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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
{Photo via Aaron Blatt (and one of my favorite ever photos)}
You guys. Major news.
My brother is officially going to the Olympics. The OLYMPICS!!!!!
We’ve known for a while now that Red was most likely heading to Korea for the Olympics this February, but he locked himself in after placing first place this past Friday in Aspen at the Toyota Grand Prix, his second first place finish in the Olympic Qualifiers. He is now officially confirmed as a member of the US Olympic Snowboard team.
This means the Gerard’s are all heading to Korea (all 17 of us!)!!!
My family is on cloud nine right now and the most excited and happy I have ever seen them. My siblings and I (and cousins!!!) are beyond words excited for Red. Seventeen years old, and headed to his first ever Winter Olympics.
I mean, I might just need to say that five times over again…Red’s going to the Olympics.
The freaking Olympics.
Words really can’t describe just how happy I am for my brother. I have watched this kid grow into someone I love hanging out with, someone who’s kind, someone who without fail always brings a smile to my face, someone who’s respectful, and someone who is clearly pretty hard working (…you know, if it’s something he enjoys…).
Feeling so grateful, so excited, and SO proud. Red’s going to the Olympics!!
{Photo via Aaron Blatt}
{Asher and Merle. Photo via Aaron Blatt}
OKAY. And done. Moving Along…
It’s kind of hard to top that news, but I still have a favorite’s post for you guys today, so let’s get to it.
Coming up this week we have more colorful and healthy recipes including a fresh new salmon recipe, a fun take on sheet pan cooking, the most vibrant smoothie, and more
Hoping you all have a great Sunday. Don’t forget to check out #9 for dinner inspiration for the upcoming week. Enjoy this week’s favorites!
1. I am headed to Austin, TX!
Tomorrow I’m heading to Austin to work on a fun project with the amazing Camille Styles. It’s a super quick two-day trip, but I’m excited. I’ve never been to Austin, but have heard so many great things. For any of you who live in the area or have traveled to Austin, is there anywhere I HAVE to go? Shopping? Food? Like I said, it’s a super quick trip and I’ll be working for most of it, but let me know if there’s something I have to check out.
2. A few places I have been around the web…
Over on The Chriselle Factor, I shared…
this Golden Sweet Potato Soup…the healthiest, creamiest, and prettiest soup.
and these Warming Healthy Cocktails…because we all need a cocktail every now and then.
Over on the Crate and Barrel Blog, I shared…
these Champagne Cupcakes…super fun for a birthday or celebration party.
3. My 3 Favorite Winter Citrus Recipes.
Glowing Citrus, Avocado, Quinoa, and Blackened Salmon Salad
Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema
Winter Citrus Ricotta Breakfast Bowl with Honeycomb
4. My 2018 Travel Bucket List.
In all honesty, traveling is not something that I have a huge desire to do (I’m kind of a homebody). I love seeing new places, but it’s the actual getting to and from those said place that stresses me out. That said,I always find new inspiration whenever I travel to a new place, so I would like to travel a little more in 2018. Plus, I’d like to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more…baby steps. Here are the top three out of country places and my top two US places I’d like to visit this year. My goal is to hit at least one out of country destination and both US destinations.
I’d love to know where you guys hope to travel to this year!
- South Korea…this is a given, obviously, but I’m really excited to experience real Korean food.
- Rome…Asher is begging me to take her and I’m dying to go to Italy for all the pizza, pasta, and cheese, and so much more! And Asher says to add Nutella.
- Guatemala…my brother says he had the best breakfasts while in Guatemala, so clearly I have to check that out. Family? Next trip?
- NYC…I have been to NYC, but I’m excited to go back and experience more of this incredible city.
- California…but not just LA…all of it. I’ve really only been to LA and there is so much more to this state.
PS. here are the top 35 places to travel in 2018 according to Architectural Digest.
5. New Videos:
(Meal Prep) Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Fry Bowls…No more boring weekday meals.
Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup…two words to describe this soup? BEST and EASIEST.
6. New year, New Cookbooks…
Healthy…ish by Lindsay Hunt – I LOVE this book. It’s full of easy, healthy, and delicious recipes for any day of the week.
Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone – possibly one of the prettiest cookbooks full of seasonal recipes that make your mouth water.
A Beautiful Weekend by Emma Champan – filled with fun, everyday recipes.
Bobby Flay Fit by Bobby Flay – for everyone trying to eat healthy in 2018.
Dinner in an Instant by Melissa Clark – learning how to use your Instant Pot? You need this cookbook.
The Home Cook by Alex Guarnaschelli – the best staple recipes.
7. A Few Links I am Loving…
Taylor Swift’s new music video…always amazes me how she can totally reinvent herself with every album.
8 pretty bathrooms…for whatever reason I love pretty bathrooms.
Martha Hunt’s hair and makeup products…always looking for new beauty products.
apps and iphone hacks for 2018…I need those organization apps.
how-to boost your immune system naturally…bring on the probiotics.
overnight skincare products…ordering this.
makeup with skin benefits…have this (in petal and LOVE).
8. My Favorite Pieces for a Weekend in Aspen…
9. This Weeks Dinners:
Monday: Simple Coconut Quinoa and Lentil Curry
Tuesday: 20 Minute Peanut Noodle Soup with Lime Mango
Wednesday: Caramelized Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Toasted Buckwheat
Thursday: Turkish Fried Eggs in Herbed Yogurt
Friday: No Guilt Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo
Great news for your brother! Congratulations! It’ll be an exciting time for the whole family in South Korea.
This has been a great post. I’ve spent a good hour perusing all the attached articles. Found some new B.B. cream to try, signed up to follow another blog and found a couple of recipes to try next week. Great Sunday morning read!
Thank you Joanna!
Congratulations to your brother for making the USA Olympic team! Very happy for your whole family! I feel somewhat related & elated:). I will be rooting him on!! Love all your posts and I am loving having your book!! Cheers to “Embracing the Day”!!
Thank you Jane!
Wow! The Olympics. What a great accomplishment for your brother and what a thrill for you and your family! Now I have someone to root for in snowboarding. Hope your trip is a blast – I’ll be looking forward to some Korean-inspired recipes upon your return.
Thank you so much!!
Wow! And Wow!! I can’t imagine how amazingly exciting this is for your family. It will be fun to watch for Red. The whole family is to congratulate.
Thank you Susan!
Congrats to your brother!
Re Austin: Peached Tortilla is a cool little Asian fusion restaurant. Charred Brussels are a must. My daughter always gets the JapaJam burger. Cocktails are the best.
https://thepeachedtortilla.com/menus/
Thank you!!
Congratulations to Red and your family! Can’t wait to watch him compete and to see the Gerard family cheering section. What a special experience for all of you to be able to share together! More travel is always a great goal if you can swing it. Once you break out of your comfort zone and start traveling you’ll want to continue to do it more. Your trip to South Korea will definitely get you started! I’m very excited to be going out to San Diego for the first time to visit my daughter who moved there 6 months ago. Have a great trip to Austin!
Thank you so much Jean! I am so proud of Red and cannot wait to watch him in South Korea!
Fellow Austinite here!
The weather isn’t supposed to be all that great here this week, so most of our fun outdoor activities aren’t as fun this week!
My favorite thing to do this time of year is see a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse. It’s a fun theater and has made visiting other theaters a let down. Also there are a few cool video rental stores like I Heart Video and Vulcan Video which are just fun to visit since so few are around these days!
Definitely explore South Congress and the vintage shops! There’s great food over there like Hopdoddy and Elizabeth St. Cafe. Other places to eat in other areas are Hillside Farmacy, La Barbecue (skip Franklin BBQ as the wait is super long and La Barbecue is very similar) and if you can grab a seat—Uchi.
For something super Austin, try Torchy’s Tacos! And visit our Central Market grocery store. It’s like Whole Foods but better in my opinion!
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to check out some of these suggestions!
All good suggestions!
I have to second the recommendation for Torchy’s! I’m not from Austin but when we visited, that was hands-down our favorite place. And if you could figure out how to recreate the queso, even better!!
I so look forward to your Nine Favorite things each week! Congrats to your brother that is no small fete. You just expanded his cheering section with all your fans.
Thank you Cathy!
Congratulations to Red and to your parents as well!
They are raising an amazing family. I too would love to see a guest post from them.
As for you Miss Tieghan, you never cease to amaze me with your pure spirit and bottomless creativity.
Enjoy Austin as well as this time in your life.
Ps not sure if your Mom is camera shy but would love to see a video style interview.
May your family drink in the amazing experience they are about to undertake!
Thank you so much Susan! This is so sweet!
What an incredible family you have!! Huge congratulations to Red!
Another beautiful post – just want to chime in that Rome is amazing but PLEASE go to Bologna. It’s only 2 hours from Rome by train and the food is the best I’ve ever had. I literally cried it was so good. Nearby Parma and Modena are also amazing – this is the home or bolognese, parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar… It is all around spectacular.
Thank you so much! And some awesome suggestions!
What??? The OLYMPICS??? That is mind-blowing! I’d love to see a guest post by your parents about their parenting style, philosophy, beliefs. They have raised some seriously outstanding individuals. I’m serious. I know a lot of readers would be interested too. Please do it!
Thank you so much Dana!! This is an amazing idea!
WOW!! CONGRATULATIONS to Red and all your family. I know everyone is very excited he is going to the Winter Olympics. Took lots of hard work to qualify I am sure.
How is your new barn coming along? Anxious to see more pictures.
Thank you Charlotte! It is coming along great, can’t wait to show you guys!
ahhh congrats to your brother for making the olympics!!! that’s super cool (and perfect if you want to try more korean food!). re: austin, i really liked salty sow and east side king. and whole foods is fun to check out, because it’s massive and it’s the flagship!
ahhh congrats to your brother for making the olympics!!! that’s super cool (: re: austin, i really liked salty sow and east side king. and whole foods is fun to check out, because it’s massive and it’s the flagship!
Thank you so much Heather!
MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR congratulations to your brother!!! And have a safe trip to Austin!
Thank you so much Liz!!
I agree.