436: Nine Favorite Things.

It’s crazy to think Thursday is May 1st. Summer is right around the corner—and in Miami, it already feels like summer is here. I have a feeling June and July will bring a whole new level of heat, but right now, the weather is pretty perfect.

Our days have been hovering around eighty degrees, with warm nights in the best way. My mom and I keep saying how nice it is to step outside without bundling up. She’s been loving dinners out—sitting in the warm air and enjoying a really good meal.

As for me, I love my mornings more than anything. The birds around the house are constantly singing, and it’s the most peaceful sound. Waking up early as the sun rises, windows open, sunlight slowly filling the house, and getting in a workout—it’s my ideal start to the day. I really can’t complain.

There are so many wonderful things about being in Miami, but that doesn’t mean it’s been all sunshine and happiness. The adjustment has been hard. I’ve had my fair share of tears and moments where I’ve focused too much on the negatives instead of the positives.

That’s just how I’m wired—it always has been. I’m a true Virgo through and through. But with small steps forward (and sometimes a couple back), I’m learning, growing, and hopefully becoming a little better and a little wiser along the way.

Maybe what they say is true—wisdom does come with age.

Getting back to the volume of cooking I’m used to hasn’t been possible, and I’ve definitely felt a little out of my element. If I’m being honest, I think I’ve been more scared than anything—and I’ve let that feeling linger a bit too long.

But slowly, that fear is starting to shift, and I’m finding a new rhythm.

You all have been so incredibly understanding and kind. Just like with our cookbooks, collaborations, and product launches, your support never goes unnoticed. Over the past few weeks, you’ve shared so many thoughtful messages, words of encouragement, and genuine happiness for me—it’s meant so much.

We’ve built the most amazing community over the last fourteen years, and I feel so lucky to have so many of you rooting for me. It’s something truly special.

I think that’s all for today. I hope you enjoy this week’s Nine Favorite Things—sharing some fun ideas for Mother’s Day and everything else I’ve been loving lately.

1. Things I’m Loving.

love…the Handwoven Rattan Laundry Basket I ordered. It’s so cute and great for holding/storing so many things.

wathing…the Farmgirl Flowers Eye Candy bunch and fresh Specialty Field Trial Peonies. SO PRETTY.

making…pizzas with the Arc XL compact pizza oven from Gozney. The team is shipping me this oven now, and I plan to make a lot of pizza with it. Very excited. Let’s see if it lives up to a real pizza oven!

everything in my cart (low)…per usual, I have a lot of Zara selects. First, this Gathered Lace Midi Dress is a cute way to style butter yellow. These Barrel Pants look comfy, yet still stylish. You can style them with this Cable Knit Striped Jumper and Platform Sandals.

a very pretty Midi Skirt. Style the skirt with this Braided Bucket Hat (need this to block off the sun from my face).

I’ve been looking for a good sweatshirt to wear around the house, just something comfy but cute. My brothers and dad have these Ford hoodies that I love, and I found this cute one here. It’s the Combination Crew Ford Sweatshirt. I’ll let you know how I like it! I grabbed these Long Ribbed Socks in blueish too!

Also, this Logo Crew Sweatshirt from Abercrombie. This brings me back to middle school!

listening to…How to Quiet the Voice That’s Holding You Back.

dreaming of going to…The Grace Hotel in Santorini. It looks SO beautiful!

ordered…these Pure Dark Bars from Spring & Mulberry. I love these because they are sweetened only with dates. The flavors are all great, but I got the Pure Dark or Pecan Date.

wanting…cute spring nails. These fresh, light spring colors are great.

loving…Candice King and Steven Krueger’s Elopement at a Tiny Tennessee Chapel. Such a sweet, family-focused wedding. I’d do something simple and similar, just much smaller. My wedding would have to be as small as possible!

wearing…the new Heaven Mayhem Clementine Necklace in red resin beads. My mom will get a lot of wear out of this too!

everything in my cart (beauty)…now that I’m in Miami, this Miami Split Eau De Parfum from Abel has been added to my (very large) FWRD cart. Should I try it?

I’m also getting this La Bonne Brosse Exclusive La Isla N.04 The Miracle Detangling Brush in Blue Lagoon since I left mine in Colorado. This style and color are new to me, so I’m excited to test it out. I love the La Bonne Brosse brushes.

I really want this Soft Services Soft Services x Vacation — “VACATION” Buffing Bar Exfoliating Body Bar with Coconut, Pineapple & Solar Notes. Sounds pretty wonderful, right? I need a sunscreen too, so I’m going to get more of their Classic Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen. I’ve used this, and I love it.

Last product, the new Miss Dior Hand Cream and Body Cream. I need to get this. We all know I’m a sucker for great branding/packaging, plus the formula and scent sound beautiful.

watching…Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci Talk Chelsea Boots and Cocktails in the Latest ‘Off the Cuff’. These two are too cute. I’m so excited to see the new Devil Wears Prada 2. How fun would it have been to go to the New York premiere?!

everything in my cart (high)…this is a cute Beaded Clutch from Staud that feels fun for spring and summer nights out.

Style the clutch with this Midi Skirt and a simple white Knit Top. It’s cute, but casual and comfy!

shopping… the new Victoria Beckham x Gap Collaboration. This collab launched on April 20th, and every piece is cute, high-quality, and affordable. I ordered the Heavyweight French Terry Hoodie. A lot is sold out, so I recommend you pick up this Oversized Weekender quickly. Also, this French Terry Sweatshirt and Organic Cotton Logo T-Shirt. It will be perfect for summer weekend trips.

following…The Fashion Edit for the best of the best Global Luxury Sourcing.

sharing…40 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights, 30 Spring Strawberry Recipes You’ll Want on Repeat, and 25 Easy One-Pan Dinners Everyone Is Making Right Now.

2. Mom’s Favorite Recipes.

Homemade Honey Butter Cheddar Biscuits

Hot Strawberry Jam Dutch Baby

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake

3. Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

beauty

home/garden



style

4. Celebrate Mom With A Long Weekend Away.

This is my favorite because, unlike a material gift, it’s something that gives Mom your time and attention—and that’s hard to beat. Now that we’re in Florida, a trip to Key West with a stay at Casa Marina Resort (the beachfront suites are so pretty!) is the perfect quick long weekend for the girls or the whole family. Or my personal pick: Palm Beach, with a stay at The Colony (my favorite hotel—you have to stay in the Goop Suite).

Other ideas: Charleston (The Cooper just opened there, I heard it’s great), Isle of Palms, Dallas, Austin, Palm Springs, maybe even Vegas. Or a quick trip to Mexico!

Have fun planning it out—just don’t overthink it. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!

5. Summer Travel. 

Everyone is in summer travel mode, and it has me excited!

Some of my family members are planning a trip to Europe at the end of the summer. They’re working with our travel agent, Emily, from Lutz Travel (she’s the best!), to plan a special trip for Asher’s 18th birthday. They are thinking maybe Scandinavia…but still deciding. If you have any ideas, please let me know!

If you’re into a big summer trip, my brother Red loves Japan and is always saying I really need to go to Tokyo, then do a Ramen Tour around the city.

Looking to visit more than one place? Try the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The luxury yachts travel to Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic, and the South Pacific. They offer so many different voyages and experiences. It’s an easy way to plan a multi-city trip.

Or stick to the Midwest and plan a few Destinations in the Midwest for an Affordable Weekend Trip.

For a couples get away, try Jackson Hole. Blackberry Farm in Tennessee looks beautiful, too!

For long trips, consider this The Large Check-In Traveller Toiletry Kit from Parallelle. Fill the toiletry kit up with the Oak Essentials Travel Body Routine.

For luggage, The Bigger Carry-On, and The Large Flex from Away. I recently got all new Away luggage, and I LOVE the bags. If you want to be fancy, look at the pretty The Large: Aluminum Edition.

Where are you traveling this summer? What are your travel must-haves? Any travel tips to share?

6. Inspiring Me.

7. Favorite Links.

Inside David & Isabela Grutman’s Brazil-Inspired Miami Home

Kitchen Trends 2026: What Designers Are Obsessing Over Now

These Miami Homeowners Assembled a Dream Design Team

7 Fashion People Share the Gifts They’re Buying This Mother’s Day

What Are Your Holy Grail Skincare Products?

What Are Your Pets’ Names?

Moms, What Do You Always Keep in Your Bag?

15 Trader Joe’s Finds That Are Perfect for Mother’s Day Brunch

Themed Hangouts Are Replacing the Typical Bar Crawl

8. New Shoes, Accessories, and Swim Selects.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Everything Cheddar, Tomato, and Brie Grilled Cheese

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Wednesday: Sheet Pan White Pesto Lasagna

Thursday: Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowls

Friday: Easy Skillet Chicken Tinga Enchiladas

Saturday: Watermelon Rosè Paloma

Sunday: Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread