448: Nine Favorite Things.

And just like that, it’s August. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. Half of me can’t believe how quickly time is moving and thinks it’s so strange that summer is already beginning to fade. The other half of me is honestly just excited for my favorite season to arrive.

I’m never really sad to say goodbye to summer. The end of summer brings my season. I thrive during those early autumn days that slowly fade into the holidays. Something about September through December ignites this creativity inside me that I can’t really explain. It’s an energy I always seem to tap into when I feel happy, excited, and inspired. You’ll never meet a girl who loves those four months more than I do.

September is my birthday month, which, if you know me even a little, you know I don’t really love to celebrate. I’m just not that girl. I get a little uncomfortable with that kind of attention. As a kid, I always put so much pressure on my birthday, and it never quite lived up to the version I had imagined in my head. Somewhere along the way, it just became easier not to expect much, and honestly, I’m perfectly OK with that.

I still absolutely love September. It is one of my favorite months. It’s usually the month that brings those first crisp mornings. The apple orchards in New York are harvesting the prettiest fall apples, football season begins, I’ll make my first pot roast, maybe even a chili, Halloween is around the corner, and there’s just this feeling in the air that something special is starting.

Then comes October, which is peak fall to me. It’s officially spooky season. This year I’m especially excited because I have another month of fun Halloween recipes planned. Think spooky cocktails, frightful desserts, and all the little details that make October so much fun. I’m already dreaming them up.

November belongs to Thanksgiving. My planning starts promptly on November first. Actually, long before that, because I need to plan everything for all of you too, and that has to happen early. The menu, the table, the recipes, every little detail. I’ll definitely be checking in with all of you over the next couple of months because I really want to understand what you’re looking for this year and how I can help make the holiday feel easier, more relaxed, and more fun. At the end of the day, that’s what Thanksgiving is really about. Sharing a special meal with the people we love most.

And then there’s December. Christmas. It’s fabulous!

I’m not there yet, but I can’t help getting excited just thinking about it. My mom, my sister, and I are huge Hallmark movie girls. The second Thanksgiving is over, we turn one on and watch as many as we possibly can. It’s one of my favorite traditions.

So while I know some of you may be heading into August feeling anxious that summer is slipping away, maybe try looking at it a little differently.

Everyone has been talking about the Lion’s Gate Portal that’s supposed to peak on August 8. I only recently learned about it, and as a little “woo woo” as it all sounds, I’m leaning into it. If there’s even a chance it brings a little extra creative energy, I’ll gladly take it. At the very least, it’s a fun reminder to set intentions and stay open to whatever inspiration might be waiting.

More than anything though, I’m looking at August as one more month of summer.

We have a big photoshoot this week in New York for a story I’ve been dreaming up for the website, and I’m equal parts excited and nervous. The days leading up to a shoot always feel like organized chaos. No matter how much planning we do, we always seem to be scrambling that final week. But once we’re there and everything is in motion, that’s honestly my favorite part—bringing the story to life.

I’m realizing more and more that this is what I love most. Dreaming up these shoots and creating stories that hopefully inspire you. Whether it’s making a simple Sunday night dinner feel a little more special or helping you put together a Thanksgiving menu that feels exciting instead of overwhelming, that’s what gets me excited. Food has always been about so much more than the recipes. It’s about bringing people together and creating moments that become memories.

And creating those real human connections has become one of my favorite parts of this job. Meeting so many of you in person over the past year has been incredibly special, and I hope to do even more of that as we head into the second half of this year and beyond.

After that, the plan is really just to soak up these summer days in Miami with my family. There’s talk of a big family trip that may or may not replace some earlier plans. You truly never know with my family. Everything changes by the hour. I have a couple of decisions to make toward the end of the month too, but for now I’m trying not to get too far ahead.

We have a big birthday coming up in our family, and I think everyone is craving the same thing: time together. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where we are. Somehow we always have fun.

My family overwhelms me. They stress me out. They’re loud and chaotic. But they also bring so much life wherever they go. As a true Virgo, I probably need a little of that chaos to balance me out.

So here’s to August. One more month to soak up the sunshine, make memories with the people we love, and maybe even welcome a little inspiration before my favorite season officially begins.

1. Things I’m Loving.

What I’m Wearing

I’ve been doing a little prep for my upcoming trip to New York. I’ve learned that if I pack a couple of days before my flight, my anxiety drops by about half. I know exactly what I’m wearing, I’m not scrambling the night before, and traveling just feels so much easier.

I’m definitely a sweats-on-the-plane kind of girl. I almost always end up in an Éterne set. They’re warm, comfortable, and somehow still look put together.

I usually only pack one or two pairs of jeans, and my favorites are from FRAME. The Gray Jean and the dark wash Le Leo Jean always seem to make it into my suitcase because they work with just about everything.

I also never travel without a lightweight jacket because airplanes are always freezing. Right now I’m loving the Renew Trainer Shell. It looks so cute thrown over the Slim Flare Pants. Ever since moving to Miami, I feel like I practically live in activewear.

Since we’ll be shooting all day, I wanted dinner outfits that felt effortless but still fun. I’m packing the Pomelina Two Piece Set from Reformation and Zara’s Embroidered Short Dress. The dress is one of those pieces I can wear with boots, sandals, or heels, then throw on a jacket once the evenings finally start to cool down.

Both feel perfect for warm August nights in the city, and I’ll definitely keep wearing them into September with a jacket.

My biggest guilty pleasure is scrolling fashion sites way too late at night. FWRD, NET-A-PORTER, Shopbop, Mytheresa, and Moda Operandi are all starting to roll out their fall collections, and I swear I get more excited every evening. The rich shades of plum and deep purple this season have completely won me over. I already have this Free People Knit Tank sitting in my Shopbop cart, and I keep telling myself it’d be perfect with jeans on a warm Miami fall evening.

What I’m Reading and Listening To

I’ve been finding a lot of inspiration in interiors lately. I started following Lauren Nelson Design after her Bahamas home was featured in Architectural Digest. It isn’t the typical beach house you’d expect, which is exactly why I loved it. It’s layered, timeless, and full of beautiful details. Her Instagram and website have been such a fun rabbit hole if you love home design as much as I do.

I also listened to A Woman’s Blueprint to Thyroid Health: Why You’re Still Tired, Gaining Weight & Why So Many Women Are Being Misdiagnosed with McCall McPherson. It was such an interesting conversation and one I think so many women will relate to.

I’ve also started reading Off the Grid with Chriselle. You have to check out her Sunday Fit Prep. Every Sunday, she shares the outfits she’s planning to wear throughout the week, and I thought it was such a fun idea. It’s basically meal planning, but for getting dressed.

Dreaming Of Going To

Spain has been on my mind lately.

We’re working with a partner in Portugal who’s been inviting me out for quite a while now. If I finally make the trip, I’d love to spend a few days exploring Portugal before hopping over to Spain.

I think what really sparked the idea was reading Vogue’s 5 Days in Mallorca and Madrid. They featured the Jumeirah Mallorca, and it looks absolutely beautiful. It’s one of those places that makes you want to book a flight the second you see it.

My brother has been talking about going back to Spain. I have a feeling the whole family would be on board. They’d need absolutely zero convincing. In fact, my mom is probably already looking at flights and hotels.

Around my home 

My flower delivery arrived this week! I tried a new variety called the Salmon Dahlia, and they’re so pretty. You all know I have two addictions: fresh flowers and candles. I already scheduled another delivery for when I get back from New York because I found these gorgeous Market Box Dahlias from Farmgirl Flowers. I had no idea they carried dahlias!

Fresh flowers and candles just go hand in hand around here. I’m so excited that Trudon’s Cire Candle is back. I’ve never burned this scent before, but the notes of honey, beeswax, sandalwood, cinnamon, and vanilla sound like the perfect way to ease into September. I’m also burning Auden Lueur’s Fresh Maris Candle almost every evening. It’s fresh with just enough warmth to feel like late summer slowly giving way to fall. I alternate with their Serene candle, or just burn both because I love them.

I’ve also been spending far too much time on Anthropologie lately. I love these Luster Scalloped Glass Candles for layering down the center of a dinner table, and somehow I also ended up adding the Olivia Floral Embroidered Duvet, this sheet set, and these pillows to my cart. Does anyone else fill an online shopping cart just because it’s pretty to look at? That’s basically my wish list.

I’ve been getting lots of questions about teacher gifts, which is so fun! Here’s what I’d do: pair this Rifle Paper Co. Pencil Mug with these Heart-Shaped Magnets and a few fun school supplies. If you really want to make it extra special, package everything up in a picnic basket. Such a sweet little gift.

And my favorite velvet ribbon is already back in stock. I know it’s only August, but I order it every year because it always seems to sell out. It makes holiday wrapping feel so special, and I use it all over the house too.

That’s everything around my house this week: fresh flowers, a candle burning every evening, and an Anthropologie cart that’s growing by the day. Pretty typical around here.

Oh, and I had to order this NFL Cleveland Browns Candle. My dad and brother are going to get such a kick out of it.

Getting Ready

A little hair update! I ended up getting the CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet for my dad. I fully planned on stealing it myself, but he’s become completely invested in it. It’s honestly kind of funny because he’s not even losing his hair. He just keeps saying he wants to be proactive and keep his hair healthy. He’s done all the research, so now I’m curious to see if it lives up to the hype. I’ll definitely keep you all posted.

I’ve also been pretty consistent with red light therapy this year, and it’s become one of those things I actually notice when I skip. My skin has been so much happier, and my sister swears her LED mask is what finally cleared up her acne. Between the two of us, we’re fully on the red light therapy train these days. If you’ve been thinking about trying it, I do have a code for both CurrentBody (TIEGHAN) and Bon Charge (TIEGHAN15).

Other than that, nothing too new over here. I painted my nails blue for one last little nod to summer using OPI’s Blue Them All Away. Such a fun color.

I’ve also almost finished another OAK Essentials Balm. I use it every single night over either the OSEA Body Butter or Mutha Body Butter. I have such dry skin that body care has become completely non-negotiable for me. These are the products I keep repurchasing because they simply work.

From My Kitchen

I was in the kitchen every day this week. When I’m just making dinner, it can be hard to capture content because, like all of you, I’m usually just trying to get food on the table. I managed to snap a few photos on my phone, and everything turned out so good.

Football season already has me craving buffalo chicken, so one night I made a new baked buffalo chicken finger recipe with homemade fries, lots of dill ranch, blue cheese, and a big salad.

My favorite meal of the week, though, was a version of my shawarma wraps with broccoli rice pilaf. The wraps were a huge hit with my brother, but the broccoli rice is what I’m most excited about. It has me thinking ahead to fall because I think it could turn into a really great one-pan chicken and rice dinner.

We also had nachos and my street corn chicken bowls, but the shawarma wraps easily won Family Dinner of the Week with a solid 9/10.

Around My Table

I’ve been cooking a lot of dinners lately, and with fall around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot about dinners in general.

I know how hard it can be to get a home-cooked meal on the table every night. I’m always asking myself, How can I make dinner feel less stressful?

I’ve realized meal prep isn’t really my style. What works best for me is having a simple plan. I make a quick list of what I can prep ahead and what needs to happen right before dinner. That little bit of organization quiets the noise in my brain and makes the whole evening feel so much easier.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to getting dinner on the table?

I’m still thinking this through because I have a feeling there’s something here. My wheels are definitely turning!

This Week’s Little Joy

Watching my little brother, Oslo, get so excited about his new bike. It was the surprise of the week, and he’s been riding it nonstop ever since.

I also surprised him with a Halloween mug because he says Halloween is his favorite holiday. I think he might actually love it more than I do…and that’s saying something!

Looking Ahead

This week is all about New York, our photoshoot, and then diving right back into fall recipe development.

I’m keeping things simple, soaking up these last summer days and warm Miami nights before my favorite season officially begins.

One little thing I’m especially looking forward to? Trader Joe’s fall food launch.

2. August Recipe Edit: Every Recipe You’re Loving This Month.

Mixing up this Peach Margarita seems to be a theme this month. I first made it years ago with my friend Benny, and now it’s become everyone’s favorite August cocktail.

You all have been baking this Brown Sugar Caramel Blackberry Peach Crisp with Double the Crumble nonstop lately. I think it might be the most popular recipe of the month!

One of my personal favorites from years back is the Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto. It’s simple, summery, and still one of those recipes I find myself coming back to again and again.

And you all continue to make the Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad and Street Corn Dip on repeat.

I honestly can’t decide which one has been more popular. They’re both such good summer recipes!

3. The Fancy Foods Edit.

Fancy food

4. How I Tame The Chaos

If there’s one app I couldn’t live without, it’s Notes. My brain is always moving, and if I don’t write something down the second I think of it, there’s a very good chance it’s gone forever.

I have a running note for every Sunday Nine Favorite Things post where I save links, stories, random thoughts, and anything I come across during the week. I have another for recipe ideas that’s embarrassingly long and broken into sections: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Cocktail Saturday, Sunday dinners, desserts…they all have their own little home. I also keep notes for restaurants I want to try, gift ideas, wish lists, and holiday planning.

My packing list might be the note I use the most. Every trip starts with the same master list. I simply duplicate it, rename it, and tweak it depending on where I’m going and how long I’ll be gone. Everything is organized into categories, so I never have to wonder what I’m forgetting. It makes packing so much less stressful and, honestly, it quiets the noise in my brain.

Mine usually looks something like this:

Packing • Austin • 7 Days

Supplements

• Probiotics
• Magnesium
• Omega

Food

• Whole Foods order
• Meat sticks

Clothes

• Travel outfit
• Comfy’s (always)

Beauty

• Skincare
• Candle (always!)

It’s nothing revolutionary, but these little lists make such a difference for me. Everything has a place, and I never have to wonder if I forgot something.

Honestly, that’s how so many of my recipes, stories, and favorite projects begin too. Every little idea has a place to land.

5. My Week In Photos.

Dinner notes are my secret to getting dinner on the table without the chaos.

I spend five minutes making a simple plan: what can be prepped ahead, what gets made first, and what needs to happen right before serving. It’s nothing fancy, but it makes the whole evening feel so much easier.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Sunday dinner lately. I just can’t seem to let go of this idea—a calmer evening, a simple meal, and everyone gathered around the table.

The best dinners are usually the simplest ones. A little planning, good ingredients, and the people we love. I think it’s time to bring Sunday dinner back!

I’ve been resharing Emma’s quotes almost every day now. I love them.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma for some wraps!

Shawarma wrap night

• Gouda
• homemade caesar
• chicken shawarma
• tomatoes
• pepperoncini
• lettuce
• dill
• I added bacon too!

En route to meet my sister for a walk. She asked me to grab an ice-cold water before I left. It’s been HOT!

Emptied! Another Cymbiotika Omega. I’ve been taking this for years, and it’s one of the few supplements I always come back to. I really trust Cymbiotika, and I genuinely feel my best when I’m consistent with their products.

I don’t take a lot of supplements because everyone’s needs are different, so please do your own research and find what works best for you.

Their Omega supports brain, eye, and heart health while also promoting a healthy inflammatory response. I also love pairing it with their Glutathione. Together, they leave my skin looking healthy and glowy.

Taco night!

That turned into Dad’s Nachos. As I said, I’m feeling game recipes right now.

Nachos! Tacos? Taco nacho!

These chocolate treats look so yummy! Seeing your Instagram photos and videos every week is honestly one of my favorite parts of what I do. You all recreate so many recipes, and it inspires me more than you know. You do such an amazing job, and it’s so much fun seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchens.

The addition of bacon is so smart! Love this!

This is so pretty! Next rainy night, I’m totally making a soup. I’m feeling like corn chowder should be up next – what do you think?

Pork rinds? That is so creative! I love seeing you using the cookbooks.

6. Inspiring Me.

Always see the good. Seek it out. The more you look for it, the more it finds you

Dreaming

7. Favorite Links.

31 Feel-Good Movies to Rewatch Now

Why I Love This Restaurant-Tracking App

What Is Nordic Walking

3 Hidden Gems To Add To Your Travel List

Trader Joe’s Best Frozen Meals

12 Portable Hobbies to Take With You Anywhere

8. Everything under $100 at Nordstrom.

Under $100 at nordstrom

Activewear

Stock up on underwear

9. The Dinner Menu.

Monday: Peanut Chicken Ramen Salad

Tuesday: Honey Soy Steak with Cherry Tomato Salad

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini

Thursday: Buffalo Ranch Pretzel Chicken Caesar Salad

Friday: Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta

Saturday: Blueberry Muffin Ice Cream Cake

Sunday: Crockpot Brown Butter Tomato and Ricotta Pasta