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Hey everyone! Happy February!
It’s the start of a busy and exciting week around here. I’m getting ready to head to Italy, and as always, there’s so much to do before a trip—especially one like this. We’ll be gone for a good portion of February with a full schedule planned while we’re in Milan and Livigno, where my brother Red will be competing.
We are so excited for this trip. All of my family is coming along, plus a handful of my aunts and uncles, which makes it feel even more special. Red flew into Milan over the weekend after competing at the X Games in Aspen, and he’s already back on the mountain practicing for his first event—Big Air.
When we traveled to Korea back in 2018, I shared that experience here on the site in a two-part series. You can still read part one and part two if you want a little recap. I can’t believe how many years ago that was—it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll never forget.
This time, I’ll be flying directly into Milan and staying until Red competes on February 16th and 18th. After that, I’ll head back home. I’m a little nervous to be away for so long, but mostly I just feel incredibly grateful that we all get to be there together to watch him compete. It’s going to be such an experience, and I’ll be sharing more along the way.
Of course, I’m nervous too. I keep thinking about my brother—it’s a lot. But he’s a pro, and I’m so proud of him.
All that to say, there’s a lot happening right now—and even more waiting when I get back. My anxiety has been a little louder than usual this week, but overall, it’s been a really good start to the year.
How has the new year been treating you? I’m looking forward to a fresh month, Valentine’s Day, and spending such a special time with my family.
Leaving you with that today. Enjoy an easy, fun Sunday read—and don’t forget to check out the post I shared with our 26 Most Popular Super Bowl Recipes too.
1. Things I’m Loving.
everything in my cart (low)…a perfect pair of leather boots from Reformation that look just like the designer book from The Row.
My ideal “fancy” coat for Italy is the Lamarque x Revolve Tillie coat. I love the fun fur trim around the neck.
listening to…Paris Hilton: The Truth Behind The Persona — Fame, Trauma, & Reclaiming Her Story.
playing…Exploding Kittens Poetry for Neanderthals: A Competitive Word Guessing Game. Someone in my family needs to pack this for game night.
burning…new candles from Bellocq Tea Atelier. They finally restocked their candle selection, so I ordered all the ones I want to try! Most excited for the The Atelier Candle, no. 45 The White Wolf which is their cozy winter candle, no. 47 The Queen’s Guard love the sounds of roses paired with pepper, and then The Atelier Candle, no. 12 Le Hammeau. This is the citrus candle and the candle that sounds most like me! So excited to try these all soon.
watching…Glitter & Gold. Oh, this looks so good! Figure skaters work so hard!
everything in my cart – beauty…new year, new beauty items I’m excited for. My skin has been so dry this winter! I’m curious about the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask to help hydrate while I sleep.
And I love these eye patches from Chanel. You have to try them!
Order the Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask and Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum during the Amazon sale.
And devices, everyone is talking about the Medicube Booster Pro to help firm the skin. And I want to try this LED Advanced Scalp Massager.
The Higher Dose Red Light Therapy Hat for Hair Growth. I can’t believe I don’t have this! I love my Higher Dose sauna blanket and PEMF mat.
loving…these Effortlessly Romantic French Tip Designs for Valentine’s Day.
gifting…fresh flowers! My favorite small, sweet gift to send friends (or candles). I use: The Bouqs Co., Farmgirl Flowers, and UrbanStems.
everything in my cart (high)… a lot of designer launches this week. Not sure how I feel about these Chanel Patent Calfskin slingbacks, but they could be cute! I would love this Prada Shearling collar for our time in Milan. Needing to pack this gorgeous Spotted Wool Cloth Coat from Valentino.
And on the more casual front, these wool and cashmere socks from Miu Miu (I know, pretty insane for socks, but they look so cute and comfy) and cozy sweat Jersey Sweatpant from Tory Burch.
learning about…and practicing Ear Seeding. I have had ear seeds put in once. I didn’t notice them, but I’m curious to explore them more.
shopping…18 Valentine’s Day Items Worth Buying at Trader Joe’s. I need to bake my own raspberry muffins!
2. The most popular recipes of January.
Most Popular: Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Runner-up: Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Also have to mention: 20 Minute Honey Mustard Salmon
The Salad Everyone Made: Mean Green Salad with Tahini Miso Dressing
The Most Viewed Roundup: 25 Most Popular Recipes of 2025
My Favorite: Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls
3. Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts and Decor.
4. Winter Hobbies.
Love the idea of these social wellness clubs replacing dinners out and late nights at the bar. It feels like such a healthier, more intentional way to connect.
Studying the place you’re visiting. I’m currently reading a Milan city guide and already bookmarking restaurants—we’ll definitely need a table at Sandi Ristorante and Nuova Arena Yum! Yum. Also packing this coat immediately!
Coloring by the fire with warm cocoa, cookies, and a cozy coloring book (here’s one for the Olympics) + your favorite colored pencils or markers. Simple and relaxing.
Sending snail mail again. There are so many beautiful notecard sets, and it feels extra special to receive a real letter these days—so thoughtful and personal.
5. February Kitchen Finds.
6. Inspiring Me.
(I have always found this to be true – even though I’ve doubted it in the past)
7. Favorite Links.
The Best Books of 2026: A Preview
A Pro Organizer Solves Our Editors’ Most Annoying Dilemmas
How Valentine’s Sweethearts Candy Mottos Have Changed
Trader Joe’s Shoppers Crown Their Favorite Products of the Year
20 Best Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes Of 2026 For The Foodie In Your Life
8. Affordable Winter Style.
Reformation
Long coats
Gap
Shoes
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: 20 Minute Takeout-Style Sticky Sesame Beef
Tuesday: Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls
Wednesday: Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowl
Thursday: Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad
Friday: Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta
Saturday: Salted Peanut Butter Cookie
Sunday: Lemon Chai Cake
This post was originally published on February 1, 2026
Hello! I will be in Italy at the same time. I’m in Rome!! How do you pack for this time of year there?
Hi Tina,
We will be in Milan and in the mountains, so packing lots of fun, cute items for the city and then heavy winter gear for the mountains!
Have a great time in Rome!
Safe travels! It’s very exciting, to go as a family to see Red compete. Just so special. Good luck to Red. Hope you all have a great time too. Xx
Thanks so much, Kelly-Jane! We are so excited for him! Thanks for reading today!
Good luck to Red! Can’t wait to start watching all the events soon.
Thanks so much, Deb!! We are all so excited! Have a great Monday!
Ohhhh fun!! I bet everyone is so excited, best wishes to Red and I hope you all have a great time!
I really love the first two long gray coats, the perfect length. And the lemon chai cake 🤤
Thanks so much, Heather! We really are SO excited! Thanks for reading today and your kind message!
Have a great week ahead!
Looking forward to the Winter Olympics and rooting for your brother Red!!! Wishing you safe travels and enjoy Italy! You almost can’t go wrong wherever you decide to dine. Mangia! Mangia!
Thanks so much, Susan! We are all so excited and proud of Red! Thanks for the well wishes:)
Have a great Sunday!
Tieghan I’m so bummed you didn’t include any pics from Aspen or Sun Valley! You have an eye for the camera!
Hey Susan,
I just didn’t have time quite yet, I will share more soon! Thanks for reading!
Love how you put the prices with the pictures! Thank you!! Have a wonderful time with your family in Italy! Best wishes to your brother ❤️🤍💙
Thanks so much for your feedback, Michelle! We should have a pretty great time, I’m super excited, thank you:) Have a great Sunday!
Funny story!
Yesterday I was surfing the TV show for something to watch. I came across the “Westminster Agility Challenge” for dogs.
Red, one of the dogs ended up being the winner for that size dog….The owner..from WI said he named his cute dog Red after “Red Gerard”..the famous snowboarder!
You will have to look that up! I thought I’d message that today to provide some joy!
Hey Linda,
Lol that is hilarious! Thank you so much for sharing, so fun:) Hope you are having a great Sunday!
How was your trip to Sun Valley? I would love to know what you made at your cooking class and a menu from the dinner you prepared as well! Will you be sharing any photos of the events you hosted? I bet it was a lot of fun!
Hey Pam! I will share all details next Sunday! I just didn’t have time to get everything into this week’s post.
It was an amazing weekend! Heading home now. More to come!!
Have a great Sunday and week!
So enjoy reading your blog every week! I love seeing a young gal like you so highly motivated and living her dream…kudos to you Tieghan! Have a wonderful and safe trip to Italy! Fingers crossed for a big win for Red!
Please add Richmond, Va. to one of your tours!
Have a wonderful Sunday❤️
Hey Diane,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read each week, it truly means so much to me! I appreciate your kind message and good vibes for Red. Would love to come to Richmond:)
Have a great Sunday!
Happy Sunday! We’re so excited to see Red compete again this Olympics! I’m late to the party but really getting into making bowls for our dinners. You have so many great ones listed today that I’ve pinned. My question is about the rice. Can I just make a big pot of it and store in fridge or do I need to make it fresh each time? And do you have a foolproof way to make it so it’s perfect every time? Thanks!
Hey there,
Thanks a bunch for reading:) We are so excited for Red!! Here is my go to way to make rice:
https://fatburn.fit/essentials/#perfect_rice%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Sunday!
I always look forward to your Favorite Things posts! Good luck to Red and safe travels to you all. Your comment about “ snail mail” made me want to suggest you read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I highly recommend it !
Hey Tracy,
Thanks for reading today and the well wishes for Red and our family:) I’ll have to look into The Correspondent, thanks for the suggestion!
Have a great Sunday!
I hope you have the best time in Italy! Enjoy every moment. We were in Rome several years ago, and I can relate to the anxiety piece. Soak it all in and eat all the good pasta and pizza! My husband especially loved all the pastries/shops which I unfortunately can’t eat. The markets are equally as fun to walk through, all the fresh fruits and veggies + the flowers! Have the best time ever.
Hey Emily,
Thanks for taking the time to read today! I am SO excited for the pizza and pasta there. We will definitely have to checkout some markets too, thanks for the suggestion. Have a great Sunday!
Another recommendation for Milan reataurant is Antica Trattoria della Pesa. We ate there in the fall and it was wonderful.
Hey Kay,
Thanks so much for this suggestion, we will add it to the list!! Thanks for reading today, have a great Sunday!
How was your cooking class and dinner in sun valley, I was hoping you would share some pictures and your menu!!
Hey Lucy,
It was so much fun, I had such a great time! I didn’t have time to share today, but will share soon!
Thanks and have a great week ahead!