Nine Favorite Things.

I’m back home after a quick two-night trip to LA, and tomorrow I’m off again! Travel is both exhausting and exciting, but it’s more exciting than anything else, and I’m really enjoying my time away. It makes you appreciate being home that much more!

I wasn’t overly excited to head to LA. Not because I wasn’t excited about everything I had on the schedule, but more because I have so much I need to be doing here and checking off my to-do list. But it was such a great LA trip, one of my favorites actually.

I flew into LA on Tuesday evening and stayed at The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. I don’t usually stay in Santa Monica, but we launched our month-long collaboration menu with Fig Restaurant inside the hotel! It was absolutely beautiful, and if you’re in the LA area and have never been, I highly recommend it. The hotel (and restaurant) have so much history, the decor is so pretty, and of course the food is delicious.

The menu launch went over so well. We shared my marinated tomato and burrata salad, pasta alla vodka, spicy roasted red pepper pizza, and for dessert, my mom’s favorite chocolate chip banana ricotta pancakes. It was all so fresh and beautifully presented. If you’re in LA or visiting, the menu will be served until May 10th, so just one month! You can also read a little more about our collaboration here.

After the launch dinner, I headed to West Hollywood for a photo shoot the following morning. I was able to shoot with one of the best teams and in the most stunning location. I couldn’t have asked for a better shoot, and I truly had so much fun. The time flew by, and before I knew it, I was back in an Uber, heading to meet Benny (Blanco). We had a quick catch-up before I was off again to LAX.

Benny and I will host an event to launch his cookbook, Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends. The event is in New York on May 2nd, and we’ll be joined by The Pasta Queen (so fun!). Benny and I decided to film a little video to help promote the event. It’s going to be a lot of fun; you can grab tickets here!

I then headed off to the airport with my friend Kristen (Kilpatrick). We said our goodbyes (not my favorite), and before I could blink, I was off. I fell asleep the second we took off and before I knew it I was back in Colorado.

I’m spending today in the kitchen, then packing, then I’m off again in the morning!

I’ve been talking to my family A LOT throughout our month a part. They loved their time in San Miguel de Allende. So happy they had fun!

Ok, that’s my update for today. On to what’s been interesting to me this week!

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

loving something fun…Quiz: Which Sex and the City Character Are You? I got Samantha, but I am pretty sure I am NOT Samantha. Oh well. Who did you get?

wanting…these comfy-looking airbrush leggings from Alo. Aso, these new Frye riding boots – loving the banana color. Here they are in light brown too.

everything in my cart (low)…I recently re-discovered Aritzia basics. I’d forgotten how good they are. In my cart, the linen pant (loving the light colors for spring/summer). And this is a great off-shoulder longsleeve tee. This is the perfect seamless crewneck short sleeve tee shirt (and the longsleeve is equally great). And then a pretty off-the-shoulder sweater for chilly days and nights.

Ordering this cute FRÉJA New York Caroline bag in black.

And lastly, this Free People lounge set. Great for travel or working from home.

listening to…Mandy Moore: Unfiltered Reflections on Fame, Love and Resilience.

dreaming of going to…the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy. Well, this just looks like the most luxurious, stunning spring/summer location. I feel like this is a very “Pinterest” worthy Italy vacation. What a dream and so beautiful!

loving…this Glass + Iron Cylinder Vase I ordered. It just came and it is so pretty. Also, I ordered these Recycled Glass Bottle Vases in both the round and narrow. I’m waiting for these to arrive!

shopping…outdoor furniture. All the spring/summer collections are launching!

and I love Vigo Teak collection from Restoration Hardware.

everything in my cart (beauty)…these Dieux Forever Eye Mask Reusable 100% Silicone Patches are a part of the Sephora sale. I just ordered them, and can’t wait to finally try them. 

watching…Kendall Jenner Breaks Down Her “Spring French Girl Makeup Look”. I love the Vogue beauty videos, and Kendall’s is cute! Also, rewatching Harry Potter for the millionth time. It’s just the best. And still making my way through Nashville. I can’t say I love it, but I definitely don’t hate it. Ok, and last up, if you’re a Zendaya follower, this video is cute, Zendaya Sticks By Her Most Memed Outfit: “I Would Wear It Again”.

question…what movies do you always rewatch? As stated above, mine is Harry Potter.

ordering…Kion coffee. I’ve been wanting to try this for the longest time. 

everything in my cart (high)…obsessed with the new Givenchy Large Voyou Bag. I would get the suede, either in brown or black, but it also comes in leather.

following…Katie Miller. Katie worked on our shoot this week in LA. She is amazing, so sweet, and her Instagram is full of pretty food.

shopping…new socks. I love a cozy pair for bed. I’m eying these Stems cotton and cashmere blend socks or wool and cashmere blend socks.

2. A few of my Favorite April Recipes.

20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls

Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita

Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler with Layered Cream Cheese Biscuit

3. Spring desk essentials.

4. What’s the Best Advice/Most Inspiring Quote?

Someone recently said to me, “No, no one who’s talking negatively towards you will ever have as much going on as you do.” 

I try to remember what my parents taught me: Work harder than everyone else, be kind, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.

They can talk all the gossip they want, but they’ll be the ones embarrassing themselves by gossiping. And that’s just the truth.

It’s not the negativity so much as how you react to it.

I always keep their words in the back of my head. My parents really ingrained these ideologies into me at a young age, especially the Golden Rule.

What is your best advice or a quote you love?

Or maybe it’s an inspiring podcast?

5. Mother’s Day Gifts.

6. A Quick LA Trip in Photos.

Menu Launch Day at the Fairmont

started in all white…ended in jeans

chili roasted red pepper pizza 

pancakes for dessert

the fig menu

that 6pm California glow

Photo Shoot Day

surround yourself with only the best people 

one of my favorite kitchens 

this garden is my dream 

all smile with Benny

what are we shooting for?

love these flowers 

my facial expressions say so much..

anything for a fun shot

the end

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

The Best Destinations to Visit on Your First International Trip

I Eat 120g of Protein Every Day–These are My Sneaky Protein Hacks

Is Colostrum the Magical Supplement It Seems? A Nutritionist Weighs In

12 Books to Read If You Love Nancy Meyers Movies

4 Reasons Why Gaining Muscle Is Key To Healthy Aging

The 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYC

Collagen Supplements to Transform Your Skin and Your Immune System

This Seasonal Spring Vegetable Has More Benefits Than A Multivitamin

8. My favorite Abercrombie new arrivals.

J.Crew outfits

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: 25 Minute Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Tacos

Wednesday: Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Thursday: 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Friday: Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad

Saturday: Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

Sunday: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake