I’m thrilled to spotlight the woman behind the popular Substack You’ve Got Lauren… Lauren! I love when a YGL email enters my inbox; I usually wait until I actually have a few moments to sit down and read it properly, cuppa in hand. Every edition feels like a little sprinkle of joy and a welcome hit of dopamine in my day.
Lauren is one of the few people I know IRL who has been writing on Substack for about as long as I have. It’s been so fun to watch her cultivate such a thoughtful, engaged community, and I’ve really admired what she’s built on this platform.
I’ve met Lauren at least a couple of times in person, and she’s just as lovely as you’d expect. I first discovered her back in her A Summer in Italy days (read here ICYMI), which I remember thinking was such a gorgeous brand. That same thoughtful eye for aesthetics has carried over to You’ve Got Lauren. Her newsletters are beautifully designed, and I always appreciate the extra care she puts into making every email feel cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably her.
If you’re a lover of books, art, and thoughtful design, you’ll love You’ve Got Lauren. If you’re new, I’d recommend starting with:
Now, please enjoy 39 (mostly) rapid-fire questions with Lauren Neufeld :)
About Routine
What time do you wake up? Is it different on the weekends?
The alarm goes off around 6:40, but I always press snooze a couple times. On weekends, there are no alarms, so I usually wake up at 7:30.
Describe the first 30 minutes of your day.
A snuggle in bed with my husband and cat. Then brush my teeth, wash my face, and make matcha lattes (if Scott hasn’t already made them for us).
What’s something you’re currently trying to improve about your routine?
Introducing a simple movement routine or morning stretch before work. Clocking in at 7:30 makes it a little tricky for me, but I always have a better day when I start with some movement.
What are your holy grail wellness products and practices that you use/do routinely?
Keeping our home calm and tidy is essential for my wellbeing. I light candles a lot, even just to sit behind my computer and work. My supplements have been simplified down to magnesium and vitamins B, C, & D. I love herbal infusions — my current faves are nettle, oat straw, lemon balm, and peppermint. Oral health is a big one too — daily flossing, tongue scraping, and an electric toothbrush are all part of the routine.
How do you change your day around if you’re not feeling like your best self?
Taking a shower always helps me reset. A long walk outside or sex does the trick too.
About Home
What is the story behind your home and how long have you lived there?
Last year my husband and I moved back to the lake town where I grew up. We’re renting a house surrounded by trees, about a five-minute walk from the water. The layout is super quirky, with four different levels. We’ve come to love it, though people are always surprised when they visit. It’s quiet and peaceful, with lots of windows and natural light. As tenants, we’ve done our best to work around the millennial greys and builder-grade finishes. There’s more we’d like to do, but for now it gives us space to focus on our goals.
What are a few favourite things that you cherish in your home and why?
“I am a museum of everything I have loved” is a quote I always think of when I’m asked about my home. I’m such a minimalist, so everything in our home has a story or a reason to be there. I love the art I’ve collected over the years. My books, textiles, and ceramics — all the things that remind me of the people, places, and ideas that have shaped me.
What’s been your most impressive secondhand find?
Without a doubt, my couch. Custom built, upholstered in Italian linen, and filled with down. A large four-seater with an ottoman in perfect condition. A very wealthy family needed to make room for their new custom sofa, so they posted it for a fraction of its value. I didn’t waste a single moment when I saw it on Marketplace. I took off early from work to grab a U-Haul and roped my husband into meeting me at the stranger’s massive mansion. I hope to live with this piece forever, maybe even have it reupholstered decades down the road. It reminds me of something from an English country manor — one of those pieces that gets passed down through generations. I just love it!
What’s the next thing you’re planning on updating / upgrading in your home?
We need rugs. Lots of large rugs. Also, the black chairs around our kitchen table need work. I want to paint them a cheerful colour like butter yellow or Wedgwood blue.
Do you have a favourite spot to sit in your home?
As far as comfort goes, the couch. But my favourite place to sit and be creative is my office. The barrelled-ceiling attic is my private little oasis where I get to work, do yoga, and chat on the phone. One wall is covered with a large mood board that I update with the seasons. It’s the first time I’ve had a room all to my own since I was a child. So much fun!
About Food
3 things that are always in your fridge and 3 things that are always in your pantry.
Fridge: Yogurt, mixed greens, and chicken.
Pantry: Toasted buckwheat, sourdough, and protein powder.
3 things that you wish were always in your fridge and 3 things that you wish were always in your pantry?
Fridge: Fresh berries, buffalo mozzarella, and San Pellegrino.
Pantry: Spanish anchovies, tamari-roasted almonds, and dark chocolate.
Favourite kitchen utensil / gadget?
Until recently, I would’ve said our Berkey water filter. But we recently got the Nespresso milk frother, and it’s been a total game changer. I pour in almond milk, matcha, and even a little protein powder, and it makes the creamiest, most perfect lattes every time.
Favourite meal growing up?
Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and veg. Basically Christmas dinner, lol.
A meal on heavy rotation these days?
Open-faced tomato sandwiches. You know the local yellow tomatoes I’m talking about! I’ve also been making big fresh salads topped with steak strips, and cucumber soba noodle bowls.
And a quick, healthy snack you always have on hand?
Apples or pears and homemade popcorn with nutritional yeast, paprika, and rosemary.
How do you stay hydrated throughout the day?
Mostly just water, sometimes I’ll add electrolytes. I also eat lots of naturally hydrating foods like cucumbers, berries, carrots, snap peas, tomatoes, and lettuce.
About Style
How often do you purge your wardrobe? Any advice on that?
All the time. I’m cutthroat when it comes to getting rid of stuff. When I’m done with something, I want it gone instantly. Because of this trait, I don’t have a very large wardrobe. Somewhat of a capsule by default. I’m slowly replacing it with versatile, well-made pieces that reflect my style. Good clothes are an investment though, so this will take me some time.
What’s one item in your wardrobe you’ll likely never get rid of?
A few really good knits, a couple vintage blazers, and a handful of leather pieces. Truthfully though, nothing is safe.
Who’s your style muse?
Dakota Johnson, Lucy Williams, Renate Reinsve, and Elizabeth Olsen.
3 words to describe your style, go…
Relaxed, refined, and effortless (that last one is just an aspiration at this point). My style isn’t quite where I’d like it to be yet. I’ve spent years putting my energy into other parts of my life and only recently started giving the same attention to how I dress.
& Everything Else
What’s one trend you’re currently loving and hoping to stay for the long haul?
I’m here for the drawstring pant trend. Relaxed, wide-leg trousers in crisp cotton poplin or lightweight linen — polished, comfortable, and so easy to style.
You decide to treat yourself. How do you indulge?
Probably shopping — a new garment or housewares item from my wishlist.
How do you typically spend a day off?
This varies a lot depending on the season, my cycle, and what’s going on. Usually it involves putting together a nice breakfast with my husband, or baking something fun. Right now I’m really into this rhubarb almond-flour cake! The afternoon usually involves a walk by the lake. Lately, I’ve been trying to get in the water more, but I’m kind of a baby unless it’s really hot outside. And I always leave time for reading (lots of reading) or a creative project.
What’s the last hobby you picked up just for fun?
Sewing! I finished my first quilt earlier this year, and now I’m making a fabric panel for our bedroom window.
What’s a smell that takes you back to your childhood?
Fresh cut grass. So good.
When’s the last time a stranger made you smile?
Kids make me smile all the time. I love how free and wild they are.
What’s something you still find magical, no matter how old you get?
Flowers. A lady down the road has a big garden and a lovely flower stand. Sometimes she’ll send me home with an entire bucket of stems for $20. Then I’ll spend part of the afternoon filling vases for each room in the house.
One place in the world you’re dying to visit?
Copenhagen was top of my list for many years. I was very fortunate to visit last month, and honestly, I already want to go back.
What’s a movie you’ve seen recently that left a big impact on you?
The Invite (2026).
Guilty pleasure?
Fuzzy peaches (or most chewy candy). And using paper towels.
What’s the last thing you bought that you’re really excited about?
A big piece of Marimekko linen fabric. The iconic oversized poppy design is printed in Helsinki and reminds me of our recent holiday. I turned it into a window covering for our bedroom, and the morning light shining through it makes it even more beautiful.
What do you miss?
Living somewhere walkable. I love our little lake town, but I miss wandering into cafés and shops, and bringing home groceries on foot.
What no longer impresses you?
Having the whole five-year plan figured out. These days, I really admire people who are comfortable enough to change direction when something no longer fits.
Song currently on repeat?
“Come On” by Yana.
Favourite form of movement / exercise?
Walking, yoga, pilates, and dance.
If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose?
I wouldn’t by choice. But if I had to, I’d go with something like Florence or Summer. Something bold to bring out my Leo qualities a little more.
How do you handle stress on busy days?
Lists. I’m a huge list maker. And making sure I have food to eat. When I get focused on something, meal planning is usually the first ball I drop.
Tell me a bit about what you do for work.
My main gig is working for the BC Government. I’m the Reimbursement Coordinator for the seven Natural Resource Ministries. I have a great four-day work week, Monday through Thursday. They’re long days in front of the computer, but I work from home full-time, so there are many perks.
Fridays are my favourite though. I get to spend the day with the inspiring team at Pocket Art — a monthly art subscription service that offers an approachable way to collect limited edition prints from artists around the globe. A day at the studio always sends me into the weekend with a smile.
❤️ Thank you for being here. If you liked this article, clicking “like” helps more people discover my Substack. (Or leave a comment — it truly makes my day.)
