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Hello September! We’re entering my favorite time of year, and this year, more than ever before, has so much happening. I can’t wait! As I mentioned last week, it’s going to be a lot of being away from home, promoting new products, and launching the fourth cookbook in November!
I can’t believe this time is actually here. We’ve been planning for so long, like you have no idea, I’m excited to share more soon! This week, I’m back in New York. It’s fashion week and I have a few meetings, work events, and shows I’ll be attending. It’s always such a busy time in New York! This was my dream as a young girl who loved Gossip Girl. Like many young girls, I dreamed of someday attending New York Fashion Week. And now, here I am, doing just that! The fact that I’m living it all out is a little surreal. It’s funny because I never take the time to reflect except when I sit down to write this post each week.
I never would have thought that this is where I would be or what I would be doing, but I feel pretty happy! I need to work on taking more time to appreciate how far I have come. Yes, I still have so many mountains to climb in terms of what I want to do, but I know from experience that it is a slow and steady build. Good things really do take time!
I love that I can sit here like this and just “chat” with you all. What about you? With the fall season ahead of us, what are you looking forward to? It is fun to read the comments and learn more about you and your loves, so please continue to share!
Aside from exciting things with work, I’m looking forward to the things I look forward to every single fall season. The changing of the leaves, autumn apples, pumpkin spice everything, Halloween, holiday decor, reruns of Gilmore Girls, lighting that first fire of the season, making hot chocolate for Asher every night, Halloween movies, and cozy fall baking!
I’m looking forward to celebrating Asher’s birthday when the family returns from Europe. I was so sad I didn’t get to hug her on her 16th birthday. But I’m working on something exciting to celebrate! My mom said she had a nice birthday, and they all went out to dinner!
Ok, okay, and lastly, I want to touch base on the candles. We re-launched the Pumpkin Smash Candle earlier this month. The big candle already sold out, so crazy! Thank you so much to everyone who purchased! It’s been really fun to see everyone burning their candles. We have more coming soon! Plus – something new is launching on September 12th!
And there’s Home Chef, too! This collaboration has been one of my favorites to work on. I LOVE being able to so easily bring our HBH recipe into your homes. Watching you receive your boxes, cook the meals, and hear how you have been enjoying them is the best feeling. It’s so fun to see! Thank you, guys!
Exciting things! I hope everyone is feeling that excitement too!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
excited for…the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. The iconic show is back and in its original format! You guys, I grew up looking forward to this show every single season. I loved seeing the holiday looks; they always got me excited for a cozy holiday season. I’m thrilled the show is back! And the classic runway format is back too. It looks so cute – Christmas in New York with Victoria’s Secret!
dreaming of going…Schloss Fuschl. The new hotel reopened it’s doors this June by Rosewood. Located in central Europe, this place looks magical. What a dreamy hotel. Planning a fall trip now.
everything in my cart (low)…so many good Labor Day weekend sales. This ruffled chiffon blouse from Mango is very trendy right now. The boho style is back! I love this Bella linen Reformation skirt. The color is perfect for fall. Or try their Portia dress if all black is more your vibe.
For a jacket, this faux suede jacket at Zara is super cute. When I saw it, I definitely thought it was designer. I also love this leather jacket from Free People.
Speaking of Free People, they have such cute looks for fall. This oversized crewneck is a great cozy fall transitional piece. It comes in so many colors too!
And fun fact about Free People? They actually have a charming home section. Sometimes I find the most random pieces, that I just love! I added this split cup and saucer set to my cart. And this harvest basket! I want to fill it with fall dahlias. So pretty!
listening to…Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick. Creighton actually sent this one to me with the words, “this is an interesting listen, we grew up eating the worst food’. Agreed, enjoyed this.
traveling…Mallorca Travel Guide, the Island Everyone’s Vacationing. Have you been? I’ve been wanting to go all summer. This guide is super helpful!
reading…Solving Every Travel Problem! All your travel issues/concerns are answered.
loving…Emily in Paris Star Ashley Park’s Closet Tricks Make Staying Organized 10x Simple. Oh my gosh. I love her closet! Someday my office will also be in my closet. That is so fun!
shopping…Your One-Stop Shop for This Year’s Best Labor Day Sales
wanting…a jewelry box. How cute is this? What a great way to keep your jewelry organized. Asher would love this!
listening to…Taylor Hill: Grief, Love, and the NEW Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This is an easy, fun listen. I think Taylor seems like the coolest girl!
everything in my cart (beauty)…I love this Cryo De-Puffing Facial Mask from 111Skin. I’ve used this mask for years, and it’s the best after-travel de-puffing mask.
The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) is apparently everyone’s favorite Korean sunscreen. Patrick Ta launched two new products, his Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo and Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo. I should try them both!
This Eight-Day regenerative serum is an investment, but if you have super dry skin, I have found this really helps my skin when used as the last step of my routine before bed. Lather it on! Or, I’ve seen everyone sharing Clarins’ newest launch, Double Serum Anti-Aging.
I’m ordering the Soft Services Buffing Bar. Try this if you’re looking to reduce bumps on the back of your arms, thighs, and hips, have rough elbows, knees, and heels, or are prepping skin for sunless tan products. I’ve wanted to try this bar all summer.
And for upcoming travel, the Jet Leg on the Go Set from Summer Fridays.
wanting…this tech organizer to keep cords tidy on the plane and in my bag.
everything in my cart (high)…this cute and cozy striped cashmere pullover from Guest in Residence. And then, this warm blouson jacket from Miu Miu (fall staple piece). And these Fendi slingback heels are just gorgeous. Also very into the new Gucci slim horsebit boot. SO GOOD. I need these. The color is great for fall.
following…this dopamine menu to boost my mood. Love this idea!
2. The Most Popular Recipes of August.
Most popular: Caramel Peach Dump Cake
Runner-up: Sheet Pan Zucchini Lasagna with Garlic Croutons
Also have to mention: Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars
Family Favorite: Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
Best Back to School/Back to Work Recipe: 20 Minute Crispy Mongolian Beef
And: 31 Recipes To Cook in August
3. Everything Cozy for a Fall Home.
I’m here for all the cozy vibes now that it’s September!
4. Book Tour Questions.
We’ve been working on the book tour for the launch of Quick and Cozy for the last month. I’m excited to share the details with you guys soon! Something so important to me with this tour is to make each event and book signing fun for you all and not just your average meet-and-greet style singing.
We’re working on a few ideas, but I want to ask you all what would make these events/signings special. What would get you so excited?
Please leave any and all ideas in the comments or send me an email. I want to hear from you guys! It’s going to be so fun!
5. Best Facial Tip/Hack.
Something I’ve really been loving so much is this Mint Roller. I keep it in the freezer, then pull it out every night after I do my skincare and roll it all over my face. I mentioned that I’ve been dealing with an allergic rash on my face and neck. This is literally the only thing that has helped soot/heal my skin. Now I look forward to it every night!
It is also so great for travel. I will not leave home without it. The only bummer is most hotel rooms only have a fridge, not a freezer. But it’s still great cold or not. OH! And you can get it hot too and roll it over your skin warm, it feels so nice!
6. Inspiring Me.
Everything on my fall Pinterest board. I’ve been pinning like crazy, I love fall.
(photo from Our Soto Home)
(found on Pinterest – source not listed)
7. Favorite Links i’m loving.
How to Host Your First Dinner Party: A Step-by-Step Guide
10 Solo Date Ideas That Will Help You Romanticize Fall
The Best Movies to Stream This Fall—On Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and Beyond
I Used to Be a Chronic Procrastinator—Productivity Tips Help Me Get It All Done
What Is Birth-Order Theory, and Is There Any Truth to It?
26 Items I Won’t Board Another Flight Without
17 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Fall
5 Lacanche Range Look-alikes Without the $10K Price Tag
Ready Your Reading Nook: The Most Anticipated New Books of Fall 2024
This $5 Hack Made Interviewing for Jobs So Much Easier
The New Shows & Movies Our Editors Are Watching in September
The 30 Most Popular Halloween Costumes We Expect to See Everywhere in 2024
8. Fall styles under $200
fall boots
bags for fall
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: Crockpot Honey Garlic Pot Roast
Tuesday: Sage Brown Butter Corn Pasta Alfredo
Wednesday: Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Thursday: Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch
Friday: French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese
Saturday: Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potatoes
