Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – the LA light 

Happy Sunday, and happiest almost May. I’m so excited for the upcoming months. I think we all have so much to look forward to. I had a very quick work trip to LA this week. Having some time in a place where it’s warm and everything is green, lush, and so colorful was really nice. It was just what I needed. A quick refresh!

We’re still going to have a few cold and snowy days here at home, but now that May is here, I know the nice weather is coming soon! I just cannot wait!

Aside from the nicer weather days ahead, I’m feeling even more excited about all that we’re focusing on this month. We have three fun projects all in the works that I’m excited to share as they roll out. Two of them will be coming this fall. I’ll be spending time working on those projects for the next few months. Then we have something bigger that will be coming a little later.

I also have some new ideas brewing so we’ll see if I can get those into place. But what’s even more fun, that’s coming very soon, are some really cool videos! See – a little sunshine really does do my mindset some good!

No major travel this month, so it will be nice to just be home for a bit. We have Mother’s Day coming up just two weeks from today. I need to start brainstorming something for my mom. She always denies Mother’s Day celebrations, but I can usually think of something nice to do. And if all else fails, I’ll find her some pretty flowers to enjoy. I’m sharing my mom’s favorite brunch recipes and then some pretty gifts below. How will you all be celebrating?

My family has all been really great as well. My parents spent some time in New Orleans this week at a conference. Asher was in California with my brothers. But we’re all home now. My focus recipe-wise for this month is to create light recipes with fresh in-season produce as we head into warmer days. Also, grilling recipes! And if you have any other requests for this month, please let me know!

Not much to share other than that. A quick update for you! Have a wonderful Sunday!

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

loving…Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Latest Collection for Lulu and Georgia. So many pretty pieces. I linked to my favorites, but I already ordered these pasta bowls and this pretty pitcher (mainly for flowers!).

Everything in my cart (low)…here are some affordable Chanel look-alikes. Love this fun houndstooth Anine Bing Nico Bag. These J Crew (on sale) pearl hoop earrings and tipped bikini are style classics. And from Zara, block heel slingbacks (on sale) and woven raffia slingbacks are so classic Chanel. For jackets, Zara’s textured plaid jacket, their cropped wool blend blazer, and this pretty textured short blazer. I personally love this simple pointelle knit top. Lastly, the pearl minaudiere bag. Very classic, and very pretty.

For tops, I’m loving this tied halter top from Zara. And from Reformation, the Giorgia Top and Leonora Knit Top are very cute.

For some jewels to go with, this Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Love Knot Doorknock earring is pretty.

Listening to…Hailey Bieber on What She’ll Glaze Next, Nail Secrets, and The One Thing That No One Knows About Her. Excited to listen to this today.

Dreaming of going to…the Hotel Costes in Paris. What a pretty hotel.

Loving…this cool Morro Coffee Table. It’s such a statement piece. My favorite shades are Endive (green) and Big Flower (white).

Shopping…clean burning candles $35 and under. The team loves Sparrow Candle Co. (ordering the 20-ounce concrete jar in lilac and honeysuckle). Makana Studios candles (the rosewater is my pick for spring). And from Fontana Candle Company (I’m definitely trying the lavender).

Reading…Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover. Another recommendation from Abby!

Everything in my cart (beauty)…ok, I have a lot this week. I think I’m going to order the COSMEDIX Overnight Vitamin A Body Treatment. Very curious about using Retinol for the body. Or this Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter from Josie Maran.

From Chanel, the Multi-Use Glow Stick in roseè, Tinted Lip Balm, Eyeshadow liner in electric brown, and then the Rouge Coco Vibrant Shine Lip Colour. Ohhh, and then, their noir allure mascara. I actually just ordered this.

The Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm in pink sugar and cherry.

Lastly, the Dior Glow Face Palette…just need someone to show me how to use this!

Loving…backless dresses for spring/summer. I’ve always loved this look. It shows skin, but not too much. If you love a super low back, this midi dress from Camila Coelho is great. I think my personal favorite right now is this silk dress from Reformation. I love the yellow and green. Also, this linen dress is a perfect black dress for summer. I also love this knit dress from Zara for the daytime.

Watching…Florida Man on Netflix. My cousin, Abby said we have to watch this.

Listening to…I’m Engaged on Call Her Daddy. Both Abby and I listened and loved this.

Everything in my cart (high)…I adore this 3D mesh maxi tube dress from Rotate. It’s simple, but if you look at the detailing, it is so stunning. And the, the cedar dress from Khaite. This is so fun and so pretty. I want to order all 3 colors.

This crinkled satin camisole from Vince is a really stunning staple top to layer underneath jackets. Also, the Éterne cotton-blend baby t-shirt is my personal favorite, the fabric is so soft. Use my code, HALFBAKEDHARVESTXETERNE%150FF for 15% off any Éterne pieces.

Some designer bags, loving this ACNE Studios shoulder bag. This Tory Burch petite bucket bag is cute. How pretty is the Gucci Jackie 1961 webbing and leather canvas shoulder bag and similarly, Saint Laurent’s small leather shoulder bag. Then, my favorite of the bunch, that’s actually a bit more affordable, Staud’s convertible crossbody bag. And I love this Ferragamo leather shoulder bag too.

More jewels, how pretty is this gold-plated bangle from Khaite? Such a statement piece. Kinn’s diamond teardrop hoop earrings are perfection. And last, the Bottega Veneta lava hoop earrings are stunning.

For all you spring/summer brides, this sequined lace mini dress from Elie Staab is very pretty. I’d wear it to the rehearsal dinner or a bridal shower.

Shopping…the Abercrombie summer launch. Loving these affordable pieces.

Cooking…Mexican all week long! Cinco de Mayo is on Friday. What’s your favorite Mexican recipe or restaurant in town?

2. Mom’s favorite brunch recipes.

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

breakfast/brunch

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter

Maple Banana Bread with Cinnamon Spice Butter

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins

Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

Blackberry Lavender White Chocolate Scones

Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby

dessert

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Easy Brown Sugar Strawberry Cobbler

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake

Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts

3. Everything for Mother’s Day.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: How do you best care for your two olive trees?
a: I’m not the person to be asking. I was gifted these, and to be honest, the big one is already dead. BUT we think it got frozen outside when it was delivered 😩 These are the main tips you all gave me:

– make sure it’s getting plenty of sunshine

– don’t keep it too close to the window because it could get cold and leaves could fall off

– don’t let the soil get soggy

q: Does Oslo eat your spicy recipes? 
a: Yes, Oslo loves spicy food and always asks for hot sauce!

q: What are some of your tips for packing and not overpacking?
a: Plan your outfits ahead of time. This takes a lot pre-planning and time but helps in the end. And it’s going to take the stress out of pulling outfits each day. If you’re super organized, take photos of each look on your phone so you can easily remember. I don’t do this, but I should.

q: favorite podcasts?
a: A few I love: The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show. The Blonde Files Podcast. How I Built This with Guy Raz. Armchair Expert. Jay Shetty On Purpose. Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain. Marianna Hewitt’s Life with Marianna. Livv Perez’ Friend of a Friend. And Melissa Wood Tepperberg’s Move with Heart. Would love to hear your suggestions.

q: Your favorite store-bought sauces?
a: I never make tomato sauce and always use Rao’s Homemade. For most other sauces, I make them at home. Most brands add a lot of unnecessary ingredients to store-bought sauces 🤷🏻‍♀️😔 Oh, but I’ll do a store-bought BBQ sauce, I don’t have a great brand recommendation though.

q: Do you use a real camera for your photos?
a: I do! I use a Cannon DSLR camera. I edit minimally in Lightroom for any photos you see on the website. But for IG stories I just use my phone. I’ll edit within the phone app or sometimes I’ll use the Tezza app for cool filters.

q: What brand of peanut butter do you use? 
a: The Whole Foods 365 brand.

q: were you excited when Jennifer Garner made your recipe?
a: Of course!! She’s soooo sweet and I love the “pretend cooking show”, it’s always so fun!

q: What vitamins/supplements do you take? 
a: Mainly I take Cymbiotika. I talk about their products all the time but they’ve been my go-to for the last year. My four essentials are their magnesium, B12, vitamin D3, and The Omega. I also take their Probiotic daily too. And then if I feel like I might be getting a cold or I’m traveling, their Liposomal Vitamin C.

q: why is your favorite word “delicious”?
a: Yummy is my fav!!! 😉 But really, yummy, so good, delicious, scrumptious, yum, delish, really good, etc. It’s not always the easiest to vary words up when it comes to talking about how delicious a recipe is 🤷🏻‍♀️ but yummy is my favorite (;

5. Inspiring me.

(if you needed a smile)

(found via Pinterest) 

Also, I love most of the quotes on this page. Every single one speaks the truth.

(24-hour-ish look for LA – ANCE jeans (similar jean), Priscavera mesh top (similar top), Manolo Blahnik kitten heels (similar shoe), Bottega Veneta bag)

(Benny’s strawberries)

(Dad and Oslo)

6. The 2023 family vacation.

Alright, it’s that time of year again. My family is all going back and forth on where to head for this year’s summer vacation. My cousin is pregnant and due in August, so we’re planning this trip for June!

They are throwing out all kinds of destinations, some say Greece or Italy. But realistically we’ll probably stay closer to US borders with such a big group now. We’ve got one baby (Freya), two toddlers (Walker and Bud), one 2 1/2-year-old (Oslo), and one very pregnant lady!

My vote will always be the Caribbean, what do you all suggest? It’s so much fun hearing where you and your friends/family have traveled and loved!

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

A Look Back at Stunning Met Gala Interiors Over the Years…so stunning. I loved Chanels 2005 design.

3 Rules That Help Me Keep Our Kitchen Organized Day After Day…good ideas.

All the Details Behind Sofia Richie’s Simple and Timeless Bridal Beauty Look…pretty.

45 Things You MUST Do in Paris, My Favorite Cafés to Museums…a fun mini guide.

See the First Trailer for ‘And Just Like That’ Season 2…are you excited?

I’ve Remodeled 3 Kitchens…these are the biggest design regrets.

17 Books to Read if the Hunger Games Was Your THING…summer reading.

Five Family Members, Two Italian Coasts..how they navigated the trip.

Austin’s 16 Best Brunch Spots, Revealed…plus, exactly what to order.

What Luxury Skincare Lines Are Truly Worth It…a few of my favorites are listed.

8. Everything in my Shopbop cart.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Sheet Pan White Pesto Lasagna

Tuesday: Black Pepper Pretzel Chicken And Avocado Bacon Salad

Wednesday: Crispy BBQ Salmon Tacos with Avocado Mango Salsa

Thursday: Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowls

Friday: Easy Skillet Chicken Tinga Enchiladas

Saturday: Watermelon Rosè Paloma

Sunday: Chocolate Chip Cookie Coffee Cake