Nine Favorite Things.

(Grace Rose Farm – photo by Kristen Kilpatrick)

Nine Favorite Things

September is here! One of my favorite months of the year. And though I’m aware that I sound like a broken record, I think we all know how much I love (and thrive) over the next few months. I love summer just as much as everyone else, but fall will forever be the most special time of year to me. I love everything about it!

I’m hoping there are at least a few of you out there on the same page as me. And, that you too are feeling excited for a new season, a color change, fall fashion, fall food, and of course, all the upcoming holiday fun. Beginning with Halloween, which I can’t wait for this year!

I am finally back home after a fun little trip to LA for a photoshoot. I’m feeling especially grateful to live where I live. Yes, LA has incredible weather year-round, and that’s amazing. But for me, nothing beats fresh air, open space, and the mountains. Especially this time of year.

That said, I am so glad I got to get out and travel again for work. I’ve certainly missed my quick work trips to LA and NYC. And I have to say, I’m really ready for more. They’re always a bit stressful leading up to the trip, but I love every trip I take. I always feel a new burst of excitement and energy when I get up. I don’t always embrace it, but a change in routine every so often really is good for the mind. So any homebodies out there like me, try to keep that in mind! Anyway, I’m sharing more details of my trip a little further down!

In other news, Asher celebrated her big 13th birthday while I was in LA. Since I wasn’t here to celebrate with her I went a little bit overboard on her gift. I spent way too much on a sweet little (very slightly used) Dior bag. I know, I know, she’s only 13 and definitely doesn’t need this. But it felt like a very special gift that she’ll hopefully have forever.

When I was about her age my Nonnie bought me a little Marc Jacobs wallet. It’s just a super simple black nylon (not quite as fancy as this Dior bag), but I still use it to this day. It’s honestly one of the more special things I own.

My hope is that Asher will feel the same about this bag. It wasn’t needed, but it sure was fun picking it out and giving it to her. She was shocked and SO EXCITED! I created a little fashion monster outta her, but I love that we share a love for nice things. So, don’t hate on me for spending so much money. I think it was 100% worth it!

Let’s see, what else. Oslo is growing so fast. I just can’t get over how cute he is. His face gets me every single time. Even when I’m in an “off mood”, I just have to smile when I see his sweet little face.

I’m currently brainstorming his Halloween costume. I have so many ideas…what do you think he should be? I just did the quickest search on Pottery Barn Kids and love this Winnie The Pooh costume. But I want to look more into it because I’m a freak about Halloween. Also, these pajamas, I am dying, so cute.

Ok, moving along. The weather is looking like it’s going to be perfect this weekend, so I’m going to do my best to get outside at least a little. I want to enjoy the fresh fall air before it gets too cold here. Crazy that our leaves are just starting to turn, I’m not ready. This time goes by too fast!

question: what’s your favorite thing about September? What are you looking forward to most? Apple picking? Cooler temps setting in? The official start of fall? Pumpkin everything?!?

Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll be taking Monday off for Labor Day. I did this last year and I’m trying to force myself to stick to taking holidays off like a normal person. So, back on Tuesday with a fun game day recipe that I LOVE. Then we’ll move onto a dish that’s an old-school family favorite. Then a quick weeknight chicken dinner. And we’ll finish the week up with my very first apple recipe of September!

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

watching…there are a lot! My cousin, Abby, had so many recommendations this week. Money Heist, Billions, Untold Caitlyn Jenner, All American, and Clickbait. Have you seen any of these? Any favorites? PS. Abby loves a darker TV series/movie.

cooking…early fall recipes! For once I’m a little ahead on recipes and have a start on fall cooking/baking. What’s your favorite fall recipe?

loving…the Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother. This comes from my mom who is obsessed with this machine. Well, and my dad, because he makes her cocoa for her! He uses it morning and night to heat her cacao and hot chocolate. They certainly give it rave reviews. 

loving…The Real Real. I’ve been very into looking for a designer back. This site sells them gently used, so they’re half the price.

listening to…Jen Meyer on Building A Fine Jewelry Brand on Life with Marianna. I love this career-driven interview, and Jen makes some of my favorite jewelry. Currently contemplating this ring of hers.

reading…One Thousand White Women. My mom is reading this and really enjoying it.

ordered…these Fall Pie Punches & Impression Cookie Cutters. So excited for fall baking.

loving…my new Golden Coil notebooks for fall. Love these autumn colors.

burning…Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois De Balincourt Candle. The perfect September transition candle. Also, I’m curious about this Toasted Pumpkin candle from Brooklyn Candle. Anyone ever tried this brand?

wanting to try…Frederic Malle Russian Nights Candle. The description sounds like the perfect warming autumn night. I’ve never tried this brand either!

ordering…these vintage matches. I LOVE a longer match and something about striking the match every single night to light a candle is so relaxing.

listen to…Rachel Zoe on LadyGang. I love hearing/learning about the fashion industry. In my second life, I’ll be working in fashion.

loving…every single shoe from the APL fall launch. Especially love this fun leopard pair, these warming colors, and of course, my favorite slides, but in a new shade.

2. September apple recipes.

Ginger Apple Moscow Mule

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita

Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce

Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad

French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese

Roasted Butternut Squash Apple Burrata Pizza

Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops

One Pot Lemon Rosemary Dijon Chicken and Butter Toasted Rice Pilaf

Mini Apple Cider Cakes

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze

Mulled Spiced Apple Cider Doughnuts

Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin

Cinnamon Apple Puffed Pancake

3. My Favorite Thank You/Hostess Gifts.

home

candles

beauty

kitchen

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: Top interior design “moods” you love? 
a: Moody and cozy with neutral colors. Nothing too vibrant or over the top. Simple but interesting with vintage pieces everywhere (I love anything old). And fresh flowers to add color!

q: What is Oslo’s story? 
a: My parents adopted Oslo as a newborn in October. He’s honestly been the best little gift our family could ever receive. I’ve never met a kid that smiles or laughs more. He’s the sweetest little dude, and every time I get to see him he’s always making me smile 🙂

q: What is next for you professionally?
a: I have a couple exciting things happening before the year is over. One announcement coming very soon! Then 2022 is all about developing and producing new things that I’ve never done before. Really working to bring you more content but in new forms 🙂 So lots of growth and expansion into new areas…it’s exciting!

q: Did you always invent your own recipes or did that come with experience? 
a: I’ve kind of always cooked this way, even when I was 14 and just getting started. I’m horrible at following any kind of recipe and always changing things

q: What’s your low-key favorite kitchen tool/appliance? 
a: I don’t use a lot of things other than my knives, cutting boards, skillet, mixer, and food processor. But I use this cookie scoop all the time and mostly for things that are not cookies!

q: What’s your most popular recipe? 
a: My butter chicken, peanut ramen, and pasta alla vodka.

q: Is it good to invest in an APL shoe? What do you love most?
a: I can only speak from my experience but I’ve never worn a better sneaker. I wear these up on the trail every day and both hike and run in them. I love how lightweight they are but that they also provide so much support. This is my favorite pair.

q: Can you please explain your sibling situation? I am confused.
a: I have 6 brothers and 1 sister (Asher). My parents have been together since my mom was 15. Oslo is their last kid, and yes, he’s adopted, but we don’t like to give him that label. He is just as much one of us!

q: What are the odds you need to hire some new people? 
a: we just hired 2 new people, so no one new for a little bit. but always be on the lookout, you never know!

q: Did you build on the property you live on? I am obsessed. 
a: I did! My home is a renovated horse barn that was already on the property when we bought it. The studio barn is a completely new building (it’s on the same property as my house).

q: Skincare routine?
a: morning: Is clinical cleanser, Is clinical pro healing serum, Biossance dark spot serum, Dr. Barbara Sturm face cream and Revive Skincare sunscreen.

night: Augustinus Bader Cleansing Balm and Is clinical cleanser, then I use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare red light face mask. Follow that with Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum, Shani Darden retinol reform, and finish with Augustinus Bader Rich Cream.

Sometimes it changes but that’s a pretty usual day/night.

q: How far in advance do you plan what you feature on your IG?
a: not far at all. I really don’t plan it honestly. I share what I’m making. And usually all within the same day or maybe a day or 2 after I’ve made it. All of my stories that are not food-related are in real time and not usually planned out. I’m trying to get a little more organized about it, but I like posting in the moment and can get bored if things feel too planned out.

q: Do you ever miss living in the midwest?
a: yeah! I miss the summers and fall days (not the rainy ones). The summer days are so nice, and I especially miss the warm nights (not the case here). The fall leaves are always pretty too (pretty here as well, but it’s quick!). I don’t miss the winters though.

q: Would you recommend a marble kitchen counter? Are you happy with yours?
a: My countertop at my house is marble and it’s stained all over, BUT I don’t mind the stains at all. I actually think they add character, I like them. They also fade over time. That said, I would recommend quartzite counters over marble. We have quartzite at the studio and I love it. It can still stain but not as much, and it fades much quicker.

q: Do you see yourself getting a dog?
a: I love dogs, but no…too much work, and at least right now I don’t have the time.

q: have you ever thought about cutting your hair?
a: pretty much every time I cut it, but I chicken out every time. I’ve always had long hair. Should I chop it?

q: what is your favorite word and why?
a: awkward. I say it all the time in semi-awkward situations/conversations. I know it’s weird but I just like it. People usually laugh, and if it really is a kind of awkward situation, it usually lightens the air ??‍♀️. I also say interesting pretty often.

5. My Trip to LA.

Where to start. First off, my LA trip was meant to be about 3 days longer than it ended up being. But I had two canceled events that cut the trip in half. So instead of flying into LA on Thursday, I flew in on Saturday afternoon and stayed through Tuesday.

I went back and forth on just where to stay, but in the end, I went back to the La Peer Hotel. I can always count on them for an amazing experience. What I love about the La Peer is that, unlike almost every other hotel in the West Hollywood/Beverly Hills area, they’re a small cozy spot that doesn’t feel as noisy or busy as some of the other hotels in the area. It’s also the perfect location and very walkable to a lot of fun restaurants, shopping, businesses, and coffee places. Overall, it’s just a really great place to stay when in the city.

The rooms are very nice. I especially love the spacious bathrooms. And their pool area is also the cutest. But one of their major highlights is their dining options. They offer a light brunch and lunch menu. I recommend getting the avocado toast with a smoothie, I know it sounds basic, but it’s so good. Issima is their restaurant located in the lobby. It’s honestly the cutest spot with wood-fired dishes and such fun cocktails.

If you’re looking for a spot in the West Hollywood area, we love the La Peer Hotel!

Moving along, I flew in Saturday afternoon just in time for a quick facial at Dr. Barbara Sturm, which I’ve been looking forward to for weeks. I’ve only ever had one other facial, but this was by far the best hour I’ve had in a while. And honestly, my skin has really been pretty much perfect since. If you’ve never invested in a facial, I’d highly recommend. It’s such a game-changer. The facialist recommended that I start using their calming serum to help with dry skin and redness.

Sunday was our first shoot day. We headed off to Grace Rose Farm, which, as you guys can probably imagine, is one of my dream locations. It’s the prettiest 20 acres of roses and one of the most magical places I’ve ever seen. Kristen (my go-to photographer) couldn’t stop taking photo after photo because every direction you looked was another beautiful shot. Gracie, and everyone at Grace Rose Farm, were so sweet and welcoming. It was a day of work but didn’t feel like it all.

Also, I just have to say, if you’re ever looking for an incredible gift to give. A bouquet of roses from Grace Rose Farm is truly the way to go. These incredibly beautiful flowers will put a smile on pretty much anyone’s face.

We didn’t finish shooting until 8 pm and had an hour+ drive back into the city. But Kristen and I made the decision the second we got in the car that we were finally going to go to Craig’s, an LA “hotspot”. I will say, it was definitely a “hotspot”. We only ordered a pizza to share and their Goddess Salad, but I’m told that their chicken parmesan or bolognese is really the thing to get.

(photo by Kristen Kilpatrick) 

Monday morning I ran around looking for a slice of cake to use for our shoot. I ended up buying two slices of cake in a plastic box, cool whip, and berries. Not what I would normally do, but sometimes you just have to make do, and so we did! Once we had everything for the shoot we headed out to Malibu to Plumcot Farm for our last day of shooting. Plumcot is a super cute spot that I learned about from Camille Styles. It’s a little oasis in the middle of Malibu, which is obviously so pretty. My personal favorites were the rows and rows of pomegranate trees.

When we wrapped, we headed to The Surf Rider in Malibu for drinks. Then I Uber’d back to my hotel. I was very ready to shower, eat and sleep! Shooting is so much fun, but I am always so tired afterward.

Tuesday morning, I had a really exciting meeting (can not wait to share more). Then I hightailed it to get get my hair cut by Lisa (my favorite). And that pretty much sums things up! I went straight to the airport…with hair that never looked better. I felt like I was wasting my pretty hair on a trip to the airport. But whatever, it was nice to feel good.

So a quick trip, but productive and fun. So happy to be able to travel again and I’m really hoping to do more. I’ve missed traveling for work. I love the quick trips. As I said, they always bring new inspiration and excitement.

6. Random Family Photos…

(Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail)

(Gore Creek River in Vail)

(no idea what’s happening here…)

(Asher on her birthday…SO GROWN UP)

(Cait and Oslo)

7. Favorite links I’m loving…

20 New Books You Need to Add to Your Fall Reading List…what are you reading?

2021 Fall Beauty Hall of Fame…the top products worth your attention.

All the Labor Day Sales on Furniture and Decor We’re Shopping Now…everything from Lulu and Georgia.

Vegan Chocolate Banana Pancakes…perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.

Where to Stay, Eat, and Play in Portland, Maine…would love a fall trip to Maine.

16 New Netflix Features We Can’t Wait To Watch…what do you think I should watch?

Iceland’s Diamond Circle Is a Road Trip Route Far From the Crowds…so stunning. A trip I didn’t know I needed to take.

The 6 Best Light Therapy Lamps in 2021…I want to try one of these lamps this winter

The 5 Best Ceiling Paints That Will Inspire You To Look Up…switch up the average white ceiling.

The Everygirl’s 2021 Fall Bucket List…I love a fall bucket list.

The Best Interior Paints in 2021 by Finish and Color…if you’re updating your house.

Everlane’s Major Labor Day Sale…love this cozy knit.

6 Questions to Ask in Every Job Interview…love these questions.

17 Delicious Fall Soup Recipes to Make Life Feel Cozy…yum, these all sound perfect.

Full-Body Pilates Workout…I really need to give pilates a try.

8. Sale Finds from & Other Stories…

use the code 2FOR1

Also, loving everything from the Zara fall line…

These jeans, crocheted polo shirt, oversized shirt, and cropped blazer are all in my cart. And Asher loves this adorable puffer, cardigan, faux leather skirt, cropped knit, knit dress, and denim jacket. and yes, she could keep going and going!

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

Monday: Pesto Caprese Chicken in White Wine Pan Sauce

Tuesday: Spicy Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi with Herbed Corn

Wednesday: Easy Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Pizzas

Thursday: Pesto Polenta with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms and Chickpeas

Friday: Black Pepper Rub Chicken Fingers with Greek Yogurt Ranch

Saturday: Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives

Sunday: Old Fashioned Iced Fudge Brownies