Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Miami

I’ve been looking forward to this post all week. They take me forever to put together, but in the end, they’re always my favorite post to share each week. I usually work on them throughout the entire week. I finish one week’s Favorite’s post and then start the next one. Anytime I have an idea or come across something I want to share I flag it and save it! It’s fun, and I’m excited about this week’s links! A lot of spring things!

I know it’s not yet spring, but soon! I’m looking forward to more color, fresh herbs, and, since it’s still going to be snowing here for a while, I’ll definitely be surrounding myself with as many florals as possible. I’m also looking forward to baking with strawberries, which I ended up doing this week. Mainly because I really needed to add some color to my day. They made me happy and I can’t wait to share them so soon!

I’ve been loving all of the spring fashion. I’ve been majorly following the Milan and Paris fall 2023 runway shows, and probably doing too much late-night shopping. But it’s what is making me happy these days. I’m feeling more and more of a need to give myself a break from always thinking about creating new recipes. I’m trying to have a little more balance for once! Which you will see below.

I’ve been feeling anxious a lot recently. So I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts on renewing motivation, meditation, journaling practices, and managing anxiety levels when things are more stressful. I’m someone who lives in a constant state of fight or flight mode, so I’m working to change that. I have a couple of amazing podcast recommendations below that I really enjoyed listening to this week!

Also, I really want to start journaling. Starting with a gratitude list and daily affirmations. Do any of you do this?

Moving along, happy March! March can kind of be a blah month. But thankfully I’m heading back to Miami to get out of the cold for a long weekend trip with my family. The sunshine and warmth there last weekend was so nice that I jumped at the invite when my mom asked. It’s a quick trip for me. My mom, dad, Crieghton, Asher, Oslo, and my cousin Abby are all heading down to St. Lucia from Miami. They’re spending time with my grandpa, which I’m sure will be amazing. I have some meetings in New York, then a trip to LA later this month. I’m really looking forward to getting back to Miami next weekend though!

I’m going to surprise Asher with a day for just her and me (no, she does not read these posts). I think we’ll start with shopping in the Miami Design District, which has every designer store you can imagine. I know she’s dying to go to Dior. Then some lunch, and we’ll end the day with massages. She’s been such a help to me the few months, it’s time to spoil her!

That’s all of my rambles for today. Enjoy a very springy Favorite’s post, and happy Sunday!

excited to be back in Miami soon

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

dreaming of going to…The Best Destinations for a Mother-Daughter Trip. Charleston, South Carolina is my top pick, then Napa Valley, California, and honestly, Park City, Utah looks fun too. Or a spa in Arizona! I think my mom would love Charleston. And she’s gotten into red wine recently, so Napa could be perfect as well. Mother’s Day is coming up!

listening to…Marianna Hewitt ON: How to Create a Morning Routine that Results in Success & Why Energy-Drainers Are Getting in Your Way. Loved this and found so much value within the episode. Especially the end which discussed energy drainers and how to make healthy mental changes and habits. And on that same note, I listened to Getting Out of a Rut – 7 Tips for Renewing Motivation, Inspiration, + Self-Care on Life with Marianna and equally enjoyed it. So much so that I want to listen a second time to jot down notes. 

reading…YouTube Made Emma Chamberlain a Star. Now She’s Leaving it Behind.

everything in my cart (low)…silver and anything metallic is a huge trend right now. I love this minimal flap shoulder bag from Zara. I’d also do their metallic high heeled shoes, super cute. Also from the Zara shoe department, love these comfy flatform sandals, pointed flat leather slingbacks, and my favorite of the bunch, strappy heeled leather sandals in red.

Also from Zara, this belted trench coat is a spring must-have. I’m so into their wool blend balloon skirt. This leather belt is perfect. And lastly, their combination knit top and pointelle knit top are both such cute, elevated basics.

From Abercrombie, I’m ordering their essential easy tee in both white and black. Love these wide leg jeans. And how adorable is their eyelet poplin mini dress? Cute for a tropical vacation. Oh wait, and this one shoulder swim top + bottom too in purple!

listening to…Overcoming Chronic Stress, Dieting & People Pleasing, While Making Wellness Work For You with Kelley Nemiro. Actually going to listen to this a second time to better retain all the information. As someone who is consistently in fight or flight, I learned a lot. Highly recommend this if you are struggling with stress.

following…Kelley Nemiro and deep diving into her website, Wellness by Kelly, to continue to learn more.

dreaming of going to…Gleneagles Hotel resort in the beautiful hills of Perthshire, Scotland.

loving…washing my face when I get home from the studio. I’m finding it to be instantly energizing and relaxing. Washing the day away.

shopping…the Dior Maison collection. Did you know that Dior has a home and kitchen collection? It is stunning! The plates, candles, notebooks, I would love it all. Splurge items for the home!

loving…The Dior fall 2023 Paris show. Every single thing about this show was stunning. So visually pretty and the fall looks are perfect. Other favorites from the fall 2023 shows, Prada, Bottega Veneta, The Row, Gucci, and YSL. Oh, and Bally and Hermes too.

shopping…St. Patrick’s Day looks. This Self Portrait embellished satin minidress is really fun.

reading…The Vogue Editors’ Guide to Paris. My dream is to go to Paris fashion week, this fall. Putting it out into the universe.

everything in my cart beauty…I want to try the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo. Super curious, I’ve heard amazing things about it. It’s meant to hydrate your hair. If you have curly hair, the Oribe Cleansing Cream for Moisture & Control could be for you.

I love the Saie Lightweight Dewy Highlighter. Great for spring. I want to try the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Brightening Powder and Matte Beauty Blush Wands. And then, the Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer has incredible Sephora reviews. 

I need to order this Cuticle Recovery Oil. I’m dying to try the Mascara L’Obscur and Blush De Beauté, both from Gucci beauty.

If you have not tried it, Beekeeper’s Naturals Liposomal Propolis offers immune support with Vitamin C and honey. Oslo loves their Kids’ Propolis Immune Support Spray.

loving…springtime bows. Isn’t this Wildflower Ballet And Bows iPhone Case so fun? And I love a bow for the hair too, This Chiffon Hair Bow Barrette is so cute.

following…Liza Giles. What pretty work, especially all of her florals. Also, Sara Hsolis for interiors, her home is beautiful too.

watching…Next in Fashion on Netflix. About to binge every episode. This season looks so good.

loving…Olivia Williams Studio. The interiors she has designed are so pretty. I love the living room of this Notting Hill home in London. The round couches are so pretty, I love them.

learning…pilates. Taking a class when I head to LA later this month. Any Miami pilates recommendations?

cooking…with Jennifer Fisher spice blends. These are SO GOOD.

everything in my cart (high)…The Prada ciabatte clear slide sandal is stunning. For metallics, the Elliott bag from Liselle Kiss is cute. I love this Jacquemus beige minidress and this Staud cargo midi-skirt would be cute with an everyday sneaker.

If you are looking for a cute one-piece,  I’m very in this Mara Hoffman Jodi One-Piece Swimsuit.

shopping…The Six Bells.

loving…the Jennair x Kelly Wearstler collab.

drinking…an oldie, but good, The Salty Dog. If you’ve been to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, you are familiar. Do we need a recipe?

2. The most popular recipes of February.

Most popular: 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Runner-up: Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Also have to mention: Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

My personal favorite: Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower

Ok, last one: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins

3. Some Easter picks.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: I am new to your page. How did you learn to cook like this? 
a: Hi!! I started cooking in middle school. Probably in 6th grade. Back then, I’d watch Rachel Ray’s 30-Minute Meals. The first recipe I made was her cheeseburger mac and cheese. To this day Creighton (oldest brother) says it’s the best thing I’ve ever made. Keep in mind that I have made this dish only one time. He still begs me to make it 🤷🏻‍♀️

🙄  So, I guess she was my start. But really, I learned everything from googling what I didn’t know and trial and error. I’m a very visual person and learn best by doing, then adjusting/fixing. Don’t ask me to read anything! I am not trained, I just cook the way it feels best to me. My technique is not good, I’m sure I do plenty of things wrong, but again, it works for me! I still google anything I do not know. You learn something new every day, you know?

q: have you always felt comfortable recording yourself and being on camera? 
a: No!! Like not at all. If you would have asked my family ten years ago if they thought I would/could do this, their response would have been a hard NO. I’m a homebody, very shy, and not someone who would have ever felt comfortable in front of the camera. It’s literally something I have to practice and work at every single day. I would say that just this year is really when I started to let go of some of my perfectionism. I try hard not to give an F about certain things or how weird I look on camera, I just hit post. And then have to immediately move on, not think about it, and literally just forget it. Otherwise, I will second guess and hit delete.

q: what shoes do you wear to hike in the snow?
a: I love these Merrell waterproof boots. They’re light enough that I can easily hike through the snow but they still keep the snow out.

q: best “starting a business advice”? About to quit my job and make the leap! 
a: Exciting!!! You have to dive in and never stop working towards continued growth. It’s going to be really hard but if you have a strong want/desire to grow your company, then you will!! Use Google as a tool, don’t be afraid to reach out to people, and work to make connections. Stay focused on you and what you’re building/creating. There will be times when it’s really hard and you may have doubt, but don’t give up. Know that over time, it will grow! And give it time, nothing happens overnight.

q: going to NYC for the first time in March. Packing/attire must haves? 
a: Warm clothes, it’s still going to be chilly. Comfortable walking shoes because the best thing about New York is how walkable it is!! Bring your favorite tote that can hold a lot if needed. Definitely a raincoat, a good pair of boots, and a hat + gloves!! Just prepare for the weather because rain, snow, or sun you’ll be outside a good amount getting around from place to place.

q: do you workout? If so, what do you do? 
a: I hike pretty much every single morning. Plus 10-ish minutes of light body strength (push-ups, plank, etc. using my body weight). I really want to get into Pilates though, maybe take a class or do something online.

5. A few fun questions for YOU.

the Miami sunrise from my room at the Faena

1. What’s your dream movie house?

I had to Google “movie homes” since my memory is apparently awful, and honestly, I haven’t watched enough movies. So I’m going to say the homes in The Holiday. The cottage is so cozy, but the LA kitchen is really nice. Neither is my dream home though, so please share yours with me!! I love this waterfront house home recently featured in Vogue.

2. What’s your favorite romantic movie? 

Honestly, I’m asking because I need your recommendations! I love a good rom-com. To be honest, Hallmark Christmas movies are some of my favorites. I thought A Perfect Pairing on Netflix was kind of cute.

3. Best advice you’ve received from a therapist, a mentor, or whomever?

The best advice I’ve received is to treat everyone with the same amount of kindness and respect. Kindness gets you further in life than anything else.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

6. Inspiring me.

the last of my Miami trip

the beautiful courtyard at the Faena Hotel Miami

The walkway to the beach from the Faena

my favorite shoes 

The Living Room at the Faena

This Brio brings back a lot of memories. I enjoyed many lunches out with my Nonnie here. We would shop, lunch, then shop some more. I miss her so much, more and more lately!  So grateful I have these special memories. 

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

In Praise of a Truly Glamorous Bathroom…I LOVE pretty bathrooms.

Kathryn Newton’s Guide to Double Cleansing, Fluffy Brows, and the Perfect Red Lip…fun to watch.

11 Kitchens With Jewel Tones We’re Loving on the AD PRO Directory…pretty.

Gigi Hadid Pulled Off 6 Outfit Changes in a Single Day…and they are CUTE.

How to Build a Wedding Registry That’s Right For You…things to know.

What to Do With Your Life in March…31 ideas to inspire your spring.

Lisa Says Gah’s Recipe for Success: Slow Fashion, Sustainability & Snacky Prints…Sunday reading.

The Health Benefits of Coffee…plus tips to make each cup even healthier.

Airbnb’s Most Popular Rentals…fun. Where would you stay?

Lucky Girl Syndrome…how this viral trend changes your mindset.

The Best New Shows and Movies To Stream This Month…looking forward to Top Gun: Maverick.

If You Can’t Meditate, Try This Mindfulness Practice Instead…cooking can heal.

8. Spring looks.

springtime jewelry trends

under $150 spring trends

wedding

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: 25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Tuesday: One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake

Wednesday: Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps

Thursday: Sheet Pan Chipotle Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa

Friday: Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Saturday: Dirty Horchata

Sunday: Chocolate Chip Nutella Oatmeal Cookies