It’s Friday, and I just plated the best dinner of the week. Miso cod, green beans in place of my usual asparagus, and a big arugula salad with chopped apple, tomato, cucumber, and avocado — with blistered shishito peppers tucked right up against it. The kind of meal that leaves you full and quietly proud of yourself. No fancy steps. Just good produce, in season, on a plate.
Before the list, a moment. This week marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. I still remember watching the towers fall, riveted and in disbelief. My heart aches for the families, the first responders, and everyone whose life changed that morning. We keep them close this week.
Then — the favorites. Everything I’m loving right now, in no particular order.
Food & recipes
What happens when a beloved fall cookie meets banana bread? Something I’m making twice this week.
Overnight oats, all dressed up for autumn — cold mornings don’t scare them.
Spanakopita orzo. Brilliant, and it doesn’t take much effort.
A salmon recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes and brings the kick.
An Indian favorite of mine, made extra easy and a little healthier in the Air Fryer.
A pasta salad I could honestly eat every single day.
One-pot, high-protein pasta featuring one of my favorite vegetables.
A chopped salad inspired by the BEST New Orleans sandwich. Yum.
A Caesar salad with a surprising swap that makes it better.
An appetizer that’s a total showstopper — the one that gets photos at the table.
Four apple recipes that have me giddy for fall.
An apple fritter cake that looks to die for.
Apple cinnamon muffins for warm-your-belly, crisp morning coffee.
A 30-minute comfort food dinner I can’t wait to make again.
A kale salad — an oldie but a goodie, and somehow addictive.
Greek pot roast? No need to twist my arm.
A pasta so dreamy it might need a second plate.
Chicken bowls that are making my mouth water.
A chocolate cake so gorgeous and picturesque it has major Matilda (Wicked) energy — picture that witch’s garden, but edible.
Beauty & self-care
The best citrus juicer I’ve ever used — and you can’t beat the price.
Nutritionists keep pointing to this vegetable for blood pressure support. Adding it to the rotation.
The seafood a fisheries scientist actually buys at Costco. I’m listening.
A nail color I’m completely obsessed with this week.
An eyeliner in the prettiest plum shade that has totally replaced my usual black pencil.
The creamiest concealer I’ve tried that doesn’t crease or cake. Mature skin, take note.
Something that has improved my sleep exponentially — and no melatonin in it. Can’t recommend it enough.
Home & cozy
Boots I’m treating myself to for the colder months. These are calling my name.
The comfiest house slippers I’ve ever owned.
Pajamas that feel like butter.
A sweater in so many great colors I may end up with two.
Candlesticks with the most beautiful shape.
Where interior designers shop for lighting on Etsy.
A really cute cordless table lamp, because who needs an outlet?
A food ornament I’m already bookmarking for the holidays.
Reading & living
Six everyday habits that improve cognitive function — small, doable, no supplements required.
Seventeen unique wedding traditions from around the world. Dan and I kept stealing ideas.
The NYTimes named this book one of the best thrillers of the century, and it’s going on my reading list for next month.
The Glow Ritual
This weekend: drink a full glass of water before your first coffee. No tea, no smoothie — plain water, while the kettle heats up. Five minutes of nothing, and your skin will thank you by lunchtime.
A note from Johnson
The list is long, but the point is small: fall is here, the produce is good, and a few favorite things make the week land softly. Glow is a habit, not a product.
Disclosure: some items above are affiliate links from companies I partner with — if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
More from the blog: my 5-minute morning skincare routine and what I actually wear in my 40s.