391: Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Wow – I’ve officially decided I need to move to Palm Beach… I thrive here! The warmth, the sunshine, the flowers, the palm trees—and yes, even the humidity (my skin loves it!)—I love it!

We came down for a photoshoot, and I seriously cannot wait to share it with you. The best part? You won’t have to wait long! This one’s just for the website—no long lead times, no waiting until next year. It’s our little kick-off to summer, and I’m crossing my fingers it sparks some fun ideas for your own sunny get-togethers. It’s a really fun shoot!

We were lucky to spend a few nights in town and stayed at the most charming hotel, The Colony. This hotel is so special After long shoot days, we wrapped with some really great dinners. If you’re heading to Palm Beach (or nearby), definitely try Buccan for dinner. It’s so cute inside, and everything we ordered was delicious—empanadas, steak tartare, New York strip, corn pasta, burrata… and you must save room for the cookie. It’s scrumptious!

But the real highlight of the trip? I got to bring my favorite team—and my younger sister, Asher. It was so special having her there. We squeezed in some shopping on Worth Avenue and a sweet sister dinner, too. One of my favorite trips to date.

We flew back to Colorado on Friday, and tomorrow I’m off to New York. I’ll be speaking at a conference on Tuesday, then Wednesday evening, we’re kicking off the first Williams-Sonoma Summer Tour! I cannot wait.

I’m sharing all the tour details below, so be sure to check that out.

And oh my gosh—how is it already June 1st? Summer officially begins on June 20. But it feels like it’s already arrived!

What are your plans for June? Hosting anything fun? Making something delicious? I’d love to hear what you’re up to this month!

Wishing you all a lovely Sunday!

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

loving…See What’s Inside Paige Drummond’s Wedding Welcome Boxes. This is such a cute idea! I love a gifting moment.

ordering…a Folding Step Stool, found this on Amazon. I’m always standing on chairs when I photograph dishes overhead. This is perfect because it’s easy to store and it’s also kind of cute!

dreaming of going…Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel. I might have a Paris trip happening this fall, and I’m already dreaming about staying at this pretty Paris hotel. I am such a sucker for a pretty hotel!

everything in my cart (low)…the absolute cutest bucket hat for summer. Wear it with this cropped T-shirt (any color but the blue strip is cute!), these high rise loose shorts (or I like these denim jorts), and these flip flops. I add this pearl necklace.

ordering…the cutest summer bucket bag.

listening to…The Debrief: How To Travel in Style This Summer, The Bags Actually Worth Investing In, And My Trip to Japan.

summer travel…9 Travel Destinations to try this year.

obsessed with…this large resin salad bowl on Net-a-Porter paired with these pretty stone swirled resin servers (in brown). I also love their green servers. And their rock swirled resin jug is really fun too! Also, I just discovered Dinosaur Designs. They have the most unique homeware pieces. I wish they weren’t so expensive!

everything in my cart (beauty)…Marc Jacobs’ iconic Daisy Eau So Intense Eau de Parfum. I always wanted this in middle school. I love that it’s having a comeback!

watching…‘Call Her Daddy’ Host Alex Cooper Sets Documentary With Hulu.

everything in my cart (high)…I just think this Estella Bikini Top and matching bottom from Cult Gia are super cute! I’d add this small crochet bag from Prada! Perfect beach or pool day look.

Finding summer nail inspiration…these manicures from Hailey Bieber are such cute ideas and fun too!

shopping…everything from Heaven Mayhem. The Heaven Mayhem x Real Fine Studio Collection is so pretty. I’m into timeless jewelry and found the perfect Gemstone Studs and Tennis Bracelet. I have (love) the icon watch. Super pretty!

practicing…“Adult Tummy Time”–Here’s Why It’s Actually Beneficial. I’m on a never-ending mission to correct my posture. I love sitting on the floor anyway, so this is something I sometimes do naturally.

wearing…wearing a weighted vest. Or I should be at least! The benefits include better posture, adds resistance training, and increases muscle mass. All things I’m looking to do! I ordered this one, but also read that this vest is a good option too. Start slow and work your way up over time. Baby steps!

also wearing…the Forme Power Bra. My mom ordered this for me so long ago, and I’m finally trying to wear it more often. The Power Bra is an FDA-registered posture-correcting bra engineered to immediately improve your upper body alignment and body foundation. Again, always trying to better my posture.

2. The Most Popular Recipes Of May.

Most popular: Easy Skillet Mexican Lasagna

Runner-up: Lemon Chicken Katsu Bowls

Also, have to mention: Sheet Pan Dijon Salmon and Panko Potatoes

And Dad’s Favorite: Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans

Mom’s Favorite: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Pecan Bread

OK, last one: Layered Raspberry Scones

3. For The Summertime Home + Kitchen.

glassware

4. The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach – in photos.

5. Updates – Renovations & Housing.

Many of you have been asking for updates on the renovations, housing, and what’s going on in general. And honestly? I still don’t really know. The lack of updates is simply because so much is still up in the air. We’re in the middle of making some big, life-changing decisions, and—like with any construction project—we’re behind schedule.

The Studio is mostly finished in terms of construction, but furniture and all the fun details won’t be installed until October or November. I have so many photos and plans to share—I’m just behind on pulling it all together. I’ll share a few here and get a full post up this summer!

As for my house, we’ve decided to scale back renovations for now. I’ve been questioning everything: where do I really want to live? Is it the right time to dive into a big renovation? The truth is… I’m just not sure.

One thing I do know is that I don’t love being in Colorado year-round. Spring and summer are especially tough—the weather changes by the minute. One second it’s sunny, the next there’s a storm, and then back to sun again. It makes shooting photos really challenging. And with my family traveling more, I often find myself there alone—which I don’t love.

So, where do I want to be? That’s the million-dollar question. I love Miami. I love Palm Beach. But do I want to be there part-time? I just don’t know yet!

It’s been stressful and a bit of a mental tangle, but we’re working through it. And when I have clear answers, I promise—I’ll share them with you.

The upside? Amber Interiors has created and executed the most gorgeous plans for the studio. I’m so in love with the space already, and it’s only going to get better. You can see a little sneak peek below!

new storage!

pull out drawers for my stacks of dishes

the new kitchen island

You guys, I can’t even! This is the new pantry!

pretty new floors

water fixtures

more new flooring

added more storage under the stairs

6. The Williams Sonoma Summer Tour!

Next up—an update on the Williams-Sonoma Summer Tour! Many of you have been asking for details, and I’m so excited to finally share more. These events will be a little different from past book signings. I wanted to create something extra special for you all.

Do you need to purchase a cookbook to attend?

You do! I apologize to those of you who have already gotten your books, but this is a requirement we have to keep in order to help support these events. If I had the option, I’d make each event free. But at the same time, we want to provide an amazing experience for everyone attending. If you have a book already, I’m happy to sign that too! Bring old books, new books, and get a book as a gift!

What makes each event special?

This isn’t your typical book signing. I’ll actually be cooking at every stop! The plan is to feature a different recipe in each city—right now I’m thinking pizzas (they’re fun and flexible!). We’ll be passing around food to taste, plus there’ll be non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy. And to make things even more personal, we’ll wrap up with a Q&A—so bring your questions!

It’s going to be fun, casual, and interactive—my favorite kind of event.

You can grab your tickets here! All the dates and cities are listed below. I can’t wait to see you on tour!

If there’s anything that would make these events even more special and fun, please message me or leave a comment with your ideas. I would love to hear them!

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

10 Easy Trader Joe’s Dinner Ideas to Rely on This Week

Reward Systems That Help Me Establish New Habits When I’m in a Rut

The Must-See Movies Everyone Will Be Talking About This Summer

Every Summer Essential You Could Possibly Need

The Recession Indicators You Actually Need to Look Out For

These Are the Best Lessons I’ve Learned

Your Best Summer Yet: 40 Fun Things to Do This Season

Everything To Watching in June

8. Nordstrom Sale – today is the last day!

shoes

accessories

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

Monday: Easy Skillet Mexican Lasagna

Tuesday: 20 Minute Ponzu Ginger Chicken Bowls

Wednesday: Baked Honey Mustard Boneless Wings (a Creighton favorite!)

Thursday: 30 Minute Herby Lemon Garlic Steak And Rice

Friday: Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Saturday: Iced Strawberry Milk Matcha Latte

Sunday: Strawberry Tarte Tatin