A Love Letter to Sharing Good Things
For as long as I can remember, I've been the friend people call for recommendations. This is the story behind my ShopMy storefront and why sharing good things has always been a love language - a real act of service, if you will.
One thing I've learned about myself over the years is that I genuinely enjoy helping people make decisions.
Some people love spreadsheets. Some people love puzzles. Apparently, I love both. But I also love a research project, be it hotels, restaurants, finding the best item for the budget, or helping someone choose a wedding guest dress.
We all have our gifts.
For as long as I can remember, I've been the friend people text when they're looking for recommendations.
Where should we stay in Paris?
Do you have a favorite sunscreen?
What should I wear to this wedding?
What's a good gift for someone who has everything?
Do you know a great restaurant in Santa Barbara?
I never mind these questions. In fact, I live for them. Send them all my way. Okay, now you see where my time goes (reference It’s Okay to Need Help for further context).
Some people unwind by watching reality television. I apparently unwind by researching carry-on luggage and reading reviews for non-toxic candles.
Honestly, there are worse hobbies.
Over time, I noticed something interesting. I was sending the same links over and over again. The journal I reorder every year. The beauty products I actually finish. The travel accessories that have earned permanent spots in my suitcase. The hostess gifts I keep on standby.
Eventually, I needed somewhere to organize it all.
What started as a practical solution slowly became something I genuinely enjoy maintaining.
My ShopMy storefront has become a little digital extension of my notes app. It's where I keep track of things I own and love, things I'm considering, and little discoveries I've collected along the way.
Some products are practical.
Some are beautiful.
Some are completely unnecessary but spark immense joy, and I firmly believe that's reason enough.
One of my favorite things about getting older is becoming more comfortable buying fewer things, but choosing them more intentionally. I'd much rather own something I truly love than collect things simply because they're trendy. Blah.
And while not every recommendation will be right for every person, I love the idea that something I've enjoyed might make someone else's life a little easier, more beautiful, or simply more fun.
Which, when I think about it, is really what this entire website is about.
Not convincing anyone they need more things. Actually, on that note - have you heard of ThredUp? It’s an online consignment & thrift store. Send them your things, they sell them and you get a portion of the payment. And if they don’t sell, they get donated. Win-win.
Just sharing the things that have brought value to my own life and trusting people to decide what resonates with theirs.
The Golden Standard
Good things are meant to be shared.
Buy fewer things, but love them more.
Invest in quality when you can.
Allow room for beauty, even when it serves no practical purpose.
And never underestimate the joy of passing along a good recommendation.
Favorite Things Mentioned
Visit my ShopMy storefront to browse:
Travel favorites
Home finds
Beauty products
Wellness essentials
Wedding and gifting ideas
Seasonal collections
Things currently sitting in my own cart
Shop with me here.
With love,
Jen
