Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

{Photo via Aaron Blatt (and one of my favorite ever photos)}

You guys. Major news.

My brother is officially going to the Olympics. The OLYMPICS!!!!!

We’ve known for a while now that Red was most likely heading to Korea for the Olympics this February, but he locked himself in after placing first place this past Friday in Aspen at the Toyota Grand Prix, his second first place finish in the Olympic Qualifiers. He is now officially confirmed as a member of the US Olympic Snowboard team.

This means the Gerard’s are all heading to Korea (all 17 of us!)!!!

My family is on cloud nine right now and the most excited and happy I have ever seen them. My siblings and I (and cousins!!!) are beyond words excited for Red. Seventeen years old, and headed to his first ever Winter Olympics.

I mean, I might just need to say that five times over again…Red’s going to the Olympics.

The freaking Olympics.

Words really can’t describe just how happy I am for my brother. I have watched this kid grow into someone I love hanging out with, someone who’s kind, someone who without fail always brings a smile to my face, someone who’s respectful, and someone who is clearly pretty hard working (…you know, if it’s something he enjoys…).

Feeling so grateful, so excited, and SO proud. Red’s going to the Olympics!!

{Photo via Aaron Blatt}

{Asher and Merle. Photo via Aaron Blatt}

OKAY. And done. Moving Along…

It’s kind of hard to top that news, but I still have a favorite’s post for you guys today, so let’s get to it.

Coming up this week we have more colorful and healthy recipes including a fresh new salmon recipe, a fun take on sheet pan cooking, the most vibrant smoothie, and more

Hoping you all have a great Sunday. Don’t forget to check out #9 for dinner inspiration for the upcoming week. Enjoy this week’s favorites!

1. I am headed to Austin, TX! 

Tomorrow I’m heading to Austin to work on a fun project with the amazing Camille Styles. It’s a super quick two-day trip, but I’m excited. I’ve never been to Austin, but have heard so many great things. For any of you who live in the area or have traveled to Austin, is there anywhere I HAVE to go? Shopping? Food? Like I said, it’s a super quick trip and I’ll be working for most of it, but let me know if there’s something I have to check out.

2. A few places I have been around the web…

Over on The Chriselle Factor, I shared…

this Golden Sweet Potato Soup…the healthiest, creamiest, and prettiest soup.

and these Warming Healthy Cocktails…because we all need a cocktail every now and then.

{Golden Sweet Potato Soup}

Over on the Crate and Barrel Blog, I shared…

these Champagne Cupcakes…super fun for a birthday or celebration party.

3. My 3 Favorite Winter Citrus Recipes.

Glowing Citrus, Avocado, Quinoa, and Blackened Salmon Salad

Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema

Winter Citrus Ricotta Breakfast Bowl with Honeycomb

4. My 2018 Travel Bucket List.

In all honesty, traveling is not something that I have a huge desire to do (I’m kind of a homebody). I love seeing new places, but it’s the actual getting to and from those said place that stresses me out. That said,I always find new inspiration whenever I travel to a new place, so I would like to travel a little more in 2018. Plus, I’d like to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more…baby steps. Here are the top three out of country places and my top two US places I’d like to visit this year. My goal is to hit at least one out of country destination and both US destinations.

I’d love to know where you guys hope to travel to this year!

1. South Korea…this is a given, obviously, but I’m really excited to experience real Korean food.
2. Rome…Asher is begging me to take her and I’m dying to go to Italy for all the pizza, pasta, and cheese, and so much  more! And Asher says to add Nutella.
3. Guatemala…my brother says he had the best breakfasts while in Guatemala, so clearly I have to check that out. Family? Next trip?
4. NYC…I have been to NYC, but I’m excited to go back and experience more of this incredible city.
5. California…but not just LA…all of it. I’ve really only been to LA and there is so much more to this state.

PS. here are the top 35 places to travel in 2018 according to Architectural Digest.

5. New Videos:

(Meal Prep) Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Fry Bowls…No more boring weekday meals.

Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup…two words to describe this soup? BEST and EASIEST.

6. New year, New Cookbooks…

Healthy…ish by Lindsay Hunt – I LOVE this book. It’s full of easy, healthy, and delicious recipes for any day of the week.

Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone – possibly one of the prettiest cookbooks full of seasonal recipes that make your mouth water.

A Beautiful Weekend by Emma Champan – filled with fun, everyday recipes.

Bobby Flay Fit by Bobby Flay – for everyone trying to eat healthy in 2018.

Dinner in an Instant by Melissa Clark – learning how to use your Instant Pot? You need this cookbook.

The Home Cook by Alex Guarnaschelli – the best staple recipes.

7. A Few Links I am Loving…

Taylor Swift’s new music video…always amazes me how she can totally reinvent herself with every album.

8 pretty bathrooms…for whatever reason I love pretty bathrooms.

Martha Hunt’s hair and makeup products…always looking for new beauty products.

apps and iphone hacks for 2018…I need those organization apps.

how-to boost your immune system naturally…bring on the probiotics.

overnight skincare products…ordering this.

makeup with skin benefits…have this (in petal and LOVE).

8. My Favorite Pieces for a Weekend in Aspen…

9. This Weeks Dinners:

Monday: Simple Coconut Quinoa and Lentil Curry

Tuesday: 20 Minute Peanut Noodle Soup with Lime Mango

Wednesday: Caramelized Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Toasted Buckwheat

Thursday: Turkish Fried Eggs in Herbed Yogurt

Friday: No Guilt Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo