Matte nail concealer: I first found this non-toxic nail concealer in my favorite French store. It gives a holy grail, foolproof, barely-there blurring effect that makes your nails look instantly groomed It gives a surprisingly powerful blast and lasts a long time on a single charge.

Basket purse: At this point in summer, it's way too sweaty for clothes to feel cute, but a well-constructed, woven-straw handbag? Summery and fresh! I brought this along for our most recent trip to France. It features canvas liner with drawstring closure with a crossbody strap that detaches to convert into a clutch. In 12 colors (brights and neutrals). Ice machine: We love our old house, but wonky wires and plumbing have meant 13+ years of filling and refilling ice cube trays. Freedom! This little machine plugs in anywhere (we put it on a shelf in our laundry room, so it doesn’t occupy precious kitchen counter space). It makes great, chewy bullet ice really quickly. Waterproof bandages: I use a daily medical patch that must be kept dry, and while there are tons of waterproof bandages on the market, most of them are absolutely rage-inducing to peel and apply. My search finally ended when I tried this brand on our annual beach trip to Dauphin Island. The size is perfect, the seal is sound, and I don't have to fight epic battles against crumpling adhesive. Mini slant tweezer: I had a pink version of this tweezer for about 20 years before I lost it somewhere in the crevices of my car. In all that time, it stayed sharp and did its job fantastically. I tried some random cheaper tools we had stashed in our medicine cabinet, but none of them were even close to as good or comfortable to hold. I ordered three replacements for my purse, travel kit, and makeup bag. (Pst–it’s never too late to make a list of stocking stuffer ideas!) Hand fan: As a Louisiana girl, I am on a perpetual mission to cool off. I just got this foldable hand fan that stashes inside its own carrying case in my bag. It feels nice and substantial in hand, is surprisingly cooling, and… can a hand fan look chic? This one has me thinking maybe so! __________ Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge. I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event. Subscribe to A Heroic Moment, my free weekly newsletter.

Woven mary jane flats: Last year I tried another style of mary janes from this brand, and loved them. Affordable, chic, accommodating of troublesome widths and bunions, and comfortable enough to wear across Europe for my usual 40,000-step days. So I was eager to try this lighter, summery style—and had the same glorious results. Two notes: I dislike buying shoes that aren't constructed of "real" materials because they don't last as long. However, these faux leather flats are so good in every other way that I’m making an exception. Also, the arch support and soles aren't great—I added my orthotics and a sole protector. Adhesive puck lights: Our vintage New Orleans apartment has charm but sometimes odd electric wiring. We have two massive closets without lights, so finding anything in them is an expedition. Until!!! These tiny problem solvers changed everything. I loaded them with batteries, peeled off the sticker cover, and stuck them on various flat surfaces in the closets. An effortless push on, push off, and the darkness has not overcome. I immediately ordered more for all the other places I constantly wish were brighter. Mini digital camera: When we led a recent pilgrimage to Assisi, we invited pilgrims to dock their phones for the day in honor of St Carlo Acutis’ digital discipline. Then we surprised them with these teeny digital cameras so they could still capture the magical beauty of Assisi. The cameras were an absolute smashing hit. These little cuties come with a keychain attachment, charging cable, and built-in SD card that holds about 1000 photos and videos (how??). It also features various filters, a flash, and zoom capacity. I am already planning to stuff some Christmas stockings with these. Real Salt: I looove salt and this product tastes incredible. I've been using it for 15-plus years since a holistic doctor recommended it for the good minerals that support autoimmune wellness, but the flavor is why I can't go back to anything else. Summer grilling and fresh salads are infinitely more delicious with Real Salt. Also: I think this would be great in a Father's Day basket or as a housewarming gift. Merino wool sockless insole: The dark side of airy summer flats is sweaty feet without socks. These merino wool insoles drop unseen into your flats and keep your toes comfortable. Plus, I love the pleasant texture of merino (most of my actual socks are merino wool: ankle, ruffle crew, boot). These insoles come in singles, so be sure to order two (ask me how I learned this). __________ Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge. I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event. Subscribe to A Heroic Moment, my free weekly newsletter.

Take it from a gal who spent good babysitting money on many French manicures: this nail glow will give But it will give your nails a flattering, healthy radiance that looks great for any occasion. glass olive oil cruet, $16 : When tools are prett y, they elevate and dignify the ordinary work of our lives

It also rescued me when I lost the cap on a giant, newly-opened bottle of my favorite Castile soap .

Locking silicone jar lids (4), $15 : We use glass jars to pack soups, pasta, leftovers, and even jar salads. But over time, the metal lids inevitably rust. Swap in these replacements to get the same airtight seal and reusability without the rust.  Adhesive hooks (4), $10 : I recently organized some things and needed somewhere to store my pajamas (I’m a huge fan of these ). I dislike over-the-door hooks and racks because they don’t work well in our old house with nary a plumb doorframe. These handsome hooks have been an ideal solution applied to the back of the bathroom closet door. I’m planning to add a set to the back of every door in the house! Green Clean cleansing balm, $35 : On a friend’s recommendation, I tried this clean, non-toxic cleansing balm that melts off makeup and grime. I love it! It feels scrumptious and cleans deeply without making my face dry or tight. It won’t replace my trusty cleansing oil , but I have enjoyed rotating them to get the benefits of both.  Paper sandwich bags (50), $5:  I am constantly amazed at the sheer quantity of small bags needed in family life. We avoid plastic when possible, especially for food, so these paper sandwich and snack bags are our new best friends. They keep everything contained and come with fun stickers. I also use them for stashing non-food items, too.  Ribbed tee, $8 : We stumbled upon these tees when we needed a red tee for a last-minute event (cheers to middle school!) but turns out they’re great quality with a super flattering yet modest cut. My brand-conscious daughter says they’re a great dupe for Lululemon and run about $65 less (!!!). Nine versatile colors.  __________ Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter  with exclusive essays and other content. Contact me.  I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and pilgrimage leader. I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

French hair pins (3) : I cannot get over how much I love these French hair pins. They’re sturdy, wildly affordable, and truly hold a twist in place. So much more refined than messy scrunchies (or the sharpened pencil that I used in high school to hold up my hair). #TheFrench always win form + function. Dish brush stand : Full disclosure, I have yet to test out this little gadget, but I have high hopes that it may solve our chronic gnarly dish brush mold. I love a dish brush for many reasons ( including my theory of pretty tools) , but in 150% humidity, our brushes inevitably mold. This stand holds the brush aloft from its dish so it can dry more rapidly. Fingers crossed! Tub shroom : Have I mentioned this guy before? If so, he deserves another mention. This tool quite simply works. If you’ve fought a losing battle against your own drains, try this—there’s also a version for your sink (we have them in every drain in our house and apartment ).  Canvas frame : Would you like to hear my presentation on the importance of framing art? It’s only 47 minutes long. If you have other plans, you can skip to the end: as an artist who frames many canvases of all sizes, I love these for their quality and affordability. Plus, you don’t have to build them yourself (if you know, you know). P.S. I most often use the vintage gold color. Tower fan : Our beloved historic home  just can’t compete with August heat. It’s simply non-negotiable to supplement our AC with both  ceiling fans and  tower fans that we can cart around and blast against our bodies. We’ve had these tower fans stationed in bedrooms and corners for a few years now, and they’re still going strong. I appreciate that they do the job while being aesthetically minimalist (and come with remotes!). __________ Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter  with exclusive essays and other content. Contact me.  I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and pilgrimage leader. I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

Here are five lesser-known but powerful sacred places to add to your itinerary. It was Mozart's favorite church for Mass and prayer whenever he visited Paris, and is also connected St John Henry Newman attributed his conversion to prayer in the church, and later returned to give thanks Louis brought his daughter Thérèse here to give thanks for her recovery from a serious illness attributed The Eglise de Saint Gervais is special because of the monastic community that lives and works here.

and evenly without aerosols, parabens, etc, etc, genuinely protects from burning, and smells like you live Shortie summer pajamas : Pajamas are my favorite article of clothing and I strongly prefer a matched Skincare patches : Living with an adolescent girl is like living inside a ‘90s Clinique counter at the

Tinted lip tallow balm , $14: My all-time fave organic lip balm with the ideal wash of color for warm Mineral makeup , $50 (10 g): I use and love my all-time favorite organic makeup all year long, but it

Saucony sneakers : After I needed a major ankle surgery a few years ago, I decided to permanently give eliminate plastic; now we use these jars for leftovers, homemade granola, and work lunches, including my favorite P ortable charger : I have lived in coffeehouses this August, working on a host of projects from my trusty Filed under "why didn't they think of that sooner?" P ajamas : I love a good pajama set. This month I've used Canva to make my own posters when I couldn't find what I wanted on the market; fine

Like all the best Louisiana recipes, it’s an intuitive recipe: give or take a smidge of this or that