Hi! And welcome.
A birthday feels like the perfect time to come back to the keyboard and launch this series of ongoing Substack essays. Birthdays always stir something in me — not the champagne-soaked, confetti-covered kind of vibes anymore, but a quieter cocktail of reflection, gratitude, and emotion. This year is no different. What is different, though, is the creative slate I’m choosing to wipe clean.
If you’ve been with me on Instagram or the podcast, you know I’m in a very different season of life than when we first met. Long gone are the days of red carpet gowns and celebrity interviews. Even my podcast — 300+ episodes deep — is on pause. Why? Because I’ve felt that familiar itch: the need to rethink, reset, reimagine what I’m creating and how I’m connecting with you.
The truth is, I’ve been craving more challenge, more inspiration, more meaning. And while I build out a new vision and new show behind the scenes, I wanted to open this space as a landing pad for ideas, musings, and conversations that feel alive.
Because that’s what beginnings do — they give us permission. A date on the calendar, a page turned, a birthday. Sometimes the simple act of starting again is the boldest move we can make. And although I’m feeling energized about what is to come, I admit change is not always easy.
Regardless, here I am. Starting here. Starting now.
For those of you who might not know me: I’m Catt. I live with my partner Greg and our blended crew of six kids in the Santa Monica Mountains just outside Calabasas, California. The ranch we’re renovating has become its own metaphor — golf course carved into the backyard, gardens sprouting, permits pending, walls yet to rise. It’s messy and magical all at once. A new beginning in real time.
My sons Austin and Arion have officially flown the nest, which brings equal parts peace and longing. Greg’s four have expanded my world in ways I didn’t expect, and I’ll no doubt be writing about the step-mom terrain here in the future. For now, let’s just say: life is full. Beautifully, chaotically full.
Which brings me back to the question I keep circling: Who am I now?
The answer today: I’m a woman more myself than ever. More free. Less bothered. More awake, less auto-pilot. Some days I’m so utterly grateful I have to acknowledge that my vision board has in fact come to life! My interests live where beauty, wellness, and consciousness intersect. I am attempting to live - with consistent practice - wide open, tuned in, present to the splendor of daily living.
Maybe that’s why I’ve become obsessed with mornings. How we rise sets the tone for everything that follows. Coffee, light, breath — these rituals remind me that energy is everything. And so I’ll be writing about mornings here often: the meditations, the elixirs, the little practices that help me feel alive. Because the morning is the ultimate beginning — the reset we all get, every single day.
And since I’m a curator at heart, I’ll also be sharing my weekly edit of beauty staples, morning must-haves, fashion finds, and objects that make life just a little more magnetic. And with this inaugural birthday edition of my Substack, here’s a short list of a few items worth knowing about:
Beyond Wanting. This is the must-read how-to manifestation guide by my spiritual guru Matt Cooke. A smart, fresh take on the science of attracting what you want. He helps you break free from chasing and start creating with ease. Pre-order now for 11/11 release.
Mito Red Light. This has become part of my morning routine. I use for ten minutes on my face and body while I meditate. Stimulates collagen, leading to firmer smoother skin. Also reduces inflammation and increases circulation > more energy. Obsessed.
Fungki Coffee by Rainbo. My friend Tonya owns this company which creates beautifully formulated mushroom tinctures that support balance, energy, and wellbeing. She just released their new coffee that delivers smooth, grounding vibes without the jitters of your usual cup of Joe.
M.Ph. by Mary Phillips. Admittedly I am trying to perfect the art of ‘Underpainting’ and it does take some practice, but I am fully invested in this new line from famed celeb makeup artist Mary Phillips.
Facial Sculpting Wand by Shani Darden. There’s something about this tool that sculpts my face more than traditional Gua Sha. I use it for a quick 3 minutes in the morning after my serum, but before my sunscreen. Pushes that puffiness right off your face, whisked away into your lymph nodes. Ta Da! Snatched.
Timeline Longevity Gummies. These deliver gobs of Mitopure, a patented form of Urolithin A that’s clinically shown to kickstart mitophagy—your cells’ natural quality control process for healthier, more energetic mitochondria. Translation? More cellular energy > increase in muscle strength and endurance.
ARMRA Colostrum Powder. I actually dry‑scoop ARMRA right onto my tongue three times a day—and wow—within just a few weeks, I started feeling sharper, more grounded, and more energized. What is it? Premium, grass‑fed bovine colostrum powder packed with 400+ bioactive nutrients—immunoglobulins, peptides, growth factors, antioxidants, prebiotics and more.
Free AF Non-Alcoholic Gin & Tonic. The closest taste to a real G & T with a special patented glow. Almost too good to be true, honestly. It gives me that first drink relaxed vibe without the toxicity of alcohol.
Uni. Deodorant. Hear me out. It’s kind of jelly-like in texture and glides on almost wet but it smells insane, is super clean, and works. Even the packaging is chic.
Brynn Drawstring Trouser Jeans. Ranch approved. In the fall rotation.
Zendaya Dress. I can’t think of one of us who doesn’t need this in our closet this Fall. Let’s just not all wear it at the same time.
Elinda Dress. I’m on the waitlist too.
Book Box Volume 4. Good vibes and functional. Would make a great gift for the jewelry lovers in your life.
Cigar Band. Greg asked me if I wanted an e-bike for my birthday. I told him I wanted jewelry.
PS: I post all of these links — plus extras I don’t always share here — to my SHOP LTK account. Follow me there if you want the running list.
So that’s the edit. Thank you for being here. I’ll be publishing weekly, and I hope this becomes a place you’ll come back to often — to read, to share, to begin again with me. Paid subscribers will get access to extra essays and content along the way, and if that calls to you, I’d love your support.
But let me leave you with a question:
If you were to begin again this week, what would you want to rewrite or reboot?
It sure is a beautiful day.
Lovingly,
Catt
Happy birthday! I’ve been following along for years. Glad you are in such a good place! ✨🙏🥰
Happy Birthday Catt✨🎊🥳😎