Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Mike Dawsy photo

Happy February everyone! I think everyone is breathing a slight sigh of relief we made it through January! Personally, I don’t mind January, but I know some of you are just glad to have this cold month behind you.

And while it’s a short month, it’s full of so much excitement, especially this year! The winter Olympics are happening. Opening ceremonies happened very early Friday morning, so the games have officially begun! It’s been a very crazy weekend so far with both Hailey and Red competing.

Hailey had qualifiers on Friday night and made it through to finals – YA! Hail’s did incredible…beyond words. I can’t really express just how happy I am for her. She braved the negative temperature, massive jumps, and did insanely awesome. GO HAILEY! What made it all even cooler was that we all got to watch with her parents, who are the sweetest. Getting to watch with them and seeing the happiness they have for their daughter made everything feel even more special.

Red had qualifiers last night and killed it on his first run. I am so nervous watching. I have to find a spot to be alone and just say over and over in my head “you got this Red, come on Red”. I’m a weirdo, but also just so damn proud of that kid. There isn’t anyone that makes me smile more. I’ve said this so many times, but for whatever reason when he walks into the room, I’m instantly in a better mood. And now I am just so happy to see him killing it at what he loves most.

GO SHREDDEO. We love you kid!

Also, I have to say that my family is one of kind. I said this last week, but the support we show each other is the most special thing about us. What you see, the craziness and all the chaos, it’s all real. But the love is so strong, it’s cool for me to see.

Lastly, on all of this, biggest thank you to YOU ALL. The support you’ve shown Red and Hailey this weekend fills me with happiness. Our family is already big, but you all make it HUGE. Your Instagram messages and story posts make me smile ear to ear. Thank you guys so much. I know Hail’s and Red have felt the added support!!

We have a crazy amount of family and friends in town, so it’s complete craziness, which really just seems to be the norm. That’s all the updates I have for you right now. Red competes tonight at 9:00 MST. We’ll just have to watch to see how it all goes!! Thank you guys so much for all the love and support. I know SO MANY of you are tuning in and cheering these guys on. It means so much to my family!

We are so proud and happy for both Hailey and Red. Making it to this stage is not something most people ever get to experience. They’ve both worked so hard, and not only that, have been so brave. Traveling to China was not easy, but they did it, and together too (along with my brother, Kai, who is a videographer)! It’s amazing to watch them live out their lifelong dreams. And yes, I know I already said this, but I’m just so proud!

It’s hard to top all the Olympic talk, but I’m so excited to be diving into the design process of finally finishing the studio and my house. It will be so great to finally have the spaces fully finished and decorated. We are working with Katie Hodges and have loved the designs she’s drawn up. So much more to come on all of that. This is certainly such a fun project for me!

We also have a fun HBH team trip coming up this week, so just a lot happening right now!

Lastly, I recently did the Life with Be podcast. We have a Cleveland connection, so that was fun! Listen here.

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

loving…the Bottega Veneta Cassette bag. I get in trouble for linking designer things, but I love this bag. Simple, but so cute – my favorite.

loving…Westman Atelier Mascara. As far as clean beauty mascaras go, it can be hard to find a really good one. I love the Ilia mascara, but also have been using this one from Westman Atelier and it’s so perfect. I’m lucky to have longer lashes, but they can clump easily. The brush on this mascara though is perfect for my lashes.

listening to…Kimberly Snyder on Wellness for Everyday Life. I’m actually only halfway through this, but it’s incredible so far. I received her latest book this week and am excited to dive in a little more. I really enjoy the way she looks at health and wellness. It’s approachable and refreshing. You can follow her here.

reading…You are More Than You Think You Are. This is Kimberly’s new book. It really resonated with me, there is so much to it.

loving…Aureum jewelry. This rose-green ring is in my cart. So cute.

dreaming of going…to LA, and then NYC. Very excited about some upcoming trips I need to book hotels. Do you have any favorites in either city? I think we all know how much I love a nice hotel.

loving…Skims. I know I mentioned this last week, but wow, their stuff is so comfortable. I’ve been living in this hoodie and this pant set all weekend. They’ve certainly been great for the below-freezing temps we’ve had.

ordered…Control Collective Calming Mask. I struggle with red, dry skin under my nose and around my lips. I’m going to try this because I read it really helps calm the skin.

burning…Diptyque Rose Candle. The perfect February candle. I love the pretty flowers on the jar for the limited edition candle. It really does smell so much like fresh roses. Also, Heretic candles. All of their scents are so unique. I want to try the coconut and vanilla scents.

loving…affordable finds from Zara. This faux leather mini skirt would be cute with boots and this bodysuit in brown for a monochromatic look. If you’re looking for a fun basic, this long sleeve in orange is really fun. I love this jacket. It would be great for spring too. And then these platform boots. Sky high, but so cute.

wearing…Freda Salvador boots. I just got this pair and am really loving them. They’re not my usual style boot, but something about the detailing is unique and fun. Also loving these loafers.

following…Architectural Digest. This is probably a no-brainer, but I love when they post pop up on my feed. If I like the photo, sometimes I’ll end up going down a rabbit hole, clicking through the designer’s profile. It’s a great way to find inspiration. Loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s home tour too.

loving…the Staub Daily Pan. I just recently started using this pan and have loved it. My skillets are usually my go-to, but this is really great for pasta, vegetables, and Asian-style dishes.

drinking…smoothies and juice. I’m really trying to concoct the perfect recipe.

cooking…well, I have made a lot of burritos this week. I’d love to make a big pot of gumbo before my cousins head back to California on Tuesday. Of course, with some beer bread on the side.

PS. If you guys have an interest in any Red Gerard hoodies and/or tees, these are so fun. A local Cleveland company made them too!

2. The most popular recipes of January.

Most popular: One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce

Runner-up: One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake

Also have to mention: Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken and Avocado Goddess Sauce

My personal favorite: Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch

Ok, last one: Salted Tahini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

3. Fun finds for the kitchen.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: tips on staying warm and cozy in such cold weather? 
a: when I’m outside in really any temp, I always layer. I also make sure my final layer is a windbreaker. Having something that blocks the wind is the key. And I say layers because they really do keep you the warmest. Plus, if you get hot, you can easily peel one-off. As for being inside with cold temps outside, layers help here too. We have in-floor radiant heating, but I’ve always got a little space heater nearby. My parents have an awesome fireplace. At the moment I’m huddled in front of my heated oven with a blanket. ??‍♀️

q: what are your favorite freezer friendly meals?
a: I think soups, stews, and curries are best. Enchiladas freeze really well too. And homemade Pierogi. Gumbo is one of my favorite dishes to freeze. These crunchwraps are also great and really fun to have on hand. They cook up super fast too. 

q: what’s your favorite recipe your parents would make growing up? 
a: hands down my dad’s Friday night pasta dish. It’s sooo good. Pasta, dried herbs, and whatever he had on hand in the fridge too. Lots of olive oil, cheese, and so many bell peppers on top. Also, tacos!

q: if you could have any super power in the world, what would it be and why? 
a: the ability to heal people from things like cancer, especially in kids. 

q: favorite base layer for skiing/cold winter hikes? 
a: I love this Re/done thermal and I usually just wear Alo Yoga leggings under my snow pants. Skims has awesome basics too. I’ve also been wearing a Sablyn cashmere tee on really cold days (it was -6 this morning) and that’s been sooo warm.

q: spill a secret!
a: it’s definitely not a secret but I swear like crazy. People definitely don’t expect it out of me, but my dad says it’s how I release my stress ??‍♀️

q: how many years has Red been on the slopes?
a: since he was 2. My brothers certainly started him young.

q: what kind of ramen noodles do you buy?
a:  Lotus Foods has the best noodles, all real food ingredients.

q: do you love Taco Bell?
a: haha. Honestly, I’ve never had it. It’s Creighton (my older brother) who loves it so much. He asks for healthier versions all the time.

q: best face mask for hydration?
a: I love 111 Skin, this mask is super hydrating.

q: do you like Disney?
a: I’ve never been!!! I know, crazy! My mom pretty much boycotted it growing up.

q: what did your parents do when you were growing up?

a: my dad was a bond broker and my mom was a stay-at-home mom who always had a million-and-one “jobs”. And she still does.

q: do you go back and edit old recipes ever?
a: yes! if someone points out an issue or typo in a recipe I go back and fix it. And if the recipe really isn’t working for A LOT of people I’ll test it again to make sure I wrote everything out correctly within the recipe.

q: where does Oscar Meyers Tiegers come from? 
a: literally not a clue. It just flew out of Red’s mouth one day and now everyone sings “Oscar Mayer Tiegers” when they see me. It’s bazaar, because I actually hate hot dogs and have never liked them.

5. Photos from the past week + inspiring me.

below is everything I have from China, it’s not everything, so more to come…

Huge, huge thank you to Mark Calvin and Mike Dawsy for these photos!

The pics below are from Kai, Red, and Hailey

6. Quote of the week.

(found on Pinterest)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

Styling Dramatic Branch Arrangements…love branches, especially in the winter.

9 One-Pan Dinners From Trader Joe’s…simple, easy ideas, love that.

Metallic Nail Polishes Look So Freaking Elite…these are fun.

Inside Gwyneth Paltrow’s Family Home…LOVE. the kitchen and geez, the spa.

Tour Aerin Lauder’s Indoor-Outdoor Tropical Escape…would be so excited to visit.

16 Best Online Flower Delivery Services…nothing is better than fresh flowers.

Tour a Graphically Bold London Pied-à-Terre…very pretty use of materials.

New York’s Most Elegant Restaurants…excited to try some of these soon.

The Best Valentine’s Day Foodie Gifts…these are so fun.

Everything a Fondue Pot Can Be Used for That Isn’t Fondue…oh I love these ideas.

18 Gifts for Foodies for Valentine’s Day…all under $100

How To Make the Fiber-Filled Salad Jennifer Aniston Eats…sounds delicious.

15 Ways to Eat Healthier This Year Without Going on a Diet…really tangible tips.

A Luxurious Winter Beauty Routine…beat the dry winter skin.

5 Manifestation Hacks…stop talking and start doing the work.

Don’t Neglect These Metabolism-Boosters…you know I love spices and herbs.

5 Foods To Eat On Your Period…good to know.

Inside a Magical Long Island Home…very unique. I love how each room is different.

5 SMART Tips to Build a Company And Grow a Team…love reading posts like this.

15 Super Bowl Sunday Recipes to Feed a Crowd…yum, these all sound awesome.

8. Loungewear, but cute enough to wear out.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

Tuesday: Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Wednesday: Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Thursday: Crispy Cheese Poblano Avocado Burrito.

Friday: Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai

Saturday: Earl Grey Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Salted Maple Butter

Sunday: Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars