430: Nine Favorite Things.

My goodness, it has been a long week. I feel like I’ve done so much, but somehow not quite enough at the same time. I mentioned last week that I’ll be in Austin, Texas most of the month working on a project. It’s really exciting and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.

Austin this time of year is kind of perfect. I know every year is different, and the forecast this week is calling for rain, but I can’t help loving these warm days and pockets of hot Texas sun. After so many months of cold, it feels so good on my skin. I can definitely see the appeal of living here. I know the summers are crazy hot, but spring here is really nice.

Aside from the amazing weather (and the access to gorgeous flowers — shout out to the Austin Flower Mart), it’s been a bit of a challenging week too. There’s just been so much to figure out, plan, and prep. I’m really excited to be here, but it’s definitely come with some challenges. And that’s okay. This whole thing is a big learning experience for us as a business, and especially for me personally. It’s going to take some adjusting.

I do feel good though. We’re starting Monday with a lot more prep, planning, and resources after spending this first week figuring things out. No matter how this project turns out, I know I’m going to learn a lot from it. I made the commitment to be here, so I’m sticking with it!

I know a lot of this probably doesn’t make a ton of sense right now, but you’ll see the full picture later this year. And then there’s even more coming after that. Very exciting, just lots of newness, moving parts, adjusting, and problem-solving.

Austin has definitely taken over most of my week, but working on the website always brings me back and grounds me. I love writing these posts because they almost feel like a little journal entry. Just one big brain dump.

Today is exciting too, we finally get that extra hour of sunlight back! I’m one of those people who thinks daylight saving time needs to go away. How do you all feel about it?

With the time change, it really starts to feel like spring is so close. I’m very ready for it! What’s new with you all? Any travel plans coming up? What’s making you happy lately?

Enjoy another favorites post — just a few goodies to share below!

1. Things I’m Loving.

loving…this pretty Arrel Speckled Wool-Blend Rug im Verdant Green. I love the rich color.

home love…a Playful Hamptons Home Inspired by Strawberry Fabric

wanting…every spice from Oaktown Spice Shop. They produce small-batch spices with the freshest quality and have the widest selection!

everything in my cart (low)…new Zara style for spring. Love this casual Striped Knit Polo, which I would pair with their Leather Bucket Bag and Zw Collection High-Waist Wide Leg Jeans.

This Mini Bowling Bag looks just like the designer version of The Row Bag.

So into this entire look, this Long Sleeve T-Shirt (the electric blue color is so good), paired with these High-Waist Wide Leg Jeans (in brown), Combination Ball and Stick Earrings, and Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals (alternate option, Low Heel Sandals). A perfect everyday spring look!

listening to…How to Scale While Keeping Your Brand Intact with Kelly Wearstler.

wearing… The North Face Women’s Yumiori Off Peak jacket on rainy days or inside. I can’t get over the Granite Grey-Frost color. It is so pretty.

eating more foods for brain health to encourage and support clarity and focus.

using…the Bala the Compact Mat when traveling. Love it paired with their Bala Bangles and, of course, my Melissa Wood Health workouts.

loving…it’s fashion month! Both Milan and Paris Fashion Week just wrapped, and one of my favorite collections so far was Louise Trotter’s Bottega Veneta fall/winter 2026 show in Milan.

And from Paris Fashion Week, I loved Jonathan Anderson’s Dior collection, Antonin Tron’s Balmain collection, and Saint Laurent’s collection.

spring nail…getting my nails done by my favorite Russian manicurist here in Austin, that Russian Girl, Kate, tomorrow after set. I’ve been digging into the spring nail colors and love these options. The OPI Classic Nail Polish in the shades Cargo All Out, Nude & Brown, and Blue & Green.

Plus the Chanel, Longwear Nail Colour in Immortelle, Incendiaire, Sorcière, and Muse.

Also, love these ideas for Spring Neutral Nails.

for the kitchen…I’m into the Cooking Chopstick Set from Material Kitchen.

everything in my cart (beauty)…there is a big Dermstore Sale happening through March 12th! Picking up my favorite face cream from Augustinus Bader, The Cream. It’s still pricy, but worth it. This cream never fails to moisturize.

Definitely grab both the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel and 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask. I use both all the time.

The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a great sunscreen.

And for my hair, I love and use the Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum after the shower.

everything in my cart (high)…the new Gucci Donna Pump is so stunning and chic. Additionally, I love the new Chanel collection for fall. And their  Suede & Patent Calfskin Pumps (in beige & black) are equally stunning.

If you still need a jacket for the end of winter or early spring, this luscious Shearling Jacket from Nour Hammour is so pretty!

2. Spring Baking

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

Coconut Sheet Cake

Homemade 5 Ingredient Sour Fruit Gummies

White Chocolate Raspberry Swirled Pistachio Cookies

Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts

Double Strawberry Cupcakes

Iced Lemon Loaf

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

No Fuss Lemon Tart

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake

3. Home Favorites To Use.

4. What Made You Smile This Week?

Daylight saving time! This makes me so happy. We need the extra light!

The Austin flowers, of course.

Nightly journaling and writing down my daily good things.

5. A few Photos from the Week.

Sunday

I’ve been down with the “family sickness” we picked up in Italy. I’m finally starting to feel better, but it definitely hit me hard. One thing that really helped was a lymphatic massage to help reduce inflammation and get everything moving again. If you’re in Austin, I highly recommend Brazilicious Brazilian Beauty Spa. Josie Rushing and her team are amazing!

• it takes a village
• and apparently weird tools
• the above photo is scary, but it’s my reality right now

Another Mutha Body Butter emptied. I brought 2 tubes with me while I’m in Austin. I love this stuff so much.

So excited to try a few new U Beauty products and have a few old favorites back!

6. Inspiring Me.

embracing this kind of energy!

7. Favorite Links.

The Culture List: Everything to Do and Visit This Spring

“Side Quests” Are the Key to Adding More Joy and Whimsy to Your Life

A Reinvented Garbage Disposal That Promises No Clogs and Less Noise

8. Spring Vacation Edit.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Healthy Cheddar Chicken Chili

Tuesday: Skillet Chicken Fajita

Wednesday: Lemon Cream Sauce Smothered Chicken and Orzo

Thursday: Easy Chili Lime Chicken

Friday: 20 Minute Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles

Saturday: Dark Chocolate Banana Bark with Puffed Quinoa

Sunday: Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas