Next Post
Chipotle Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Creamy Green Sauce.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
I’m heading to the airport today feeling equal parts nervous and excited. I flew to New York last night, spent the night here, and now I’m off to Milan to meet up with my family and watch my younger brother, Red, compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
He actually competed last night (CET time) in men’s snowboard Big Air qualifiers. He rarely competes in this event, but Olympic snowboarders automatically qualify for both big air and slopestyle competitions once they make the team. Even though it’s not his specialty, he competed incredibly well. I was so sad not to be there, I honestly almost cried. I am SO proud of him. He’s working so hard and handling the pressure like a true pro. Watching him grow into such an amazing human has been one of the greatest gifts, and I cannot wait to hug him soon.
I definitely won’t be missing his main event—men’s snowboard Slopestyle qualifiers—on February 16th in Livigno, Italy.
We are all beyond excited for him. As crazy as it is to even write this, this is Red’s third Winter Olympics. He won gold in South Korea (which we were all there to watch!) and got 4th in China four years ago. It still doesn’t feel real.
My mom and I are keeping today’s post short, but I wanted to pop in with a quick update and share our menu for the week. We’re both deep in travel mode, and we have a big couple of weeks ahead.
I’m also sharing a few photos from Sun Valley, Idaho, below, and I’ll have more updates from Milan soon. I’m nervous, excited, and so ready to see Red. I keep watching his videos and feeling like the proudest sister in the world.
That’s all my rambling for today. I hope you enjoy this shorter Favorites post, and happy Sunday.
In case you missed it, 26 Most Popular Super Bowl Recipes.
1. Things I’m Loving.
everything in my cart (low)…a cozy sweater from Nordstrom.
listening to…The Athlete’s Mindset: How to Cultivate Mental and Physical Strength, Discipline + Performance without Burnout with Gabby Reece. And also, How To Activate Your Future Self, Rewire Your Brain, & Build Habits That Actually Stick.
everything in my cart (beauty)…I want to try this Nourishing Nail Pen from Manucurist after so many good reviews. My nails are pretty healthy, but my skin is always so dry!
burning…ordered this DÔEN & Bernard Candle. Looking forward to burning this when I return home! I’m also planning to pick up a candle to burn while I’m here in Italy.
Also ordered the Nette Valentine’s Day candles. I LOVE Nette candles. I got the Chai Milk (new to me and very much looking forward to burning), Gallica Rose (excited for this), Another Life, Midnight Strike, Dream Land (the Barbie collab!), and Sunday Chess (love this one, so cozy).
reading…15 Heartwarming Books That Will Thaw Your Cold, Dead Heart.
everything in my cart (high)…the prettiest Pony Hair Trench Coat from NOUR HAMMOUR. I may need the matching skirt too.
2. The 5+ Recipes I Have On Repeat.
Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Ranch (I typically make these with beef)
Creamy White Chicken Chili (with double the salsa verde)
Sheet Pan Chili Ginger Orange Chicken and Broccoli
Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili or Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
3. Valentine’s Day cuteness.
4. Sun Valley, Idaho.
Sun Valley was a breath of fresh air and exactly what I needed after so much time spent at home after the holidays. I love this little ski town. It’s full of the cutest health food stores and markets, a small but incredibly cute main street, and the nicest community of people.
I loved my time there and am thankful for such a wonderful experience with Sun Valley Food and Wine. I hope to be back soon!
My first night at the Limelight Hotel, Sun Valley.
Exploring the cute town of Ketchum. I really loved this place.
Spotted the coolest hotel shuttle on our morning walk.
My first cooking class!
Very passionate, I guess. I hope I did ok!
This was so fun! Thank you to everyone who attended. Full house!
Dinner at Fiamma | Sun Valley
You must order the meatballs.
The menu is incredible! Get all the pastas.
Hosted a very cozy dinner the following night.
This night was so special!
Our menu was so yummy. It included my fried goat cheese, Parmesan sesame salad, creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, and Tiramisu. And the wine pairings were superb.
Everyone was so sweet and welcoming!
I found raw goat milk at Idaho Rose Farms!! So delicious. This made me so happy!
5. Everything You Need about The Olympics.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, are taking place in northern Italy from February 6–22, marking the fourth time Italy has hosted the Olympic Games. What makes these Games especially special is how spread out they are, blending major cities with the most beautiful alpine towns. Events are held across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, and Val di Fiemme, with 15 venues stretching from the city of Milan all the way to the Dolomites. Milan hosted the Opening Ceremony and is home to indoor events like ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating, while Livigno Snow Park will host all snowboarding events, including big air and slopestyle.
Nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 90 countries are competing across 16 sports and a record 116 medal events. Snowboarding runs February 5–18 in Livigno. I honestly still can’t believe I get to be there cheering on my younger brother, Red, as he competes for Team USA at his third Winter Olympics. Watching him live out his dream on this stage never gets old, and I’m so proud of him. The Games wrap up with the Closing Ceremony on February 22 at the historic Verona Arena, and I already know this is going to be a trip and an experience we’ll never forget.
Fun Things
The Best Olympic 2026 Uniforms to Look For at the Winter Games
The Dolomites for the Winter Olympics? Here’s Where to Eat and Drink
6. Inspiring Me.
Shared by Emma Grede
7. Favorite Links.
no-spend Valentine’s Day ideas you’ll love
a cozy winter drink — citron chaud
everyday rituals for happiness
the best-known food in every state, according to a survey
Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards 2026
how Sweethearts candy changed its motto
simplify your life and schedule
a low-travel year: what it taught me
8 coolest yoga mats that will make you want to practice every day
longevity supplements and anti-aging
Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC
8. New February Style Finds.
Winter Dresses
Black Dresses
Nordstrom Sale
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls
Tuesday: White Chicken Poblano Enchiladas
Wednesday: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Thursday: 25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls
Friday: Garlic Butter Pasta alla Vodka with Melty Burrata
Saturday: Homemade Hostess Cupcakes
This post was originally published on February 8, 2026
I can’t believe that was your first ever cooking class! What did you make? The toppings look like maybe a chili? Would you even consider doing a cooking class close to home? I’d love to attend one if it was local!
Hey Sandra,
It was so fun, I would love to do more like that! We made my chipotle salmon bowls. Thanks for your kind message!
Dying to see your studio photoshoot! Will that be posted this year?
Hey Kim,
Yes! I promise it will be shared this year, we are going to share in a very special way! Thanks for asking!
I love that first pic, you make that coat, wow! Gorgeous!
Lots of great pictures, Sun Valley looks like it was so much fun for everyone.
Also, go Red! Representing the USA 🇺🇸
Hey Heather,
Thanks so much for your kind message:) Happy to share all of the photos from Sun Valley, it was a great time!
Thanks for your well wishes for Red! Have the best week!
Wow! That’s a great menu for the SV event. Did you have to prepare all those items or did you have a team? Seems like lots of work! Enjoy the Olympics in Italy!
Thanks so much, Jane!! Yes, I had a team who helped, it was a lot of work! Thanks for asking!
What did you cook at your Sun Valley cooking class?
Hey Scott,
Thanks for asking! We made my chipotle salmon bowls. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I would love to hear about your experience with acupuncture so far! I too deal with crippling anxiety and am trying to find solutions for it…I was considering acupuncture also!
Hey Jeanine!
I really like it so far. I think I need to stick with it for much more time, but I do think it helps! It’s felt clearing and grounding to me. I enjoy it! You have to decide for yourself however, everyone is so different!
Hope you are having a great week!!
Oh exciting, you are nearly in my time zone this week! Hope you have a terrific trip to Italy. Scenery, food, inspo, maybe a little shopping?! I’ll watch for Red on the TV. 😊 Good lunch and enjoy the Olympics Team Gerard! Xx
Hey Kelly-Jane,
So fun! We are already having such a great time. I will certainly share more in the weeks to come:) Have a great week!
What do you make for the cooking class?
Hey Katie,
We made my chipotle salmon bowls! It was so fun! Thanks for asking!
I was looking forward to seeing your menu from your Sun Valley dinner! There’s a heavy emphasis on cheese, every dish but the desserts contains cheese. Can you share your process for how you planned the menu?
Hey Reesa! The menu was Italian inspired since I’m in Italy now! I thought it would be fun for the Olympics!
Hope you are having a wonderful week!
I was hoping you’d include some pics of the actual food you made from the cooking demo and the dinner!
Hi Sasha,
Sorry about that, I wasn’t able to snap photos while doing the class:)
Thanks for reading!
How fun!!! What did you make for your cooking demo? I’m sure you did great!!
Thanks so much, Amy!! I made my chipotle salmon bowls. Thanks for asking!
Fun about the first cooking class! I can’t quite tell from the pics – what did you make for it? It looks like guacamole from the ingredients. Yum!! 🙂 Congrats on the event!!
Hey Allison,
Thanks so much for your kind message! We made my chipotle salmon bowls for the class. It was so much fun!
What did you make at your cooking class? Did you take any pictures of the food from your private dinner? I would love to see how you plated everything, you have such a good eye for presentation, you should show off a little! No offense, but your adventures in the foodie world are much more interesting to hear about than candles!
Hi Eileen! For the cooking class, I made my chipotle salmon bowls! It was fun!
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to be snapping photos at the dinner. It was a gorgeous table! I’m sorry I don’t have more photos to share!
Lovely as always~ I’d love to watch Red compete, I see you mentioned 2/16, I’m in Texas. Do you know the time – CST? Exciting and a hedge of protection around Red during his completion! YAY TEAM USA 🕊️
Thanks so much Gloria!! Yes, here is a link for all of the events and timing:)
https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/schedule
Have a great week!
Such a fun post…so many great links to click on! Safe travels to Italy, Tieghan and best of luck to Red as he competes.
Hey Kelly,
Thanks a lot for reading! Glad you enjoyed the links and thanks for the well wishes for Red!