396: Nine Favorite Things.

Well, hey everyone! I hope you all had the best 4th of July! I have a fun little update to share—one I definitely didn’t expect to be writing about today.

This past week has been all about travel. I left home on Tuesday and headed to Texas, where I hosted two incredible events—first in Dallas, then in Houston. Both were held at the prettiest Williams-Sonoma stores, and both were amazing! Texas always shows up with the biggest crowds, the kindest people, and honestly, the cutest event outfits. You all know how to dress for a night out!

In Dallas, we made the Green Chile Enchiladas, and in Houston, the Effortless Pasta Bake—both recipes from the HBH Quick & Cozy book (which, by the way, is 50% off right now!). Each night felt so special. I always love visiting Texas. And if you’re ever in Dallas, treat yourself to a stay at the Rosewood, Turtle Creek—such a charming hotel. You’ll love it!

After Houston, I had planned to head home, but within the four-hour drive between the cities, my travel plans changed. Can you guess where I ended up instead?

Surprise! My mom booked me a flight to Boston, and from there, I took an Uber to meet up with my family in Newport, Rhode Island. Mom, Dad, Creighton, and Oslo are there visiting my grandpa, who’s spending part of the summer touring some of the sweetest East Coast towns.

With a quick turnaround between my Texas trip and tomorrow’s Cleveland event, it ended up working out perfectly. I’ve never been to Rhode Island before, but with everyone together, I thought, “Why not?” And I told my mom YES—I’ll come!

It’s the summer of saying yes to the things that bring joy, and no to the things that don’t. Total Pinterest quote—but I love Pinterest, so I’m all in.

As I write this, I’m in Newport, but by the time this post goes live, I’ll be in Cleveland. It was a very quick trip—I haven’t even been here 48 hours yet! So I’ll have more to share next week. But from what I’ve seen, it’s adorable. So classic, so coastal—very American summer vibes.

We spent the 4th exploring, then watched fireworks by the water. It’s been a while since I’ve been on the East Coast for the 4th, and I’m so glad I made the trip. We’re traveling nonstop this summer, so this was such a nice moment to slow down and be with family. Lots of photos below!

I’ll be heading home from Cleveland on Tuesday, then it’s off to California for our events in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa. I haven’t been to California since November, so I can’t wait to see you all there!

Wishing you the best end to the long 4th of July weekend—and I’ll see you back here tomorrow with a yummy new pasta recipe!

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

random…my cousin, Maggie, is due with her 3rd child any day now. I’m making her dinner tonight. Now I need to order her some of these CUTE baby bottles/essentials.

everything in my cart (low)…if you love a 2-piece set, this x REVOLVE Gisabelle Set from Free People is a great summer piece.

Some Zara finds: a very pretty Embroidered Pleated Dress. The detailing on the back of this Textured Knit Top is stunning. And this is a great, Textured Swimsuit, I love a one-piece! These Silk Lingerie Shorts would be cute with this Linen Knit Top and Raffia Bucket Hat. Or try this very pretty Floral Woven Shopper Bag with a Long Lace Dress and these Heeled Sandals and Resin Bracelets.

listening to…Bobby Parrish On The Truth About Food Labels, Hidden Ingredients Making You Sick, Healthy Swaps, & ‘Bobby Approved’ Grocery Swaps.

dreaming of going…Italy Luxury Farmstays. So many pretty hotels throughout Italy. I’m excited for our time there in February. France is up first, but I’m excited for both!

loving…florals from Bouqs. They deliver nationwide, and from the looks of their Instagram, the team knows how to arrange a pretty flower arrangement. I also love ordering fresh flowers from Terrain. They sell single stems, which I LOVE most.

If you want to make your home smell wonderful, get the Fresh Jasmine Bunch. Other favorites include the Chocolate Queen Anne Lace Bunch, Hydrangea Bunch, Blue + White Scabiosa, and Fresh Nigella.

reading…Summer 2025 Reading Challenge. Anything fun that you’re reading?

everything in my cart (beauty)…since I’ve been spending more time in warmer climates, I’ve been religious about good body care. We all know I use Mutha Body Butter and Body Melt, plus the Josie Moran Oil Body Butter every day. But on my list is now a good body oil. I have the Osea Body Oil at home and LOVE it. For more of a daytime shimmer, I’ve heard awesome things about the L’Occitane Almond Shimmering Oil. Oh, and the YSE Beauty Skin Glow is great too. I love it!

For the face, everyone has been asking what my favorite cleanser is. I’ve been using the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex for years. I’ve always loved the iS Clinical brand.

For a couple of skincare splurges, I’m eager to try the Irene Forte Skincare Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum. I’d also like to try the Hibiscus Night Cream.

Lastly, I use the Regenerative Serum from EIGHTH DAY nightly for extra moisture. I use this as my final step before applying the Moisturizing Cream from CeraVe.

ordering…the Our Place Large Wonder Oven. I’m going to get this during Amazon Prime Day (July 8th-11th). It’s time for me to have this. I think it will be great for entertaining and keeping dishes warm, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

everything in my cart (high)…I found this Cult Gaia Ciera Knit Midi Dress and think it would be super cute with these Bottega Veneta Lace-Up Sandals.

I’m super into mini backpacks for summer and found this Louis Vuitton Monogram Backpack Mini. I don’t usually love a logo, but I do think this is classic and cute! Also into this Miu Miu Canvas Backpack.

want to try…Beeya Wellness. They are an organic superfood designed to support each phase of your cycle. And while that’s amazing, the blends just sound yummy! These would be great on salads and in bowls of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese! I’d try the Beeya Phase 1 Blend: Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Chamomile Powder. And the Phase 2 Blend: Organic Black Sesame Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Chamomile Powder.

wanting…the The Wren Boxer Pants. I love a PJ pant and these are nice for summer.

2. The most popular recipes of June.

Most popular: Caprese Pasta Salad

Runner-up: Hot Bacon Corn Dip

Also, have to mention: Easy Bruschetta Chicken

My favorite: Any Fruit Oat and Pretzel Bars

My other favorite: Party Pasta Salad

OK, last one: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Make sure to scroll this list: 31 Recipes To Cook in July

3. Nordstrom Beauty Sale + Amazon Prime Day.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale July 12th – August 3rd

Prime Day July 8th-11th

4. This Week – in photos.

5. Beach Bag – favorite essentials.

bags

designer bags

6. Inspiring Me – a small July list.

July is the month of summer. While August still counts (and definitely brings the heat), we all know that by the end of it, people are already dreaming about Pumpkin Spice Lattes, soft pumpkin cookies, and the first flicker of our favorite Pumpkin Smash candle. Even Anthropologie has already launched its Halloween collection!

So July? July is pure summer. As I mentioned earlier, it’s the month for travel, embracing change, working like crazy (because that makes me happy), and saying “yes, let’s” to anything that brings joy.

My only real wellness goal this month is to squeeze in 10 minutes of daily strength training. I love quick Pilates flows from Pilates by Bryony or Melissa Wood Health—I can do them anywhere, which is perfect for travel. Honestly, I think the wellness space is a lot right now. Everyone just needs to chill. Summer is the perfect time to shift your focus to something as simple as daily walks. My mom has walked nearly every day since she was in high school. She’s always been low-stress about what she eats, drinks cacao with honey every morning and at night, and has always served us REAL butter. She’s active, positive, kind to everyone—and honestly, my best inspiration when it comes to wellness.

This July, I want to eat all the fresh peaches, spend more time with family, and keep working, creating, and connecting. I love what I do. I love developing new recipes, I’ve loved sharing more entertaining ideas with you, and I’ve really loved traveling around and meeting so many of you. I like to stay busy—and July is full of good energy.

That’s my July mood. Simple, light, and happy.
What about you? What are you adding to your July list?

July

– sunset mocktails and dinners outside

– time with family ride bikes

– shop the farmers market

– pick peaches

– 10 minutes of strength training daily

– sunset walks as much as possible

– embrace travel and say “yes, let’s go!”

– dress up more

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

3 cognitive habits of people who get things done

Jeff Bezos’s Yacht: Everything You Ever Wondered About Koru

What to Do with Your Life in July: 31 Ideas for Every Day of the Month

Is It Really Necessary to Swap Leggings and Sports Bras for Nontoxic Ones?

26 Nostalgic Summer Movies to Watch

The Best 4th of July Sales to Shop This Week

8. The Nordstrom Sale: Favorites in Clothing and Accessories.

clothing

accessories

designer

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

Monday: Party Pasta Salad

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chicken Enchiladas

Wednesday: Rosemary Peach Chicken in a White Wine Pan Sauce

Thursday: Easy Sheet Pan Tomato Herb Pizza

Friday: Simple Coconut Chicken Curry

Saturday: Spicy Pickle Margaritas

Sunday: Smashed Burrata with Jam and Pistachios