It feels so good to be back…
This past year has been full of adventure. I fell in love. I expanded my real estate portfolio. I learned what it means to slow down, to listen to myself, and to build a life that actually feels like mine. Not one that is influenced by a partner or a lifestyle that isn’t truly me. I finally accepted something that had been quietly forming in my heart for a long time: I don’t think I want to have children—and that realization brought me a sense of peace and clarity I didn’t expect. It helped me define the life I want to build, intentionally and unapologetically.
I took a step back from being an influencer this year to set up the systems and network for real estate investing that will help my portfolio expand. I poured my energy into falling in love with my now boyfriend of one year, expanding my mind as a real estate investor, taking care of myself, and doing the things I truly love. Not everything needs to be shared in real time. Some seasons are meant to be lived first.
One of the greatest joys of this year has been spending more time in Aiken, South Carolina, pursuing my lifelong love of horses and polo. I’ve become a regular at the fox hunts—specifically clean boot hunt meetings, where no animals are harmed and centuries‑old traditions are honored. And if you know me, you know I love tradition. Self‑proclaimed anglophile here. I’m already dreaming ahead to next year, when I plan to make one of my lifelong dreams come true: visiting the Cotswolds and participating in an international hunt. I’m picturing fall in the English countryside, watching the leaves change, finally wearing all the tweed, wool, and cashmere I’ve been collecting for years.
This year also marked a deeper chapter in my real estate journey. I’m currently preparing to furnish my next rental property—The Polo Cottage—and I’ve fully leaned into thrifting as part of the process. You can follow along with what I’m working on over at @thepolocottage on Instagram. I’m just waiting for my condo in Encino to sell. Listing details here! That home was the first property I purchased and poured my heart and soul into. Letting it go feels bittersweet, but the timing is right. I’m ready to trade it for something new, something I can truly put my own spin on… and yes, be done with the HOA. Not all HOAs are bad, but if you’ve ever dealt with one stuck in antiquated ways, you know exactly what I mean. Check out my first kitchen, bathroom, and living transformations under the Home Decor tab in the menu above.
In 2025, I made a list of places I wanted to visit. Vermont was at the very top. After years of dreaming about it, I finally went on a 10-day road trip through New England—and it was just as magical as I hoped! I also had the opportunity to visit four other new states on my quest to see all 50 by the time I turn 40 in 2.5 years. I only have 7 states left! Still not enough trips to Hawaii, though. There’s never enough Hawaii.
Another dream came true this year when I hosted my family here in Charleston for Christmas. Perfect weather, a full house, and an entire week off my phone. Truly priceless.
I didn’t get the one thing I asked Santa for—a Ralph Lauren home décor book—but I walked away with plenty of goodies and a heart full of gratitude. And honestly, I’ll just buy it for myself… just like I did with my riding boots and more thrifted treasures. Speaking of thrifting: I’ve found some absolute gems this year. Sometimes you strike gold, sometimes you leave empty‑handed—but that’s part of the magic. I now own more silver plates than I know what to do with, so fair warning: many of you may be receiving them as gifts in the coming months.
The vision for The Polo Cottage is clear. Long before it was trendy, I’ve loved a Ralph Lauren–inspired aesthetic. Think old English countryside manor, layered with equestrian details and a luxury, lived‑in feel. Furnishing a three‑bedroom, two‑bath home can easily cost upwards of $20,000, so I’ve been carefully balancing budget with beauty. DIY projects have become my secret weapon. I’ve shared a few on Instagram—DIY frames, a DIY ice bucket, and many more to come. You know I love a good project. So much so, that I have an entire DIY category on this blog.
I’ve missed writing here more than I realized. I’ll be honest—I almost let my website hosting expire. But I couldn’t do that to the thirteen years of content I’ve poured into this blog. All the late nights, early mornings, lunch breaks, and even moments stolen during work hours, spent creating something meaningful. Sometimes I feel like I come from a different generation of influencers. TikTok has never really been my vibe—but in a way, it feels like we’re circling back to what I love most: photography, storytelling, and slower content. And I’m here for it.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share more with you. My posts may be sporadic, but I hope to put more time and energy into this space and reconnecting with all of you. Thank you for being here, for growing with me, and for allowing this blog to evolve as I do.
XOXO,
Laura
