407: Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

You guys!! What a week it has been. My New York trip has been amazing. So, so, so good! And I’m ending it all on the biggest high note. Honestly, I’m not ready to head home today, but I suppose it’s time.

I don’t even know where to begin—there’s just been so much to share (and some things I can’t share quite yet!). The week was such a whirlwind that I actually had to pull up my calendar just to remember everything.

I flew in from Dallas Thursday night, quickly changed, and went straight to my one and only New York Fashion Week show—the Johnathon Simkhai show and after-party. It was, of course, beautiful and stunning. A long night, but so much fun, and I loved being there to support a friend. His pieces really are gorgeous!

Friday was full of work (it honestly felt non-stop), then an evening event that was really sweet. I met so many wonderful people there—from fashion to food to lifestyle—it was a fun night.

Saturday was all about fashion week again, with the Alice & Olivia presentation and Cynthia Rowley too. That took up most of the afternoon until dinner. I had a late dinner and then…back to work!

Sunday was less exciting, mostly writing and computer work all day long. But I did sneak out for dinner at Sartiano’s, which is always such a special spot. And yes, you have to try their desserts. So delicious!

Monday was another busy one. I filmed with Food 52 in the afternoon and had a full day of meetings after. My big meeting of the day went so well. If all goes as I hope, we’ll have some really exciting news to share soon—eeekkkk! Dinner that night was at Torrisi with our Snif family. It was SO good, such a special night, and the desserts here are top-notch too.

Tuesday brought more events in the afternoon, then a movie premiere and dinner at Kappo Masa uptown. Truly, the best meal I’ve had in New York. I’m not even a sushi person, but this was incredible. I was with a good friend, who brought his friend, designer Ronny Kobo. She ordered for the table, and every dish was perfection. We even finished with a chocolate mousse cake. Heaven!

Wednesday was our first shoot day. This shoot was for the November launch of our new Snif holiday candle. It was a magical shoot, and I’m so excited about this new scent. Then it was a late night dinner at San Sanbino, another favorite NYC spot.

Thursday was shoot day two—this time for our website! We’re launching a brand-new entertaining series very soon. I might even share it early because I’m that excited. The shoot was whimsical, fun, easy to recreate, and, honestly, the most special shoot yet. I’ll be sharing teasers below!

Friday I squeezed in some work and then took a late flight home. I’m already missing New York and planning my next trip back.

And that’s a wrap on this week. Wishing you the best first week of fall—my favorite season. The absolute best time of year is finally here!

Oh, and in case you missed it—if you’re apple picking this weekend, check out my 25 Easy Fall Apple Recipes roundup. So many cozy, yummy apple recipes to bake!

1. Things I’m Loving.

burning…our Apple Cider candle. This is my September candle. It’s soooo good. I burned it all week long in New York. This candle truly captures the scent of September, but it’s amazing all season long. But come October 1st, I’m striking another match and adding Pumpkin Smash to the mix! Or I may just cheat and start tomorrow.

lathering up with…Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Body Cream. Mom LOVES it too!

loving…the new J.Crew 2025 rollneck sweater. Normally, I only go for cashmere, but the relaunch of this sweater is so cute. It’s a great fall staple piece to wear for years. J.Crew has impressed me so much this last year. I love their pieces! Sharing a few other fall sweaters I love too.

everything in my cart (low)…Zara is always getting it right. Here are the new season fall pieces I would invest in. This 100% Wool V-Neck Sweater. AND this pretty Ruched Strapless Knit Top. Perfection. Also great – the Asymmetric Rib Knit Top + Soft Knit Cardigan. Sweaters all fall and winter long. You could create a casual look and pair the sweater with these ZW Collection Front Pleat Pants or these High-Waisted Balloon Pants. Love them both.

This is a very pretty Satin Effect Lace Top. Love the dainty detail.

I think my favorite piece is this Soft Scarf Top. Pretty!

Shoe-wise, we all need multiple pairs of boots. These Buckled Heel Boots are a great piece that can be worked into so many looks. Now that I need to be much more careful about my shoes (need to protect my ankle), I especially love these Leather Slingbacks 50th Anniversary edition. The kitten heel is a great height!

This is the PERFECT travel bag, yet so chic I would carry it in NYC too. Oh, and this cutie too, the Shoulder Shopper.

If you shop at COS, which you should, invest in this Checked Flannel Shirt.

listening to…The Truth About Carbs, GLP-1s, Sustainable Results (Harley Pasternak).

fall road trip…7 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow. I would do this! This certainly sounds like the perfect fall weekend trip. My Nonnie used to do this with a group of her college friends.

early season shopping…The Best Advent Calendars to Scoop Up Before December. It’s time, it is time! Let’s get prepped and ready, you all!

everything in my cart (beauty)…I’m getting back into a skincare routine and will slowly start adding retinol. I already know I love the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.

I want to try the Dr. Julius Few Clean Retinol and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 (a favorite in the beauty industry).

into this…Wellness Birthday Parties Are on the Rise. I’ve actually heard a bit about wellness parties. Part of me is against it, but then part of me likes the idea. I don’t love it because I think there is too much information and talk about “wellness” right now. Wellness looks different for everyone, and you need to do what’s best for YOU. Don’t just follow your favorite influencers, you know? But I do love the idea of inviting friends or family out for a day of facials, massages, etc. It’s an interesting idea and one that I do enjoy much more than a huge, over-the-top party. What are your thoughts?

everything in my cart (high)…I think I talked about these last season too, but I came upon them again this week. The Hampton Strolls cashmere shoe. The look and description sound so wonderful. I really think I need to invest in them this fall.

The Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34 is the perfect everyday bag. If you want something to hold everything or a travel bag, get their Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48. I saw this bag in person this week and it’s even more perfect than it looks online.

what I loved this week…the Khaite New York Fashion Week spring 2026 runway show. Sophisticated, easy, and always so chic. Loved every piece that came down the runway. 

reading…The Surprisingly Glamorous Case for the Cramped Dinner Party. It’s entertaining season!

travel…The Connaught Hotel: Luxury Hotel in Mayfair, London. This is a top-rated London hotel if you have travel plans there soon!

to do…7 Unique Rituals to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

2. Make These 7 Fall Recipes This Week.

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

bones: BOO! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

3. More Halloween.

4. New York – photos (with sneak peaks)!

before my first event of the week

day look for a very special meeting!

getting ready, I will always love the Fouquets bathroom 

what a pretty sunset

Kappo Masa dinner

Dinner at Kappo Masa with Ronny and Tim

Tim and I met through Amazon and we always get dinner in New York

can you guess what is coming?

dinner with our Snif family at Torrisi

I didn’t get through all the photos, so I will share the rest next week!

5. What are 5 fall foods you have to have in your kitchen?

I read this post over on Cup of Jo just now (read the comments!). I thought it would be fun to answer these too, but let’s keep ours specific to fall!

Here are Mine: 

1. Honeycrisp Apples (pomegranates + figs + persimmons too)
2. Apple Butter
3. Apple Cider
4. Brie (cheddar too… all cheese honestly, though I skip burrata for fall)
5. Cinnamon
6. bonus – pumpkin butter or canned pumpkin

What fall foods do you HAVE TO HAVE in your kitchen this season?

6. Inspiring Me.

(try new things)

(into the witchy vibes this Halloween)

7. Favorite Links.

6 Habits Neurologists Swear By to Keep Their Brains Sharp

The Best Faux Fall Branches and Flowers – Designer Approved

The Best Coffee Makers That Also Have Counter Appeal

22 Cozy Hobbies to Try This Fall

These 10 OPI Mani-Pedi Pairings Are Perfect for Fall

Seven Changes That Finally Helped Me Stick to My Home Fitness Routine

Make Your Home Feel Like Fall: 68 Cozy On-Trend Fall Decor Picks

The Custom Kitchen Updates Everyone Will Be Making in 2026

Your Fall Guide to Cooking With What’s in Season Right Now

Jennifer Garner’s Tiny, $23 Organizing Trick Is a Closet Game-Changer

8. New Fall Styles.

J.Crew

suede for fall

boots

Nordstrom 

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Fall Harvest Apple Orzo Salad

Tuesday: Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Casserole

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs

Thursday: 30 Minute Crispy Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Friday: 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Saturday: Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread

Sunday: Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza