Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things: This week brought a lot of exciting opportunities, and suddenly, I’m feeling a bit more upbeat than the last time I checked in with you all. It’s been complete chaos, but the good kind of chaos I’m happy to welcome into my life!

I spent a full week at home before traveling back to New York on Friday. Yes, another trip into the city, and shocker; I will be back in a week for a very exciting Snif photoshoot. I love our Snif photoshoots, they’re always so fun. This trip into the city was very last minute.

I’m here for a few events to help share the lovely new movie, It Ends with Us, starring Blake Lively. When Blake reached out earlier this week to invite me to this week’s premiere, I, of course, accepted the invite immediately. It’s funny because my mom absolutely loved the book version of the movie. Thus she was able to tell me all about it and how special it is. I am so excited to see the movie this week. The main character, Lily, owns a flower shop and I love how much emphasis this movie has on flowers. I’ve seen some of the sets, and the florals are just stunning.

The movie premiere is this Tuesday, but I flew into New York Friday night so I could help Blake co-host a celebratory launch dinner for the cast and press. Tonight, we’re baking up something special for Instagram, and Tuesday will be the premiere. It’s going to be so special, and I’m excited to share the details with you all next week!

For now, I just want to encourage everyone to go see the movie this week! If it’s anything like the book, the movie will be so good.

I’m most thankful for the team behind me that helped make this trip, and all our events yet to take place, happen. My mom, most importantly. Miss McKenzie for testing out my skillet cookie recipe. Taylor and Izzy for scheduling. And, of course, everyone on Blake’s team as well! Pulling everything together was a big team effort.

And you all, some of you may forget (or not know) that I work with my mom the most. We really are 50/50 when it comes to all things Half-Baked Harvest. We have our ups and downs, but we’ve really learned to work together and support each other. My mom stepped in big time this week, she is such a boss. I’m the most thankful for her and so grateful I have the opportunity to work with her every single day. I used to look at it as a challenge, but now I see it as my biggest asset. So thankful we made and continue to make it work day in and out.

Anyway, it’s been a busy but great week. I’m excited for this new month ahead. And then, as we head into September, there is only so much more to share. Plus, it will be fall, and even though I love these summer days, you know my heart loves fall the most. There are so many good things!

I think that’s really all I have for today’s update, some fun links below. This has been such an amazing way to start August. What are you looking forward to most?

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

I love/am ordering…the Cleveland Browns Collection via Abercrombie. I love that Abercrombie partnered with the NFL to sell NFL pieces. They have ALL the teams. Of course, I ordered this Sunday crewneck for my mom and me (I don’t think I could get Asher to wear it). You can find your team’s apparel, too. It’s so cute! And they’re having a 20% off sale now, too!

Ordering…the Santorini Assorted Pasta Bowls (Set of 4). Who knew Tuckernuck had such cute dinnerware?

Baking…hot chocolate cookies and Lily’s lavender cookies (these are certainly my cutest cookies ever)!

Everything in my cart (low)…the Abercrombie Low Rise Ultra Loose Jean paired with this Zara satin effect halter top is such a cute vibe.

Zara has some pretty dresses. Their embroidered strappy dress and ruffled lace midi dress are perfect light summery dresses. Also, I love this sheer dress from Reformation.

Listening to…Bryony Deery, Founder of Pilates By Bryony: Commitment to Consistency, Hitting Rock Bottom, Starting a Side Hustle, & More. I love learning from Bryony. Her approach to health is refreshing.

Dreaming of going to…Greece’s Costa Navarino. What a dream location. I’d stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Pretty!

Shopping…the new Amazon home decor. So cute!

Loving…this cute Shelter Island Home. Such a summery vibe. 

Loving…the Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Regular from Lululemon. Bring back the flares! Love this comfy pant!

Reading…Why Walking Is The Best Thing You Can Do For Longevity. Always knew my mom was smart. She’s been a walker for as long as I can remember. It’s our favorite thing to do together!

Travel to…the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse in the countryside of Upstate New York. How gorgeous would this be in October? I love that it is an easy-to-access destination for so many. This would be a great weekend stay. If you want something a little more upscale, The Chequit, located on Shelter Island, looks cute!

Listening to Cindy Crawford—the Icon and legendary Supermodel On Life’s Reflections, Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Diet and diet. Who doesn’t love Cindy Crawford? I enjoyed learning more about her, and now I want to make a skinny margarita!

Everything in my cart (beauty)…I adore the Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury. Moreover, every shade is pretty, and it sits on the lip beautifully. Also, I love the Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick, such great colors and so chic too. And the Bloom Eau De Parfum Set too! It’s on sale, and today is the last day.

Other on-sale items to get today: the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer Drops and Mediterranean Glow Set. The Prada Moisturizing Lip Balm. and Gucci Hydrating Beauty Mist.

Some self tanners we need to try: the Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion in Rosewood, their No 28 Exfoliating Body Polish, Salty Face Essential Tanning Set, and my favorite Mutha Body Butter.

Watching…the Olympics via Watch with Alex Cooper.

Shopping…the best white T-shirts. Indeed, I am always on the lookout for a good white tee.

Everything in my cart (high)…the Prada Suede Mini Bag is cute for fall. I’d style it with this corduroy-trimmed embroidered denim shirt from Blazé Milano. Also, this Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton Jacket from Loewe. Love.

Another bag – Prisma Leather Top Handle Bag from Ferragamo.

Love – this Silk Musseline Top with Ruffles from Chloe. Boho is back for fall. Also, I’m very into the brand’s Ribbed Knit-Trimmed Leather Bomber Jacket.

Watching…New Shows & Movies to Watch in August.

2. The Most Popular Recipes of July.

Most popular: 20 minute Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles

Runner-up: Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake

Also have to mention: Sheet Pan Green Chile Chicken Taquitos – Dad’s favorite

My Personal Favorite: Peach Pretzel Ice Cream Cake

Plus, Mom’s Favorite: Thai Turkey Meatballs

And: 31 Recipes To Cook in July – so happy you all are loving these posts each month!

3. Halloween Preview For The Home.

I am so excited 

4. Skincare Hack.

I don’t know how I’ve never done this before, but The Skinny Confidential’s Pink Balls Facial Massager, used when FROZEN and rolled over the face, is a complete game changer. I’ve been having a skin reaction, and this has helped soothe the skin and bring down the inflammation.

You have to try this, certainly, if you’re looking to reduce puffiness in the face and prevent any fine lines. Wow, it is so good. I’m currently traveling with the mint roller, which I honestly think I love equally!

5. Some Cute Accessories.

from Amazon

and a few others too

6. Inspiring Me.

Earlier this week, I was having one of those days that just didn’t feel good. I was anxious and feeling bad about where I was with a few work things. When I was a kid, Grover’s Bad, Awful Day was one of my favorite books. My mom would read it to me any time I was having a hard day, which with my school anxiety, was often. It always cheered me up.

Knowing I was feeling down, my mom sent me the message below, and to this day, it certainly still holds true.

“And never let a bad day make you feel bad about yourself!”

Keep this in mind next time you are having a bad, awful day!

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

Ralph Lauren Debuts New Cocktail Just in Time for the Paris Olympics

4 Buzzy Wellness Trends Worth the Hype According to Moon Juice’s Founder

What to Do With Your Life in August—31 Ideas to Make Every Day Count

Meet the Best Cordless Vacuums

The Best Shopping in Paris, According to Locals

The 17 Best Lakes in the US

The Pre-Vacation Reset Routine You Should Follow Before Every Trip

Nancy Meyers’ Interiors Are Iconic—A Designer Shares How to Get the Look

The Best Wedding Cakes in Vogue

8. Basics I Love + New Looks to Shop.

basics

new from Abercrombie

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.

Monday: Creamy Tomato Lobster Linguine with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Tuesday: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Thursday: Street Corn Pasta Salad

Friday: Garlic Oil Feta Dip with Peaches with Creamed Corn Chicken.

Saturday: Peach Thyme Smash

Sunday: Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie