Around The Table: At Home With...

At Home With Barrett Prendergast

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:01:14 GMT

At home with is a monthly kitchen-table conversation series where I sit down with people I admire to talk about food, home, rituals, beauty, daily life, and the objects they reach for again and again.

Barrett and I became friends many years ago, back when she was still doing catering. Like so many people in my life, our shared love of food is what brought us together.

During Covid, Barrett and her family decided they were ready for a big change. After a couple of years of planning and organizing, they sold everything, including their home and moved to Italy.

I absolutely love that once a year, when she comes back to LA for work in December, we make a point to get together. We always meet for breakfast at Sqirl and do a proper catch-up. There’s nothing quite like reconnecting with a friend once a year, seeing how the needle has moved for both of you, noticing what’s changed.

GENERAL LIFE + WORK

For people who may not know you yet — what do you do for a living, and how would YOU describe your work?

I own a luxury gifting company called Valleybrink Road that I started fourteen years ago. I create unique and thoughtful gifts for individuals and companies, source interesting products from small businesses, and work to create a beautiful gifting experience for both the recipient and sender. I also write a best selling Substack newsletter called Barrett and The Boys where I share simple, nourishing recipes, my love of cooking, travel and food recommendations, and personal musings about life and motherhood.

What’s the last thing you bought that genuinely made your life easier or happier?

I finally found a perfect pair of jeans for my body! I hate shopping for jeans, and really pants in general, but I finally found a style that fits great and makes me feel really good. This has made my very happy, ha!

What’s on your current wishlist?

I'm all about spending money on experiences versus more stuff, so a trip to Paris with my husband is on my wish list. Even if just for a few days, I really want to make it happen soon since it’s just a short flight away now that we live in Rome

FOOD + KITCHEN LIFE

What’s your approach to food and nourishment?

To me, it’s the most important thing. I spend a great deal of time going to the farmers markets, sourcing high quality ingredients, meal prepping, writing recipes, cooking for my family, and researching new ways to nourish our bodies. I try to cook with the seasons and buy from local farmers as much as possible. Cooking and feeding the people I love is my greatest passion.

What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep stocked in your kitchen?

A high quality sea salt and also a good olive oil.

What’s your go-to snack lately?

GREEK YOGURT BOWL WITH BLUEBERRIES

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I’ve been using a 5% fat yogurt)

1/2 - 3/4 cup blueberries (I like to use a combination of fresh and frozen blueberries)

1/2 teaspoon bee pollen

1 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut chips

1/2 - 1 tsp honey

1/2 - 1 tsp tahini

Place the yogurt in the bottom of a small bowl. Top with the blueberries, bee pollen, coconut chips, and a drizzle of honey and tahini.

HOME + ENVIRONMENT

What are the items in your home that you absolutely can’t live without?

Indoor plants! They bring a life and energy to our living space that I just can’t live without. Especially now that we live in an apartment in Rome, versus a house with a backyard when we lived in LA, having something alive around me is very calming to my nervous system.

What’s a small thing in your home that brings you joy every day?

Over the years, for almost every holiday, Andre has given me beautiful ceramic pieces. From handmade vases to unique bowls and serving platters, these pieces are scattered around our home and bring me joy every time I look at them.

What’s a home ritual you keep coming back to?

Lighting incense. Everyday after I clean up, once the kids are off at school, I light my Japanese incense, sit on the couch for a few minutes, and enjoy my morning coffee with a side of silence.

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

What are your favorite skincare products?

I love the Botnia face cream, eye cream, and body cream.

A beauty rule you follow… or one you’ve completely abandoned.

Always wash your face before bed, no matter what. And, always wear SPF on your face.

What’s a beauty product you’ve repurchased more than twice?

I am obsessed with all my ROZ hair products. I can’t live without the Milk Serum and Styling Oil.

WELLNESS + RITUALS + FITNESS

What’s one habit that has genuinely improved your wellbeing?

Strength training and lifting weights twice a week. I started working out with a trainer a year ago and the transformation for both my body and mind has been more than I could ever have imagined.

How do you take care of yourself during stressful or busy times?

I get outside. Taking a walk always helps me calm down and recalibrate.

5 FAVORITE THINGS

Roz Milk Serum
Hu Dark Chocolate
Ritual Women’s Multivitamin
The Class

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Around The Table is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

At Home With Pamela Salzman

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:01:25 GMT

Seventeen years ago, Jenni Kayne invited me to a cooking class at her house. Pamela was the teacher, and as they say, the rest is history. Pamela has single-handedly changed the way women cook at home. She makes cooking easy to understand and manageable, without ever dumbing it down. Her recipes never fail. There are two people who taught me how to cook: my mom, and Pamela.

GENERAL LIFE + WORK

For people who may not know you yet — what do you do for a living, and how would YOU describe your work?

I’m a recipe developer, cooking instructor, and cookbook author. On paper, I teach people how to cook healthier food. In reality, I help people feel calmer, more confident, and less overwhelmed in their kitchens. I’m not interested in perfection or food rules. I’m interested in systems that make everyday life easier and more nourishing. I often joke that I’m a “kitchen therapist,” and honestly, that’s not far off.

What’s the last thing you bought that genuinely made your life easier or happier?

A very large Visp water bottle with a whisk attachment that lives on my desk and in my kitchen. It sounds boring, but it helps me drink more water and easily incorporates all my powders. I’ve learned that the smallest, least glamorous habits often make the biggest difference.

What’s something you’re learning, unlearning, or figuring out these days?

I’m unlearning the idea that more effort equals better results. In midlife especially, I’ve learned that gentle structure beats intensity every time. I’m also learning to trust my intuition again about food, work, relationships, all of it, instead of outsourcing my decisions to trends or noise.

FOOD + KITCHEN LIFE

What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep stocked in your kitchen?

I have a list of about 10 things, but let’s go with Parmigiano Reggiano. Always.

It’s my secret weapon for making simple food feel finished. I shower it over vegetables, shave it into salads, stir it into soup, or eat it straight from the fridge with a knife (no shame). A good Parm adds instant umami, protein, and satisfaction, and it turns “I guess this is dinner” into something intentional. If I had to choose one ingredient that earns its real estate in my fridge, this is it.

What’s your go-to snack lately?

I don’t snack! But if it’s a cold rainy day, a protein hot chocolate hits the spot. Into my Breville frother: a scoop of whey protein powder, water, cacao powder and a pinch of salt.

What do you reach for when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or need comfort?

Soup. Almost always soup. There’s something magical about warm food in a bowl. It slows me down and makes me feel taken care of, even if I’m the one who made it.

HOME + ENVIRONMENT

How would you describe your home style or philosophy?

Warm, functional, and unfussy. I like things that are beautiful and useful. If something creates friction -visual clutter, decision fatigue, maintenance stress - it usually doesn’t stay. My home is meant to support how I live, not impress anyone.

What’s a home ritual you keep coming back to?

Resetting the kitchen at night. Wiping the counters, loading the dishwasher, setting things up for the morning. I want to start the day on a positive note and ready to roll.

What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing you love in your house?

The conversation pit in my living room. My husband designed and built our house and when he showed me the plans for the pit, I thought it was the most ridiculous idea. Now I love it and so does everyone who comes over. It’s unique, fun, brings people together and it’s a conversation starter LOL.

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

What are your favorite skincare products?

Typology. My skin is super sensitive to chemicals so I love that Typology is clean. But they are also dual-purpose (it’s actually tinted skincare) and work for my aging skin. I use as skincare and makeup.

WELLNESS + RITUALS + FITNESS

What’s your favorite self-care ritual?

A double matcha latte made with high quality matcha to start my day. I genuinely look forward to it. I love the quiet ritual of making it, the whisking, the warmth, the few un-rushed minutes that are just mine. I savor it slowly, and it sets the tone for the day in a way that feels grounding and kind. Plus it truly makes me feel good.

What’s one habit that has genuinely improved your wellbeing?

Strength training. Especially as a woman in menopause, maintaining muscle has been non-negotiable for my energy, metabolism, and confidence. It’s one of the few things where the return on investment is undeniable.

What’s something you’ve added to your life recently that surprised you with how much it helped?

Amino acids. I didn’t expect much, but they made a noticeable difference for me in muscle support and recovery without extra calories or digestive stress. It was a reminder that small, targeted changes can be more effective than doing more.

5 FAVORITE THINGS

At Home With Vanessa Fitzgerald

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:01:36 GMT

I’ve worked with Vanessa on and off for a few years now. She’s deeply knowledgeable in all things holistic and integrative, and whenever I’m looking for something a little off the beaten path, she’s the first person I call. She has an incredible way of connecting the dots and seeing the bigger picture. I’m so excited for you to get to know her, learn more about how she works, what she does, and the essentials she always comes back to.

GENERAL LIFE + WORK

For people who may not know you yet — what do you do for a living, and how would YOU describe your work?

In healing I guess you could call me a healer of sorts! I am a certified NRT (Nutrition Response Testing) practitioner and I have a private practice based out of LA, but I work with people all across the U.S. NRT is a form of muscle testing that uses reflexes and acupuncture points to identify the body's underlying health issues, such as toxicities, deficiencies, or sensitivities. It does this by finding specific nutritional or herbal supplements that help organs function better and restore the body's self- ability. I work on anything and everything that is chronic in the body and this includes anxiety and depression, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, organ dysfunction, and the list goes on.

The thing I find most illuminating after being in practice for almost 10 years is that the majority of symptoms and disease seem to be rooted in the emotional and spiritual body. It is my belief that we have a physical body, an energetic body, and an emotional/spiritual body. Science has now proved the mal-effects of stress on the body and that the autonomic nervous system is king, which would mean a body that holds onto stress, anxiety, trauma, negative thought patterns, etc. is a body that is perpetually in dis-ease leading to disease. Not only do I work to help heal the physical body, but I work in identifying emotional and spiritual blockages that may be preventing healing or causing poor health in the first place.

What does a typical day look like for you right now?

I am a new mom and just a little over 5 months postpartum. I JUST started sleeping about a month ago and being that I didn’t really sleep for 4 months, my body is still playing catch up. I had taken maternity leave unsure about when I would be back at work and as of a week ago I’ve started back two days a week. So to be honest every day is new and different!

A typical new-mom-back-at-work day:

My daughter serves as my natural alarm, waking me up between 6:00 and 7:30 AM. One of my favorite moments is going into her room when she wakes from sleep, after which I breastfeed her for about 30 minutes. Following that, we play for an hour before her next nap. During our playtime, I’ll take a moment to make a coffee or some yerba mate.

After I put her down for her nap and my nanny arrives, I hit the gym for an hour of personal training. Once I’m back home, I prepare a nutritious breakfast and take my supplements. This routine is vital for me, especially while breastfeeding. I’ve always been conscious about my eating habits, but now I’m learning to embrace the need for more nourishment to support my milk supply, which has been liberating and has reshaped my perspective on food.

After another breastfeeding session, I quickly shower and prepare for work. I currently work from home to accommodate my daughter’s feeding schedule. My assistant, Melissa, arrives around 11 AM, and we begin our virtual sessions, wrapping up around 3 PM when I’m back to mom duty.

I usually take Violet for a walk, and we enjoy exploring the Venice Canals while watching the birds and ducks. After her last nap, which lasts about 45 minutes, I use this time to share content online and prep her food, as she just started solids, along with organizing her bath and a bottle of pumped milk. My milk supply tends to dip at night, so I’ve dedicated months to pumping to ensure a good supply.

With my fiancé often occupied with work travel, I handle the bedtime routine solo. Since I only have two hands, I prep everything before she wakes. At 4:45 PM, I feed her, followed by an Epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes, giving her a mini-spa experience with non-toxic baby products and a gentle lymphatic massage. I then get her dressed for bed, offer her a bottle, and she’s usually asleep by 5:55 PM.

After her bedtime, I make dinner—often salmon, a beef burger patty, or chicken with a salad and a root vegetable. I pump while I eat, as I skip her bedtime feed. When I’m finished cooking and cleaning, I carve out some time to read or watch a show before heading to bed. Currently, I’m enjoying “Hunt Gather Parent.”

What’s the last thing you bought that genuinely made your life easier or happier?

We hired a sleep trainer to stay with us for three nights to help our baby learn to sleep. After four long months of sleepless nights, we experienced a miraculous transformation—our little one was sleeping soundly after just three nights of training. It's enough to make you believe that pigs really can fly! Being able to experience motherhood well rested is invaluable.

What’s something you’re learning, unlearning, or figuring out these days?

I am learning as much as I can about AI. As much as I want to fight it, I believe this is the way of the future and there is no stopping this speeding train that we are on.

I am unlearning all of my preconceived ideas about motherhood and surrendering to the process.

I am figuring out where I am going to live in the near future as we need a bigger house and I am unclear that LA is the right place for us to raise a family.

FOOD + KITCHEN LIFE

What’s your approach to food and nourishment?

The farmers market is definitely my preferred way to shop. I am not the greatest chef, but I can make simple things well. I am a creature of habit and since I am not super confident in the kitchen, it’s where I am the least creative. I buy what’s in season and order my fish and meat online from my favorite purveyors. Sometimes my fiance meal preps for me on Sunday nights and it’s heaven. My inspiration is my health span - I not only want to live long, I want to live well and what I put into my body matters.

What’s one thing you ALWAYS keep stocked in your kitchen?

I’ve got three. A high quality high heat olive oil, cultured butter, and Mastersalt sea salt.

What’s your go-to snack lately?

Simple mills crackers with some organic goat cheese and Seatopia smoked salmon or smoked muscles. Fish wife now makes a pesto smokes muscle, which I am very excited to try.

Your favorite recipe — either to cook or to eat.

There is a Persian dish called ghormeh sabzi that I just adore. I made it once, but I didn’t realize that you can buy the herbs pre-chopped, so I spent hours preparing the herbs. At the end of the day it was a labor of love and therapeutic.

Favorite restaurant (local OR anywhere in the world).

There is a restaurant in Capri called Da Gelsomina - LOVE.

If we opened your fridge today, what would we find?

Gerolsteiner, salmon roe, yerba mate energy drinks, goat cheese, goat milk, coconut milk from the farmers market, heirloom eggs from the farmers market, berries from the farmers market, almond butter, Ben’s coconut yogurt and Canadian maple syrup, random influencer drinks that some brand sent, a whole assortment magic mushroom chocolates and gummies, seatopia salmon, breast milk and my breast pumps. LOL

What do you reach for when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or need comfort?

My fiance Ben.

What’s a tool or item you use every day without thinking?

I have a little wood salt holder thing. There’s probably a proper name for it, but it’s cute and chic and holds my favorite salt that I put in and on everything including smoothies.

Is there a “hero item” in your kitchen or home that everyone should know about?

Our Fellow kettle is pretty balm, but we have so many things we love.

HOME + ENVIRONMENT

How does what you do for work influence your physical space?

Everything is clean and organized - the way I like to think of the cells in my body.

What are the items in your home that you absolutely can’t live without?

My stainless steel Vitamix.

What’s a small thing in your home that brings you joy every day?

My baby Violet. She’s small.

How would you describe your home style or philosophy?

Right now we live in Venice, so our style is modern coastal meets Soho House. My philosophy is to buy what I love, hire someone with an impeccable eye, and be inspired by where my home is located.

What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing you love in your house?

Our Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro. We thought it was stupid and ugly, but it is life changing and a must have as a new parent.

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

What’s in your purse right now?

I can’t remember the last time I carried a purse; it’s a diaper bag now. Floss, some random lip moisturizer (I rotate), my Goyard credit card holder and Saie concealer.

What’s a beauty product you’ve repurchased more than twice?

Dore Barrier Boost Essence, Dore Firming Collagen Serum, Lancer Nourish Moisturizer, Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream and SEALED face tape

WELLNESS + RITUALS + FITNESS

What’s one habit that has genuinely improved your wellbeing?

Weekly spiritual counseling and therapy. I believe that the root of all disease is dis-ease in the body and so I am constantly doing deep dives into myself and shining a light on patterns and stories I carry that are no longer serving me

Your favorite book — the one that shaped you, comforted you, or stuck with you.

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

5 FAVORITE THINGS

My Stainless Steel Vitamix
CamelBak hiking backpack
My engagement ring
My Take Your Suppies supplement organizing bags
My curling iron wrap wand
- Around The Table is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

At Home With Zarah Khan

Leanne Citrone — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:02:12 GMT

I met Zarah a few years back when she was the chef at Botanica. We ordered the chocolate cake and it absolutely blew my mind. So much so that I hunted her down on Instagram just to tell her how much I loved it.

The food she cooks is the kind of food I dream about eating every single day. It’s thoughtful, nourishing, beautiful, and somehow always exactly what you want and what your body needs at the same time.

She is kind, generous, and endlessly patient and she will always entertain me when I call with my stupid cooking questions.

She’s currently in school for Ayurvedic medicine and is working with clients, so get ready. You’re going to want her in your life. 🤍

To learn more and all things about Zarah, here’s her Substack!

GENERAL LIFE + WORK

For people who may not know you yet — what do you do for a living, and how would YOU describe your work?

Hello! My name is Zarah Khan, and I work as the executive (private) chef for some very cool, very important people.

What does a typical day look like for you right now?

A typical day for me right now – I am in Hawaii with the family I work for. I wake up between 5-6am, journal, meditate, go for a run or to yoga, do whatever shopping I might need to do for the day and then head into work around noon to make lunch and dinner for the people I work for and any guests who might be staying at the residence. Then I come home, shower, stretch, read or work on things for my Ayurveda College internship and go to bed around 11pm.

What’s the last thing you bought that genuinely made your life easier or happier?

Oh I love this question…. Ummm my Spibelt running belt. I accidentally left mine in DC so I had to buy a new one here but they're great and super minimal which I love.

What’s on your current wishlist?

Oh man. Right now I’m crushing on this pair of Always In Motion sunglasses but I think they’re maybe too trendy?? And I already have 2 pairs of running sunnies, so I’m not going to buy them. And also this Lindquist purse which I cannot justify, but I adore.

What’s something you’re learning, unlearning, or figuring out these days?

Whewwww well it's just after the solstice/new years and I have decided 2026 is all about not holding other people's emotions for them, and not tolerating misalignment of any kind. I am really just practicing staying with myself as much as I can – more than I ever have – right now.

FOOD + KITCHEN LIFE

What’s your approach to food and nourishment?

I try to shop local as much as possible. Travelling for work it's really cool to get to know the farmers and the fishermen and the land as much as possible in each place. I wish I was more structured, but really I love to let inspiration strike on the day and cook from there. We are on islands for over half the year and the weather changes on a dime, so I like to feel the weather and then ask myself what I would want to eat that day based on how it feels. For me, cooking is an expression of being present. Of feeling the place and the energy and answering it with a meal, a style, an energy.

What’s your go-to snack lately?

I am obsessed with these Mezcla bars. They are protein-packed and actually good for you (not full of sugar) which I love. I eat one before I workout every day.

What do you reach for when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or need comfort?

Dark chocolate. Preferably 80% or higher. I am never not stocked on chocolate at home. It's a bit of a problem.

HOME + ENVIRONMENT

How does what you do for work influence your physical space?

Oof. When I am away for work, I am sharing a staff-house with the rest of our travel team. Because we move around so much, I am only really home for a few months at a time so it’s important to make the other places feel as comforting as possible. For me, a big part of this is scent and lighting. I hate harsh overhead lighting, so I always bring scarves to be able to dim down the lamps in my room, and I always bring good candles and incense with me to make it smell like my home.

What’s a small thing in your home that brings you joy every day?

My cat! I can’t take her to Hawaii with me and I miss her so muuuuuch! cry

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

What are your favourite skincare products?

Rose water!!! You know how it's been proven that people can be addicted to the feeling of carbonation on their tongue? Like they get obsessed with sparkling water? I feel like I am addicted to the feeling of spraying my face with rosewater. I cannot do my beauty routine without it.

WELLNESS + RITUALS + FITNESS

What’s one habit that has genuinely improved your wellbeing?

I delete instagram off my phone every day after I hit my 30 minute limit. This helps keep my mind clear and present instead of falling into a long scroll-hole which always ends up making me feel more unsettled.

What’s something you’ve added to your life recently that surprised you with how much it helped?

Tart cherry juice!! This shit goes so hard you guys, like, what?! It relaxes you and gives you the craziest dreams. I have a big sip at night when I want to wind down for bed and it is so surprisingly powerful I swear.

5 FAVORITE THINGS

Moleskin leather journal. This is all I ever use and I save and catalogue each one when I fill it.
I just got this perfume and I am obsessed with it.
Alkaline water. Yes I am that bitch. But once you go alkaline, you never go back. Plus, you think I’m gonna trust our government with keeping our drinking water clean?? I don’t think so.
I start every morning with a cup of this. I love it. It’s a green drink without any gross sweeteners. It tastiest like it’s supposed to taste – green!
No joke, I have 5 of these tee-shirts. They are a perfect classic, and nothing hits quite like a fresh white tee.

At Home With Jésabel DC

Leanne Citrone — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:04:55 GMT

This week I interviewed Jésabel DC, a digital organizer I’ve been working with for over a year now – she has changed my life for the better, and has helped me transform my digital life into a more serene space I feel I have control over.

She’s a tech anthropologist who’s work focuses on the human/technology relationship. Besides her 1:1 digital organization sessions, she writes a Substack called Lifestyle Anthropology, and is also developing a video game that teaches life skills (like digital organization, time management, etc) to teens and young adults.

Subscribe now

GENERAL LIFE + WORK

For people who may not know you yet — what do you do for a living, and how would YOU describe your work?

In short – I’m a digital organizer.

I teach people how to create clarity, structure, and spaciousness in the parts of life we can’t physically touch – like our inboxes, calendars, files and digital workflows.

Rather than pushing productivity hacks, I teach people how to design digital environments that actually support focus, decision-making and energy. The goal is simple: fewer mental tabs open, less friction in daily life and systems that feel intuitive enough to maintain.

Essentially, I help bring order to the invisible spaces we move through every day – so people can work, think, and live with more ease.

My sessions take place on Zoom and run between 1 - 2 hours. I don’t organize for you – I organize with you. You share your screen and we work together in real time to build digital systems that reflect how you actually think and work, whether that’s organizing your inbox, connecting your calendars, streamlining files or creating naming conventions that stick. The goal isn’t just a tidy system, but the skills and confidence to maintain and adapt it on your own long after the session ends.

As you can see in the screenshots, my approach is intentionally visual and low-tech. I use playful, familiar design cues to lower anxiety, reduce cognitive load, and make digital organization feel more approachable and human.

If you’re looking for support organizing your digital life, you can book an intro call with me!

What’s something you’re learning, unlearning, or figuring out these days?
I’m learning to take time for myself (in pink)

Even though I teach boundaries, structure and intentional scheduling, I’ve had to remind myself lately that if I don’t actively protect personal time in my calendar, it gets filled by other people’s needs or by my own projects. I treat rest and personal space as something that’s scheduled, so it’s visible, intentional and non-negotiable. It has been such an important practice for me lately.

FOOD + KITCHEN LIFE

What’s your approach to food and nourishment?

My approach to food is the same as everything else in my life (surprise surprise) – it’s systems-based! I rely on pre-made meals in my freezer (that I buy from meal plan companies like Factor or Daily Harvest) so eating is quick and low-friction. I’m not chasing culinary experiences – I just want to be fed and energized so I can move through the day without having to deal with food-making. If I could have a Jetsons-style meal-ulator that handled food for me, I’d happily use it!

HOME + ENVIRONMENT

How would you describe your home style or philosophy?

Minimal and functional – less a style than a practice. My space is a self-built, tailor-made environment shaped by constraint rather than perfection. Within a small footprint, I designed upward and around functional use.

Nothing exists purely to be decorative – every object earns its place by being touched, moved or grown. I’m inspired by early industrial and workshop spaces, where function is visible and honest, but softened for daily life – almost like workwear translated into an interior language.

The room assumes a body moving through it, changing needs and evolving seasons. It’s never finished. Plants act as regulators rather than accents, analog tools stay in sight and the overall intention is sensory gentleness and practicality.

How does what you do for work influence your physical space?

My physical space mirrors how I organize digitally: it’s minimal, functional and constantly evolving alongside my life. Almost everything is custom built or modified, and every shelf, basket and surface earns its place through daily use. If something stops being useful, I change it as a natural consequence.

The room is designed to reduce friction – tools stay visible and within reach, movement is assumed and the space supports autonomy. The environment collaborates with me, adapts as I change and makes my life easier.

I love my room so much. It takes me around 10 minutes to do a quick clean and no more than 1 hour to do a deep clean, simply because I haven’t overcomplicated it. I can stand in one place and put all my laundry away. So under-rated!

What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing you love in your house?

My vintage humidifier from the 1980s (up in the corner) – I found it brand new in its box at a vintage bazaar. It’s incredibly robust and tactile, a reminder of a low-tech era when technology was simply a tool to be used, not something designed to overwhelm you with features or notifications. I also love my low-tech laptop, a Geobook released in 1997, for the same reason – both objects do exactly what they’re meant to do, and nothing more.

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

What’s in your purse right now?

I have no purse, only pockets – I have my cards attached to my phone, a chapstick for cold winters (I live in Montreal) and that’s it! Again, I’m a very minimal person. I only carry what I absolutely need.

WELLNESS + RITUALS + FITNESS

What’s one habit that has genuinely improved your wellbeing?

Keeping work separate from my room. Aside from client calls, which I take there out of necessity, I’ve stopped doing other forms of work in my bedroom altogether and go work at cafes or in the common spaces of my apartment instead. Creating a clearer boundary between work energy and rest has had a noticeable impact on my nervous system — and I’ve been sleeping much better since.

What’s something you’ve added to your life recently that surprised you with how much it helped?

Community. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I built it intentionally. Over the past year, I’ve been living in a community-focused apartment with incredible roommates, and it’s changed the texture of my daily life. What started as shared housing has grown into something closer to chosen family with loads of mutual support, care and spontaneous creativity sessions and hangouts.

Together, we’ve turned our apartment into a kind of third space for friends, hosting skill-sharing sessions, theme parties and gatherings that make life feel more connected and less isolated. It’s been unexpectedly grounding, and I write about the process on my Substack.

5 FAVORITE THINGS

My Vagabond Boots
I get so many compliments on these, and the sound they make makes me feel like a million bucks!

This Mont Blanc Notebook
Classic, made in Italy, beautiful cover.

Everlane Utility Barrel Pants
These have such a great shape and are mega comfortable!

Timberland Sky Boots
These make me love Montreal winter – the height makes me avoid all slush puddle and they look good with literally any winter outfit!

My Macbook Pro
I honestly don’t have a whole lot of items, my life is pretty minimal. But last year I gifted myself the newest Macbook pro after years of having a later model – and boy did that make a major difference in my digital life. By far the best investment I made in 2025.