The Truth About My Drafts Folder
And why I spent three hours researching hair towel technology
I've been sitting on this newsletter for a few days.
Not because I didn't want to send it; I did.
But because I care about getting it right. Which, if I'm honest, is just my perfectionism dressed up as productivity. Add a little impostor syndrome, and suddenly I'm in a standoff with my drafts folder, waiting for the “perfect moment” that will literally never come.
So here it is. As is. Slightly anxious. Fully honest.
P.S. I made you a playlist as an apology for overthinking this email. I put effort into my procrastination, too.
Casual Chaos: A Running List
No matter how many packing videos you watch, you will overpack and forget something critical (deodorant, dignity, common sense).
Sleep is sacred. All-nighters at 31 aren't productivity; they're self-harm in caffeine form.
You will not “just sleep in the car.” The third row of any vehicle is a punishment seat disguised as extra space.
That broken mouthguard I keep meaning to replace? Still using it. Still broken. Still in denial.
Energy drinks will betray you every single time, but I keep believing their lies.
Most importantly, sadness and joy can coexist in the same hour, but not in the same moment. Worry less. Live more.
Hi. I'm Peyton.
If you found me through that TikTok about products that actually last, welcome to the cozy chaos corner of the internet, where I overshare about life and have strong opinions about good design.
Here's what you've walked into: This newsletter is equal parts lived-in expertise and very soft chaos. And everything I recommend? I’ve either researched to the point of exhaustion or tried it myself. Usually both.
In a world constantly trying to sell us more, maybe what we actually need is less noise and more honesty. Honesty about what works, what doesn't, and why perfectionism is just fear wearing really convincing clothes.
Thank you for being here. For reading this far. For caring about the details that make life better.
You could be anywhere, and you chose to be here. That's not small. That's everything.
July Design Sessions:
I open 3 slots per month for 1:1 design sessions. They're deep dives into what's not working in your space and how to fix it.
This is for you if:
You're tired of buying things that don't solve the actual problem
You want clarity before you spend another cent
You're building a home for your actual life, not the algorithm
Join the waitlist below to book. Note: Joining the list doesn’t commit you to anything!
😵💫 The Research Rabbit Holes I Fall Into (So You Don't Have To)
This week, I spent three hours figuring out why my hair takes 47 minutes to dry and emerged with a PhD in microfiber engineering and a newfound understanding of something called “capillary action.”
The discovery: Regular towels are basically sandpaper for your hair. The AQUIS hair drying towel uses superfine recycled fibers that gently pull water out without the violence.
The result: I look 67% more put-together with zero additional effort, which feels like cheating but in the best way.
This is the kind of obsessive research I do, so you can just buy the good one and move on with your life.
Because honestly? Life's too short for disappointing towels, whether they're for your body or your hair.
🛠 What I've Been Working On
I've updated:
The Buy-It-Once Directory (The list I wish existed before I bought everything twice)
The Homeowner Survival Guide (so your house supports you instead of stressing you out)
The Hardware Vault (yes, the good brass sources that designers don't share)
The real value isn't knowing what to buy; it's knowing what NOT to buy.
5 Things That Make My Life Easier (All Under $20) They are practical, clever, and genuinely useful in everyday life!
Honestly? These are the things I text my friends about at random times:
“Get the Swedish dishcloths.”
“Trust me on the rechargeable lighter.”
“That little tray will solve the ring problem.”
If you'd like to see what I'm currently obsessed with and exactly where to find each item, it's all in the paid section, along with my usual over-explaining.
The first 25 who click get in. After that, the trial closes.