450: Nine Favorite Things.

It’s been a season of so much change and growth for me personally, as well as within our business. All really positive, but of course, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been challenges along the way too.

I say this a lot, but I really see this space as a way to let you into my world. What we’ve created together over the last almost fourteen years is so special. And as we head into the end of summer, so much feels new and different. There are still things I’m figuring out, but more than anything, I’m excited about what’s ahead.

I’ve learned a lot about myself this year. Looking at the girl I am today versus the girl I was last summer, we’re not the same. And I think that’s a good thing! I’m learning to be more open, to listen more, and not to overthink every little thing quite so much.

There’s so much conversation around wellness and personal growth right now, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming at times. I get that. So I’ll leave it there for today. I always like sharing these little reflections with you when they feel right.

It’s been the most beautiful week in Miami. SO HOT, but I really don’t mind it.

I returned home from New York on Saturday evening after a few airport delays, and I have to say, I was sad to leave. I used to be intimidated by such a big city, but now it’s become one of my favorite places.

There’s so much more traveling I want to do, and I definitely need to see more of Europe, but New York has become really special to me. I love being there and usually don’t want to leave, which isn’t always the case when I travel!

The end of my trip was busy, beautiful, and so energizing. I loved being back on set and creating really beautiful things for you all. I’m excited to share more later in September!

For now, I’m happy to be spending the remainder of August and summer in Miami. My family is all close by, and we’re soaking up time together before all the September travel begins. Some apart and some together!

I spent much of the week trying out new recipes in the kitchen, too. When I have family close by, I’m always cooking A LOT. It’s my favorite gift to share with them and something I genuinely love doing every day.

I was horrible at taking photos this week, however. I’m not sure why, but picking up my phone to snap a photo or film a quick video just didn’t cross my mind very often. Which is funny because I’m so used to cooking, filming, and photographing all at the same time.

Some weeks I want to document everything. Other weeks I completely forget!

But I made a few yummy recipes, went on beautiful walks, spent time with family, and met a lot of new people too. I’ve been saying yes to new situations, meeting new people, listening, and learning. I’m really enjoying that right now.

And the coming week is busy! Lots of meetings, planning, and prep for everything ahead in September. But I’m also prioritizing time in the kitchen, making delicious food for the people around me, enjoying Miami, and soaking up these last weeks of summer.

OK! That’s that. Happy times, good people, good food, and smiles all around!

I hope everyone is soaking in these last weeks of summer too. September will be here before we know it, and I am the most excited!

1. Things I’m Loving.

What I’m Wearing

I had so much fun last week in New York playing around with some of our fall pieces. I know it’s still August, but being in New York had me so excited to start styling for fall again.

The green coat I wore was a vintage Dolce & Gabbana suede jacket. I found this cute, similar jacket if you love the look too! Underneath, I wore this beautiful silk shirt (similar here). I paired everything with the prettiest necklace and my new go-to Khaite jeans that I shared last week. I found a similar pair I love, too!

The boots might have been my favorite, though. They felt perfect for an everyday fall look. Is anyone else getting excited to style new fall pieces and eventually pull out those soft sweaters? I can’t believe how many pretty styles I’m already seeing for the season!

My white sweater was a rented vintage Dsquared2 from Reservations Only. This Clarra Cardigan from Tularosa is really cute too!

In my Shopbop order, I got this Reformation Lian Cashmere Crew Sweater, and it is SO soft. I’m saving it for upcoming travel since it’s way too hot to wear right now.

And on my wishlist is a new bag. I love finding vintage bags, but I definitely have my eye on this cute woven bag from The Row. The detailing and leather are impeccable.

Listening to

I’ve had a very full Spotify queue this week. While in New York, I listened to Charli XCX for the first time. My good friend Cait really enjoys her music, and it was perfect for keeping the energy up during long shoot days!

Podcast-wise, my dad told me to listen to Travis Barker on Jay Shetty. I knew pieces of his story, but hearing him talk about everything he’s been through, including surviving a plane crash that took the lives of four others, really stops you. It’s a heavier conversation, but such a meaningful one. I really enjoyed hearing him share his story and perspective.

And I always love hearing from Tezza Barton, the founder of the Tezza app. She’s the most creative and kind soul. I enjoy learning more about her creative process and how she’s built her business.

Oh, and something kind of random for me—I listened to an episode discussing heart disease. Honestly, I didn’t think I would be that interested, but I ended up learning a lot. It’s one of those topics that’s just good to know more about.

Dreaming of Going To

I loved reading this very detailed guide through France and Spain. The entire trip looks so beautiful!

I also found Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, an elegant 16th-century maison in Provence. How beautiful! Their sister hotel in Saint-Tropez, Château de La Messardière, looks just as incredible. Both are impeccable and would be dream destinations!

Also, travel games! I adore this idea. Sharing some of our favorites to play as a family below.

Around my home

I’m always looking for beautiful pieces for the home, and I recently came across the Heidi Caillier x Joon Loloi collection. The rugs are so pretty. They have that vintage, collected feel I love, with lots of pattern and texture, but still feel cozy and easy to live with.

This Domino story shares more of the collection too. So many beautiful pieces!

Beauty

I’m very into fall nail colors right now, especially since I currently have nothing on my nails. I’m excited to try so many shades. Burgundy and plum have me the most excited—or actually, maybe it’s the deep reds and dark espresso shades. I don’t know, I just love fall colors so much!

High on my list are Cliffside Karaoke, We the Female, the prettiest deep red, Flannel Aerobics (which feels so sweet and cozy), and Supernova Pearl. I love the purple hue!

And #Virgoals—I’m wearing this all of October. Then Slip Dressed Up for November. Clearly, I already have my fall nails planned out!

Also on my beauty radar right now is Eighth Day. I’ve been looking through the line and am especially curious about their Eye Renewal Cream. It’s designed to help with hydration, dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes, and I’m always looking for a really good eye cream. Adding this one to my list to try!

What I am Watching

Sorry to keep nudging everyone toward fall, but it feels like everyone is already talking about the upcoming season! While reading Emily Henderson this week, I came across this video, “The 5 Most Important Rules for Creating a Cozy Home”, with production designer Jon Hutman, who has worked on several of Nancy Meyers’ films.

I love anything that makes a home feel warm, cozy, collected, and lived in, so of course I really enjoyed this. Such a fun watch as we head toward fall!

What I’m Reading

Something fun! Dairy Queen was such a big part of my childhood. My mom used to take us there all the time. One summer, right before my sister was born, Mom and I would get Dairy Queen chocolate soft serve every day around 4 o’clock as our afternoon treat!

It’s just good, simple ice cream, and I have so many sweet memories tied to it. So I loved learning about the original Dairy Queen menu from 1940 and seeing what the shops looked like back then. Such a fun little piece of nostalgia.

From My Kitchen

I cooked so much this week! I took almost no photos to document any of it, sorry about that. I guess I was just in the zone, and honestly, it felt kind of nice not to pick up my phone.

Sunday night I made a summer ragù. It was a fresh mix of cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, onions, and garlic. I used spicy Italian chicken sausage with my homemade spice mix, plus ground pork and some bacon too! I added a few tablespoons of tomato paste to create more of a sauce, poured in a bottle of wine, and served everything over plates of spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan and basil. Big, big summer salad on the side.

I made yummy shish tawook chicken wraps with homemade tzatziki and roasted peppers. Plus another salad, of course.

Broccoli cheddar pasta for a meatless night!

Then carnitas tostadas with spicy chipotle peach salsa and cilantro lime ranch. I think these were our favorite. I meant to add a fried egg on top, but totally forgot!

Friday night I made burgers with a mix of ground lamb and beef. I topped them with blue cheese, crispy bacon, broccoli slaw with Greek yogurt ranch, and the special sauce from the HBH Every Day cookbook. Salad—always salad—and homemade baked fries on the side.

And chocolate chip pancakes too this week. Mom and I really needed those after the longest work week!

We had dinner out last night, which was such a fun family dinner and a nice way to end the week.

What are you cooking right now? And what’s on the menu for Sunday night dinner?

Around My Table

Also, ordering Farmgirl Flowers. Fresh flowers around the house make me so happy, especially as I head into the weekend. There’s just something about having flowers on the table that instantly makes the house feel happier.

And something fun for the table: board games – perfect for rainy weekends!

This Week’s Little Joy

My dad surprised me with bundles of roses and sunflowers this week. It almost made me cry. It was the sweetest surprise and made me so happy.

Sometimes it really is the simplest things.

Looking Ahead

A big focus this week: finding my sister the perfect eighteenth birthday gift (she made me a wish list!). I’m in disbelief that she will officially be an adult and is about to start her first year of college.

I was fifteen when my mom had Asher, and in so many ways, that little girl brought so much joy into my life at a time when I really needed it. And now she’s eighteen!

She’s grown into the most beautiful young woman, inside and out. I’m so proud of her and so excited for everything ahead. It’s going to be such a big year for her!

2. Favorite Back-to-School Recipes.

Blender Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

3. Lulu and Georgia.

4. A New York Stay at Fouquet’s.

I was so happy to be back at Fouquet’s in New York. I think it has officially become my favorite hotel in the city. At this point, it really does feel a little like home when I’m there, and I always look forward to coming back.

The entire hotel is beautiful, but I especially love the rooms. They have this sweet French feel with soft colors, pretty details, and just enough Parisian charm without feeling overly fancy. And the marble bathrooms might be my favorite part. I don’t know what it is, but a beautiful hotel bathroom makes me so happy. I could spend way too much time getting ready in theirs!

But honestly, it’s the people who make me want to come back. Everyone is so warm and thoughtful. They remember your name, they remember the little things, and somehow they make this incredibly beautiful hotel feel really personal and comfortable. Especially when I’m traveling for work and the days are long, that means a lot.

And then there’s the food. The bar is SO cute and one of my favorite places to sit after a long day. And unlike a lot of hotels, I actually really enjoy eating here. It’s easy, cozy, and always good.

My recommendation? Order the burger late at night after a long New York day, then get breakfast the next morning. Such a good combination.

I’m always a little sad when it’s time to check out. Fouquet’s has become such a special New York spot for me, and one of those places that makes being away from home feel a whole lot easier.

Already looking forward to being back!

5. My Week In Photos.

6. Inspiring Me.

7. Favorite Links.

The Best Way to Explore Indonesia? On a Traditional Wooden Sailing Ship

How the Kemo Sabe Hat Became Fashion’s Ultimate Cult Piece

How to Order Trader Joe’s Groceries in Bulk

Let’s Get Organized! The Pieces That Will Solve Your “Clutter” Problems

4 Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaways

Meet the Next Generation of Chefs Redefining Modern Mexican Cuisine in the U.S.

Habits to Have a Baseline of Happiness

10 Trader Joe’s Lunch Ideas You Can Easily Throw Together on Busy Workdays

7 Ways to Make Back-to-School Fun (For Real)

What’s The Best (Non-Physical) Compliment You’ve Ever Received?

My All-Time Greatest Packing Tip

8. Weekly Style Edit – sales and new fall.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Wednesday: 6 Ingredient Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

Thursday: Coconut Chicken and Zucchini Curry

Friday: Zucchini Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Pasta Carbonara

Saturday: Cinnamon Crunch Zucchini Muffin Quick Bread

Sunday: Brown Butter Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies