Spring is finally here in Dallas, and I’ve never been more ready. The kids are back in school, and I’ve spent the last few days outside and unbothered... unless you count the dirt under my nails and the fact that I now measure time in how many pots I’ve planted since breakfast. Let’s dive in before the pollen gets me.

In Bloom

My Backyard Transformation Begins

I spent literally all weekend—from wake-up to sundown—getting our backyard ready for spring. Pots planted, patio furniture scrubbed, plants rearranged. I was equal parts Supergoop sunscreen and Miracle-Gro potting mix. Honestly, I’m still not sure if I’m tan or just deeply dirty.

It’s not totally done yet (the jasmine is still recovering from the freeze), but I’m already so in love with the direction it’s headed. I’m semi-retired now, and my 2025 goal is to transform our yard into a mini Butchart Gardens.

Next on the to-do list: finishing the seating areas by the pool and turning part of our upper lawn into a wildflower prairie. (That's the area at the top of the steps in the pics.)

Social media has caught on—I’m clearly in my Middle-Aged Gardener/Plant Lady Era. My entire feed is just garden tips, cute greenhouses and Martha Stewart silently judging me from afar. Please send gardening gloves, a sun hat and a Sav Blanc immediately.

​See some of the pics here​

One Year Later

My GLP-1 Glow Up

A year ago this coming Monday, I took my first weekly Zepbound injection to get my health back on track. I was at my highest weight, constantly flirting with hypertensive crisis despite being on meds, snoring like a freight train and one lab test away from full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

Fast forward one year:

• I’ve lost 50 pounds (and have held steady since mid-November)
• I’m on the lowest dose of blood pressure meds
• Cholesterol and A1c are under control
• I’ve stopped snoring, and Todd is finally back in our bed
• And most importantly, I feel truly healthy

I’m now in maintenance, still on a low dose, and my doctor couldn’t be happier. I like the term “weight management" medication better than “weight loss.” Because it’s not just about appearance—it’s about staying alive and feeling good.

If you’re on your own GLP-1 journey or just curious, I have a private, friends-only Facebook group where we support each other—no selling, just sharing. It’s a beautiful little corner of the internet, and you’re welcome to join.

​Find Cooper's GLP-1 Group here.​

One Last Lunch

Farewell Zodiac

Last Friday, I visited The Zodiac at Neiman Marcus downtown one last time. The store officially closes Monday, and y’all… it was packed. Like Christmas-level crowded with people coming to say goodbye.

I went with Craig, Jennifer and Eric (who was celebrating his birthday), and we soaked in every bite, every cocktail, every overly-attentive server moment. We even ran into my friend Allison, who was strolling the store with her husband, cocktail in hand.

It was bittersweet. More sweet than bitter—but just barely.

Better (Than You) Homes & Gardens

Easter Touches

My Easter decor this year is less full production, more fairy dust. I’ve got yellow velvet ribbons, pretty pastel eggs and sweet little bunnies scattered around the house. And I picked up the CUTEST little piglet wearing bunny ears. He’s objectively ridiculous, and I love him more than some people I know.

My blog has a round-up of photos and links to a few of my favorite pieces if you'd like to add a little whimsy to your home.

​Find it here.​

Who I'm Following

Harold's Finishing Touches

I’m obsessed with a store in Queensland, Australia, called Harold’s Finishing Touches. Specifically, I love their rattan baskets.

I ordered eight of them and had them shipped to Texas. And fun fact: it was actually cheaper to buy them from Harold’s and ship internationally than it was to find something similar here. The lack of sales tax alone made it worth it.

Check out @harolds_finishing_touches on Instagram or @haroldsfinishingtouches on Facebook for garden inspiration, major outdoor envy and to get to know its delightful owner, Aaron.

Sh!t Cooper Says

For The Anxiously Inclined

"Stop Preheating Your Worry."

- Cooper Koch

It’s something I say often to the two most anxious people in my house (hi Todd, hi Claire) when they start spiraling over something that hasn’t even happened yet… and likely won’t. It’s my snarky way of saying: worrying is like preheating the oven for a cake you’re probably not going to bake. Let’s cool it down.

That’s it for this week! Hit reply and let me know—are you deep in your gardening era too? Got any Easter decorating you’re proud of? Or maybe just a favorite sun hat you think I need to own immediately. And if you missed last week’s edition, catch up here.

YOU ARE LOVED!