For as long as I can remember, I have slept with two pillows: a firm, supportive one on the bottom and a sumptuously smushy one on top. I thought that was the only way to get the combination of supportive and soft that I need if I’m going to get my optimal eight hours of shuteye. Every night before bed, I’d arrange the pillows for maximum comfort and support, and I’d flip the top pillow to the cool side at least twice throughout the night when my ear got sweaty. Well, my friends, that long, involved process was before the Latex Pillow from Saatva came into my life. This hotel-quality pillow has totally changed the way I approach my sleep setup. In fact, it’s such a special find that it was awarded the title of Best Luxe Pillow on Apartment Therapy’s Best List. Let me tell you why.

The Saatva Latex Pillow combines the best of both types of pillows into one substantial

When I decided to stop flying, I really became a traveler. When I flew, it was sporadic — always short distances and always while nursing terror inside me. I was so afraid of flying that I pushed off trips I wanted to take and spent what little time I had on trips worrying about the flight home. But when I took an 18-hour Amtrak train ride from Denver to Chicago in 2018, I realized there was a better option than staying at home or subjecting myself to something I hated. 

Since then, I’ve traveled without flying, and made a career of it. I took Cunard’s Queen Mary II ship across the Atlantic Ocean to visit Europe. As a Black woman, that experience was one filled with racist experiences and I don’t necessarily recommend it to people who are comfortable flying. Mostly, though, I take Amtrak trains to various places in the continental U.S. And I’m not alone in loving train travel: One man I met at dinner on

Name: Courtney Geist
Location: Manhattan — New York, New York
Size: 330 square feet
Type of Home: Studio apartment
Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting

I am a fashion accessories designer in NYC. I currently design cosmetic bags and have previously designed belts, hats, gloves, scarves, bedding, and sleepwear. Outside of work I love to draw, thrift, and DIY. I often share my DIYs and prints on Instagram and Redbubble.

I found my apartment at the height of the pandemic and completely lucked out. As soon as I saw the checkerboard flooring and abundant natural light, I knew it was the spot for me. The location is also perfectly situated between friends, my office, and Trader Joe’s! I spend time in my apartment drawing, attempting to cook, making espresso martinis, and DIYing.

Inspiration for the decor began with the checkerboard flooring. Having studied textile design in college, I love to infuse patterns wherever I can. In areas of gathering

I’m no coffee aficionado, but when I find products that make me feel like one (and help me save money at the same time), I’m all in. That was the case when I discovered the Oprah-loved Clevr Blends superlattes a couple years ago. These creamy, dreamy drinks aren’t just super luxe to sip on, but most importantly, they’re also a breeze to make. After all, I’m half asleep when I’m making my morning cup, so I need something that’s totally mindless to whip up. I love these barista-worthy lattes so much that I’ve been drinking them for years and I tell all my friends about them. So, when I found out they’re having a special deal in honor of National Coffee Day, I had to shout it from the rooftops!

Clever Blends has six different gourmet flavors, but I always have the Coffee and Matcha stocked in my fridge. You can make them hot or iced, and no matter which one you opt for, they’re super simple to