Nine Favorite Things.

Happy Super Bowl Day!! I’m more excited for today’s game than in previous years, and I think it’s for obvious reasons. Everyone is looking forward to some bonus T-Swift content, plus the halftime show with Usher sounds pretty amazing.

I’m in New York this week for meetings and a few fashion week events. I have a dinner tonight, but I’ll be sure to catch at least some of the highlights! Are any of you having a Super Bowl party today? I think the Super Bowl is such a fun way to entertain stress-free! We often put too much pressure on ourselves for the holidays, but the Super Bowl is low-key, fun, and easy! If you are, what are you making? If I were home, I’d for sure make my Buffalo Chicken Chili. We love that recipe!

I flew into New York late on Friday, so it was a long night. But I’m so happy to be back in the city with a busy few days. I love the energy this city brings. It’s so special, even when it’s not Christmas time. Plus, I always have fun finally having a chance to put together some cute looks! When I’m home in Colorado, I wear the same thing every day in the kitchen, leggings and my trusty Amazon hoodie. But in New York, I get to actually get dressed, and I have a lot of fun with that. It always brings me so much happiness to be able to play with clothes again!

I have a few meetings I’m really looking forward to, as well as a couple of runway shows for New York Fashion Week. Nothing too fancy, but still a fun working week! Things are finally starting to feel busy again as we move more into February. We’re planning for spring, summer, and even a few fall launches. We’re doing a lot of brainstorming!

On to Valentine’s Day – I’ve been trying to find something cute but small for Asher. I love the idea of trying to give her a spa day (her favorite), or putting together a cute gift box with some jewelry and fun Valentine’s day accessories. We’ll see what I get done though. I need to do better about setting time aside to do these things. I always have ideas, but the execution is just not there!

On another note, I’ve been working so hard to train my mind to think differently. Instead of always thinking of the worst-case scenario, to dream up the BEST-case scenario. I’m trying to only speak positively and honestly. Fake it until I truly start to adapt these practices naturally. It’s hard, but I know that over time, and with continued practice, I can adapt these methods and be a happier person in the end. It feels good, and as someone who’s very competitive, I love the challenge I’m presenting myself!

How’s the new year been treating you? I’ve had ups and downs, so it’s not perfect. BUT, we all start each new day fresh, and have the ability to make it GREAT!

Leaving you with that today! Enjoy a very easy/fun Sunday read!

Oh, and have fun watching the Super Bowl tonight! I’m excited to talk about the highlights next week!

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

loving…ordering flowers online. With Valentine’s Day being this week, I’m seeing flowers everywhere. Fox Fodder Farm has a really pretty bouquet for Valentine’s Day! I wish I could ship this to Colorado.

traveling…a Guide to Gstaad, Switzerland. What a magical winter wonderland.

Amazon want of the week…Loloi Chris Loves Julia Bradley Collection Area Rug. This is such a cute checkered rug.

everything in my cart (low)…this bomber jacket from H&M screams luxury and looks it too, so cute. I would layer this Cashmere Crew Sweater underneath. Then a loose fit jean on the bottom, loving Abercrombie jeans. Or swap the bomber coat for a great trench coat, and your look is complete.

This is my favorite essential easy tee, it comes in multiple colors.

For some jewels, oversized metallic-ball stud earrings are super cute and look like a pair of YSL earrings. And this puffy heart chain in bot gold and silver is super sweet.

Lastly, this structured bag in Italian leather is the perfect Prada look alike. You can style this bag a million ways. It is a classic.

listening to…Navigating Adult Friendships: Making Friends, Maintaining Friendships, and Evolving Bonds + Navigating Transitions with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

dreaming of going to…the most incredible grand hotels in Paris. Check out this Instagram for the best Paris hotels. I kind of want to stay at them all! So pretty, but especially Lemeurice Paris and Plaza Athenee.

loving…the leopard print trend for spring. I found this Wildflower leopard love iPhone case. Then, when scrolling new arrivals via MyTheresa, I happened upon this fun Ganni leather should bag (I know Asher would love this). And when browsing on Nordstrom, I found these leopard tights. These are all super cute ways to subtly style the trend. If you’re looking to splurge, you have to get these Saint Laurent leopard-print grosgrain slingback pumps, so cute.

shopping…Valentine’s Day candies! How cute are these candies I found on Food 52? In my cart: Maison Boissier Parisian Gummy Hearts, Parisian Froufrous Candies, Parisian Gummy Bears, and Parisian Fruit Dragées Trio. And if you prefer chocolate candies, go for the La Maison du Chocolat Praline Gift Box.

reading…20 Romance Books That Will Make You Believe in Love Again.

drinking…2021 Jax Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re looking for a nice bottle of red wine for a cozy weekend in, my mom has really been enjoying this.

everything in my Nordstrom’s cart (beauty)…I’ve heard so many good things about the Chanel LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour. The 155 rouge noir shade (2nd to last on bottom row) is so pretty. Also from Chanel, the purifying and radiance revealing vanilla seed face scrub, I’m so excited to test this out. And lastly, I’m ordering these facial cotton sheets from Shiseido. They sound great for travel too!

This last week I emptied yet another Nécessaire body cream. I use this like it’s my job and slather it on every single night. I also love the Tata Harper body balm. Both are great in the winter.

wanting…Sunday Edition Studio candles. I just found this brand and want to try their entire collection of candles. The root candle, dawn candle, nude candle, ash candle, and dusk candle have been added to my shopping cart. I’m especially excited for the nude candle and dusk candle.

everything in my cart (high)…this Anna October Tulip Satin Maxi Dress is a pretty dress for a fancy Valentine’s Day date night. And this Eternity Heart Chain Bracelet from Kinn is so pretty and cute for February.

jackets…love the Tory Burch double-faced canvas cropped jacket for misty spring days. But back to reality around here, this winter vest! I know I would get so much wear out of this fleece down vest from Canada Goose.

shopping…the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Very excited to see this collection of everyday pieces. Super cute, and I thought the show they put on was beautifully done.

drinking…my Rose Lemon Spritzer for Valentine’s Day!

2. Date night recipes.

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce

Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo

Pomodoro Pepperoni Pizza

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes

Crockpot Short Rib Bourguignon

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta

Lemon Rose Shortbread Cookies

Simple Chocolate Celebration Cupcakes

Game Day Cookies – for Valentine’s Day

Vanilla Hot Chocolate Molten Cookies

3. Last Minute Valentine’s Day gifts.

cute valentine looks for every occasion

host a cute valentines day party 

4. How I use my notebooks.

A couple of weeks ago, I got new notebooks for the new year. So many of you asked how I use each notebook and how I plan my days.

I keep it simple, but I try to write everything down so I don’t forget. And I live by my Google calendar, especially while traveling. But I also love to write out my days at the start of every morning, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I do this after my morning hike.

For my main notebook, I list out my highest priorities at the top of the page. When I’m home, that’s usually the recipes I want to test/photograph on the days that I’m in the kitchen. This can also include meetings, important emails, etc. These are the things I really need to get done that day. I section these out from morning to afternoon to night. I also write out what I need to do for social content – edit IG captions and IG stories, post to Tiktok, Facebook, etc. Then there’s everything I need to create for the website that day (usually a blog post + editing photos). It’s very detail oriented so l don’t forget anything.

A lot of days look similar, but I still write them out. I love crossing things off my list. I put more of my fun “to-dos” at the bottom of the page since these are less important. Even things like packing, texting someone, 10 minutes of strength workouts, or writing out a gratitude list before bed all get written down. Anything I really want to get accomplished is written out. I work from the top of the page to the bottom each day.

It’s semi-hard to explain, but the concept is simple. Important tasks are on the top of the page, and the least important tasks go on the bottom.

My favorite “agenda” notebook is from Golden Coil.

Then, my second notebook is meant for end-of-day thoughts. Something I’m really, really trying to get in the habit of doing is the 1-1-1 Method. I shared about this in detail the other week, but here’s a summary of the concept. Every single evening, at the end of your work day, open up your journal (or favorite digital tool/application) and write down three simple points:

• 1 win from the day
• 1 point of tension, anxiety, or stress
• 1 point of gratitude

I haven’t done the best job of keeping up, but I’m trying! I even brought my notebook with me to New York!

For my recipe notebook, I use these!

Also, I listened to an episode on productivity habits and structuring the calendar on the Skinny Confidential. I use tips from this podcast too. There are a lot of great takeaways in this episode!

Additionally, I use the Notes app on my phone like crazy. I make so many Notes so l don’t forget ideas, including many lists. And I take photos of things that I love for inspiration.

podcast to listen to

Upgrade Your Life: Specific Routines, Habits, & Hacks

Productivity Habits, Tactics, & How To Plan An Impactful Day

5. A few Favorites from Rare Beauty.

my favorites from the Prada Beauty launch

red lipsticks

6. Quote of the Week.

(adding my “tool box”)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

The Best Warm-Weather Destinations You Can Visit on a Budget

This Life Hack Transformed How I Handle Everyday Stressors…how to build resistance.

Puerto Escondido is the Hottest Travel Destination of 2024

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Home…based on Your Relationship Status.

The Glitzy IRL Book Party Is Back, Baby

According to a Nutritionist, This Superfood Can Replace Your Probiotic…the secret to health is Colostrum.

7 Amazon Storefronts I’ll Shop When I’m Stumped on Where to Start…fun!

A Summer Destination in the Canadian Rockies Worth Visiting All Year Round…so pretty.

8. Everyday pieces – the best hoodies.

spring shoes – high + low mixed 

nordstrom style

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Sheet Pan Chicken Tzatziki and Sweet Potatoes

Tuesday: Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch

Wednesday: Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings

Thursday: Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup

Friday: Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai

Saturday: Rich and Creamy Tahini Hot Chocolate

Sunday: Game Day Cookies