Welcome back to my monthly coffee chat! This is where I share my life in a personal, unfiltered way that you don’t get on my primary recipe site Well Plated, or even on Instagram. No ads, no algorithms, no AI. It’s just me, your friend Erin. Let’s catch up!
I turned 40 this month and had the privilege to celebrate with my dream trip of trips: a two-week extravaganza in Southern France.
Ben and I started in the Languedoc, a quiet coastal region just west of the more famous French Riviera, then rented a car and puttered through stunning villages in Provence.
I wrote about both trips in detail (accompanied by 1 zillion photos), which I’d love for you to read about below!
Less than 48 hours after returning from France, I hopped right back on a plane to attend my goddaughter/niece’s First Communion and Confirmation, two important sacraments in the Catholic church.
Other than the ceremony itself, we spent most of the time cooking, drinking prosecco, and generally chilling at my sister’s house, which was much needed and appreciated after 15 days abroad.
Per usual, Uncle Ben was the most popular person in the house (you should have seen what they could do with his hair a few years ago when it was even longer…)
Thirty-six hours (and four loads of laundry) after returning from Denver, I turned right around and flew to NYC to speak on a panel at a creator networking event.
The format was called “Creators on Creators,” a spin on “Actors on Actors,” which is a variety show in which pairs of actors engage in intimate discussions about their work.
My partners were my good friends (and two of the most successful creators in the business) Liz and Lauren of Tastes Better from Scratch.
A short peek at my panel, for anyone interested!
We had an honest discussion about everything from where we’re focusing our time, to what it’s really like to work with family, to how we’re handling the challenges of AI.
This event was extra special because Ben got to come along.
It’s been six years since he left his job at a corporate law firm to work with me on Well Plated full-time, but for the most part, I take work trips solo. This time, however, the event was much smaller, so he joined.
Plus, the two of us adore NYC, so the chance to stay for a day and play was too tempting to pass up.
New York’s energy is so unique, and the restaurant scene is unbeatable.
We ate some remarkably delicious meals, including filet mignon meatballs I’ll dream about for the rest of my earthly existence.
I added everything to my New York City dining guide, which I’ve curated after more than 15 trips to the Big Apple.
If you’re heading there anytime soon, it’s an excellent resource.
We also saw two Broadway shows, Titanique (a hilariously unhinged spoof on Jack and Rose’s story from the movie Titanic) and Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Ben was a major fan of the Stranger Things Netflix series, and the show really impressed us with its special effects.
We have a blessed six whole days at home before we embark on a fresh wave of travel (up next: family reunion). We’ve been squeezing in time with Milwaukee friends and Ben’s parents whenever we can.
That’s meant lots of backyard hangs, impromptu cocktails, and soaking in time at the lake now that the sun is (FINALLY) shining here.
Smoothing Hair Oil. Summer humidity and my hair are not friends. I’ve found that running a little of this super lightweight oil through my ends after blow-drying, then lightly passing what’s left on my palms over the top of my head, keeps it looking less frizzy.
Compressable Packing Cubes. I’ve gone back and forth on my feelings about packing cubes over the years (sure, they organize, but do they actually save space?), but after a month of living out of a suitcase, I am publicly declaring myself IN FAVOR of cubes, specifically these, which have a zipper that allows you to compress your clothes further.
New Favorite Summer Lip Gloss. One of those little things that adds happiness to my day. It’s not sticky (YAY), feels hydrating, and the Coconut color is the perfect summer pink. Liked so much, I got a second color (Cashew).
Print Magazines. So much has shifted online that I forgot the joy of holding a physical magazine. I subscribed to Cook’s Illustrated and Food and Wine, and I am so happy I did. Even if I don’t make a single recipe, I always pick up helpful tidbits.
Shoe Cleaner. Rather than continually buying new things, I’ve been trying to take better care of what I already own. I’ve tested several shoe cleaners over the years, and this one is my favorite because 1) it works and 2) the ingredients are much cleaner and eco-friendly compared to other brands, which makes me feel better about having it in my house.
Most Flattering, Non-Frumpy Swimsuit. I recently got this top and these bottoms in brown and white polka dot, paired them with these pants, and received non-stop compliments. When you aren’t feeling a teeny weenie bikini (or you just need something more appropriate to take your kids to the pool or hang with your in-laws at their lakehouse, ahem me), this is THE brand (my sister swears by this 1-piece). Yes, the items are more expensive, but they last. Love them so much, I reached out to the brand and got us a fresh discount code! 10% off with SUNERINC10.
My hot take on cake: 95% of it is overrated, ranging from the egregiously overrated (red velvet cake; plain white wedding cake) to the semi-overhyped (most cheesecakes…though I think a cheesecake is more similar to a pie than a cake, but we can save that debate for another time).
Aside from the obvious—cake is often dry—to me, the best desserts need some substance.
Hence, the select cakes I do adore (specifically, Lemon Layer Cake, Fresh Strawberry Cake, and the Kitchen Sink Carrot Cake from The Well Plated Cookbook) all have some HEFT to them.
When you set my serving of dessert down in front of me, I want it to have a bit of a thud. If it withers under a scoop of ice cream, my calories are best spent elsewhere thankyouverymuch.
Plus, when it comes to baking, let’s be real: cake is a pain in the butt.
The separating, whipping, and folding of egg whites. The alternating of the wet and dry ingredients. The cooling, assembly, and frosting, plus decorating? Nah, I’m good, thanks.
You know what never lets me down? Brownies (especially this One-Bowl Brownie recipe).
Easy, Natural-Looking Self Tanner. A breeze to apply and looks very subtle. 10% off with WELLPLATED.
Reusable Nipple Covers that Don’t Hurt to Rip Off. You can’t see the edges under even tight-fitting clothing. They just make sense! (I also have a pair in this shape). 21% off with WELLPLATED.
Swimsuits You Can Feel Good In. I’ve raved about Albion Fit for years. Can’t say enough great things about their cute, quality, flattering piecres. 10% off with SUNERINC10.
The Noli Shop. Sophisticated, well-made clothes with style. (Wearing this silk tank in the photo above). 25% off with WELLPLATED25.
Sleep Gummies. These help me sleep through the night without leaving me groggy the next day. They are the top seller every month! 15% off with WELLPLATED.
Bras That Do Not Suck. I will sing the praises of this brand, which makes affordable, comfortable bras with pads that stay in place. This one and this one are my current go-to styles. 20% off with CLARKE20
Red Light Therapy Mask. Daily use of this red light mask (I strap it on while I go about my morning) has made my skin brighter and smoothed fine lines. 25% off with WELLPLATED. This is another great model. 10% off with WELLPLATED.
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