392: Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Hey everyone, how was the first week of June? I hope it was a good one—and that you’re soaking up some early summer sunshine wherever you are.

I’ve been in New York all week, and honestly, it’s been one of my best trips to the city yet. The weather has been incredible—warm, sunny, and somehow, no humidity! Summer in the city is officially here, and I couldn’t have timed it better.

This trip has been packed with all kinds of fun work things. I kicked things off with my very first keynote speech at the TD Cowen Future of the Consumer Conference. I spoke for 45 minutes (!!) about building a brand, growing a community, AI, and so much more. It was a bit nerve-wracking but also really exciting—and extra special because my Uncle Al was in town for the event. Love when work and family overlap like that.

The next day, we had our kickoff event with Williams-Sonoma in Short Hills, NJ—and you guys, these community events just keep getting better! I had so much fun cooking for everyone, chatting during the Q&A (the questions were amazing), signing books, and taking photos. We even did some cookbook giveaways! Truly the best night—thank you to everyone who came out!

If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, the remaining stops on the tour are filling up fast. And shout out to my Cleveland crowd… so far, that event is the biggest one yet. I cannot wait!!

The rest of the week has been packed with back-to-back meetings. I’m working on two new product development ideas, plus a new project that’ll launch about a year from now. Also… candles! So many fun things in the works, and I’m feeling really inspired and energized—sunshine truly does a girl good.

Today I’m heading out on a 3-hour drive to our next shoot location. We’re shooting something very cute that’ll be coming to the site soon. I won’t spoil it yet… but any guesses?

Then it’s back to the city for another event and a podcast taping before I fly out Wednesday. Honestly, I already know I’m not going to want to leave. The summer energy here is contagious.

Next up: a work trip to Chicago, and I’m already looking forward to it.

It’s been a full and exciting start to June, and I think you’re going to love what we have coming this summer. I’d love to hear what you’re up to—any recipes or ideas you’d love to see? And just what’s new with you?

I’m excited to head home soon and be with my family again. Until then, I hope you’re enjoying these early summer days—green trees, golden light, and all the fresh flavors.

Wishing you the best Sunday! Scroll on for this week’s favorites… oh, and in case you missed it—here are 30 Recipes To Cook This June!

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

need to get…my own pillow for pregnant women. I am NOT pregnant, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need this pillow. I do! And I think some of you might like it too. How cute and cozy!

also…Etsy just introduced baby registry. I just think it’s so cute. My favorites are these Name Blocks, a sweet Watercolor Print, and the sweetest Stuffed Plush Animals; they have some really cute pieces!

everything in my cart (low)…from Zara, a cute Peplum Knit Top, Denim Bandeau Top, and a perfect Oversized Striped Poplin Shirt.

and from Free People, this Faded Tank is sweet and so cute for summertime.

listening to…Emma’s Blueprint: 10 Principles That Can Change Your Life.

dreaming of going…The 10 Best Spas in Europe. I mean, wow! I’m hoping to head to Paris this fall and will need to check into the Dior spa for sure! Also, The 10 Best Spa Resorts in the United States. And The Best Spas in New York. Guess you know what I’d like to be doing today!

loving…soft serve nails and popsicle nails! They’re super cute. I just did lilac in a similar way on my nails and love it. These shades are cute!

travel…Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. A luxury hotel and resort situated on a 4,200-acre estate in the Smoky Mountains. It’s one of the most celebrated small luxury resorts in the world. I’ve always wanted to stay here. Dreaming up our next photoshoot and I think this could be the spot!

wanting…cute Colored Gel Pens. I love writing out my agenda each day. A good colored pen always makes the pages look happy!

everything in my cart (beauty)…I read about the Westman Atelier Lengthening + Volumizing Clean Mascara and added it to my Sephora cart. I also added the Sulwhasoo Rejuvenating Eye Cream for Anti-Aging. Both have amazing reviews all around. Just wondering if they’re worth the splurge! 

I love these Augustinus Bader Eye Patches and always travel with them. 

and I just discovered Monastery, Healing Botanical Skincare. I’m interested in trying some products!

reading…12 Vacation Books.

the perfect summer tote…a Maxi Basket Bag from Sezane.

everything in my cart (high)…this luxurious Cashmere Silk T-Shirt, which would be cute with these Lula Capri Pants from Doen. I think these Chanel Oval Sunglasses are fun. And pair the sunnies with this Chanel  Coco Beach 2025 collection swimsuit.

a question…The Frozen Staple I Always Have in Case of Emergency

super curious, what frozen foods do you always have in your freezer? For me, it’s honestly just ice cream and puff pastry!

shopping…the Lulu and Georgia x Jake Arnold collection. They just launched cute wallpapers. I love this sweet Bamonte Textile String Wallpaper. Also, Lulu and Georgia has such cute summer pieces. Loving this Fiesta Beverage Dispenser, Tyna Rattan Placemats, Rattan Bowl, Stoneware Serveware, Marble Serving Stand, and super cute vintage Glass Citrus Juicer.

2. Summer Recipes – 7 to Make this Month.

If you’re looking for even more recipes to make in June, make sure to scroll through my latest monthly recipe collection, 30 Recipes To Cook this June.

best summer salad: Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

favorite pool snack: Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders

the best sandwich for a picnic: The Italian Salad Sandwich

the ideal summer skillet dinner: Skillet Creamed Street Corn Chicken

my favorite go-to summer party dessert: Caramel Peach Dump Cake

something icy and nostalgic: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

the best use of summer watermelon: Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

3. Father’s Day Ideas.

4. New York – in photos.

Fouquets put my initials on the pillow case 

conference girl 

signed books too

New York in the summer is so nice 

wacky uncle Al

dinner at TheTwentyTwo

the burger was very good, but if you love caviar, get that it was the star

flowers are all over the city

happy girl

my heart melts for the kids who come

the first Willams-Sonoma event was SO MUCH FUN

we did IL Buco for dinner 

simple a easy for meetings – such a good day though! 

we did dinner at King – the menu is delicious

will share the res of the trip next week!

5. Made Me Laugh.

6. Inspiring Me – July 4th planning.

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

How to Overcome Gym Intimidation, According to Experts

Why You Should Start a Joy Journal This Summer

40 Favorite Interview Questions from Some of the Sharpest Folks We Know

8. Summer Swimwear. 

under $150

two piece sets


one piece

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Tuesday: Pesto Peach Chicken in White Wine with Burrata

Wednesday: BLT Pasta Salad

Thursday: 20 Minute Ginger Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Friday: Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza

Saturday: Prosciutto Wrapped Peach Baked Brie In Pastry

Sunday: Toasted S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches