Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Miami beach

Happy Memorial Day weekend, happy summer!! How crazy is it that June arrives this week? Like most of us, I’m really excited for summer and looking forward to the warm weather. So many of us have travel plans, dinners with friends, weddings, and a whole list of fun summer things ahead. And some of us are just planning to chill in the warm weather and enjoy the long days and warm nights.

Personally, I’m excited for a mix of both! Traveling a little, seeing some new places, working on exciting new projects, summer recipes, summer flowers, and relaxing a little too. I’m ready for it all.

My recent trips to LA, then straight to Miami got me inspired for summer. The temps in Miami were a steady 85 degrees with humidity and sunshine (which I loved). We came home to much colder temps and fresh snow on the mountains. But there were beautiful bluebird skies and it was beautiful. The weather is slowly and surely warming around here and things are finally beginning to turn green. We just need a couple more weeks and it’s going to be lush and beautiful.

Let’s see, what’s new. On the family front, both Asher and Oslo are growing like crazy. After spending the week with them both in Miami, it’s crazy to see how much they’ve changed. Asher is truly a teenager now, almost as tall as me and wearing all my clothes. She’s also the smartest of us all and can hold a debate like a Harvard scholar (ok, slight exaggeration).

And Oslo, well, he’s just the cutest and growing every day. I LOVED getting to have him around every day. He’s such a little light of joy.

Travel-wise, next weekend is my brother Trevor’s birthday and there are talks of heading to Palm Springs to celebrate. I’ve actually never been to Palm Springs, but my parents are desperately trying to get me to go. They think I would love it.

Aside from that, everything is good, everyone is healthy, and thankfully happy too!

Lastly, I just want to say I know it’s been a really heavy week for the world. It’s hard to think about the unhappiness in the world. I hope this can be a happy safe space for you all to come and leave with a smile. Hug your families and always remember to be grateful for what you do have, not what you don’t.

Enjoy this week’s favorites, lots and lots of Memorial Day sales to share!

the Gigi x Frankies Bikinis collection

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

loving…Staud Rio Platform Sandals. Never thought I would be excited over a platform flip flop, but I think these are so cute. Very into the style right now. Also, Staud has some really cute pieces out for summer. This blue Landry Dress (the mini in white is cute too) for day or night. I love the cutout on the Lourdes Dress, this yellow mini crossbody bag is the perfect size and color. And their crochet ria bag is the perfect go-anywhere summer bag.

loving…EF Collection ruby mini strawberry stud. This is an investment piece, but I love tiny stud earrings. The strawberry stud  (and cherry stud) are especially fun for summer.

listening to…Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez. Her episode, on summer styles is an awesome listen for anyone interested in fashion and summer trends. It’s short and sweet. I personally loved the recap of the 2022 Cruise shows. Also, Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlin. Her latest episode on alcohol hits on the highs and lows of alcohol. I really enjoyed the honest conversation.

ordering…Saie hydrabeam brightening + hydrating under eye concealer. So excited to try this. Saie is one of my favorite clean beauty brands. 

dreaming of going to…Greece!! Family vacation 2022, let’s go! Or I’m also really, really wanting to go anywhere along the coast of Italy. It looks so stunning this time of year.

wearing…oversized linen shirts. I love an oversized linen shirt as an everyday shirt paired with jean shorts, pants, long dresses, or worn over a bathing suit. I lived in this Zara shirt while in Miami.

loving…the Gigi x Frankies Bikinis collection. It’s even cuter in person.

loving…Prada leather shoulder bag. It’s a love, not a buy for me, but I think this is such a classic, timeless bag.

drinking…from the Hudson Wilder Alta Smoke Base Tall glasses. Love these for summer drinks.

loving…linens from Rough Linens. Adore these rustic, organic materials. Looks like everything is on sale for Memorial Day too.

shopping…for ceramics/pottery. Just discovered Feelceramics (I love this sage serving plate, wabi-sabi salad plates, and earth tone vase).

watching…A Perfect Pairing on Netflix. Mom, Dad (well Dad probably slept through it) and Asher watched it last night. They said it was cute. I’ll try to start it tonight.

cooking…Francis Mallmann’s heirloom tomato salad. This sounds amazing, especially with summer tomatoes on there way.

2. The most popular recipes of May.

Most popular: Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls

Runner-up: Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Also have to mention: Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Tzatziki

Dad’s Favorite: Greek Olive Pasta Salad

My Personal Favorite: Giant Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tart

3. Memorial Day Sales.

Violet Grey – 20% off

Shopbop – up to 50% off

Abercrombie – 25% off

Anthropologie – up to 40% off

Lulu and Georgia – 20% off

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: your hair is so healthy and shiny! What products do you use?
a: Honestly, I don’t know exactly why this is. I usually eat an avocado a day and I wonder if that helps? Plus Cymbiotika Vitamins! While traveling I brought travel size Oribe gold list repair & restore shampoo + conditioner. At home, I use Milbon USA moisture collection.

q: what’s one current fashion trend that you love right now and one you don’t?
a: There are so many that I love, I didn’t love loafers at first but am loving them now.  Love a good shoulder bag, mini skirt, oversized leather jacket or blazer, poplin shirt, platform sandals, I could go on. I’m not into the really tiny frame sunglasses or fringed clothes  ??‍♀️

q: do you go for quality ingredients or just basic brands?
a: Always quality. I look for a very minimal ingredient list and try not to use anything with ingredients I can’t pronounce/read. Always read the ingredient list…the nutrition label means nothing to me. It’s all about what’s in the product 

q: what is your nighttime routine like? How do you wind down?
a: I’m not really great at the wind-down. I pretty much work till bed. My wind-down is posting IG stories, then skincare, dinner, and bed. I have a good-ish morning routine but work just kind of goes until I go to sleep ? it needs improvement. 

q: did you learn anything new on the book tour?
a: that I can sign a lot more books than I thought possible ??‍♀️ haha! Honestly, it definitely made me want to travel more and see new places. I really enjoyed seeing new cities!! 

q: do you put your hair up when cooking?
a: It’s almost always in a bun. I just take it down to film stories cause I’m more comfortable with hair down I guess. I need something on my face when on camera. 

q: what do you look for on menus when dining out?
a: I love spots where you can order multiple plates and share. That way you can try a little of everything on the menu! 

q: have you started to think about your next cookbook?
a: Not even close, but also kind of. I do have an idea that I love in my head, but am I ready to tackle another book? Honestly no. Cookbooks are more work than most would think, they take years to create. I’m excited to be focusing on some new things!! But yes, I do have the idea for the next book.

q: what is a dream product for you to create?
a: A dream, dream product is a collaboration product with a designer I’ve always loved or am excited about (Prada, Bottega Veneta, RE/DONE, Staud, YSL, etc. I have so many favorites). I want to marry the 2 worlds I love, food and fashion/design. And of course, any kind of candle or skincare collection is so my thing. 

5. Miami trip + photos.

I only have the best things to say about our Miami trip. It’s an awesome trip for families and friends. To be honest, we really didn’t do much more than hang at the pool and walk the streets of Miami, but it was the perfect trip. A mix of relaxing days, with lots of family time, and work mixed in.

We stayed at the 1 Hotel in South Beach. I personally thought it was probably the best place to stay in Miami and worked out really awesome for my family. We had a 3 bedroom suite that looked out over the pools and onto the Ocean. It was such a pretty view and the hotel really had everything we needed. Beach access, 3 pools, a gym for my dad and Creighton, bikes to use, multiple restaurants, and a really cute, fun vibe. We loved it.

We had a handful of dinners out but mostly stayed in a cooked. Tacos one night, pasta another. Just simple things, but we loved being together.

We took one day to hit up the fanciest mall in Miami to which we bought nothing at because it was all designer items. But Asher and I had fun looking. The rest of the time, we literally just hung out at the pool, rode bikes, and did a ton of walking throughout the city.

The highlight for me was getting to spend one on one time with my mom. We had a very small crew with us. Just my mom, dad, Creighton, Asher, Oslo, and myself. It was nice to get mom for a couple of hours of quality time. That never happens, so I soaked it up and enjoyed every minute.

Sharing all of our photos below, we have so many. It was an awesome trip and I am so happy I took the time out to make it happen.

mom + Oslo

Creighton on the pier 

Asher on the pier 

passed out with toothbrush in hand

1 Hotel South Beach lobby

1 Hotel South Beach restaurant patio

chocolate chip pancakes for Asher 

breakfast with Asher 

last night drinks with mom + Oslo 

poolside margaritas 

pretty scenes from 1 Hotel South Beach

a classic mom + dad moment – never ending walking 

6. Family vacation 2022 + inspiring me.

Keeping on the topic of travel, my mom is trying to plan our family summer vacation and we’re not sure where we want to go. My vote is for Greece, but it’s a little bit of a trek for such a big group. We’ve done Mexico a few times, but are considering that too.

Where should we go? We usually go around July 4th (over Red and Creighton’s birthdays), but this year we may go a little later, like August. Please share your favorite destinations!

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

38 Splurge Worthy Beauty Items, and They’re on Sale…more Violet Grey sale picks.

16 Memorial Day Sales to Shop Now…shop all the sales.

Backyard Ideas That Will Keep You Outside All Summer Long…dream backyards.

57 Memorial Day Furniture Sales + Home Deals…an overwhelming amount of sales.

The Best Wedding Guest Cocktail Dresses…tis’ wedding season.

the Easiest ’90s Trends to Wear Has Returned…here for the tube tops.

The Everygirl’s 2022 Summer Bucket List…what’s on your list.

7 Bikini Trends That Will Dominate Summer 2022…excited about tankinis,

The Least-Boring Versions of 10 Essential Summer Basics…basics are always good.

Sephora’s Memorial Day Savings…additional Sephora picks.

What’s Worth Buying From Nordstrom’s Big Sale…my picks below.

The Best Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer…more cute wedding dresses.

What’s New in the Hamptons for Summer 2022…have you been?

The #1 Kitchen Hack That’ll Transform Your Cooking Routine…how to store nuts.

8. Nordstrom half-yearly sale.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps

Tuesday: Crispy BBQ Salmon Tacos.

Wednesday: Sweet Potato Fry Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Butter

Thursday: Sheet Pan Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas

Friday: Garden Greens Goddess Pizza

Saturday: Crumbled Feta and Tomato Basil Vinaigrette Dip

Sunday: Strawberry Bourbon Crisp