398: Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things: I can’t remember the last time I was home for a full week, but here I am—finally staying put, at least for a bit, while I give my ankle time to heal. It’s been a tricky adjustment hobbling around the kitchen. Cooking, filming, and photographing take so much longer than usual. I’m doing my best to be kind to myself and rest when I can…but that’s always a challenge for me!

I’m someone who’s constantly on the move—especially lately with so much travel—which I love. So slowing down has been tough. But I’m trying to find the silver linings, and one big one is that I’ve finally committed to a strength training routine. Everyone on the podcasts is right—you really do feel amazing. I’ve loved building a plan with trainers to make sure I’m lifting properly and staying strong. I can do anything with my right foot right now, but slowly I will be able to. I’ve been working both in person and virtually, and it’s been such a positive shift. Staying active is key for me—it helps so much with my mindset and just feeling good in general.

So that’s life right now—lots of kitchen time, a lot of meetings, and some exciting projects coming together behind the scenes. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead later this year and into next!

Oh—and something that completely made my week? The roses Gracie sent finally arrived and they are stunning. My entire house smelled like a rose garden for days. It was the happiest surprise.

What are you all up to now that we’re halfway through summer? Are you traveling, gardening, entertaining, just enjoying a little slower pace? Let me know what you’re loving—and what I can share to help make the rest of summer (and fall!) feel extra special. We’re planning some fun entertaining ideas for the season ahead, and I’m really excited about it!

That’s it for now—lots of good Nordstrom sale finds today too. I may have done a little shopping!

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

loving…the Flamingo Estate Manuka Rich Cream. This is magic on the skin. It feels so nice and has the sweetest smell of honey. It’s so soothing. The only thing is, I swear the honey attracts the summer bugs!

burning…the Capri Candle from Hotel Lobby. Just ordered! Will update you all. What candles are you burning?

podcast of the week…Gary Brecka & Sage Brecka On Biohacking Longevity: Decode Your Blood Work, Balance Hormones & Live Healthier For Longer. I found this super informative. Especially regarding supplements and how they can affect you + learning more about what you really need. I just started following both Gary and Sage Brecka. Plus, Gary’s podcast, The Ultimate Human. I loved hearing from Dr. Jonathan Leary: Why Cold Plunge & Sauna Social Clubs Are The Future of Wellness Communities. We’ve got to get back to the basics! 

for summer drinks…try this Pitcher with a Flip Top Lid. It’s not the cutest, but super functional. It would be great for mixing up a batch of my creamy coconut mojitos, peach smash, or in September, my homemade apple cider!

everything in my cart (low)…these Mid Rise Bermuda Short styled just as shown with a white tank and tall boots. Easy and cute!

A great turtleneck and leather jacket from the Nordstrom sale.

listening to…How Jane Birkin Became the Ultimate It-Girl. A fun listen for the weekend.

wearing…this Knot Ring Set. Loving pinky rings at the moment! Also, these Rio Button Earrings. Love them both!

dreaming of going…MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA, located in beautiful Puglia, Italy. It’s quiet and remote—not touristy at all—surrounded by olive groves with trees that are 1000 to over 2,000 years old, still producing olives to this day.

The olive oil tastings in the area sound so intriguing (and yummy!). And the nearby ocean towns sound charming, especially Cisternino. Zio Pietro, has been there for generations. You order your meat from the butcher counter, then sit down to enjoy drinks and non-meat dishes. Sounds like a very special experience.

good to know…The Fashion Person’s Guide to Buying a Designer Bag Secondhand.

everything in my cart (beauty)…since I’m home for a bit, I’m using all my hair products! I love the Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask and the Act+Acre Restorative Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. My hair always look so shiny after using both.

Thinking about trying the Foundation Reparative Hair Mask from ROZ. Anyone tried it and liked it? I’ve heard only good things!

This Luminous Matte Powder Blush from Gucci will always be one of my favorites – partly because of the packaging!

The OPI Nail Lacquer in You Don’t Know Jacques! + Taupe-less Beach are my nail colors come September.

Also…everyone on IG was commenting on my hair. I swear it’s due to the colostrum (use code HALFBAKEDHARVEST for 30% off first subscription orders) + collagen. Plus, high quality meat (I have been eating the Force Of Nature ancestral blend beef and venison, I love it!), lot’s of those summer berries (my favorite), and veggies too! Plus, I swear an avocado+ a day make your hair and skin glow! Haha! 

if you need a white button down…definitely scroll through this list.

wanting to try…The Natural REM Mattress from Coyuchi. I feel like I’ve talked about this mattress before. But I’m curious! There’s so much talk about how harmful mattresses are, so investing in organic sheets and a mattress is feeling like a must!

home inspiration…a 1930s Hollywood Hills Estate – so beautiful. I had to follow House of Rolison after I scrolled through this story. Check out their website. Such pretty homes!

everything in my cart (high)…if you’re a bride-to-be, these LOEWE Sequin Sculptural Pumps are pretty cute and fun. I found a similar Sequined Leather Mule from Staud for a way better price! Also, from Staud, these Raffia Sandals. And their Leather Knee Boots are a fall staple + loved by many.

shopping…for Halloween! I know, I know. It’s July. But Anthropologie launched they’re Halloween shop weeks ago! If you have kids, this Halloween candy bowl is adorable. And this Jack-O’-Lantern Kids Plush Toy too – honestly, too cute! I maybe already ordered up a few things – the candles always sell out. I kind of want this Autumnal Puzzle too.

reading…My 10 Favorite Things From Trader Joe’s (right now). I wish we had a Trader Joe’s in my town!

2. Sweet Corn Recipes.

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

One Skillet Street Corn Chicken Enchilada Bake

One Pan Corn and Zucchini Pesto Orzo

White Corn Pizza

Hot Bacon Corn Dip

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Browned Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Ravioli

White Chicken Chili Corn Chowder

Easy White Chicken Chili Corn Dip

Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp 

3. Nordstrom Sale: favorite home + travel.

home

travel

4. Building Strength.

One of the unexpected positives of not being able to stick to my usual running routine has been finally committing to a real strength training program. I’ve always known how important it is to lift properly—form really matters—so I’ve been taking things slow and building gradually.

I’ve been rotating between The Melissa Wood Health App, sessions with local personal trainers, and virtual training through The LIV Method. It’s been really fun to mix things up and learn what I like (and don’t like) when it comes to strength workouts. Taking is slow and no weight on my right foot, so very limited, but it’s a nice change!

I didn’t think I’d enjoy training over FaceTime, but honestly, it’s been great—and it’s so convenient because I can be anywhere in the world and still get a session in.

I will say that I’ve really missed getting outside into the sunshine every day—that’s definitely been the hardest part. But like all the podcasts say, moving your body in this way really does feel so good. It’s been such a positive shift for me!

To support recovery, I’ve been doing a lot on the HigherDOSE PEMF Pro Mat. PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy sends electromagnetic waves through the body to help promote healing and reduce inflammation. It’s used for stress relief, better sleep, improved circulation, and muscle recovery.

And finally, nothing new here—but I’m still loving my Infrared Sauna Blanket, especially at night. I usually multitask while I’m inside: editing IG stories, answering texts and emails, and then finishing with legs up the wall.

It might sound like a lot, but I habit stack everything. I do my workout on the PEMF mat, then jump into the sauna blanket while catching up on my phone. It’s all part of the routine now—without adding any extra time to my day!

5. Life Lately.

6. Inspiring Me.

(it might be hard now, but it will get better)

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing

Inside The McGee Home Laundry Room

Dream Laundry Room Design

Laundry Rooms From The Studio McGee Archives

This Is Where You Should Rent a Home in 2025

The Next Humans to Land on the Moon Will Wear This Oakley Space Visor

From Chaos to Calm: What to Do When Life Feels Like Too Much

Everything Giada De Laurentiis Cooks in a Day

8. Nordstrom Sale: favorite fashion + beauty finds.

clothes

shoes

beauty 

9. This Week’s Dinners + favorite weekend eats.

Monday: Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Tuesday: Coconut Curry Basil Chicken

Wednesday: Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake

Thursday: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Friday: Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese

Saturday: No-Bake Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Sunday: Easy Blueberry Ginger Cookie Cobbler