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For as long as I can remember, my daughter and I talked about taking a mother-daughter trip to Italy. The destinations and hotels changed more times than I can count, but the dream stayed the same. She’s turning sixteen, I just turned fifty, and before life gets even busier for both of us, we carved out a week together in Italy before meeting up with my husband and our two sons in Spain.

What followed was two weeks of boat days, long lunches, beautiful hotels, incredible meals, one unforgettable Calvin Harris concert, and a destination I still can’t stop thinking about.

Sorrento

We started in Sorrento and used Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria as our home base for four nights. Perched above the sea in the heart of town, it somehow feels tucked away from all the activity below. What I loved most was being able to walk everywhere while still feeling removed from the crowds. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional, and the concierge team made every reservation, transfer, and boat day feel effortless.

We booked a sea-view suite, which was beautiful, but if I were planning this trip again, I’d probably save the money and book one of the standard rooms. They’re generous in size with lovely views, and you’re surrounded by that incredible coastline from breakfast until sunset anyway.

Speaking of breakfast, this was one of the best hotel breakfasts of the trip. Every morning began in a grand ballroom overlooking the water with more options than anyone could possibly need. It was the kind of breakfast that made you linger far longer than intended.

Our first full day was spent exploring Positano and Ravello with a private driver arranged through the hotel. I know people debate whether hiring a driver on the Amalfi Coast is worth it, but after experiencing it firsthand, I wouldn’t do it any other way. The roads are winding, parking is difficult, and letting someone else handle the logistics allows you to simply enjoy the day.

The standout reservation was lunch at Carlino at Il San Pietro, which ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. The setting is spectacular, with dramatic views of the coastline, but unlike some restaurants that rely solely on location, the food completely delivered. Order the Pasta Nerano. It was one of the best dishes I had all trip.

Il San Pietro itself may have convinced me that I need to come back and stay there next time. Between the property, the views, and the tennis court perched above the cliffs, it felt like one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.

The following day we chartered a boat through Vittoria Services with the most wonderful crew and spent the afternoon exploring the coastline from the water. If you’re deciding where to splurge on the Amalfi Coast, this would be it. The views from land are beautiful, but seeing the coastline from the water is something entirely different.

We stopped for lunch at Conca del Sogno, which absolutely lived up to the hype. Boats pulled in all afternoon, music played, people lingered over lunch for hours, and the atmosphere had that unmistakable Amalfi Coast energy everyone hopes to find. The food was good, but not nearly as memorable as the setting. I’d happily return, but for the experience more than the menu.

One of the most unexpectedly fun days in Sorrento was spent at Maya Beach. The easiest way to describe it is European beach club energy done right. A beautiful setting, a great DJ, good cocktails, an amazing burger, and just enough energy without ever feeling over the top. It was one of those afternoons where you suddenly realize hours have passed without checking your phone once.

Our dinners in Sorrento were equally memorable. At Antica Trattoria, my daughter ordered the Pasta al Limone with Shrimp served inside a lemon, and immediately declared it her favorite meal of the trip.

At Terrazza Bosquet, we opted for the tasting menu. The meal was long, ambitious, and beautifully executed, but the thing we still talk about is the lemon bread and butter that arrived near the beginning. It sounds ridiculous to single out bread and butter from a tasting menu, but if you’ve had it, you’ll understand.

Dinner on the terrace at La Pergola at sunset was dreamy, and no trip to Sorrento is complete without gelato from Raki.

Florence

After four nights, we boarded the train to Florence. If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking Executive or Business class. The extra space, larger luggage storage, and added peace of mind made it well worth it. We had several large suitcases, and they simply wouldn’t have fit comfortably in the standard cars.

We checked into Helvetia & Bristol and opted to stay in the Helvetia side which truly captured the old world charm of Florence in a rich red velvet clad suite. The location was perfect, the rooms were beautiful, breakfast was delicious, and the entire property felt polished without ever feeling stuffy. It was the kind of hotel that made coming back after a day of wandering feel like part of the experience, not just a place to sleep.

Rather than trying to see everything, we spent most of our time wandering. We explored Via de’ Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, Via del Parione, and the streets of Oltrarno, stopping whenever a shop, gallery, or café caught our attention. Some of my favorite travel days are the ones without an agenda, and Florence rewarded that approach beautifully.

We grabbed lunch at Gusto Pizza, which is an absolute must, but the meal that stands above every other for me happened at Trattoria Cammillo. I ordered the meat tortellini in cream sauce with an arugula salad and can confidently say I’d plan another trip around eating them again. If someone told me I could only have one meal from this entire trip for the rest of my life, this would probably be it.

Followed by aperitifs with a stunning view at Terrazza Cosimo Rooftop, we had an excellent dinner at Trattoria Garga. The dark dining room, great music, and exceptional cacio e pepe made it feel completely different from Cammillo, which is exactly why I loved both.

Mallorca

From Florence, we flew to Mallorca. This is where the story takes an unexpected turn because while Italy was everything I’d hoped it would be, Mallorca completely stole my heart.

We checked into Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and immediately fell in love with it. The design reminded me of Europe meeting the Hamptons in the best possible way. It felt relaxed yet polished, sophisticated without ever being formal. The concierge team was phenomenal, the breakfast was phenomenal, and the location made Palma incredibly easy to explore on foot.

One unexpected bonus was the room setup for our three kids. The hotel arranged a triplex-style configuration that gave each of them their own space while still keeping them together, and it worked perfectly.

Palma itself surprised me. It’s elegant without feeling precious, lively without feeling chaotic, and incredibly walkable. We spent hours wandering through the streets, popping into shops and cafés, and immediately understood why so many people fall in love with it.

The next day we chartered a lovely boat and crew through Aloha Charter and much like the Amalfi Coast, I wouldn’t skip this experience. The water was stunning, the coastline was beautiful, and it turned into one of those perfect vacation days where nobody checked the time and nobody wanted it to end.

Lunch was at Besso Beach Club. The food wasn’t the reason to go—the atmosphere was. It was lively, fun, and exactly what we wanted after a morning on the water.

The following day we drove to Deià, and this was the moment Mallorca completely won me over. There are places you enjoy visiting, and then there are places that make you imagine a different version of your life. Deià was the latter. The combination of mountains, sea views, stone buildings, winding roads, olive trees, and impossibly beautiful scenery felt almost surreal. By the end of the afternoon, I found myself saying I could genuinely picture growing old there one day, with grandchildren coming to visit every summer.

After a long hike, we had a rewarding lunch at Ca’s Patró March. It was one of the hardest reservations to get and absolutely worth the effort. The fish was incredibly fresh, the vegetables were simple and perfect, and the setting is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest. A quick stop into the most beautiful pottery shop, Dora Good Ceramics, perfectly completed the afternoon and I adore the pieces I purchased that currently adorn my kitchen table.

That evening we checked into La Residencia. If Mallorca stole my heart, La Residencia became the symbol of everything I loved about it.

Sant Francesc and La Residencia are both wonderful hotels, but they serve entirely different purposes. Sant Francesc is the perfect city hotel. La Residencia is an experience. The setting is breathtaking, the pool service was some of the best we’ve experienced anywhere, and every detail felt thoughtful without ever feeling forced. I only wish we’d stayed longer.

Dinner was at El Olivo. The setting was extraordinary. The tasting menu was not. Several of the courses felt overly complicated, and the meal never justified its price point. If I return—and I absolutely plan to—I would spend the evening there again but skip the tasting menu entirely. I’d order à la carte, have a cocktail at sunset, and simply enjoy the surroundings.

The next day we visited Bodega Son Vich de Superna for a wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard. This quietly became one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Beautiful scenery, excellent wine, delicious bites, and a slower pace than many of the more famous attractions. It felt authentic, relaxed, and completely unforced.

A few Mallorca restaurants deserve a special mention. Sp•t became one of our favorite casual dinners thanks to the tapas, croquettes, lively crowd, and beautiful interiors. Merchants is a classic steakhouse in a chic setting serving incredible desserts, and La Malvasia was another standout. The mini tacos, tapas, and local atmosphere made it feel completely different from the polished hotel restaurants, and we loved it for exactly that reason.

Ibiza

From Mallorca we flew to Ibiza. And if Mallorca was the surprise favorite, Ibiza was probably the most complicated destination of the trip.

We stayed at Nobu Ibiza Bay. The beach and pool were both lovely. Unfortunately, everything else felt underwhelming. The service was inconsistent, and the food never lived up to expectations. After experiences like La Residencia, Sant Francesc, Helvetia & Bristol, and Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, it simply didn’t measure up. If I return to Ibiza, I’d most likely stay at Six Senses instead.

Fortunately, Ibiza delivered in plenty of other ways.

Blue Marlin was enormously fun. The atmosphere was exactly what we’d hoped for and ended up being one of our favorite afternoons on the island.

Dinner at Casa Maca was worth booking for the setting alone. The sunset views are beautiful, and the atmosphere feels distinctly Ibiza without trying too hard.

But our favorite meal on the island was Jul’s. Everything felt fresh, inventive, and thoughtful. As we arrived, we watched the chef gathering herbs from the garden just outside the restaurant, which felt like the perfect reflection of the meal that followed.

The highlight of Ibiza—and arguably one of the highlights of the entire trip—was Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa.

We managed to secure a room overlooking the stage, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip. The room functioned like a private box at a sporting event. We had security, incredible views, and the freedom to move between the room and general admission whenever we wanted. Important note: be sure to bring all of your passports for check-in as they are extremely strict!

The concert itself was incredible and one of those nights I’ll remember for a very long time.

Final Thoughts

It was one of those trips that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

Italy provided the mother-daughter trip we’d talked about for years. Mallorca introduced me to a destination I can’t stop thinking about, and one I’ll spend years trying to return to. I’m already planning the next one…

If you have any questions while planning your own trip, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I'm always happy to share more details. If you’re looking for links to what we packed, you can find them here: Italy Outfits and here: Spain Outfits.

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There are certain recipes that quietly become part of your life. They aren’t flashy or complicated, but somehow they end up on the table again and again. These Southwestern Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are one of those meals for us.

I love them because they’re hearty without feeling heavy, which is exactly what I’m craving this time of year. They can be made ahead, they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day, and paired with nothing more than a simple green salad, dinner is done.

It’s the kind of meal I often make on a Sunday so we have something nourishing waiting in the fridge for busy weekdays. The flavors only seem to get better after a night in the refrigerator.

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Southwestern Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound baby spinach

• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained (reserve the liquid)

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• ¾ cup uncooked quinoa

• 3 large carrots, grated

• 1½ cups grated Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 4 large red bell peppers, tops sliced off and seeds removed

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin and garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add the spinach and drained tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts and most of the liquid has evaporated.

3. Stir in the black beans, quinoa, grated carrots, and 2 cups water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender.

4. Fold in 1 cup of the cheese and season with salt and pepper.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour the reserved tomato liquid into the bottom of a baking dish.

6. Fill each pepper generously with the quinoa mixture and arrange them upright in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.

7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops, and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

8. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon a little of the pan juices over each pepper and serve with a crisp green salad.

If you make these, I'd love to know what you think. They're one of those dependable recipes that somehow feel just as perfect for a quiet night as they do for serving friends around the table.

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Some traditions just stick. My mom clipped this Cadbury pie recipe from a Family Circle magazine sometime in the ‘70s, and we’ve made it every Fourth of July ever since. Somehow, after all these years, it’s still the first thing to disappear.

It’s a no-bake, five-minute-to-assemble kind of pie — and true to its name, it really does need to be Cadbury.

Cadbury Pie

Ingredients

• 2 bars Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate (it must be Cadbury!)

• 1 (16 oz) tub Cool Whip

• 1 Keebler Ready Crust (or homemade graham cracker crust)

Instructions

1. Grate one small square of chocolate and set aside for topping.

2. Melt the remaining chocolate in a double boiler, then let it cool slightly.

3. Reserve 1 cup of Cool Whip.

4. Fold the rest of the Cool Whip into the melted chocolate until smooth.

5. Pour the mixture into the crust.

6. Top with dollops of the reserved Cool Whip and sprinkle with the grated chocolate.

7. Freeze for at least 6 hours before serving.

That’s the whole thing — no oven, no fuss, and somehow it’s gone before anything else on the table every single year.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out.

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There’s always one piece that quietly becomes a uniform. This week it’s this shirt by TWP in the palest butter yellow which feels so fresh for spring. Easy, slightly oversized, and works with everything. I’ve been wearing it with white and denim, and it’s cropped just enough that I don’t need to tuck it in but still feels polished.

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2. The candle I can’t stop burning

Sometimes just one small thing shifts the whole room. This week it’s this candle by Flamingo Estate, called Prinsesstårta, and I truly cannot stop burning it. It has this chic, slightly moody blend of oak moss and amber that makes the whole house feel like the most beautiful boutique.

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3. What I’m actually using every day

Not what I bought, what I actually use. These Brilliant Earth pear and round diamond earrings have not come off. Tiny but mighty and exactly the kind of piece you can wear every day without thinking about it.

4. A small upgrade that feels like a luxury

This is one of those things that quietly makes everything better. With spring, blooms, and allergies, my new Canopy humidifier has made a real difference. The white noise setting has been amazing for sleep and it also makes my skin glow in the morning, like a subtle overnight facial. And the fact that parts are dishwasher safe just makes it easy to actually keep using.

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5. Something Stella has now claimed

I’ve actually started a little series on everything Stella takes from me, and I have to say, I feel slightly vindicated. Teenage daughters are not known for loving anything we wear or use, so the fact that she keeps taking things feels like the highest compliment. Right now it’s this Good American mocha mesh bodysuit. I love it layered under a black blazer with cream trousers, and she wears it with light wash low-rise jeans. At this point, it’s basically hers so I may need to buy another one.

The things I end up loving most are usually the ones that just fit easily into everyday life. Would love to know what you’ve been reaching for lately. Comment below.

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There is a version of travel I have fully committed to. No checked bags, no carousel waiting, and nothing to slow me down once I land.

How you pack says something about how you move through the world. I prefer to move lightly.

Traveling with less is not about sacrifice. It is its own kind of luxury. A few beautifully chosen pieces do the work of many. Every piece earns its place and moves effortlessly from a morning walk through the city to dinner that night. Skincare and makeup follow the same rule. Just the essentials.

I always tuck a soft tote inside my carry on. There are inevitably treasures. A book, a market find, something local. I like leaving room for the unexpected.

Think of this as the weekend bag I actually pack. Edited. Intentional. Never boring.

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THE SUITCASE Lightweight, beautiful, and genuinely hard working. The Antler carry-on has wheels that glide better than any I have tried, the front pocket fits my laptop so security is effortless, and the color is just chic enough to spot instantly.

THE HANDBAG A bag that softens with wear but never looks worn. The warm tan of this Toteme bag works with everything, the grained leather hides scratches, and it fits more than it looks like it should. There is a reason I own it in three colors.

THE TRAVEL OUTFIT Comfortable enough for the plane, polished enough to walk straight into lunch when I land. My Lafayette 148 pants travel beautifully, steam in minutes, and work just as hard on the ground as they do in the air. A fitted Toteme tank underneath, a cream cardigan on top. My perforated Proenza Schouler ballet flats complete the look and are breathable enough to wear all day.

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THE PACKING LIST Light, easy to roll, and fully interchangeable. I also pack my new favorite sunnies, a lightweight rain jacket that folds into nothing and a soft nightgown. They take up almost no space and I am always glad they are there.

MY TIP: On Friday night I change into what I plan to wear a version of on Saturday. It means nothing gets packed for a single use and everything works for double duty.

FRIDAY EVENING: Slim flare pants with a crisp cotton button down. Sleeves rolled, cardigan over the shoulders, a neutral heel, and my navy clutch. Navy is the neutral I always come back to. It works with both black and brown, pulls any outfit together, and the removable chain strap means it can switch from shoulder bag to clutch in seconds.

SATURDAY DAY: The same pants from Friday night with a perfectly cut white tee and my perforated flats. Friday night’s button down comes back as a layer.

SATURDAY NIGHT: These jeans, this blouse, worn with this bra, and a heel. I almost always pack jeans. Reliable, easy to dress up, and a good fallback if anything shifts.

SUNDAY: My same travel pants after a quick steam, a classic white tank, and a slim long sleeve tee for layering.

THE BEAUTY BAG A full beauty, skincare, and haircare breakdown deserves its own post, and I will do exactly that soon. For now, these are the few I never travel without.

My Remedy dark circle cream is non-negotiable, especially on travel days when skin tends to run dry. My 14th Night sea salt spray goes straight into one of these small magnetic travel pods from Cadence, which have genuinely changed the way I pack. A moisturizing tinted lip balm from La Mer does double duty: blotted on lightly for daytime, layered up for a deeper lip at night. And my Le Labo travel size perfume comes everywhere with me. Scent is the one thing I refuse to leave behind.

Travel feels better when everything you bring has a purpose and a place. This is the system that works for me every time. If you have a travel essential you never leave home without, I’d love to hear about it.

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I’ve woken up with a spring in my step. While much of the country is deep in midwinter, dealing with blizzards, slush, and fireplaces roaring, Florida is showing off after just a few chillier weeks. The sky is bright blue, the air is warm again, and I feel that familiar urge to reset.

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Lately I have been slowly turning over the house. Clearing out junk drawers. Refolding stacks of knits and jeans. Dressing beds in fresh linens. It is less about cleaning and more about clarity. A quiet refresh is my version of meditation. If you are feeling that same February restlessness, here is where I always begin.

A crisp, cool bed dressed in white is what I gravitate toward every time. Layering shades of cream and crisp white creates the calm, restorative retreat a bedroom should be. It is worth investing in good sheets. A higher thread count not only feels incredible against your skin, it wears better over time. We love to sleep on Boll and Branch Signature fitted sheets and pillowcases. They are soft, organic, and beautifully made. Quality linens, when cared for properly, truly last. Wash in cold water, remove from the dryer slightly damp, and let them air out before folding.

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I love alternating between warm creams and fresh whites, and this undyed sheet set paired with the stitched quilt from Crate and Barrel strikes that balance perfectly. The fabric is free of pigments and dyes, leaving a natural cream tone that feels understated and luxurious. The oversized channel stitch adds texture without heaviness. It is the kind of bedding that makes you want to linger a little longer in the morning. For something slightly more textured and lightweight, I also love this cotton voile quilt. It is a timeless staple and one I have used in countless client projects.

There is nothing better than a fluffy duvet folded at the end of the bed. Crate and Barrel’s Supersoft duvet cover truly lives up to its name. It is incredibly soft and best of all, resists wrinkling. I launder ours every other week, dry with wool dryer balls, and give it a quick steam if needed (this is my favorite steamer), though it rarely needs it. I also swear by a good organic cotton mattress pad. It helps regulate body temperature year round and makes the entire bed feel finished.

I will never tire of a stripe. This bedding set, inspired by the classic Oxford pinstripe shirt, brings subtle tailoring into the bedroom. When I redesigned my son’s room I chose the moss green narrow stripe from The Company Store. After countless washes, it still looks as crisp as the day I bought it. For well made bedding at a reasonable price point, it is hard to go wrong.

For something moodier, I adore the warm terracotta tone of this set from Cultiver. The textured linen adds instant depth and softness. Linen layers beautifully for spring and has that relaxed elegance I am always drawn to. If you have pets, linen is also practical. Fur does not cling the way it does to other fabrics, which makes it as functional as it is beautiful.

A bedroom does not need a full renovation to feel new. Sometimes it just needs fresh sheets, open windows, and the decision to start again.

How are you refreshing your home this Spring?

Before I ever understood design… Before I cared about silhouette or proportion or the quiet power of a perfectly cut blazer… There was my mother’s closet.

I used to sit cross-legged on the floor while she got ready for work. Her vanity was small and orderly, everything in its place. Behind me hung rows of navy and gray wool pantsuits, ivory silk blouses, sharp shoulders softened by beautiful tailoring.

She would lean toward the mirror and sweep on a deep, glossy lip that made her green eyes look even brighter. She never looked overdone, but always composed and she often wore a gold lariat that I remember being mesmerized by. It felt effortless yet intentional and to this day, I gravitate toward lariats, especially this one.

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My mother is Hungarian and she carried that quiet Eastern European elegance into everything she wore. There was nothing loud about her style. It was disciplined, refined, and completely self-possessed. Watching her was my first fashion education.

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When I was growing up, her office was near the World Trade Center. Sometimes I’d meet her downtown for lunch, and afterwards we’d walk to the shopping mecca for fashionistas in the know, Century 21. It was a treasure hunt disguised as a department store. Designers at a fraction of the price. Racks you had to work through. Hidden gems if you were willing to look. She taught me how to shop, how to scan a rack quickly, how to feel fabric without even looking at the label, and how to recognize good tailoring. You had to move fast, try on quickly, and grab the good pieces before someone else did. It wasn’t just about clothes. It was about discernment. Patience. Confidence. My mother taught me that looking polished didn’t require excess. It required intention.

The other day we filmed a little dress-up reel together. Coordinating looks, trading knits and laughing in between takes. It felt exactly like being ten years old on the closet floor again. We chose pieces that feel true to both of us: timeless, balanced and effortless. I’m linking a few of the pieces we wore below and for the full list, you can head over to my ShopMy page.

Florals: There’s something about a floral dress that feels timeless across generations. Soft, feminine, and easy. The kind of piece you reach for without overthinking. We both gravitate toward silhouettes that move when you walk and feel just as right at lunch as they do at dinner.

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Bordeaux: The color bordeaux has depth without shouting. It’s rich, flattering, and somehow feels both modern and nostalgic at the same time. We loved how grounding this color is especially paired with warm leather and simple gold.

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Navy: Navy is softer than black but just as polished. It has structure without severity, and always feels appropriate. We both love it because it’s refined but never rigid.

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Ebony & Ivory: Black and ivory never ask for attention, yet they always hold it. Clean lines, strong tailoring, and that quiet contrast that feels endlessly elegant. These are the pieces we come back to again and again.

What I realize now is that my love of getting dressed didn’t start with trends or magazines. It started with her. With watching a woman assemble herself for the day and understanding, even then, that clothing can be a quiet form of strength.

I’m not one to watch the Super Bowl. That might explain why I’m writing this almost a week after the fact and why this article has very little to do with football at all. In a house with a sports obsessed husband and two even more sports obsessed sons, Super Bowl Sunday traditionally meant one thing for me. Retreating to my room with my laptop, emerging only to make my zucchini chicken chili, and later cleaning up the evidence of whatever wings had been delivered.

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Now that both boys are away at college and my teenage daughter usually prefers her room on any given Sunday, this year felt familiar but quieter. My husband still had his wings in front of the TV, just without the usual crowd, and I joined him with a bowl of chili to watch the commercials and the halftime show. It was actually kind of nice. Low key, no chaos, just the two of us enjoying the part of the night I always liked best anyway.

In between commercials, I focused on my own sport of online shopping. February is tricky. Sale sections are picked over, spring collections are starting to appear, and yet it is still cold in most places, even Florida. It’s that strange in between where airy cotton dresses feel premature, but the idea of buying another sweater feels unnecessary. Still, there are always a few things that catch my eye. Thoughtful pieces that work now and later, or simply feel right for this moment.

Here are a few things I added to my bag this week:

A lace cami that feels effortless now layered under a black cashmere sweater with dark grey denim, but just as perfect come spring tucked into an ivory skirt with ballet flats.

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With a lot of work travel coming up, this dark taupe, beautifully grained leather bag from Toteme feels like the perfect balance of slouchy and chic. It fits everything I need and the grained leather means I do not have to worry about scratches.

I am in love with this skirt. I just ordered it and sized up one full size based on past experience with the brand, and I cannot wait to style it. The white silk side panels are so cool and it’s giving full Carolyn Bessette Kennedy energy, especially paired with a sleeveless mock turtleneck, which I picked up from them as well.

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Pointed-toe ballet flats in neutral beige with a contrasting black cap. Classic, timeless, and a forever wardrobe staple. These will sell out, so don’t wait.

The truth is I will never have enough jeans, and I will always be on the hunt for the perfect pair, even though I already own many “perfect” ones. It’s really about perfect for what, and these jeans are perfect if you’re looking for a slim-fitting boyfriend jean with an incredible vintage wash.

Back to the chili:

This is a recipe I’ve been making for years. It started as something a friend shared with me, and over time I made a few tweaks. It quickly became a weekly staple and an easy protein packed after school snack when the kids were younger. It’s quick, forgiving, and always disappears faster than I expect. I’ve included the recipe below.

Zucchini Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 3 to 4 chipotle chiles from a small can of chipotles in adobo, coarsely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon of the sauce (I usually use about half the can, depending on how much heat I want)

• 2 pounds ground chicken (dark meat or mix of dark and light)

• One 12-ounce Mexican lager-style beer

• One 14 1/2-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

• 2 medium or 3 small zucchinis chopped into small cubes

• Optional: 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

• Juice of 1 lime

• Large handful of fresh cilantro, stems removed and chopped

• Optional garnishes: Sliced scallions, sliced jalapenos, cilantro sprigs, avocado, sour cream, grated Monterey jack or sharp cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips

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Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in the tomato paste and the chipotle chile and sauce; cook 1 minute more.

4. Add the chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until the meat loses its raw color, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the beer and simmer until reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.

6. Add the tomatoes--crushing them through your fingers into the skillet--along with their juices and the zucchini and beans; bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer.

7. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 30 minutes. Turn off heat.

8. Add lime juice and cilantro as well as salt and pepper to taste.

9. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with the garnishes of your choice.

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I’ll be back next week with more of everything I actually meant to cover this time around. If there is ever something specific you would love to hear from me, please let me know. As always, thank you for being here.

Let’s have a heart to heart. Do you believe in celebrating Valentine’s Day? In South Florida, it’s taken very seriously. Restaurants book out months in advance with prix fixe menus, flower shops are overwhelmed, and everything feels dipped in pink and red. The whole place turns into one giant Hallmark card. And yet, I’ve always felt a little conflicted. I’m not here to bash Valentine’s Day. I just have a hard time calling it a holiday, and I’m not exactly sure why.

Growing up, though, it was undeniably special. Every year, my father came home on Valentine’s Day with gifts for my mother, my sister, and me. We each received a beautiful card covered in red glitter, signed with his familiar x’s and o’s, the o’s always drawn with tiny smiley faces inside. Along with the cards came Godiva chocolates. A very large box for my mom, and two smaller ones for my sister and me. Then the negotiations began. I loved the milk chocolate filled with hazelnut cream and somehow always managed to convince my little sister to trade my fruit filled pieces for it.

One year, when I was six, my parents were having our apartment painted pink, fitting timing really, and I came down with a high fever. I had to stay with my grandmother on the Upper East Side while the work was finished. I remember my dad stopping by to check on me, and that year, in addition to the sparkly card and chocolates, he handed me a small box. Despite feeling miserable, I popped right up to open it.

I was obsessed with Little House on the Prairie and had always admired the brooch Miss Beadle wore. Inside the box was a locket shaped just like the antique brooch I had imagined. When I opened it, there was a pink, strawberry scented lip gloss inside and it hung on a silver chain. It was, to my six year old self, perfection.

Years later, when I married my husband, a true romantic who actually loves giving gifts, he made one declaration early on. He doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day and refuses to be told when romance is required. Instead, he promised flowers throughout the year, just not on that one day. And to his credit, he kept that promise for a very long time, especially during our years living in New York City when we were lucky enough to have a bodega on the corner with an incredible floral selection. Weekly flowers became part of our rhythm and our home was almost always filled with them. It is still simply part of how we live.

Still, somewhere along the way, Valentine’s Day lost a bit of that childhood magic for me. It became quieter. Less sparkly. Less ceremonial. Which is why I’ve come to appreciate gifts that feel thoughtful rather than obligatory. Pieces that last, carry meaning, and become part of daily life rather than a single day.

That’s where jewelry makes sense. Jewelry holds memory. It can be sentimental without being overdone. It doesn’t wilt. It doesn’t disappear. It becomes layered into your life, worn, touched, passed down, and remembered.

A few pieces I love and love gifting

The delicate gold heart bracelet I just bought for my daughter. Sweet, timeless, and something she can wear now and forever.

A pair of earrings that feel just as right for gifting yourself as they do for someone else. And the necklace I wear almost every day, perfect on its own or layered, and one I reach for without thinking.

A charm necklace I adore, especially meaningful for a teenage daughter or close friend, where you can choose charms and build something personal over time.

And finally, my Elsa Peretti open bottle necklace from Tiffany & Co. A piece I’m always asked about and one that feels quietly perfect for Valentine’s Day. It can actually hold a tiny stem with water, which feels like a small poetic nod to love itself. I also love to layer it with this.

I suppose that’s where I’ve landed with Valentine’s Day. I don’t need the spectacle. I don’t need the rules. But I still believe in small gestures, lasting objects, flowers on an ordinary Tuesday, and gifts that tell a story. Maybe that’s the real heart of it after all.

What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? Love it or leave it?

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By high school, I rebelled hard. I went fully goth. Black velvet capes, lace stockings, twenty-hole Doc Martens. Black felt like a palette cleanser after years of color and pattern. It was the first time I understood that what we surround ourselves with can change how we feel. Restraint felt grounding. Editing felt powerful.

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That instinct stayed with me, but it wasn’t until my husband and I moved to Singapore years later that my love of interiors truly took shape. I spent hours wandering Pagoda House, a small shop run by Paris based designer Christopher Noto. I fell in love with shagreen chests, vintage caned chairs, and an elevated palette of neutrals. It was one of my biggest inspirations, teaching me how contrast, history, texture, and function matter more than color alone.

Traveling throughout the region, from Thailand to Indonesia, I collected pieces that still anchor our home today, including the massive wood slab table that now sits in our dining room. Each piece carried weight, history, and a sense of place. Nothing felt trendy. Everything felt earned.

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When we moved back to New York, I renovated a converted loft in an old sugar factory in Brooklyn Heights. With three young children and the constant hum of city life, I craved calm more than ever. I mixed everything I had learned in Asia with a New York state of mind. Neutral layers, vintage pieces, patina everywhere. While the objects were beautiful and sculptural, nothing felt too precious. Everything was meant to be lived with.

Eventually, we made our way south to Florida. When Covid hit, that desire for calm deepened. This time, the palette became even quieter. Whites in every shade, soft textures, and space to let the greenery outside take center stage. It was the first time I had lived below the fourth floor, the first time I had a backyard, and the first time my home truly felt like a retreat. Another palette cleanser, but this one was about light, air, and ease.

I’ll go into much more detail in future posts, but this is the context behind my love of neutrals. They’ve never been about playing it safe. For me, they’ve always been about balance, editing instead of adding, and creating space to breathe.

A few neutral anchors I always return to when creating a space:

A rug style I start with when I want a room to feel grounded.

A bed that brings weight and warmth to a space.

A unique vessel that adds a sculptural element without demanding attention.

A neutral throw to cozy up with season after season.

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Instagram is very much a visual diary for me. It’s quick, intuitive, and instinctual. But there’s often more behind what you’re seeing, and I kept finding myself wanting a little more room to explain, to reflect, and to connect in a different way. I also love to write, so this felt like a natural next step.

This newsletter is where I get to slow things down. It’s where I unpack how spaces really come together, which pieces earn their place, and what I actually wear, cook, and live with. Not just the finished product, but the thinking and the everyday choices behind it. What’s worth investing in, what’s lasted, what I come back to again and again.

Think of this as the place for the things behind the things. A deeper look at home, style, and daily life, with links to what I truly use and love, and honest thoughts along the way.

I’m glad you’re here. I hope this becomes a space you come back to, one that feels useful, inspiring, and easy to spend time in.