444: Nine Favorite Things.

I’ve always believed that life moves through seasons. There are seasons of balance, seasons where we move at a really fast pace, and seasons where we’re meant to slow down, sit still for a bit, and actually stop to smell the roses.

I think that’s exactly where I am right now.

One thing I’ve always kept in the back of my mind, and something I’ve been coming back to lately, is this: Keep your head down, work in silence, worry about yourself, and let what you create bloom.

It’s not always the easiest place for me to be.

For most of my life, I’ve moved fast. I’ve always been creating, always onto the next thing, always chasing the next idea. My brain rarely sits still. A lot of that comes from my ADHD and dyslexia. I actually see both as strengths because they’ve taught me to think differently, be more creative, and trust my instincts. But they’ve also taught me that sometimes the best thing I can do is slow down, create the plan, put things in motion, and then execute.

That’s how I’m looking at this summer. Less rushing. More creating. More dreaming. More thoughtfully building the world I’ve always wanted to share with all of you.

On some days, that feels easy. Other days it’s really hard. I constantly have to fight the urge to jump at every opportunity that comes my way. Instead, I’m learning to say no, protect my time, and focus on what matters most.

I heard Molly Sims say something recently on a podcast that really stuck with me: “Discipline to growth.” That’s how I’m looking at the next year. Keep my head down. Do the work. Trust the process. Work smarter, not harder, and let the results speak for themselves.

I know this all sounds a little reflective, but really, I’m just working toward a very full life. I’m grateful for a slower season. I’m excited for a fun trip coming up. And I’m having so much fun creating the world I’ve dreamed about for years. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do this every day.

I never mean for these intros to turn into little journal entries, but they always do. I guess that’s because my vision has never really changed over the last fourteen years. I’ve always wanted to invite you into my world. The recipes will always be at the heart of everything I do, but so are the flowers on my table, the candles I’m burning, the places I’m traveling, the clothes I’m wearing, and all the little moments that inspire it. If sharing those things brings you a little beauty, happiness, or even just a smile, then I’m doing exactly what I set out to do.

We all move through life differently. I know I see the world a little differently, and I’ve learned that’s something to celebrate.

To quickly recap the week, I flew home from Austin Friday night and immediately ordered myself the prettiest bunches of “Party Peach” dahlias. They’ve made me so happy and were absolutely worth every penny. I also started burning two new candles that are already becoming summer favorites.

I’ve been daydreaming like I did when I was little. It’s been such a fun feeling to get back to.

Mom and I are keeping up our nightly meetings in the form of evening walks together. They’ve become my favorite part of the day.

I’m filling my world with pretty things, getting excited for the 4th of July, and planning to recreate one of my favorite 4th of July parties before I head off for a week-long photoshoot. After that, it’s finally time to start packing for my summer trip, which I cannot wait for.

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing: I ordered this Half Zip Cropped Pullover Fleece during Prime Day this week! I wanted something easy to throw on inside our freezing air-conditioned house. It’s one of those basics I know I’ll wear all the time. Also this Vuori Restore Full Zip Hoodie is great too.

Got this SET Active Training Bra for walks because it really is so hot here now. . Also, love the Dairy Boy summer collection. This American Summer Sweater is really cute for the 4th too.

On my summer dream-big list is this red, faille dress from Fendi. It’s so cute. And these Kallmeyer scarf tops in Cacao Moire Silk Twill and Blue Silk Twill. I absolutely love them.

Listening to: Molly Sims on Hot Smart Rich with Maggie Sellers Reum. I was looking for a podcast to listen to a week ago on Sunday night. I’d gone through all my usuals and was trying to find something that sounded interesting. It took some searching, but I finally landed on this episode with Molly Sims. She’s someone I’ve met, and I enjoy her podcast, Lipstick on the Rim. I wasn’t thinking I would learn much, but this wasn’t at all what I expected it to be. I learned so much about business and found a lot of value in the episode.

Dreaming of going to: A Mandria di Murtoli. I fully recommend reading the story behind this hotel. It’s so incredibly unique and stunning. Overlooking the Ortolo Valley and surrounded by olive and citrus trees, the property feels like a true escape. The stone houses blend traditional Corsican architecture with subtle modern touches, creating the most beautiful, peaceful setting. The photos alone stop you in your tracks.

Corsica sits between Italy and the South of France, and I can only imagine how breathtaking the water surrounding the island must be. My mom is going to read this and book the hotel immediately. I just know it.

If I’m staying closer to home, I’m dreaming of a classic New England summer. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s been at the top of my list for years. I loved Newport when I visited last summer, and Nantucket is definitely somewhere I want to visit soon. My brother and sister-in-law make the trip every summer with Lyndsie’s family, and it always looks so beautiful. I’d love to spend a week hopping between charming coastal towns, eating lobster rolls, wandering little shops, and soaking up everything that makes a New England summer so special.

If you want a wine retreat in the U.S., this guide to Sonoma County, Napa’s charming neighbor, is a good place to start. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Napa a handful of times, and every single trip amazes me. It’s hard to believe you’re in California and not Italy.

Around my home: I purchased my favorite clothing rack (it’s finally back in stock!) in preparation for some outfit planning and packing.

Packing is a whole system for me. First, I build out all my looks, then order any pieces I might need, try everything on, and create a detailed packing list with photos. Once everything is planned, it all goes on the clothing rack before finally making its way into my suitcase.

I always try to pack a couple of days early, especially before bigger trips. It keeps my mind organized, makes travel feel so much less chaotic, and helps ensure I don’t forget anything.

Decorating for the 4th with this collection. I don’t love paper plates, but in the summer—and especially for big 4th of July parties—sometimes you just have to go with what’s easy. And honestly, these are as cute as can be. The round plates layered with the square plates, just like they’ve styled them here? So fun for a festive summer table. My Nonnie would absolutely approve of it all.

I’ve also started ordering Halloween decor and candles. Anthropologie already launched its spooky season collection. I know it’s early, but I can’t help myself.

Beauty: My skincare routine is currently very pared down. Kind of like my supplements, I’ve gotten to the point where too many products just feel overwhelming.

Anytime I’m wearing makeup, I always reach for the True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm. It melts everything off so easily.

For sunscreen, I still love the Sofie Sunscreen SPF 30. For the body, I just ordered the EltaMD UV Body Sunscreen SPF 50+, which my facialist, Cynthia Rivas, recommended.

When it comes to body care, my favorites are still the OSEA Malibu body oil and body butter, and Mutha body butter. I try not to ever run out of either! RMS recently sent me their body butter, and it’s incredibly luscious. I’ve been using RMS Beauty products for years, so it’s kind of crazy that I’m only just trying their body butter. I love the texture, and the ingredient list is just as good as the rest of their products.

I’ve also been using and loving the Therabody Red Light Face Mask lately. I own the CurrentBody Skin red light mask too, and I want to give that one a proper try. They’re each a little different, but what I love about the Therabody mask is that it combines red light, blue light, and vibration therapy all in one treatment. It only takes 12 minutes, so it’s really easy to work into my nighttime routine after I shower and before skincare.

I’ve also been using the Eighth Day Resurfacing Tonic Pads before red light therapy. They give your skin a little tingle and leave it feeling so clean and refreshed. Then, every other night, I finish my routine with their Night Cream. It’s incredibly rich, nourishing, and such a treat before bed.

For summer nails… I still love a lavender grey or pistachio cream. But of course, stars for the 4th of July are always the right choice. So fun!

Watching: Still nothing. Every night I scroll through Amazon and Netflix, hoping to find something new, and every night I give up. I started Eat, Pray, Love but couldn’t get into it. Honestly, I think what I really need is a good book.

From My Kitchen: I’m baking peach dump cake while peaches are still at their sweetest because I know they’ll be gone before we know it. I’ve also been eating organic Sungold kiwis with chia pudding for my afternoon snack. They’re so delicious. And don’t skip the skin—that’s where so much of the fiber is.

I buy ground chia seeds instead of whole because they’re much easier to digest. They don’t continue to expand in your stomach the way whole chia seeds can. I stir a few tablespoons into whole raw milk or goat milk (water works too), let it sit for a few minutes, then add my favorite toppings. Voilà – instant chia pudding!

I’ve also been blending smoothie bowls, sauces, and marinades with The Beast blender, which has thoroughly impressed me. It’s become one of those appliances I find myself reaching for almost every day.

Lots of easy summer dinners, appetizers, and the sweetest peach desserts are in the works.

Around My Table: I’m burning through all my favorite summer candles. I finally lit my Orange Blossom candle after saving it for months, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the tomato candle from Poured New York. Tomato candles have never really interested me, but theirs has notes of basil. It’s fresh, light, and somehow smells like you have all the windows open on a summer afternoon.

I also made slow-cooked pot roast this week in this beautiful cottage Dutch oven.

One little thing that’s made a difference lately: I’ve been setting the table before I even start cooking. Otherwise, it doesn’t happen. It makes even the simplest weeknight dinner feel just a little more special.

This Week’s Little Joy: I bought fresh flowers for the kitchen, even though no one was coming over. Just for me. They make me smile every time I walk into the room, and that’s reason enough.

Looking Ahead: I’ve been daydreaming more than ever. About my future home, summer nights, early fall dinners, travel destinations, and all the little traditions I want to create.

I keep picturing that first beautiful stretch of early fall. The golden light before sunset. Warm homemade bread fresh from the oven. The first football game is playing in the background. A late-summer peach and burrata salad. Apple cider doughnuts picked up from the farm stand. Fresh flowers gathered simply because they’re beautiful. Fresh cider candles are burning, and just the slightest hint of Halloween is in the air.

2. Recipes for the 4th.

For the morning: Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing

The cocktail: Frosted Watermelon Frosé

Appetizer: Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad or Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

The Burger: Teriyaki Chicken Burgers with Bang Bang Pineapple Slaw

All the Salads and sides: Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad

Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Crispy English Roast Potatoes

And for dessert: Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches

Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie

Toasted S’mores Bars

3. July 4th Home Sales.

bedding


home

4th of July

4. How I Build a Seasonal Menu.

Whenever I’m planning a menu, I always start with the season. Then I build from there. During the summer it is usuallyt good wine, a seasonal cheese board,two or four great dishes, and that’s it. Keeping it simple.

I always ask myself a few questions:

• What’s growing right now?
• What am I excited to cook?
• What needs to be used up?

Right now, that means peaches, sweet corn, tomatoes, basil, zucchini, berries, and fresh herbs.

From there, I build around the one recipe I know I want to make—usually the main dish—and let the rest of the menu come together naturally.

• Main dish
• Fresh salad
• Side or appetizer, if needed
• Dessert
• Wine or cocktails, if we’re having them

Florals, usually. Or I use the produce as the tablescape. I love fresh figs when I can find them, peaches, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and berries. Many times, the cheese board becomes the tablescape. Summer produce is beautiful enough to be the centerpiece.

I never try to overcomplicate it. The season always tells me what to cook. I just listen.

5. My Week in Photos.

I love your cookbook clubs!

From Emma Grede

Our favorite laundry detergent.

Finding inspiration through my own cookbooks. It is so fun!

I have been making these a lot. I love making them pretty!

You see!

These are the party peach” dahlia’s.

My go-t0 toothpaste.

I adore this hand soap.

The organic Sungold kiwis!

The chia pudding! I layer blueberry jam, plain Greek yogurt, chia pudding, a spoonful of walnut butter, frozen blueberries, blackberries, a few slices of golden kiwi, crushed pistachios, hemp seeds, and bee pollen. Or I leave off the nut/seed butter and add granola.

Creighton texted me this on Friday and said, “So this sounds gnarly, but it’s freaking delicious”. He had Irish breakfast pudding this week and now I’m curious. I’ve been googling and researching.

Never throw out the flowers that break off their stems. Save them. Love them. Place them in fresh water, and they’ll continue to thrive. Sometimes the smallest blooms end up being the prettiest.

Take the time to stop and talk to the older couple out for their nightly walk. Don’t rush through a quick hello. Ask how they’re doing and give them a minute of your time. Practice simple human kindness.

6. Inspiring Me.

you have to do the work eventually 

7. Favorite Links.

The Real Reason Every Woman Should Be Strength Training Right Now

The Travel Trends That Are Defining Where Everyone Is Headed This Summer

My Weird-But-Amazing Trick for Falling Asleep

10 Common Mistakes Everyone Makes At Trader Joe’s

Beach, Please! The Best Books of Summer Go to the Shore

The 2026 Wedding Trends That Are In—and Out—This Year

Gut-Loving Anti-Inflammatory Spices to Add to Your Diet

8. Summer Styles.

American Summer

Reformation

J.Crew

Sandals, Bags, and Hats

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Turkey Muenster Focaccia Melt

Tuesday: Fiesta Steak Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Wednesday: Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese

Thursday: 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice

Friday: 3 Cheese Prosciutto Peach Pizza

4th of July Party Menu

Saturday: (the 4th of July): Easy All American 4th of July Party Menu add my Toasted S’mores Bars.

Sunday: Iced Cinnamon Honey Latte