Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – new york, new york 

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Not going to lie, I completely forgot about the Super Bowl. I’m in New York this week, so I guess I’m hyper-focused on my ever-changing/moving schedule. I like to pack these work trips full, so it’s a busy schedule to keep up with.

I’ll be spending Sunday night in my cozy hotel in prep for a busy week. I’m staying at Fouquet’s New York this trip. It’s such an adorable French-inspired hotel in the city…so excited to be here for this trip! I’ll share photos next week, but it’s such a cute hotel in the city if you’re looking to stay more downtown.

Anyway, if you’re watching the game tonight, are you making any new recipes? If so, I would love to hear about them! I know many of you are planning to go all out with snacks, appetizers, and drinks. So excited to see what everyone ends up making on Instagram!

Moving along, didn’t this week just fly by? It’s honestly been a blur for me. I was cooking all the way up until Wednesday night in prep for a week out of the kitchen. Whenever I travel I bulk new recipes to share while I travel so we don’t ever have to miss a day! I love doing this, but it means that the lead-up to any trip is a lot of work.

Thank God for Asher. She’s been my best helper this week, unboxing clothes, cleaning, organizing, and packing! A true organizational pro at this point, and the best little sister. I have to think up something fun to get her as a thank you. She is just the BEST. Always wanting to help me whenever and wherever she can!

I flew into New York Thursday night and will be here until Wednesday. So almost a week away. I spent Friday in meetings and fittings, then attended my first New York Fashion Week show, Johnathan Simkai’s fall 2023 line. It was such a stunning show and so fun to watch. I just loved every minute and felt really excited to be able to attend. It has always been my dream to be in New York for fashion week. The fall 2023 collection is gorgeous, so many stunning looks. I followed the show by attending the afterparty. It was a magical way to start off another fun trip to New York! More to come this week, but as always I love being in the city. It’s chilly, but you can’t beat the energy here!

We have a lot happening business-wise that I can’t really share details on yet. I’m feeling anxious and happy all at the same time. It’s a weird mix of emotions. Sometimes I’m up, and sometimes I’m feeling down and very nervous. But I think these feelings are just signs of growth and being apprehensive/scared about the bigger decisions we are making.

Fun things to come this year however, I just know it!

I think that’s all I have for now. Even though I love traveling and getting out of my environment, I’m looking forward to heading back home this week and seeing my family. It’s always nice to come home after a week-long trip.

This week’s post is on the short side, as I haven’t had my usual time to dedicate to pulling links and such. We’ll be back to normal next week. So enjoy a very easy Sunday read! And have fun watching the Super Bowl tonight! I’ll be tuning in for the halftime show!

Fouquet’s New York

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

everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, this white midi dress is great for early spring paired with a jacket or blazer. This striped sweater is cozy for the weekend. It would be cute with their denim pencil skirt. Lastly, these red leggings would be cute to pair with a red dress and pumps.

For shoes, these metallic slingback heels are really fun. And for a bag, this minimal flap should bag will be a great everyday spring bag.

listening to…ME! Well, to be honest, I will not listen, but my episode on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast is now live. I recorded this in their Austin studio back in late November. I absolutely loved every minute of our conversation. I’ve wanted to come on this podcast for the longest time. Hope you all love the episode. You can listen here.

dreaming of going to…Palm Heights Hotel Resort, located on Grand Cayman BWI. How wonderful does this look? I actually think I’ve linked to their account before. So wow, I guess we really need to make the trip happen soon!

dreaming of going…The Lake House Canandaigua in Canandaigua, NY. If you’re looking for somewhere closer to home, this spot looks super cozy for a winter weekend getaway.

shopping…these Anthropologie oval drop earrings. These are everywhere right now. They look a lot like the Bottega Veneta drop earrings.

reading… A Nutritionist Calls Magnesium “The Original Chill Pill”— Why It May Be a Game Changer for Your Health. I enjoyed learning more about the benefits of magnesium in our diets. I’ve been taking the Cymbiotika magnesium L-threonate daily for the last year and really love it. And I was just sent this Magnesi-Om by Moon Juice a magnesium powder supplement, so I will let you know how it is! 

everything beauty…mascara! I’ve been looking for a new mascara, the YSL lash clash extreme volume mascara is high on my list. Also, on my list, are the Chanel noir allure mascara and Victoria Beckham Beauty’s future lash mascara.

Other items, the Charlotte Tilbury glow glide face architect highlighter looks like it would create a stunning beauty look. And the Dior lip glow oil looks so pretty on. 

For hair, I want to test out more Olaplex products. I have the No.9 nourishing hair serum and No.4D dry shampoo in my cart.

loving…Valentine’s day florals. This bouquet is stunning and I love this how-to-achieve-it post.

shopping…the McGee & Co. sale.

watching…Your Place or Mine on Netflix. So I haven’t watched this yet, but it sounds cute with both Reese Witherspoon and Aston Kutcher. Certainly fun for Valentine’s week! Have you watched it yet?

everything in my cart (high)…the new Bottega Veneta Andiamo medium intrecciato-leather handbag is stunning. I also love the larger size too. Wow.

And from Dior, I love their double-sided wool coat for winter paired with their empreinte riding boots. So very Swiss Apl chic. And Asher and I are still obsessed with the small lady Dior bag. It is just so sweet. And last, their rubber ankle boots are perfect for the Colorado snow.

splurge-worthy belts

shopping…Zara Home! They launched their spring collection. I swear Zara Home is the secret spot to shop for the best kitchen and tabletop pieces. I love their linen bowl covered but they are already sold out! Similarly, this bread bag is great for anyone who loves baking up their own loaves at home. My mom used to have a vintage beater just like their wood and steel whisk. So adorable. I need one of these rectangular loaf pans with a lid. And if you want to clean off your counters quickly, order this bench scraper. We use ours every night to clean.

For serving, these stoneware bowls are pretty. I love this glass tumbler and this wine glass. And then I love this silverware set too, really nice.

drinking…my Rose Lemon Spritzer for Valentine’s Day!

2. Sweet Valentine’s Day recipes.

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday! Stay in and cook/bake something romantic

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Lemon Rose Shortbread Cookies

Simple Chocolate Celebration Cupcakes

3. Winter candles to burn for a cozy home.

I haven’t personally tried all of these, but they do sound amazing. The Byredo Chai scented candle is certainly one of my all-time forever winter favorites. And I love Steph Shep’s spiraling candle from Flamingo estate. More ideas below!

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: do you use a facial steamer? Like the one by Dr. Dennis Gross?
a: No but I want to try one! My skin, especially my hands have been horribly cracked and dry this winter. I know facial steamers are great for dry skin. As is an infrared sauna. Obviously, a sauna is much bigger purchase but they seem to be finding that they have sooo many health benefits.

q: does your family eat a lot of reheated meals?
a: Haha. Yesssss. It’s kind of the worst because I want them to be trying it fresh off the stove/out of the oven/etc. But that’s just the way it has to go. They basically get “the leftovers”.

q: so seriously, who eats all the food?
q: Seriously my family. Let’s remember I am one of 8 kids with mom + dad and cousins + friends always around. Big fam, lots of mouths.

q: skincare routine am/pm?
a: I’m actually swapping around products right now, so I’m kind of in a testing phase. So far I love the results. I do IS Clinical Vitamin C every morning with moisturizer. I’ve been using a lot of Biologique Recherche products, IS Clinical, Skin Ceuticals, Tatcha, Tata Harper Skincare, and Mutha (love their body creams). I’ve been using retinol + hyaluronic nightly. I want to try the new Summer Fridays Retinol too. I’ll share more next week!!! Keeping this simple and quick!

q: what’s your skincare routine? My legs are so dry and it shows. 
a: Dry brush every single night. It has been a game-changer for my skin. My body is never dry anymore. I swear my skin is almost soft with the exception of my hands. 😩 Plus dry brushing helps with digestion, circulation, and anxiety relief.

q: what brand is your range and do you recommend it?
a: The range at the studio I do not love. We are actually replacing them this year! Any recommendations? I have a Wolf range at home that I do love and would recommend! It’s most likely what we’ll put in the studio too.

q: what’s the rest of your morning routine after hiking?
I have a glass of lemon water, then I do my skincare while my coffee brews. Then breakfast while I look at my calendar/tasks for the day (or scroll through the new arrivals on Shopbop, FWRD, and Net-a-Porter). I then make my to-do list and start my day! I want to get into meditation soo badly, maybe this is the year!

q: what layers do you layer with when you go hiking?
a: always a base layer (leggings + long sleeve). Then snow pants, a lightweight down coat (from the Arrivals). My last layer is a windbreaker over my down coat to keep the wind out. I finish with a cashmere hat and $5-gloves that I have multiple pairs of because they’re so easy to lose. It’s all about layering. I’ll adjust layers depending on the temperature/weather conditions.

q: the best brand for ski clothes?
a: I love the Alo base layers. Lululemon is certainly good for layering too. For outerwear, The Arrivals, Holden, Cordova Outdoors, Goldbergh, and Bogner are all great! And of course The North Face and Patagonia too.

q: everyday jewelry splurge. 
a: Spinelli Kilcollin, Maria Tash, The Last Line, less expensive, Luvaj.

5. What’s your travel uniform + more travel.

When it comes to travel, I’m all about comfort and usually go all black. What’s your travel uniform? Some of my favorite pieces are linked.

clothing

shoes

bags/accessories 

Also, I love the new Guest In Residence collection. I just received the perfect crop sweatshirt and everywhere pant (I got the grey in both). I also received the offset henley tee, plus, shrunken polo tee. Everything is so warm and cozy. On my list to get are the oversized crew and oversized hoodie.

More travel! Next on my schedule is Miami, then LA towards the end of March, but no plans after that. Hoping for a tropical vacation sometime soon too, somewhere that’s easy access for the whole family. Does anyone have spring break recommendations? What’s on your travel bucket list this year?

6. Quote of the week.

I’ve been feeling defeated in some areas where we’re working to grow HBH. It can be really hard to know what the right move is, and rejection, repeatedly, can be difficult to not take personally. I’ve been talking with both my parents about this. And then my dad sent me this quote he found on Instagram. I think it has the most beautiful message and therefore wanted to share it!

(source)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

New Jeans on an Under-$100 Budget…46 pairs to try. I am a huge fan of Abercrombie jeans.

5 Ways I’m Habit Stacking to Double My Weekday Productivity…love this idea. It’s multitasking but in a smart way. For example, I listen to podcasts while I prep dinner most weeknights.

I Just Finished My First Year as a Manager…I relate to this so much. Managing others is certainly a whole new skill.

Our Five Design Love Languages…a very pretty design post from Studio McGee.

10 Books That Are Perfect for Your Single Girl Era…I should really read all these.

14 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts That Don’t Skimp on Charm…super cute.

7 Strategies That Will Make Your Annual Closet Purge So Much Easier…great tips.

12 Steamy Movies That Will Up the Tension on Your Next Date Night…Haha. Some of these are real gems.

Wedding Season Is Upon Us…33 re-wearable dresses to try. 

The Biggest Reason Why Your Home Feels Gloomy…let in the light! But in the right way, in other words, no overhead lights!

8. Favorite spring Trends under $150.

everything Nordstrom

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.

Monday: Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tuesday: Roasted Red Pepper Alla Vodka Pasta

Wednesday: Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai

Thursday: Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes

Friday: Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower

Saturday: Rich and Creamy Tahini Hot Chocolate

Sunday: Earl Grey Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Salted Maple Butter