387: Nine Favorite Things.

It’s been such a good week of cooking in the kitchen — well, let me clarify. While it’s been busy and productive, that doesn’t mean it was all sunny skies and perfection. Life is life, you know? And no matter who you are, we all have our struggles in the day-to-day. What really matters is how we choose to handle them. We can complain and feel stuck (which I absolutely did for a day!), or we can shift our mindset, look for the positive, and keep moving forward. Or, as I love to say — “just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” You’re never too old for a Finding Nemo life lesson!

This space is meant to make you smile, bring joy, positivity, and only the best vibes – so let’s keep it that way.

Yes, this week brought some hurdles, but I kept swimming. And it turned out to be such an exciting one — a milestone, really, though I only realized it looking back.

We officially signed contracts — I’s dotted, T’s crossed — on a brand-new venture that you’ll start to see take shape over the next year. It’s our very first step into the product space, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m giddy just thinking about it! I can’t wait to share more soon — it’s going to be amazing.

And while that’s a big deal, we’re also diving into a bunch of new mini-projects — and honestly, some of you might find these even more exciting!

We’ve launched a new community page to bring you even closer into our world. Only community leaders are able to access it now, but we’ll be opening it up for everyone very soon! Plus, we’re planning more in-person events for the summer months (details coming next week!). We’ve also got two fun photo shoots planned on the calendar. One to kick off summer, and another for the 4th of July! Plus, a lot of travel ahead — it’s a full season, in the best way.

Something I’ve come to realize about myself over time is how much I find inspiration in beauty — even the tiniest moments of it. A streak of golden hour light? It stops me in my tracks. A fading flower with its soft, muted tones can spark a whole new idea. A beautifully designed candle not only brings me joy, but its scent might inspire an entirely new cookie recipe! It’s always the little, beautiful things that light me up. It’s something I shared with my Nonnie — she really taught me how to find happiness in the details, and I carry that with me every day.

So all in all, it’s been a pretty big week. Lots of good things on the horizon for summer and even looking ahead to fall! It feels exciting to be dreaming and planning again.

I think that’s all for today. I hope you enjoy this week’s Nine Favorite Things — we’ve got lots of great links, fashion finds, and some really fun home decor pieces we’re loving right now.

1. Things i’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try.

loving…The New Chanel Girl Is a Glamorous Woman Who Vacations in Lake Como. Major summer vibes.

wanting…the Beast Mini Blender. Sometimes I just really do not want to break out the huge Vitamix.

shopping… Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event, happening now through May 11th.

everything in my cart (low)…Zara really has some of the best spring styles right now. For chilly nights, their Pleated Jacket is so cute. It pairs nicely with this Canvas Bucket Shoulder Bag, and actually, I love these Flat Sandals with the look.

This is the perfect summer skort. I love how they styled it with a simple white tank. And if you love a white linen dress for summer, try their Linen Strappy Midi Dress. Oh, this Branded Mini Bucket Bag is the cutest.

listening to…Why Is the Best Thing for Us the Nastiest Thing to Do?!

dreaming of going to…The Best Hotels in Provence, From Charming Inns to Majestic Hilltop Estates. Time to plan a European summer trip!

practicing…the 17 Second Manifestation Method. I’ve always struggled with manifesting, but this sounds easy enough!

shopping…the new Hunting Season home collection. It’s really pricy, but this leather tray is very unique and pretty!

traveling…San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. My family loves San Miguel! It is often ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There’s so much to see and do; this travel guide is perfect.

also traveling…The Best Hotels in Miami, From South Beach to Brickell. We usually stay at The 1 Hotel in South Beach!

everything in my cart (beauty)…currently loving the The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfum. A clean fragrance with notes of pear, rose, vanilla, amber, and caramel. It’s subtle, and I get so many compliments on it! I’m finally learning to become a perfume girl.

I am still obsessed with Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Serum and adding the Retinopro Growth Factor Night Cream to my nighttime routine. I use these sparingly as they are expensive.

Going to try Cream Moisturizer with Ceramides & Niacinamide.

For summer hair, I love the ease of a sea salt spray. The Sachajuan Ocean Mist Sea Salt spray after the shower, then I braid my damp hair for perfect waves the next day.

Oh! And lastly, I have been loving having my nails painted, but hate using the chemical-laden polishes and UV light with a Gel polish. Super curious to test the new Chillhouse Forever Wear – Chill Paint. The new line is meant to last 14 days with a gel-like performance, but no UV lamp is required. Love all the shades they offer too!

ordering…a red light lamp! I already love my red light mask, so naturally, the lamp is my next step. Surprised I am just getting this now.

Miami eats…trying Chateau ZZ’s (for Mexican), Carbone (best Italian), Dirty French Steakhouse (definitely for meat eaters), and Asher wants to go to Miami  ZZ’s Club (Japanese). Where do you eat in Miami? We love Casadonna t00,ts so fun and cute!

reading…Every Major Wedding Trend Set to Define Bridal Style in 2026. I am not someone who dreams of her wedding or would ever want an overly frilly dress, BUT I think this Danielle Frankel Pippa Gown is gorgeous. I’d wear it. What is your dream wedding dress? Would you spend a lot or keep it affordable? I want to wear my Nonnie’s dress. My aunt wore it, and I’ve always loved a simple lace dress. It’s so pretty.

Also, my mom wore my Aunt’s dress! Found the photo below!

everything in my cart (high)…The Sablier mini dress from Jacquemus, for a fun Miami trip!

listening…Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner. If you need something fun and easy to listen to, listen to this!

Something to do…How to Grow a Garden.

2. The Most Popular Recipes of April.

Most popular: Sheet Pan Sesame Feta Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Runner-up: Blueberry Muffin Bread (Asher and my mom loved this bread!)

Also have to mention: One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Rice

Mom’s personal favorite: Sheet Pan Spinach Artichoke Dip Pizza

Ok, last one: Easy Lemon Fritter Cake

3. Mother’s Day, even more cute gifts.

4. Working out with…

FORM! I have become obsessed with the FORM platform and love the quick hit strength workouts. And their activewear sets are some of the cutest. Comfy too! I love their newest collection and the Pointelle Pants and matching Pointelle Cardigan are 2 of my personal favorites. Also, the layered bra is great!

more of my favorite activewear pieces for spring and summer

5. Spring candles – the ones I’ve ordered.

I ordered so many new Boy Smells candles. They just got here and I’m excited to try them. I went on a bit of a candle binge the other night.

It all started with VIOLET ENDS, with notes of rhubarb, black pepper, and violet (feels a little witchy, like making potions). It sounded interesting and then I went down a rabbit hole and also ordered, MINTY (smells like ginger, wild mint, and cedarwood), WOODPHORIA (a warm wood candle that can do it all), LAVENDARE (a fresh scent for soft-launching inner peace), PASSION PIT, (a fruity scent for mood boosting, playlist-making, and feeling cute), RED HOT (a fruity, spicy scent that burns slow ;), and SO VANILLA (a gourmand scent for your “just one more episode” era).

The ones I want to try: the Taja Collection, and Hudson Grace candles.

What are your Favorite Everyday Things?

6. Inspring Me.

(don’t fear change, embrace it)

(garden dreaming)

(summer dinners)

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

Your May Bucket List: 31 Ideas to Inspire a New Routine

Around the World With Chanel: A Travel Diary of the Brand’s Pre-Collection Shows From 2007 to Today

This $12 Home Upgrade Completely Transformed My Morning Routine

8. Styles for summer and vacation.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice

Tuesday: Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Wednesday: Chipotle Pineapple Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce

Thursday: Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps

Friday: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Saturday: Blackberry Champagne Mule

Sunday: Blueberry Ricotta Pudding Cake