Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – (Friday nights Crate and Barrel signing)

Hi from New York!! It’s Saturday morning as I type this up and I’m off to Atlanta this afternoon. But I had to stop in for a short check-in with you all! Traveling around and sharing the new book has been amazing. Amazing! I really couldn’t be more thankful for you all. I’m in awe of everyone who shows up each night. The fact that you guys are waiting in line to meet me boggles my mind. We’re packing in both the Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma stores with lines wayyy out the door – wow! 

To say I feel loved would be an understatement. We started off in Chicago with a full day of media events at the Crate and Barrel headquarters. Oddly enough I’ve actually been to their headquarters before. My mom and I visited way back in the early days of HBH when I was collaborating with them on some things. They’re located in the most beautiful spot. This is their basecamp where they develop product, put together their mood boards, and basically run the operations for all of CB. And they just built a new test kitchen that’s stunning. 

When we wrapped with CB we headed out to the SoHo House Chicago for dinner, then called it a night. The following morning was cookbook launch day. We headed back to CB where I did an Instagram live before the first signing that night at the Crate and Barrel Chicago store. 

I signed sooo many books that night and, fortunately, all went well. Everyone in Chicago was incredibly kind, and again, I’m just in awe of you guys! So fun to finally get to meet some of you in person! 

The next morning it was off to DC for the Sixth & I Interview, which had over 750 people and something like 800 books (I think a little less, but close enough). It was A LOT. But the signing went quicker than I would’ve thought it would take to get through so many books. After the signing, I did an interview with Joe Yonan, the Food and Dining editor of The Washington Post before a live audience. This was something new for me but I had a good time. It was late by the time we finished, so we just headed to the St.Regis downtown for a quick bite + drink. Which was perfect. 

We left early Thursday morning for NYC but were delayed in Washington due to weather and a backup of planes. When we finally made it to New York, we were late…very late. I quickly showered, changed, and then headed to New Jersey for the first Williams-Sonoma signing. And yes, I was late to that too. So to everyone who came, THANK YOU for waiting and being too kind!! 

It was almost 11 pm by the time we got back to the hotel, so I was tired. It was food and then bed for me, as I had to be up super early for Good Morning America.

Fortunately, GMA went well and was so fun. We made the Saucy Peanut Noodles from the HBH Every Day cookbook and were back at the hotel by 9 am. I had a brunch meeting at Friend of A Farmer, which is really cute! I then made a quick stop at The Last Line LA. I’ve been wanting to get my ears pierced for the longest time. I already have 2 holes, but wanted to add a few, so we decided to do something a little fun! It’s a really cool little spot. It’s a great place to go in the city if you’re looking for some fun jewelry and a drink. 

I quickly headed back to the hotel to change and get ready for the Crate and Barrel signing in SoHo. I then headed on over to CB. This signing was extra special. I was able to plan a little surprise at the end of our Q&A. Antoni Porowski and Gigi Hadid stopped in for a quick 30-minute q&a!! It was so fun to finally meet them both in person. We’ve been friends virtually for the last 2 years! They were kind enough to come and surprise everyone and ask me a few questions. I could not be more thankful, they’re just as sweet in person!! 

That pretty much wrapped things up for New York and now we’re getting ready to head to Atlanta! I’m sure the rest of the trip will go so fast, then I’m home back on Wednesday night! 

Thank you all again! You’re incredible! I’ll have more updates next week. Below is a very, very shortened version of the usual favorite’s post. Back to normal next week!

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

listening to…Jimmy Fallon on Armchair Expert. Just a fun conversation to listen to. Fun fact, Red has been on the Jimmy Fallon…oops Red has been on Jimmy Kimmel! 

dreaming of going…anywhere warm and sunny. We all know this, but the Bahamas is at the top of my list. I wish we were going for Easter! 

wanting to try…Grace Street in NYC. Specifically the boba tea with lavender and honey that Antoni recommend to me. NYC was such a packed schedule, we didn’t have much time to break for many fun meals. But this spot is on the top of my list next trip!  

missing…the family! They are in Palm Springs this week and while I’m having so much fun, I’m definitely missing some family time!

loving…The New York Edition. This is currently where I’m writing from and is such a sweet hotel. Everyone who works here has really gone the extra mile to make me feel at home. The room is so spacious and cozy. They made my stay with the photo they left in my room of Asher and Oslo – SO SPECIAL! I miss those two so much, so I love this photo. Sad to be leaving here shortly! 

ordered…Malley’s Chocolate. We’re originally from Cleveland and we order Malley’s Easter candies every year. Nothing is better.

loving…my Re/Done jeans. I brought these along with me and I’ve been wearing them so much. Such perfect everyday jeans. 

2. The most popular recipes of March.

Most popular: Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Runner-up: One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta

Also have to mention: 20 Minute Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles

My personal favorite: Double Strawberry Cupcakes

Ok, last one: Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

3. Easter Baskets.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: what’s something you always splurge on?
a: good skincare for sure. my skin has completely changed in the last 2-ish years since I started really taking care of it. less redness, irritation, and way fewer breakouts. but I’m also a sucker for clothes/bags these days too ?

q: you have a 5-hour layover, what do you do to pass the time?
a: ugh. I hate layovers and avoid them at all costs. if I’m alone, I’m for sure working. if I’m with my family, they’re definitely distracting me and we’re probably wondering the airport like kids looking for something fun (hopefully it’s a cool airport). and for sure getting something to eat.

q: have you ever had another job or boss?
a: other than babysitting, no. or well, I guess for 2 months when I lived in LA when I was 18. I worked at a talent agency cold calling people. I was waiting to start school at FIDM, but that was short-lived. I’ve worked for myself since I was 19.

q: where is a place you want to visit? Where is a place you want to live?
a: Japan (top of list), anywhere in the Caribbean/Bahamas (asap), and then Paris (have to get there soon, it’s been on my dream list since I was a kid). As for where to live, this is something I’ve been thinking about and honestly can’t seem to figure out. If it’s a second house I’d want it to be somewhere warm. If it’s a permanent home, somewhere with seasons. I love the seasons.

q: for date night would you rather do a diner, dive bar, food truck, or mixology bar?
a: food truck for sure. but in a warm place so you can sit outside. casual always 

q: what trait do you appreciate in others?
a: an energy that is contagious, especially when on photoshoots and things. someone who works hard, but makes it fun/smiles every day. It’s hard to have a bad day when you have that kind of energy around you. My friend Kristen is this to a T. 

q: how do you feel about deviled eggs? also Caprese salad?
a: Deviled eggs are not for me. Love Caprese salad…but I do think it’s a little overdone ? plus it’s only really great with awesome tomatoes and fresh basil. I also love a fun twist on Caprese salad that keeps it interesting too.

5. Favorite recipe/chapter from HBH Every Day?

Now that the book has been out a few days, what recipes are you most excited to try? Would love to hear your favorites so far! 

And!! Number one on Amazon!!! Thank you!

6. All the fun photos so far. 

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

Tour a Summer-Ready Cabin That’s on Lake Michigan…perfect for the 4th of July.

The Best Honeymoon Destinations…from the Namib Desert to the Amalfi Coast.

The Family Home That Ashley Tisdale Designed for Herself…very pretty.

Foolproof Formula for a Kid-Approved Easter Basket…cute ideas. 

How Ashley Tisdale Eases Her Anxiety Through Skin Care…on Vogue beauty secrets. 

The Great Try-On (Spring Edition)…spring fashion finds from our favorite brands. 

7 Modern Celebrities Who Lived in Hotels…would you live in a hotel? 

9 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Groceries This Spring…good tips.

8. Spring style finds.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

Tuesday: Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Wednesday: Quick Wontons in Chili Oil with Asparagus

Thursday: One Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo with Spicy Arugula

Friday: Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles

Saturday: Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata