441: Nine Favorite Things.

I am not going to lie. As I sat down to put this post together, I found myself wondering, “What am I even going to share this week?”

It’s been a rainy, relatively uneventful week here. But while I was out on a walk this morning, thinking through all the things I could write about, I realized something. Even when life feels slower than usual, there is still so much good to notice.

Lately, I’ve been leaning heavily into the simple things that make me feel my best.

Daily movement has become a non-negotiable for me, and I absolutely adore the Melissa Wood Health platform for helping me stay consistent. I’ve been making time for walks with my mom, dinners with my family, and soaking up as much time as possible with my sister before she heads off to school in the fall. Earlier this week, we headed out for an evening walk at just the right time. The Florida air was warm, the sunset over the bay was beautiful, and we ended up talking through what felt like a hundred different sister conversations.

I’ve been appreciating the smallest moments too, like saying goodbye to my youngest brother as he heads off to camp each day. It’s just a short little day camp, but still.

I stay off social media for most of the day and try to be really intentional with how I use it. I don’t spend much time scrolling. I hop on to share content, connect with you guys through comments and DMs, and then I log back off.

I’ve also been listening to a lot of podcasts, working on better sleep habits, and absolutely burning through candles lately. My current favorite is Provence from Auden Lueur. It smells exactly like freshly baked lavender scones, and I’m obsessed.

And of course, I’ve been spending most of my money on flowers. Flowers, candles, and a new pair of sneakers. Although I will admit, I currently have a vintage Chanel bag saved that I absolutely cannot stop thinking about.

They’re all small things, but they really do make such a difference.

And maybe that’s part of why I’ve found myself falling back in love with cooking lately too. The simple things have a way of reminding you what matters.

The reason I cook, and the reason I fell so hard for recipe creation in the first place, is actually very simple. I love making people feel special. I love creating something that makes someone feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to gather around the table.

I love creating the feeling of an evening.

Candles lit. A warm house. Good food. Fresh flowers on the counter. In my ideal world, the table would always be set, everything would be perfectly clean, and dinner would unfold exactly as planned.

But let’s be real, that’s not my family’s reality.

Most nights are chaos. Someone is running late. The kitchen is a mess. The table isn’t set.

But the candles are usually lit. Sometimes there are flowers too. And there is always really good food.

I’ve learned that instead of focusing on everything I can’t control, I try to focus on the things I can. The flowers. The candles. The food.

I’ve been cooking a lot lately, and it’s been really fun sharing dinners with my family that they genuinely love. Creighton has apparently become our official meal critic, and I’m still chasing that perfect 10/10. I’ve gotten plenty of 9/10s, but somehow those always seem to go to the steak dinners.

I do have a burger recipe coming soon that earned itself a 9.8/10, and I cannot wait to share it with you guys. It’s going to be perfect for the Fourth of July.

This turned into a much longer reflection than I intended, but I guess what I’m really trying to say is this: if there’s something in your life you’ve been wanting to change, start small.

Melissa Wood says something that always sticks with me:

“How badly do you want something in your life to change? It starts with you owning that it’s up to you. How badly do you want to feel good?”

I love that reminder because it puts the responsibility back in our own hands.

And honestly, I think that’s where all meaningful change begins.

1. Things I’m Loving.

listening to…’I knew It, I knew You‘. Say what you want about Taylor, but she comes out on top every time. This summer, embrace your childhood smile. Smile so hard that it reminds you who you’ve always been. You only get one life, and nothing feels more freeing than reconnecting with the wonder, energy, and excitement you carried as a kid. That version of you is still in there somewhere. I really believe that.

gifting dad…I was going to do a whole Father’s Day edit. I sat down to add that section, but I honestly could only think of two things I know my dad would like. An ice maker (because for whatever reason, he never has a working ice maker in his kitchen) and sneakers. I’m going to get him these sneaks. You’ll see below that I love my Asics, so why not get Dad a pair too! And I ordered this GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker, but this Magic Chef has good ratings too.

everything in my cart (low)…my Zara Summer Shopping List. Up first, these Flat Toe-Loop Sandals or these Flat Leather Sandals. Both are cute and look comfortable for everyday wear this summer.

And if you want a comfortable heel? Try these pretty Wedge Sandals

If you want a great top to throw over your bathing suit to head out to lunch, this Open-Back Knit Top is so pretty. Throw it on with this structured knit skirt. And if you’re headed on vacation, Zara just dropped this Printed Midi Skirt With Slit that would be great for layering over your suit or dressing up for dinner. It feels very summery and fun!

I have this Strappy Tank Top. And I might get this Side Ruched Top, it’s the perfect basic tank.

For dinner, the Striped Strappy Midi Dress is fun. Oh, and their Halter Neck Mini Dress too!

My mom has a few really comfortable Gap crewnecks and sweaters that I love. Ordering this Vintage Soft Hoodie.

travel…The Best Airbnbs in Italy, From Puglia to the Dolomites. I love staying in hotels when I travel, but my mom will always prefer renting a big house so the whole family can stay together. This is the house everyone stayed in while we were in Livigno for the Olympics. I highly recommend Livigno!

a pretty home…Leanne Ford & Grace Mitchell ‘Round the Round One Project in Round Top, Texas.

baking…new recipes honestly to share with YOU soon, but if I wasn’t doing that, I’d bake my Caramel Peach Dump Cake.

for the kitchen…I found this Chamonix Dining Chair, and I think it’s so sweet. Pricey, so sharing this Wooden Chair form Zara too. I can’t decide which one I like more!

everything in my cart beauty…I’ve been using the EIGHTH DAY The Resurfacing Tonic Pads every other night after showering and before the my skincare routine, and I love them. They feel incredibly refreshing and leave my skin feeling smooth and polished. Even after cleansing in the shower, the pads still pick up dirt and help refine my skin’s texture. A little goes a long way too, so the jar lasts much longer than expected.

a fairy tale wedding…Model Ming Xi Wore a Custom Dior Haute Couture Dress to Marry at Mont Saint-Michel in Northern France. A real-life fairy tale in the Mont Saint Michel Abbey on a tiny island in northern France. They were the first couple in over 1,000 years to be married here. The dress, decor, the bride, groom, and children – incredible photos!

wearing… the Red Light Hat from HIGHERDOSE. I got this for my dad!

just now ordered…Havaianas Puffed Up Flip Flops. I really need a couple pairs of flip flops now that it’s summer!

watching…Niall Horan and His Dinner Party Secrets – While Cooking His Favorite Pasta. It’s honestly just a sweet, easy-to-watch video. Also, Nick Jonas on the “Exciting” Skin-Care Ritual Joe Taught Him.

everything in my cart (high)… this vintage Chanel Suede Chain Shoulder Bag, which will most likely be sold out by now. But I think it is CUTE.

podcast pick of the week…Summer Beauty, Fitness & Wellness: What I’m Doing, Buying & Prioritizing on Well with Arielle Lorre. You’ll get more out of this than you think. It’s fun, so take a listen!

purchased and love…the Nike Elevated Ankle Socks and Everyday Elevated Crew Socks. They come as a pack of three, and they’re great! I pretty much wear them every day. Comfortable and breathable even in the Florida heat.

Also purchased… yet another pair of Asics sneakers. I’ve been loving the Gel-Kayano 14s I bought a few months ago in Black and Pure Silver, so when the new Gel-Kayano 12.1 sneakers finally came back in stock in my size, I ordered them immediately. We’ve been walking so much in Miami lately, and ever since I hurt my ankle last year, I’ve been really mindful about replacing my sneakers every few months. It honestly makes such a difference in protecting your feet and ankles.

loving…the May Lindstrom The Happy Galaxy Supercharged Body Oil. The trick is to actually apply this in the shower, just like you would a body wash. Our skin absorbs more product when wet. And when you get out of the shower, your skin feels baby-soft. I swear by it for glowy, summery skin. I follow up with the Mutha body butter or Osea body butter. Both are great! And if you love a splurge beauty product, the Augustinus Bader The Body Cream is on sale at Bluemercury. They are having a Summer Shopping Party!

2. Summer BBQ Recipes.

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini

Summer BBQ Snack Mix

BLT Caesar Pasta Salad

Watermelon Peach Salad

The Italian Salad Sandwich

Steak and Crispy Potato Salad with Pickled Ranch

Sweet Potato Steak Salad

Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Toasted S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

3. Amazon Prime Day – summer.

4. What’s Your Go-To HBH Book and Recipe?

I’m so curious, which Half Baked Harvest cookbook is your go-to? And what recipes do you find yourself making again and again?

I never really take the time to look back through my cookbooks. In fact, once a book is released and the usual promotional craziness wraps up, I rarely revisit them.

But honestly? The books are SO good.

I’ve poured everything I have into each one, and each book feels so reflective of a different season of my life and career. The recipes, the photography, the mood of the book, all of it changes depending on where I was creatively at that time.

I can’t say I have one favorite cookbook, but I definitely have favorite recipes from each.

From Half Baked Harvest, I make the 5 Ingredient Beer Bread the most. And honestly, I make it year-round. The Korean-inspired bowl on the cover is so delicious, and I loved every single seafood recipe so much in this book.

From Super Simple, I make the 5-Ingredient Beer Bread all the time. Truly year-round. The Korean-inspired bowl on the cover is also so delicious, and I still love every single seafood recipe in that book.

With Every Day, I had so much fun creating all the sandwiches. And the salads too! The Rosemary Chicken Avocado Salad is especially perfect for summer. Of course, I still make the cover recipe often, and the Sweet Potato Pierogi are forever a favorite.

And from the most recent, Quick & Cozy, it has to be the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich or the Sesame Schnitzel Pizzas. So good. Oh, and Nonnie’s Chili too!

Now tell me, which cookbook is your favorite, and what recipe do you make on repeat?

5. Weekly Camera Roll.

sister dates are the best kind of date

This is cute! It’s spritz season! This is such a cute idea for a summer night. Build an Italian menu and make it nice. Start with my Summer Melon Salad or Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata. Then, grill or bake this 3 Cheese Prosciutto Peach Pizza. Top the pizza with fresh arugula tossed in oil, lemon, basil, and parmesan. Serve my Party Pasta Salad alongside. And for dessert, a Strawberry Tiramisu. If you have my cookbook, make the chocolate tiramisu too!

Sunday night Mexican Cobb salad

Summer sandwich prep. That burrata!

When in doubt, add crispy prosciutto

SUMMER!

The calmness after a summer storm

Korean night

Summer smoothies: plain Greek yogurt, whole milk, lots of frozen wild blueberries and strawberries, a single date, Lineage protein, and cashew butter. Top with bee pollen, hemp seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and ground chia for a little crunch and all the good things.

Inspiration from Emma Grede

Nothing beats a PB&J

This will never get old. Do you all know how much I LOVE seeing how the recipes and stories I share inspire you? Watching you cook, bake, host holiday gatherings, mix drinks, set beautiful tables, all of it! It’s the most special part of what I do and truly my favorite.

I love sharing the pictures I paint in my head and bringing them to life with you. Seeing how each recipe, story, or idea inspires everyone in a different way is so much fun and endlessly rewarding. Thank you for inviting my creations into your kitchens, homes, and celebrations.

6. Inspiring Me.

pinterest

7. Favorite Links.

A Potato Chip Taste Test

14 Mother-Daughter Movies That’ll Make You Text Your Mom Immediately

Trader Joe’s Summer Essentials to Grab on Your Next Grocery Run

20 Analog Summer Activities That’ll Make You Forget Your Phone Exists

Why People Feel Healthier in Italy: 6 Italian Girl Wellness Habits Worth Stealing

The Sneaky Tricks I Use to Travel in Luxury Without Spending a Fortune

16 Low-Cost Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day This Year

13 Fiber-Rich Foods for a Healthier Gut

Where to Stay, Eat, and Play in Montecito

The One Thing That Makes a Habit Stick

Why Discipline Outlasts Motivation

The Biggest Backyard Trend of 2026 Isn’t a Pool or Pizza Oven

8. Dresses for that Summer Wedding you Have.