shoes

Photo: Allie Holloway

Shoes

Casual, cool, maybe even chic—that's how I sum up my new Timberlands. I might not look like a Tims girl, but I've rocked a few pairs over the years. And when I saw this pretty-in-pink version, I knew I'd be making room in my shoe collection. I can't wait to wear them to my next Katy Perry concert. I know she'll approve of the color! ($140; timberland.com)
gotti

Photo: Brian Douglas/Lionsgate

Watch

Two things I love: a good Mafia movie and John Travolta. So when I learned the Oscar-nominated actor was playing the ruthless New York City mob boss John Gotti in a new film (titled—what else?—Gotti), I was thrilled. John embodies the mobster, borrowing from his style (he actually wears some jewelry loaned to him by the Gotti family) and his one-liners. Such as? "You'll never see another guy like me if you live to be 5,000." And I think he's right.
yara shahidi

Photo: Tyler Golden

Tune In

My favorite daughter and I have followed ABC's Black-ish since it premiered in 2014, because Kirby says it's like seeing her life play out on TV. One of the best parts has been watching the Johnson family's oldest child, Zoey (played by the charming Yara Shahidi), blossom into a young woman. Next up for her: college! On January 3, I'll be cheering Zoey on in Grown-ish, the new Freeform spin-off chronicling her next chapter. Class isn't in session yet, but I suspect Yara will earn an A+.

Photo: Acken Studios, Phaidon 2017

Cook

I don't do much chopping and sautéing myself, but my kitchen is full of cookbooks, because a girl can dream. The newest addition is America: The Cookbook, which includes 800 easy-to-make recipes inspired by foods from all 50 states. If I did know how to operate a measuring spoon, I'd try making Colorado's Palisade peach and basil salad, Alabama's fried chicken, Vermont's maple-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon, and Massachusetts's Boston cream pie. But I'm open to dinner invitations from anyone willing to whip up this feast. I'll bring the napkins!
celebrate

Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Celebrate

Oprah receives a lot of requests to be honored by different groups. And in many cases, she politely declines because she'd rather not step into the spotlight. But this month she's making an exception. At the Golden Globes, the "O" of O will receive the 2018 Cecil B. DeMille Award for her impact on the world of entertainment. Members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association believe her work in film (like The Color Purple and Selma) and TV (four words: The Oprah Winfrey Show) is worth celebrating—and so do I. But the question remains: Who will present her with the prestigious award? Tune in to NBC on January 7 to find out!
Published 12/13/2017