Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

You all, I can feel it, I can see it, it’s almost here! It’s about to be that time of year when the weather takes a turn for the BETTER. At the moment, we’re in a pattern of cloudy, sometimes rainy, afternoons. This is the week that will all change. It’s mid-June and it is time.

For now, I’m home, but the second half of this month will be a lot of travel. So that’s exciting. A possible quick trip to LA, then New York, and if my mom has her way, I’ll join them for the second half of the family vacation. Has anyone guessed this year’s location yet? Hint, mangos are a very popular food there, and apparently, there are a lot of Olympic athletes born there. Never would have guessed that!

Moving along, how are you all? Do you feel like summer has begun for you? Any fun trip plans?

For us, things are good and happy. I have so much excitement for the next few months. And then, into the fall/holiday season, my favorite time!! I ended the week with a call that ignited me with new energy and left me feeling excited again. I have felt so much anxiety and frustration for the past few weeks. It was secretly killing me inside, but I did my best to put on a happy face. One really great call on Friday lit the excitement inside me right back up!! We have so much in the making, I just can’t wait to bring you all more. It’s going to be so good!

Other highlights from the week. I’ve been buying buckets of peonies, burning multiple candles, and enjoying every ounce of early morning sunshine.

I spent some time with Asher and Oslo, and I got to briefly see my brothers, Malachi and Red.

I’m planning for upcoming travel, and spending more hours than ever before in the kitchen working on a few new projects!

It’s the littlest things that make such a difference for me – I’ll never take the one-on-one time with my mom for granted.

Have a beautiful Sunday! I have a million and one things for you to read this week!

Oslo – “vroom, vroom”

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

listening to…The Squeeze. Loving this podcast and am currently making my way through past episodes.

loving…Studio McGee & CO home decor pieces. I currently have my eyes on their Queta Terracotta Vase and Stoneware Ginger Jar.

wanting…these Tiffany & Co  Bone China Espresso Cups. Ok, these are so cute, I just might need to splurge!

everything in my cart (low)…love this Crochet Mosaic Tile Tee from Abercrombie. Super cute with a pair of jeans or jean shorts. Also, this is the perfect Textured Baby Tee.

The sandals of summer, Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandals.

From Zara, this woven crossbody bag is super cute. I’m into these wedge sandals, they would be cute with this denim pencil skirt.

Lately, I’ve been loving a lot of Sézane looks. They are cute, yet effortless. In my cart, the Marcelo top will be a staple piece all summer long, the Max shirt would be great over a bathing suit. And I’ve always favored their sweaters, I’m currently loving the Léontine jumper the most. Accessories-wise, the Roméo bag is a classic, but I also love their June basket bag. It would be great for the beach or pool. And the Dina necklace for every day.

And last, some Reformation shorts. I love the look of the Mason Linen Short, and the Zoey Linen Short looks so comfortable.

listening to…Dr. Daniel Amen On Optimal Brain Health, Anxiety Management, Male Vs. Female Brains, & The Effects Of Alcohol & Drugs On The Brain.

dreaming of going to…Mallorca Island in Spain. Spain just moved up on my travel list. All of these hotels look amazing. What a pretty travel destination. Has anyone ever been? Do you have a favorite hotel? The La Residencia looks especially nice.

reading…Barbiemania! Margot Robbie Opens Up About the Movie Everyone’s Waiting For. I am excited for this movie. Love this piece and learning more about Margot Robbie too.

watching…Margot Robbie’s Life in Looks Covers Her Iconic Red Carpet Looks and Movie Roles. This is fun.

shopping…Jennifer Nisan for the best vintage designer pieces.

wanting… the Topanga Organic Matelasse Blanket from Coyuchi. A perfect lightweight summer blanket. Love all the multiple colors this comes in too. 

everything in my cart (beauty)… let’s talk fragrance. I’ve been saying this a lot recently, but I’m just now getting into fragrance. Chanel has so many perfumes, but these are the ones I have in my cart. The Allure, Gabrielle, Chance, Coco Mademoiselle, and of course, the iconic Chanel N°5.

For the body, I’ve always loved Nécessaire products. I’m re-ordering the brand’s Body Cream for the millionth time. It’s formulated with 5 Ceramides, Colloidal Oatmeal + Niacinamide. I also love their Body Retinol, I use it every other night.

watching…To Leslie on Netflix and Air on Amazon Prime, both are recommendations from my cousin Abby. Have you seen either? Air is about Nike and Michael Jordan, she said it’s so good!

burning…new to me candles. The SIDIA brand just launched on Shopbop. In. my cart are the SIDIA soaked candle, the wired candle, and the braless candle. Also, and these would be splurges – big time, but I’m curious about these La Double J candles. The Lago Di Como Candle, Pantelleria Candle, and Capri Candle.

wanting…to test out some new skillets for frying eggs. What are your favorites? I’ve heard incredible things about the Green Pan, but I hesitate with both because of the non-stick coatings. I’m so used to using only cast iron.

everything in my cart (high)…dreaming of this Chanel 19 handbag. It’s stunning.

If you love all things Barbie and a killer pink look, this Love Shack Fancy dress is for your. It’s Barbie to a T.

And lastly, oddly (I’m not usually a logo person), I really love this Louis Vuitton Monogram Jacquard One-Piece Swimsuit. It’s super subtle, very quiet luxury, but still shows off that classic LV logo.

It would be cute underneath this Miu Miu cotton dress.

dreaming of going to…Todos Santos, Mexico. My family would jump at the chance to travel to this Mexican town on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. I’d love the Paradero Hotel. It looks so nice and the decor is very chic.

ordering…Béis packing cubes. I’ll be doing some summer traveling, so it’s time to get organized with packing.

reading…Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey, well I hope to read this. It sounds like a fun summer vacation read.

following… TINGE. Ashley Beyer is a Utah-based florist and she has the most stunning Instagram feed. So many wonderfully gorgeous floral arrangements. I wish we lived closer, I would request flowers weekly.

shopping…the Standard Dose Acupressure Mat Set. This would be a great Father’s Day gift! Also for Father’s Day, these RecoveryAir System boots, which are compression boots. Honestly, I want a pair too.

2. It’s summer, 11 recipes from last summer that I love.

Brown Butter Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Zucchini Cacio e Pepe with Brown Butter

6 Ingredient Frozen Blackberry Yogurt Bark

One Skillet Street Corn Chicken Enchilada Bake

No Churn Vanilla Bean Olive Oil Ice Cream

Simple Coconut Chicken Curry

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon Bowl

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Avocado Shrimp Salsa

No Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

3. Everything for Father’s Day.

Urban Outfitters 30% off Home Sale

Amazon home decor 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: do you follow food trends?
a: Not really. They don’t excite me

q: how do you “turn off” work mode?
a: I honestly don’t know how. I know that’s horrible but I love sharing with you all and the internet never stops. I also almost never stop. I’m kind of a go-go-GO kind of person. I get anxious when I don’t have anything to do. I always want to be doing something. I’m weird.

q: has your cooking style and the way you write recipes changed over time?
a: Without a doubt! When I started cooking it was chaos and so many steps. If you look back at super early recipes, you’ll see that they’re kind of complicated and harder to follow. Over time I’ve learned how to simplify and create recipes that we can all easily cook at home.

q: what’s something you are struggling with?
a: Working/staying up late. I love working late, but I also love getting up early, so I don’t get the amount of sleep I should. I know I’d perform more efficiently if I was on a slightly better sleep schedule. It’s been hard to break.

q: what’s something you’re working on personally?
a: Besides getting more sleep, I’m working on being more mindful, which is also really hard for me.

q: what did you say when your parents told you they were adopting?
a: I told my mom they were crazy, and let’s be real, they are. But Oslo is the best little human that has entered this family. He’s such a blessing and I couldn’t imagine a life without him.

q: describe each family member in one word. 
a: There isn’t one word that could describe us all, we tried to pick and couldn’t. We’re all a mixture of a lot of things, but Creighton and Trevor are by far the hungriest. I’m the biggest perfectionist. Malachi is definitely the voice of reason. Most of the boys, Asher, and my mom are very outgoing. Asher is super smart. I’d say everyone is kind and respectful, but we ALL have our moments. Nooo body is even close to perfect. Well, except Oslo. He’s perfect.

q: why don’t we ever see your mom?
a: She’s just not a fan of being on camera, but she has her moments and I sneak her in.

q: do you choose/book all your hotels? 
a: I am very particular about them, so I usually choose them, then my mom books all travel (she’s a pro).

q: how do you form a new habit?
a: Do the “new habit” every day for 1-2 weeks. Try not to miss a day. It can be so hard, but if you’re committed, it’s going to become a habit the more you do it. Usually, it takes 2 weeks for a habit to really stick. Make it a part of your everyday routine.

5. When Have You Felt the Kindness of Strangers?

I read this post on Cup of Jo; the comments are so heartwarming. I can’t personally think of a time that a stranger has impacted me in such a kind way – well does the UPS driver count? His kindness the other week was greatly appreciated, but I LOVE the idea. I love the idea of a stranger helping someone they don’t know in unexpected ways. It’s so caring and sweet.

This is what our world needs more of today!

I would love to hear your stories of when you’ve felt kindness from a stranger.

Something nice to do today – text an old friend

Friend, family member, or co-worker, just shoot someone a kind text today saying hello! I did this on Friday with a friend that lives in New York. I don’t get to see her much, so I thought I would send her a quick note just to say hello and let her know I was thinking of her. It just so happened that she had just returned from a funeral. She said that seeing my text was a bright spot in her otherwise dark day.

Sending a text is such a nice way to stay connected with people in your life who don’t live nearby. and you never know when it might be just what someone is needing. It’s always nice to receive a fun, surprise text from a friend!

6. Inspiring me.

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

Inside a Sky-High NYC Penthouse Designed by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi…wow.

7 Modern Farmhouses on the Market Right Now…dreaming of a home like 1 of these.

15 Incredible Underwater Architecture Projects Around the World…so cool.

25 Hobbies You Can Start at Home…these are fun.

10 Great Reader Comments on Traveling…travel tips!

A Noho Apartment Tour…the black kitchen is gorgeous.

2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide…more ideas for you.

Going Solo to a Wedding…how to have the best night ever.

12 Books to Read Now if You Want to Improve Your Life…things to learn.

The Best Air Purifiers Are Efficient and Discreet…for the home.

8. Nordstrom summer basics

contrast trim looks – black and white pieces for summer

affordable H&M summer looks

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Skillet Creamed Street Corn Chicken

Tuesday: 20 Minute Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Wednesday: Sweet Potato Fry Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Butter

Thursday: Better Than Takeout Kung Pao Cauliflower

Friday: Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Saturday: Strawberry Jam with Honey Whipped Goat Cheese

Sunday: Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake