431: Nine Favorite Things.

I shared last week that I’m in Austin working on a new project for the next couple of weeks. I’m still keeping my lips sealed on the details, but I also mentioned that this project hasn’t been easy. At first, it was definitely a challenge to find my groove. But I’m excited to say that as the week has gone on, things have finally started to fall into place and the flow feels really good. Working outside of my comfort zone for so long has been tough, but the challenge has also been really good for me. It’s pushed me creatively in a new way, which has been nice.

As the week progressed, things slowly improved and I started to feel more confident in what I’m working on, which feels great.

I shared a quote below that a friend sent me, and it really encompasses what I’m trying to embrace and live by right now.

The friend who shared the quote is actually the founder of The Liv Method, the gym I train with. Strength training has honestly been one of the biggest positives in my life this past year. I’ve loved learning, building strength, and growing my confidence. And truthfully, the workouts are sometimes better than a therapy session.

Anyway, Austin is in full SXSW (South by Southwest) mode right now, so everything is very crowded, but it’s also fun to feel the energy around the city. I was actually asked to speak on a panel again this year at the Create & Cultivate Future Summit. Sadly, my schedule couldn’t make it work this time. Still, it meant a lot to be asked.

I did attend their dinner on Friday night after a very long day on set, and it was so nice to see both old and new friends — and honestly just get out for the night. It had been a while.

Tonight I’m meeting a friend for a late dinner after we wrap up work, which will be really nice.

It’s a lot of go, go, go here — balancing long days on set and then working at night to manage everything else that needs to get done. But I’m really grateful for this time here and to be so busy working on new things for you all. This is what I love. Good things to come!

Keeping me sane and calm through it all are my mom and sister. I talk with my mom nightly to go over business to-dos for the site (and get a few pep talks too). Asher and I talk as much as possible. Our conversations are mostly about the clothes we’re loving lately. It was Paris Fashion Week last week. We both loved the Dior show the most. The new Fendi Baguette bags completely stole our hearts. We’re obsessed. It’s so fun chatting with her, and I can’t wait to see her soon.

I’m sharing a few new favorites below. What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day?

Happy Sunday, and almost spring!

1. Things I’m Loving.

using…this handheld BLACK+DECKER Clean Handheld Vacuum. It works so well for getting up all those small crumbs! Tip: Use it on the table to clean up after dinner, then wipe the table! 

everything in my cart (low)…these cute Reformation Cary Wide Leg Jeans. Great for spring! 

dreaming of going…honestly, so many places! I’ve seen so much travel this week, and now all I want is a warm destination. Thailand is far, but how pretty are these resorts!

loving…the new Asics sneakers. This might sound weird, but I have indoor sneakers and outdoor sneakers. I need a new pair of indoor sneakers since I’m in Austin for so long.

reading…Healthy with a Side of Happy: 100 Plant-Based Recipes to Feed Your Family by Sabrina Rudin. I’ve loved Sabrina for years; she owns the Spring Cafe in New York and Aspen. Delicious!  

everything in my cart (high)…I love the new Valentino Open Toe Révélé Suede Pumps. At first glance, I wasn’t sure, but I think they are so pretty! And these Chanel pumps too.

I know this Chanel Large Shopping Bag is insanely expensive, but I love it as a work bag! Very basic, but the simplicity is what makes it so pretty!

I want a trench for spring weather, and this Trench Coat is cute!

loving…my fun spring Nails. No one better than that Russian Girl here in Austin! 

2. Spring Must-Make Recipes.

In case you missed it: 35 Popular Spring Recipes Everyone Is Loving. Here are my favorites! 

Smashed Raspberry Dutch Baby

Whipped Goat Cheese and Calabrian Chile Oil Dip

Layered Raspberry Scones

Skillet Mexican Beef and Rice

Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad

25 Minute Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo

Pot Roast Gyros

Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

3 Cheese Lemon Basil Pizza

The Italian Salad Sandwich

3. Fancy Easter Candies! 

4. March Podcasts I’ve Loved.

Strength Training & Cardio Strategy, Carb Cycling with Nike Trainer Joe Holder Well with Arielle Lorre

Why Financial Education is the Best Investment You Can Make (Tori Dunlap) Aspire with Emma Grede

The Glucose Goddess Jessie Inchauspé On  The Truth About Blood Sugar, Energy, & Managing Cravings The Bossticks

5. Good Things.

Every night I make sure to write down three good things from the day. They can be simple—like waking up to sunlight or getting in a walk along the lake. Or even bigger wins, like checking everything off my daily to-do list, having a great day on set, sending an exciting email, or even a new candle delivery (which I just got!).

Taking a moment to reflect on both the big and small wins has become such a positive habit. It keeps me grounded, grateful, and helps me end each day on a good note. 

A few little wins from this week

— a great workout before heading to set
— loving everything about our day on set
— the sun peeking through the clouds tonight
— talking to Asher — she always makes me smile
— getting to talk to my mom every night this week (it feels really good)
— new candles that I absolutely love
— a surprise text from a sweet friend
— feeling a little less stressed today
— learning something new
— fresh flowers on the counter
— getting outside and soaking up some sun

It’s the little things and the big ones. Writing them down each night has been such a simple way to end the day on a positive note.

Tell me one good thing from your week!

6. Inspiring Me.

7. Favorite Links.

Inside the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, an Alaska Native Tradition

10 Road Trip Ideas That Are Way Cheaper Than Flying

42 Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Spring

The 3 Hardest Things to Keep Organized—And How to Tackle Them

Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Trick for Making a Canopy Bed Feel Custom

Fashion-Editor Experience – Here’s Everything We Know About Buying Jeans

Pierpaolo Piccioli Strikes a Balance Between the Balenciaga of Old and New

The 5-Minute Fridge Reset That Instantly Makes Your Kitchen Feel Calmer

8. Under $200 For Spring.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Skillet Chicken Dumplings

Tuesday: Pot Roast Gyros

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Sesame Miso Chicken and Coconut Rice

Thursday: Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad

Friday: Spicy Creamy Gochujang Butter Pasta

Saturday: White Tea and Muddled Basil Mojito

Sunday: Giant Frosted Strawberry Poptart