432: Nine Favorite Things.

Is it just me, or does this spring feel especially busy? There’s so much happening for us right now—in the best way possible. Truly nothing to complain about. It’s just a lot. A lot of change. But good change.

My mom and I have been calling this season “major growing pains.” Some days everything feels like too much, and other days I stop and think, wow… you’re really doing it.

Right now I’m still in Austin working on something totally new. I’ll be here a little while longer, and then I’m off again—headed somewhere I love, and I can’t wait. If you had to guess, where do you think I’m going? It’s going to be a nice change of scenery for a bit.

And I’ll finally be seeing my family. I haven’t seen them since Italy, and I miss them so much—especially talking with my dad every night while we clean the kitchen. He’s my unofficial therapist, best friend, and dad all in one. I talk to my mom every night too, but I cannot wait to give her the biggest hug. And Asher—oh, how I miss my sister. We need a shopping date. And Creighton and Oslo too… all of them. Family really is everything.

With the busy schedule, all the moving parts, and so many new projects, I’ve had to ease up on sharing new daily recipes. I know many of you have noticed, and honestly, it’s been hard for me. I love sharing every day, creating new recipe videos, and giving you all easy, fresh ideas to cook. But at the same time, this is a season of change. Not every month or year has to look the same, and I have to remind myself of that.

Instead, we’ve been sharing more roundup-style posts, which so many of you seem to be enjoying (thank you for that!). And don’t worry—more recipes will be back soon. I’m really looking forward to it.

I also shared all our best spring dessert recipes this week if you’re looking for inspiration—so many favorites. Plus my favorite Easy Spring Salads. I really love this time of year and the change of seasons.

Lastly, thank you so much for your support, now and always. Sharing a little less has been a big shift for me, and yet you’ve all been so understanding. Your kindness and encouragement never go unnoticed. It amazes me every day—the community we’ve built together.

Enjoy this week’s favorites!

1. Things I’m Loving.

loving…did a Sculptural Face Lifting along with a Buccal massage to help with congestion behinds my ears with them lovely Iri Spa in Austin.

Benefits you may notice:

• Improved facial contour and natural lifting
• Reduced tension in facial muscles (especially jaw & cheeks)
• Enhanced blood circulation and skin glow
• Lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness
• Better muscle tone and definition
• Relaxation of deep facial muscles for a refreshed look

Such an incredible experience and so helpful with clearing my ears. If you want to improve circulation overall and decrease any inflammation definitely make an appointment. Such a huge difference.

loving…everything Zebra print. It’s so fun and one of those trends that will likely never die. It’s always cute. Found this cute Reformation Knit Dress and these Ferragamo zebra-print calf-hair mules are pricey, but stunning!

also, eyeing these Alo Alosoft Intuition High-Waist Bootcut pants. They look like a nice pant to wear for errands!

everything in my cart (low)…on my current Zara list, the new Leather Strappy Sandals paired with this pretty Open Back Midi Dress. It’s a cute spring look with a cardigan or for a summer party.

From J.Crew, a great Boyfriend Jersey Relaxed Cropped T-Shirt (in Stripe) and this fun Drawstring Bag (in Straw and Leather)

listening to…Getting Diagnosed in Your 40’s with ADHD with Dr. Daniel Amen.

traveling….Maine! My family and I went to Newport, Rhode Island, last summer, and we loved it. There are so many cute towns to explore along the northeast coast. Mount Desert Island is on my list of potential places to visit this summer. It’s nice that it’s in the US. Makes travel a bit easier.

dreaming of going…Rosewood Mandarina. If I were going to leave the country, this Rosewood hotel looks so pretty. 

wanting to try… Pumpkin Seed Oil for hair growth. Anything pumpkin is always great in my book!

everything in my cart (beauty)… this Manuka Honey Soap Brick is a favorite. It kind of makes your shower feel like a spa.

Also on my list to try… the Soft Services Affogato L’Orange Buffing Bar.

And in my Amazon cart, Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum. Tried and true. It is so good.

burning…Anthropologie carries the best candles. Currently burning the Poured New York Fresh Dirty Girl Martini Marble Candle and Floral Cottage Proper Marble Candle. I love them, and they are so pretty too!

trying… this Microcurrent Body Sculptor Ritual Set.

everything in my cart (high)…this cool Jean Paul Gaultier Asymmetric trench coat I think I would style this as a dress!

And a very simple, but pretty Long-sleeved Shirt, Chanel basic.

shopping…The New Éterne Denim Collection. My Favorite basic brand Éterne launched Denim, and it’s perfection. You can’t beat these jeans, the fit is just as good as their basics, and the styles are CUTE. I have the Saint Jean (in medium indigo) and the Cash Jean (also in medium indigo).

2. Spring Cocktails.

Note: all of these drinks can be made without the alcohol!

Creamy Coconut Mojito

Iced Strawberry Milk Matcha Latte

Strawberry Mojito

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Strawberry Pink Drink

Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

White Tea and Muddled Basil Mojito

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

3. My Easter Shopping List.

4. My Austin Hotel.

By the time I leave Austin, I’ll have been here for a full month—wow! So many of you have been asking on social where I’ve been staying, so I wanted to share.

I decided to stay at the Austin Proper. I’ve stayed here several times before, and I truly love this hotel. The design is hard to look away from, and the rooms are spacious with so much natural light. When it comes to hotel rooms, there are two things I really care about—the bathroom and the amount of natural light. Both have to be great, and this place delivers.

This has been a longer stay, and at this point, the staff has really made it feel like home. They’ve been so welcoming and kind.

The hotel itself is also amazing—there are multiple restaurants (all delicious), an incredible gym with big windows, and the perfect pool overlooking the lake and river. Plus, it’s right downtown, which makes the location hard to beat.

Coming back here after long days has been so nice.

If you’re traveling to Texas or heading to Austin, definitely check it out!

5. My Spring Candles.

6. Inspiring me.

7. Favorite Links.

11 Unexpected, Last-Minute Spring Break Ideas You Can Still Book

The 7 Best Polyphenol-Rich Foods to Fight Inflammation

John Galliano Returns to Fashion Via a Creative Partnership with Zara

Spring Awakening! 11 Nail Colors for Warmer, Sunnier Times

13 Of The Best Foods To Help You Fall (And Stay) Asleep

Micro-cations Are the New Vacation—Here’s How to Take One That Actually Feels Like a Break

What Are Your Favorite Under-the-Radar Movies?

5 Habits That Will Make You Feel Better Within a Week

The Wellness Device Lymphatic Experts Actually Swear By

12 U.S. Destinations That Look Straight Out of Europe

8. Spring Cardigans.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Greek Feta and Melty Gouda Cheesesteak

Tuesday: 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Wednesday: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

Thursday: Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad

Friday: One Pot Spinach Broccoli Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Saturday: Blueberry Muffin Bread

Sunday: Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies