Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Happy Sunday everyone! Hoping you are all enjoying our second to last weekend of August and soaking up these end-of-summer days. I know I end up saying this every year, but so crazy that September is just around the corner. I’m definitely not ready to see summer go. But as always, I’m looking forward to the autumn season, as it really is my favorite.

Today, however, I’m excited for a Sunday in the kitchen creating new recipes. Then hopefully some chill time tonight. I need a good movie or TV show to watch!

I might not always practice this myself, but I do have full confidence that a “slow” Sunday night, filled with planning for the week ahead, a laid-back Sunday dinner, and a little bit of  “you” time, is key to a successful week. I’m going to attempt to have one of those Sunday nights. We’ll see how it goes!

Which brings me to a question, how do you often spend your Sundays? Especially as we head back to school and back to more normal work days? For me, late August is invariably the time when I start organizing and planning for the busy season ahead. It’s always so much fun for me. The next few months are my favorite months of the entire year. This fall, I’ll be spending more time in New York than ever before. And come October I’ll finally be sharing something fun that we’ve been working on for months. I really am so excited!

I’ve been slowly adding new recipes and autumn content ideas to my “recipe notes” that I’ve synced to all my devices. Anytime I have an idea I love, I always write it down before I forget it. Is there anything you’re hoping to see in the coming months? I love reading your ideas! They always get me thinking!

Weather-wise it’s been very, very rainy here. So my biggest wish for the week ahead is to see more sunshine. We really need it!

My cousin Abby was here for a quick two-night stay. She traveled here with Asher who has been in California staying with my brothers for the last week. Asher wanted to spend her last week of summer in the California sunshine, and I have to say, I was jealous. Glad she had so much fun!

Asher’s 14th birthday is a week away! I don’t know what my mom is planning, but I need to find her something special. Last year I excitedly gave her her first designer bag, which was a splurge, but so fun to do. However, that’s going to be pretty hard to top this year. I need some ideas, I’m going to have to get creative!

I do have a good cake recipe planned for her, so you all can expect to see that soon!

I’ve had some fun with Oslo this week. He’ll come to the studio at night with my dad and help us clean. He’s currently very into his Dyson vacuum that the team at Dyson sent over (thank you guys!). Oh, and my homemade Spaghetti O’s, he’s really loving them!

I think that’s all I have to ramble on about today. Oh, wait, one final thing. HBH Every Day hit 20 consecutive weeks on the New York Times best-seller list! 20 weeks is a long time y’all. I feel so loved and thankful for this incredible community and family we have! Thank you all for your continued support!

Have the best Sunday!

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

loving…our giant white dahlias. These make me so happy. I can’t believe they grew and grew so big! Of all the herbs and flowers we grew this summer, the dahlias have been my favorite.

everything in my cart…LOW. From Zara, this satin effect corset top looks designer. I love it paired down with jeans. Throw a cropped leather jacket overtop on chillier days. This midi dress is basic, but would be cute styled with a blazer and heels to dress it up. And this ribbed brown skirt with these boots. These Reformation western boots aren’t necessarily cheap, but they’re a good price for the quality. I have seen them everywhere this week.  They’d actually be cute with this J.Crew Gwyneth slip dress. From & Other Stories I’m ordering this striped sweater, I love this fun silk mix mini skirt and blazer. And then the perfect cropped bomber jacket to throw on with jeans and instantly look cute.

I love the length of this slit hem skirt from Mango. I’ve been eyeing the Réalisation Amber dress in Zebra. And then, my Reebok sneakers that everyone has been asking about are restocked! Love the club C 85 vegan sneakers for running errands and lunches out. And last, adore this sweet Madewell butterfly necklace.

listening to…Creating More Than You Consume on The Blond Files. Surprise! It’s me! My episode with Arielle Lorre of The Blond Files is out this week! I LOVED this conversation. It is one of my favorite podcasts I’ve done yet. In this episode, we talk about all things business, my creative process, general life, and daily routines.

shopping…the Staub stoneware collection that I love so much. It’s my favorite Staub dinnerware collection yet, and it’s on sale this week!

dreaming of going…Hôtel Plaza Athénée. When I eventually make it to Paris someday, this hotel looks beautiful. I’d be so excited to visit. Each room is unique, so no 2 rooms are exactly the same.

dreaming of going to…Life House Hotels. These hotels are a little closer to home. They’re a cute boutique-style hotel with locations across the US and one Bali location. Any of their locations would make for a fun weekend trip.

reading…Serena Williams’s Farewell to Tennis—In Her Own Words. She really is pretty incredible. A piece worth reading.

loving…Rhode skincare. I was lucky enough to receive the full line of sold out products. I love the story behind the brand and most importantly, the product. I’ve only been using it for the last week, so I can’t give a full review, but so far, I’m loving it. The peptide glaze layered with the restore cream is incredibly hydrating and feels so nice on the skin. I’ve also been loving the lip treatment, which I’m really picky about. Most lip products irritate my skin. But the unscented formal has worked magic on my thin, sometimes very dry lips. You can read more about products on Vogue too.

burning…Diptyque figuier fig tree candle. I have this burning now and it’s so good, especially with the figs. Summery but with a slight coziness to it that leaves you excited for fall.

ordered…the Goop G.Tox dry brush. This has been on my to-order list for a while so I’m excited to test it out. 

shopping….autumn coats for hiking. I have my eye on a couple of down jackets from The North Face. The North Face Logo Down Parka (love that this has a hood, but it’s a little bulkier than what I want) and the 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket (this one is the right fit, but no hood). I’m going to keep looking but I do love these jackets and might just order both to try.

thinking about ordering…glass pumpkins. I love these because they not only work for Halloween but Thanksgiving too. Just not sure I really need them. Also, love this cozy pumpkin pillow. And this dusty faux floral arrangement will be so pretty for fall.

wanting…this soft cotton throw from Parachute. How cute is this? I love shades of brown for fall.

following…Prada. I love everything they’re doing right now. I follow the brand on Instagram and they announced their partnership with Emma Waston. She’s the new ambassador for Prada beauty. She directed the shoot for their first campaign and it’s simply stunning. The teaser shot for the campaign is perfection.

ordered…compostable sandwich bags. If you’re looking for easier ways to live more sustainably, check out these sandwich bags I just ordered. They’re compostable bags made from nontoxic, plant-based material.

watching…24 Hours With Emma Chamberlain in Copenhagen. This video isn’t for everyone, but I loved it. Fun to watch, and Copenhagen looks like a cool city to visit. Also, the Vogue Australia cover she shared is going to become iconic. I don’t even like the pink, but I love this cover. She also did a shoot with Harpers Bazaar that I loved too. Both are stunning.

loving…my West Elm clothing rack. I shared a photo of this last week, but I love clothing racks and often use them to lay out favorite looks for work trips. It’s fun for me to see everything displayed and always gets me excited to wear each look.

everything in my cart…HIGH. A lot of dream purchases this week with fall pieces becoming available. I would live in this Khaite oversized jacquard cashmere cardigan. The Altuzarra Quincy dress paired with boots is the coziest fall look. If you have any black tie dinners coming up, this Self Portrait midi dress is pretty. Also, this Christopher Esber silk gown is simple and stunning. Or try a Tom Ford hoodie dress. I just love the hood. Each dress would certainly pair nicely with the new Saint Laurent quilted leather should bag.

For fall boots, I’m obsessed with these Prada leather knee boots. KHAITE Admiral leather knee boots. And the Balenciaga leather ankle boots would be a go-to for everyday looks. I’m in love with the riding boot trend, the Totême riding boot is unique and perfect.

Onto fall coats. This Balenciaga oversized quilted coat is the coziest thing I’ve ever seen. Equally love the Acne studios quilted coat, which is better for everyday (and more reasonably priced). And to round things out, this Khaite shearling coat is so pretty. My mom would especially love it.

loving…the IS Clinical cleansing polish. I’ve use the brands cleansing complex for years. The polish they just launched is meant for deep cleansing, but it’s not drying. I LOVE the way this feels on my skin. I’ve been using it 2-3 times a week and then the cleansing complex in between.

eating…fresh figs. It’s finally fig season! Our Whole Foods got fresh figs this week and I can’t stop eating them. I mostly just eat them as is, but I’m thinking about making a Fig Bourbon Cider Smash for a Saturday night cocktail. Or maybe just adding them to my favorite harvest salad.

ordered…cinnamon sticks. This is random, but I always stock up on these fancier cinnamon sticks before they sell out. I love to use them for cupcakes or use them to mix up my favorite fall cocktails.

snacking on…Tom’s Perfect 10 Granola. Perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacking, and traveling. I love the classic granola, the chocolate makes it feel a little indulgent.

following…Lauren Santo Domingo. The co-found of Moda Operandi, I love seeing what she is doing in the fashion space and with Moda Operandi.

2. Favorite back-to-school recipes.

Bakery Blueberry Vanilla Crunch Muffins

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken Tacos

Detroit Style Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard

Better Than Takeout Thai Drunken Noodles

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

Pull Apart Parmesan Sage Butter Brioche Rolls

Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Healthier Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

3. Back to school, back to work, bags.

It’s early, but fall decor preview 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: supplements you find helpful?
a: I highly recommend trying Cymbiotika. They’re the best of the best in terms of high-quality supplements and really getting the nutrients needed. I do this combo every day: omega, b12, d3, turmeric, magnesium, and I just started their probiotic too. Of course, this is what works for me. Remember that everyone is different and will need different nutrients specifically for their body.

q: I saw you have a lot of basil, any storing tips?
a: I find basil hard to store once it’s picked. For me, it lasts really well in a cup of water left at room temperature for about a week. Be sure to always add fresh water to the glass every day. Basically, treat the basil like a bouquet of flowers. It works really well for me. Otherwise, I like to use the basil once picked. You can make pesto and other sauces/dressings, then freeze them for later too. I’ll do that a lot!

q: I’m curious about how you are able to get so many recipes out so quickly.
a: I spend a lot of time cooking, filming, and creating recipes! It’s not easy and I have so many days that I end up getting nothing completed (like today). When you’re working with a subject that literally changes the way it looks over a short time span, it gets really, really difficult. Not only is the food changing, but so is the lighting. There are so many moving variables. It can take multiple days to finish 1 recipe. But I get up and I do it every day because I love helping you all create dinners that you’re excited to put on your table. There really is no magic secret. I just put in the hours and create the recipes. Sometimes I get 2 recipes completed in a day, sometimes I get none.

q: Dream vacation?
a: at this very moment, Bora Bora is on the list since I just saw the prettiest videos on Brittany Xavier’s IG! Also Greece, Italy, and France.

q: do you still photograph the recipes you prepare?
a: I do!

q: are you wearing more jewelry these days?
a: Yes! I’ve especially been loving finding new rings and earrings. I’ve been late night shopping for new pieces.

q: what do people say their favorite HBH cookbook is? 
a: well most of you who have all 3 said you couldn’t pick and love them all (thank you ?). Then I feel like it was a tie between Super Simple and Every Day!

q: Which cookbook is your favorite?
a: I think I have to say Every Day. It reflects the most how I cook today. But each of them is special in its own way and while I might not love all the photos, I love the books and love looking back at them!!!

q: where do you get your fashion inspiration? I love your style!
a: like many, I’m obsessed with the Olsens. Aside from them, scrolling Pinterest + IG. Honestly, I love scrolling through sites like Moda Operandi, Shopbop, FWRD, Net-a-Porter, and My Theresa. I look through the clothes and love to see how they styled each piece. Then, I take from that what I like, leave what don’t, and style it in my own way/how it might fit my body best.

5. Something new is coming + Fall Cocktail Saturday.

something new

I received the above photo this week. I know this means nothing to you all, but it’s so exciting to me. What we’re working on is more of a fun, personal project. Nothing major, but I can not wait to share! Coming this October!

If you had to guess, what do you think is coming?

I will give you a hint, it’s not a book announcement

Fall Cocktail Saturday 2022

On another note, Fall Cocktail Saturday is almost here! I’m thinking I will start mid-September and then share new drinks every Saturday through the end of the year. I’m brainstorming new ideas, but I’d also love to hear yours!

What new cocktails do you want to see this year? 

Abby and Oslo

6. Inspiring me: a walk-in shower.  

all photos found via Pinterest

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

AD’s 2022 Hotel Awards: 26 Exceptional Properties to Book Now…I love a nice hotel.

Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Natural-Toned Office…certainly love the minimalist look.

11 Life-Changing Trips Everyone Should Take at Least Once…well ok then.

Studio McGee Has a Brand-New Target Collection for Fall…the best picks.

28 Gym Bags to Round Out Your Workout Ensemble…for some workout motivation, get a cute bag.

20 Hobbies You Can Start at Home…fun ideas.

A Massachusetts Farmhouse So Quaint You’ll Want to Move to the Countryside…yes, I want to move.

For Youthful Skin, Prioritize This Kind of Body Lotion…love retinol for the body.

Tips to Make a Kitchen Feel Designer…Studio McGee has the best design advice.

How To Make A Vision Board (And What To Do With It)…I’ve always struggled with this.

These Are the 10 Best Matcha Powders…I want to get into enjoying matcha.

The Best Riding Boots for Fall…like I said, I love this fall trend.

The Unexpected Workout We Can’t Get Enough…walking/hiking is my mom and my go-to and has been since I was like 12.

The Self-Development Book You Should Read Next…based on your goals.

9 Work Hacks You Should Implement Immediately…taking notes.

A Designer’s Dream Walk-In Closet…I want to build my dream closet.

8. Favorite Style Finds under $300.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Wednesday: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Thursday: Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake

Friday: Caramelized Shallot and Bacon Goat Cheese Pizza

Saturday: Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters with Chipotle Aioli

Sunday: Blueberry Yogurt Granola Bars