Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – happy on set in Chicago

I can’t tell you all how happy and excited I feel right now. I know I’ve been saying this for months, but we have so many exciting (new) projects and launches in the works. They’re slowly starting to come to fruition and it’s so exciting!

I spent most of the week in Chicago on a shoot for something we’re launching this September. All I can say is that this is something we’ve never done before, something completely new and different. It’s going to be so good. The excitement I feel after leaving such a wonderful shoot has given me new life, and new hope. It just feels so good. A little life tip for you all? Surround yourself with only the best people and it’s crazy the things you can create. I am so, so, so thankful to finally have the right people around me. It’s such a blessing.

And on top of that, we also had a call this week for something that will come in about a year’s time. We’re working so hard on it right now, but it’s fun to see my visions come to life.

And after traveling this past week, I’m back at it again, for a couple work related things. And yes, one of them is another launch that will come in late fall. So you see? All good things and I just can’t express how thankful I am for you all. You show up for me regularly, follow along, have bought the books, and spend time on the website. I do what I do with you all in mind, thank you for letting me share my world with you! You all really do feel so much like family, it’s wonderful.

Ok, I’ll stop gushing now! Onto more life updates. As mentioned I’m heading out today actually for about a week and it’s going to be the best 2-stop trip. I’ll get some work and some family time in. It’s going to be so nice.

Speaking of my family, they’ve also been busy traveling. They spent two days in Aspen at The Limelight Hotel in Snowmass. They love staying there because you’re up in the mountains with great hiking, yet still close to town. According to Creighton, they have a great breakfast that’s included with your stay. We love that. It’s a great spot in Aspen if you are looking to go.

I think that’s it for life updates! Lots of rambling and reflecting today, but I hope it leaves a few of you with the motivation to embrace change and go for what you want this week!

Here’s another round of favorites!

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

loving…Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Yogurt. If you’re dairy-free, this is a great yogurt. I like the plain, but my cousin loves the strawberry.

wanting…everything Gorjana jewelry. They have the best dainty pieces. This is such a cute diamond palm necklace. Their Catalina Huggies and link bracelet are also cute.

everything in my cart (low)…I’m loving linen for summer. And these Zoey linen shorts and Olina linen pants from Reformation are great. These linen palazzo pants from Zara are cute too.

And for basics, try this knit tank from Reformation or a ribbed tank top from H&M.

And how cute is this ruffled off the shoulder silk dress and this Layla skirt from Reformation?

And for a cute bag, this Coach polished pebble leather crossbody bag is a part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

And last, these pretty resin metal earrings from Zara.

listening to…Tay & Tay Lautner: Taylor’s Version. To every single Taylor Swift fan out there, this episode is for you. Taylor Lautner talks details on his past with Taylor Swift, her song, I Can See You (Taylor’s Version), and the Eras Tour.

dreaming of going…Todos Santos Retreats. Located in Todos Santos, Mexico. Wow, this property looks stunning. It would fit my family perfectly. Looking for something smaller, The Hilton Los Cobos looks nice too.

loving…Yuka. This app allows you to scan barcodes, then analyze the health impact of food products and cosmetics.

shopping…Nnickey Kehoenew arrivals. New to me website. Such cute finds for the home and kitchen. Eying this ribbed glass pitcher.

everything in my cart (beauty)…The Chanel rouge coco tinted lip balm is so pretty. I would love to try their limited edition multi-effect quadra eyeshadow, and their powder blush too. They have the prettiest colors. Hourglass’s ambient lighting palette, is an old favorite too, adding it to my cart now, it’s so pretty. Ok ok, and I’m loving the shades of the Dior backstage glow face palette, wow.

For brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz brow pencil has been a long-time favorite of mine – just reordered. Also picked up the Charlotte Tilbury brow fix clear eyebrow gel. And my cousin Abby recommend the Benefit Cosmetics brow pencil, she said she’s been loving it!

Loving YSE beauty body oil liquid glow, spf 30 primer skin glow, and highlighter stick vacation glow for absolutely stunning (and glowing) summer skin.

watching…SUITS. Have you seen this? My cousin said I have to watch it.

listening to…From Nothing to Something – My Journey to Entrepreneurship. If you need something to inspire you, this is the perfect listen. 

dreaming of going…Il San Pietro, Positano. Someday SOON I will make it here. How beautiful is this place? Have you been?

everything in my cart (high)…Loving this cable knit cotton cricket sweater from Ralph Lauren. If you love the preppy vibe, this is for you.

And a cute bag for you, the Dior small toujours bag.

following…Jenna Cooper. She calls herself the secret agent for super special houses. And you all, some of the places she shares on her IG account are stunning. Makes me think I need to live in LA (I don’t, but the homes are pretty). Also, love shopping her website, +COOP LA.

reading…16 Books That Will Transport You to Your Dream Lake Vacation.

listening to…Giggly Squad. My cousin, Abby recommend this podcast. I’m excited to do a deep dive through past episodes. This is good if you need a fun podcast, something light-hearted.

2. Big Summer Salads – 5 favorites.

Smashed Cucumber and Watermelon Feta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

The Best Simple Vegan Potato Salad

Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

3. New for the mid-summer kitchen.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: when did your parents start dating?
a: High school, they’ve been together since my mom’s freshman year and my dad’s senior year.

q: why did your mom stop answering the question, about how to create a strong family unit?
a: She stopped because she didn’t want to get backlash for her answer (the internet is harsh). But we spend time together as a family very often, and we did that growing up too. It was always the family together, we didn’t split up much. I think it created a really strong unit. We all really love to be around one other and my parents always made it fun for us to do so. It was never a “dreadful” experience.

q: what did you watch growing up? 
a: Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and 7th Heaven. Oh, I watched Baywatch too.

q: what do you do for probiotics? 
a: I take Cymbiotika probiotic every day. Also, fermented food is a great source.

q: top kitchen essentials?
a: a cast iron skillet, knife set, cutting board, blender and/or food processor, stand mixer (if you love to bake). And a cookie scoop, I use mine for everything! Other items, sheet pans, baking dishes, and good towels (looking for new ones if you have recommendations)!

q: where do you want to travel? 
a: Morocco, South of France, Paris, and Greece.

q:
a: No, I’ve actually never been 🤷🏻‍♀️

q: favorite LA hotels? 
a: The MayBourne Beverly Hills, West Hollywood Edition, 1 Hotel West Hollywood. And then I just stayed at the Waldorf Beverly Hills and really enjoyed my stay. Oh, and the Santa Monica Proper Hotel is really nice too.

q: do you have a recipe you can’t make? 
a: Not a recipe, but I can’t get soft/hard-boiled eggs right.

q: are you going to the Taylor Swift concert? 
a: I wish, but I don’t have any plans to go – or tickets, sooo if you have an extra ticket 🤔

q: do you have a favorite vacuum? 
a: Any of the Dyson cordless vacuums are pretty incredible. I have the smaller one for my house and it’s the perfect size (and the larger one at the studio). I pull it out almost daily for quick sweeps but it also cleans the biggest of messes too. I highly recommend the Dyson, but research which of the Dyson vacuums is the best fit for you.

q: what are your favorite New York hotels?
a:

Downtown – Fouquets New York or The Greenwich Hotel.

Central Park – Park Hyatt New York

Soho – Soho Grand Hotel, The Bowery Hotel

Other hotels that I know people love, but I personally haven’t stayed at are, The Ned Nomad and Crosby Street Hotel. Also, Mercer Hotel.

5. Chicago in 72 hours (in photos).

As mentioned above, I really had such a wonderful trip to Chicago. We had the very best team in place on this shoot, including Kristen. I’ve now known Kristen for over five years. She shot the lifestyle photos for both Super Simple and Every Day. She shot our Etsy collab and numerous other projects as well. I felt lucky to get to spend a couple of days with her creating something amazing.

And aside from Kristen, shout out to hair and makeup, Cat and Dina. And then the entire team from Chicago. Every single person on set was so nice to work with.

Again, I can’t wait to share more soon! Ok, ok, below are some photos. Chicago is such a fun city!

6. Jamaica.

My family stayed at The Cliff Hotel in Negril. An affordable boutique hotel located on the west end of the island. They said the hotel has all you need. Beautiful sunsets, delicious food, and the kindest staff they’ve ever encountered. You could easily stay there and never leave. But of course, my family doesn’t know how to relax and they did hit up a few tourist spots.

My cousin’s friend referred them to Irie Mon Links Tours for airport transfers and tours and they couldn’t have been more pleased. Sanjay, the owner, was so friendly, trustworthy, honest, and professional, they were sad to say goodbye to him at the end of their stay. They never felt unsafe in Jamaica, in fact just the opposite, the people were so friendly! 🇯🇲

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

6 Celebrity Vacation Destinations Worthy of a Spot on Your List…booking flights.

These Secretly Damaging Habits Are Causing Your Dry Summer Hair…good to know.

The Best Kitchen Rug…cute finds.

The Lakefront Seattle Escape of Celebrity Hairstylist Jen Atkin…very pretty spot.

This Content Creator Bought A Flipped Home That Turned Out To Be A Trainwreck…Does She Regret It?

Walk-In Pantry Organization Ideas Are Hiding in Plain Sight…these are a dream.

A Trainer Swears By These 9 Low-Impact Exercises…love these ideas.

8. Abercrombie Best Dressed Guest + an Extra 20% Off.

get 15% off almost everything at Abercrombie + an additional 20% off with the code AF20.

the AF best dressed guest collection (use cade AF20)

such cute, affordable AF pieces (use cade AF20)

still in stock – the Nordstrom sale

Cute and affordable from H&M.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Orzo

Tuesday: Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad

Wednesday: Almost Instant Red Curry Beef and Garlic Noodles

Thursday: Crispy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tacos with Creamy Charred Corn Salsa

Friday: Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Saturday: Summer Bellinis 3 Ways

Sunday: Double Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread