Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Ok ok, I just received a set of photos for an upcoming project. I’ll get to share them very soon, and you all, I can’t wait! This is something we’ve never done before, totally new, totally fresh, and so fun – plus exciting. I really hope you’ll all be just as in love with this project as I am. I get to share it with you all in just a few short weeks. I’m so excited!

And in general, I am so excited! I know, I’ve been saying this every week for a while now. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with feeling happy and excited, and this is my place to share it.

On the flip side, not going to sugarcoat it, Monday was hard for me. But I took the day in, excepted it for what it was, and we moved on. By Tuesday I’d turned things around and ended up having an amazing week.

I’ve been home all week, which is rare these days, but I’m working non-stop in the kitchen in prep for a lot of travel in September. I think everything happening in September is pushing me forward here at home, so that’s kind of nice. We have a lot coming up – plus we’re about to enter my very favorite season!

Also, football is starting up again, so the tailgating season is upon us. I have some excitement around this. Mainly because I already have a few appetizers/snacks in mind that I’m really looking forward to sharing with you all. Are there any recipes or drinks you’d like to see me make this season? I’m doing wings this season for sure. Which believe it or not, is something different for me, so I can’t wait.

That’s all for today! Have a relaxing August Sunday. Enjoy this week’s favorites!

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

loving…back to school supplies. Always so fun. This metallic jotter pen set has me excited.

wanting…these pretty pietra wine glasses and fluted glass votives from McGee & Co.

everything in my cart (low)…OK, I have a big list today. First, let’s talk new fall Zara arrivals. This tailored blazer is so cute, wear it with tights, a skirt, or a good pair of trousers. If you want something cropped, this cropped wool blazer and wide-leg wool pant set is perfect. And this oxford shirt is a nice staple. Same with this cashmere sweater, which looks comfy and is great for fall.

If you love a sheer moment, try this semi-sheer knit top and semi-sheer knit skirt set. The set together is super chic. The look would be cute with these kitten heels, which I really think we all need.

Onto some bags, this new Madewell cutout leather tote is a nice carry-all bag. Another carry-all that I’m loving, is this bucket bag in leather and calf hair from J.Crew. This leather crossbody bag looks like it’s from the designer label, The Row.

And on the pricy side, but yet affordable for a designer bag, the Staud Valerie shoulder bag is very on trend for this fall. And last, the Coach Ergo Bag. Could be cute as a birthday gift. Asher would love this bag. Also love the Reformation rosetta shoulder bag.

listening to…Arielle Lorre, Wellness & Beauty Influencer: Glass Skincare Routine, Being Authentically Yourself, Plastic Surgery That’s Worth It, and More. The first 11 minutes are SO GOOD. The remainder of the podcast is great, but might not be for everyone.

watching…the Summer I Turned Pretty. Asher loves this show. She said the season 2 finale was really good.

loving…this cute, sweet country house designed by Devol Kitchens. Such a cozy small space.

listening to…Mental Health, Life’s Big Lessons, and Finding Your Niche with Ashley Tisdale. This was cute and inspiring. I’m excited to try the Being Frenshe products after listening to this!

shopping…Being Frenshe. After listening to the founder, Ashely Tisdale, on her podcast this week, I couldn’t wait to try her candles. I got all 4, cashmere vanilla, lavender cloud, citrus amber, and solar fleur. Love the $11 price tag too!

wanting…everything from the Haand site. So many cute pieces for the kitchen. Love the glassware and the mugs are adorable.

everything in my cart (beauty)…really love everything from Violette_FR. Using bisou blush for the cheek and bisou balm + petal bouche matte for the lips.

For a plumper lip, try the LAWLESS Forget The Filler Lip Plumper and the Dior Maximizer Plumping Gloss.

Ordered…Crown Affair hair towel. I needed a new hair wrap and this one sounded nice plus it has great Sephora reviews. Excited to try the Le Labo basil shower gel. Plus, a new to me product from dae, their stargloss shine hair gloss treatment.

Fragrance I’m dying to try? The Prada infusion de figue eau de parfum. Sounds wonderful.

watching…Naomi, Cindy, Linda & Christy Remember The Dawn of The Supermodel Era. Loved this, and I also love the Vogue September cover even more.

wanting…some new kitchen pieces. I need these clear fridge organizer bins, but I want this cute toaster even more. Loving this Goldtouch 6-piece everyday set. And I really want this Always Pan from Our Place. Do you have this pan already? Do you love it?

everything in my cart (high)…this sweet bow-detailed crepe mini dress from Giambattista Valli, so pretty. Love the attention to detail. I would die for the Bruno Sweater from Interior. Love, love, love the pretty neckline yet how cozy the sweater looks.

Accessories, I’m in love with the Ferragamo mini leather tote. And I have to tell you all, I splurged on this YSL leather belt and it’s been my most complimented piece all month long. It’s perfect. And lastly, these Simkhai crystal mules are stunning. A great night out kind of heel.

following…Meredith Van Ness. She has been sharing so many inspiring, uplifting quotes. This is a favorite one.

2. Simple crockpot recipes we love.

Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo

Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls

Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken and Creamy Orzo

Crockpot Greek Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo

3. Pottery Barn fall decor.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: how many steps do you take a day? 
a: I don’t track my steps or anything like that. I know my personality and for me personally, this is not something that would be healthy for me to do. I know so many people who love tracking steps, but I’d become obsessive about it, which is not healthy.

q: do you get food on your phone?
a: Definitely! Today was a mix of ice cream, peanut butter, and shrimp. My phone was sticky and gross. I wipe my lens down with a microfiber cloth before I film anything (always do this, a clean lens makes the biggest difference). Then I clean my phone with a wet rag every night after cooking. I can’t stand a sticky phone with smudges on the screen.

q: top 3 kitchen essentials? 
a: A cutting board for the counter, a good knife set, and a cast iron skillet. If I can add a 4th, it would be a blender OR food processor, either work.

q: do you ever have recipe fails and want to give up/scratch the recipe?
a: Yes! For sure! When this happens I have to switch things up. In pause the project I’m having trouble with and move to a new project. Later, I’ll go back and make adjustments. Usually, I’ll come back in a day or two with a whole new idea on how I can make it better. Or I may switch gears completely and create something new that I’m even more excited about. For me, I find it best to push through creative ruts instead of not doing anything creative at all. Sometimes I just need time away from that specific project to see it with a new eye. But I don’t stop creating, I just move to something else and then come back later! Does that make sense?

q: favorite dinnerware set?
a: I’ve been using this set from Lulu and Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel a lot over the last two weeks. It’s super versatile, durable, and cute too. The pasta bowl is my favorite piece.

q: are you creating a new Snif candle? 
a: Should I!?! I had so much fun creating our pumpkin smash candle last year. Would you all be excited about a new scent? What scent would you love the most?

q: advice on what to buy high versus low?
a: Buy high investment/staple pieces that can last years. But for trendier items buy mid-range/low. I LOVE designer pieces but not everything has to be so high-end. I like to mix and match and find that’s the best fit for me. J. Crew, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, and Urban Outfitters all have really great affordable pieces. Shopbop and Revolve have a good mix of both high/low (which is why I shop both often). Love Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter and FWRD for designer pieces.

q: what pajamas do you wear?
a: I live in my Eterne lounge pants. My favorite for travel and bed, I LOVE the materials.

q: favorite wellness rituals?
a: Legs up the wall + dry brushing every night before I shower. I no longer have dry skin, which is amazing! It’s soft…almost like a baby’s skin. The difference is huge. And also really good daily supplements (I mostly take Cymbiotika and love it). And of course the Dr Dennis Gross red light mask 👻 good skincare too.

q: where do you stay on family vacations? 
a: We usually rent a house since we have a big group. Vrbo is great for this. Personally, I’d love to stay at Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Cabo which was just recommended to me. Or Paradero in Baja looks nice too!

q: wardrobe staples? 
a: A go-to pair of denim, a white button down, a great pair of trousers, the perfect plain white tee, a really great dress, sneaks, pretty flats or a great loafer, an oversized blazer, a knee-high boot, and a carry everything tote bag.

5. Bullying, rude comments, and negativity.

With growth and change in the public eye, come very unwanted comments, let’s call it “adult bullying”. We receive adult bullying on all platforms, but they mostly come through Instagram and the comments left here in these Sunday posts.

It’s sad to see, hard to know how to manage, and all in all, it’s getting old. I’m not going to go on about this because it’s not fun or needed. But many of you have asked for us to better monitor the comments and while we’ve never deleted or “reviewed” comments in the past, we’ve decided that we don’t want or need the negativity energy.

Whoever the haters are, I hope that you are able to find some help and happiness in your life. Shaming others and bringing others down is never the answer. And it’s not going to make you happy.

As my mom says, treat everyone the way you’d want to be treated. With kindness, be the bigger person in every situation.

Thank you to the 98% of you who genuinely love to read, follow, and usually leave wonderful comments. We LOVE and appreciate you all more than you know. Thank you for being here on a regular basis!

6. Inspiring me.

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

Shea’s Back-to-School Edit…cute selects.

11 Fall Date Night Ideas…because this season is truly the best.

10 Airbnbs With the Most Amazing Views…where would you stay?

Unwrinkle Your Wardrobe ASAP…the best clothes steamers.

The Most Anticipated New Books of Fall 2023…new book recommendations.

8. Fall Style finds for under $200.

wedding dresses for fall

fall boots 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Pan Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice

Tuesday: Skillet Corn and Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Bake

Wednesday: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Thursday: Easy Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Pizzas

Friday: BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken Tacos with Ranch Corn Slaw

Saturday: Mini Blueberry Muffins

Sunday: Giant Magic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies