Happy Halloween!

This week on the blog, I shared this incredible crispy chicken with brussels slaw. I also shared pumpkin whipped feta with chipotle bacon and a cider caramelized onion skillet pizza. It’s my favorite time of year with the sephora sale, and you can find all of my favorites here.

My gift guides are also live on my shopmy page. They will be on the blog next week!

My substack newsletter is here! You can find my shopmy page, amazon storefront and LTK shop here too. You can find my amazon gift guides here too!

And here’s a new weekly menu along with a peek into our life.

You can find all of my cookbooks here… let me know what you make from them!

What I’m Loving This Week

Candy bar blondie time! We love these every year.

I really want to try a fireball root beer float.

Glazed pumpkin donuts! Yum yum yum.

These roasted carrots look incredible.

Chipotle chicken salad is going on my menu.

Love some slow cooker lasagna soup.

Banana chocolate chip muffins are a fave of ours.

This salsa verde chicken and rice looks so good.

Cauliflower hash browns?! I need to make!

Saving this homemade turkey rub.

Pumpkin bread is happening tomorrow!

Craving scalloped sweet potatoes.

Cinnamon baked pears are lovely.

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I love this time of year!

As a certified beauty junkie, this is my super bowl. I have been talking about beauty products since I was about 15 and love that I have this space to share my faves with you. And learn about yours!

These are all my personal recommendations. I ramble about them too. They probably come as no surprise considering I’ve talked about almost everything before, but here we are! I’d love to hear what you love so I can build out my wishlist.

I like to get the big items like dyson hair tools at this sale. Also, good skincare, value size items and sunscreen. I also love it to buy perfume during the sale, because you can rarely find that on sale (if ever!) – especially Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Killian, etc. All those good ones that are so expensive and never go on sale. None of this is sponsored, I just loooove talking beauty products with you.

If you just want a simple list, you can find everything right here. If you want to know WHY I love these things, read below.

What’s New In My Cart

Makeup By Mario cream eyeshadow. I have a darker shade of this and love it. I use it mostly under powder shadow, so I’m going to do that with these lighter shades too.

Shu Umera Hair Oil. I currently use (and love!) the olaplex oil, but I’ve seen rave reviews for this. My hair can be dry so I’m definitely picking this up during the sale.

Rare Beauty Harmony Brow Gel. Trying this for a more natural brow. I’ve heard it is the best!

Armani Silk Highlight in Stellar. I currently use the opal shade but it’s too white right now. I love this formula.

Cyklar Illuminating Body Oil. This is my favorite scent and I want the sparkle oil for the holiday season.

Cyklar Body Scrub. Same as the above. I use a body scrub every other day and can’t wait to get this one.

Eadem Lip Balm Set. Some of my favorite lip balms – they are so moisturizing. Definitely worth the set.

Dr Jart Ectoin Cream. I love everything that has ectoin, so I am very excited about this! It’s new and I can’t wait to get it.

Touchland Vault. I’m getting this for Emilia for christmas! If you have a tween daughter, then you get it.

Can’t Miss Products

Tatcha SPF50 Milky Sunscreen. I have used this every single day since it relesaed in the spring. I love it. It makes my face glow and is so good under makeup. It’s the only sunscreen I use right now.

POV amp it lip gloss. I have the clear and the cannoli shade and I LOVE these. They are the only gloss I reach for right now. I actually can’t believe how much I have loved it. Especially the cannoli one!

Eadem cashmere peel. This is such a gentle exfoliator and has really changed my skin. I use to twice a week and I love it. Zero irritation!

Replica afternoon delight perfume. I’ve been wearing it consistently every single day all year. It’s my current #1 right now!

Crown Affair hair towel. Can’t live a day without this. I have multiples so I’m never without one. I gift this all the time!

Rhode glazing mist. I was very anti-rhode then decided to try this once it entered sephora. I’m already on my second bottle. Love it.

Rhode barrier butter. Same as the above! This is an amazing heavy moisturizer. I adore it. I use it after my retinol.

K18 hair mask. This works WONDERS for my hair. I use it every other week in the shower, leave on for 4 minutes, then rinse out and condition!

K18 Astrolift.  I use this on my roots before blow drying. It is weightless and adds incredible volume.

K18 Air Wash. Aside from the crown affair powder, this is the only dry shampoo I will use. It makes your hair feel brand new.

Dyson hair dryer. This is ridiculous but also the best dryer I’ve ever used. I’ve had mine for over 5 years and can’t go without it.

Hourglass unlocked mascara. The black and the brown – both the best mascara. Not waterproof, but doesn’t smudge at all!

Maker The Dream perfume. This was a new find in 2024 and the scent is fabulous. So warm but sweet and a little smoky.

Hanni splash salve. This is my best find of last year, 2025. A balm you put on your skin right before getting out of the shower. Incredible.

Crown Affair leave in conditioner. One of my major loves for leave-in conditioner, especially if I’m air drying my hair.

Mane comb. This is a wide tooth comb that I keep in my shower to use post-conditioner and mask. I love it.

Laniege cream skin. One of my favorite milky toners ever. Very important to get the spray attachment too!

Bondi Boost straightener. This is the current straightener I’m using. It’s been great.

Pro powder brush. My favorite blush and bronzer brush!

Then I Met You the giving essence. I love this essence, it’s a little thick in a liquidy way and feels so good on the skin.

Georgio Armani liquid blush. My favorite liquid blush. Not as bold as rare beauty and the colors are great.

Fenty lip gloss stick. Adore the shine and balm texture.

Patrick Star Powder Melt Setting Spray. This is what I set my makeup with everyday. I don’t like a matte look, and this gives that glass skin effect.

Haus Labs Powder Gel Highlighter. I have a few shades here, but the fire opal one is incredible.

Crown Affair hair clips. Super expensive but I’ve found to be worth it. I’ve tried years of amazon clips. These have teeth INSIDE them and work like a dream. I’m going to give these to many people this year. I use them daily.

My Everyday Essential Products

Crown Affair dry shampoo. Can’t explain how GOOD this is. Works like a dream with the targeted application brush.

YISE Exfoliating Pads. I use these every every every single morning. I swear they are my #1 recommendation after tretinoin. I’ve probably gone through five or six containers. Glass skin!!!

Oribe Dry Heat Protectant. I use this every single time I heat style my hair. I love it because it goes on DRY. So you can immediately curl or straighten.

Dieux Instant Angel. This is my everyday face cream and has been for over a year. I love it under makeup.

Dieux Air Angel. This is a slightly lighter version of the above. I use this during the day over sunscreen. If it’s super hot out, I’ll use this instead of the original.

Cyklar Body Cream. My go-to scent for daily use… it smells so good I could eat it.

Cyklar Body Oil. Use this almost daily.

Cyklar In shower balm. I use this and adore it. Put it on in the shower and get out!

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip balm. This saves my lips every night.

Haus Labs Concealer. I discovered it this year and it’s my holy grail now. Obsessed.

Iconic London Liquid Highlight. Adore this highlight for mixing with foundation or moisturizer. It’s very liquidy and it’s pretty golden (almost too golden for me!) but it is wonderful for mixing. I use this almost everyday.

Westman Atelier Contour Stick. My favorite contour stick of all time. I use the shade biscuit. I’m on my second one and it is a great formula.

Anastasia Microstroke Brow. I have been loving this lately. It’s a new to me product but I’ve on my second one. It definitely creates a more natural brow.

Benefit Gimme Brow. This used to be the ONLY thing I use on my brows. It’s so natural. Nothing compares to the tiny brush. Have used this for over a decade.

Nars Pro Prime Smudgeproof Base. This is my favorite for eyeshadow base. Have used it forever.

Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss. Can you tell I am obsessed with balm and gloss?! I probably have five of these.

Dior Lip Glow Oil. Another classic that I always have with me. my current favorite is the berry shade.

Fenty Gloss Bomb Ice. If you’re someone who loves a mint lipgloss, this is a fabulous one. Always have one in my car.

Makeup By Mario Master Matte Nuetrals Palette. My favorite matte palette.

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Palette. My everyday eye palette.

Tartlette in bloom Palette. Another fabulous palette for eyes. The shades are so flattering.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder. The pink shade is everything! I use this under my eyes daily.

Dyson Air Wrap. Another thing I didn’t think I’d ever buy, but last year I did. It is AMAZING! This can definitely be a one stop shop for your hair. If I could only take one hair tool with me to a deserted island, it would be this. It’s so pricey and rarely ever on sale!

Benetint Lip/Cheek Stain. I’m going on 20+ years of using this – I love it on my lips with clear gloss.

Olaplex Hair Oil. I use this daily. It doesn’t weigh down my hair and is the best oil I’ve found.

Fragrance Essentials

Cyklar Vanilla Verve. I have two of these – one lives in my car and one in my bag. I can’t explain how much I love this scent!

Dedcool Xtra Milk. I’m on my THIRD bottle of this. It’s so fresh and clean I can put it on before bed. I get so many compliments on this perfume, it’s crazy.

Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia. This scent is not my norm, as it’s floraly, but it’s warm and vanilla enough that I love it. The scent lingers forever and it’s fabulous. Lots of compliments on this too!

Carolina Herrara Good Girl. As a note, I hate this bottle. It kept me from buying it for years. But this is basically the best scent ever.

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit. For the first time in a long time (like years), they are also offering this in a travel spray! Best holiday scent.

The post My 2026 Fall Sephora Sale Favorites. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

It’s pizza Friday!

This pizza is made in a cast iron skillet and has a layer of apple cider caramelized onions, fresh sage and pumpkin ricotta cheese. It tastes like fall in a pizza!

And I am loving it. 

In the most fall-like combination ever, I’m combining BOTH apple cider and pumpkin!! This is the perfect day to enjoy it because come November 1, I will most likely be in full holiday mode. Stopping only for one or two days to fully celebrate Thanksgiving, of course.

I’ve been making apple cider caramelized onions since I first shared them in my second book almost ten years ago. Not only is the flavor fabulous, but the cider helps the onions cook and caramelize so much quicker than they normally would. This is great, because it’s definitely a high maintenance step for pizza.

I always look at it as: I can caramelize my onions while my pizza dough rises! Easy as that. 

The cast iron pizza method has been a favorite of mine for well over a decade. It’s easy and simple, but does require moving a little quickly. The only time I had a minor fiasco is when I dropped the cast iron skillet ON THE FLOOR a few weeks after having Max. I wanted to make us cast iron skillet pizza so badly but I was still trying to get my footing postpartum.

Not only did I drop the skillet, but the pizza came OUT of the skillet and landed cheese-side on the floor. Whomp whomp.

Other than that, a cast iron pizza is the best. It’s so easy to make. The method is so quick and easy that you may wonder if you’re doing it wrong!

The key? A super hot cast iron skillet and the broiler in your oven. 

Oh and one more thing: all of your toppings have to be out and ready to go. Similar to my grilled pizza method, just get everything ready and you’ll be golden. It will come together in minutes! 

First, I heat the cast iron skillet so it’s super hot. In a way, this sort of mimics a wood-fired pizza because the cast iron will create some of those golden, puffed burned bits. Once the skillet has been heating for a few minutes, I press my dough right in there. It’s the exact shape of the skillet, and it’s okay to take a few seconds to press it around the edges. 

Next, I build the pizza right there. Sauce, veggies, meats, cheese – everything. I build it right on the dough, while the dough is cooking in the skillet. This should take one to two minutes, max.

At this point, the edges of the dough will be bubbling up and you can see that it’s starting to cook! 

Then, you pop the entire skillet (it’s hot!!) into the oven, directly under the broiler. This should only be under the broiler for another one (maaaaaybe two) minutes. But you need to be watching it the entire time. Everything can burn quickly! (more…)

The post Skillet Pizza with Cider Caramelized Onions & Pumpkin Ricotta. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

We’re getting all the snacks ready for this weekend!

My pumpkin whipped feta is super creamy and lovely, topped with crispy fried sage and candied chipotle bacon. It’s the best vehicle for dipping just about anything!

Even though I don’t love Halloween, I am thrilled that it’s on a Saturday this year!! We always have a big party with family while the kids trick or treat and it’s been such a fun tradition ever since Max was born. 

I love that this year, we can really go all out without having to worry about waking up early the next day for school.

And we can make alllll the snacks too!

If you’re been around here for a while, then you probably know that I always do a chili bar for Halloween. One or two kinds of chili, cornbread, hot dogs, tater tots and every topping imaginable. All the chips, scallions, salsas, sour cream, cheese and more. 

The thing is that it’s usually just that. It’s quite a bit of food and since Halloween is often on a weeknight, our guests don’t stay super late. (more…)

The post Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip with Chipotle Candied Bacon. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

1. Leopard print is not only a neutral for me, it’s basically theeeee neutral. Like the first I will choose.

2. This chuck roast chili looks absolutely incredible.

3. I’ve found a few of my favorite things this fall at Gap and it’s not only nostalgic, but the quality is SO good. What have I been doing the last few years!!

4. On the value of routine!! I live for routines. They make my life so much easier.

5. I’m fascinated by a lampe berger and want one, especially for my kitchen. If you have one, tell me all about it!

6. My gift guides are all coming next week, but in the meantime you can find a sneak peek right here!

7. TV things!! I started the newest season of Nobody Wants This. I’m ready to start the new season of Love is Blind too.

8. I love the idea of the monthly 10 bucket list.

9. (Not so) secretly ready to get rid of allll the Halloween stuff come Sunday!!

The post Tuesday Things. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

I’ve got your dinner tonight!

Extra crunchy chicken cutlets that are topped with a refreshing and crisp brussels sprouts slaw. Tastes amazing, comes together fast and really can be quite versatile!

Years ago, when I first had a crispy chicken cutlet topped with a salad, my mind was blown. I loved the idea. The plating was simple and so was the dish, but it was just so good. Don’t ask me why taking a bite of chicken with the salad on top, as opposed to taking a forkful of chicken and salad together, is so much better.

It’s more fun to eat. And it looks pretty! It’s cute and compact and makes for a fun little dinner.

It’s alllllll the experience over here, if you can’t tell. As a bored millennial who is always looking for the next best thing, a slight change to our favorite meals can really elevate things. 

Because here’s the thing!

This is really just a little cop out. You know I make my chicken cutlets all the time: paper thin, super crispy, requested every single week by my whole family.

But!

I also often make this brussels slaw in the fall and winter. I’ll prep it for my own lunches or even just have it as a side dish to grab really quick for dinner. It’s so ridiculously crunchy and flavorful. If you are a texture nut like I am, this slaw is going to be your new BFF. 

I’m essentially always making these two things, sometimes even in meal form. But am I topping the chicken with the slaw? Never. 

Why not!!! 

These are the things I ask myself. So here we are, topping it with the slaw. 

The slaw is just wonderful. 

Shredded brussels sprouts. 

Shaved parmesan cheese. 

Sliced almonds! 

That’s the name of the game here: shredded, shaved, sliced. The words just SOUND crunchy. 

This slaw is tossed with a vinaigrette that leans a little on the honey mustard side of things. Dijon, lemon, honey, crushed red pepper. It’s classic and simple and almost neutral, so it tastes really great with just about anything.

Once the brussels have soaked up some of the dressing, they lose their bitterness. They are sliced so thin that it’s fun to eat – think, little cabbage! It’s all so crunchy. (more…)

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We had another fun packed October week.

Emilia is super into press on nails. It’s very cute!!

Morning walks are soooo pretty right now!

Cute girl.

Cute boy!!

Hockey practice. We also had tennis and theater and piano and gymnastics this week! Wowza.

Pumpkin painting party!

The cuties.

More cuties!!

This was so fun.

Pumpkin beer!

Jordan loves to “clean the sink.” He could do this for hours. He and Emilia also love cleaning the shower, haha.

How is this little baby playing hockey!!

I can’t with him.

We had a fun (and very sunny) evening adventure!!

Pizza and the zoo.

Hot honey which is my absolute favorite.

While Max and Eddie went to the Pens game!!

Fun with cousins!!

The jack-0-lantern extravaganza is one of our favorite things to do.

Cousin love!

Also I want to decorate my trees outside like this.

However I was very jealous of this!

And this.

We had a blast though – it is so cool to see every pumpkin.

Dolly!!!

The giraffe was so cool too.

Love this tradition.

Also love her outfit! Ha. Ears, coat, jeans.

More hockey today!!

Now onto a new week!!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 43. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

What’s on your menu this week?!

What To Eat This Week

Sun dried tomato caesar salad

Spaghetti squash parmesan

Butternut squash pot pie

Stuffed shells soup

Garlic butter chicken meatballs and noodles

Pumpkin beer brisket slider melts

Slow roasted tomato farro salad

Nutella stuffed banana muffins

The post What To Eat This Week: 10/25/26. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Hello weekend!

This week on the blog, I shared this stuffed shells soup. I also shared this sun dried tomato caesar salad, the best fall salad dressings and nutella stuffed banana muffins! There’s a big amazon beauty sale and I listed everything I have and love/what’s worth it.  My October favorites are here too!

My substack newsletter is here! You can find my shopmy page, amazon storefront and LTK shop here too. You can find my amazon gift guides here too!

And here’s a new weekly menu along with a peek into our life.

You can find all of my cookbooks here… let me know what you make from them!

What I’m Loving This Week

I need these crazy potatoes in my life.

Sweet potato cake looks wonderful.

So does this brown butter pumpkin cake!

Apple butter cookies! OMG.

The best halloween treats. Yes please.

Miso crunch kale salad sounds fabulous.

Obsessed with apple pie sangria.

Mongolian beef noodles. I have to make this at home!

I live for a pumpkin pasta bake.

Sweet potato pie cinnamon rolls. Yum.

Making three bean salad over here!

Honey butter roasted carrots look delish.

Gotta try jalapeno poppers for the weekend!

Turmeric hot toddy time!

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We’ve got our weekend treat! 

These nutella stuffed banana muffins are so super delicious! Banana bread muffins filled with a dollop of nutella, served warm and gooey. They are an absolute delight. 

We go wild for banana bread and banana muffins in our house! I make both frequently and I rarely even change it up because my recipes for both muffins and bread are so.darn.good. 

But sometimes… I want a little chocolate.

I mean, all the time. Me. I always want chocolate. 

Sometimes, other people want chocolate. Or I bully them into wanting chocolate.

Either way, it works! 

This recipe uses our very favorite banana muffin as a base, then is stuffed and swirled with nutella! It’s as simple as that. Easy, tender and flavorful, delicious.

Sidebar: all that hype with banana bread coffee right now? I’m into it. I actually am loving it and think it tastes incredible. I’m very pro-banana, as long as it isn’t that fake banana popsicle-ish banana flavor. You know?

Anyway.

This is how we make our muffins.

They are super easy, with the key being to *not* overmix. 

I get all my dry ingredients whisked together first, so they are ready.

Next, I combine my eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla and bananas until smooth. Then, I mix the dry ingredients right in! 

I use an ice cream scoop to ladle my batter into each muffin tin. Once it’s in there, I add a tablespoon of nutella right to the batter. It’s simple to swirl it in a bit, but it will also sink in more as the batter bakes. 

Once finished, I let them cool a bit just because that nutella center is HOT.  (more…)

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