Welcome to So Many Thoughts, a semi-weekly newsletter about royal style and the other parts of life I want to think through with you. You can subscribe here and follow me on Instagram at @EHolmes. Thank you!
When I moved into my dorm room for my freshman year of college, I was a nervous wreck. My mom, however, was a woman on a mission — to make my bed. She worked quickly around my lofted bunk, tucking in the freshly laundered sheets (with a hospital corner, naturally), smoothing out the colorful comforter, and stacking two pillows squarely at the top. The quickest way to make a new space feel like home, she believed, was to make the bed.
I’ve carried that with me in the dozen spots I’ve lived in since. In the whirlwind of our recent move to Los Angeles, I set aside two big boxes labeled “Bedding,” washed and ready to be put on as soon as the beds came off our moving truck. It had the intended effect — my kids shrieked with delight when they saw their rooms for the first time. Even two-year-old Bird, who has been mighty confused by the move, shouted: “MY BED! MY BED!”

Bird's new bedroom is slowly coming together.
Making the beds gave me a small sense of accomplishment on that chaotic moving day and in the days since. We’re living in a state of disarray at the moment, surrounded by stuff spilling out of boxes. It makes me crazy, if I'm being honest. But at least the beds are made? I think my mom would be proud.
What's one small thing you do each day that makes you feel better? Hit "Join the Discussion" at the bottom of this email and leave a comment. I would love to hear your Thoughts.
PS: If you need more make-your-bed encouragement, check out this fantastic commencement address by Naval Adm. William McRaven at the University of Texas (the bed bit starts around 4:45).
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A quick newsletter note! I’m attempting to organize my thoughts a bit more as I get into the routine of writing twice each week. Here's what you can expect:
Tuesdays will be a quick(er) read followed by my five or so recommendations (on what to read / watch / listen to, as well as what I am buying)
Fridays will be a bit more of a deep dive on something I've been thinking about, along with my royal news roundup of the week
But mostly: I’d love to answer your questions. So many queries pop up in my DMs asking about everything from the royal family to personal style to infertility to my career as a writer. I thought it might be helpful if I answer them here? Please email your questions to hello@somanythoughts.com.
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Five Things To Check Out This Week
READ: I am horrified by the images from the Texas border this week of patrol agents abusing Haitian immigrants. NPR has an interview with a photographer on the scene, and the New York Times has a helpful explainer on the dire situation. (NPR, New York Times)
READ: How many times have I used the phrase “working mom” without realizing how absurd it is? Have you ever heard anyone describe a man as a “working dad” — because I sure haven’t. Thanks to Katherine Goldstein and Jo Piazza for this piece on why we need to retire the term. (Romper)
SHOP: A fun and fancy sweatshirt for fall (size down!). (Target)
LAUGH: H/t to Courtney in my mom’s group for sharing this, I’m using it as new home design inspo. (TikTok)
Note: I use affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may get a small percentage at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
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I'll see you back in your inboxes on Friday. And don't forget to send me your questions! My email address is: hello@somanythoughts.com.
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