I’ll be the first to admit—I have a flair for the extra. Not in a loud or flashy way, but in the little things that make daily life feel more thoughtful, beautiful, and maybe a tiny bit romantic. These are the small rituals and lovely habits that just make me feel more me. And if you’ve been around here a while, you might love them too. Here are 10 things that feel a little extra… and that’s why I love them.
P.S. A fun post I shared this week! 10 “Granny Things’ I secretly love (and think you will too)!
10 Things That Feel a Little Extra… and That’s Why I Love Them
1. Fluffing My Pillowcases Like It’s a Hotel Turn-Down
Before bed, I always take a second to fluff my pillowcases—crisp, white, and perfectly smoothed. It’s silly, but it makes my whole bedtime routine feel luxurious, like I’m staying at a sweet little inn by the sea. Love this new lily of the valley set!
2. Stocking Up on Tall Birthday Candles (and Always Adding the Age)
Every birthday in our family gets celebrated with tall, elegant birthday candles—and I always make sure to include the number candles too. It’s such a sweet little tradition, and I love looking back at old photos and instantly knowing which birthday it was. The tall candles feel just a little bit fancier (and more photogenic), which is probably why I keep a stash in the kitchen drawer at all times
3. Making a Cappuccino with a Sprinkle of Cinnamon
Every morning, I pull out my favorite café-style mug and make a cappuccino with oat milk and a touch of cinnamon on top. It’s my way of bringing the coffee shop home—and it tastes even better when I sip it outside with Goldie.
4. Wearing Makeup to Work Out
Okay, this one might raise eyebrows, but hear me out: a swipe of tinted moisturizer, some brow brown, and maybe a little lip color—and suddenly I feel energized before I even start moving. Bonus: I’m ready to run errands right after. (check out my favorite makeup here)
5. Serving Breakfast on Pretty Dishes—Even on Tuesday
I love making my breakfast feel like a moment. Whether it’s yogurt and fruit or just scrambled eggs, I plate it on something lovely. (A white plate or this floral dish always does the trick.)
6. Having Full-On Conversations with Goldie
Goldie gets the rundown on my to-do list, weather report, and any life updates before anyone else. I mean… she’s family. And honestly, she always gives the best reactions.
7. Monogrammed Towels in the Bathrooms
I’ve always loved little touches that make a home feel personal. Our bathrooms have fresh white towels with our initials—classic, crisp, and totally unnecessary. But I love them.
8. Collecting Beautiful Matchboxes Just to Display
From coastal gift shops to charming boutiques, I love picking up matchboxes with pretty designs. I have a little collection in a rattan bowl on my coffee table. Do we need them? Not at all. But do they spark joy? Absolutely.
9. Baking Something for Every Family Gathering
There’s something about bringing a homemade treat to a family get-together that feels like a love language. My go-to lately has been a blackberry cobbler (so easy and always a hit), but I’ll never stop making my classic strawberry cake when the season’s right.
10. Buying a Really Special Dress for Every Nantucket Trip
Every summer, I find that dress—the one I can wear to dinner or a golden hour stroll through Sconset. Usually in white and blue, with embroidery or a coastal print. It’s a tradition that makes packing more fun and the memories more vivid. This year, I’m packing this pineapple dress in the prettiest shade of pink.
These little things may seem extra, but to me, they make everyday life feel more beautiful, more intentional, and more me. Whether it’s lighting tall birthday candles we’ll remember years from now, talking to Goldie like she’s my real-life daughter, or fluffing pillowcases like I’m on vacation—these small rituals bring joy to the in-between moments. And I hope they inspire you to lean into the little extras that make your life sweeter too.
I hope you enjoyed, 10 Things That Feel a Little Extra… and That’s Why I Love Them. Love all things coastal, charming, and beautifully curated? Subscribe to my online magazine and join me on Substack for daily seaside inspiration and style finds. Your daily escape to the coast!
Image above via 86 Cannon
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