A big task of mine this past weekend was cleaning out the fridge. It started as "throw out the leftovers" but quickly turned into "take everything out, including the shelves, and scrub like a maniac"... as it always seems to. If you’ve ever been envious because you think I have it all together, here’s your wake-up call: One of the items I pulled out EXPIRED in August 2019. Not made in 2019. Expired. We’ve had a global pandemic since it went bad. We’ve elected two Presidents since it went bad. Taylor Swift has re-recorded half her career since it went bad.

And if you’re reading this in North Texas on the day it’s sent, my email is probably sandwiched between 47 others from any charity you've had even the slightest passing connection with, begging you to donate for North Texas Giving Day. I always joke that it should be renamed North Texas Spam Your Donors Day. Best wishes to all who celebrate!

ADD TO CART

Dishwasher Glow-Up

Since we’re on a cleaning spree, let’s talk dishwashers. I started cleaning the filter and using these dishwasher cleaning tablets twice a month, and y’all, it’s like having a brand new machine. No smells, no mystery sludge and I don’t have to aggressively pre-rinse anymore. The box has a handy little calendar inside, but I just set a reminder on my phone to let me know when the magic needs to happen.

SNAPPED

My First Reel!

Y’all, I produced my very first Instagram Reel! It was for Dwell With Dignity’s pop-up thrift shop, which you should absolutely visit. Here's the thing: who knew it would take two hours to edit down to ninety seconds of content? At this rate, my influencer career should really start thriving around 2055.

You can watch it here. Be kind! This old dog is still learning new tricks! (It's also on Facebook, if that's more your jam.)

HIT PLAY

Do It With Excellence

I was listening to podcasts in the car and found this gem from Mel Robbins with serial entrepreneur and general badass Brit, Emma Grede. Emma, with her beautiful British accent, said she likes to "do everything with excellence," regardless of the task. From making a bed and folding a shirt to pulling together a mundane report at work, people take notice of excellence. A riff on "everything worth doing is worth doing right," but less fussy and more powerful. I love the sentiment. It's not about overdoing it, but rather simply doing it well. It hit me like a lightning bolt. Mel even says if you only listen to one episode of hers, make it this one, and I agree. Listen here.​

SH!T COOPER CLAIRE SAYS

"That's seen some things."

- Claire Koch

That's the first thing Claire said, deadpan and slowly shaking her head, when we discovered the long-expired fridge item. Then she added that it’s basically watched her and Mason grow up. She’s not wrong.

That's it for this week! Thank you to everyone who was so responsive to last week's edition. ICYMI, I was asking for gift ideas for Todd's 50th, talking about colleges and sharing my newly revived hobby. You can read all about it here.

And, lastly, always remember...

YOU ARE LOVED!