little luxuries that make an outsized impact

26 ways to romanticize the everyday

hello lovers,

it’s been a less-than-glamorous week—non-stop rain, a couple of days completely homebound fighting a cold, and sleep seeming all too elusive while battling said cold and stressing about everything that’s on my plate. but we made it to Sunday. and the thing about Sunday is that everything seems softer in its glow…the to-do less less imposing, the perceived challenges from earlier in the week more approachable, and overall, cortisol levels completely lowered.

when it came to what I wanted to share today, I batted around a few ideas but ultimately kept coming back to romanticizing the everyday. because when things start to feel overwhelming, I know that routine (getting up by 6am, doing a morning workout, walking to work, making sure I have plans on with friends, reading before bed, etc.) is what grounds me, and my rituals sprinkled on top are what even an ordinary day feel practically cinematic.

for instance, yesterday, I needed to start figuring out what I’m going to serve for our

West Village Book Club

meeting on Monday that I’m hosting. I was feeling creatively blocked, so I decided to brave the rain and go to the Union Square Greenmarket—umbrella in hand and trusty Hulken Tote at the ready—to get inspiration. and inspo I found, in droves!

here’s what you can look forward to in today’s edition of The Sunday Series:

• 26 little luxuries that make an outsized impact on everyday life: the quiet in-betweens that add depth, texture, and beauty to the everyday

• a few links sharing what’s in my cart du jour: featuring sickenly good sales at Larroudé and J. Crew

• paid subscriber exclusive: content I’ve consumed and loved lately. I’m sharing recommendations for podcasts, articles, and Substacks of note…think of these snippets as intel to make you not only entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist but a more well-rounded conversationalist :)

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26 little luxuries that make an outsized impact on everyday life

1. buy yourself the flowers. you knew this one was coming, so I’m glad we got it out of the way! I really do buy myself flowers every single week.

2. light the fancy candle. not just when you have guests over. especially on a Monday.

3. go for a walk without your phone. even for just fifteen minutes, I promise you can leave the house device-less—it feels oddly empowering.

4. put down a placemat and eat at the table. I actually love eating sitting on my floor in front of my couch, so any time I choose to eat at the dining table, it feels major.

5. go to the cheesemonger. or the bakery. or the fishmonger. or the butcher. learn the person’s name who hands you that one thing you like every week (for me, it’s Victor who serves up the wild fish salad I’m obsessed with at the Abingdon Square Market each Saturday). soak up her/his smile when you use their name when thanking them.

6. wear the perfume. even if you’re staying in. especially if you’re staying in!

7. take yourself on a solo dinner date. but bring a book, obviously (I’m not a masochist).

8. bring a disposable camera on a trip. you’ll think twice before you take the photo, and it really forces you to be present and selective in what you capture.

9. swap out the old tee-shirts and shorts for real pajamas. admittedly, I’m still working on this one, but a matching set really does hit different than that ratty shirt you’ve had since college.

10. upgrade your bedding. I’m resisting the urge to link my Boll & Branch sheets, but don’t worry, I included them below.

11. display your jewelry like you’re curating a tiny museum of YOU. it feels reaffirming to see all your earrings and accessories in a visual way and makes throwing them on as you run out the door even easier.

12. read on a bench outside. don’t look at your phone for at least two chapters.

13. cultivate your go-to hostess gift and have a backup on hand so you’re always prepared. candlesticks, an artisanal olive oil, a special jam, a bottle of good wine. I recently was headed to a party and having an extra set of candlesticks from Big Night on hand to be able to bring as a thank you felt so adult!

14. rewatch your favorite movie, but not in second-screen mode. meaning, without your phone in your hand…do you see a theme emerging?

15. put your eye cream in the fridge. helps if it has a metal applicator because this feels like such a treat in the morning!

16. make your laptop password an affirmation. a secret reminder of what intentions you are putting into the world.

17. instead of always defaulting to asking a friend to catch-up over dinner out, invite them over and cook for them. nights in are the best!

18. reframe your commute. whether it’s 20 minutes or, god forbid, 2 hours, make this time your podcast time, audiobook time, or better yet, time for a phone call with a friend.

19. have your morning phone calls friends! me and my friend Lianna speak on the phone for hours each week even though we work together and see each other at the office. these regular morning phone calls have become such a cherished part of our friendship—we quite literally never run out of things to talk about because we share even the most mundane things!

20. always have a pen in your purse. the good, gel one you like.

21. always have a book of stamps in your junk drawer. then, you’re ready to send that thoughtful card (because you do this—you are the type who sends the birthday, thank you, and I’m Thinking Of You card) at the drop of a hat.

22. become a voice note person. I know, controversial, but there’s a deeper level of intimacy that comes with exchanging minutes-long updates with the context of tone versus a barrage of texts.

23. plan a themed brunch or dinner just for fun. I love a theme, because it puts purpose around a gathering. get fun with it! Cinco de Mayo is coming up…who are you inviting over for tacos and margs?

24. subscribe to the print version of that paper or magazine you like. what a luxury to receive this kind of nostalgic mail.

25. choose your lucky number and whenever you see it in the wild, know it’s a sign you’re on the right path. mine is 26 and I see it everywhere.

26. document your life (journal, take photos, edit video montages) like you want to remember it all because you’re going to write a memoir one day. because even if it’s just for your grandkids, you should.

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links of things I’m loving: what’s in my cart

lately, I’ve been sharing more links of what I’m shopping and coveting. since last week, it’s been clear from my ShopMy stats that you all were also loving a few things I shared from my St. Lucia packing run down including: this Dagne Dover tech organizer, this Banana Repbulic Market Tote, and these Loeffler Randall Chunky Platform Sandals. this week, the spring sales continue, so I wanted to share three sites I’m eyeing!

LINENS

I talked about the luxury of upgrading your bedding above, so I couldn’t NOT include that Boll & Branch is doing a 20% off sale with code SPRINGREFRESH. I’m so happy with my sheets and towels from here!

• Boll & Branch | Signature Embellished Sheet Set in Cream/Sand Curved Edge (normally $329, now $264)

• Boll & Branch | Signature Embellished Euro Sham in Cream/Sand Curved Edge (normally $79, now $64)

• Boll & Branch | Plush Bath Towel Starter Bundle (normally $196, now $156)

• Boll & Branch | Plush Hand Towels (normally $196, now $156)

• Boll & Branch | Plush Washcloths (normally $49, now $39)

SHOES!

I feel personally victimized by everything I want from Larroudé at the moment, but it helps that they are doing a warehouse sale and select styles are 50%. their shoes are made in Brazil—specifically in the city of Sapiranga—which is known for its high-quality artisanal shoemaking. so this sale is sooooo MAJOR! oh, and the J. Crew sale also applies to some of their shoes, too.

• Larroudé | Mini Elle Pump In Wine Velvet (normally $330, now $165)

• Larroudé | Alexis Bootie In Dark Croco Embroided Leather (usually $450, now $225)

• Larroudé | Blair Ballet Flat In Leopard Print Calf Hair (normally $315, now $128)

• J. Crew | New Colbie wide-strap buckle sandals in faux raffia (normally $128, now $90)

CLOTHES

I mean, we don’t buy J. Crew full price. but we do peruse when it’s 40% off. some real gems for spring/summer in here! their campaign shot in Portugal pictured below is *chefs kiss* for summer vacay packing vibes.

• J. Crew | Marielle Cropped Cardigan—pictured above in black (normally $138, now $68)

• J. Crew | Handknotted Raffia Rectangular Clutch With Leather Handles in English Saddle Natural (normally $128, now $90)

• J. Crew | Pointelle Sweater-Tank In Premium Ultrafine Cotton (normally $98, now $56) with Pointelle short-sleeve V-neck cardigan in premium ultra-fine cotton (normally $118, now $70)

• J. Crew | Gwen lace-trim slip skirt in textured satin (normally $118, now $40-70 depending on color choice)

• J. Crew | Gwyneth longer lace-trim slip skirt in textured satin (normally $168, now $48-100 depending on color choice)

• J. Crew | Strapless colorblock mixy dress (normally $98, now $56)

• J. Crew | Camp-pocket wide-leg pant (normally $98, now $70)

💸 aaaaaand as a disclaimer, my shopping sections always include affiliate links. these little babes help us keep The Sunday Series free. I make a small commission when readers click and shop through my links at no additional cost to you—so if you found something through a link I sourced, please do consider purchasing through that link so I’m credited! I’ve been using the ShopMy platform for a few months and love it. want to start making commission on the links YOU share? sign up with my referral link for a 10% bonus on your fist six months of linking.

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content I’ve consumed and loved this week: a cultural curation

and now, some final bits and bobs for my paid subscribers! this roundup has some fun content ranging from dating to tarrifs to travel. I’m also giving a deep dive into our launch of

SmartFlyer

’s brand new Substack, Stay Awhile, which I hope you’re already subscribed to since I won’t shut up about my newest internet baby. I hope you enjoy the curation!