454: Nine Favorite Things.

Hey all! It’s been a full week, and one that has thrown me a few curveballs. But all in all, I’m feeling grateful. Grateful for the life I’m living, the people I have around me, my family, my health, and simply the ability to wake up and walk on my own two feet every single day in this beautiful world we get to live in.

It’s a weird thing, but lately I’ve been waking up with this little sense of fear about what the day might bring. I never know what a text message might say, what an email might carry, or what a conversation could bring. It’s an underlying anxiousness I’ve been experiencing more than I’d like.

But I’m learning to catch those thoughts and reframe them before they take over. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to go into each day and, maybe even more importantly, how I want to end each day. I have a few new goals around both, and I’m excited to put them into practice.

The week started at home in Miami, and now I’m in Austin. I’m not totally sure what the next few days will hold, but it’s already been a busy couple of days shooting new autumn recipes. I’d hoped to get through more because, as you all know, I thrive during this September season.

Sometimes I feel like my ideas are endless, which is a blessing of its own! I have so many ideas for upcoming fall and winter recipes, features I’d love to share on the site, new goals, and just so many things I want to create. I have a chaotic brain!

But I’m trying to move with the flow and take everything one day, one step at a time. Not worrying or obsessing too much about what comes next—which is hard for me, but something I’m really working on.

Regardless of the curveballs, it’s been a fun week too. I started planning Thanksgiving, and I’m so excited about what we’re brewing up. I already have so many ideas and cannot wait to start bringing them to life.

But before Thanksgiving, we have Halloween! I’m curious, what do you love most about Halloween? Are you dressing up this year? I’m planning to bring back our Cocktail Saturday series this October, starting with the spookiest Halloween cocktails and then moving into those warming November drinks as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, what kind of menu are you dreaming of this year? I always love mixing old favorites with new recipes, but I’d really love to know how I can help you have the best holiday yet. Whether you’re hosting the whole dinner, bringing a dish, or simply looking for something new to add to the table, tell me what you need!

That’s it for my weekly update. Have a wonderful Sunday, and welcome to cozy season!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

I have the hardest time finding trousers I actually love, especially when ordering online. My sister and I are always looking for a good everyday trouser that feels elevated and chic but is still easy to wear. So when I find a really good pair, I get excited.

I ordered these low-rise trousers the second Chriselle Lim recommended them, and they are just everything. They’re perfect for everyday. Wear them with loafers for a more casual look or dress them up with heels. They’re comfy but still super chic, with a really nice ease to them. I’m actually thinking about getting a pair for my sister too. She recently asked me about trousers, and I know she’d love these.

They would look cute paired with this Magazine Bag in Patent Leather from Kallmeyer. Super cute. I think Asher would love this set!

I go through so many white shirts, so I like finding good-quality options that aren’t too expensive. Gap and Express are my go-tos for tees and button-downs because when I inevitably stain one—because I will—I don’t feel horrible about replacing it.

And if you’re in need of a good white button-down, take a look at this Stretch Cotton Poplin Oversized Shirt. Or this Solid Poplin Shirt from Zara is great too!

OK! Onto a few more Zara pieces. Side note: I’m sharing a ton from the Reformation fall launch below too. Their fall pieces are really good this month.

But Zara! First up, this Diamond Knit Cardigan. There’s a designer version on Shopbop that I love, but this is just as cute. This Ribbed Tank Top With Wavy Hem is so simple, but the wavy detailing makes it feel a little more fun and not so basic.

I’d wear this Ribbed-Waist Knit Midi Dress with this gorgeous suede jacket. So pretty, right? Add a brown boot, and it’s such a good October and November look.

And lastly, this Leather Maxi Shopper Bag. It’s the kind of bag you can carry every day, but it’s big enough to take along for holiday travel too. I love an oversized bag for fall and winter.

Listening to

I mentioned above that I’ve been waking up with a lot of fear lately, so when Radhi shared this conversation about waking up with morning anxiety, it felt like God just knew I needed to hear it. It’s funny how life can put exactly what we need right into our laps at the right time.

I’m discovering the power in asking for more guidance and then actually being open to receiving it. I know it’s a little “woo-woo,” but if it works, it works!

Anyway, the episode is an easy listen and really helpful if you’ve been waking up with anxious or negative thoughts too. A good reminder that we can reframe our brains. We don’t have to sit with every thought that enters our mind or let it determine the rest of our day.

Travel

Being the autumn girl that I am, I’m craving comfort more than ever. Good routines, good practices, and when it comes to travel, I really just want to soak up fall. I don’t even know where exactly, but I find myself dreaming about those quintessential East Coast autumns. Maybe it’s the Ohio girl in me, but give me bright red and orange leaves, apple orchards with homemade cider, hayrides, and corn mazes for all the kids to wander through and get lost in.

There are so many places to explore. Door County, Wisconsin, looks picturesque. Woodstock, Vermont, feels like the definition of fall. And I really can’t get over New York at the end of September and into October. There’s just something about being there as the season starts to change.

What’s on your fall travel bucket list? Is there a destination or hotel you dream about this time of year? Or are you staying super close to home, taking bike rides and long walks just to see the leaves? Honestly, that sounds pretty nice too.

And if you have kids who love Halloween, take them to the Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens, Oregon! Definitely not East Coast, but it looks SO fun for a fall trip with kids.

Also, has anyone flown La Compagnie? It’s an all-business-class airline flying between New York and select European destinations (with connections from other US locations). I haven’t heard much about it, but I’m intrigued. Anything that can make getting to and from Europe a little easier and more comfortable catches my attention. Has anyone tried it?

Around my home

I found my sister Asher this easy-to-use video camera! Instead of only taking photos while she’s away at school, I thought she might have fun capturing little videos too. It’s cute, compact, and seems really simple to use—the perfect little camera for documenting this new season of life!

And for your kids, this Go Camp Camera is super affordable and so fun. The photos have that nostalgic film look, but everything can easily be uploaded right to your phone. I love the idea of giving kids a camera and seeing what they capture from their own perspective.

I’m just learning about Rosemary Home and discovering their whimsical glassware and home pieces. It’s definitely different, and not every piece is for me, but there are some really special finds. This La Veneziana Rosa Mirror would be so adorable on a vanity.

Beauty

My skin had a flare-up last week from a food sensitivity, and the area around my eyes became so dry and flaky. It was awful. I started using this Irene Forte Eye Cream morning and night, and it’s been incredibly soothing. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated, soft, and rejuvenated again. It’s also a pretty large jar for an eye cream, so you really get a lot for your money. It was also another Chriselle Lim recommendation—she knows her beauty!

And speaking of Chriselle, Phlur just launched its new Vanilla Skin Eau De Parfum, and it’s such a magical, cozy autumn scent. It has this creamy warmth wrapped in spice, with notes of pink pepper and sugar, followed by vanilla and cozy sandalwood underneath. Sweet, comforting, and so nice for fall.

From My Kitchen

Oh, it’s been a busy week in the kitchen! Coming up, we have cozy fall pastas, fun game day recipes for both dinner and snacking, my family’s favorite burritos, and a cozy curry served with the prettiest jeweled rice. The curry is full of vibrant turmeric and warming spices. It’s one of those colorful, comforting dinners that feels so good as the weather starts to cool.

And then, Halloween! I have some really fun, spooky recipes coming that I’m so excited to share. I also found this Autumnal Decorating Set at Williams Sonoma, and I’m loving it. It’s such an easy way to make Halloween desserts look cute and festive without making the decorating overly complicated.

This Week’s Little Joy

Honestly, a lot. When my flight was canceled on Monday, it certainly wasn’t ideal. But more than anything, I was grateful to be alive and well. Five people tragically lost their lives in the crash at the Miami airport, and my heart and prayers go out to them and their families.

I know so many others were stranded without clean clothes or a comfortable place to sleep, with kids and family waiting for them at home. I was fortunate to be able to easily go back home, shower, get in my sauna blanket, and sleep in my own bed. It put everything into perspective and made me extra grateful.

Also, not one, but two really meaningful conversations with old and new friends. And the Austin sunshine this week. Sometimes it’s just the simplest things.

Looking Ahead

I’m ready for autumn leaves, planning Thanksgiving, and maybe even jumping into Christmas too.

2. 7 Fall Recipes To Make This Week.

Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Mini Spaghetti Squash Lasagnas

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

3. Fall with Willams-Sonoma.

4. Holiday Dreaming.

I’m already dreaming, planning, and plotting for the holidays. It might feel early, but this is when I start getting excited about everything I want to create and share with you all.

You all seem to love my Thanksgiving menu and all of my tips for making the day feel special, so of course I’ll be doing that again. This year, though, I’d love to bring in even more of the details around the food. Think more tablescaping, more styling, and really creating the whole scene. I love that part so much.

And then we move right into Christmas! This is where I need your help. Would you love a Christmas dinner menu? A cozy Christmas Eve dinner? An entire holiday cocktail menu? More appetizers and party food? My holiday cocktails will definitely be making a comeback because they’re some of my favorite recipes to create.

Tell me what you’d most love to see this year. What would be helpful, inspiring, and fun for you and your family? Hearing your ideas is always so helpful, especially while I’m in this early planning stage!

5. My Week in Photos.

Cuyana laptop case

Bring Gilmore Girls back!

The Austin Proper left me the prettiest flowers. Hands down best hotel in Austin with a really sweet staff too!

I never travel without Lineage air-dried steak and meat sticks. There is nothing healthy in the airport and these make things easy get in good for you nutrienrs.

I love this Osea travel set.

So ready for spooky season!

A night with a sweet friend in Austin at La Piscina.

6. Sharing Something Special.

Coming this week! Eek! It’s GOOD.

7. Favorite Links.

How to Unshrink Your Clothes

The 8 Best Lunches for a Healthy Gut

The Vogue Guide to Palm Beach

Visit the Original Practical Magic Filming Location This Fall

The Fashion Insider’s Guide to Dining and Drinking During NYFW

20 Fall Desserts You’ll Want to Make on Repeat

How To Exercise Without Going To The Gym

Fall Party Ideas

8. Autumn Colors and September Arrivals.

Reformations

Colors of Autumn

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Honey Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Bake

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken and Creamy Orzo

Wednesday: Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Thursday: Fall Harvest Apple Orzo Salad

Friday: Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Saturday: Chewy Harvest Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sunday: Hard Cider Pretzels with Creamy Honey Mustard