Sunday Scroll #71
5-ingredient ramen bowls, tips for new routines, unsexy skincare products that WORK, + what it's like to "live small" in LA
Welcome to the first Sunday Scroll of 2025! 🎉
How’s the new year treating you? So far so good over here. Every time I see my phone lock screen emblazoned with my phrase for the year, I smile and breathe a sigh of relief. It’s amazing how a simple perspective shift can calm you and inspire you all at once.
I’ve got some new year reads cued up for you: some simple to-do’s and tricks, some recipes, a couple thoughtful pieces, and some laughs. Let’s go!
The joy of being a beginner. This time of year, many of us are trying new things! Here’s why that’s wonderful.
What to remember before starting a new routine. I love the way Kendra frames this. (Also, her new book The Plan is a compassionate look at time management — perfect any time of year, but especially now!)
On the dinner menu this week: these 5-ingredient ramen bowls. It’s bright, it’s fresh, there’s veggies and noodles, and it’s easy! A five-star meal for the Ley family. (Psst: this one’s in the cookbook, too!)
Is convenience making our lives more difficult? Fair question.
What it’s like to “live small” in Los Angeles. “Living small is not living above your means. It’s about careful curation of the items that matter and letting go of the rest,” says this essay’s subject, Stephanie Wong. I can’t get enough of this series. Just like wondering what people put in their kids’ lunches, I want to know why people choose to live the way they do. And — the gorgeous interior photos don’t hurt!
BIG NEWS: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is launching a lifestyle show on Netflix! This is not a drill. What do we think of this??
Unsexy products one dermatologist swears by. Co-sign this! Some of the best products do not cost an arm and a leg, truly. (PS here are the ones *I* swear by)
Ngl I’m tempted to get Walter this avocado-shaped bed. I saw this bed this week and almost died. How cute would Walmart be in this? How cute would any furry friend be in this??
Why did they change the Photos app?? My feelings exactly!
POV: your perfectionist co-worker makes a mistake. Thoughts and prayers to all perfectionists going back to work after the holidays. It’s rough out there for us. 🤣
On Instagram, Team Simplified launched the 2025 Simplicity Challenge! Every day this month, we’re posting a small, manageable task to help you simplify your life. It’s one of most popular things we do all year. Let’s go, team!! 💪
Along with the Simplicity Challenge, we’ve got some inspo content for you, too. I love these lists.
And remember: a planner can help you hit your goals, flex when you need to, and create margin for joy. We’ve got all kinds of planners and accessories for your best year yet over at emilyley.com!
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Have a wonderful week, you guys!
So many favorites from this list! I love Kendra Adachi and her lazy genius ideals. I can’t wait for the be Meghan show, I definitely want to try that ramen meal! Yum! Happy Sunday!