10 Things I Bought and Loved in February

The book I read in 48 hours and an effortless dress for spring travel.

Hi, and happy March! I couldn’t be happier to welcome a new month, especially one that feels like the start of spring (at least here in Austin). Sunshine, wildflower season, and my return to the farmers market are ahead. SXSW will take over the city for a week, and we decided to sneak out for a last-minute road trip to Marfa and Big Bend during the kids’ spring break. I can’t wait for this little adventure—send me your recs, if you’ve been.

But before we rush headfirst into March, I wanted to take a breath and do a little month-in-review. I’ve noticed that when I don’t pause to reflect, the weeks, months, and years can begin to feel like a blur. One of the things I love about journaling is that it helps me remember what I actually did over the course of a month and process what I’m learning. I also like to scroll through my phone’s photo album, clear out what I don’t need, and remember the little moments that made the month special.

Notes from February:

Construction began at Zuma Beach House!

After years of dreaming, it’s surreal to finally see progress on our Malibu home. Demo is done, and now we’re deep in the “not-so-pretty” work (new septic, gas lines, etc.) I shared some highlights from my “Japandi Beach House” mood boards here, and I’ll have lots more design updates coming soon.

This Post Took Four Years to Write

NYC and LA work trips.

A whirlwind week took me to New York, back to Austin, and then to LA to shoot two covers for upcoming issues of The EDIT. The two incredible women I got to interview made the jet lag worth it—Chloé Crane Leroux in her dreamy NYC apartment and Radhi Devlukia Shetty in her stunning Hollywood Hills home. I shared a few sneak peeks on IG—stay tuned for the cover stories!

A fun way to volunteer.

This ended up being one of my favorite mornings of the month. I made a date with two of my best friends to volunteer at the Central Texas Food Bank. We sorted and prepared produce donations for food pantries, all while having an entire morning to talk and catch up on life. Let this be your sign to swap a coffee date this month for volunteering with a friend. The best kind of multitasking.

Most-cooked meals this month:

I’ve been loving this Mustard Roasted Salmon & Veggies (one pan = easy clean-up), and my Erewhon-inspired Kale & White Bean Salad. I make a big batch on Sunday and eat for lunch throughout the week. And because I’m deep in my sourdough-making era, I’ve been using it up with lots of “toast for dinner” nights, namely this Smoked Salmon Toast that I’m forever obsessed with.

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Okay, let’s get into the best things I bought and loved in February. This month’s list is a good one, from the softest white sheets to a novel I couldn’t put down.

The Book I Read in 48 Hours

Mouth to Mouth, by Antoine Wilson

A gripping thriller that I devoured in two days. The story follows a man who saves someone’s life and then becomes obsessed with the ripple effects of that moment. If you love a slow-burn, psychological novel that makes you question fate, this is a must-read.

My (Monogram) Uniform

Sezane Max Shirt with Embroidered Monogram

I’ve raved about the Sezane Max button-down more times than I can count, but this one feels extra special. At a Galentine’s event hosted by my friend Sami and Sezane, I got my name embroidered on the collar—and now I never want to take it off. Crisp, classic, and effortlessly chic, it’s the kind of wardrobe staple I’ll wear forever.

The Real-Life Filter

One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder in Sweet Honey

I've worn the same Makeup Forever powder for a decade, so when it was discontinued I had to find a replacement. This powder is magic—it blurs pores, controls shine, and sets makeup without looking cakey. That soft-focus finish we all want in a powder but is so hard to find.

An Effortless Dress for Spring Travel

Tuckernuck Black Cutout Dawson Tunic

I randomly stumbled across this site and discovered so many cute pieces. This linen tunic dress is effortlessly chic—flattering, breathable, and so easy to throw on with flat sandals and chunky jewelry for a laid-back look as the weather gets warmer. Perfect for any spring getaways.

The Wear-Everywhere One-Piece

The Frankie Shop Wren Denim Romper

Obviously I love a one-piece outfit, and this structured romper from Frankie Shop is everything. The white denim feels substantial yet soft, the fit is effortlessly cool, and the length strikes the perfect balance between sexy and wearable. Dress it down with sneakers or up with strappy heels.

The Luxe Hotel Sheets (for Less)

Lands’ End 400-Thread-Count No-Iron Sateen Sheets

My mission: Find ultra-soft, high-quality white sheets that feel like a luxury hotel—without the price tag. My solution: These breathable, buttery-soft sateen sheets from Lands’ End. They stay crisp, don’t wrinkle, and make climbing into bed feel like a dream. I learned from my online research that they have a cult following.

The Alarm That Blissed Out My Mornings

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

February was all about setting phone boundaries, and turning my bedroom into a no-phone zone was one of the changes I loved most. I replaced my phone alarm with the Hatch Restore, which mimics a sunrise with gentle light and sound to wake me up naturally. It’s a small change that’s made my mornings feel so much calmer.

Your Life Called: It Wants You Back

A New Use for Aquaphor

Aquaphor

I’ve been using Aquaphor forever, but this month I started applying it generously to my neck and chest at night (think slugging, but for your décolletage). The result is that my neck skin—which had been feeling ridiculously dry and kinda crepey—is now hydrated and glowy.

The Matching Set That Feels Like a Cloud

Morven Blouson Jacket and Esmond Shorts, both from Varley

The set that makes me feel put together even when I’m feeling stylistically lazy. It’s a truly elevated take on activewear, and this jacket is an essential transitional piece. I’ve been throwing it on for morning school drop-off and not taking it off all day. The shorts are great for if you (like me) have a hard time finding shorts that aren’t too micro yet don’t feel frumpy.

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Any new favorite finds to share? Drop it in the comments—I always love hearing what all of you are loving.