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“If you feel pain, you are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being.”
-Leo Tolstoy
While I’m trying to get more disciplined in what day of the week I’m going to release each week’s Love Note, like many, cold and flu season thwarted all plans. (For future reference, I’m aiming for Mondays.)
This weekend—or past week, really—was spent with books and movies and so much acetaminophen that I’d love to not meet again for a good long while. But mostly, it came with rest. Rest for the body, the soul, the mind. Leave it to falling ill to force a retreat from the world. A retreat that, honestly, we all are in desperate need of. A retreat that doesn’t feel acceptable in a time where the world feels so heavy. In a time where it feels like there is so much to be done. So much to be said. Where comment sections feel like battlefields. Where justice and simple human decency and love feel like they’re on the line. I felt guilty blocking out the world while I cared for my own. Guilty that I had the privilege and support to do so in a time where so many don’t. And now, as the sickness leaves my body, as the brain fog clears for what feels like a re-entry into the happenings of the world, it took one scroll through Instagram to realize that I don’t want to re-enter. Not into that world, at least. Not a world where hate and division, power and greed, ideology and agenda rule the day. Not a world where a headline makes me feel helpless. Because I’m not. We are not. Like so many, I want to make a difference. And I’m one that believes there are always ways. I want to be a light in someone’s day. The bright spot of hope where they didn’t think they would find any. The kind word. The warm smile. So instead of scrolling through a world I want no part in, that’s what I’m setting out to do. That’s how I believe I can make the biggest difference. Not by burying my head in the sand or living in the retreat, but by showing up in a different way. By giving, by loving, by making those I encounter each day feel as valuable as they truly are. To quote Jay Shetty, one of my favorite follows, you save the world by saving what’s in front of you. So, that’s where I’m starting. Right in front of me.
If you’re keeping track, here’s our current lineup:
Monthly Issues, Weekly Love Notes, Daily Edits, Thought Daughter Musings
Keep scrolling for this week’s Love Note!
BY LC
What I’m reading:
Physical - Finished The Picture of Dorian Gray and can’t tell you how badly I hate that we missed seeing Sarah Snook in the Broadway adaptation earlier last year. Now starting Wuthering Heights. I, of course, know the story line and have read excerpts at different times of my life, but I’ve never read it cover to cover so I’m excited for this one.
Ebook - In the romance department, I’m starting The Favorites. I’ve purposely held onto this one for Winter Olympic season. It’s promoted as a contemporary re-imagining of Wuthering Heights set in the toxic, high-stakes world of elite Olympic ice dancing. If that doesn’t peak your interest, I don’t know what will. People also relate it to Daisy Jones & The Six. I’m only a few chapters in and I can definitely see why.
Audio - Michael reminded me about The Book of Joy this week when discussing the world and it’s workings and it’s been a great listen. One of those we love to have in hardback for the bookshelf too.
What I’m watching:
Ponies on Peacock. We watched this spy fiction series in what felt like one sick day sitting and it was excellent. Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson are great together and the wardrobe is a fun one. And the hair—chef’s kiss.
Another more in the realm of British crime thriller is Steal starring Sophie Turner on Prime. We fell right into this one and both were locked into every twist and turn.
Randomly started The Rip on Netflix one night thinking it wouldn’t be that good, but were we ever wrong. We both said it will probably end up being one of the best movies we watch this year.
To break from a life of spy and crime, I turned on Serendipity and fell in love with it all over again. Michael wasn’t all in at first, but by the end I saw the buy in. And now I’m itching to re-watch Pearl Harbor.
What I’m listening to:
This playlist, always. Best on shuffle.
What I’m making:
These fluffy whole wheat waffles are our weekend go-to and discovered they’re especially good on a sick day.
What I’m wearing:
Honestly didn’t wear much more than sweat/sweater sets this past week, so here are my go-tos:
This GAP cable-knit set. This Amazon version is eerily similar.
This classic GAP sweat set. Size up.
Also a bit obsessed with pointelle sets right now.
What I’m shopping:
Made my first Julia Amory purchases while on my sickbed. I’ve been curious and pinning items from this brand for a while now, so their current sale was a great time to strike. I started with this black button-up and this white peplum top. Both great for work or casual. I love a closet full of year round classics, so I’m excited to try these. Also have my eye on the Tippi top.
2026 is the year of brows and hair, so I fell down an absolute beauty rabbit hole last week and ended up ordering this brow shampoo after impressive reviews.
Restocking on essential undergarments. This bra and this bra have been some of my favorite finds this past year.
What I’m doing:
Scheduling all my yearly check ups and blood work
Nailing down this year’s travel schedule
NOTE WORTHY
Some new arrivals to note:
J.Crew’s new arrivals are hitting—This sweater, this cashmere cardigan, these square toe flats.
Reformation is always on my radar—This silk top, this white dress, this silk mini, this LBD.
IN THE STACKS
Le Secret Club is a favorite follow. I eat up posts like this.
If you don’t already follow Ashley’s newsletter, Dash of Delight, you must. Talk about joyful things.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Catch up on previous posts below!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?
If you’re looking for more recipes, travel guides, or curated finds be sure to visit By Lauren Cermak or my Shopmy. Feel free to message or comment below!
With love,
Lauren
Thank you so much for the sweet mention friend, made my week! xx