TL;DR February 2025 Edition

Summarizing Everything We Published Last Month

This week, we introduced a new page on our Substack site: TL;DR. Think of it as your go-to resource for catching up on posts you may have missed and discovering further reading through our short summaries. To make things even easier, we’ve also put together this email highlighting every post from the past month. With an average of four posts per week, this felt like a necessary tool—especially for our more casual readers.

FEBRUARY 2025

28 Things You Can Do with Others in February - February 1, 2025 - Julia & Thomas
Happy February, let's make this a great month with some creative ideas

• Fresh Takes on Together Time – From AI-generated date nights and role swaps to starting a book club or hosting a blind wine tasting, there’s a playful idea for every type of gathering—couples, friends, or entire families.

• Creative Collaboration – Activities like a “Chopped”-style dinner challenge, photo walks, and homemade Valentine’s crafts inspire hands-on fun and spark conversation while helping everyone bond over a shared project.

• Family & Friend Focus – Whether it’s planning a “Yes” Day for the kids, organizing a potluck among friends, or writing heartfelt letters to be opened later, these suggestions all aim to cultivate deeper connections and memorable moments throughout the month.

Track It to Change It - February 3, 2025 - Thomas
What Gets Measured, Gets Improved—Here’s How to Do It Right

• Pick the Right Metric – Don’t just track weight if your goal is to look leaner; focus on body fat percentage or actual strength gains. Same goes for business: follower count might be flashy, but you may need to measure clicks, sales, or other metrics that actually move the needle.

• First-Principles Approach – Ask yourself what your real goal is, which actions truly drive it, and which data points reveal meaningful progress. This clarity keeps you from chasing “vanity metrics” and helps you concentrate on what actually matters.

• Accountability & Consistency – Sharing your precise goal (“12 workouts this month,” not just “working out more”) with a partner or friend helps you stick with it. Regular check-ins or public commitments turn tracking into lasting change.

Why I Get Dressed Every Single Day - February 5, 2025 - Julia
How Clothes Shape My Mood, Mindset, and Motivation

• Empowered Mindset – Getting fully dressed each morning isn’t about dressing up for others; it’s about setting a positive tone for the day. Clothes can shift your energy, lift your mood, and help you step into your tasks feeling confident and ready.

• Wear the “Good” Stuff Now – By skipping the habit of saving special pieces for a future “perfect occasion,” you’ll get more enjoyment out of your wardrobe in the present. Life is happening now, and those favorite sweaters or perfectly tailored pants deserve to be worn, not shelved.

• Daily Outfits as Self-Care – Seeing getting dressed as a simple self-care ritual infuses an ordinary day with intention. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it’s the act of choosing items you love and wearing them proudly that creates a small but significant boost to your overall well-being.

Julia’s Weekly Whims: Vol 3 - February 7, 2025 - Julia
What I’m Ordering, Organizing, and Bookmarking Right Now

• Big Dreams & Small Delights – Embracing the motto “dreams are free” sets a creative tone; plus, I’ve discovered a brilliant routine board for the kids and indulged in a unique African cuisine dinner at Bintü Atelier—complete with jollof rice and suya-spiced steak.

• Vacation-Ready Finds – In prep for a Mexico trip, I’ve snagged a chic one-shoulder top and a showstopper Johanna Ortiz dress, alongside our go-to sticker books to keep little ones entertained while traveling.

• Declutter & Recharge – A major home edit highlights how quickly impulse buys pile up, reinforcing a more mindful shopping approach before our upcoming move. Meanwhile, an evening at Charleston’s Citrus Club rooftop bar underscores the delight in slowing down and taking in the city’s views.

The Husband's Guide to Style - February 8, 2025 - Julia & Thomas
Julia Interviews Thomas

• Elevated Essentials – Thomas favors polished basics (like crisp button-ups, chinos, and loafers) that fit well, focusing on “cost per wear” for higher-end staples and embracing subtle color or texture to add depth without complicating his outfit choices.

• Confidence in Fit & Fabric – Steering clear of the too-safe realm of boring neutrals, he experiments with different silhouettes (e.g., wider-leg AGOLDE jeans) and tactile materials (linen, terry, waffle knits), proving that small style tweaks can make a big difference.

• Practical Style Philosophy – Whether splurging on timeless items (a well-made white shirt, Chelsea boots) or establishing a reliable “uniform,” his approach balances comfort, longevity, and an understated sophistication—helping any guy look put-together with minimal effort.

I Swear By These Chrome Extensions - February 10, 2025 - Thomas
And You Will Too!

• Core Productivity Boosters – I rely on Loom to cut down on meetings by filming quick explainer videos, Table Capture to export website data directly into spreadsheets, and Dashlane for secure, time-saving password management.

• Content & Creative Tools – Imageye bulk-downloads images from any page, Scribe auto-generates process documentation, and YouTube Summary with ChatGPT quickly synthesizes video transcripts—perfect for repurposing or quickly grasping key takeaways.

• Situational Solutions & Discovery – Extensions like ColorPick Eyedropper, Full Page Screen Capture, and Open Multiple URLs solve specific design or research tasks, while new gems often emerge from problem-based searches or browsing Product Hunt—proving there’s likely a Chrome extension for any workflow hiccup.

The Best Family Trips We’ve Ever Taken - February 12, 2025 - Julia
The destinations that worked, not just for us, but for our kids too.

• Paris Magic – Exploring the city on foot (with trusty travel strollers) and endless stops for croissants turned classic sights into family adventures. Staying at Le Meurice made wandering easy, and the girls loved the playgrounds, museums, and Tuileries for open-air romps.

• Carefree Beach Escapes – COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos offered laid-back luxury with a private pool, kids’ camp, and turquoise waters that were endlessly entertaining. In Comporta, Portugal, renting the same relaxed villa twice through Le Collectionist felt like coming home, with easy-going beach days and a tranquil vibe.

• Return-Worthy Finds – Regular trips to Ireland nurtured family ties (my sister lives there) and fueled a love for the country’s rugged beauty. Meanwhile, Puglia’s olive groves, beach clubs, and hidden coves captured everyone’s hearts. Mexico remains a favorite, including an intimate stay at Hotel Esencia and a new Greek getaway on the horizon.

Weekly Whims with Thomas - Vol. 4 - February 14, 2025 - Thomas
Thomas takes over for this week. Plus Bonus Whims For Paid Subscribers

• Resort Wear & Coffee Gear – I’ve been loving OAS for warm-weather staples (particularly their waffle knit shorts), and I finally found the Fellow Aiden coffee machine in the matte-white version I’ve been waiting for. It’s surprisingly well-priced for an automatic brewer that can handle both big batches and small cups.

• Mindset Shifts & Mini Projects – I’m rereading The Paradox of Choice to help curb my “maximizing” tendencies—learning to settle for “good enough” feels surprisingly freeing. In the spirit of simplifying life, I also considered a vertical gardening tower (though Julia vetoed it for our new house) and plan on trying a week of “ingredient-only” foods, hiding away all the overly processed stuff.

• ChatGPT, Gym Upgrades & Other Wins – Extending our family time in Mexico gave me the best meal surprise: a lamb dish with tzatziki and tahini sauce. I’m also excited for a new gym closer to our new place, since I need heavier weights for leg days. And because I use ChatGPT so heavily, I’ve gotten into custom instructions and Projects—features that let me organize big research prompts and create more thorough, personalized deep dives.

VIDEO - Travel Q&A Video - February 15, 2025- Julia & Thomas
Answering Your Travel Questions From Our Chat

• Navigating Family Travel – We share our favorite hotels and room setups, plus why Portugal stands out for traveling with kids. Renting through niche sites helps ensure personal touches that elevate your stay in Europe.

• Packing & Planning Strategies – We talk about our packing style differences– Julia tends to overpack a bit but plan key outfits, while Thomas goes minimal, packing neutrals that mix and match. We also discuss how we leverage points—especially through Delta—to score better deals and enjoy perks like first-class upgrades.

• Photography & Confidence – Thomas built up his skills by embracing hands-on challenges and practice and Julia found that movement helps produce more natural shots. Whether you're mimicking a favorite style or simply moving in front of the camera, comfort and confidence shine through in your travel photos.

Our Absolute Travel Essentials - February 17, 2025 - Thomas
Through trial and error this list has been curated over years of travel

• Wrinkle-Free & Tech-Ready – A dual-voltage travel steamer is non-negotiable for looking polished, while laptops (15" MacBook Air for me, older Air for Julia) remain must-haves for work, photo editing, and trip planning. We also keep versatile backpacks and totes within arm’s reach for fragile items and quick access.

• Luggage Choices & Kid-Friendly Solutions – After denting multiple Rimowa metal suitcases, we switched to more forgiving plastic versions (or Paravel for carry-ons). Each child carries a small backpack with activities—like sticker books, mini magnet tiles, and iPads with headphones—to stay occupied.

• Essential Extras – Power adapters (no voltage converters needed for most electronics), laundry detergent sheets for quick sink washes, and an extra collapsible duffel ensure flexibility (and extra space for souvenirs). We also bring car seats / booster seats when needed and favor lightweight travel strollers for city trips.

What Actually Made a Difference in My Health & Fitness - February 19, 2025 - Julia
From a Celiac Diagnosis to Finding Movement That Feels Good

• Pinpointing the Root Cause – After years of unexplained inflammation, headaches, and erratic cycles, I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease. Cutting out gluten not only helped me get pregnant but also drastically reduced lingering symptoms—underscoring how essential the correct diagnosis can be for total well-being.

• Rediscovering Enjoyable Movement – Instead of pushing through intense workouts that left me frustrated, I found hot yoga, dance cardio, and low-impact sculpt classes that felt genuinely motivating. Embracing workouts I actually love inspired the consistency and strength gains I’d once thought were out of reach.

• Prioritizing How I Feel Over Numbers – I track progress by my energy levels, inflammation, and how my clothes fit rather than focusing on a scale. I center meals on whole foods and protein, use mindful supplements (matcha in the morning, amino acids, creatine), and allow balanced indulgences—ultimately aiming for a sustainable, intuitive approach that supports both my body and lifestyle.

Julia’s Weekly Whims: Vol 5 - February 21, 2025 - Julia
Fresh Finds, Current Obsessions & Little Luxuries

• Wardrobe Upgrades – I can’t stop wearing this black La Ligne dress, and I’ve also found my new go-to sneakers: Loeffler Randall’s Mary-Jane style, perfect for pairing with dresses or casual looks under $200. Plus, the final hours of Lake Pajamas’ sale are ideal for refreshing my lounge and sleepwear staples.

• Self-Care Splurges – My skin is glowing thanks to Kate McLeod’s moisturizing lotion bar (it melts into a luxe oil) and I’m obsessed with the foldable Stakt mat for yoga—lightweight, portable, and so much easier to store. Meanwhile, this sculptural hairbrush from La Bonne Brosse might just win the title of “chicest beauty tool” on my shelf.

• Travel & Home Inspiration – I’m baking coconut-chocolate treats with my girls, counting down to a summer stay at Greece’s Amanzoe (every photo looks like a dream!), and saving ideas for a potential at-home sauna that doubles as a shower attachment—still deciding if we have space, but loving the concept.

Deep Dive: Getting Started With Weightlifting - February 23, 2025 - Thomas
Sharing What I've Learned So Far

• Establishing a Strong Foundation – I recommend focusing on mastering five primary movements (squat, hinge, push, pull, core) with lighter weights first, ensuring proper form before gradually adding load. Structured programs (like Peloton’s strength modules, Jeff Nippard’s routines, or a Future coach) offer the progression and guidance that high-intensity classes often lack.

• Consistency & Progression Over “Killer” Workouts – Prioritizing rest between sets, using RPE or RIR to choose weights, and tracking performance helps build actual strength rather than just a sweat. Even two dedicated lifting sessions a week can produce significant, sustainable gains.

• Mindset & Tools – Whether at a gym or at home (with adjustable dumbbells and a bench), simple, consistent training plus proper nutrition (plenty of protein) yields results—no endless cardio needed. I suggest starting small, celebrating each win, and committing for 8–12 weeks to see measurable progress.

We Tried Being an Ingredient Household for a Week - February 24, 2025 - Thomas
and everyone survived

• Pairing Simplicity with Consistency – We removed all ultra-processed foods (anything with more than a few ingredients) and leaned heavily on batch-cooking basics like rice, chickpeas, and leftover proteins. This approach meant easier, mix-and-match meals (think scrambled eggs over rice, quick veggie bowls, or steak salad) without spending hours in the kitchen each day.

• Kids Adapted & Snacking Decreased – Surprisingly, our kids quickly stopped asking for their usual packaged snacks, turning instead to fresh fruit, nuts, and homemade treats (like stovetop popcorn or protein balls). Because we were eating more whole foods, late-night snack cravings also disappeared.

• Lasting Takeaways – While we won’t keep the kitchen 100% ultra-processed-free forever, we plan to maintain many of these habits—continuing big batch meal prep, keeping a sparser snack cupboard, and making more frequent, smaller grocery runs for fresh ingredients. The experiment highlighted how much mindless snacking falls away when you have fewer pre-packaged options on hand.

10 Favorite Items In My Closet - February 26, 2025 - Julia
That Stand The Test of Time

• Timeless vs. Trendy – I’ve found true value in pieces that transcend fleeting styles, like my beloved Max Mara cashmere coat from 11 years ago or the Chanel ballet flats I’ve worn for 13. They’re proof that a carefully chosen investment can carry you season after season, aging gracefully rather than going out of fashion.

• Personal Stories & Meaning – Each item holds sentimental weight, whether it’s my Sherman Fields reversible locket (with photos of my girls inside) or a turquoise-and-diamond antique ring that took years to finally bring home. These picks aren’t just clothes or accessories—they’re keepsakes that reflect my life’s milestones.

• Quality Over Quantity – Instead of amassing many trend-driven purchases, I focus on craftsmanship and longevity (like the Hermès Kelly bag I patiently waited for). Each piece seamlessly adapts to different seasons and decades, making my closet feel curated, versatile, and full of items I’ll cherish long into the future.

Julia's Weekly Whims: Vol. 6 - February 28, 2025 - Julia
Fresh Details, Preloved Treasures, and the Glowiest Skin

• Fresh Picks & Easy Fixes – I’m loving a gluten-free pancake mix that streamlines school-day breakfasts, plus a breezy spring dress with sweet floral cutouts to get me in the mood for warmer days.

• Skincare & Self-Care – My new YSE Skin Glow product gives an effortless radiance, and pairing Sakara’s Metabolism powder with warm milk is my nighttime indulgence—chocolatey but digestion-friendly.

• Vintage Finds & Local Gems – I scored a rainbow Delvaux bag preloved on Vestiaire (still swooning) and managed to snag a last-minute reservation at Vern’s, one of my top Charleston dining spots—proving that alert notifications truly work wonders.

x Thomas & Julia