Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Happy Sunday everyone! It has been a real week, has it not? Nothing bad, but this week flew by in the blink of an eye, yet somehow, it felt really long too. Friday officially did me in and left me very ready for the weekend. Maybe it’s the snow, we had a big storm Friday night and Saturday. I’m just not loving the snow as I do earlier in the season, I’m craving warmth.

Thankfully I’m heading to Miami in a week and looking forward to a few days with my family in the warm sunshine. I’m actually just so excited, it’s going to be great. I have one meeting in Miami that I’m knocking out of the way before I even meet up with my family, then it’s a few days of chill time. Which is honestly not easy for me to do, but I’m forcing myself to take a small break. I know that both mentally and physically it will be amazing for my body and it’s very much needed. I just need to learn how to “chill” a little better, I always get so antsy!

Luckily for me, I’ll have my fam and they’re always there to help. I’m planning a full day with just Asher. I mentioned this last week, but I want to surprise her with a girls’ day in Miami. She’s been so thoughtful and so helpful the last few months, I want to surprise her with something really fun! I’m thinking shopping, then lunch, facials, and maybe our nails too. And ending the day with ice cream, of course!

Do you have any Miami recommendations you can share with us? We would love them!

With a good amount of travel over the new few weeks, that means this coming week will be spent mostly in the kitchen, testing, filming, and photographing recipes. There’s always so much cooking before any travel.

My family – mom, dad, Creighton, Abby, Asher, and Oslo, are on their way to Miami today. They will be spending time with my grandpa in St. Lucia before heading back to Miami to meet up with me. I’m sure they’re about to enter tropical paradise! Hopefully, plenty of pics to come next week!

All really fun things though! I’m feeling very excited!

And honestly, I’m trying to push away all the negative right now. I’m not sure what exactly is happening in the world now, but we’ve been getting some very negative comments. It’s made me even consider turning off the comments on new posts. It’s so sad to see. Our comments section used to be the most positive, happy place! But there isn’t much I can do. The internet trolls are always going to be here. I’m just going to encourage anyone sitting behind a screen posting nasty comments to people they don’t really don’t know to look for something better to do with their time. There are so many other sites out there, keep searching for a site that seems to share your values and interests.

You never look good trying to make someone else look bad, I’m just saying.

restocked my favorite Snif scents

I think that’s all the rambling I have for today. I’ve been excited to dive into today’s favorites, so let’s do it! Enjoy, and have the best Sunday! Enjoy the extra hour of daylight!

Oh, one more thing. For some reason the HBH Every Day Cookbook is currently 48% off on Amazon. I have zero control over Amazon’s pricing, so I can’t tell you why it’s so one sale. BUT it is, so if you need a copy, now is the time to order! I’ve actually never seen the price marked so low.

kitchen scenes

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

loving…the Versace Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Absolutely stunning. Everything from the LA setting, to the lighting, to the clothing. So pretty.

ordered…randomly this cute waffle maker. I want to make homemade EGGO waffles. What do you think? Do you need that recipe?

loving…Stylist Jamie Mizrahi’s Low-Key Montecito Home. I adore this sweet home. It’s so cute and serene like. Very relaxing. Every room feels special.

everything in my cart (low under $300)…From Zara, loving their faux-leather- trench coat. It’s nice and light for warmer spring weather. This semi-sheer floral blouse will be so cute with all the maxi skirts that are so on trend this season. That entire look, the skirt, blouse, and coat would look super cute with these metallic slingback flats. Metallic everything is huge right now, but it’s “trendy” so these are a great Zara buy!

Oh, or these closed toe wedges from Reformation. A little pricey, but cute. Also from Reformation, love their Layla Silk Skirt, very pretty. And this Joana Silk Dress in red. Cute.

Also on trend for Spring is anything red. This geometric front flap bag in red is super cute. Asher thinks it’s fun too! If you’d rather add a smaller pop of red color, these tennis socks are perfect.

listening to…Mona Vand on Move with Heart. I love Mona and her approach to health and wellness. She’s such a kind person and I enjoyed learning more of her story. This is a quick, cute, and sweet listen. Very light-hearted and warming. 

burning…currently burning Boy Smells’ copal fantôme scent with notes of palo santo, black tea, gardenia, smoked papyrus, cedarwood, and sandalwood. It’s a lovely mix of cozy and springy. And in the lineup from Byredo, fleur fantome scent (Rhubarb, Lemon Petitgrain Leaves, and Tulip, underscored with Heliotrope and Suede). Also, their burning rose scent. It’s a soothing, smoky blend of deep woods and fresh rose petals, peppered with warm notes of Violet, Leather, and Birch Tree. They both smell so good, I can’t wait to burn these soon!

dreaming of going to…Marigot Bay in St Lucia.

curious about…the Sayl desk chair. I read a bit about it this week. It’s pricey, but it sounds like it could be worth it. It’s meant to help provide tension where support is needed and less in areas that benefit from a greater range of motion. We spend a lot of time sitting at our desk!

shopping…the Saffron and Poe kitchen collection. I have my eyes on the lombok basket tray and woven tenganan waste basket (cute). And this Italian confit pot is just begging for pretty spring flowers. And last, but not least, this antique clay pot is so pretty.

everything in my cart (beauty)…The new Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer sounds wonderful for dehydrated skin. Also, for dry skin, Weleda Calming Unscented Body Lotion. This has so many good reviews and is super affordable too.

Lips! the Lawless Forget the Filler Lip-Plumping Line-Smoothing Tinted Lip Balm. So many people love this! I ordered it. 

For my always-dry hands, I’m very curious to try this Revitalizing Youth Hand Balm from Guerlain. This is a new to me brand. And then, this Rapid Repair Nail and Cuticle Oil. Always looking for hand care products.

This hair towel from Crown Affair is sitting in my cart. I need a new hair towel for healthy strands. Also, in my Sephora cart, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo + Conditioner. 

And last, I am dying to test out the TheraFace PRO. I’ve seen so many people recommend this. I just added it to my cart. I already know my dad loves using Red’s Theragun Mini massage gun. I’m guessing I would I would love it too, I need to try it!

loving…these bow handle cabinet handles. An easy way to instantly update your kitchen if you need something new to excite you!

watching…Miley Cyrus Endless Summer Vacation. Excited to watch this. I’m a big Miley fan and have really loved watching her grow throughout her career and life.

wanting…everything from Tomlin House.

everything in my cart (high)…Jacquemus’s new la veste bask asymmetric suit jacket is so pretty. Love the very unique shoulder. If you’re looking for a special occasion dress, the Reformation open back crepe maxi dress is really great (and not too too pricey). Also from Jacquemus, I love this open back stretch knit maxi dress.

Into this Chloé denim trench coat.

For bags, this Tory Burch lee radziwill cat eye bag is fun. And I love this pleated leather shoulder bag from Loewe.

Lastly in the high range, this YSL quilted leather duffle bag is the perfect carry-on or overnight bag.

shopping…the Hurom Juicer. This is new but has good reviews. It’s a smaller, personal-size juicer that’s said to be much easier to clean and use. Plus, much more affordable than a traditional juicer. 

watching…Vogue France’s Social Editor Takes Us To The Chanel Show in Paris!

reading…What Easy Dinners Do You Make When Friends Come Over? Read the comment section for new ideas!

baking…Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes. St. Patrick’s Day is this Friday! Are you making anything fun? I adore these sweet and easy cupcakes.

2. Spring home decor ideas.

3. Springtime artichoke recipes.

One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake

Pull Apart Garlic Butter Spinach and Artichoke Dip Sliders

Artichoke Gouda Tart

Spinach and Artichoke Pita Grilled Cheese

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: do you ever watch your stories/videos back afterward? 
a: Oh my, NO, never. I’d cringe. But if I need to smile and/or kick up my mood I’ll watch some of the cute videos of my family. Like Asher and Oslo, or something funny my dad or Creighton did.

q: why don’t your recipes have more nutrition info? You only have calories.
a: I don’t base a recipe’s “health” factor on calories. I actually think counting calories for most people is toxic and not helpful. But that’s just me. I base nutrition on the quality of food on my plate. Not how many calories it is or how fatty it is. Because healthy fats are GOOD too but are often high in calories. If it were up to me (it’s not) none of my recipes would share caloric info but we have to do it for SEO purposes.

q: your fav area of NYC?
a: For my upcoming trip next month I’m staying in Tribeca at Fouquet’s New York (the best hotel in the area) and really like it a lot! But I also love to stay uptown close to Central Park too (The Park Hyatt is my hotel of choice, it’s always a wonderful stay). It depends on what I have happening in the city. You can’t really go wrong either way.

q: favorite part about visiting New York? 
a: The change of pace, the people, the clothes, the energy in the city, the food, and getting to attend things I’d never guessed I’d be invited to. I love spending time there. Oh, and I love to stay in a nice hotel. I am a complete hotel snob.

q: top New York City restaurants? 
a: Hmm, that’s hard. I still have so many to try.

Carbone was of course great, Don Angie is fun, definitely try the lasagna roll. I’ve eaten at Palma and loved it. The Nines has a great vibe. The Polo Bar is a classic, you have to go. Saint Theo’s was great too. I’ve also eaten at Casa Cipriani, The Brasserie, and Bond St. which were also great!

q: the first thing you do when you get out of bed? 
a: This is probably annoying to read but I really do drink a big glass of warm water, then head out for my hike.

q: Are you social at home? Do you go out and see friends? 
a: Literally I don’t go out at home, I live in a ski town. This might be super lame but I hang with my family/friends that come into town and are visiting when I’m home. Travel is for dinners out with friends and such. Otherwise, I’m just working. And since I cook so much we don’t usually have to worry about food 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m also by nature a homebody. I definitely push myself to be more social while traveling though!!

q: you still never cut your hair?
a: Did I say I was going to?! Not going to lie, I’ve definitely wanted to chop it multiple times but I’m too afraid. It’s my security blanket I feel like I would hate it after a day or two.

q: best lip balm for Colorado winters? 
a: I’ve been using Biologique Recherche Biokiss Lip Balm and love it. It’s expensive, but I’ve had issues with lip balm in the past so I think it’s worth it. I’ve also had success using Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm.

5. What’s Your Dream Vacation?

Anywhere warm for me, ideally with my family. And with at least one day spent solely with my mom, and then one day with Asher too! That’s really all I care about, tropical weather and quality time with mom and Asher.

Ohhh. And I NEED a nice hotel. Preferably a suite, again, I’m such a hotel snob.

What is your be all end all dream vacation? 

6. Something fun…

Well, this was cool and a really fun surprise Saturday night. Jennifer Gardner made my Snickers bars!! She’s so cute and I love her “pretend cooking show”. She shared the video on Instagram and it is so fun and sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner)

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

50 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Spring…so many great ideas.

“The Shower” Routine Aesthetic…yes, please!

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Is Coming Back…personally, I’m excited. I always loved to watch the holiday show.

10 Essentials for the Chicest Spring Capsule Wardrobe…loving these pieces.

Inside a DC Town House That Got a Perfect Update…very cute.

I Bought 27 Pairs of Very Recommended Workout Pants…the four worth keeping.

Heading to DC to See the Cherry Blossoms…7 tips for a better trip.

5 Traits All of the Happiest Women Have in Common…taking notes.

Leanne Ford Designed the Cottage Guesthouse of Her Dreams…it’s cute.

How to Capture Your Creative Goals in a Mood Board…fun.

9 Best Fluoride-Free Toothpastes With Organic Ingredients…I want to test Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste.

8. Affordable spring trend looks.

Everything Metallic

Skirts

Spurge! Nordstrom Spring Shoes In My Cart

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: 20 Minute Garlic Oil Schezwan Peanut Noodles

Tuesday: Crockpot Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Crema

Wednesday: Hot Honey Crispy Salmon Bowls

Thursday: Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Friday: Hot Italian Stromboli

Saturday: Spicy Cucumber Margarita

Sunday: Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies