Nine Favorite Things. (2024)

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Nine Favorite Things

Happiest June! Hoping you all had the best first week of the first month of summer. As I type this, it’s finally sunny, finally not too chilly, and not even very windy (it can be really windy here)! It’s beautiful, and clearly this has my energy levels up!

It’s just nice to see some green, you know? We had snow on Memorial Day, which made things feel a little, well, depressing. But I think we’re turning the corner here and our summertime weather is arriving. I’m happy and I have every intention to get outside on nice days as much as possible this season. I took my calls while outside walking this week. Got to soak up that sun while we can!

Aside from that, it was a full week of cooking after ten days away (first LA, then Miami). I don’t know if I said this last week, but being back home helped me realize how much I really enjoyed our time in Miami. Granted, the weather was not the greatest here, so I’m sure that made me miss Miami even more. But like New York, there is such energy in South Beach. It’s not slow-paced by any means. I definitely thrive in an environment that moves a little faster. Maybe not all the time, but it was nice to see people out and about, walking the streets, riding bikes, eating out, and just enjoying nice days outside. I was able to mix in work with a little more relaxation and family, so I loved the balance.

I did get a lot of questions on Instagram about things to do and places to stay in Miami. Honestly, though, we stayed put at our hotel and walked a lot around South Beach (we biked some too). We did love the 1 Hotel South Beach and found it offered so much of what we needed with a great location. If you’re looking to go, it was very family-friendly. But it’s probably great for singles as well. There’s a rooftop pool just for adults that we never even hit up (there are 4 pools!).

The bit of traveling I’ve been doing lately has been so nice. For once in my life, I actually feel excited to want to do more. We’re planning our family vacation that we take every summer and trying to find a good location (thank you for all the suggestions last week). Normally I’d stress over this trip, but this year I’m looking forward to it. We’re also talking about spending a month over in Europe, possibly towards the end of the summer, so that’s exciting to be thinking about too. Cooking in a foreign country could be really cool.

I’m really trying to embrace a little more adventure, which is sooo not like me! Mostly, I’m a creature of habit.

Switching gears a bit, with June here I thought I would check in with you all to see what you’re looking forward to this summer? Are you traveling? Hosting any fun dinners or weekend BBQs? What clothes are you just loving?

And then, what recipes are you most hoping to see?! It’s been a while since I’ve asked you all what kind of meals you’re most in need of, so let me know. My thought is easy, quick, minimal cooking, and plenty of cold treats!

And lastly, Asher finished up school this week, so it’s officially summer. And since we all want to hear about Oslo, he is still the sweetest. So many more words now too! I think yummy is his favorite these days.

That’s all I have update-wise today. A lot of links below this week! Hope you all enjoy and happy Sunday!

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

burning…Snif sweet ash candle. This is their newest scent and I think it’s my favorite yet. It’s sweet yet earthy, and super warming with vanilla, fir balsam, and tonka. I love it.

loving…platform sandals. These slide platform sandals from Urban Outfitters are totally something my mom wore growing up. It’s fun that they’re back in style. I’d go for the black sandal even though the pink is fun. I also love these block heel sandals from Reformation (lots of fun colors too).

listening to…Mikayla Nogueira Shares How to Stand out and Grow on Tiktok on Life with Marianna.

loving…EWG’s Skin Deep. This website is so cool. It allows you to search the makeup and skincare product you’re using or interested in using and then rates how clean they are. An incredible resource if you’re interested in using cleaner beauty products.

would love to visit…Cedar Lakes Estate in Hudson Valley, NY. This property is stunning. A summer dinner outside would be so pretty.

reading…Poosh. This isn’t a new discovery for me, but I was on their site this week and got sucked into their wide variety of articles. Scrolled through the 4 ingredient chocolate banana pops (they look delicious) post. Clicked through the list of 20 under 100$ essentials for summer (I LOVE these Emi Jay clips, so cute for summer). Found the piece on what your nails can tell you about your health super interesting. Read each and every odd food pairing that weirdly works (berries + balsamic + burrata cheese + basil is a WINNING combo). And took notes on Melissa Wood Tepperberg’s piece on how to get a long a lean figure (just in time for summer).

loving…Jenni Kayne home. This serving bowl is great for summer produce.

shopping…Zara for summer basic and trendier pieces too. I love this inverted bikini top + matching bottom.

ordered…Merit’s Flush Balm. A cream tint with the prettiest colors. I love the glowy finish it leaves on the skin. Also, I’m curious to try the Olehnriksen smoothing body moisturizer. I’m trying so hard to be consistent with nightly dry brushing and then moisturizing.

wanting…a new greenhouse. The greenhouse we currently have is small and pretty worn down. I found this much larger greenhouse online and it’s so spacious. I need to first talk my dad into the idea of a larger greenhouse though.

following…Hort and Pott. For flower inspo, such pretty florals. I love the moodier vibes.

ordering…Morning Mint Oil Pulling Sachets. They’re meant to protect gums and improve overall oral health which is so important. I also just ordered these Kitsch mini elastic hair bands in my Amazon cart. I want them for braids.

loving…the new drop from Gigi Hadid x Frankies Bikinis.I have thisTia top (Asher loves the Tia top but in Asher Blue). And I have the Dawson bottom, which I LOVE. The kid’s drop, little Frankies, is sooo adorable too.

2. Lazy summer recipes to celebrate June.

One Pot Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini

Pesto Peach Chicken in White Wine with Burrata

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches

Nonnie’s 5 Ingredient Peach Dump

4 Ingredient Creamy Fruit Popsicles

Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

3. New favorites for the summer home.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: starter skincare products for a 25-year-old who only washes her face? Under $20!
a: A good cleanser, then serum (I do hyaluronic at night and vitamin C in the morning), eye cream, and moisturizer. I always finish with another serum to lock in the moisture. Brand wise, try Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Versed, Sunday Riley, Summer Fridays, and Nécessaire.

q: how did you design your olive oil bottle with California Olive Ranch?
a: When I got the opportunity to work closely with California Olive Ranch to design a customized bottle of their 100% California extra virgin olive oil, I was sooo excited. I’ve used this oil for years (it’s on our subscribe and save). It’s the one food item I use every single day. I wanted to create something unique that would look amazing on your counter because my oil is sitting out ALL the time! We worked on the design together for months and I changed a million things over those months. But I’m soo excited and in love with the bottle + the oil. I’ve really loved watching you guys cook with the HBH olive oil!!

q: where do you get all your beautiful flowers for your post?
a: Mostly Whole Foods, but for the more unique stems, I order online. Usually from Terrain (they’re having an additional 25% off sale items with the code JUNEBLOOM). I haven’t ordered any in so long though. I need fresh stems and branches!!

q: how did you feel about being part of a big family growing up?
a: Couldn’t imagine life any other way. And I am the odd ball out. Literally soo different from everyone. But I love my brothers the most (and Asher of course!). I love how huge (and growing) our fam is. They drive me insane, like insane, but I still love being with them. And of course, my parents are the best. I feel lucky to have everyone in my life. There’s always someone (or multiple people) who have your back, are there to talk to, or really take care of whatever I need. Always. We’re chaotic and loud but these are my people ?

q: which of your recipes do you use the most?
a: my crispy tacos and pasta alla vodka.

q: curious about the magnesium brand, do you like it?
a: I do! I listened to this episode on The Skinny Confidential podcast. I learned so much about the importance of knowing where your vitamins are actually coming from. And what form they’re being given to you in, both are SO important. The quality of the supplements you’re taking is just as important as the actual supplement. Listen to both this episode (part 1) with the founder of Cymbiotika and this episode (part 2) to learn more. Both are such good listens and highly worth the time.

q: how many people work behind the scenes to help you develop recipes and create your content?
a: I’m the only one developing the recipes and creating the content. I film the videos and take the photos. I don’t edit the videos though, my brother Malachi actually does that! I’m horrible when it comes to the editing side of creating a video.

q: where do you make the most income? Cookbooks? Instagram?
a: Through our website ads. Then product, sponsored content, partnerships, and books. I don’t make money from IG or TikTok directly.

q: any hairstyle colors/changes you’re thinking about?
a: seriously considered doing the Kendall Jenner red/brown color she has right now..until I realized literally everyone else was thinking the same thing. So no changes! I actually love my hair color and have never died it.

5. Coffee on me today! A Starbucks gift card.

I do this sometimes on Instagram, so I thought I would share a special treat with you guys, just for Sunday Favorite readers! All you have to do is have the Starbucks barista scan the bar code on the below photo.

Once the card is out of money, it’s out. I’m so sorry if you didn’t get a coffee, but my hope is that for some of you, this brings you yummy coffee and a happy Sunday smile!

Curious…what is your favorite, like very favorite Starbucks drink?