Next Post
Chicken Tzatziki Avocado Salad.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
(dressed the part in Austin yesterday)
Hey everyone! Happy Sunday! Typing this with so much energy and excitement. I’m in Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest (SXSW) and will be speaking on my first panel about content creation. It’s Sunday, so by the time you read this I will have already done the panel, but I’m so looking forward to it! Speaking is something I actually really enjoy doing, especially when it’s on a topic I feel confident speaking about.
I love being able to help others break into this crazy internet space and share what I’ve learned over all these years. I’m very much looking forward to the event; it should be fun! But yes, I am probably a little nervous, too! It’s a good kind of anxious.
Of course, being in Austin is always fun. On Friday night, I got to see some friends who live here. Today, I have a meeting for something very big and exciting before flying out this afternoon. I’m heading to LA for a quick one-day trip, but I’m truly looking forward to it so much! We’re finally working on my home and studio renovations again, and my LA meeting is our first design meeting. I can’t wait!
This week was busy preparing for travel and work, but a good one, nonetheless. I’m really excited about the upcoming recipes and project we’re embarking on! Exciting months are ahead!
Here’s an update on my dad. He had his surgery, and all went really well. He’s up and moving around pretty close to normal. His arm is in a brace, and he has an IV port in the other arm. We’re so happy the surgery is behind us and that the infection looks like it’s gone! He’s very pleased.
Also, the HBH Every Day Cookbook is currently 48% off on Amazon! Sometimes they randomly mark down the books. When they do, I always like to let you guys know. They make great gifts if you need something for Easter!
That’s all I have for updates! Today’s Favorite’s post is shorter than usual due to travel, but still full of fun and lots of fashion!
(the packing process)
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
ordered…the Rimowa Matte Black iPhone case. This is a costly iPhone case, but I toss my phone around like no other; I need to protect it. I’ll let you know how this is! It’s my first ever Rimowa buy. Still not sure I can justify the price of their famous luggage though. Is it really worth it?
wanting…a few random items. First, I love this green tile I found on Amazon. It would be cool in a bathroom. And speaking of bathrooms, this is a really pretty jewelry dish. For the kitchen, everyone told me I really need to get this pizza wheel, so I’m ordering it. And even more randomly, I found this glass bowl at Nordstrom’s and liked it a lot.
everything in my cart (low)…these balloon jeans from Zara look designer. Very into them and the grey color.
Loving the Coach Horse & Carriage Print Square Scarf. This would be cute tied up in a top knot or on a handbag. Speaking of accessories, I am obsessed with these Semi-Circular Earrings from Zara. They remind me of a certain designer pair I love.
Lastly, I am thinking about this packable jacket from The North Face. It looks perfect for travel, but is it warm enough?
listening to…How Food Can Impact Anxiety, The Gut-Brain Connection, and Helping Anxiety with Food with Dr. Uma. I cannot wait to listen to this. I’m saving it for this afternoon’s flight.
dreaming of going to…the Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas, in Thailand. I vote for Thailand for our next family vacation…but I think I’ll want my own villa please!
loving…the new wedding collection from Abercrombie. It has cute and affordable pieces for the bride, bridesmaids, and guests!
shopping…the NOVEMBER 19 jasper cutting board. This is so unique and pretty! One of those cutting boards you want out on your counter all the time. Also, if you have time, scroll the NOVEMBER 19 site. I spotted some unique home finds!
burning…well, first, I’m currently burning all those Nette candles I talked about the other week. The Sunday Chess and it’s really nice. This is a more relaxing scent, which I love. Ok, new candles below! I want to order the Nopalera Merida Candle. And then from Corpus Dark Flowers Soy Wax Candle, The Cassis Soy Wax Candle. These all sound so lovely, and I also love the packaging. I’m a sucker for good packaging. Oh, and I just discovered Sunday Edition candles. The Dusk Candle sounds amazing with blackberries and rhubarb.
watching…Getting Ready with Chloë Grace Moretz. I love these Vogue Get Ready with Me style videos. And the Louie Vuitton show looked amazing.
everything in my cart (beauty)…The Prada Beauty Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation is in my Nordstrom cart. Not going to lie, I really love the packaging. Also in my cart is the Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush.
I love the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. All the shades are so good.
Sephora and Ulta are having sales right now. In my cart is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Medium Hold Clear Brow Gel + Brow Definer, and the Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Matte Lipstick.
reading…“Beautiful and Truthful”—Penélope Cruz on Her Surprise Premiere (Alongside Brad Pitt) at The Chanel Show. This was iconic, what a show.
everything in my cart (high)…I adore this leather trench from The Frankie Shop. I would only ever wear a jumpsuit from Saint Laurent. Miu Miu has some of my favorite pieces right now, I need this Leather-Trimmed Canvas Jacket
Jewels, I think this Baguette Pendant Ruby is so pretty.
shopping…gorgeous Dior Hand-Painted Water Glass in Blue Roses d’Hiver and Green and Blue Lotus.
2. A Few of My Favorite Recipes to Make in March
Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Black Pepper Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas with Avocado Basil Ranch
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce
Crockpot Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Crema
3. My Current Home Wants/Favorite Finds for Spring.
4. Bedtime Routine.
(legs up, every night)
I always share our morning routine, so when someone asked for my bedtime routine, I was excited to share!
Disclaimer: My sleep routine is not perfect. I don’t get enough sleep, but I still have my routine. First, I use my Higher Dose sauna blanket. It’s my favorite. I look forward to hopping into the blanket every single night. It helps reduce stress and boost mood, increases blood flow and circulation, and promotes glowing skin. Honestly, I just love the heat. I do this while I work on my phone or answer emails.
Second, I always, always dry brush every single night. It’s changed my skin and it helps boost energy + increase blood flow. Then I shower and lather on a body cream. The Mutha Body Butter is one of my favorites. Or the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter.
Next, I throw on my red light mask. I use the Dr. Dennis Gross red light mask and usually keep it on for 15 minutes. I do the blue setting twice then the rest of the time I do red light. While I have the mask on, my legs are up against the wall. I’m also editing IG stories on my phone while sitting on my sauna blanket. When I’m done, I do my full night skincare routine. Another thing I’ve been trying to do is journal or write three things I’m grateful for. But that doesn’t happen very often. I usually fall right asleep. I try to do this routine when I’m home and while traveling! Except I don’t travel with the red light mask.
5. How are YOU?
It’s always fun to check in with you guys and see how life is treating you.
For me personally, things feel really exciting yet overwhelming at the same time. I lack organization and some of the routines that I thrive on I’ve had to let go of lately. Because of this, my anxiety has been up and down. Some days, I just wake up feeling so anxious, and I can’t figure out why. It’s funny because things can be really good but also challenging at the same time. I guess that’s the balance of life!
With that, I would love to hear how you are doing! Some fun questions…
- What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific!
- What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too.
- What is your biggest worry in life right now?
- What are you watching? Movies and TV!
- What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
- What is one thing you really like about yourself?
PS. Check out the Cup of Jo post where I got this idea from. The comments are always fun to read.
6. Inspiring Me.
(currently: working to find the good in everything)
(I want these flowers)
(my imagination is muchhh better than my logic)
(this bathroom is the most zen)
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
64 Journal Prompts to Start (And End!) Your Day Feeling Inspired
The Best Rooftop Restaurants to See and Be Seen in Austin
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Jackson, Wyoming…my family loves Jackson Hole.
These 9 (Free) iPhone Hacks Are Genius for Optimizing Your Health Effortlessly
The New Shows & Movies Our Editors Are Watching in March
14 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring in Just One Day
25 Grain-Free Products That Have Changed My Life This Year
You Won’t Look at Flagstone the Same After Seeing This New Outdoor Tile Collection
Spring 2024 Hair Trends: 20 Colors, Cuts, and Styles You’ll See This Season
The 15 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations for the Ultimate Girls’ Trip
Everything You Need to Refresh Your Life This Spring
8. Favorite Spring Trends.
spring travel pieces
work bags
the best sweatpants
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken
Tuesday: Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta
Wednesday: Crockpot Chipotle Pineapple Pot Roast Bowls
Thursday: 20 Minute Garlic Oil Schezwan Peanut Noodles
Friday: Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli
Saturday: Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata
Hi Tieghan, happy Sunday! Thanks foe that podcast link. As someone who is into natural health and has anxiety, this will be an interesting listen. Fun questions, too!
1. I start my mornings with 16 oz of water, then have a cup of coffee or green tea, depending on mood and how my gut health is doing. If coffee, I grind my own beans and then need a splash of cream and a little organic stevia.
2. I’m excited about getting a massage on Wed and my son coming in from out-of-state next week.
3. Biggest worry: my aunt’s major surgery on Fri.
4. Watching: don’t watch much TV, so watching an episode here and there of The Chef Show on Netflix.
5. Something I really want: a vacation! It’s been 4 years. We can’t take one right now as we have an elderly cat in stage 4 kidney disease. Can’t leave her!
6. One thing I really like about myself: I’m loving and open and have compassion.
I look forward to reading other people’s replies!
Hi Melanie,
Happy Sunday! I hope you love the podcast and thanks for sharing your responses today. Water before coffee is so smart and grinding your own beans is a game changer in my opinion! Ohh nice, a massage sounds lovely. Sending good thoughts to your aunt on Friday, I hope all goes well with her surgery! So very sorry to hear about your cat, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to leave her:) Have a great week! xT
My morning drink is Green Tea with blueberry and pomegranate from Trader Joe’s.
Nothing too exciting going on, but I’m just grateful for every day!
My biggest worry right now is getting my new puppy house broke. He’s doing really well though. I adopted him from the Humane Society and he’s super sweet.
What I’m watching; Goliath on Prime. But season Two traumatized me. Season one and three are great, getting ready to start season 4. I love Billy Bob Thornton.
I don’t really need or want anything. I’m very blessed. If I could wave a magic wand, I would want every dog and cat to have a forever loving home.
Have a great week ahead!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for sharing your response! Your morning drink sounds nice and refreshing. Aww, how exciting that you have a new puppy! I’m sure he’s a lot of work, but worth it. I haven’t seen Goliath, but might have to check out the trailer. You sound so kind and positive, and seem to have a great outlook on life! I hope you have a great week! xT
Glad your dad is hopefully on the mend properly.
Happy travels! Nearly Spring. Xx
Thanks so much Kelly-Jane! Have a great week! xT
Morning drink: I start my day with some stretching and cold plunge! I live in Hawaii so there isn’t a nature option, instead it’s a deep freezer. I appreciated the use of the sauna blanket but give cold therapy a try too!
I then drink ceremonial Cacao with plant milk and sometimes sweeten with honey. I am currently loving a brand https://ceremonial-cacao.com/ and every time it arrives the packaging is fancy, I don’t get coffee jitters, it’s grounding and meditative.
If I’m in need of a bump up or a treat out with friends I get a green tea matcha latte! I love matcha and even make cookies or pancakes with it. That might be fun for you to do for St Pattys day!
Looking forward to: Spring break and cherry blossoms in Kyoto Japan- vacation!
Currently looking for a yoga retreat with nature and wildlife. Maybe CA?
Hey Meridith,
Ohhh wow! A cold plunge right in the morning?! Good for you! I could definitely use some stretching in my life. Thanks for sharing the link for your Cacao, I will have to share that with my mom! Love the idea of using matcha for St. Patrick’s Day, I might have to come up with something. Enjoy your vacation in Japan, that sounds so wonderful! Happy Sunday! xT
Awesome week
Thanks Beth!!
What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific! Coffee from beans roasted with piñon nuts from Costco with a splash of oatmilk in my Ember mug to keep it warm for an hour while I chase after kids haha
What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too. Figuring life out in this period of transition?
What is your biggest worry in life right now? What’s next in life – I recently quit my FT job after years and years of lack of appreciation and realizing no room for growth. And my kids, it’s becoming a more chaotic world and challenging to navigate raising kids
What are you watching? Movies and TV! I recently started the Crown again, didn’t finish the first time. Led me to watch Harry and Meghan doc on Netflix and interesting to gain perspective from their view, scary how aggressive the media is and thankful I don’t have to deal with that
What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything! A nice home on some land in a quieter area, and a vacation!
What is one thing you really like about yourself? That’s tough, not sure
Forgot to say thanks for another great NFT T! Found a couple affordable things I might get this week 😊
Hi Courtney,
Happy Sunday!! Ohh yum, I have to say your coffee sounds delish! Good for you for acknowledging that you wanted more from your job and moving forward in what’s best for you! I haven’t watched the Crown before, but have hear really great things and I’m sure the doc is definitely eye opening for people not in their position. Love a good designer bag and vacation, can totally relate! Have a great week:) xT
My morning drink I begin every day with 2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 cup of water. Followed by 2 cups of coffee MWFS I add protein powder, collagen, chocolate, dried coconut milk powder pure monkfruit to sweeten. TTS I take my coffee black.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reading today and sharing your morning drinks! Sounds like quite the routine you have going there! Happy Sunday:) xT
Happy Sunday!
I love the questions!!
What is your morning drink? And how do you take it?
Alton Brown Multitasker coffee blend. I was a half and half adder until recently, but have switched to black. I love to collect coffee cups😆. I grab ones on vacations, pretty ones from boutique shops, holiday themed. I love the memories and sentiments behind them and I enjoy reminiscing each morning!
What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too.
This week is pretty well a same ‘ol schedule but I’m so excited for Easter.
What is your biggest worry in life right now?
We have an 11 and 16 year old and I just hope that we’re helping them be the best, kindest individuals they can be.
What are you watching? Movies and TV!
The Bear!
What’s something you really want?
A vacation! We visited Boston for the first time in August and I can’t wait to visit again. On a grander scale – a trip to Ireland or Italy!
What is one thing you really like about yourself?
My eyes.
Hi Lindsay,
Happy Sunday! Ohh I’ve never heard of the Alton Brown mix, I’ll have to check that out. I think collecting coffee mugs is a fun idea and great way to create memories! Sometimes it’s nice to have a slow week right?! I’m sure your kids are pretty awesome and you are doing a great job:) A trip to Ireland or Italy sounds like perfection! Thanks for taking the time to share today! xT
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I love your blog! Mostly the Nine Favorite Things! I know I am not in your target market ( I am 66 years old) BUT every week I find something new to purchase and LOVE on the blog! It keeps me thinking about trying new things all the time! We cook a lot of your recipes as well! Thanks for keeping me curious and interested in what’s new and fresh!
Love your positive and loving attitude as well! heart!
Hi Patricia,
Wow, thank you so much for your kind message! I love that you enjoy the blog and finding new things each week on the 9 favorites posts. I appreciate you trying so many recipes! Have a great Sunday! xT
You are killing it! Good luck at your talk!
Thanks so much Jan!! Have a great Sunday! Xx
The practical me would like my husband to secure a job. Being unemployed is challenging. The dreamer side of me would like to travel somewhere tropical and see wildlife native to that area.
On another note, my son had to do a presentation in his culinary class after making the family a meal. He made the Korean Beef recipe and in the presentation he included the photo of when we met you in Short Hills and talked about your recipes (he also made your garlic knots).
Hi Monica,
Thanks a lot for reading this morning:) Totally understand your concerns for your husbands job and wanting a tropical vacation at the same time. For me, the warm weather can be so restorative. Aww, that is so cool your son picked one of my recipes to make for his presentation, thanks for sharing! Happy Sunday! xT
What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific!
Blood orange Arbonne fizz with hot tea… coffee is making me sick right now… it has b-12 vitamins, coq10, and ginseng which gives you all day energy with no crash. Tea also helps me relax.
What are you excited about this week?
2 more weeks until spring break. I’ve also just gotten engaged so I’m planning a wedding!
You can include things that are coming up, too.
What is your biggest worry in life right now?
My job next year. I just finished a doctorate and am back in the classroom teaching. I should challenge myself more, but what I love is teaching. I also want to do more writing and research though.
What are you watching? Movies and TV!
I loved One Day on Netflix. Great movies and the Oscar’s coming up tonight. Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, and Poor Things…
What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
I want to go on a Viking cruise through Europe or something like that. I’m also looking to move within the next year, so a home is my priority.
What is one thing you really like about yourself?
I never give up. I’m unique. And I love so many things about life, even when it’s tough.
Hi Gail,
Happy Sunday and thanks for sharing your responses! Sorry to hear coffee has been upsetting you recently, but that’s nice tea has been helping you to relax. Congrats on your engagement, how exciting and such a special time! Wow, what an accomplishment to have received your doctorate. Thanks for sharing what you are watching! I’m not sure how I feel about cruises, as I have never been on one, but I bet traveling around Europe would be amazing! Have a great week! xT
I can’t resist when you ask questions like this! And I love reading everyone else’s answers.
What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Black coffee made with my French press. I prefer Dunkin’ Donuts regular!
What are you excited about this week? I am going to hear Brendan Slocumb speak and I get to interview him as well — very excited about that! I always love being in the company of great writers — I learn so much.
What is your biggest worry in life right now? The election. Our country is so divided already and I am terrified of the outcome.
What are you watching? I haven’t had much time, but my husband and I watched Poor Things last night in prep for the Oscars and it was incredibly done!!! The cinematography was incredible.
What’s something you really want? To learn how to write fiction. To be at peace with my body.
What is one thing you really like about yourself? I can see potential in anything!
Hey Cassie,
Thanks for reading today and sharing your responses, it is super fun to read what everyone has to say! I know a lot of people love their coffee from a French press. I hope you enjoy your time listening to Brendan, sounds like a great opportunity. I think your fear of the election is probably very relatable for a lot of people. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Poor Things, I’ll have to add that to my watch list. That is so awesome you are able to see the potential in anything, such a positive way to live! Happy Sunday! xT
1. Coffee, first cup with half and half, second cup has half and half, brown sugar, a pinch of pink salt and a drop of vanilla. First cup is in a special mug I bought in my hometown that says Folsom is Home (lived there my entire childhood until I moved to the Midwest for college and stayed). Second cup is usually in my reusable Starbucks cup that looks just like one of their regular cups.
2. I’m excited to start working on building my Facebook ads business again. I took a break to focus on my family but everyone is doing well and I have some extra time now. A little nervous too because I have to put myself out there and hear a lot of “nos” to do this.
3. Biggest worry – how I’m going to pay for all the things.
4. Not watching a thing right now but will be all in on March Madness basketball soon!
5. Something I really want: new flooring and a new sofa. I’d also really love a vacation home (even a small old cabin by a lake). I’d love to take my kids to Disney once. I’d like to be able to fly to visit my family across the country whenever I want. I’d love to have a hot tub in our backyard! There are so many things!!
6. I really like that I have a growth mindset and that I’ve taken the time to work on me.
Hi Christy,
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions today! Best of luck to you on Facebook ads business, I’m sure it can be scary to start back up but it will all be worth it! I’m not huge into basketball, but I know how popular March Madness is, enjoying watching! I’ve actually never been to Disney, I bet your kids would love it, it really seems like a magical place to visit. I hope you have a great week! xT
I love Nine Favorite Things!
Very specific morning drink: In a Mr Coffee coffee maker, solely used for brewing tea, I put one black tea bag, one white tea bag and one Gunpowder green tea bag (white and green purchased from the English Tea Co). Brew 8 or so cups, to share with hubby. Drink two large mugs with a little organic 2 % milk and a tsp of Stevia in the Raw. When traveling, I just drink coffee because a tea bag in hot water is a hard “NO”.
Hey Lori,
Thanks for reading today and sharing your very specific morning drink! Loved reading this, I’m not much of a tea drinker but it sounds pretty good! Have a great Sunday! xT
Happy Sunday Tieghan –
LOVE all your posts and recipes! My morning drink is simple black coffee – boring but that’s what I like 🙂 I would love to know the designer of the black suit you wore to your presentation. It’s such a classic look while being fresh and updated! You look fantastic and I’m sure your presentation went great as well! Thx
Hey Molly,
Thanks for reading! Nothing wrong with a black coffee, I enjoy it that way too! Here are the links for the suit:
https://shopstyle.it/l/b804D
https://shopstyle.it/l/b804i
Thank you for your kind message:) Have a great week! xT