Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Today’s Nine Favorite Things post is #300. I can’t believe I’ve written so many of these posts, and look how far they’ve come! Technically there are actually more than 300. These posts were first called Nine of My Favorite Things This Week, and they weren’t EVERY Sunday. Here is a link to the first Favorites-type of post on January 22, 2017.

At first, these started out as nine, one-sentence “things” or links. And today, they’ve become more like a weekly magazine of all of my favorite finds. From fashion to travel, to home decor, to websites, to recipes, and more. I love creating these and being able to share more of my world outside of cooking. It really is so fun for me.

And we have plenty to share this week. From my New York trip (details below) to upcoming travel, fashion, home, and more. It’s been a busy few weeks. And with fall approaching fast, plans for the season are already very much in the works!

This week I’m heading to LA. I’ll be shooting a holiday dinner, heading to an event, taping a podcast, grabbing a few drinks and dinners, and filming a few new recipes with Benny. I packed the trip as full as can be. From there I’ve got a quick trip to somewhere special. More to come on that, but I’m looking forward to it all.

That means I spent a good chunk of time creating new end-of-summer recipes. I’m excited for what’s to come. Lots of peach recipes, zucchini recipes, and tomatoes too! August is one of my favorite months for recipe creation. There’s so much available to use. What recipes are you hoping to see? I would love to hear your ideas and what you’re needing/wanting this month!

The only big thing on our calendar for August is Asher’s birthday at the end of the month. She’s getting so old, she’ll be fifteen! Per usual I really have no idea what to get her. I’ll have to start fishing around because it’s coming fast (suggestions please!).

So many good things to look forward to. I think that’s it for life updates. Here’s another round of favorites!

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

loving…unique home decor sites. Nickey Kehoe has many good finds including this ribbed glass pitcher. Lost & Found also has good finds that are full of colorful pieces.

everything in my cart (low)…I’ve heard a million good reviews about this cashmere tee from Quince (and my mom loves their socks). Adding it to my fall wardrobe. If you need a white dress, I’m really into the Josefina Knit Dress from Reformation, so pretty.

For fall, I love this wool jacket from COS. Looks cozy and stylish!

Ok, ok, some bags. This rectangular leather bag is super in style right now and you can’t beat the price. I’m considering ordering this crossbody bag. It’s the perfect size and I love the vertical design, it’s super unique and cute.

Last thing, the Discoquette Genuine Shearling Slide Slipper from UGG is on sale at Nordstrom. And they have my size, I might just need to get them.

listening to…Pioneering a New Industry, Battling Insecurities, and Living Your Best Life with Danielle Bernstein, Entrepreneur and Founder of WeWoreWhat.

dreaming of going to…One &Only Resort Reethi Rah in the Maldives, such an exotic escape. Choose from luxury Beach Villas, decadent Water Villas, or exclusive Residences.

loving…Anthropologie jewelry. I’ve decided they have some of the cutest jewelry these days at such an affordable price. I love these folded post earrings and then these croissant huggies too. Both look designer.

shopping…Amazon home. Loving these cute linen dinner napkins. And I ordered this cute cheese grater, believe it or not, I don’t have anything like it! And this black colander is very chic for the kitchen.

wanting…the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera. A friend of mine just got this and I love the photos it captures. Plus, it seems so easy to use! Very much considering ordering it.  

dreaming of going to…GoldenEye in Jamaica. How cute are these cottages! They’re about 2 hours east of Montego Bay and 2 hours north of Kingston. But they look like they’re worth the drive. My family loved Jamaica, they stayed at The Cliff Hotel which they loved too. We’d love to go back soon!

everything in my cart (beauty)…been hearing a lot of positive reviews on this Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask from Clarins. I love a face mask, excited to try. Also, looking forward ot trying the ORESA Undaria Cleansing Body Polish. I am always discover new body cream/butters/lotions. This sounds wonderful.

And 2 favorites I already know I love, the Tatcha body butter and Elemis cleansing balm.

This is my core Cymbiotika line up. I take these while home and traveling – Vitamin B12 + BC (boosts energy, supports heart health, and generally is a vitamin most women are lacking) and Vitamin D3 + K2 + CoQ10 (supports immune health and strong bones by assisting in the regulation of calcium and cardiovascular health by reducing arterial plaque)  and the Magnesium L-Threonate, plus probiotic.

watching…Take a Tour of Jenna Lyons’s Fashion-Filled SoHo Apartment. Jenna is so sweet and her home is stunning. She really created a unique space.

everything in my cart (high)…wanting this cute and functional Loewe Puzzle Fold convertible medium leather tote. And for travel, I’ve been obsessing over the Row soft Margaux leather tote bag. I love a minimal leather bag. Or if you still need a great beach bag, the Proenza Schouler morris xl leather-trimmed raffia tote has been on my want list all summer.

Adore this Double-Breasted Contour Blazer from Wardrobe NYC. Adding to my fall must-haves.

shopping…Villa Amour, a vintage clothing brand founded by Jasmine Villanueva. I found some really cute pieces and the Instagram account is a good source for style inspiration.

2. The most popular recipes of July.

Most popular: 20 Minute Sticky Ginger Sesame Pineapple Beef

Runner-up: Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Orzo

Also have to mention: Chopped Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad

My Personal Favorite: Double Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Plus: The 40 Most Popular Summer Recipes of 2023

3. New August Home Finds.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: best way to clean glassware?
a: Rinse with hot water then use the dishwasher. It’s the only way to get everything out.

q: what do you wear when you are cooking?
a: When I’m home and in the kitchen cooking I live in leggings and a hoodie. Literally the same uniform daily. Boring but I don’t like to wear super nice clothes while cooking since I burn my tees daily.

q: what cleaning supplies do you use on your counters and dishes? 
a: We don’t use anything special at all. I’m a freak about cleaning supplies. I don’t like to use most of them (chemicals freak me out). But I do love and use Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner. I use fragrance-free if I can find it. For dishes, it’s just hot water, rinse, and soap if it needs it. Still looking for a great dishwasher detergent.

q: can you link your pink marble serving piece? 
a: Scalloped Breccia Marble Serving Board.

q: favorite places to shop online?
a: My favorites are Shopbop and Revolve. I scroll Shopbop daily to check out their new arrivals. Both stores have affordable, mid-price, and splurge-worthy pieces. They each carry different brands that I love. It’s easy to find cute pieces and shipping is fast and easy too, which for me personally is very important.

I think MyTheresa and FWRD are amazing too. As is Moda Operandi, but these 3 shops carry more designer pieces.

q: favorite New York coffee spot?
a: Ralph’s Coffee is super cute. I also love Interlude in Tribeca.

q: how long and on what setting do you use your red light mask?
a: I do 6 minutes on red light and 6 minutes on blue light.

q: best skincare product to use?
a: I don’t think there’s just ONE product. It’s more of finding the right products + skincare routine that’s beneficial to my skin. Working with Cynthia Rivas Skincare is when I saw my skin improve the most. It’s been almost spotless since we swapped out the products I was using for products that better suited my skin. It’s a combination of good skincare, habits, and good food that does the trick. Not just one product.

q: did you know you make a lot of strong facial expressions?
a: I didn’t, but looking back at videos – I do!!! My facial expressions are intense sometimes. And I’m always doing something with my brows.

5. New York.

New your was such an amazing trip. I had the best time working on two new and upcoming projects, I can’t wait to be able to share them with you all. I flew in Sunday night and started off Monday with a sunny walk around New York. The weather was so nice! Then it was off to an all-day product meeting. After my meetings, I quickly ran back to my hotel to change for drinks with a friend, and then dinner.

We had drinks at Swan, which is really a cute spot, very vintage and classic. Then I had fun with the Snif team celebrating their new candle collaboration with The Standard Hotels. It was a fun, full day.

new york

we love a good candle 

Fouquet’s rooftop

rooftop at Fouquet’s

Fouquet’s rooftop bar

Fouquet’s rooftop

I was so happy to get back to my room at Fouquet’s. Fouquet’s has become my home away from home in New York. It’s one of my favorite hotels in the city. It is so special.

Tuesday I ended up working on the computer most of the day on a separate project that needed my attention. It rained most of the day. But the sun came out just in time for drinks on the roof of Fouquet’s before heading to dinner at Sartiano’s. This spot just opened and it’s so good. We ordered house-made focaccia, meatballs, and tuna for the table. Then I did the bucatini lobster pasta but split it with the Agnolotti. Both are so yummy!

It was all unreal – so delicious. Definitely get the focaccia and meatballs if you go.

Oh, and the Tiramisu for dessert – best I’ve ever had.

dinner at Sartano’s 

The following day, Wednesday, was dedicated to yet another project. A launch that’s coming next year that I am so excited about. Unfortunately, that’s really all I can say on that right now, but oh, it’s going to be good! More to come!

I flew home late Wednesday night. It was a quick back-to-back trip with Chicago. But I just loved it. And I love my time in NYC more than anything. It is such a special place.

Fouquet’s lunch

Fouquet’s lobby

shop all my New York looks + affordable options below

6. Inspiring me.

a good daily reminder

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

The New York Fashion Week Calendar Is Out…I can’t wait for Ralph Lauren to show again. How exciting!

A Bounty of Tomato-Scented Products Brings ‘Tomato Girl Summer’ Into the Home…not sure how I feel about tomato-scented candles?

What’s a Nice Compliment You’ve Received…read the comments. This is a cute post and a great question to ask.

Fall Runway Trends to Shop on Sale at Nordstrom…are we ready for fall fashion? It seems it’s already everywhere.

What is a Russian Manicure? We Broke it Down

8. Final days of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

clothing 

bags

beauty

shoes + jewls

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Pot Cheesy Creamed Corn Orzo

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Chili Crisp Beef Zucchini Rice Bowls

Wednesday: Creamy Corn, Zucchini, and Bacon Chowder

Thursday: 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice

Friday: Crockpot Greek Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo

Saturday: Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Sunday: Easy Ginger Blackberry Peach Cobbler