AUG 11, 2026

INSIDE: Office Gossip, Morning Routines, and Getting Organized.

TODAY I WILL:

Stop letting my inner critic have the final word.

We're romanticizing, theorizing, and maybe overthinking... just a little.

• Your hot girl walk just met its zen cousin.

• Should we blame social media for the 500% increase in searches for “limerence?”

• Turns out, Kaia Gerber is the author of some fan fiction.  

• Gilmore Girls interviews are locked in.

• A new suggestion for work/life balance is raising some eyebrows.

Who Told You Gossip Was Bad?  

Got a work bestie you debrief with immediately after that meeting? Science says that Slack side chat might be doing more than keeping you sane. 

Despite its bad reputation, gossip isn’t inherently malicious. Researchers generally define it as simply talking about someone who isn’t present—and much of what we call gossip is actually neutral information-sharing. It can help us understand social norms, figure out who we trust, and bond with the people around us. The same idea applies to work, too. Recently, research even found that employees who gossip about their bosses report feeling a stronger sense of belonging with their coworkers and were more collaborative that day. The bonding effect was particularly strong when employees were dealing with an emotionally or verbally abusive boss. 

Before you start building venting sessions into your everyday calendar, though, there’s an important caveat: Not all tea is worth spilling. Researchers distinguish between gossip that informs, protects, or helps people process their own experiences and gossip intended to damage someone’s reputation. A useful gut check before sharing? Consider your intent and the likely impact. 

The Takeaway? We're not giving you permission to start a rumor about your boss, but that post-meeting “Did that feel weird to you, too?” text to your work wife might be doing your team some good after all.

How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day—and a few thoughtful essentials can make those first moments feel a little calmer, brighter, and more intentional. Whether you're easing into the day with some movement or rushing out the door, these are the staples worth reaching for every morning.

1. RYZE Ube Latte Mushroom Instant Coffee, 2. O Positiv URO Probiotics, 3. Loftie Alarm Clock, 4. Ancient + Brave True Creatine+ Packets, 5. Anthropologie Glass Tumbler, 6. Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer, 7. Merit Glow Serum, 8. Shark DePuffi, 9. Alo Lightweight Warrior Mat

If you've ever wished packing (or just getting out the door) felt a little less chaotic, Steph Hon has probably already thought about the solution. As the founder and CEO of Cadence, she's built a cult-favorite brand around making everyday organization feel effortless—from travel essentials to beauty products and everything in between. 

We caught up with Steph to talk about the morning ritual that sets the tone for her day, the organization advice she thinks everyone overcomplicates, and the small habits that make life feel a whole lot easier.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? 

The number one thing I do within 3 minutes is I lay in bed and think about the 5 things I am deeply grateful for—and I get specific, so as an example not just “my parents” but “the ability to have talked to my mom on the phone last night and get her advice…” I find this helps inherently set the tone of my mind for the day. 

Do you have a morning ritual (any non-negotiables?)—or are you more of a "get up and go" type? 

My morning ritual takes 45 minutes—and then I get right to work. I often think of it as my routine, my warm-up, for the day. 

What's one organization trend you think people overcomplicate? 

Everything. Organization for people who go places and live full, busy lives is why I built Cadence. We want to feel put together, prepared, organized, and also use our time and mental energy towards other things—our family, love lives, passions, hobbies, work…we believe when everything has a place you have space. 

Is there one product, tool, or habit you swear by to make you feel good every day? 

Little glimmers—when stressed, look around you and find little things that are beautiful and bring you joy. It could be the way a tree sways in the wind, your dog yawning, or your home. 

What wellness practice makes the biggest difference in your day?