433: Nine Favorite Things.

Happy Sunday! Can you believe Easter is next week? I’m already counting down the days and cannot wait. I really do love Easter—it’s easily my favorite holiday between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween.

When I was younger, we would always spend this time in Florida with my Nonnie and Grandpa. Easter would fall over spring break, so our family would travel from Cleveland to South Florida, where my grandparents had a home. They moved around a bit over the years, but eventually settled in Jupiter, which is where we spent our final trips. That area—Jupiter and Palm Beach—still feels especially special to me.

Every summer, Nonnie and I would spend a week together, just the two of us, in Jupiter. We’d go to brunch, shop until we dropped (and by dropped, I mean stopped for lunch—because Nonnie loved to “lunch”), then she would nap while I relaxed, and we’d get all dressed up for dinner.

Before dinner, we’d make a small cheeseboard as an appetizer. I’d have orange juice in a fancy cocktail glass while she sipped her chardonnay, and we’d always eat outside, my request, every time.

We’d usually watch a movie before bed, too. One year we watched all of the Vacation movies with Chevy Chase. Christmas Vacation is still our favorite—we decided it’s the best one.

Those are some of my most special memories, and a big part of why Florida will always feel so meaningful to me.

And then there’s Easter. We’d make chocolate bunnies using molds, my mom would put together the best candy-filled baskets, and we’d hunt for eggs filled with candy—or sometimes even a few dollar bills. So fun, and so special. And occasionally, Nonnie would make a bunny cake too.

Now that I’m older, I still love this time of year just as much. Some years I help my mom with Easter baskets, some years we’re all traveling—but I’m really excited because if all goes as planned, we’ll all be together this Easter. Just one more week!

What are you all doing for Easter this year?

Aside from that excitement, Austin has been amazing. I really do love it here. The weather has been perfect, the spring flowers are so beautiful, everyone has been incredibly friendly—and today, the Proper Hotel sent the prettiest flowers. I love them. I know I’ll be a little sad to leave.

How about you all—are you traveling this month or staying close to home? What’s something that’s making you especially happy right now?

I hope you’re all having the best spring and a very happy Easter. Enjoy today’s favorites!

1. Things I’m Loving.

loving…Smythson Notebooks. Their newest Spring collection caught my eye with its pretty colors and fun fruits. They sent me the Apple Chelsea Notebook in Panama Fruits. It’s so cute. The Lemon and Pear are pretty too! I LOVE notebooks. I always write my daily to-do list in their Portobello Notebook in Mara. These notebooks make writing my to-do list at night a task I actually look forward to! 

eating at…The Bedford. Martha Stewart’s Newest Restaurant. Everyone is talking about this spot!

everything in my cart (low)…this week’s Zara picks: into this casual Long Sleeve T-Shirt. It will be a cute weekend look with these Cropped Flare High Waist Jeans.

Love this pretty Limited Edition Semi-Sheer Knit Polo. And if you are looking for a short trench coat, I love their Water Repellent Short Trench Coat.

These Mid-Rise Wide Leg Jeans with this cardigan and these Low Heel Sandals.  

also shopping…the J.Crew spring fling sale. So many great pieces for spring! 

listening to…Life Awakenings. A beautiful, self-reflective solo episode. It’s one I know so many people, myself included, can relate to.  

dreaming of going…

loving…my time at the Proper Hotel here in Austin. They are so sweet and sent me flowers this week! Nothing I adore more than flowers and a candle. 

shopping…This cute Reformation Starling Cotton Sweater Tank. Pretty for a warm spring day or vacation look! 

travel…Detroit Is Having a Major Moment—Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore Right Now. This is so cool to read. Coming from Cleveland, Detroit is very familiar. Sounds like the city is up and coming – so great! 

everything in my cart (beauty)…YSE Exfoliating Pads. I’ve been using these regularly ever since they launched a few years ago. They help diminish texture and leave your skin feeling smooth, while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin (which I have).

loving…Coop’s Salted Caramel Sauce. I used this for the very first time this week, and wow, it’s so good, and pretty too! I’m a sucker for a smooth caramel sauce. Trying the Coop’s Original Hot Fudge next!

watching…I’ve had Buffy The Vampire Slayer on in the background while I edit photos. I loved the show growing up, so it’s such a comfort show to watch while I edit. I heard they are making more soon? But then I heard Hulu nixed it 🙁              I keep seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar everywhere!

wanting…to try a new candle, have you heard of Liis? I just discovered their candles on FWRD and added them to my cart.

everything in my cart (high)…a great pair of Open-Side Leather Pumps from Prada. 

shopping…all things Zebra. I think this spring trend is so fun! 

2. The Most Popular Recipes of March.

Most Popular: Parmesan Garlic Butter Crusted Halibut

Runner-up: Really Good Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Also have to mention: Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita

Popular Brunch: Baked Strawberry Glazed Doughnuts

Baking: 30 Spring Dessert Recipes to Make Right Now

3. The Amazon Sale.  

jeans

shoes

clothing 

beauty 

home

4. The Week in Photos. 

Dinner with a friend at Pecan Square Cafe

Agent Nateur holi (mane) marine collagen peptides

Smythson Notebooks

5. Clean Laundry. What is your Favorite? 

I’ve been on a serious hunt for clean laundry products. What are your favorites? Going to test a few of the below! 

6. Inspiring Me. 

7. Favorite Links.

16 Cottage Kitchens That Show How to Balance Whimsy and Utility

It’s Official: These Are The 33 Best Places to Live in the US

The Secret to Organizing a Junk Drawer (Hint: Stop Treating It Like One)

The Absolute Dumbest Design Mistakes I’ve Ever Made

Skip the Tired Tourist Sites for These 21 Hidden Gems in Greece

This Korean Body Peel Is the Shortcut to Softer, Smoother Skin

Office Hours: How Merit’s Aila Morin Takes Care of Herself First

Trader Joe’s Has Tons of New Items for Spring: Here’s What’s Worth Grabbing

The Affordable Tile Alternative Celebrity Designers Use to Warm Up a Kitchen

The NYC Restaurants JFK Jr. And Carolyn Bessette Loved

You Shouldn’t Bother With Mexican Restaurant Margaritas

8. Spring Sales. 

Abercrombie 

Spring Swimsuits

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Crispy Chicken Katsu Noodle Bowls

Tuesday: Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon 

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken

Thursday: 25 Minute Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo

Friday: Skillet Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas

Saturday: Homemade Baked Frosted Chocolate Donuts

Sunday: Carrot Sheet Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting