Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Hi, Hi! from New York! I think I say this with every New York trip, but this one has been my favorite. Hands down. I have never been here in October and it’s magical. The trees are turning the prettiest shades of yellow, the weather is sunny, and I’m loving every minute. I truly do not want to leave!

Unfortunately, I do leave today, but I hope to be back very, very soon! As I’ve been saying weekly lately, I’m feeling so excited, so happy, and looking forward to everything we’re working on. And of course, the holiday season ahead!!

How on earth is it the last full week of October? This Tuesday marks just one week until November, the start of the holiday craze! Are you looking forward to the season like I am? I can’t wait to share my Thanksgiving menu and table with you all. I don’t have anything finalized just yet. But I’m hoping to have the menu available to you guys in the first week of November. I’m behind, but what’s new? Still so excited to share this!

What type of Thanksgiving menu would you guys most appreciate this year? I have ideas, but I also love to hear from you all!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we have a fun launch coming up! Something special that will help you create a beautiful Thanksgiving. I’ll be able to share on this later next week!

Continuing with the holidays, the talk is that my family is heading to Europe the day after Thanksgiving. Well, for sure at least my mom, dad, Creighton, Asher, and Oslo. Mom and Asher are dying to see the Christmas markets there. They are thinking of Paris, Prague, and maybe Munich. They’re planning the trip around seeing a few markets and have their eyes set on the Augustine Hotel in Prague, which looks just magical. They offer Christmas suites with trees and decorations, plus mulled wine and hot chocolate waiting in the rooms. I mean? Wow, just so special.

I’m going to try and go for a week, but that’s our busiest time, so I’m not sure I can make it happen. If anyone has suggestions for their trip or holiday events to see/do, please share!! My mom and Asher are having a lot of fun planning and plotting away.

I think that’s all I have for this week! Sharing a lighter post today since these posts can be harder to put together while traveling. Back to normal next week.

Hope you have a very cozy, late October Sunday!

1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

loving…The New York Edition. This is currently where I’m writing from and is such a sweet hotel. Everyone who works here has really gone the extra mile to make me feel at home. The room is so spacious and cozy and in such a great central location.

everything in my cart (low)…I really love this cozy turtleneck. And this striped sweater can be dressed up or down with jeans (these jeans are so great). Or dress the sweater up with trousers (love these). The detailing on the bottom of this long skirt is so pretty. The charcoal color of this long skirt is perfect for moodier fall nights. And then, how cozy is their long knit dress? This would be cute with boots or heels. If you need a belt, this leather belt is cute. And I love a good oversized hoodie.

On the shoe front, the UGG classic cozy booty looks so comfy. I want to get them for my mom, but they are not practical for her. But wow, I love them. I also really love the new platform style, heritage platform chukka boot. And I’ve never seen these Tasman corduroy slippers before.

listening to…Taylor Swift’s newest release Midnights. But who’s not? What are your thoughts? I have had mixed reviews.

shopping…advent calendars. I know shared this last week, but here are even more to decide from. I love the beauty options and of course the chocolate and candles options too. But personally, I would do something classic like this pretty Grand Hotel calendar. It seems to be everyone’s top pick…including Asher’s. But my first option would be to get creative. Grab a mini Christmas tree and decorate using these cute village calendar ornaments. What a sweet tradition to start!

baking…Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes, of course.

everything beauty…I’m a huge supporter of using a daily hyaluronic serum (Barbara Sturm is my favorite. Or for a more affordable hyaluronic try this The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid ($20), Peach and Lily’s glass skin serum ($39), or this water drench serum ($65) from Petter Thomas Roth). I’m also curious to test out foundations made with the addition of hyaluronic acid. I already love this Kosas foundation, but am curious to try one from Charlotte Tilbury.

Saie beauty is another brand I love and am excited to try their hydrabeam concealer. I’ve read about how it reflects light and it sounds wonderful! I just ordered it, so more to come.

Ok, last one. The Chanel Le Lift firming – anti-wrinkle flash eye revitalizer under eye patches. It sounds like they work wonders on tired-looking eyes. Meaning, I need them. 

reading…Via Carota the cookbook. I don’t read cookbooks for the most part. I actually purposely stay away from them. But I love Via Carota the restaurant here in New York. It was the first place my mom tried olives – and realized she loved them!

everything in my cart (high)…This Tibi wool coat is amazing. I love the detachable vest. If you need a chic pantsuit, I love this pant and blazer look from Malene Birger. I might pair it with this pretty Bottega Veneta leather belt. These The Attico high heal leather knee boots are so chic. But I also love these basic leather ankle boots by Stella McCartney. And wow, this camel zip detailed sweater from JW Anderson is the coziest. Plus I love the zipper detail.

Sweater-wise, I am very into this cashmere pullover in carob. I’m a sucker for anything cashmere. Or this wool teddy sweater from Vince looks super cozy too.

I am in love with this white wool coat by Magda Butrym.

shopping…Fable. A new to me home site. They have really beautiful glassware. I would love these coupe glasses for holiday drinks. Also shopping, Glaze. Finally, someone who carries long matchsticks! I’d recommend the 5″ match, but also I really love the 7.5″ match, which is perfect for our 50-ounce Pumpkin Smash candle.

drinking…Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash while our Pumpkin Smash candle burns nearby. The ultimate fall weekend vibe.

My cozy room at The New York Edition

2. Good for you fall recipes.

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup with Rice

30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper

Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins

Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Better For You Chicken and Spinach Ramen

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch

Creamy White Chicken Chili

3. My favorite mugs for hot cocoa and steamy coffee.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: what is 1 thing you would change about content creation/social media?
a: The negative comments and judgment can get hard. But honestly, I feel pretty grateful/lucky for the community we’ve built. You all are the sweetest and make this easy! The criticism can be hard, but only if I actually let it affect me, which I rarely do (today I kind of did, it was stupid, but tomorrow will be great!). I don’t think I have anything to change. Social media and content creation is a hard job, but it’s also what I’ve chosen. I think being consistent and always having to adapt to the platforms keeps content fresh. It keeps me on my toes!! 

q: Fave NYC eatery?
a: I am not fit to answer this yet. I have only been to a handful. I think my favorite though is Via Carota I first went there with my mom, so it has special memories! Everything on the menu is so good.

Also, I’ve only been there once, but Saint Theos was awesome too. But I need to go back and try more! And I’m curious about The Polo Bar (I’m going tomorrow night). I don’t use any presets or filters on photos. I always edit each individual photo and have never used presets/filters 🤷🏻‍♀️

q: how long do you keep your legs up the wall?
a: Usually 20 minutes, but you only need to do 5 to 10. I always post my IG stories with my legs up, so I just let them fall as I work.

q: favorite lip color for the season?
a: My favorite is the Rhode peptide lip treatment in salted caramel. It’s the perfect shade of warm brown. But I’m loving more dark tons for fall. I want to try the Charlotte Tilbury shade festive magic, Chanel Rouge Coco, shade Etienne.

q: splurge – 1 thing in your wardrobe, what is it?
a: Right now I’m a sucker for a really good bag (obsessed with Fendi). Or a really good blazer or leather jacket (I have like 6 in a shopping cart). But really good jeans (my favorite are Re/done) are important too. I mean, shoes too, I can’t live without great shoes 🤪🤷🏻‍♀️ Ohhhh, and definitely invest in a good coat, it’s a staple that will last a lifetime. I’m on the hunt for a long trench. Sorry, I can’t answer that one!

q: your skin always looks so good. What is your secret?
a: I’m really good about skincare morning and night. And I swear by the Dr. Dennis Gross red light mask. I use it every night after I shower and I swear I haven’t broken out in over a year. I use IS Clinical vitamin C in the morning. I’ve also been loving the new Sunday Riley brightening vitamin C cream in the morning too. Then Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum at night. Should I share more detail on everything I use?? Oh, I love Tata Harper skincare eye serum (on sale at Nordstrom’s) and body balm.

5. New York so far.

This trip has been so special. I started things off on the highest note, with Live with Kelly & Ryan. What a fun show to have the opportunity to be on! It’s funny because back when Red was doing press for the Olympics in 2018, he went on himself. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to do this show, so this felt extra special. And wow, Kelly and Ryan really are a dynamite duo, and SO SWEET. Kelly and I connected over her love for Colorado, and Ryan for his love of food. We all had so much fun together.

And I’m just going to put this out into the world right here, I would love to come back in December. Doing a holiday segment with them would be so special! We all know how much I love anything holiday!

When I wrapped with Kelly & Ryan, I headed back to my hotel, threw on some shoes, and went for a walk in Central Park. It was the perfect time to see the leaves. They are not in peak season yet, but still so pretty. Did I have time to be doing this? No, not at all, but I did, and I’m so happy about it.

I then spent the rest of the day working on a new project before heading out to a Variety party, then drinks and appetizers with a friend. We went to Rosemary’s in Tribeca, which was very cute and cozy. Order the burrata if you go.

I was up early the following day for a shoot with Uber Eats in Brooklyn. I’m not allowed to say what it’s for just yet, but it’s going to be out soon, so more to come. It all turned out really great. It was a long day for sure, but fun!

And today, as I type this away, I have a break between interviews, then our Snif launch dinner tonight. It’s at Palma, so I’m sure the food will be amazing. More to come on this trip next week! But it’s really been incredible!

6. Pumpkin Smash the candle.

YOU GUYS! Oh my goodness. In less than a week our pumpkin smash candle completely sold out. Craziness. Your endless support never ever goes unnoticed. I feel so loved and am so happy everyone is enjoying the candles!

It has been so fun to watch everyone unbox and style each candle in their homes. But what’s even better is the feedback! We have not had one complaint. The universal message from you all is that this really is the BEST candle you’ve ever smelled!

Ahhh, this just fills me up with happiness. Candles are so special, and the pumpkin smash candle truly is magic.

So much so that it is SOLD OUT. But Snif listened to your comments and scrambled to see if a restock was possible. They were able to make this happen with delivery sometime before Thanksgiving, which is perfect timing! This really will be it though, when these are gone they’re gone. These candles will look so pretty on your Thanksgiving tables or around the house. And if you need a hostess gift, this is a wonderful option. Of course, you could always add a cookbook too! 😉

Preorder the candles HERE for delivery in November.

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

Holiday 2022 Gift Guides…from Studio McGee. Can’t believe it is time for these!

Airport Outfits Everyone Will Wear for the Rest of 2022…need something comfy.

31 Amazon Finds That Make Traveling So Much Easier…holiday travel is coming.

How To Budget for the Holidays Without Blowing Your Savings…spend smart.

Mary-Kate Olsen Aces Another High-Low Look…I love anything with the Olsens.

72 Housewarming Gifts Guaranteed to Get You Welcomed Back…lots of ideas.

The Ralph Lauren Fashion Show Took Place at  Beaux Arts Mansion…so pretty.

The Self-Tanners We’re Relying On…great for heading into hibernation season.

Tour a Distinctly Modern Home in Jackson, Wyoming…very serene.

5 Themes to Try for Your “Just Because” Party…love this,  especially during this time of year.

‘Moisture Sandwich’ Skincare…how you layer your skincare is so important.

Basics Ruled the Runways This Season…36 classic looks to copy immediately.

We’re Calling It…these are the best online home décor brands around.

8. Everything I love, under $100.

everything I brought to New York

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Baked 4 Cheese Butternut Squash Rigatoni

Tuesday:Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Wednesday: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Garlic Butter Pretzels

Thursday: Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Friday: Roasted Garlic Alla Vodka Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Saturday: Haunted Pumpkin Patch Margarita

Sunday: Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies