“He is more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
-Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights
Between snow, sickness, and an unfortunate bout with antibiotics, it’s been a slow start to the year for us. I’m in a weird place where I get waves of energy and ideas and then crash, so I’m taking the opportunity to take it slow and be moved by the things around me—Olympic athletes and the families who support them, emotion inducing movies and the inspiration behind every costume and color story, books that I’ll never forget. These things give so much more than inspiration. They give perspective and empathy, a pathway to thought, and so much gratitude and respect for those who spend so much time creating them.
As you can imagine from someone whose Substack is called Love Notes, Valentine’s Day has always captivated me. So much so that I’ve never understood why it seems to be so controversial. A day to love and be loved—seems like a lovely day to me. But as time goes on I think where the discourse comes is in the commercialization of it. Which yes, while I do love seeing all of the happy things when I walk into Target and I can most definitely get behind some Sour Patch hearts, I’ll agree our commercialized version of “love” is quite overdone. But the real kind? The I see you, I know you, I understand you in a way no one else does. Whether that’s with friends, family, or a special someone, that kind of love deserves all the special days, longing wishes, and grandeur. We’ll be celebrating with a homemade meal, hand written love notes, and what’s looking like some USA hockey.
If you’re keeping track, here’s our current lineup:
Monthly Issues, Weekly Love Notes, Daily Edits, A Study In, Thought Daughter Musings
Keep scrolling for this week’s Love Note!
BY LC
What I’m reading:
Physical - Finishing up Wuthering Heights. I’ve loved reading this ahead of the movie and particularly appreciated the detailed introduction that comes with the Penguin Classics version. I’m not one that expects or even minds if the movie matches the original work. Honestly, as someone who sees a book pretty vividly in my mind while I read it, I prefer it not to. I love a reimagining. Next up, Vanity Fair.
Ebook - In the romance department, I just finished with The Favorites. It’s captivating. Especially during Winter Olympic season. In my head Laurence Fournier Beaudry is Katarina Shaw. I mentioned this last Love Note, but it’s worth a repeat—It’s a contemporary reimagining of Wuthering Heights set in the toxic, high-stakes world of elite Olympic ice dancing. People also relate the structure of the book to Daisy Jones & The Six. Highly recommend. I’m thinking First Time Caller is next.
Audio - About to start Woman on Fire as recommended in the February Issue.
What I’m watching:
I started Finding Her Edge and couldn’t finish it. I’d skip right to the Glitter & Gold documentary on Netflix following the top Olympic ice dancers instead if I were you.
Hamnet had me in an ugly cry and still does when I think about it. Jacobi Jupe’s I will be brave put me under.
We rented Housemaid and it threw what I thought it was going to be for a total loop. This coming from a girl who went in blind other than the previews. I’m not a horror kind of girl, books or television, but I can do a thriller all day long. This was more in line with a thriller, but there were a few scenes I couldn’t stomach.
Tell Me Lies. I don’t want to like this show. Half the time I don’t know why I’m watching it, but here we are and it’s got me in a chokehold. I think it’s the mystery in the back and forth timeline that keeps me hooked.
Bridgerton season four… The only thought I have at the moment is the man doesn’t deserve her. First, he still hasn’t realized it’s her and then that last line. Nope.
What I’m listening to:
This playlist for Valentine’s week, obviously. Best on shuffle.
What I’m making:
My go-to Valentine’s Day sugar cookies. So fun to make!
What I’m wearing:
If it’s not my favorite ribbed turtlenecks under a sweater jacket of some sort, I’m probably not wearing it right now. With jeans, leather pants, or slacks. This seems to be the uniform until it warms up.
What I’m shopping:
I’ve hit that point in the year where I’m looking forward to warmer days. For me, that’s looking like short sleeve sweaters, light cashmere, and a variety of button downs.
Love this oversized button down in white and the striped.
Adore the cut of this $148 dress. The white screams Easter.
Will be ordering this short sleeve sweater in many a color. Also it’s long sleeve comparable. I can see it now with shorts or a mini skirt.
This light cashmere. Fantastic transitional pieces—jeans now, shorts or skirt on warmer days.
Short trenches have my eye right now and loving the lighter color of this one.
Also, love these short sleeve cardigans.
To top it all off… This cream bag. Can’t get it out of my head.
What I’m doing:
Trying to get back into a healthy routine.
NOTE WORTHY
Some new arrivals to note:
Tuckernuck has some beautiful new arrivals including these loafers, this jacket, and this trench.
Reformation new arrivals are always on my radar—This linen dress has me wishing for warmer months, but we can wear this knit top until then.
J.Crew currently has up to 40% off of their winter classics. If you’re looking to save on some cold weather staples, now is a great time to buy.
IN THE STACKS
Loved every word of Lauren Sand’s Whimsical Guide to Valentine’s Day
Found Cool Stories About Art a few weeks ago and have loved every one of their posts since.
This post from Downtime with small ways to delete/reset was much needed. “I Don’t Need Better Habits. I Need Fewer Things.” I realized one of the best things I did last year was turn off all of my notifications and set up a “work mode” or “family only mode”. Game changer.
You can find a full, shoppable collection of the above and more here on my ShopMy. One thing you can do to support here on Substack is to follow, like, and comment on notes and posts. You can also find me over on Instagram. Thank you so much for being here!
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
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Wuthering Heights movie! I also read the book in anticipation of the movie. I saw it on opening day and have opinions.
I enjoy the aesthetic of Valentine’s Day. Hearts everywhere. Happy Friendship Day, by the way!