Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

{blackberry thyme margarita}

Happy Sunday! Hoping you all are having a great weekend and enjoying the May sunshine and blooming flowers. I’m off to LA this morning for a week long work trip that I am really excited about. I can’t wait to share more soon! Keep an eye out on Instagram for some behind the scenes on what is happening. Fingers crossed for some LA sunshine and heat…I need it!

This past week was a tiring one. I felt like I was putting out fires left and right, and juggling one too many things at once. But it all turned out ok. We had a really fun event in Denver with Found(h)er on Thursday night that both my mom and I went to. I made some favorites, blackberry margaritas and burrata pizzas for everyone. It was such a fun night. So great to step away from my computer for the afternoon and get some time in with my mom! It’s rare we do anything just the two of us (outside of work), so the hour plus car ride to and from Denver was a nice chance for us to catch up. Always love getting some mom time in!

Coming up this week, we have so many new recipes for Memorial Day that I’m so excited to share. There’s some grilled salmon, sweet treats, and maybe even a salad or two. Delicious things are coming…

Lastly, if you missed anything from the past week, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. Hope you’re all having the best weekend, and enjoy this Sunday’s Nine Favorite Things!

1. Nine Favorite Things Inspiring me on Pinterest. 

{source unknown via Pinterest}

{unknown photo source via Pinterest}

{photo via wanderlust chloe}

{photo by Sanda Vuckovic flowers styled by Chelsea Fuss}

{photo via Camille Styles}

{photo via SF girl by bay}

{unknown photo source via Pinterest}

{photo via Kristen Kilpatrick}

{unknown photo source via Pinterest}

2. The Best LA Restaurants.

I asked you all on Instagram what the best places to eat in LA are, and my gosh, you guys had SO MANY AMAZING recommendations. I need an entire year in LA now…but a week is all I have. With this in mind, these are the top spots on my list, per everyone’s recommendations. In no particular order…

1. Sqirl
2. Gjusta
3. Gjelina
4. Jon and Vinny’s 
5. Night Market
6. Republique
7. Bavel
8. Kismet
9. Felix
10. Son of a Gun
11. The Butchers Daughter
12. Salazar

3. My Favorite Cocktail Glasses…

4. Questions of The Week: 

q: do you ever have new recipes that are epic fails?
a: Yes! I mean I wouldn’t say that they’re all epic fails, but there are some weeks when I have multiple recipes that don’t turn out. And then there’s some weeks when everything is great. Just depends! These meatballs where a major fail ?

q: how do you keep your fridge and pantry stocked with all the essentials?
a: I like to have the ingredients I use every single day on hand at all times. This means I have backups for my backups. That way I almost never run out of my most used pantry staples, and fridge/freezer staples. When I see an ingredient is getting low, it immediately gets added to my grocery list, or thrive market cart (or amazon cart).

q: do you cook listening to music?
a: Yup. Pretty much just oldies, because it takes so much time to find new music, and I’m horrible at it. If I am not listening to music then I have a podcast on.

q: what’s your middle name?
a: Elizabeth!

5. Newest Video: 

Garlic Herb Roasted Cherry Tomato Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto and Burrata –> my go-to once the cherry tomatoes start showing up for the season.

6. The Travel Tip That Works for Me. 

I am without a doubt a creature of habit. I thrive on a good routine and could really do the same thing over again, day in and day out. Assuming it’s a routine that makes me happy of course. Oddly, no two days of mine are really the same. But when I’m home, I have somewhat of a daily “routine” that works nicely. Even when I’m traveling, my mornings start out the same. Which I think is what keeps me sane while traveling. I always start with some form of exercise. Usually one of my “power” walks, since I’m not a gym person (I’m inside enough!). Then coffee when I return (always). And then it’s time to start the day.

Anyone else the same. Having this as a constant in starting my day, especially when traveling, has really helped with my major travel anxiety. I count this as “me” time, as it’s often the only minutes to myself all day, so I love it.

Question: What do you for your travel anxiety? Any tips you can share with me?

7. A Few Links I Am Loving…

Lenny Kravitz’s Brazilian home…it’s nice. very nice!

your ultimate guide to a weekend in Santa Barbara…well this sounds lovely.

a beach house on the coast…the perfect summer escape.

what you need to know about buying your first home…know the facts.

a design lover’s guide to Salvador, Brazil…wow. so stunning and full of color.

chicken parmesan with spaghetti squash…well this sounds delicious.

a 12th-century Salzburg fortress turned home…so pretty.

Kim and Kayne announce the name of their 4th child…4th child? when did that happen? I’m so outta the loop.

the longest pedestrian bridge in America just opened to the public…not sure how I feel about this.

the best summer legs…need. need. need.

bedtime rituals for a healthy nights sleep…taking notes.

8. Here’s my Nine Favorite Things I’m Packing for LA…

9. This Week’s Dinners:

Monday: weeknight saucy pineapple bbq chicken bowls

Tuesday: honey garlic butter shrimp in coconut milk

Wednesday: avocado veggie spring rolls with sweet thai mango sauce

Thursday: 30 minute basil chicken banh mi sandwich

Friday: sweet and spicy tomato basil pepperoni pizza

Check out all the past Favorites posts here.