Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things.

Hi everyone, so sorry I missed last Sunday’s post. But I’m back, it’s now August, and I have so much to share! Last week’s Sunday Favorites post was the first I’ve ever missed. But it was pretty much impossible for me to write the post after days of no internet while in Alaska. I figured one week off would be fine and that I’d share a big update this week!

I’m saving all the fun Alaska details for below, because there’s so much to share and plenty of photos too! If you’re dying for details, just scroll down to #5 🙂

But, I do have some other updates! First off, happy August. Crazy that we are entering the last full month of summer. It’s been an unusually warm summer here. Our temps during the day have been up into the 80’s, which for the mountains it hot. Personally, I have really been enjoying it. The flowers are everywhere, and the warm air and light breeze makes it really feel like August. It’s so nice!

Since returning home, things have been crazy, there’s always so much catch up on after a trip. I am mostly caught up now, except…house stuff. I have so much dusting that needs to happen!

In other news, Bren and Lynds stopped home on their way back to California. They were not able to make the Alaska trip, so it was really nice to see them for a day. They dropped off a few new antique finds (follow Good Livin’ on IG for the best antiques). We organized some “junk”, and just had some good conversations. They have some exciting things happening in their future…and I cant wait to tell you guys soon!

We also got to see my cousin Matt and his wife Caroline! They drove through Colorado on their way to California as well. Caroline recently accepted a job at Sun Bum (which we love), so they’re moving from Ohio to California. It seems like my whole fam is slowly migrating to California.

Lastly, I am so excited to be a part of The Little Market Role Model series and honored to have been able to share my story with them. We all know how much love I have for The Little Market and all they do for women and children. It was such an honor to be featured! You can watch the video and grab my recipe for marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata right here.

Coming up this week we’ve got an easy chicken dinner. A really fun frozen dessert that will remind you of childhood. A couple new peach recipes (hello to sweet August peaches). And for Friday…well, I honestly have no idea, throw your ideas at me!

Oh, and what do we think, maybe a new cocktail this week? I made one for my brother that was SO GOOD.

1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…

watching…the Olympics! what’s your favorite event? we’ve been following it all and love some of the new events like rock climbing, surfing, and skateboarding.

cooking…Mole! My brother Brendan said I need to make some Mexican mole.

loving…the Violet Grey best of summer box. this box, while it’s expensive, it has everything you need for perfect summer skin. I’m a huge fan of every single product in the box. I especially love the Dr. Barbara Strum glow drops and Mutha serum.

loving…the new APL Streamline sneaker. How cool is this new style?! I have issues with shin splints, so I’m excited to try these for more support. Plus, they’re so cute.

listening to…Dr. Daniel Amen On Brain Health & Function on The Skinny Confidential podcast. Can’t recommend this episode enough. It’s incredibly interesting. 

watching…the How To’s on Charlotte Tilbury. Attempted to finally teach myself how to do my own makeup. Love these tutorials

reading…Simone Biles Got The ‘Twisties’ At The Tokyo Olympics. Love the behind the scenes. You can keep up with the Olympics daily here.

loving…the new Beis collection. It’s perfect for summer traveling.

ordering…The Mini Work Tote for Asher for her birthday.

listening to…Diane von Furstenberg on We Are Supported By. She’s just incredible. If you’re not familiar with her story, you should read her books and definitely listen to this episode. 

dreaming of going to…the hotel, Punta Caliza, in Mexico. wow, this place looks so incredible. I would love to go here at some point.

ordered…this Re/Done tee. it’s more than I would ever spend on a tee, but the graphic just fit me all to well. long walks and flowers for me. 

loving…these large ice cube trays. I might just need these for my next cocktail.

drinking…a fun strawberry acai rum refresher that I made my brother Brendan the other night. Such a fun and tropical drink. Should I share the recipe?

loving…this rattan basket clutch. Something about this bag is so sweet and perfect.

2. The Most Popular Recipes of July.

most popular: One Skillet Greek Chicken and Orzo with Tomatoes, Feta, and Tzatziki

 

runner-up: Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad (my favorite!) 

also have to mention: 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice

and then this one too: Homemade Chocolate Frosty (LOVE this one)

OK, last one: One Pot Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta (shared just this week and it’s already in the top 5!)

PS. In case you missed it, we shared The 35 Most Popular EASY Summer Recipes…if you’re in need of ideas. 

3. Bags For Travel…

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: What lake was that in Alaska?
a: It’s the ocean but the glaciers we saw are located in Tracy Arm.

q: What is your most beautiful memory? 
a: currently this last trip with my family. not everyone made the trip. but it was so nice to get to be stuck with some of my favorite people in Alaska. the travel home might not have been my favorite, but even that had its moments thanks to my fam. I’m thankful for the time I got to spend with them! but definitely already missing them too!!

q: How did your youngest little brother get his name, Oslo? 
a: Asher actually picked it out! It was kind of random…but my mom is currently telling me she’s always wanted to go to Oslo, Norway ?? which is 100% true, she loves travel. They had plans to go but they had to be cancelled.

q: Why were you in Alaska?
a: a family vacation to visit my grandpa who’s spending most of the summer traveling through Alaska.

q: Favorite summer clothes?
a: I’m pretty simple, especially in the summer. I love a tee shirt with cute shorts and sandals or a casual dress with sneakers or sandals. If it’s for a fun dinner, I love a cutout or low cut back dress. It’s always such a fun surprise!

q: Do you wear socks with your APL’s? I just got my first pair and I am unsure!
a: I do!! Love my APL shoes! I just got my family a few pairs too. I’m so into this brand.

q: Do you think you’ll ever move to LA? Would you be hiring if you did?
a: yes! I’m actually looking into moving to LA (part time) and splitting my time between there and Colorado 🙂 not sure on new hires yet, but it’s definitely a possibility!

q: How do you shut your work mind off for vaction?
a: I don’t! It’s something I really struggle with and I haven’t figured out yet. I will say that being cut off from the internet while in Alaska helped. I couldn’t get online for most of my trip and was completely off the grid for 2 days (zero internet). the first day was great. but by the end of the second I was feeling pretty anxious to get back online ??‍♀️ my fam helped though! we played a lot of rounds of asshole which distracted my anxious mind.

So maybe the answer is traveling somewhere with zero internet access?

q: Will you ask your mom her skincare routine? She looks like she is 30! 
a: oh man…way too much sun bathing and never wearing makeup. that’s her secret ? she’s just blessed you guys, it’s weird. I just talked to her today about how she’s got to wash her face at night ? the women is incredible but her skincare routine is non-existent. I’m working on her though!

q: Blair or Serena?
a: Serena. but you have to have Blair too 🙂

q: Are there any questions you don’t like answering on Instagram?
a: just the repeats! I try to avoid questions I get asked over and over. otherwise I’ll answer pretty much anything unless its way too personal. for the most part I try to be pretty open. but there are some questions that can be a bit out there. I will say that I’d never answer anything I’d feel uncomfortable sharing or that might make someone I know uncomfortable

q: Favorite backpack for traveling? 
a: I have the Beis backpack and my mom has the baby backpack. we both love them!! anything from Beis is my go to for travel.

q: Any recipe inspiration from Alaska?
a: yes so much!! and when a menu is really great I try and snap a photo of it so I don’t forget!! my mom took this menu pic for me because she loved the little restaurant.

q: I know you cook at home mostly. Do you wear shoes in the kitchen? If so what kind?
a: Usually just my APL slides with socks. they’re so comfortable.

q: Favorite Olympic sport? 
a: I’m pretty biased but it’s snowboarding ? For the summer games I’m really interested in gymnastics.

q: Do you have any nieces or nephews yet? 
a: not yet, but soon! I can’t wait to be an aunt!

q: How many years are there between Asher and her closest older sibling?
a: Red and Asher are 8 years apart and then Asher and Oslo are 12 years apart.

q: What color is your hair and what shampoo and conditioner do you use? 
a: It’s pretty dark brown. It might be a little lighter right now from the sun, but usually it’s dark brown. I love Oribe shampoo and conditioner.

q: Has anyone every told you your dad looks a bit like Harrison Ford? 
a: haha. yes! he’s  gotten that for as long as I can remember. people come up to him all the time.

5. Our Alaska Trip!

First off, let’s explain why my family headed to Alaska. It’s pretty simple, my grandpa decided to traverse the seas of Alaska this summer on his boat. His goal is to go from town to town, glacier to glacier, and see as much as he possibly can. He asked us to come for a ten day trip. My mom being the adventurous girl that she is said yes in a heartbeat. Originally, I wasn’t planning on making the trip. But when my brothers, Malachi and Red, also hopped on board for the last five days of the trip, I decided to go too.

So my parents, my oldest brother Creighton, Asher, and Oslo all arrived in Alaska before I did. Then myself, Malachi (Kai), Red, and Red’s girlfriend, Hailey, all joined them about halfway through. This map shows the approximate area where we were, and the cities that we visited (thanks for the map Asher!).

(travel day with Red and Hail’s)

 

(little man Oslo)

(little man)

(Kai)

(iceburg in Tracy Arm)

(Dad, Creighton, Red)

(Dad, me, Red, Creighton, Asher)

My parents started their trip off in Juneau, then traveled to Skagway and Haines. They loved both Skagway and Haines, but my mom couldn’t stop telling me about Haines. They had a really fun time exploring the small town and ate at Sarah J’s. My mom hasn’t stopped talking about their Blake Melt which comes on a jalapeño cheddar bagel. She says to highly recommend that.

After Haines, they traveled back to Juneau to pick up my brothers, Hailey, and me. We flew into Juneau and quickly met up with them at a cute little outside eating spot. It was the most beautiful day in Juneau, the sunniest skies, and temps in the 70’s. Immediately, I was loving it. I had been working non-stop before this trip and hadn’t really seen the sun in days. It was so nice!

(Grandpa and Donna)

(the crew – Donna, Grandpa, me, Asher, Red, Hailey, Oslo, Mom, Kai, Dad, and Creighton)

After we arrived we met up with Creighton on my grandpa’s boat. Then went into town to find my parents at Deckhand Daves. It was one of those outdoor spots that was super casual but so cute. And right next door was a cute crepe spot, Alaskan Crepe Escape. We ordered multiple rounds of fish and chips, while my mom, Asher, and Oslo enjoyed multiple crepes. Again it was so nice. I got to hang with some of my favorite people in such a low-key, chill setting and with a beautiful backdrop too. The entire trip was incredible, but for me, this was one of the highlights.

The next morning we were off bright and early for Tracy Arm to explore a few glaciers. As you can see from all the photos, the glaciers are breathtaking and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It was so beautiful! We saw two incredible glaciers, then headed to a spot to anchor out for the night.

(our trip to see the bears)

(Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area)

(these guys were so cute)

(Asher and me – bear watching)

The next day we split up a little. Half of us went fishing and the other half went to a bear sanctuary. I’m not really a fisher, so I was excited to get to see some bears. The bears on the island are very used to humans so it was pretty safe and we had a forest ranger with us too. Just look at the photos. They were so close and the cubs are adorable.

When we met back up with everyone, the fishers has success! Both Hailey and my dad caught salmon. They said it was so much fun and Hailey loved fishing!

That afternoon my mom, dad, Oslo, and I hiked around the island for bit before dinner. It was beautiful and very deserted. It almost felt like we were in a movie. When we got back, we enjoyed the salmon for dinner. Truly, I have never tasted better salmon. It was so good!

It was also my grandpa 81st birthday. We celebrated not only with fresh caught salmon, but with a delicious carrot cake for dessert. And Asher and I had fun creating a handmade card for him. It was so special to get to be able to spend his entire birthday with him.

(Hailey catching her salmon)

(Dad, Hailey, and Red)

(Red Dog Saloon in Juneau)

(Oslo and Hailey) 

(Kai and Asher)

(Red and Oslo)

The next morning we were off again. This time we caught up with some whales on our way to Petersburg. And you guys, wow, wow, wow. I have never seen anything like it. The whales are so beautiful and so so big. We were lucky enough to have both orca and humpbacks swim alongside the boat. We really got to see them up close. The humpbacks are HUGE. So big you guys, it’s really incredible to see. And the orcas, while also really big, are much smaller and more elegant than the humpbacks. Seeing them up close like that in the ocean was something I will always remember.

When we got to Petersburg, we all quickly hopped of the boat and headed out for a much needed walk. After 72 hours mostly on the boat and with no internet connection whatsoever, we all needed to get on our feet and back on land. And ok, eventually get some internet too. The town of Petersburg is really cute, but also really small. I think we walked most of the town. I loved the sweet main street and small town vibes.

(our hike around the shores of Swan Island)

(Asher and mom on a trail above Juneau)

(Mom and Asher in Haines, AK)

(Oslo, Dad, and Asher)

(Asher, Red, Hailey, Oslo)

(Creighton)

On Friday, we spent the morning packing up. Then we all hopped on a flight to Ketchikan to spend then night there before heading home the next day. We took a ferry from the airport over to town, then checked into our hotel. Everyone was starving so we headed out to dinner. Everything was packed (in anticipation of the first cruise ship since COVID began to arrive the next day). So we put a reservation in at 108 Tap House & Burger Bar and headed to Fat Stan’s for drinks, wings, and apps. It was a great last night with just my family (my grandpa is staying in Alaska one more week).

On Saturday morning we all headed back to the airport to catch flights to….well, everywhere. Myself, Mom, Dad, Asher, and Oslo home to Colorado. Creighton flew to San Diego, Kai to Portland, and Red and Hailey to Sacramento.

I’m so thankful for this trip and the time I got to spend with everyone. I know I say this often, but my family really is the greatest. I feel so lucky that we all enjoy each other’s company so much. We don’t get to see each other ALL the time, but when we do, it’s really the best.

(Kai and Oslo at Fat Stan’s)

(me and my favorite little dude)

(the boys – Kai, Oslo, and Creighton)

(me in the rain in Ketchikan)

(Skagway, Alaska)

(Grandpa, Donna, Mom, Oslo, Asher)

(Donna, Grandpa, and Asher)

6. Inspiring Me…Lyon Herron

(Lyon and his fiance Danica at Bren and Lynds’ wedding here at the studio)

I’ve heard about Lyon since first meeting my sister-in-law Lyndsie. She and Lyon have been friends since they were two. Unfortunately, that is also how long Lyon has been battling extremely rare tumors.

Once my brother Bren and Lynds began dating, Brendan and Lyon also became fast friends. Stories of Lyon and his incredible positivity have always captivated me. It’s hard to understand the amount of pain and suffering he has gone through because he is truly one of the most positive and optimistic people. Bren an Lynds go on and on about what an inspiration he is.

If you have the means to help him, whether it be a donation (linked here) or a healing thought, it would mean the most to him and his loved ones.

7. Favorite Links i’m Loving…

Step Inside Jared and Genevieve Padalecki’s Home in Austin…love the cozy home vibes.

Make Life Beautiful with Leanne Ford…best kind of Sunday reading.

Gifts For Toddlers…such cute finds for your little ones.

8 New Hotels in Paris, the French Riviera, Versailles, and Beyond…dying to travel to Europe. Soon.

Level Up Your Ice Cube Game…4 recipes to make your drinks even more delicious.

If Humidity Wreaks Havoc on Your Hair, Try These Tips…for everyone experiencing a very humid summer.

The Badass Women We’re Cheering on at The Olympics…love seeing so much coverage on the Olympics.

20 Organizational Tasks You Can Tackle in 5 Minutes or Less…I am SO into organizing right now.

Boca Raton Renovation, but “Not Boca” Style…2 things – I love Boca Raton. And I love the tiling in this bathroom.

Stock Your Wine Rack With These Low Sugar Wines…no more Sunday hangovers.

The 7 Best Fire Pits in 2021…great for summer, but even better on cold fall nights.

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is Here…grab these picks from the beauty department.

The Best Walk-In Pantry Organization Ideas…some cute ideas here.

The Cutest Baby Boy Clothes on the Internet Right Now…eyeing some of these for Oslo.

The FDA Is Investigating Sunscreen…here is what some experts are saying.

10 Exercises for a Stronger Back and Shoulders…tis’ tank top season.

How to Give Your Bedroom Luxury Hotel Vibes in 9 Simple Steps…love these ideas.

8. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds…

Skincare, Makeup, and one Candle Set…

Shoes, bags, and Sunglasses..,

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats…

Monday: Creamy Corn, Zucchini, and Bacon Chowder

Tuesday: Crispy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tacos with Creamy Charred Corn Salsa

Wednesday: One Pot Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta

Thursday: Crispy Sesame Ginger Potstickers with Chive Chili Sauce

Friday: Arugula Tomato Cheese Pizza

Saturday: Skillet Cinnamon Sugar Peach Upside Down Cake

Sunday: Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.