Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – LA for 48 hours

Happy June! It’s not summer just yet, but June always marks the start of the laidback summer days we’ve been dreaming about from January til now.

As I type this, I’m currently in Los Angeles but headed home Saturday night. Very quick trip to film a few more videos with Benny. Are you all enjoying this slightly different type of content? These videos are definitely meant to be more fun. Just something different to share with you all. I’m having fun with these, I’d love to know what you all think!

While in LA this time, I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. This was my first time staying at the hotel and I just have to say what a nice experience it was. The rooms are very pretty, and everyone who works at the hotel was so helpful. Definitely a great LA hotel option for sure! Next time, I’d love to make it to their spa, their menu sounds wonderful! 

As we often do, we worked with Emily Lutz at Lutz Travel. I wanted to mention her because Emily is really amazing and so helpful when planning travel. She’s worked on many of our awesome trips. Including our upcoming summer vacation with the whole family (not an easy task!). It’s coming up, any more guesses? It’s warm and on the ocean – but not in Mexico.

Aside from our family vacation in a couple of weeks, we may spend some time in Florida before heading to Cleveland for a wedding. Should all be fun! Summer is such a great time to squeeze in family things!

The one thing I would also love to do is make it to New York soon. It’s been a while since my last trip and I miss the city!

Man, what else has been happening? My dad is on a big health kick after reading a book on longevity by Peter Attia. He loved the book and found the information shared to be super valuable. He can’t stop telling me about it.  One of his biggest takeaways has been that what you eat matters greatly towards longevity. He and my mom also watched an interview with Dr. Mark Hyman who echoed what Dr. Attia wrote. Dr. Hyman strongly believes in using food as medicine.

My dad’s trying to eat more protein, more vegetables, and no added sugars. I can’t really argue with this, so expect to see more recipes focused on high-protein and summer sweets made without sugar!! I love a challenge in the kitchen, so I’m excited.

Ok, moving on to June, here are some things making me happy. The super early morning light that streams through my house is the absolute best way to wake up. It shines into my bedroom and directly into the kitchen where I have bouquets of fresh peonies sitting on the counter. It’s so nice, and I love those hours when the world is still sleeping.

And then, speaking of which, flowers! Fresh flowers have been giving me so much joy, especially with all this gloomy weather we’ve had as of late. Flowers and candles! It’s the simplest things that are making me happy right now. And what I’m looking forward to most is probably just a low-key week in Florida with my family before we head to Cleveland. Should be so great!

I think that’s all the updates I have for today. Not too much happening, but that’s the beauty of summer.

Enjoy this week’s favorite selects. I have some good ones!

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

loving…spring and summer nail trends. If I was not cooking 24/7, I would totally do my nails for summer. The latest trends are so cute. I love following. Zola Ganzorigt and Queenie Nguyen for inspiration ideas. 

wanting…to test out/try DedCool laundry detergent. I am always looking for a detergent that does the job, smells nice (or is fragrance-free), and is made with clean ingredients. This is a new to me brand I’m dying to try. I’d also like to try the currently sold-out Melrose Place detergent whenever it becomes available again.

everything in my cart (low)…every single new arrival from Abercrombie is so good. I linked my favorites for summer below. Too many to list out!

Then, this linen top is in my Reformation cart and I need to purchase it for upcoming summer travel. It would look really cute tucked into this denim midi skirt. Speaking of skiirts, I am on the hunt for a skirt like this semi sheer knit midi skirt. It’s close to what I want but not exact. Also, loving ribbed midi skirts.  And one last one from Reformation, I adore their Gia linen midi skirt.

This woven leather bag is a great summer find.

listening to…Kim Kardashian ON: How to Deal with Challenging Times in Parenting & Learning to Love Again. I found this to be so motivational. I know that most either love or hate the Kardashians. But I do think they can too easily be judged by what is put out online that they just can’t control. Kim seems to have a really solid head on her shoulders with strong values. I give her a lot of credit, and her work ethic is very inspiring.

loving…raffia bags for the summer. I found this cute Saint Laurent small panier raffia bag. Then all of a sudden I started to see so many other cute raffia and woven bags. Below are some of my favorites (high + low). Oh, and these Sézane bags are so pretty too. Loving their June basket bag and alma bucket bag.

shopping…West Elm’s new Rhode Collab. Their Wiggle Rope Bath Mat and Wiggle Round Pillow are both cute.

reading…A Guide to Bridal Skin Care From a Celebrity Facialist. No, I’m not getting married, but for any of you who are, this is a must, must-read. Cynthia is the facialist I always see in New York. She is the reason my skin has been so good this last year. No one is better! This is such a good Vogue article.

everything in my cart (beauty)…in my Sephora cart, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. I think it’s finally time I get this. I’ve wanted this hair dryer for the longest time – just added it to my cart now.

Other items in my cart, Anastasia Beverly Hills Precision Brow Brush because I love a bold brow. The Shiseido Eyelash Curler, which I’ve owned previously and loved. Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer is a forever go-to moisturizer. It is so good. And I love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.

And I’m curious about Drunk Elephant’s Bronzing Drops with Peptides. The product sounds amazing. I need to try it for summer!

I still haven’t gotten the hang of gua sha, but this pretty Xiuyan jade Gua Sha tool is making me really want to learn.

Lastly, I am not a big fragrance girl, but I love the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet scent. I’d also like to try out the classic, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

burning…a few new Boy Smells scents. Working my way through their Farm to Candle collection. I’m currently burning, Rinder, and enjoying the sweet smells of watermelon and fresh summer air. Excited to burn Herbaceous and Snap next. Also, their Hypernature Votive Candle Set (5 candles) is 20% off on Nordstrom right now.

watching…The Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2023.

listening to…the Jonas Brothers on Armchair Expert. I was never a big Jonas Brothers girl growing up, but now? Loving them! I also enjoyed reading their interview with Who What Wear as well. 

wanting…to try some new to me coffee beans. Lifeboost Embolden Dark Roast is in my shopping cart. Ever tried this brand? I love that it is USDA organic.

reading…The Trendy New Supplement Everyone’s Talking About for Insane Health Benefits. I’m down with this trend. My mom has always preached the importance of Colostrum for newborns in their first few days of life.

everything in my cart (high)…Loving mini skirts and this denim mini from Miu Mu is on my got-to-get-it-list. Meaning it’s sitting in my shopping cart. As is this printed stretch mesh midi dress from Loewe. This is different for me, but I think the dress is really cute.

I was not always a loafer person, but I of course love them now. These black mule loafers from Khaite are sold out in my size and I’m determined to find them.

For all the brides this summer, there are A LOT of crazy cute white pieces. Very into this Self Portrait embellished maxi skirt and crop top set.

Now shoes, these buckled suede mules are super cute and sweet. They’d go with most looks, but especially a jeans and tee look. Also, the Khaite Seigel 65 suede sandals are a nice dressier option that I adore.

I currently have my eyes on the classic Gucci Diana medium tote bag. And of course, I love the Prada re-edition 1995 mini handbag in red. Very chic. Oh, and the Bottega Veneta sardine bag in green, such nice color for summer. Lastly, this is fun, the oyster shell clutch from Simkhai. And then, the Louis Vuitton Metallic Garden Keepall Bandouliere Bag

Father’s Day idea…this Nixon custom watch. I like how you can build exactly what you like and even have it engraved. Here’s the one my mom built.

2. The most popular recipes of May.

Most popular: One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice

Runner-up: 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

Also, have to mention: Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

And Dad’s Favorite: Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers

OK, last one: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

3. For the Summertime Kitchen.

Crate and Barrel – tabletop 

Food 52

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: what nontoxic cleaning supplies do you like? 
a: I love Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner

q: why do you give so much content for free? 
a: This is a question my team asks me all the time. It’s because I want to. You all give me SO much of your time every single day. I love being a free source of recipes for you and getting to see all the recipes YOU make!! My DMs and tags are never-ending! I figure I give a little to get A LOT. I feel like I’m in a place where I know you all will support me when I release new cookbooks, and hopefully soon, new product!! You showing up here every Sunday, (: even just visiting the website daily for those free recipes, gives me support. Give a little bit – gain a lot 🤍

q: are you a blended family or just one big family? 
a: My parents have been together forever. I don’t have any step or half-siblings. We’re all one family – just a big one!

q: what is your favorite luggage set? 
a: I love Béis Luggage. I use their carry-on and 29″oversized bag every trip. No complaints.

q: what do you have to say about all the negative comments and feedback? 
a: Nothing to say here. Stop commenting about it. Start living by the motto, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. Trust me, that will serve you well.

q: Comments on Oslo’s hair?
a: We like Oslo’s hair. There’s more than one way to do something. That applies to cooking as well. If we only did things one way that would be kind of boring. We’re not boring over here. It’s no one’s business or anyone’s place to make comments. Say all you want about me, that’s totally fine, I open myself up to that, but leave the family alone.

q: favorite edible flower? 
a: It’s always changing. I always pair the flower with the recipe depending on the colors in the recipe or the mood I want to set with the photo. My go-to edible flowers are chamomile, lavender, roses, hibiscus, micro dahlias, micro mums, daisies, violets, and pansies. Loooove an edible flower detail 🌺

q: have you been to Italy? 
a: Nope, but I’d jump at the opportunity to go!!!

q: what do you do with your empty candle jars?
a: To be honest, I don’t always save them, but I mostly use them for flowers. If you keep pens and pencils on your desk they’re also great for that. Or just for keeping track of random things, holding jewelry, etc.

q: best affordable skincare product?
a: I am not an expert so I’m not educated on this, but vitamin C is incredible for anti-aging. You can also find really great affordable options (try Sunday Riley or Tatcha).

q: do you work with sponsored content brands?
a: Yes, but not often. I only work with brands I truly love and use daily. The partnership has to be right. Sponsored content has never been our main revenue source (the website is), so I’m thankful to be able to be very select with the few partnerships we do take on.

q: Favorite red light mask?
a: The Dr. Dennis Gross is my favorite at-home mask. I’ve been using mine for almost 2 years. Highly recommend.

q: will Creighton get married?
a: The question we all ask 🤔 he sure does love the freedoms of single bachelor life. Only time will tell…

5. The designer 2023/24 cruise shows.

(the Louis Vuitton 2024 show on Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore)

May was a busy month for anyone in the fashion space. Many designers hosted their 2024 cruise shows all over the world. From Europe to Mexico, and even a handful in the US. For me, it was so inspiring to follow every last detail of each show. Sharing a few of my favorite shows below.

Things started off with the Chanel 2023/24 cruise show in Los Angeles. To be expected, all of the looks were stunning. The venue was perfect and fit the colorful collection wonderfully. I loved looking through all the looks and following the show on social.

The Dior show in Mexico City came next. This was the most unique, unexpected show. Mexico City was the perfect location and fit the collection beautifully. The amount of detailing was so pretty!

And last up was the Louis Vuitton 2024 show which was held on Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore in Italy. This location alone was absolutely breathtaking. I could not get over this gorgeous European island. It was right out of a fairytale. Out of all the shows, this was my favorite. The looks, the location, and every last detail of this show were so thought out and I’m in awe of the creativity. It was elegant but mythical with a balance of contemporary femininity and romantic pieces.

6. Inspiring me.

Something I needed to hear. My mom always knows just what to send me. 

(via Mindset Therapy)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

What to Expect From ‘And Just Like That’ Season 2…are you excited?

What’s New in the Hamptons? The Restaurants, Hotels, and Stores to Know for Summer 2023…making travel plans.

Here’s How To Get To Know Someone New…the questions to ask.

26 Trader Joe’s Products We Can’t Live Without…what are your favorite TJ products?

Jeremiah Brent Palm Beach Home…Can I just move in? Love this home (and the location).

Dyson’s New Launch Aims to Make Another Annoying Household Chore Less Awful

In Chanel, Lily-Rose Depp Takes Fashion Inspiration From ’90s Christy Turlington

Every Single Trader Joe’s Salad…all the salads ranked. I never would have guessed the winner.

25 Movies You Need to See This Summer…any movies you’re excited for?

50 Therapy Dupes That’ll Send Your Serotonin Skyrocketing…saving for when needed.

8. Nordstrom half-yearly sale.

Nordstrom designer styles 

the under $300 summer edit

everything Free People

new jewels

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Tuesday: Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon Bowl

Wednesday: Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata

Thursday: Sheet Pan Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas

Friday: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday: Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Sunday: Blender Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins