaks. Then if you’re on the road, make a point when you stop at rest areas (again for bathroom breaks from staying hydrated) and do a light stretch. Talk about balanced wellness!

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4. Maintain Your Glow

This goes again goes hand-and-hand with staying hydrated (hence why we noted it as ‘if you do anything do this’. Drinking enough water is key during the winter months and while traveling, and the same goes for your skin, keep it hydrated. Opt for richer moisturizers and facial oils that will keep you skin feeling well.

It’s about having basic but effective skincare. For example, I’ll always 1. cleanse my face, 2. use a trusty moisturizer (one with hyaluronic acid is ideal), and, 3. for travel use a facial oil for even more hydration. But if you’re someone who’s skin doesn’t react well to rich lotion or oil, there are other great hydration serums that are lighter on the skin. In the end, it doesn’t have to be elaborate, just do something so you don’t end up feeling BLAH.

5. Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Sleep is where I tend to lose big during holiday trips. There’s always something: late-night packing, early morning flights, or trying to sleep upright on planes (impossible). Adjusting your sleep schedule a night or two ahead of your trip can really help and your body will thank you later. If you’re flying or driving long distances, pack a travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs, thye’ll make a quick nap much easier. Plus are great to have on hand if you have trouble sleeping anywhere that isn’t your own bed. Even if you can’t get your usual amount of sleep, a quick nap can help you feel way more refreshed and less grumpy when you finally get to your destination.

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Safe travels this holiday season!

We may earn some money if you make a purchase through one of the links above. Content is the single most important aspect on this substack and affiliates are never given preferential treatment.

Hot Take: If you’re a guest you shouldn’t bring something unless they specifically ask.

Maybe that feels rude, but let us explain.

Hosting any kind of gathering, big or small, is a labor of love. It’s an act of curation, they’re balancing details and specific moods. So while a well-meaning bouquet or a simple bottle of wine might seem thoughtful, it can unintentionally shift the vibe.

Take for example, you bring flowers and next thing you see is the host scrambling to find a vase (since you figured they have plenty of vases, which even if they do, that’s not the point). Or maybe you bring a bottle of wine, unfortunately the host isn’t familiar with the kind you brought and now has to awkwardly decide whether or not to serve it, since their own choices have already been perfectly paired with the food they prepared for the evening. I mean we’ve all seen the kitchen corner filled with unopened bottles or the counter stacked with random desserts, all brought by thoughtful guests. But as lovely as the sentiment is, we always feel if they host didn’t ask for it, then don’t bring it.

Now where does that leave you? After all we just noted how much time and effort can go into even the smallest of gatherings? How could you not bring something to show your gratitude?

Well, here’s how we see it. What if instead of arriving with something that needs attention in the moment, you showed up with something for them for another time? And no we’re talking about home decor or artwork (because I’m not sure I can handle seeing cocktail napkins on a hostess gift list one more time). Instead let’s make host gifts less about what accents the evening and more about what nourishes the day after. Here’s our list of gifts we feel hosts actually want or at least the ones we’d want.

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01. Coffee

Since they host didn’t ask for something they needed for the evening, instead lend them a helping hand for the next day. When considering a gift for another time, why not think about the morning after. In the morning light of a eventful evening, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a cup of morning coffee. There’s stillness mixed with remnants of the night before, maybe a stray wine glass forgotten on the counter. It’s in these moments that something as simple as a cup of coffee can feel like a true gift of gratitude. Whether they’re a coffee, matcha or tea drinker, gift them with something they can sip and enjoy the next morning.

For this we recommend skipping your grocery store and instead stopping by your local coffee shop for a bag. You can pair this with a handwritten note reminding them of joy they created the night before.

Tip: If you aren’t sure they have a grinder at home, ask for them to be pre-ground.

02. Candles

Okay, we’ll admit this one makes it rounds on the hostess gift list(s), but we kept them on ours because they’re practical. But if you’re considering this gift, maybe make sure they actually use candles in their space. Have you ever noticed the luminous glow of tapers throughout their home during gatherings? Maybe your hostess has a signature scent? For this gift we like to think of it as replenishing their stock, not reinventing their space.

Candles are meant to be enjoyed and then they’re gone. So there’s no worry about them becoming clutter or a burden for the host. We also love this category for gifting something the host might not splurge on themselves, like a bougie candle. But if you’re unsure about your host’s tastes, it’s best to go simple. A box of unscented votives or tapers neatly tied with a ribbon is a great go-to. The act of replenishing their stock is an intimate gesture that won’t go unnoticed.

03. Matches

Matches also fall into that rare category of gifts that are universally useful and always something anyone needs on hand. Another practical gift they’ll always use at another time is this. Not only do they serve a functional purpose for everyone but they can also be quite cool. Tied with a ribbon and with a handwritten note about the igniting of joy and warmth within their home, and you have a great gesture. This goes without saying but can also complement the candle gift perfectly.

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04. Pain Relievers

As we all know, whether booze is involved or not, a festive evening can make the next day difficult. Maybe your host is known for having the best cocktails? Or perhaps you’ve shared a morning hangover with them before? Bringing a thoughtful package of pain relievers can be a humorous yet genuinely appreciated gesture. You could fill a little bag with milk thistle tea for liver support, and ginger chews for an uneasy stomach, or wellness shots made with turmeric, ginger, and coconut water. Green juice would also be an amazing gift, espeically if your host is like us and has one as part of their daily routine. It would save them the work (and mess) of making one the next day when they might be more exhausted. This one shows you care about the human aspect of celebration, not just the fun.

05. Magazines

For a more leisurely day following the night’s festivities, we personally love an excuse to slow down with a magazine. Family Style, or Apartamento Magazine have been among our favorites at the moment. Gift one that mirrors their interests or vibe, and try to think about what you think they might enjoy. And if you arrive and see the latest issue of what you brought sitting on their coffee table, you can just encourage them to repurpose it through collage, or maybe give it to someone else they know would enjoy it. We love this as a gift since it’s a nod to their personal taste.

For more gift ideas, we’ve curated an entire guide to help you give intentionally.

Holiday Gift Guides

I’ve always loved the art of gifting and finding the best gift for someone, whether it was selecting something from their registry that expressed our relationship with each other or sourcing it myself, it’s always brought me joy. Gift guides were actually one of the many reasons I wanted to start RISETTE back in 2022. As we began to figure out what we wanted this platform to be, it always came back to this notion: to inspire mindful living. I’ve always felt there is a strong connection between design and wellness, maybe it’s because our backgrounds are in art and design, but these two worlds always seemed deeply intertwined. And that’s really what our gift guides are about, well-designed items for mindful living.

Every item in our guide has been chosen not just for its beauty but for its ability to weave into the lives of those you love, enhancing everyday moments and in return their wellbeing. To avoid overwhelming your inbox, we’ve decided to move our curated gift guides over to risetteco.com. Our selection is organized into five categories: beauty & wellness gifts, gifts for her, gifts for him, food & drink gifts, and gifts for home: each designed to be flexible and somewhat interchangeable.

With the flood of gift guides and the increasing push towards (bad) consumerism, the art of gift-giving can loose it’s purpose. When looking through ours and others, maybe think beyond the box? Speaking both figuratively and literally. Think of our guide not just as a shopping list but as a source of inspiration. Let it prompt you to consider the persons in your life, from their tastes, stories, and how a particular gift might bring joy to their everyday. After all, isn’t the true art of gift-giving found in the thoughtful matchmaking of a gift to its recipient?

RISETTE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

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We spent a week in Maine recently and the whole experience reminded me how much travel can actually ground you, outside of just being a break from your everyday. Being in this new place, especially with fall settling in, everything felt so different and almost unreal. We’ve been wanting to start this new series for some time, and our trip to Maine truly revealed itself through the five senses, each one sparked something worth remembering. This post isn’t so much a travel guide, but a reminder to notice. An excuse to pause and enjoy the way the world reveals itself when you’re really paying attention. Here’s what stuck with us.

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1. Grace Turtleneck by Gil Rodriguez, this has to be my new favorite find. Not only is it completely practical, but it’s so chic (it was inspired by a piece in Grace Kelly’s wardrobe afterall). Worn as either an oversized turtleneck or a hood. Side note: Gil Rodrigues founder, Eliana, just started a substack, called that’s worth a look if you haven’t come across it yet.

2. Culter and Gross Sunglasses I’ve wrongfully trained my eyes to be sensitive to the sun from wearing sunglasses all the time, but honestly, I’ve always loved how they complete an outfit. That being said I’m always looking to add to my collection and love this secondhand find from the RealReal.

3. Buy Good Things 🔁 Use for a Long Time, with the holiday season approaching I think this is the perfect time to share this as a gentle reminder.

4. A large, wraparound scarf has been on my mind lately, especially as we’ve been traveling so much. It’s the one kind of scarf I don’t seem to have in my closet. The Whit Scarf from Baserange is made from 95% recycled cashmere, and currently on my list.

5. All-in-One Face Oil I still remember the Goop Day Moisturizer fondly, it was a staple, my skin always felt so soft and glowy. Unfortunately, I haven’t found anything that compares since it left their lineup. With the colder months ahead, I love a good face oil and while I’m partial to living libations, remembering the day moisturizer has me wanting to give the all-in-one face oil a try.

6. Alex Eagle’s recent collab with J.Crew had us looking back at her Murano Mosaic Glasses. Each Glass is one-off, making them a practical work of art.

7. Crinkle Tray by Josh Page Studio A tray is as practical as it gets, we all need them, and if you’re as fond of organization as I am, you probably have more than a few. When it comes to practically we like to find beauty and these do it for us.

8. Manolo Blahnik Leather Mini Bag As unpractical as a mini bag may seem, they can actually be quite practical forcing you to only carry the essentials. Where its petite size is actually its strength, nudging you towards simplicity.

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Next week we’ll be out of the office as we head to Maine, and I couldn’t be more excited. The thought of crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy layers that has me ready to relive those embodiments of fall. Of course, we love living in Charleston, but fall here feels different. While the temperatures have started to cool, it just doesn’t quite match the autumn we grew up with in the Midwest. Fall was like stepping into a postcard of warm colors and crisp air that begs for a bonfire. We’re so ready for Maine to give us some of that nostalgic beauty. In the meantime, take a look at what’s been inspiring us lately through wellness, style and design.

I’ve been seeing this sunflowers everywhere and I can’t say I mind. The green and brown combination is so stunning and perfect for fall. Speaking of that earthy palette, I came across these Ancient Greek Satin Mules, that feel like a gentle ode to something classic yet effortlessly modern, perfect for an elevated fall shoe.

CAP Beauty is one of those places we turn to for everyday staples from beauty to pantry, and their Hojicha has been on our radar for a while now. It’s noted warm, roasted flavor that feels just right for fall. Made from organic Japanese tea leaves, it’s naturally low in caffeine, which makes it perfect for slowing down and savoring the season. Whether whisked into hot water or blended into a cozy latte, it’s the kind of simple pleasure we’ve been craving as the days grow shorter and cooler.

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Soft pretzels are a guilty pleasure, something I love year-round, but they’re of course vert inherently fall.

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1. Shortwave Dish Rack Life’s little inconveniences have a way of becoming part of our daily rhythm, like our dishwasher, which sighed its last breath three weeks ago. Ever since, our trusty drying rack has come off the shelf. Having it sitting on our counters makes us long for a more artful one like this one from HAY.

2. Ball Measuring Tape I stumbled upon this recommendation in the latest post from Mixed Bag featuring guest Maria Rybina. She shared a tape measure she keeps in her bag, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Cool and practical, it’s one of those small, unassuming tools you don’t realize how much you needed until it’s in your hands.

3. Olauto brings artistry to the everyday with their uniquely designed car fragrances. Each scent is crafted with the intent to soothe the spirit and uplift the mood, transforming every car journey into a serene escape.

4. HydraMist+ Hyaluronic Acid Spray from Grown Alchemist If you been following us you know Grown Alchemist has been a favorite of ours for years, and I recently rolled the dice on this mist and I’m so glad I did. It feels like a breathe of fresh air for your skin throughout the day.

5. Sepia Collection The new ‘sepia’ glaze color from East Fork Pottery (if you don’t know them, you should) feels like home, it’s like earthiness handcrafted into tangible warmth.

6. The Pilates Sock The cool-girl pilates socks are now here and they’re from COMME SI.

7. I’ve spent endless hours thinking about how design and wellness are intertwined and this is a great example. This comes together beautifully with 12 Matcha in NYC. It’s not just their clean, appealing branding (by Base Design) or the quality matcha, it’s everything they stand for.
   

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