386: Nine Favorite Things.

Just like last year, April threw me a few too many curveballs. We had so many wins this month—which I’m so thankful for—but also a few losses along the way. Nothing major, just life doing its thing! When I look back, though, wow, we packed a lot into these past few weeks. Lots of back-and-forth trips to New York, tons of meetings, Zoom calls, and of course…lots and lots of cooking, especially here at home this week.

My time in New York, and our event with Benny, were such highlights. Truly, those are the days I’ll always look back on and smile. So much fun and so much gratitude for those moments.

Of course, there were a few bumps in the road too—that’s just part of running a business. One opportunity we were really excited about ended up falling through. But honestly, I feel good. I’m a big believer that when one door closes, another (even better) one opens. Everything happens for a reason, and I know the right things will align when the time is right.

There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening behind the scenes! We just launched a new community page—it’s free to sign up and packed with exclusive content, conversations with community leaders, live chats with me, and more. The first live chat will take place on Tuesday. This one is solely for our new community leaders, but the page will be open to all very soon!  I seriously can’t wait for you all to be a bigger part of this space.

We’re also planning more in-person events nationwide – details to follow soon! Plus, we’re getting ready for a fun new spring/summer photoshoot for the site. Between travel, cooking, and all the changes happening in May, things feel a little crazy—in the best way. Overwhelming, exciting, a little scary…but mostly SO GOOD.

Before I go, if you have any recipe requests for May, please send them my way! I’m so excited to start sharing fresh new spring and summer dishes. Woohoo!

That’s my update for this week. Wishing you the best Sunday!

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

ordering…Dandelion Chocolate bars! These bars use the best ingredients and are always super pretty too. For Mother’s Day, I want to get my mom the 85% and Above Three‑Bar Gift Set because she only eats dark chocolate.

everything in my cart (low)…it’s summer at Zara! This brown Polka-Dot Bikini and matching Polka-Dot Bikini Bottoms are so cute. I never want to buy an expensive bikini, so I immediately added this to my cart! The polka-dot AND this pretty, but classic Black Bikini too.

Pair your bikinis with this pretty Embroidered Top and Cropped Baggy Low Rise Denim Shorts. Finish the look with these Wedge Sandals.

And a really pretty Voluminous Short Dress. Add these simple black sandals.

And if it’s chilly, the perfect Oversized Cotton Trench Coat.

The new Staud Mini Taru Bag is the perfect summer shade!

listening to…Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan Markle. New to me, but some episodes sound interesting! Also been listening to The Mel Robbins podcast and going back through previous episodes.

My favorite of the week has been this conversation with Sami Clarke & Sami Spalter On Healing From The Inside Out, The Power Of Your Nervous System, & Becoming Magnetic To What You Desire. I already loved both Samis, but listening to them speak about their business made me love them more. And if you haven’t shopped Form activewear, they have some of my favorite pieces.

working out with…Form! Signed up and excited to try the strength training classes.

dreaming of going to…the Gundari Resort. A very pretty resort in Folegandros, Greece. The villas look perfect for my family! 

loving…Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2025 Show, sea salt sprays (the Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray from Oribe is my favorite), and this Watery Nail Trend.

gifting…this is so random, but Swedish Candy! And shipping it directly to my brother, Brendan, in LA. He has always loved Swedish fish, and this is a fun variety pack.

watching…Butterfly in a Blizzard on Apple ($5.99) Amazon Prime ($7.99), and Vimeo ($6.00). — Filmed over five years, this movie set out to document professional snowboarder Kimmy Fasani’s journey into motherhood, but ultimately ended up capturing so much more.

wanting spring nails…and loving this shade “Love Is in the Bare Nail” from OPI. Ordering the Manucurist polish in Hortencia to match it! Also, I do love a white pedicure too.

everything in my cart (beauty)…according to all the beauty editors, the Dior Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara is the best waterproof mascara on the market. I don’t usually wear waterproof mascara, but with summer coming and pool days ahead, I need to give it a try!

After years of never wearing perfume, I’m finally getting into it! The new Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus Intense Eau de Parfum from Chloé sounds lovely with notes of cardamom, lemon, rose, and cedarwood.

I love the Saie Beauty Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush in ‘Spicy’. It’s such a pretty shade for summertime skin and the easiest to apply.

And speaking of summer skin, I recently read reviews that this Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation (with Peptides + Ceramides) is the secret to a glowy summer complexion. I’m new to the brand, Danessa Myricks Beauty, but added the skin tint to my Sephora cart this week!

practicing…5 Tips for Deeper, More Meaningful Conversation. To me, nothing reveals a person’s character more than if they truly listen and ask thoughtful questions. These are great ideas!

loving…this pretty home in Martha’s Vineyard. Also, this Napa Farmhouse. So sweet and charming.

everything in my cart (high)…I’m not usually a raffia croche girl, but I do love the Sardine Chain raffia crochet bag from Bottega.

These Louis Vuitton LV Sneakerina are fun. I love the Beige Clair color.

This Mother-of-Pearl Turtle, Shell Leather Necklace reminds me of my Nonnie! It’s super cute! I would wear this all summer or on vacation.

looking to travel…here are 8 Destinations You Should Book for Summer 2025! Fun!

2. Mom’s Favorite Brunch Recipes.

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Homemade Honey Butter Cheddar Biscuits

Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby

Harissa Eggs in Whipped Goat Cheese

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake

3. Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

4. Just Some Photos.

Back in New York – spring in the city!

Fouquets treats me so well – a quick 2-night stay

My favorite spring look at the moment

The trees this time of year!

So many blooms!

A day of back-to-back meetings

Dinner at Le Mercerie

The prettiest tulips are all over RW Guild

My favorite Cuyana travel bag – one for skincare and one for supplements

My favorite travel hack is to bring a mint roller, but use it on the face AND body

I swear by turmeric daily, Cymbiotika: vitamin C, B12+B6, D3+K2+CoQ10, The Omega, and then I never travel without a tub of colostrum

I go through a jar of the Mutha Body Butter a week – I love it!

I’m into the mermaid waves for summer

Bye for now – back in June

5. Tell me something fun!

I love doing these! So fun learning more about you all and what you’re up to!

What’s something fun you’re looking forward to that’s coming up?
(our live community chat, traveling, a photoshoot, and starting a new project)

What’s making you happiest right now?
(phone calls with Asher and the spring peonies)

Are you traveling? If so, tell me where!
(yes! more to come!)

Leave your answers in the comments. I can’t wait to hear!

6. Inspiring Me.

(winnie the pooh knows best)

(a gorgeous bathroom – my dream)

(and a pretty dinner room – that table, the fire, so perfect)

(I love flowers)

(the sweetest cub)

7. Favorite Links i’m Loving.

Trader Joe’s Has Tons of New Items for Spring: Here’s What’s Worth Grabbing

10 Dinner Party Hacks That Make Hosting So Much Easier

The Kitchen Edit: 13 Essentials I Use Daily for Meal Prep, Hosting, and More

Dry Skin and Damaged Hair? Hard Water Could Be the Culprit

Sustainable Cleaning Products – These Are the Ones That Actually Work

A Comprehensive List of Beauty Treatments to Book Before Your Wedding

This Simple Habit Change Could Be the Key to Optimal Health

12 Social Hobbies to Try if You Want to Make New Friends

Say Goodbye to Seed Oils: These 17 Snacks Are Clean and Delicious

No-Makeup Makeup: The Radiant Routine That Lets Your Skin Shine

5 Signs Your Body Gives Off When You Lack Vitamin D

20 Meal Prep Recipes That’ll Actually Stay Good in Your Fridge All Week

8. Under $300 Styles and More.

Dresses under $300

Everything Else Under $300

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend eats.

Monday: Spicy Honey Mustard Salmon Bowls

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Spinach Artichoke Dip Pizza

Wednesday: Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Thursday: Pineapple Adobo Chicken Skewers

Friday: 20 Minute Ginger Cashew Beef

Saturday: Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Sunday: Brown Butter Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies

Nine Favorite Things.