I have an extensive library of tchotchkes–everything that fills my life is something I’ve hunted for and gathered along the way. A recent instance happened in Paris; I was in a curated antique store filled with amazing merchandise. Moments after I stepped inside, I saw it; I had stumbled upon this vintage ashtray that I had seen online a year prior. It’s a gorgeous silver flower, and each petal pulls off to create five individual mini ashtrays. Something I had on my mind for so long had just landed in my lap. Better yet, it had a story now, which made it all the more valuable, so I had to bring it home.

Stumbling on the perfect item feels like magic, like you’ve been struck with good luck, but seriously hunting for a piece is so rewarding in the end. During one of my trips to NYC earlier this year, I was on the hunt for a very specific addition to my closet. I could envision the jacket, but the only problem was that I didn’t know if it even existed. I knew the fit I wanted, the length of the fringe, the pattern, and the color. Luckily, I was in the perfect place to begin my hunt. I searched as many vintage stores as I could, and I found some incredible contenders, but none fit the bill. There was a bit of unexpected luck when a vintage Gucci belt from the 70s found me, and I got it for such a steal that I truly don’t think the store knew what they had. If I’m being honest, I didn’t know what I had until a day later when I flipped it over and saw the micro inscription on the inside. Back to the jacket, I had no luck on my search; the closest I found was a Banana Republic jacket, but it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned.

Then I got serious…I got on eBay. “Ralph Lauren Fringe Jacket” into the search bar. I knew my favorite designer would have my back. I found the perfect piece, in perfect condition, and had it in my hands within the next week or so. I’ve yet to wear my new layer because of the Georgia heat, but the moment I tried it on, I felt so rewarded; it’s a level of excitement that only those who indulge in retail therapy can relate to. The Ralph Lauren light tan suede jacket with fringe across the upper back did exist, and it was finally mine. The hunt was over, and I had my new trophy.

You know when you visit someone’s home, more often an older person, and they have a collection of something? Fine china, glass statues, German beer mugs, fabergé eggs, and in my husband’s case, cars. Well, for me, I’ve fallen into collecting porcelain old men. My friends give me hell for it, because it’s such a random fixation, but I, for some reason, adore them. My most recent addition happened in Paris as well. I was on a morning walk grabbing my iced coffee, because the heat wave ruined my typical hot latte moment, and I was stopped in my tracks by an adorable local tea shop. I started in with the intent to browse for gifts, but I just couldn’t leave this little teapot behind. My newest addition is an old man shoemaker who happens to be dressed in yellow, with rosy pink cheeks, and a shoe on his head. Given my love for yellow and our yellow-accented kitchen, he was destined to be rehomed.

These are the things that I find make a home all the more interesting. The items that are unique to the owner’s life experiences–the things you ask about and get a personal story in return.

Not every find is a hunt, though. Some are pure gathering. Whether I’m searching for months or letting it find me, the rule remains the same: resist the almost-perfect, and wait for the thing that slaps you in the face so hard that you simply can’t resist. It’s how you find something that holds meaning, creates a story, and is the piece you secretly hope guests ask about. It’s all about intentionality, really — not a rulebook, just a refusal to settle.

Find your Bachét.

Everywhere I went, people were kind and helpful. I’ve found that chatting with as many locals as you can is the best way to understand the area you’re in, whether you want to find great food recommendations or better understand local pastimes.

We began the trip by hitting areas on our “list,” aka where we wanted to shop and what we wanted to see. I’m not a huge tourist attraction person, but of course I had to eat a croissant on the lawn beneath the Eiffel Tower–I’m only human. The next big to-do was to shop, and I mean shop hard. I had a short list of items I deeply wanted to find on this trip, but reflecting back, I found a few and a few found me.

A few of my best finds just kind of happened during morning walks. My friend and I would spend our mornings out and about grabbing a coffee, going for a run or walk, and truly just perusing the area. We’d stumble in shops and find absolute gems that we simply couldn’t walk away from. The shopping in Paris is wonderful, but I didn’t come home with a single item of clothing. More so, items for our home, sought-after gifts for loved ones, drugstore products, and jewelry.

As the trip progressed, we felt like we hit most of the arrondissements, so we began exploring our neighborhood more. We happened upon a local shop near our Airbnb, with a wonderful woman working. “Here is my guide to our neighborhood, filled with my favorite spots!” She handed us a piece of gold. Our trip took a turn. We began digging into this extensive list filled with incredible restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and dessert shops surrounding our stay. We really felt like locals.

For the next 4 days or so, we took full advantage. We’d walk down the street for a glass of wine, then maybe another at a new spot, and finish it off with a phenomenal dinner. Our minds were blown with the simple, yet perfected concepts surrounding us. The Airbnb was situated near the canal, so on a morning walk or a night stroll, we’d walk past countless Parisians situated along the water, having conversation, smoking a cigarette, and finishing their bottles of wine. It felt like we were a part of something so wonderful and natural. We got to experience a little slice of life of a young Paris resident living between the 3rd, 10th, and 11th.

What I learned on this trip is that I’m the type of traveler who enjoys feeling like a resident. I want to experience the smaller, more intimate places that may not be on the map, but are true hidden treasures. I do love a historical monument, but I’m happiest and feeling most fulfilled when I’m parked on a random street, simply living my life in a new place.

This trip showed me that you should talk to as many locals as you can and ask for their favorite spots–it’s truly the best way to entrench yourself in the culture of the new destination without relying on the internet. Speak with those around you, make connections, create a little community, even if it’s just for a few days. It’s a very simple, yet important barrier to break. 9.5 times out of 10, people are kind and want you to experience their incredible city. So, if you think Parisians are rude, you might be the problem.

Find your Bachét.

With my previous ways, I was reliably late and truly never stressed about it. The flow I lived in meant I set my own parameters; I’ve always been a relatively routine person, but never a planner. Planning ahead for a trip, night out, excursion, or even a day about town was out of the question. I had a go-with-the-flow mentality to the fullest extent.

Then I met my husband.

He is a planner through and through and has carried a quick, somewhat rushed, planner mindset his entire life. He is the trip planner, the plan coordinator, and the one who finds comfort in the known. I’ve veered into his lane over the years, and he into mine. Consequently, we’ve both sort of merged our ways, with me becoming a bit more structured and him becoming a bit more relaxed; we’ve found a new lane.

We’ve struck a sweet balance in life where we can plan the trip in advance but not each day’s activities. We can meander around the city to explore and see where we end up, but still book a dinner reservation. Yet in life as a whole, we move quickly. Our lives are fast-paced, and we seem to like it that way. Living in a city, I also feel a slight pressure to move quicker, be ahead, and know what’s coming next, and I’ve kind of defaulted to this way of life outside of my slow mornings and relaxing at home. Efficiency has become very important in the day-to-day.

And now we’re in Paris.

Paris, in all its beauty, charm, and history, is a city that embodies the go-with-the-flow mentality. Thinking back a few days to our time in the airport, I was weaving in between fellow travelers, racing to get to baggage claim as fast as my legs could carry me. I started to get antsy—I was having real-life road rage while walking through the airport, with no connecting flight to catch. As the day progressed and the jet lag began to wear off, my mind cleared, and I realized I was walking faster than everyone else on the sidewalk.

Subconsciously, I’ve become the person squeezing through the crowd to move quicker and more efficiently. The reality check of “you’re on vacation, you’re not late, you’re not working, and Paris isn’t going anywhere” hit me, and I slowed myself again. After a day or so, I’ve settled into the way of life here, breezing through the arrondissements with a latte in hand, craning my neck at every building we pass, soaking in the architecture.

Paris makes you stop and smell the roses.

The Parisians are lounging by the water, reading a book in the middle of the day, with no agenda in sight. Enjoyment seems to come first. In the parks, books, newspapers, and scratchpads fill more hands than phones. In contrast to hustling cities like New York, it makes you wonder if a slower life is a happier one.

The way of life in Paris is undemanding. I can feel the tension leaving my body each time I bring myself back to reality. I can turn a five-minute walk into twenty if I feel like it. I can take the scenic route. I can sink back into the slowed-down state of mind I grew up in and not lose the growth I’ve gained. It’s not that I want to live in an unhurried world, but it’s not that I don’t. I find a leisurely lifestyle to be calming, and maybe the nostalgia and comfort of my childhood play a role, but it also keeps unnecessary stress at bay.

I’ve decided that I can merge the fast-paced present with the slow way of living from my past to create the kind of calm, semi-planned way of life that Parisians inhabit. It’s a special feeling when a place you’re visiting leaves a lasting impression. This city, with all of its lively energy, is so completely relaxed at every turn; it feels like a city stripped of stress. Paris didn’t change who I am; it just reminded me who I was before the rush. I’m bringing home more than just new clothes, accessories, and gifts– I’m bringing home a mindset shift.

Find your Bachét.

Of course, the very first thing I do is put in my contacts and brush my teeth. I can’t do anything until these two are checked off my list. I prep very minimally for the day and grab my outfit for hot yoga. I flip every light on as I pass through the house en route to the kitchen for immediate coffee and water. As my espresso drips, I read my daily devotional and check my phone calendar. I relax on the couch with a snoring frenchie tucked into my side as I sip my maple latte and watch whatever sitcom looks enticing. I wish I could say I veer away from screens in the morning, but I don’t, and I love it.

These 20-30 minutes each morning are my absolute favorite; my time of grounding and peace. It’s a relaxing gap between the night before and the day ahead that I find completely necessary. Once the calm ends, I slip on my gym clothes and pack my bag to head out for the best kickstart to my day.

Hot yoga is something I’m confident I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. I’ve weaved in and out of workout classes and gyms, and nothing has ever satisfied me quite like an intensive vinyasa flow in a 97º room that leaves me dripping in sweat. I spend my 10 min ride in different ways each day: podcasts, music with the windows down, but recently I’ve been using it to organize my thoughts. The mindset I leave my workout with is how I put my best foot forward each day.

Once I’m home, I’m immediately in the shower; the “hot” in hot yoga is serious. Past my slow morning, workout session, and cool-down shower, I get into my skincare. With sensitive skin, I keep things short and sweet. I start in the shower with Embryolisse Foaming Milk Cream Cleanser, and once I’ve emerged, I move into the Beauty of Joseon Rice Milk Toner, which has truly saved my dry skin. I had no idea the gap I had left open for so long between cleansing and moisturizing. Finally, I bring it all together with the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré–deemed my favorite product of all time and has now become my husband’s too.

The last thing I do before my brain switches on for work is make the bed and tidy up our house for the day. This includes opening the drapes, turning on the lights, and making our home/work spaces feel alive.

I’ve pushed beyond the titled time limit, but to maximize your mornings, you must shine your first hour (or two) into gold. There are countless tips and tricks out there to get the most out of your routine: no screen time, get in the sunshine, drink water, eat protein… all absolutely fantastic, and I do try to achieve these within my first few hours, but realistically, I spend my morning how I want, without succumbing to the outside pressure to have a perfect routine.

No matter how you choose to begin your day, make every second worth it. Mine happens to begin with a snoring frenchie and coffee on the couch–yours might look completely different. Optimize the small amount of time you have to yourself, and if you don’t have it in the mornings, carve it out later in the day. The key is to find your version of a golden morning and return to it every single day until it’s a nonnegotiable.

Find your Bachét.

Within our primary bedroom, a fluffed silk duvet, lustrous jacquard drapery, a woven-fabric headboard, layered fabrics creating a pleated and cinched canopy, wooden-inlay nightstands, and a hand-knotted rug, all layered around one another, create a calming, safe space I’m excited to return to each night. A few steps away is the primary bath, doused in grasscloth wallpaper and charm, paired with crisp herringbone tile flooring and aged brass fixtures throughout. Natural elements combined with classic finishes create a serene feeling that is perfect for a morning wakeup or nighttime wind-down.

One of the most exciting rooms in our home is flooded with color and texture from the very highest point on the ceiling to the baseboards. Antique, hand-carved chairs with jacquard fabric head the glass-on-carved-wood dining table, creating the perfect place for a crocheted table runner and a large, wavy vase overflowing with flowers. Our wedding china sits atop a hand-carved, antique china cabinet, which is squeezed into the corner. Across the way is a small bar cart with curled wood legs. Surrounding it all is mesmerizing mural wallpaper with a countryside scape paired with linen drapes edged with a geometric yellow trim. At the top of it all, within a unique ceiling medallion, hangs one of my favorite lighting pieces featuring golden stars with rough edges to bring an unexpected bit of spunk to the space.

A moment away, you’ll find a zebra-style fur rug atop a Persian rug from my childhood pushed up against leather chairs seated with needlepoint dog pillows, cornered by a cozy white couch. I’ve lined the walls with oil paintings to bring exciting, inspiring textures and colors to every glance. The built-ins house sculptures, art, aging books, collections from our travels, a champagne cork from our wedding, lavender sprigs, and countless other tchotchkes, each adding to the experience of our living room.

Not to give you a narrated tour of my home, but to acknowledge the textures and show how visualizing them can bring you through the full feeling of the space. It adds a layer to a room’s design that no other element can; it either makes you feel comfortable and welcome or stiff and cold. Your body registers it before your eye does; if texture is overlooked, then what feeling is your environment giving? Emotionally and physically.

Texture, along with smell, is a design element that holds wonderful power, so much so that it can bring nostalgia, coziness, comfort, and really create an impact on your day.

Introduce more texture into your home and watch it transform the energy. Start with just a single item, a throw pillow, a new lamp shade, or a visually exciting rug. One easy addition I made was swapping the trim on my cream lampshade for a gorgeous woven burgundy design that adds texture and a pop of color. Stagger pottery vases with different glazes for added visual interest, fill a corner with a woven basket filled by oversized knit blankets, or even add a fresh bouquet of flowers to your table; the options are endless, but it’s crucial to rounding out a space. Tiny swaps like this are where it starts. One layer at a time, the room becomes something you feel, not just see.

At times, this concept is one of the last thoughts when decorating, and occasionally it can come together by choosing items you love to fill the area, but without intention, the energy falls flat. Even if your room is filled with color, if texture is left as an afterthought, the experience of the home can feel very stiff. Look around the room and take note of the textures; now take a moment to imagine the space with them being smooth or flat. What is easily overlooked is sometimes the most defining factor.

Find your Bachét.

The thing is, your clothes are begging to be worn.

There’s the moment we’ve all experienced, when you open your closet and feel like you have nothing new or exciting to wear, even though it’s practically overflowing. My key way to curb this moment is the “one item rule”: pick one single piece I love, haven’t worn in a while, is a color that makes me happy, or that is just really flattering, and go from there. This small step is where you break out of outfit paralysis and move into the brighter phase of styling yourself.

My one item is typically a top, to me it’s the flower of the look, while the pants are the stem. I don’t know what shoes and bags would be considered in this analogy, but to me, they’re like adding even more flowers. I say this because my typical pants options are white, black, or denim. I’m a serious denim lover, so sometimes the right pair will drive my outfit together.

I recently added a new pair of jeans to my closet, and have been wanting to wear them every single day. They’re huge, they’re baggy, and they’re a new source of inspiration. How can I style this and bring a feminine touch to the ruggedness? How can I pair this with something baggy without looking like I’m dressed in my husband’s clothes? A vintage Gucci belt I found in NYC has been my go-to for these pants because, for one, they’re realistically too big on me, and for two, it’s an insanely gorgeous accessory. When it was still a bit chilly out, I paired it with a long-sleeve cashmere shirt tucked in or a sleeveless turtleneck, both of which are my staples for fall/spring. Now that it’s gotten a bit warmer, I’ve been styling them with a lot of tank tops, crisp white tees, button-ups with loads of jewelry, and fun shoes.

Versatile pieces like this drive my wardrobe. I can pair practically everything with one another to create countless variations with my city-sized closet. Also, accessories are everything when stretching a few items further — this is my travel secret for maximizing a carry-on-sized wardrobe on the go. This mindset applies to shopping too — buy what genuinely excites you, not just what seems practical.

The way I get dressed when I have nowhere to be is really my philosophy for how I get dressed all the time. What am I excited to wear? What inspires me? What is speaking to me? And sometimes, what is both comfortable and cute?

Admittedly, I do start by staring into the clothing abyss and trying to find the answers to all of these questions, but the “one item rule” helps me get there a bit quicker. Choosing your outfit for the day is just as important as brushing your teeth and making your bed — not for hygiene reasons, but because you’re winning a little bit more and more as your routine goes on. One of my many musts is to prep myself for the day with a look that inspires or simply makes me feel happy.

I’ve noticed this small habit has created a much larger ripple effect in my life. Being fully ready for whatever the day may bring truly means that, at any moment, I can throw on shoes, be out the door, and en route to whatever exciting thing is in store. Wear the new top on a random Tuesday, wear the new heels to your lunch date with a friend, break out the new handbag or jewelry for a bop around town after work. Don’t wait for the perfect plans to come to you; just be ready, mentally and aesthetically.

Find your Bachét.

Making a hotel feel like home is arguably an impossible task — even the most thoughtfully designed spaces can’t fully achieve it. But as the guest, as someone who knows exactly what makes you feel comfortable, all it takes is a step of intentionality and care to bring the experience to life.

There are countless tiny details you’ll notice during your hotel stay that make things a little more plush, a little more indulgent. Such as crystal ring holders, tiny luxurious products, handwritten notes, chocolates on the pillow, and being flooded with the smell of fresh linens. But to truly make yourself feel at home, it takes a moment of intention, a moment of getting settled in.

I’m not necessarily saying to unpack all your clothes into the dresser, but more so, what you pack in the first place. My golden rule has always been to pack in a carry-on and large tote or duffle, so I can skate through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible. It takes true restraint and planning to squeeze a week or more into a tiny bag, especially when you prefer not to be an outfit repeater and are a shoe/accessory lover.

If on a long flight, 5 hours or more, I’ll pack pajamas, toiletries, Tower 28 SOS spray to kill airplane germs and save my skin from the classic flight acne, Deux eye masks for a little depuffing luxurious moment in the air, hand sanitizer of course, a silk eye mask, electrolytes, and usually more, all at an easy reach. Essentially, I overpack a handful of tiny things to make myself as comfortable as possible. It surprisingly all fits into a tiny toiletry bag squished into the top of my personal item tote.

To genuinely feel at home in a space that is not yours, you have to put yourself in the mindset of your coziest, most “at home” self. Think of what you do to comfort yourself after a long day. Are you putting on a pair of sweats and drinking tea? Are you taking a long, hot bath and having a glass of wine? Are you putting on your face mask and drowning out the rest of the world? The key here is to narrow down your little rituals and pick out which items accompany that.

For me, after a day of exploring, I like to get into loungewear, specifically not pajamas. I’m a pajamas-are-strictly-for-sleeping type of person. It’s a little luxury to pack loungewear in an already stuffed suitcase, but it’s incredibly crucial for my post-hustle-and-bustle relaxation.

I’m also this way about the bed; I don’t like to hang out in the bed, so I prefer a hotel with spaces to relax outside of the room to people watch, work, relax, and take a breather from the travel agenda.

Another thing I do to feel more at home is to squeeze my slippers in whenever possible. Absolutely anything I can do to maximize coziness from head to toe, you can count me in. Realistically, your feet take a beating on most trips unless it’s a pure relax-and-revive vacation, so this is my secret to instant comfort.

One of my favorite ways to decompress throughout the trip is to settle into my skincare routine. When I travel, my skin typically dries and occasionally treats me with a breakout, so I take my checklist pretty seriously. I pack specifically to rehydrate — first with moisturizer from my favorite brand, Embryolisse. The brand also carries an amazingly light oil to revive my skin’s hydration after a long flight; depending on the severity of my dryness, I’ll use it as makeup prep.

I check in, and immediately the suitcase gets cracked open, the toiletries get set up in the bathroom, and the airport clothes get retired. Depending on how long the stay, I unpack into the dresser, but no matter what, I always organize for an easy get-ready setup. Then I’ll go find the hotel gym and a coffee shop nearby, to get a feel for what my morning routine will look like.

All of these bits come in handy when settling into your stay. Having little routines and rituals to feel your best is the secret to traveling without burnout.

I will say I spend very little time in the hotel room, but setting yourself up for comfort from the very beginning is so incredibly crucial to your experience. The hotel itself gets you to a certain point, and it’s on you to take it to the finish line.

Find your Bachét.

Our best friends were getting married, and we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The trip kicked off with us meeting them in Mumbai for a week of our favorite activities: eating & shopping. It was a true luxury to experience the other side of the world with amazing friends and to share in their traditions through something as monumental as their nuptials.

It’s hard to put into words how exciting Mumbai is, and it completely took us by storm. Our mission for this leg of the trip was to find our attire for the wedding events, but of course, the beautiful fabrics, creativity, and craftsmanship had their own side effect we wholly welcomed — we left with a little more than we planned for.

The local shopping was far better than I had daydreamed in the months (year) leading up to this trip. Color placements and pairings stopped me in my tracks. “More is more” really stands true in India, and I truly couldn’t get enough of it. Pairing patterns and mixing textures I’d never normally. One of my favorite experiences was a very random moment, but so worthwhile: the fabric stores. Getting to see and touch the fabrics and textures that filled the streets and stores was such a unique way to get inspired. I bought entirely too much fabric, but have borderline used it all.

A new streak of creativity jumped inside my soul and really set everything on fire… in a life-changing way.

Beyond the shops and markets, the nature surrounding us had me starry-eyed. I’m typically interested in what flora and fauna fill the spaces I’m in. But how could you not be, specifically in India, with cows, monkeys, and dogs filling the streets, peacocks in the morning, and beautiful birds everywhere? The energy was very laidback and breezy, but when it came to service, everything was incredibly detailed and intentional—a combination I adore. The driving was the most frenzied thing I’ve ever seen, with somehow absolutely no road rage or aggression. It honestly felt like the perfect depiction of Mumbai; it was a hundred new things at once in the most wonderful way.

Another glowing piece of the puzzle was the interior decorating. Of course, most of the places we spent time in were hotels, restaurants, and shops, but each had its own sense of grandeur. Most rooms greeted you with striking floral arrangements, so the moment you stepped inside, the aromas were otherworldly.

This once-in-a-lifetime trip impacted my mind, and I was actively watching it happen.

We hopped on a quick flight to Jaipur to experience the city for a few days before driving to the fort. Shopping at the bazaar was exhilarating; the sheer number of options was more than you could ever ask for or even hope to shop through. The infamous “pink city” held true to its name; the use of such a unique and unexpected color throughout the cityscape really lit up the view. The pink signifies a warm welcome, which is exactly what we felt. We finished up our wedding and gift shopping and trekked to the most gorgeous 300-year-old fort for the ceremonies.

India brought me to a place of pushing the limits, stepping outside of the box, and forgetting whatever lasting grip a monochromatic wardrobe had on me. My clothing was really the only place I had become a black-and-white aficionado, and it was time to let my personality and love of color drip into my closet.

I’ve never been one to follow trends, really just styling what makes me happy or I think is cool, but a new extension of my style formed after this experience. India refueled my zest for making life beautiful, and it seeped into every part of my mind. I find myself staring at different corners of my life, thinking about how I can put even more into it, whether that be our home, hobbies, closets, or the everyday mundane.

Find your Bachét.

What I’ve found to be the most crucial hosting tip sounds simple, but deeply impacts your life: host yourself first. It sounds a little odd, but really, what I mean is to start by hosting yourself like you would a guest with impossibly high standards.

Use the good china, light the candles, drink the expensive wine, turn every lamp on in the house, arrange the fresh flowers in the kitchen, and don’t forget to leave a few buds for the bathrooms! To host your friends and family well, it’s key to know how to host yourself first. This is a great way to round out your hosting game, but also make your daily life that much better!

I remember as a kid I stayed at my brother and sister-in-law’s home, and she had the most perfectly stocked guest bathroom I had ever seen. I’m not sure why this was so important to a middle schooler (maybe some foreshadowing of my fully formed personality), but I knew I wanted to do this when I grew up and had my own home. It’s funny, the random things we find so cool as kids, and set these odd little goals we forget about until we hit them as adults, and it jogs the memory.

I find stocking the bathroom cabinets to be a labor of love. The necessities that sometimes your guests will forget, and it’s easier to find beneath the sink than to ask the host. Think toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, tampons, extra body wash, hair care, blow-dryer, toilet paper (of course), makeup remover wipes, etc. I also believe that stocking every bathroom in the home with easy-to-reach tampons is a must. I like to prep as if my guests are staying totally unplanned, and have nothing packed.

Another tidbit I learned as a house guest at a friend’s: I noticed a small crystal ring holder in the bathroom, which just so happened to be exactly what I needed in that moment to slip off my jewelry and get into my skincare. Safe to say our guest bath has one waiting for you! I also love to roll up a small finger towel next to it to make for a more hotel-like overnight.

I’ve found that having hand lotion live on the edge of the sink, ready for the post-wash, can give your guests a more luxurious experience. I keep this in our half bath, which is the most used by house guests. In the same room, I hang a hand towel I embroidered with our wedding/family crest to add a personal touch.

I firmly believe in using the guest room and bathroom every once in a while, and ask myself: what’s missing? How can I make this more comfortable, more convenient? One little thing I forgot about until flipping the guest room last week was the “hangover kits” I have stocked in the nightstand drawer. They’re leftovers from our wedding gift bags–stocked with pain relievers, electrolytes, makeup remover wipes, antacids, alka-seltzer, ginger chews, and probably more. Oh, and always always a phone charger! I believe I have both the new and old cords stocked, just in case. Every drawer, every counter, every corner of the room — it all adds up to the same thing: someone feeling thought of.

It goes beyond your stay-the-night guests, even those you have over for an afternoon. Fill the pitcher and have the water glasses ready, steep the tea, offer the coffee, put out the snacks, and refer back to the long list of “do it for yourself” to-dos– the candles, the lamps, everything to make the home feel as warm and welcoming as possible.

The details are tiny, but the feelings they leave behind are not.

Find your Bachét.

Filled with natural elements, like a jute carpet at the base, topped with a Persian rug to spice it up a bit, my office grounds me. It’s a space where I can look past my computer screen and see red birds weaving through the trees or look to my left and see my pup sunbathing in the corner.

My desk was the only addition to the room that took some searching; on my way out of an antique store, my mother and I were stopped in our tracks, and now it’s a core part of my everyday. The leather inlay adds a softer feel to the hand-carved wood, while its hidden drawer sits stacked to the brim with notebooks. To even out the experience, a white linen slipcover chair is pushed to the center, bringing a newness to its partner. It’s safe to say, an antique desk beats an antique chair for 8hrs of comfort.

A change I had no clue would be so impactful was adding a framed piece of art and a photo of my husband and me to my desk. The art is a piece I find myself staring at, wondering about the subject–she really draws you in. The photo of my husband sits next to a random rock we snuck home from our honeymoon and a small frenchie brooch that, for some reason, found a home here and hasn’t returned to my jewelry box. It’s kind of a random grouping of our little family that has come together on its own. I’ll never turn down a chance for a quick smile when in the midst of work.

In the corner of the room lives one of my favorite pieces: a wooden… shelf (I’ll be honest, I don’t really know what it’s supposed to be) that I found at an antique store. I didn’t have a clear vision for it at first, but the moment I brought it home and set it in my office, it never left. I began stacking my monthly subscription of Architectural Digest and Vogue into the wooden pockets out of necessity. Now it lives as a sort of in-home newsstand filled with curated inspiration on topics I adore.

Opposite of my print hoard, are two clay vases from my childhood home, one stacked higher than the other atop a wooden stool for added texture and organic feel, with a few branches from the backyard dropped inside. The trimmings really changed the feel of the room by bringing the outdoors in, especially when pushed against the glass wall that is met with an abundance of greenery on the other side. Just beyond the glass, my office opens up to my real happy place: our sun-filled deck, where the work day occasionally migrates on the right kind of afternoon.

I really believe art is a lifeline for the home.

Luckily, my mother is my favorite artist, and our home is practically her art gallery. The only substantial wall in the room had no choice but to become home to a huge, color-filled piece that adds a little femininity without straying too far from my design style. Below is a vintage trunk from my childhood home, filled with quilts and a few books plopped on top, adding a rugged element to the room.

The most unexpected and unpolished addition is my gym bag and tennis shoes in the corner, where they live out of maximum convenience.

It feels great to make each room in your home evoke a feeling, and making an office do so can sometimes be a challenge, but all the more rewarding. I don’t know if I can ever give up the sunroom office experience; it may have to go on our “Must Have” list when house hunting in the future. To take a few steps from my desk and be outside in the sunshine with my pup? I just don’t know what’s better than that to break up the work day.

Thinking back, in my childhood home, my mother also had a sunroom office that doubled as her art studio. It may be the nostalgia, or it may be the experience I’ve created for myself today; either way, I love my little office, and you deserve to love yours.

Find your Bachét.

It feels great to be seen. To have someone understand your Bachét.

Bachét is an all-encompassing feeling. It’s your feng shui, your je ne sais quoi. Your Bachét is how you do…the energy and zest you pour into every detail of your life to make it yours.

The small details made finer, made intentional, can completely change your life. Your space, your routine, the mundane made golden. Bachét is a mindset, an active choice, even if it just happens to you naturally.

This space is for the women who feel like it takes over them and they can’t help but make every corner of their lives beautiful: your home, clothes, products, and everyday life. It’s just who you are, and sometimes it’s really nice to know you’re not the only one.

Bachét is a space where we can gather and discuss the world we’ve created. Nothing ever pushed. Only what is genuinely, unmistakably Bachét. Spending time on the internet is exhausting and creates anxiety — it distracts and strips creativity. Looking for inspiration and new recommendations should be exciting, fun, fulfilling, and worth your precious time.

You already know what you love. Bachét is just here to source more of it.

Find your Bachét.