Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Grandpa and Oslo

You all, I am convinced I need to move to Miami. Or actually, just somewhere in South Florida. Maybe more like Palm Beach or the Jupiter area? Either way, I’m dreaming about south Florida, it’s calling my name. After a very short stay in Miami last week, it’s all I can think about. I need that warmth, that sunshine, the humidity on my skin. It ignites a whole new energy for me.

Yep, I need to make the change. Maybe it’s not full-time, but at least rent a place down there during these late winter/early spring months when the weather in Colorado is killing me. It’s been snowing here since I got home from Miami. And even though I’m not yet fully prepared, I’m happy to be on my way to LA today. I’ll be spending a few days in LA, then heading to New York with back-to-back trips. Nothing too exciting, just a lot of meetings with a handful of fun projects sprinkled in too. I’m very much looking forward to both trips. And as I mentioned above, I’m really looking forward to being in the warm sunshine and not snowy weather. I am so ready for spring!

And before everyone who’s from LA starts to comment, yes, I did look at the weather. It looks like all the spring rain will have cleared up! A little chillier temps, but sunny skies. Please, just give me the warm sunshine!

My family can’t get enough of the warm weather either. Since I have back-to-back work trips, they decided to stay put in Florida and continue soaking up all the nice weather. They’re going to be in Miami…with no plane tickets home as of right now. Honestly, I’m wondering if they’ll ever be coming back. Oslo is loving life too. That kid loves the heat, I miss him and Asher!

My time in Miami last week was short and sweet. I stayed at the Feana yet again. It’s the nicest hotel, very unique, and everyone who’s on staff is always so kind. I haven’t had time, but next time I go, I’m dying to check out their spa, Tierra Santa Healing House. I’ve been hearing how nice it is. I have, however, eaten at 3 of their 5 restaurants. Each provides a fun experience with such delicious food. It was a really nice hotel to stay at, plus I love that it’s right off the boardwalk making it super walkable.

I got home from Miami last week with only a few days to cook before heading out again. It’s been a mad dash to prep everything for my 2 weeks of travel ahead. Hopefully, by the time you read this, I am on my way with everything all taken care of!

Enjoy this week’s, shorter, but hopefully still good, favorite’s post!

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

wanting…to find Hello Freakin Fresh Whitening Toothpaste, Fluoride Free Hemp Toothpaste. It’s sold out everywhere. I’ve been on the hunt for a great non-toxic toothpaste and everyone recommends this one. 

everything in my cart (low)… I really love this hourglass blazer from The Frankie Shop. The cinched waist is super cute. Cargo pants are everywhere, loving these oversized buttoned trench coat and tabbed cargo pants from Zara. Trendier, but affordable, which we love. Also, from Zara a very chic oversized buttoned trench coat and this cute gold buttoned jacket.

This sequins maxi flower dress from Mango is fun too. Love the flower detail.

For shoes, I’m currently obsessed with the new Adidas red Bayern Munich Team Samba sneaker. The color is so good (I’ve been really into red). Also, Hoka sneakers, I keep hearing and reading about how amazing they are. If you have a pair, what’s your favorite? I need a more neutral color. Thinking maybe these?

listening to…Dr. Will Cole On Managing Inflammation, Gut Health, Your Nervous System, & The Right Diet For You. Favorite podcast of the week. Recommend this one x 10.

following…Dr. Will Cole. And reading his newest book, Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel.

dreaming of going to…SoHo Beach House Canouan. My parents, Creighton, Abby, Asher, and Oslo were just here with my grandfather. They said it was so remote, tranquil, and beautiful!

loving…turmeric. I hate taking anything like Advil, so instead, I rely on turmeric. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, but a high-quality form of turmeric. It helps to reduce swelling, pain in joints, and pain in bones. It can also improve memory, help prevent cancer, lower your risk of heart disease, and fight depression. It’s such a miracle worker in so many aspects of health. It’s certainly something to look into if you’re looking to improve your day-to-day wellness. If you have a high-quality form of turmeric you enjoy taking, let me know what you feel is the best. I’ve tried a couple of different kinds but I’m on the hunt for the best one out there!

shopping…The Food52 Spring Refresh Sale – Here Are 20 of Our Top Discounted Items. My picks are below.

everything beauty…if you’re heading on spring break, try these sunscreens. My family loves the Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45. The La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 60 is another go-to. You can never go wrong with the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF, I think it’s my favorite. Oh, but then I also love Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen.

For foundation, I personally don’t wear any, but I’m kind of curious to test out the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation. Everyone loves the new formula. 

following…Pretend Plants and Flowers. Pretty, Pretty, florals.

shopping…the big Saks sale. Picks are below.

traveling…if you’re heading to Aspen for spring skiing, check out the French Alpine Bistro and Matsuhisa for dinner. We love both spots, the food is great!

watching…“This Has to Be an Epic Show”—Donatella Versace Takes Vogue Backstage in LA. Love the behind-the-scenes of this incredible show.

wanting…Easter nails. Ok, so I never get to have my nails painted, but all of these colors/styles are so cute. I especially love this nail color/detailing, so fun.

everything in my cart (high)…This Hooded crepe mini dress from Ferragamo is super unique, I love anything with a hood, but especially a dress. Continuing on with dresses, in my Net-a-Porter cart, this Bustier Dress from Loewe is the perfect little black dress. Ok, and how about this pretty Blaise strapless duchesse-satin maxi dress from 16 Arlington? So pretty and timeless, also added to my cart. All 3 dresses are wonderful for your next wedding, Easter, or fancier spring outing.

We all need new swimsuits for spring/summer days, this Adriana Degreas Matelasse Strapless High-Leg Bikini is on my “want” list.

Lastly, these Prada Triangle Logo Raffia Ankle-Wrap Flats are the perfect vacation shoe – fun color and so cute. They’d be cute paired with this Belted Nylon Gabardine A-Line Midi Skirt also from Prada.

shopping…splurge worth ceramics. I found these Coral glazed ceramic mugs on Net-a-Porter. I then went on to discover this Chloe ceramic serving bowl. Do I need them? They’re pretty, both are from Marloe Marloe.

drinking…Creamy Coconut Lime Mojito, an oldie but such a goodie.

loving…Éterne. Another oldie, but goodie. These are “my cozies” I look forward to jumping into them every night. They also have incredible travel pieces and they now offer cashmere pieces as well. I love their soft basics and really do live in these pieces.

reading…Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See.

2. For spring, 5 appetizers and 5 salads.

– appetizers –

Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives

Artichoke Gouda Tart

Avocado Shrimp Salsa

Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Pull Apart Garlic Butter Spinach and Artichoke Dip Sliders

– salads –

Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad

Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowls

Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

Parmesan Tahini Kale Salad with Breadcrumbs and Crunchy Chickpeas

3. Spring home refresh.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: top 5 beauty products you bring when traveling? 
a: It’s the same core product that I use daily. Is Clinical cleansing complex, eye cream and pro heal serum. Biologique-Recherche Amniotique VG, and moisturizer.  Biologique-Recherche, Augustinus Bader, Tata Harper, and Sunday Riley all have great moisturizers.

q: new camera? Your menu photos look so pretty this week! 
a: No! I still have the same setup, I’ve just been playing more with the light and changing angles. I get bored easily and very quickly. When I’m bored creatively I tend to switch things up a little without even realizing I’m doing it. Even little tweaks like new dishes, lighting, and angles can excite me. I can’t be bored 🤷🏻‍♀️ I will not share anything I’m not excited about, so if I’m bored that’s not good.

q: the remodel! Big plans in the works? 
a: Yes and yes!! I’m excited to share on this, but more to come later. This project will take time!!! I will share everything though!

q: best cure for feeling blue? 
a: Flowers, candles, and getting outside, even when it’s cold. It’s all about enjoying the little things. They can add so much to your day and are often overlooked.

q: I LOVE how much you love flowers. They bring such happiness into the home.
a: Couldn’t agree more – I really do love flowers and candles!

q: what tools do you use for creating, editing, and scheduling content?
a: So the only thing we schedule is each day’s new post on the website. We schedule it to go up at 2 am MT. We use the scheduling option that WordPress provides. I schedule the Facebook post to go up at that same time. Same with Twitter. Other than that, I don’t schedule any other content. All social content for Instagram and TikTok I post live.

For editing, the only other thing I use is Lightroom. I love to use the Tezza app for fun photo edits for Instagram stories. I keep most of my editing pretty minimal.

q: how was New York fashion week? Love seeing that content!! 
a: Absolutely amazing. I loved every second and hope to do more within that space. It’s exciting and something new for me that I’ve always enjoyed. Food will always be my focus and I will not stop sharing new recipes, but having other interests keeps me creative.

q: if you could pick one cocktail glass, which one would it be? 
a: What a random question. Haha! But a rocks glass for sure, so versatile.

q: New York hotel recommendations? Family of 4 with 2 teenagers? 
a: The Park Hyatt New York! It’s very family-friendly and in a nice location with spacious rooms.

q: go-t0 designer pieces for travel?
a: Currently I”m looking for a really great carry-on bag. One that fits my computer, some cords, and personal items. Think a big should bag or backpack. I ordered one from The Row but it wasn’t the right fit for me. So I’m still on the lookout! Otherwise, all my luggage is from Beis and I usually wear Éterne pieces on the plane ✈️  sweats + a hoodie and jacket and APL sneaks.

q: favorite designer handbags?
a: I’m obsessed with so many, but the ones that I have currently are Dior and Fendi. It’s hard to say just one or two. I have lots that come to mind. Haha. A girl can dream!!

5. Hearing your stories.

I was out for my morning hike when a couple that I often see stopped to say they had made the Chicken Pad Thai recipe and loved it. The couple went on about how delicious it was and how nice it was to have the leftovers the following day. They are the absolute sweetest couple and I love seeing them out and about so often.

They then went on to say that they were planning to make the strawberry cookies too! Seeing the two of them completely made my morning. They were so sweet about my recipes and honestly it was so nice to hear. I needed the reminder that I do what I do because I LOVE to share with the people around me, and with all of you. I often forget that our recipes reach SO MANY people every single day, I mean, millions, it’s crazy. But even after 10+ years, my very favorite thing is connecting with you all. Hearing your stories about your favorite recipes, or how you’re now into cooking because of me, it really blows me away. Thank you all for the support, the kindness, and your excitement, it means SO MUCH!

Lastly, we hit the New York Times Bestseller list yet again this week. A whole year after the release of HBH Every Day. Thank you so much for your support now and over the years! It truly amazes me every day the loyal HBH family we’ve built

6. A few Miami photos + Inspiring me.

from Miami

– family photos –

– inspiring –

(goals: to give myself a little pat on the back, be kind + happy, and celebrate more)

(want: I adore this arrangement. I can’t wait for dahlia season)

(love: these tiles. I am a sucker for a nice bathroom)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

The Best Wedding Venues in Italy…what a dream.

18 Sweet and Spicy Turmeric Recipes…love a turmeric recipe.

Everything You Need to DIY Lymphatic Drainage at Home…taking notes.

Crater Lake National Park…how to explore America’s deepest and bluest lake.

The Best Travel Accessories to Pack on Every Trip…good ideas.

Guests Staying at Select Four Seasons Can Now Borrow Designer Handbags for Free…kind of fun.

Easter Entertaining Two Ways…Easter is around the corner! 

Melissa McCarthy Wants You to Be Nicer to Gate Agents…awe, we love this.

7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Digital Life…love these ideas.

Wall Pilates is Taking Over FitTok…need to try.

12 IKEA Pax Hacks That Give Our Nonfunctional Closets Hope…dream closets.

All the Decor Items I’m Eyeing to Refresh My Home for Spring…affordable finds.

8. The best basics.

affordable

invest

jeans + heels for spring

the Abercrombie spring drop – the best affordable pieces

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Black Pepper Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas with Avocado Basil Ranch

Tuesday: Chili Crisp Chicken Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Lemon Brown Butter Salmon and Potatoes

Thursday: Spinach and Artichoke Pita Grilled Cheese

Friday: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Melted Burrata

Saturday: Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata

Sunday: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Latte Shake