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I made it to Italy! According to my brother Kai, there was some speculation about whether I was really here… but I can confirm, I am indeed here.
It’s been such a wild trip so far — and such a good one. My mom and I hosted an incredible dinner together in Milan at Moebius, and it was truly special. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate family, friends, great food, my sister-in-law’s birthday, and of course, the Olympics. I’m sharing some of my favorite photos below.
We’ve seen so much already. We even stayed at a castle, toured two Franciacorta wineries, and walked all over Milan. It’s been busy in the very best way.
Now I’m especially excited to head back up to Livigno to watch Red compete and spend time with my family. We’re a big family — and definitely a chaotic one. There’s always something happening. But what I love most is that, at the end of the day, we are each other’s biggest supporters. We look out for one another, and they truly make me smile more than anything.
Looking back at photos from the trip so far — and it’s not even close to being over — has been so much fun. The pictures I have with Asher, Red, and our whole family have honestly brought happy tears to my eyes. It’s been really special.
On Saturday night, Dry Milano hosted our entire family for dinner in Milan, and wow — what a fun spot! Chef Lorenzo and his team really took care of us. Everyone loved the gourmet pizza, creative cocktails, and way too much tiramisu. Truly the best way to celebrate!
Enjoy today’s favorites, and I hope everyone had a sweet Valentine’s Day. How did you spend yours?
Happy Sunday!
1. Things I’m Loving.
reading…Go Sports Dives Into the Wonderful World of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
loving…the Dior Saint-Honoré candle. I just picked up this candle scent in Milan and am excited to burn it when I get home! I didn’t know Dior had candles!
wanting…the new UGG Elea Slip-On in dusted cocoa and Elea Embossed Slip-On in dense smoke. I already have these, and I LOVE them. I want a second pair for the studio! Which color/style should I get?
everything in my cart (low)…grabbing these Made in Italy long leather gloves with cashmere lining during the Nordstrom sale. Anything lined in cashmere.
Wishing this zip-front zebra-print skirt were in stock at H&M. It’s the perfect affordable match to my zebra-print skirt from Khaite. Hoping it’s restocked soon!
listening to…Dr. Gerry Curatola On The Oral Microbiome, Ozempic Teeth, Jaw Clenching, & What Your Dentist Isn’t Telling You.
shopping the new…J.Crew Iconic Rollneck sweaters designed by Buci, Collina Strada, Eckhaus Latta, Patrick Taylor, and Tanner Fletcher. I added the Rollneck sweaters from Buci (the back is so pretty!) and Eckhaus Latta to my cart.
loving…reading about the benefits of drinking hot water. Everyone looks at me with crazy eyes when I have my hot water. I’m happy to report, it’s so good for you!
shopping…the Made In Presidents Day Sale. You have to pick up this Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set.
wanting…this pretty Larch Wood Cutting Board.
everything in my cart (beauty)…order The Repair Hair Mask from La Bonne Brosse. I have their hair brush and am looking forward to testing this out. I’ve gotten interested in hair health this year!
I want my mom and sister, Asher, to try the T3 Curling Straightener, 2-in-1 Styling Iron. It dries and styles your hair at the same time!
stocking up on…ARMRA. It’s 15% off all ARMRA jars and travel sticks from February 12th – 17th. Use the code HALFBAKEDHARVEST.
everything in my cart (high)…the new Gucci Borsetto Boston Bag.
reading…17 Romantic Books Worth Savoring All Month Long.
home love…Mandy Moore and Her Family Go Home Again to Altadena. Cute kitchen!
gifting…this pretty diamond signet ring to my sister, Asher! I had it engraved with her initial. It’s on sale for their Valentine’s Day sale!
2. Baking This Week – 5 recipes to try.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Homemade Honey Butter Cheddar Biscuits
Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies
3. For the Home.
4. Milan – so far!
Mom and Dad
the family
our special HBH Gerard Family dinner at Moebius
the girls
our birthday girl Lyndsie
Mom and Oslo
a very fun night!
Thank you so much to Moebius for hosting, Chef Enrico Croatti for the most wonderful food and menu. Franciacorta for the wines. And Bialetti for providing the most special gift bags with their espresso maker.
touring the Franciacorta wineries
walking through Milan – Duomo above, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele below
visiting Prada’s famous Marchesi bakery in Milan
Asher is the prettiest young woman – she’s my valentine this year
our birthday girl
So much Parmesan, meat, and crackers – what a cheese board!
Thank you so much to Chefs Vincenzo and Christina for two incredible dinners at Castle Tabiano. We learned so much and left feeling completely inspired. If you’re in Columbus, be sure to visit their restaurants — Pelino’s Pasta, Piazza Pelino, and Caffè Pelino. You won’t regret it!
Somehow, these two grabbed my phone and made their own video! Future actors right here!
5. I Love A Good Podcast.
Recently started listening to Mel Robbins. I love these life lessons and practices.
My personal favorites:
Embrace jealousy; it’s telling you what you need in your life
“Let them,” and “let me”
Forget about balance; focus on boundaries
The five-second rule – I use this in the morning to get out of bed!
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right
Frustration is a very good thing
The “What If It Works?” mind hack
6. Inspiring Me.
7. Favorite Links.
The Best Trattorias in Milan for Old-School Dining—During the Winter Olympics
8 Fermented Foods For Fantastic Gut Health
The High-Paying Remote Roles You Can Pivot to Without Starting Over
Starbucks Dropped a Ton of New Items for February, So I Tried Them All
8. The Nordstrom Sale.
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: Sheet Pan Sesame Feta Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday: Crispy Honey Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Wednesday: Potato Prosciutto Burrata Pizza
Thursday: Sheet Pan Chili Ginger Orange Chicken and Broccoli
Friday: Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Creamy Green Sauce
Saturday: Really Good Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sunday: Sesame Gouda Khachapuri
This post was originally published on February 15, 2026
Thank you for sharing this wonderful
Experience with your Internet ‘family’! We loved seeing the sights, the delicious foods, sharing the love you have with your family but most of all cheering for your brother!!! How amazing to be a member of the Olympics. He did a wonderful job, we/Internet family are very proud of him!
Hey Cindy,
Thanks so much for your kind message! Happy to share all the things:) We had the best time in Italy and supporting Red! Have a great weekend!
Wonderful family photos! Good luck to Red in the Olympics!!👏👏
Thanks so much, Lauren!! Have a great week!
Such amazing pictures of your family in Italy, treasured and happy memories.
All the best to Red, I’ll watch on Wednesday. Xx
Thanks so much, Kelly-Jane! I appreciate your well wishes for Red:) Have a great Tuesday!
Love all these pictures! What awesome memories you are all making. Enjoy your time together! I love all of Mel Robbins wisdom as well❤️
Hey Shawna,
Thanks so much for your kind message and reading:) We are all having a wonderful time!
Have a great week!
I’m watching and rooting for your brother competing in the Olympics today! They did such a lovely piece about him at the beginning of the broadcast. You all must be so proud!
Hey Susan,
Thank you so much for your well wishes and support for Red! We are so proud of him! I’ll have to try to find a clip of the broadcast:)
Have a great week!
Could you share a few photos of the meal at Moebius? Everyone looks great but I’m dying to see the food! It must have been so exciting to dine at a Michelin restaurant. Im sure all of the HBH community would love to see the artistic creations of chef enrico shared in next weeks blog
Hey Jamie,
Thanks so much for reading! I did share some of the photos over on IG, but I can try to share more here next week. The food was so amazing, every detail was thoughtfully planned. Have a great week!
What a beautiful family! And lovely pictures, thank you for sharing them with us!
Looks like a lot of fun 😀
Thanks so much, Heather:) Happy to share the photos and our time here in Italy! Have a great week!
Asher and your momma. Both aging gracefully and beautifully. (Loving your mom’s doc martens w her long gown! 🤌🏼) You too! So fun to see your family enjoying their hard work!! xx
Thanks so much, Kelley! I appreciate you reading and your kind message! Happy Monday!
Aww love seeing Asher with her SILs, you can tell she loves them so much!! So sweet!!!
Thanks so much, Amanda!
I’ve been following your brother and his olympic experience. What a fun time for your whole family. What dishes are you most excited to get home and recreate for us followers here? I found Italy to be one of the most inspirational food destinations I’ve been to!
Hey Jamie,
Thanks so much for following along and your message:) We have enjoyed so many amazing meals here everything from salads to pasta and pizza and meat dishes. I can’t wait to share more with you all!
Happy Monday!
My goodness! Asher is all grown and gorgeous!
Hey Elizabeth,
She sure is! It’s crazy how fast time goes! Thanks for reading today!
You have such a beautiful family…the joy that you have with one another comes through in the pics. Your mom has such a classic elegance and she emanates joy and contentment. You can see what a wonderful pair your parents are.
Good luck to your brother and may your family continue to make the most of your wonderful trip.
Hi Tracy,
Aww thank you so much for being so kind. Nothing is better than family, I truly believe that and my parents are amazing!
Thanks for your well wishes to Red. Have a great Monday!
Look at you and that large beautiful family. You are so fortunate! Good Luck to Red!
Aww thanks so much, Su! We truly are very blessed. Thanks for reading!