Nine Favorite Things.

Happy May, everyone! As I write this, I’m in New York for a quick trip. It’s the nicest spring day outside. Sunny skies and warm – I need to get outside! The warmth and sunshine are exactly what I’m craving and need right now after our longer winter and wet spring that we’ve been having at home.

Originally I was scheduled to be in New York for a longer stay, but I decided to pull out of a photoshoot tomorrow and head home a little early. To be upfront, I’m a little disappointed not to get to shoot in the city, but I know there will be other opportunities! We have a lot going on right now behind the scenes, and this shoot was just a little too much. So home I go!

The main reason I’m in New York is an event we had with Benny Blanco to launch his first cookbook, Open Wide. It was so much fun and great to finally meet The Pasta Queen, too. She’s really so sweet! We all had dinner at Carbone after the event. It seemed as though we ordered the entire menu. It’s a great New York restaurant if you’re in the city and have the opportunity to go!

Aside from our event, I spent the remainder of my time in New York, taking meetings and getting some writing done. Sometimes I find it’s easiest for me to get bulk amounts of computer work done when I don’t have the option to be in the kitchen cocking. So, I buckled down on Friday and got in a good amount of writing. Locking myself in a hotel room was key.

I’m definitely looking forward to this month! May will bring some new beginnings, sunnier, warmer days, and, of course, so much excitement for summer. I can’t believe we’re approaching June! How is summer so close already?

I think that’s all for today. No exciting updates this week, but soon enough, we’ll have plenty! I hope you all enjoy yet another round of Sunday favorites. We’ve got lots of good links, fashion, and home decor finds this week!

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

ordered…the everyday glass from Mannerist. I have some cocktails I need to photograph, I’m hoping to use these for one of them!

loving…this fun Wavy Blocks Towel Set. I can’t decide between the blue or the yellow. Both are cute and would be the perfect towels to style if you’re lucky enough to have a pool, ocean, or lake in your backyard this summer.

watching…Mother of the Bride. This is out May 9th on Netflix and looks so cute!

listening to…How To Start A Side Hustle Or Your First Business To Generate New Income.

dreaming of going to…15 Underrated Europe Destinations Beyond Paris and London. What’s on your list?

reading…Inside Benny Blanco’s Eclectic LA Home, Which Doubles as Hollywood’s Favorite Hangout.

ordering…this set of 4 recycled stemless wine glasses from Casa Zuma. Have you guys checked out Casa Zuma yet? The website run by Camille Styles has some of my favorite kitchen and home decor pieces right now. They carry the most unique and pretty finds for the home and kitchen. 

eating at…Miami’s Best New Restaurant Serves a Peruvian Grandma’s Recipes. Bookmarking this for my next trip to Miami.

everything in my cart (beauty)…Everyone has the best reviews of the Jan Marini Skin Zyme. I just had to add it to my cart to try. I love a good face mask. And with sunny days ahead, I’m looking for the best facial sunscreen. The Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen from Dr. Loretta comes highly recommended.

I’m just a little obsessed with everything Victoria Beckham at the moment. From her style to her beauty products (I’ve definitely been listening to some Spice Girls recently too). I’m going to try the VB Future Lash Mascara. Do any of you have any other Victoria Beckham product recommendations? 

We all know I really like a thick brow. The Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade is a wonderful product.

Lastly, if you need something for Mom next weekend, both my mom and Asher really love the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler. Asher can spend hours playing around with different hair styles with this!

hosting…game night! I love this idea of game night with friends/family. It’s affordable, easy, and fun!

cooking with…the Titanium Always Pan Pro. Well, not yet, but I’m curious to try this pan out. I LOVE cooking with cast iron the most, but I think having a pan like this one could be very helpful for delicate things like eggs.

everything in my cart (high)…the Hermes harnais de coeur scarf. I think the pattern is so cute. I wouldn’t ever buy this for myself, but it could be a cute splurge gift. Either way, I think it’s pretty!

traveling…The Most Luxurious New Hotels of 2023. I would love to stay at Convento di Amalfi, how beautiful!

shopping…for clean toothpaste. Our toothpaste matters too. I’ve been on the hunt for the best non-chemical-filled toothpaste. I want to try the Supermouth hydroxamin with Fluoride Toothpaste.

2. The Most Popular Recipes of April.

Most popular: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Runner-up: Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Also have to mention: 20 Minute Ginger Cashew Beef

My personal favorite: Pot Roast Gyros

Ok, last one: Spicy Honey Balsamic Salmon Bowls

3. One last Round of Cute Mother’s Day Gifts.

beauty

4. What are your Favorite Things?

I recently read a piece listing different people’s favorite things, from kitchen gadgets to movies and small pleasures like flowers and candles. Then I realized I don’t have a ton of “favorite things”. I love my candles, fresh flowers, my red light mask, a great dry brush, a fancy hotel, my Pinterest board, etc. Mine feel very small, like everyday simple pleasures, which is fine with me. I love that I have a love for the littlest things in life.

I’m curious what your favorite things are? Big or small, I would love to hear!

5. Pretty for your Home.

outdoor

6. A few New York Photos.

my favorite hotel in the city 

all about the details

goodnight

a very casual morning full of meetings + busy work

the city is full of so much color 

onto the event with Benny + THE PASTA QUEEN (she is so sweet)

dinner at Carbone, this steak was unreal

the mozzarella and pepper were so yummmm!

signs of a delicious meal

Benny and friends (hi Jake)

I know Carbone gets a lot of hype, but it’s worth it, and I’d recommend

testing something new

good morning, New York 

the sweetest room on a spring day

7. Favorite Links i’m Loving.

A Design Lover’s Guide to Marseille…dreaming of the South of France.

Five Looks From The McGee Home Backyard…ready for summer.

The Secret to More Muscle? A Breakfast High in Protein…always more protein.

10 Easy Ways to Dress Up a Store-Bought Birthday Cake…these are cute.

How Oral Hygiene Affects Your Gut Health…good to know.

8. Swim Trends for Summer.

to go along with your cute suit, summer bags 

the best lounge pieces I’m seeing at the moment

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Chipotle Steak Tacos with Mango Salsa

Wednesday: Thai Basil Chicken and Garlic Butter Noodles

Thursday: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Friday: Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Tahini Ranch

Saturday: Blackberry Champagne Mule

Sunday: 30 of Mom’s Favorite Mother’s Day Recipes