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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
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
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
This post was originally published on July 20, 2025
I would love to see how you prepare the ancestral beef/venison meat that you eat! I have trouble liking any game meat like venison. I would love to know how you prepare it and eat it! Also how do you eat avocado, just plain or on bread?! I eat half an avocado with salt daily but it’s getting boring so I need more ideas.
Hey Lindsie! I use Force of Nature Meats ancestral blend venison, bison and beef. It’s ground meat so I just use it like I would ground beef or chicken. I’ve been doing this over a year now so all of the recipes I share with ground meat have this blend! I think it’s delicious. I like to add seasoning then, brown the meat add to salads or eat with avocado + rice. Great way to get in avocado too! Let me know if you have more questions. Hope you are having a great week! xT
Is the rest of your tour happening or not? It is still allowing me to buy tickets, but I don’t want to purchase if it’s going to be postponed or cancelled anyway.
Hey Janelle! Yes it is! The dates are below!!
Williams Sonoma Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, California
Tuesday, October 28th at 6pm
Williams Sonoma South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa, California
Wednesday, October 29th at 6pm
Williams Sonoma Hill Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Wednesday, November 5 at 6pm
Williams Sonoma SouthPark Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, November 6 at 6pm
Can’t wait to see you in Nashville this weekend – WOOHOO!
Love that you’re getting more into strength training and jealous you’re already using 10 lb dumbbells. Do you recommend any protein powders or supplements you take?
Hey Ella! I am so sad to say that we will be rescheduling the date for Nashville. I am so so sorry!! Announcing a new date this week and will have more information so soon! Again I apologize for any inconvenience or trouble!! I am so so grateful for your support and kindness! Have an amazing week and I can’t wait to meet you! xT
Just realized I haven’t seen the 4 winners posted for the Kitchen Aid give away. Were the winners selected?
Hey Michelle! Yes, the winners were selected and they have been contacted privately instead of announcing on IG stories! 🙂 xT
Hi Tieghan,
Speedy recovery wishes! Things always work out the way they are supposed to so this is your sign to slow down! What is happening with the Community? I was on the first call but have not seen an email in weeks. Take care of yourself – health is our most important asset and we often do not realize it until something goes wrong.
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for being apart of the community! We have lots of fun plans coming up for it! Hope you enjoy them and thank you for the support! 🙂 xT
I’m so sorry about your foot! I hope you feel better soon. Now that you’re home more, do you think you’ll work on that post about the renovations that you mentioned doing this summer? I’d love more info! That’s the type of behind the scenes content I love!
Hey Liz! I will share more when I have the photos! I will include most like in this post, but I am not sure! It’s been a long process. Thank you for this comment! xT
How are you able to work out daily but not do your book tour?
Hey Rita! I am not putting any weight on my right ankle. It’s off limits for a while. Thanks!
Could you elaborate more on how you pick and choose what to replace for what is toxic and what is not? I know that you’re saying now that mattresses are toxic, but then you link other things that have chemicals and fragrances in them.
Hey Diana, for me it’s all a balance. Not everything we do has to be toxic free, we need to live our lives! I only try to do what I can easily do or easily change to not have so many chemicals around all the time. Kind of like an 80/20 way of living. Yes, I still use “toxic” things and I am sure there is a lot I use that I am not aware of. I just try to inform myself best I can and then do what I can. Does this make sense! Let me know. Happy to chaat further. Hope you are having a great day! xT
What is the renovation update?
Hey Stacey! The project is still in the works. Building has pushed timelines, but should be ready before the end of the years. Thanks! xT
Those corn recipes above look amazing!
Thank you so much Ellen! Hope you love these corn recipes to enjoy all summer long! 🙂 xT
The tone of your blogs and recipes are sounding different lately. Is someone else writing them or are you using AI to write them?
Hey Gretchen, I write all the content on the website, we do not use AI for witting. We do use AI for a lot on the websites that is behind the scenes to help better improve the site. But it is me writing the daily content. Let me know If you have other questions! Hope you are having a great week! xT
When you were with Will Cole you said how people make health so complicated, and I whole-heartedly agree! However, I have noticed you increasingly offering “health advice” & saying so many things that are toxic. It feels a little overwhelming to read! I’ve noticed that when people ask you about it, you tell them to do what is best for them, but you continue sharing about supplements, health “advice” etc. I follow you for recipes, but if you’re headed more towards “health advice” I think I may need to unfollow unfortunately! I am not being snarky, can you please approve my comment and respond? I’d really like to hear your thoughts on this.
Hey Brenda, I hear you! I am only sharing what I love and use. It’s not meant to be advice for anyone. Hope that makes sense. Thank you! xT
I didn’t know you were a fan of organ meat – does this mean we have offal recipes to look forward to?
Hey Lauren, I use Force of Nature Meats ancestral blend venison, bison and beef. It’s ground meat so I just use it like I would ground beef or chicken. I’ve been doing this over a year now so all of the recipes I share with ground meat have this blend! Let me know if you have more questions. Hope you are having a great week! xT
You have above about dreaming about going to Italy, but then you say:
“One favorite stop was Zio Pietro, has been there for generations.”
I didn’t know you’ve been to Italy!! Would you be willing to share some pics?! It’s on my bucket list!!
Hey Lana! That was a typo but I’ve fixed it now! I’m so excited to go to Italy this winter! 🙂 xT
Best wishes on your recovery! Do you think you will have to postpone the rest of the summer tour? I know stress fractures take a while to heal. My sister and I were thinking we’d drive into Nashville for that one. But now I’m thinking we’ll probably hold off until things are less up in the air. All the best to you!
Hey Lainey! I am so sad to say that we will be rescheduling the date for Nashville. I am so so sorry!! Announcing a new date this week and will have more information so soon! Again I apologize for any inconvenience or trouble this causes anyone, and I’m so appreciative of the support I receive from this awesome community! Hope you are having a great weekend! xT
This is so frustrating, I just asked the other day and was told that this was not going to be postponed, so I purchased a ticket. How do I get a refund for this?
Hey Beth, I am SO sorry for the changes, things have been a bit up in the air and I really appreciate your support and patience during this time! Please reach out to this email: wsevents@wsgc.com and they will get everything sorted out for you! Thank you again, and I truly am so sorry for these changes. Have a great week! xT