The Journal is a collection of letters about creative stewardship—tending thoughtfully and imaginatively to the life we’ve been given. Through rituals, recipes, places, objects, and everyday curiosities, we’ll explore how to find beauty in what we have, joy in where we are, and inspiration for what comes next. Along the way, we’ll gather the little rituals, pleasures, and collections that bring us joy, restore our peace, and make us feel most like ourselves.

the journal

A pathway lined with tall, mature trees on both sides, creating a canopy overhead, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, leading towards a small structure or entrance in the distance.

A bouquet of pink hydrangea flowers with green leaves in a shiny, metallic vase on a wooden table. A reflection of a woman taking a photo with her phone is visible in the vase. In the background, there is a wooden shelf with pens, pencils, and a ceramic face-shaped mug filled with writing utensils.

Miniature white ceramic teapot with blue heart design, placed on a white cloth-covered surface with a white appliance below, against a wooden background.

A green hardcover book titled 'Evergreen' by Lydia Miller is placed on a wooden shelf. Behind it, there are other books and decorative items, including a silver-colored pot and a bundle of dried flowers.

Close-up of a bowl of green tea latte with a foamy surface, accompanied by a gray cup and a piece of white tissue paper on a beige surface.

A display of fresh peaches in containers at a market.

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passports ~

farmers markets ~

vintage ~

matcha ~

fresh flowers ~

french cafe radio ~

linen ~

passports ~ farmers markets ~ vintage ~ matcha ~ fresh flowers ~ french cafe radio ~ linen ~

Lauren Palmer 8/28/26 Lauren Palmer 8/28/26

Blackberry Rosemary Sparkler

A beautiful fall cocktail for entertaining at home. This Blackberry Rosemary Sparkler combines lemon vodka, homemade blackberry syrup, fresh rosemary and bubbly Prosecco for an easy cocktail that feels special enough for a dinner party, girls’ night or autumn gathering. Save this recipe for your fall entertaining ideas.

Lauren Palmer 8/26/26 Lauren Palmer 8/26/26

The Art of Unpacking

What you do after you open your suitcase matters, too. My simple travel unpacking routine helps keep clothes fresh, wrinkle-free, and beautifully cared for using my favorite wrinkle spray, fabric refresher, fresh air, and a few easy habits. Save this for your next trip!

Lauren Palmer 8/24/26 Lauren Palmer 8/24/26

A Little Dirt Never Hurt

A nostalgic Halloween dessert that couldn’t be easier: chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and a few playful extras. These easy Dirt Cups are fun for Halloween parties, family nights, or anytime you’re craving a childhood favorite.

Lauren Palmer 8/24/26 Lauren Palmer 8/24/26

The Note Worth Keeping

There’s something special about receiving a handwritten note. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing, from thank-you notes and beautiful stationery to the simple practice of slowing down and connecting with someone you love. A lovely reminder that some things deserve a little more personal attention.

Lauren Palmer 8/22/26 Lauren Palmer 8/22/26

Panzanella Pasta Salad

Turn leftover Panzanella into an easy, fresh Panzanella Pasta Salad! Made with colorful vegetables, pasta, olive oil and leftover chicken, this simple cold pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, packed lunches or an easy summer dinner. A delicious way to give leftovers a second life.

Lauren Palmer 8/21/26 Lauren Palmer 8/21/26

Panzanella Salad

Not a lettuce person? Neither am I. This easy Panzanella salad is made with juicy tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, fresh basil, crunchy toasted bread, and a tangy vinaigrette. Inspired by the classic Tuscan bread salad, it’s a colorful summer side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or sausages—and a delicious way to give day-old bread new life.

Lauren Palmer 8/17/26 Lauren Palmer 8/17/26

385° Chicken

If your baked chicken always turns out dry, try this simple trick: bake chicken breasts at 385°. This easy oven-baked chicken recipe makes juicy, flavorful chicken in about 20 minutes and is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, Sunday meal prep, school lunches, pasta salads, rice bowls, and easy family meals.

shop my travel favorites

A hotel lobby table with a tablet, a white coffee cup, a small plate with a spoon, a pink roses in a small dark vase, a syria container with sugar, and a pink upholstered chair in the background. Behind the chair are large green plants and black curtains.

Colorful medication organizers with compartments labeled for days of the week placed on a light-colored surface.

Six white plumbing pipe fittings placed on a gray surface with two tubes of skincare product in the background.

A close-up of a pink vape pen with the top part removed, showing the mouthpiece, on a white surface with a blurred blue object in the background.

In the much acclaimed travel diary/packing list, 11 Days in a Carry-on, Lauren shares her go-to travel hacks that makes carrying on easier than ever! ✈️

“The little things that make the journey lighter, lovelier, and infinitely easier—these are the travel companions that always earn a place in my carry-on.” -LP

Assorted vape devices and e-liquid bottles on a surface.

Are you curious to discover what happens when we quiet the noise, lift our eyes from the screen, and return to the life waiting to be noticed?

Social Media Detox

“Social media fills up all the extra space we have if we aren’t careful. It’s in quiet moments that we can hear God. Boredom facilitates creativity and curiosity. If all the quiet moments are filled up with socials, we are robbing ourselves of the opportunity to hear God and be used by Him.”

— LP

A hand with bracelets touches a vintage bell with a patina finish on a wooden door, with a decorative metal knocker above it.