Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Starting today’s post from LA before one last meeting, then I’m off to the airport. I’ve officially hit that point in winter when I switch from enjoying the cold to craving a warm destination. Ideally somewhere tropical, but it’s just nice to see more color on the ground and temperatures in the 60’s. When I got here on Tuesday, it was cold, windy, and raining. Of course, I arrive just after LA’s heatwave last weekend. Thankfully it cleared for the remainder of my trip. But man, I really was hoping to soak in some of those 90-degree temperatures. Maybe it’s time to plan a trip somewhere warm! 

All is good though, I still had a really great trip. It was mostly meetings, but I was able to get my hair cut (yay!). I was also able to meet with Katie Hodges, the designer we’re working with for the studio and my house. That was fun. I know I said this last week, but I’m so excited to be moving forward with finishing both of these spaces. 

I also got to eat at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, which felt very fancy and very old Hollywood.

In other news, no Baby Bud Gerard arrival yet, so I’m flying home without getting to meet my very first nephew. I’ll be back and forth to LA a good amount this spring with all the cookbook events coming up. I can’t wait to meet the little guy soon! 

Kai, Red, and Hailey all made it home from China, so that feels amazing. I know they’re so happy to be home and currently soaking up the southern California sunshine. It was obviously a lot of travel for those guys. I think they’re really just looking forward to chilling in the sunshine for two days. They’re headed back to CO tomorrow, so I’m excited to see them. It’s very, very nice to have them back on home soil!

I got home from LA on Thursday night and mostly spent the day on the computer. Fortunately, some of those hours were spent on a zoom with kids from Children’s Hospitals around the US with Lollipop Theater. We baked my mom’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies together and then they asked me all kinds of questions. Baking with kids is always so special. It was incredible to be able to speak with over 250 kids in hospitals all over the US. Everywhere from NY to Colorado to California.

Up until a few weeks ago, I knew nothing about Lollipop Theater, but I feel pretty honored they reached out. It’s an INCREDIBLE program that helps kids interact more with the outside world. They bring on all kinds of people…chefs, magicians, athletes, and actors (hi Anne Hathaway) to help teach the kids. If you’re curious, please check out their website, Lollipop Theater. Considering everything I did this week, between LA, work, and travel, this was by far the most special. It was a pretty awesome way to wrap up the week!

Happy to be back cooking today, it’s been a minute! Have a great weekend, and if you’re able to take President’s Day off tomorrow, hoping it’s a nice long weekend! 

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

loving…springtime green. This lounge set is the cutest, love this basic sweater, and then the sweet dolphin buttons on this cardigan. This ribbed tank is the perfect shade, and this shoulder bag is perfection. And I ordered these Song of Style green pants (so cute).

loving…Aritzia vegan leather pants. I have an older, pricier pair, but these are just as good, if not better to be honest. So cute. 

listening to…Victoria Garrick on body dysmorphia, self esteem, and social media. This is a pretty interesting conversation that really makes you think. I didn’t agree with everything, but then I agreed with so much. It’s not a one size fits all episode, just keeps you thinking and opens your mind a bit. 

dreaming of going to…see dream destinations below. 

watching…Kim Kardashian Home Tour. I got sucked into this and just had to keep watching.

loving…the 111 Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask. I used this after my flight Friday night and my skin was so refreshed. Like I hadn’t even traveled. 

reading…A Design-Lover’s Guide to Palm Springs. I’ve never been, but my family is really trying to get me to go. They think I would love it. 

loving…Hunter Boots tall chasing boot. Love this new style. Super functional, but so cute. Similar to the Bottega Veneta boots, but a little more affordable. 

loving…these green straight leg leather pants. These would be bold, but I do love the color. They’re expensive though, so I love this more neutral green pair and then this fun pair too. 

following…Milli Proust. For plenty of spring floral inspiration. Excited for my greenhouse flowers, we need some color!

loving…my tried and true Re/Done jeans. I’ve been wearing these so much lately. 

shopping…the President’s Day sales. Love this easy white tee, vegan leather pants, and cozy grey sweater. 

watching…Sweet Magnolias. Kind of cheesy, but also cute. It’s an easy watch, definitely more for a girl’s night. 

loving…Prada Logo Lug Platform Sneakers. I just think these are fun. Very out of the norm for me, but cute and fun. Little too pricy though. These Vans are similar. 

2. Chili recipes to make tonight. 

Because it’s still very cold. 

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup

One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake

3. New home finds on sale.

McGee and co.

West Elm

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: why hot water with lemon in the morning? is that a health tip?
a: well I do it mainly because it’s cold here. I love sipping on lemon water and anything hot (I drink warm water all day long, not cold ??‍♀️). But it’s incredible to drink first thing in the morning to help with digestion.

q: do you like to burn one candle at a time or do you alternate scents? fav scents?
a: I usually burn 2 at a time, but I burn them all the way, then switch scents. I love anything cozy. Sometimes I do florals but only in the summer, and they’re never my favorite, cozy scents always win.

q: do any of your siblings (besides Oslo) have dark hair like you?
a: yes, only Red and Asher (more of an ash blond) have blond hair (like my mom). Creighton’s is on the red side, and then the rest of us have dark brown or black hair like my dad. 

q: how do you think of so many new recipes? how long do they take to develop?
a: honestly no idea, I wonder something ? but to develop recipes, it usually takes 1-3 days, but longer for desserts. I’m working on a dessert now that I started over a week ago ?

q: how do you keep hydrangeas from wilting?
a: hydrangeas take on water through their flowers and not just their stems. Therefore, it’s super important to spritz them with water every day to keep them from wilting.

To save wilted hydrangeas, fill a sink with water and submerge the stems and flowers. Let the flowers soak for at least 15 minutes, but ideally longer. It usually takes about 3 hours for them to fully come back to life. Then shake the water off and put them in a vase filled with warm water.

q: can you share more 5 ingredient recipes?
a: In general, I usually stay away from recipes that are 5 ingredients. I obviously understand the appeal, and if they’re actually GOOD, that’s incredible. But I’m never going to share a flavorless recipe simply because it has 5 ingredients. I just love good flavor too much ??‍♀️ and a lot of times those recipes have some kind of weird ingredients. But again, if you can make them delicious, that’s awesome! 

q: do you have a stuffed pepper recipe?
a: uncle Joe’s stuffed peppers in the new cookbook! 

q: what do all of your siblings do for work?
a:
creighton – works in a law firm
trevor – works at Monster energy
brendan – owns Good Livin co. with his wife Lyndsie
kai – videographer 
red – professional snowboarder
asher – shops a lot (; 
oslo – cuteness 

q: do you ever get to take a vacation and not work while on it?
a: I haven’t yet! I know people will yell at me for this, but it’s super hard to do what I do and not work a little on a vacation. Anything on social is 24/7 and even if I could get all of my content done before I leave, there’s always work to do once something is shared. And honestly, people usually love seeing clips of vacation stuff so I share those as well. But it’s not something I mind doing. I’m able to get a break from the things I need a break from, like day-to-day cooking. It’s not like I’m working all vacation, usually just a little in the morning and at night. It would feel very uncomfortable for me if I wasn’t at least working some. Plus, I get really antsy doing nothing, that’s just me!

q: do you have a Vitamix? do you love it?
a: I do! And I do love it, but I use my food processor way more for cooking. The Vitamix is great for smoothies and getting things really, really, really smooth.

5. Some wish list places to travel. 

Travel has very recently become a bigger goal of mine for this year. Traveling and possibly spending a month or so somewhere like LA to get out of the cold this spring. I’m thinking about renting a house somewhere warm for a month or two. It could be a nice switch-up, which would actually work out perfectly since we’re doing renovations.

So while LA might be the spot I spend the most time, I really want to travel some too. Maybe just a family vacation or maybe a few trips, but I spent a little time researching spots. 

Below is my dream list (big and little). What are your favorite places to visit?

ps. the hotel suggestions are more dreams of mine (so they’re luxurious). A family trip would require staying in a rented house (unless it’s not easily available)

1. Japan 

So this is a trek for me, but I think it’s first on my list. Red really, really wants me to go to Japan. Of all the countries he and Kai have traveled to, I think Japan is up there at the top of Red’s favorite list. And for whatever reason, he’s dying to take me there, which I think is really sweet. Since spring is cherry blossom season in Japan, that is when I’d like to go. I need it to be a little warmer, and I really, really want to see the pretty cherry blossom trees. Red wants me to try all the ramen. He has an ulterior motive though, he wants me to be able to recreate it better. 

hotel: Park Hyatt, Tokyo

2. Turks and Caicos/the Caribbean in general

We actually went to Turks and Caicos a few summers back. But I would love so much to go back, and this time with our cousins. If you asked me off the top of my head, where I’d like to go, I’d say the Caribbean (but would happily settle for south Florida too). Growing up my family would travel to South Florida and the Bahamas for spring break. Those spots will always be on my favorites list. The islands in the Bahamas are so beautiful and I’d love to explore new islands where we haven’t been. 

hotel: COMO Parrot Cay

(but in all honesty, my family’s probably renting a house)

3. Paris

Asher and I have been saying this for years, I think this is the year we go. We want to go see the Staub factory and then explore all that Paris has to offer, which is so much. She’s going to love all the Croissants, but I want to see the Eiffel Tower and walk all the streets. 

hotel: Hôtel Plaza Athénée

4. Aspen/any cute Colorado town

This is easy peasy for me so I wanted it on the list. I rarely travel anywhere within Colorado. Aspen is the easiest option and I do love it. Especially if we can stay at the Little Nell. So pretty and relaxing. Would be fun for a night or 2. Just a quick trip! 

hotel: The Little Nell or Hotel Jerome

5. Rome

Like many, Rome has been on my list since the day I watched the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie, When in Rome. I’ve always wanted to visit the magical city full of so much history. It would be incredible, and I know Asher would especially love it. 

hotel: Hotel de Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel (more hotels on this list)

6. Portugal 

I don’t know much about Portugal, but the inspiration for design seems to be everywhere. From the streets to the hotels, to the unique tiles used throughout the country. My brother’s girlfriend, Caitlyn, said she’d love to visit, and I agree, it looks beautiful and is surrounded by culture. 

hotel: Areias do Seixo, Torres Vedras, Portugal or Bela Vista Hotel & SPA

7. Greece 

I have definitely listed this before, but I love the idea of Greece. I think I first fell in love after watching the Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants. I’ve since become even more in love with the idea. I love to make Greek food and I love the culture. My brother, Brendan has been and said it’s a place he’d love to go back to. Maybe we could explore multiple cities!

hotel: any of the places on this list, maybe Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini.

8. The Maldives

This looks stunning. Clearly, I’m about these tropical destinations. The Maldives is made up of 1,900 atoll islands and according to Architectural Digest, it’s having a major design moment. Also, random fact, it’s been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives since the 1980s and aims to become carbon neutral by 2020. 

hotel: St. Regis

9. Charleston, South Carolina 

Charleston is a place I’ve wanted to visit for so many years, mainly to see all the blooming flowers along the streets. I’ve read that spring is the ideal time to go, which makes sense. We have a cookbook event in Atlanta, so this seems like a good time for an overnight trip. Our team member Margaret went to school here and hopes to move back someday!

hotel: maybe one of the spots on this list

10. Tulum/somewhere

My family visited Playa del Carmen and Tulum a few years ago, but I wasn’t able to make the trip. They said the area was gorgeous…and I’ve always regretted not going. 

hotel: anywhere on this list

6. Photos + what’s your favorite show/movie? 

I’ve been given the assignment to watch more TV. I know, what? But I think you all know I really don’t watch a whole lot. Anything I do watch is a re-run of something I’ve already seen over and over…so I can easily work and watch. But, I need to know more about the shows/movies that everyone is obsessed with. So, what are your current favorites?  

photos from LA

(from our design meeting)

(The Polo Bar)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

our NBA Star Devin Booker’s Stylish Arizona Abode…love Clements Design studio.

The Best Resorts in the World for Families…Aspen’s Hotel Jerome is beautiful.

7 Handbag Colors That Are Winning Spring 2022…especially loving margarine yellow.

The Most Romantic Restaurants in the World…the NYC spots are on my list. 

Anguilla Emerges as the Caribbean’s Chicest (and Safest) Destination…spring break.

The Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2022…did you have a favorite? 

These Game Night Games Equal Friday Night Fun…I want to buy all these. Love game night.

How Color and Light Affect Mood, Productivity, and Sleep

Stews, Braises, and Breads for Your Dutch Oven…yum. These sound awesome.

16 Incredible Cabins to Bookmark on Airbnb…for the adventures family. 

What Happens to Your Magnesium Levels as You Age…good to know. 

This Cooking Tip Doubles the Anti-Inflammatory Benefits from Ginger…love. 

SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic Is on Sale…stock up on your favorites now. 

Nordstrom Has 300+ Exclusive Beauty Products…but these are the 15 best.

33 Nordstrom Items that are They’re Finally on Sale…such cute pieces.

Presidents’ Day Sales This Weekend…always fun to shop the sales.

On-Sale Fashion Items and They’re All Under $100…weekend shopping.

The Shower in This South Carolina House Is an Entire Room…pretty southern home.

8. What I wore in LA. 

These were highly requested on Instagram this week, so sharing here too. I tried to find the exact pieces, some are sold out, so below are some similar options.

+ Shashi jewelry favorites

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup

Tuesday: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Fried Avocado

Wednesday: Crispy Sesame Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Thursday: Sheet Pan Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki

Friday: Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Saturday: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Sunday: Retro-Style Chocolate Sheet Cake