Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things.

As you can see, we finally had our first big snow of the season this week. It started on Sunday and pretty much continued throughout the week. Not any serious accumulation really, but man it was cold. Twenty degrees on Friday morning and I was freezing my butt off. Fortunately, we’ve warmed up and yesterday was gorgeous.

Most might say it’s too early for this kind of weather, and I totally agree, but it sure is cozy. And it’s getting me crazy excited for the holiday season that’s right around the corner. I’ve been lighting autumn candles every night and it’s just perfect. I’m leaving for LA this week, and honestly, it going to be hard.

Speaking of which…yes, I’m headed to LA this week! Very excited for this trip. We’re filming something fun. It’s not like anything I’ve ever done before, so you better believe I’m nervous. It’s a nervous excitement though, so I really can’t wait!! As always, there’s so much prep before any kind of trip, but especially this one. Logistics of travel are stressful, but I’m in a good place now and can’t wait!

My family is also traveling to California this week. They’re headed first to Carlsbad for the weekend, then all the way up to Tahoe to spend the week. Asher is on fall break. So they figured they’d head to Tahoe before it gets too cold there and enjoy some more fall weather. Though Asher wishes she was heading to LA with me. Someday I’ll get to bring her. I’ll have to surprise her with a fun agenda.

Let’s see what else. That kind of sums things up around here up in a nutshell. Oh, wait!! I’m missing two BIG events. First, my cousin Maggie and her husband Tom welcomed their first little guy into the world, Walker Conrad Galla. He’s a healthy little peanut at 7 pounds 4 ounces and arrived at 9:21 am on October 10th! So happy for this now family of three. I can’t wait to meet Walker in December!

And then! Little man Oslo celebrated his first birthday on the 11th! How is he already a year old? We didn’t do too much since he had a little party back in Cleveland, but he got some ice cream and seemed like the happiest little kid. He’s getting SO BIG.

Last thing, thank you all for your messages on last week’s favorites post. I loved hearing all of your suggestions. I’m definitely taking notes on everything suggested. Thank you!

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

loving…the Tata Harper restorative eye cream. I mentioned this a few weeks ago and have been using it morning and night. The tired-looking fine lines under my eyes have basically disappeared. LOVE this eye cream.

loving…Zara sweaters. This hoodie knit would be a great everyday staple, and this wool turtleneck is so cozy for fall/winter.

listening to…Jessica Alba on Life with Mariana. Really great conversation on creating your own business.

ordered…The Beis 29″ Large Check-In Roller. I try to never check a bag, but I have to for my upcoming trip. I love my Beis carry-on, so this was an obvious choice.

burning…link these Golden Light Taper candlesticks. So pretty. I love the detail.

loving…the 111 SKIN masking planner. Great if you love a weekly sheet mask.

ordered…a big Aritzia haul. Especially love these vegan leather pants, knit sweater, and cozy fleece hoodie.

thinking of ordering…these casual Levis. They’d be cute with any fall boot.

following…Frances Loom for home decor.

loving…Arrae supplements. These are really great if you struggle with bloating or anxiety.

drinking…the goblet of fire cocktail. This one was so much fun to photograph.

thinking about ordering….Trade Coffee. We love coffee, but never switch up our beans. Trade seems like it would be a great way to try out new beans. Has anyone used them before?

loving…Milbon shampoo and condition. Love the look and feel of my hair after using these.

2. Nine soup recipes for October.

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Weeknight Thai Chicken Meatball Khao Soi

Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms

Crockpot Beef Chili

3. New moody finds for the fall tablescape.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: where do you get your recipe inspiration from?
a: I get inspiration from everywhere, it’s not just one place. I find a lot of inspo through things like fashion, design, and colors. I know that sounds odd but I always see a recipe first in my head, then I put it on paper. So I work backward from knowing how I want a recipe to look, to then writing the ingredients down. It’s a process I could never explain really, but it makes sense in my head. And then, of course, my family and travel! My fam is always sending me ideas and I love to travel for inspo too.

q: when it snows, do you still go hiking? or snowshoeing?
a: I usually just hike. I hate putting on snowshoes, but it would probably be better if I did. They beat down the path quicker than just hiking in boots.

q: what’s your favorite Halloween candy?
a: Malley’s Chocolate bars or Reese’s peanut butter cup.

q: favorite Halloween movie?
a: of course, I love Hocus Pocus (soo excited they’re making a new one). And all the Halloweentown movies. And I know Harry Potter is not Halloween, but it’s always fun to watch this time of year.

q: how did you learn how to style your food so well for pictures?
a: I developed my style over time. It wasn’t an overnight thing that I just knew how to do. I used to style clothes, so I think I took all that energy and put it into styling food. I love to make things look pretty, but it definitely took time! Go look at the early photos on HBH…they’re bad. See my first-ever blog post here.

q: I’m moving out for the first time and need some recommendations on how to make my new place my own?
a: you definitely need the kitchen essentials…a cast iron skillet, cutting board, knives, coffee maker, etc. And then I’d add a few things you love, like a favorite mug or wine glass. The same goes for the rest of your space, make it cozy with throws and photos you love. Add some fun pieces and have fun creating a space that’s yours. Try some new things to figure out what you like/don’t like. And since its fall add candles and pumpkins ?

q: do you have a hot apple cider recipe?
a: I do! You can grab it here.

q: where did you get the gold flatware you’ve been using?
a: Zara home.

q: going to Colorado in a few days! Best spots to see fall colors?
a: honestly, anywhere up in the mountains is going to be stunning. Aspen especially, Summit County too, but Aspen is extra special. And I haven’t been there, but Telluride and Crested Butte will be the same!

q: how often do you get trolled/unhelpful or mean comments? And how do you not let it get to you?
a: every day. But at this point, it’s easier to ignore than it was at first. There are some days when it just gets to you though and will put me in a funk the rest of the day. It’s not always easy. But I try to not give it any energy and just use it more as fuel to keep pushing on. I always say, if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. Haters hate on people who are doing cool things/things they wish they could do.

q: go-to meal after a long flight when you’re hungry, but also want to sleep?
a: over-easy eggs with a side of buttered bread (like a rustic style sourdough or something) and avocado. It’s a great late-night go-to, it’s always good. I love a runny yolk with toast for dipping. Plus, I usually always have eggs in the fridge and bread in the freezer. So it’s great after traveling when you have zero groceries.

5. Do you overthink everything?

(found on Pinterest)

I’ve been an over-thinker my whole life. It’s never been easy for me to make a decision whether big or small. I overthink everything, travel, work, new recipes to create, what I said, what I wear, and things that are way out of my control. And this week was bad. I’m not sure what happened, but mentally this week killed me. I started to overthink every move I was making. This was especially apparent when working on new recipes this week. Normally, I have ideas in mind and I pick a couple to work on each day without too much thought.

But this week, every idea I had just wasn’t good enough and I spent so much time going back and forth, back and forth. When what I should have done was just stop thinking and start creating. I ended up having what felt like the most unproductive week I’ve had in a while.

I listened to a podcast that reminded me that so many of us waste time just thinking and never doing. Or thinking about things that are out of our control. It’s the overthinking that stops us from getting what we want, and we end up just getting in our own way.

When I heard that, I entered into the next day with the mindset of “stop thinking and just do”. So instead of going back and forth on what recipes to test, I just ran with the first ideas I had and didn’t think twice about whether they’d be good for cozy weather, easy enough, or popular enough. And finally, I had two solid days of work after a wash of a week.

Long story short, I was reminded this week just how much I can let stress and anxiety overcome my thoughts. Changing my mindset to just stop thinking and do, was so helpful. So, I guess this is your simple reminder that overthinking things just sets you back and you gotta just do it!

question: how do you all deal with overthinking? If you have any tips, please let me know!

6. Inspiring me this week…fall flower arrangements.

(perfect moody fall vibes, via Pinterest)

(the mix of dahlias is so pretty, via Pinterest)

(would be pretty for a fall wedding, via Pinterest)

(darker for fall, via Pinterest)

(love these warm colors, via Pinterest)

(this is the perfect color scheme, via Instagram) 

7. Favorite links I’m loving…

27 Host and Hostess Gifts to Get the Party Started…the holidays are fast approaching.

13 Camel Coats We Want to Splurge On vs. 17 More Affordable Options…this wool Zara coat is perfection.

7 Target Shopping Hacks…who doesn’t love a good Target Hack?

Skip the Salon…here’s how you do a mani-pedi at home.

Step Inside a Mesmerizing Hancock Park, L.A., Home…love the wood beams throughout.

How to Get Over the Fear of Not Being Good Enough…taking notes.

Kosas Makeup is 20% Off…also loved the how-to makeup tutorial.

These Vegetarian Dinners Will Nourish Your Body…yum, these all sound great.

Inside Martha Hunt’s Cozy Manhattan Home…so cute.

These Are the Only Knife Sets Worth Buying…these Japanese knives are so pretty.

35 of the Best Gifts for Travelers…holiday travel is fast approaching.  Love the Beis weekender bag. My mom just purchased the plaid.

7 of the Best Safari Experiences in Africa, According to a Travel Expert…if you happen to be planning a trip, these look incredible.

8. New style finds for fall.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats…

Monday: Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Tuesday: Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili

Wednesday: Easy Ginger Chicken and Spinach Ramen

Thursday: Sweet Potato Lentil Curry with Crispy Sesame Chickpeas

Friday: Brown Butter Pumpkin Tortellini Alla Vodka

Saturday: The Grave Digger

Sunday: Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing