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Nine Favorite Things
I promise I am not skipping straight from summer to fall today…but I also can’t lie, I am so excited for my favorite season. The most excited! Our summer weather has been a little rough, so I’m really looking forward to sunny September days, crisp autumn apples, and, as we inch closer, those first colorful leaves.
Fall is quick here—two, maybe three weeks—but it’s always the prettiest stretch of the year. I can’t wait to soak it all up! And slowly but surely, I’m starting to test fall recipes this week.
Anything you all want to see this fall? I have chili on my mind (you know I love, love, love a good chili with beer bread). I’m also thinking cozy appetizers, easy weeknight dinners with apples, and of course, plenty of apple desserts. Once October hits, we’ll be back to Cocktail Saturday—with a mocktail version for each one, just like past years.
In other exciting news, our new Snif products launched this week! Have you seen them yet? Pumpkin Smash body butter and even Pumpkin Smash laundry detergent (!!). Plus, the relaunch of my favorite fall candles—Apple Cider Smash and Pumpkin Smash. I’ve been burning the apple cider candle practically nonstop over the last two weeks. You guys, I forgot how much I LOVE that one.
We’ve got a few more Snif launches coming before the end of the year, so stay tuned for that too!
And let’s see, this week has been a total hodgepodge of recipe testing, writing, photographing, and filming. Lots of kitchen chaos, but the family has been enjoying it all. Creighton has already requested buffalo chicken for our Sunday dinner tonight!
Ok, I think that’s all my updates. I’m so excited about the recipes I’ll be sharing this month (and next). They’re very back-to-school focused and oh-so delicious. My favorite time of year to cook and bake is almost here!
Have the best Sunday!
1. Things I’m Loving.
loving…this Astrid Fringe Stool. Cozying up the home for fall. If you want to splurge, this Ziggy striped velvet pouf from Missoni Home is cool.
travel…with the help of Le Collectionist. They have a curated selection of the most beautiful houses to rent across the world with exceptional services. Such pretty destinations anywhere you want to go. Just search their website and they’ll find you what you need. My family likes to rent homes when we travel as a big group. My mom loves us all together.
everything in my cart (low)…considering ordering this FP Movement Breeze Blocker Jacket. The weather is definitely getting cooler here, so I’m shopping for jackets for fall.
This Oversized Button Down from Daily Drills is perfection. I got it in white.
From Zara, this is such a pretty suede draped dress. You would think it is designer. These are really cute, low-rise, wide-leg jeans. The dark wash is great for the fall. And then, this cut-out knit skirt. I love the shape/flow and the color!
listening to…Aspire with Jessica Alba: Why It’s Time to Break Up with Perfection. So I haven’t had time this week, but I’m planning to listen to this tomorrow. I love listening to podcasts while I clean the kitchen after a day of cooking.
dreaming of going to…Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan. Maybe this winter!
fun fact…the first shot of this Anthropologie mug is actually from the shoot we did with them back in 2020. I can’t seem to track down any other photos from that day, but the mug shot they still use all the time? Yep, that’s my pantry!
something fun…Halloween Half Term at Eltham Palace and Gardens. This is so cute! Of course, it’s in London, but I know there are many towns that do the same for kids. My parents need to take Oslo to a pumpkin patch and hay maze this season! I found this list of farms in CO from last year.
I ordered…randomly, this Divided Serving Tray. It’s great for snacks!
everything in my cart (beauty)…everyone is talking about this French pharmacy find, Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. It’s targeted for sensitive skin and helps restore the skin barrier. I ordered a tube to work into my routine. We’ll see how it goes!
I just received this Agent Nateur holi (water) creme and am excited to start preventing fine lines on the face and neck. I had to pause all skincare for a while, and I’m slowly working in some new products.
This Primally Pure lip oil is my favorite. It’s the only product ever use on my lips when I am home.
Ordering the Skinny Confidential toilet paper. Chemical-free body care is so important!
And finally, I can’t get enough of our Pumpkin Smash Body Butter. I actually layer it with either the Mutha body butter, Tata Harper body butter, and/or the Osea body oil. Double the hydration with the scents of pumpkin. It’s so cozy!
Something I really want to try next is this Multi-Oil Body Butter. All about good body care these days.
OH! And lastly, the Flamingo Estates bar soaps are the best of the best. If you haven’t tried their soap, it really makes showering feel more like an at-home spa. I currently have the Jasmine & Damask Rose Soap Brick. Next up for me is the Manuka Soap Brick.
Also, these are the 6 Fragrance Trends for Fall. Personally, I’m excited to use the Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum (it’s coming this week) and Caramel Skin Body & Hair Fragrance from PHLUR.
everyone has been asking about…these side plates. I got them from Zara Home along with this porcelain salad bowl, and a bumblebee glass honey jar. I also got the new Old Havana Serving Bowl and Woodland Metal Cake Serve Set.
loving…the new Dairy Boy sleep sets. They sent me the pumpkin set and I’m obsessed. Such cute styles.
everything in my cart (high)…this is a really great Leather Oversized Bomber Jacket with a fairly decent price point too.
I’m not sure designer jeans are worth it, but the Eglitta Jean in Cotton from The Row is pretty cute. I also really love these Low Rise Straight Twisted Seam jeans from GRLFRND. And you can never go wrong with a pair of SLVRLAKE jeans. The Cassie high-rise wide-leg is great!
following…I have actually been editing who I follow and unfollowing a lot of accounts that I no longer find inspiring. I want to curate a social space that only brings added value and fun content! Who do you love to follow?
question…are you excited for this new Taylor Swift album everyone can’t stop talking about?
2. Simple Crockpot Recipes.
Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowl
Chipotle Pineapple Pot Roast Bowls
Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
3. Home Bestsellers – August.
4. August Podcasts I Enjoyed.
Ep 119: Routines for Optimal Longevity with Jason Strauss
Ep 118: Building a Clean Beauty Empire with Laney Crowell from Saie
The Aspire Playbook: How Allison Ellsworth Turned a Kitchen Experiment into a Billion-Dollar Brand
The Debrief: My Closet Revamp, The Next Gold Rush in Fashion Tech, and Fall Style Predictions
5. An Activewear Edit.
6. Inspiring Me.
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.
7 Everyday Distractions That Keep Us from Living Fully
35 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Meal Prep This Week
The Breast Health Routine That Keeps Me Feeling Confident
Taylor Swift Has Announced Her Next Album, The Life of a Showgirl
5 beautiful hotels in the happiest places in the world
15 Swoon-Worthy New York City Date Ideas for Your Next Night Out
The Right Way To Apply Eye Cream, According to a Celeb Facialist
A Sir Lanka South Travel Guide
102 Thoughts I Had While Watching ‘Freakier Friday’
‘Wicked: For Good’ Is On Its Way—Here’s the First Trailer and Release Date
8. Fall Looks From Our Favorite Websites.
The Reformation sale
Nordstrom fall styles
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend eats.
Monday: Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
Tuesday: Baked Chipotle Beef and Cheese Tacos
Wednesday: Chipotle Queso Chicken Corn Chowder
Thursday: One Pot 4 Cheese Caprese Mac and Cheese
Friday: 20 Minute Crispy Mongolian Beef
Saturday: Apple Butter Zucchini Bread
Sunday: Caramel Peach Dump Cake
This post was originally published on August 17, 2025
How did the photo shoot go that you said you had scheduled for mid August? Can’t wait to see results of it!!
Hi Sasha! Sharing more details soon! Have a great week! 🙂 xT
Can you please help me understand if comments get manually reviewed, or if there is an automatic filter? I’ve given up even trying to ask recipe questions because they rarely get approved, or it is several days later until it is approved.
Hey Jenny! I completely understand how frustrating that can feel! Comments do go through an automatic filter to help keep spam and inappropriate content off the blog, and some are also reviewed manually. That’s why it can take a little time for recipe questions to appear. Please don’t stop commenting, your questions and thoughts are always welcome, and they really do help make the blog even better! Have a wonderful week! xT
It’s very frustrating to comment multiple times in hopes it will get through – surely you can understand this.
Hi again Jenny! I absolutely understand, and I always try my best to make sure comments are responded to in a helpful and timely manner. Was there a specific comment/question you had that never got a response? Happy to help, just let me know! 🙂 xT
You said you love cheesy buttery recipes “now and then” but in This Week’s Dinners + Weekend eats., 4 out of 5 entrees have cheese in them. Your newest recipe for hamburger helper also has cheese. Where are the lighter, fresher dishes you said you enjoy creating?
Hi Esti! Thanks so much for this input on incorporating some lighter and fresher recipes, I really appreciate it! Have a great week! 🙂 xT
These posts are starting to feel really out of touch. Most of your followers (I imagine) are not paying $700+ for a pair of jeans, and buying expensive new skincare items every week.
Hey Morgan! I hear you and I am noting that the expensive products are not what most are looking for. Totally understand! In general I try to share more affordable products I enjoy, just had some more pricy items I guess this week!
This Sunday I will pull all my favorite affordable fall fashions. I’m so excited! Also maybe share some Halloween products I purchased too!
Thank you so much for this great feedback!! Have a wonderful week!! xT
You said you love cheesy buttery recipes “now and then” but in This Week’s Dinners + Weekend eats., 4 out of 5 entrees have cheese in them. Where are the lighter, fresher dishes you said you enjoy creating?
Hi Esti! I’ll definitely keep your note in mind and work on balancing things out with more of the lighter, fresher dishes too! Thank you for the input! xT
What is Mission Home? I googled it but can’t find anything…
Hi Sharon! I was referring to a home website called Missoni Home! Hope this helps! 🙂 xT
Ohhh ok it looks like the typo you made has been updated! Thanks! 🙂
I would love to see something besides more chili recipes, you already have a lot! Maybe some more stew recipes (I’m very surprised you don’t just have a basic beef stew recipe on your site!) preferably nothing heavy or creamy.
Hi Lara! Thanks so much for this input! I really appreciate it! Have a great week 🙂 xT
Happy Sunday, Tieghan, and HAPPY AUTUMN! My HBH Pumpkin Spice candle arrived yesterday (the BIG one – LOL) and I’m so ready to light it. (I hold out until September 1st.) I’m like you and very much enjoy the fall season. Getting ready for ALL the HBH soups!
Hi Kerita! Happy Sunday and happy fall to you too! Love that you’re ready to light your pumpkin spice candle, it really is such a cozy way to kick off the season! Excited for you to enjoy all the HBH soups this fall! Thanks so much for your kind comment! 🙂 xT
You already have sooo many chili recipes, I would love to see some new ideas instead of just slightly different variations of recipes you already have!
Hi Cherie! Thanks for the feedback! I totally hear you! I’ll keep that in mind for future recipes! xT
I follow Amy Fritz. She inspires me to get and stay organized, cook and clean! Thanks for all you do on your site too!! Every Sunday I read yours with my coffee 😊
Thank you so much for your comment Cindy! And thanks for taking the time to read nine faves! Have a great week! 🙂 xT