Nine Favorite Things. (2024)

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Nine Favorite Things – looking forward to getting back to travel this month

Happy February everyone! I’m feeling excited about this month. We all made it through January, which can feel a little boring after the craziness of the holidays. But with February comes Super Bowl Sunday excitement followed by Valentine’s Day.

Personally, I only ever watch the halftime show – if I watch the Super Bowl. But you know I have fun creating Super Bowl “themed’ recipes, and the same with Valentine’s Day. Both make the month feel just a little more exciting!

I’ve already started banking a few recipes for the month and I cannot wait to share them! I have a couple desserts that I hope everyone will love, plus some fun appetizers and dinners too.

Moving on to travel, I’ve finally got some trips coming up and they’re back-to-back! As someone who never used to embrace travel, I’ve found myself craving it more and more. I think it’s just a nice change of pace for me. I love getting out of my comfort zone, out of the kitchen, and delving into the other areas that I love as well. and it’s been so great getting to share it all with you!

I’m heading back to New York on Thursday for a week and I’m really looking forward to going. Then I’ll be in Miami at the end of the month. I vote for more work in Miami because I can’t wait for some sunshine and warm humid air.

Speaking of warm destinations, Creighton is currently trying to plan the family spring break. He’s throwing out some interesting spots. I vote for anywhere super, super tropical!

Let’s see, let’s see, what else is new? Everyone had a really nice time in Aspen last weekend for the X-Games. Red, unfortunately, landed funny on his second run and hurt his foot so wasn’t able to do as well as he would have liked. Regardless it was a fun little trip. My mom and Asher even got to spend a bit of time together, just the two of them, so that was nice to hear! They did some early evening shopping in the midst of a downfall of snow so the town was quiet and cozy. They capped off their outing with some homemade hot chocolate at the cozy little Bear Den before heading back. When I was Asher’s age, this would have been a dream come true for me. So happy they got time to do it!

Work-wise, it was busy this week. We have a handful of things we’re working on behind the scenes. Plus the team is exploring/brainstorming some website updates to help make the site even more efficient for you all. And I’ve been cooking like crazy and planning ahead for upcoming travel. I ended Friday with a happy call, so that was a great way to end the week!

That’s all for today! Hope you’re having a cozy February weekend – enjoy this week’s favorites!

1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

loving…the Skinny Confidential pink balls face massager. Ok, so I was just sent this, but, both Asher and I are obsessed. Not only have I noticed my skin looking less tired after using, but it feels so good! I have never had a face massage, but this pretty pink tool does an incredible job. Asher has been coming down to my house just to use it every morning and night. We love it.

wanting…A Bertazzoni gas range. Have you heard of this brand? They’re new to me, but I love the look of their french style ranges. We’re replacing the ranges in the studio this spring and maybe these should be our new replacements.

everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, I love this hooded padded vest or faux leather puffer vest. Very into vests this season. And anything with a hood, this hooded quilted jacket is a winter staple. It would be really cute over this midi dress or paired with a denim midi skirt and then these leather boots from Mango.

Oh, and you can never go wrong with a basic hoodie. I need lots of them!

If you’re shopping on Mango, their faux shearling-lined jacket is really pretty. Or try their oversized leather trench.

And lastly, affordable cashmere. How wonderful does this cashmere crewneck sweater look? Crazy that it’s only $50! This oversized cashmere blend sweater from H&M is nice too.

listening to…Dorothy Wang of Bling Empire New York on a Career in Reality TV. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this, but I ended up loving this conversation. Do you watch Bling Empire? After listening to Dorothy, I’m going to start tonight!

ordered…new mugs from Rendy. I ordered their rock mug, tulip, and sand. They’re all prettier and cuter in person. I love them!

dreaming of going to…The 9 Best Wellness Getaways. I’ll happily go anywhere listed here, honestly. These destinations would be great weekend getaways.

loving…Snif Minis. I haven’t ever been the girl who loves perfume, but I gave Asher her first bottle for Christmas. Ever since I’ve been exploring fragrances. I adore the Snif minis for testing out new scents! The bundle pack is great if you’re looking to find “your scent” or just need a travel-size bottle. I love knowing they’re made using all clean ingredients too! My favorite scent is sweet ash for sure.

2. The most popular recipes of January.

Most popular: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Runner-up:Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls

Also have to mention:Maple Banana Bread with Cinnamon Spice Butter

My personal favorite:Blender Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ok, last one: Parmesan Tahini Kale Salad

3. Fun/Random for the Home

new arrivals from Anthropologie home

new mugs/for the kitchen

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: which sibling do you get along with the best?
a: I would say we all get along the same. We’re at good ages now that we can all just hang and we don’t really get into fights. Or nothing serious anyway. But Asher and I share something super special being the 2 girls with 6 brothers.

q: any fun trips planned for 2023?
a: Nothing crazy new, I’m hoping a fun trip pops up soon! Definitely would love to visit Paris and I need a tropical trip for March or April. I think this is a year for travel for me!

q: what do you think about diets, keto, intermittent fasting, etc.?
a: I’m not into diets of any kind. I’m more about eating real food with very minimal ingredients, lots of fruit, lots of vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and homemade when possible. And no added sugars. But balance is important. I do believe you have to let yourself have the slice of greasy pizza too. I think diets can get you into trouble. But that’s just me. You do you!

q: what do you do to feel happy when you are really sad?
a: Anything that makes me feel cozy. I love sitting on floor (I know, weird, but I’d sit on the floor over the couch if I had the choice) bundled in a blanket with a candle burning. It’s like hiding from the world for a bit 🤷🏻‍♀️

q: do you cook a different meal every night?
a: Not every single night, but yes most nights. Repeats include tacos, buffalo chicken, pasta alla vodka, beer bread, gumbo, ramen (but I never make it the same way twice), and chicken fried rice.

q: what material are your kitchen counters? What do you recommend?
a: The studio kitchen has a quartzite countertop island and then the black counters in the back are black soapstone. I have white marble counters at home. The studio’s counters are great. The black does show marks because it’s matte and we did not have it honed (sealed) because I love the matte look. The quartzite counters stain a little but the stain usually goes away after a few days. I’d recommend both for a kitchen! My marble counters at home definitely stain but I don’t mind it or stress on it anymore.

q: why aren’t you on the Food Network?
a: I get this question every time…not really something that’s in my full control but honestly I don’t think it’s a fit for me anyway