paularizzo on LTK

The Afternoon Tea Ritual I Never Skip

Not every habit is about getting more done.

Some habits simply remind us to slow down.

Making a cup of green tea is one of my favorite afternoon rituals. It's a small pause in the middle of the day that helps me reset before whatever comes next.

Future You doesn't always need another productivity hack.
Sometimes she just needs a really good cup of tea.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKselfcare #LTKstorytime

The Afternoon Tea Ritual I Never Skip Not every habit is about getting more done. Some habits simply remind us to slow down. Making a cup of green tea is one of my favorite afternoon rituals. It's a small pause in the middle of the day that helps me reset before whatever comes next. Future You doesn't always need another productivity hack. Sometimes she just needs a really good cup of tea. LTKdayinmylife LTKselfcare LTKstorytime

Share:

Shop this post

Paid links

Genmaicha Tea | DAVIDsTEA

Tea Forte Demoiselle Gift Set, 10 Piece | Macy's

Ember Temperature Control 14oz Smart Mug 2, App-Controlled and Rechargeable Heated Coffee Cup War... | Amazon (US)

Ember 14oz Mug 2 Temperature Control Smart Mug Sandstone | Target

I used to think productivity meant getting more things done. Then I thought it meant getting the right things done.

Now I think it’s something simpler than that.

It’s using your time in a way that lets you actually live your life—less stress, more ease, and more time spent fully in the moment.

I spent nearly 20 years as a television news producer in New York City, where deadlines and timelines were basically my language. It taught me to always be thinking one step ahead.

Turns out that’s useful training—but not just for work.

Now I use it everywhere in life. I call it living in service of Future Me.

Whether I’m planning a trip, setting up my week, or deciding what to pack, I’m always asking: what will make things easier later?

And yes—this includes making sure I’m not hangry in a foreign city.

I’ll be sharing smart finds, tools, and little things that make life easier, calmer, and more enjoyable—so Future You can thank you later.

Starting here, with chocolate in Brussels. 🍫

#LTKselfcare #LTKfoodie #LTKTravel

My Nightly “Turndown Service”
One of my favorite parts of staying in a great hotel is turndown service.

So I borrowed the idea.

Before bed, I spend just a few minutes getting everything ready for tomorrow—water by the bed, phone charging, tomorrow's clothes ready, everything in its place.

It doesn't take long, but it helps Future Me end the day peacefully and start the next one with less stress.

Sometimes the smallest rituals feel the most luxurious.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKselfcare #LTKHome

One of the best things television news taught me had nothing to do with television.

It taught me to backtime.

When friends are coming over, I don't start thinking about food when they ring the bell—I work backwards.

A few days before, I decide what I'm serving and make a shopping list. Then I pull out the serving pieces ahead of time so I'm not digging through cabinets at the last minute.

About an hour before everyone arrives, I prep everything that can be done in advance and pop it in the refrigerator.
By the time guests arrive, all I have to do is put everything out...
...and pour myself an Aperol Spritz.

Preparing ahead isn't about being perfect. It's about giving Future Me the chance to actually enjoy the people around the table.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome

If I'm going to spend an entire day exploring a new city, comfortable walking shoes aren't optional.

I've walked miles in these while traveling, and they're one of those purchases Future Me thanks me for every single trip.

Comfort doesn't mean giving up style. When my feet are happy, I get to enjoy the destination instead of thinking about sore feet.

These have become one of my favorite travel essentials.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKootd #LTKTravel

One of the best habits I've ever developed has nothing to do with getting more done.

It's making time to recharge.

When I intentionally build moments like this into my week, I show up with more energy, more patience, and a much clearer head.

I've learned that taking care of Future Me starts long before I need her.
These are a few of the things that make my outdoor yoga routine easy to stick with.

And here's proof that in New York, even the pigeons show up for yoga. 🐦

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKfitnessgoals #LTKActive

One of my favorite travel tricks: pack the hat—don’t wear the hat.

I used to carry hats through airports and hope for the best.

Now I pack them intentionally so they keep their shape and I don’t spend the trip annoyed.

This has become one of my favorite packing tips because it keeps my hats looking great without taking up extra space.

Future Me appreciates arriving with everything ready to wear.

#LTKTravel #LTKSeasonal #LTKdayinmylife

I’ve realized one of the easiest ways to reduce decision fatigue is having outfits that just work.

This is one of those throw-on-and-go combinations I reach for when I want to feel put together without thinking too hard.

Not every outfit needs to be an event.
Sometimes making life easier is the goal.

Future Me appreciates fewer decisions and more time enjoying the day.

(Also apparently I’m always happiest in a hat.)

#LTKootd #LTKOver40 #LTKPetite

One of my favorite organizing rules:
Make putting things away easier than avoiding it.

I started using these to keep sheet sets together and make laundry day less annoying.

This tiny home organization system makes linen closet organization easier and removes a surprising amount of friction.

Future Me appreciates opening the closet and knowing exactly where everything goes.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Sephora Same Day Delivery Alert! My hair seems to think only NYC water is acceptable 😅

Travel means different water, weather, and routines—which sometimes means unpredictable hair.

This has quietly become one of my favorite travel beauty products because it helps keep things feeling normal when everything else changes.

Future Me appreciates fewer bad hair days.

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty #LTKTravel

The best travel moments are rarely the ones I planned.

Planning ahead helps me feel calm—but leaving room for surprise is what makes a trip memorable.

European travel always reminds me that some of the best moments aren’t on the itinerary.

Future Me appreciates both.

#LTKootd #LTKSeasonal #LTKTravel

I used to schedule every minute.

Now I leave room for wandering, noticing, and changing my mind.

Not every moment needs to be optimized.

Sometimes ease comes from creating space. Traveling inspires and rejuvenates us.

#LTKootd #LTKselfcare #LTKTravel

Every item in my suitcase has to earn its spot.

These are repeat travelers for me:
→ packing cubes
→ my red catch-all tray
→ a laundry bag

Tiny systems make travel feel calmer and less chaotic.

These have become some of my favorite travel essentials because they simplify packing and make summer travel feel easier.

Future Me appreciates unpacking less and enjoying more.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKTravel

One of my favorite productivity tricks has nothing to do with discipline.

I make things easier to start.

Mat out.
Water ready.
Class queued up.

Future Me appreciates fewer steps between intention and action.

#LTKfitnessgoals #LTKmorningroutine #LTKselfcare

People think planning removes spontaneity.

I’ve found the opposite.

Before a trip I save places, add notes to maps, and collect ideas so I’m not constantly deciding in the moment.

That way I can stay flexible while still making great choices.

Future Me loves options without pressure.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKTravel

I’ve realized that the problem usually isn’t clutter—it’s searching.

Small systems make everyday life easier because they remove tiny moments of friction all day long.

Opening a drawer and immediately finding what you need feels small… until you realize how many times you do that every day.

Future Me appreciates anything that makes daily life simpler.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKmorningroutine #LTKHome

People always ask about my setup, so I finally put it all in one place.

After years as a senior producer working in TV news—and now creating videos, presentations, courses, and content as an author—I’ve learned that good equipment isn’t about being fancy.

It’s about reducing friction.

When the camera works, the microphone sounds good, and everything has a place, it’s easier to show up and focus on the work instead of the tech.

These are the tools I reach for again and again to make producing video feel simpler and less stressful.

Having a great in-office "studio" setup takes the stress out of doing video and media interviews.

Future Me appreciates that every time I hit record.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome

I did a TV segment on ways to make travel less stressful and realized afterward that two of my favorite recommendations didn’t make the final cut.

So here they are.

These are the kinds of products I love most—not because they’re trendy, but because they remove friction.

Less to pack. Less clutter. Less scrambling.

Small things that make Future You very happy when you’re living out of a suitcase.

Sharing the extras here ✈️

#LTKselfcare #LTKBeauty #LTKTravel

This might be one of my most gifted and most-used travel items.

Whenever I get to a hotel, I set up a little landing zone right away: jewelry, room key, wallet, anything I don’t want to lose.

It sounds small, but having one place for the important stuff means less searching, less mental clutter, and fewer “wait… where did I put that?” moments.

I’ve learned that travel feels easier when you recreate tiny systems from home.

Future Me is always grateful I packed this.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKselfcare #LTKTravel

I’ve realized that some of the best systems don’t look like systems at all.

One of mine is having a few outfits I know I feel good in and don’t have to think about.

Less decision-making means more energy for the things I actually care about.

I used to think planning ahead was all about being productive. Now I think it’s more about protecting my attention.

Future Me loves anything that makes life feel simpler, easier, and a little more effortless.

This travel outfit is one of those things.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKPetite #LTKTravel

This photo always makes me smile.

A few years ago my best friend Nicole surprised me with a tea leaf reading class, and we had the best time in LA. She had a gift for finding thoughtful experiences and turning ordinary days into memorable ones.

I spend a lot of time thinking about ways to make life easier and less stressful, but a good life isn't built on efficiency alone.

A cup of tea. A good conversation. An unexpected adventure.

Future You will thank you for those moments, too. 🍵

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKselfcare #LTKfoodie

I travel with tarot cards for the same reason I travel with packing cubes.

One keeps my suitcase organized. The other helps me organize my thoughts.

When I’m traveling, I like having a few quiet minutes to check in with myself before rushing into the next thing. A journal, a cup of tea, a tarot card pull—anything that helps me pause long enough to hear my own thoughts.

These small rituals don’t add stress to my day. They remove it.

This travel-sized deck is one of my favorite things to pack because it takes up almost no space and helps me stay connected to myself wherever I am.

#LTKselfcare #LTKTravel #LTKdayinmylife

Clutter creates small moments of stress all day long.

Where are my keys? Where did I put my bag?

Why does leaving the house feel harder than it should?

One of the simplest changes I’ve made is creating systems where everything has a place. When things are consistent and easy to find, daily life feels lighter and more efficient without any extra effort.

This entryway setup does exactly that—keys, bag, and everyday essentials always go back to the same spot, so there’s nothing to think about when I’m heading out the door.

Less searching. Less decision fatigue. Less unnecessary stress.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome #LTKmorningroutine

Travel used to feel like something I needed to recover from.

Now I try to design it so Future Me never feels behind, overwhelmed, or scrambling.

A few small things completely changed how I travel: the right bag that keeps everything within reach, simple systems that prevent chaos before it starts, and tools that make moving through airports, cities, and long days feel easier.

I’ve also learned to simplify what I wear when I travel so I have fewer decisions to make on the road.

I just got back from Europe, and this is the collection I always wish I had when I first started traveling more intentionally.

Things Future You will thank you for:
✔️ smoother packing
✔️ fewer “where is that?” moments
✔️ less stress in transit
✔️ more time actually enjoying where you are

This is how I travel now: with less friction and more ease. The right travel outfits make all the difference!

#LTKTravel #LTKselfcare #LTKdayinmylife