Big Plans: The Official Laurel Denise Blog

March 2025

The OMG-You've-Got-To-Try-This List: March 2025

from Laurel:
I'm reading Better Than The Movies and it has me squealing on airplanes and on hotel treadmills. I'm not usually a rom-com girlie, but this book has me in its adorable clutches. I want to hug this book. I need to hug this book. Handing it off to my pre-teen the second I finish it.

My 9-year old and I have been devouring the Emmie & Friends series of books before bed. Highly, highly suggest for moms of that age group (I'd say 8-11 age range). They even have boy protaganists, so it's not just for the girlie pops.

I decided that buying tiny bottles of my products and putting them in a cute travel bag would make my travels this month feel more home-like to this incredible homebody. The jury's still out on if this was a good use of money or not, but at least I have this adorable travel bag now?

This is my new favorite sleepy time t-shirt. So soft. So cozy. So flowy.

from Mabby:

Spring Weather – Fingertips deep in the earth, the sun warm on my shoulders, and my youngest digging right beside me—now a full-fledged gardener as she turns 9 this month. No longer just playing in the dirt, she’s planting with purpose, tending with care, and making her own little decisions about what goes where. Fresh soil filling the beds, mulch tucked in just so, and new blooms appearing like little surprises every morning. Counting the flowers pop daily is so much fun!

The Team is Back Together! – Sound the alarms, cue the confetti—we’re back, baby! After what feels like an eternity of holidays and travels and kiddos being sick (dramatic? maybe. accurate? absolutely.), the gang’s all here, moving in sync like we never missed a beat. Same jokes, same energy, same mildly chaotic but wildly effective rhythm. Will it last forever? Nope. But like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, I’m savoring it while it lasts. Because honestly? Getting to do what we love with our besties—that’s the real blessing.

Vertical Weekly Planner - I tried the portrait layout, it was great while it lasted but it's time for my "planner hop" and I'm going back to my old faithful, Ms. Vertical.

from Nancy:

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley - I could not stop reading this one! By the end I was taking any moment out of my day to pick it up and find out what was going to happen next. Which is always a sign of a good book right?

What is the Kanban Technique by OMG! Planners! - I was a happy participant in this video, where Jenn taught Lolly and I all about the Kanban system and how it can change how you organize your to-do lists. As a to-do list junkie, my mind was blown and I am already planning a potential planner change (!!!) once we get our new 2025-2026 planners in.

from Jenn:
Spring is just around the corner here in Virginia, and I’m SO ready for those warmer days! When I think of spring, I can’t help but imagine re-sparking both my wardrobe and my garden. This year, I’m setting boundaries for myself to avoid getting lost in the research rabbit hole for both projects. Instead, I’m going for simplicity—less planning, more doing! I recently ordered a “Betsey’s Vacation in a Bag” from Betsey’s Boutique, which includes three surprise pieces (you don’t get to choose), with each item retailing between $28-$48. Getting all three for just $30 felt like a steal, and I’m so glad I gave it a try! My order arrived, and I LOVE all three pieces—two shirts and a super cute dress. I can’t wait to wear them!

A few years ago, I was determined to grow all of our veggies and fruits. Fast forward to this year, and after realizing that my family doesn’t even like half the things I plant, it’s time to scale down. That means I have a 15’ by 5’ space ready for some beautiful landscaping. American Meadows to the rescue with their Pre-Planned Gardens! They make it so easy by taking the guesswork out of what to plant. I simply selected the size of my space, my planting zone, and any special plant needs, and voilà—they created a layout for me! They’ll ship the plants when it’s time to plant, complete with a planting layout and care instructions. I’m so excited to get started!

Finders fee disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission when you purchase the item. We would never share anything we aren't totally in love with.

Filed under:

Lifestyle Team Favorites