Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
(lemon rose shortbread cookies)
Happy February, happy Super Bowl Sunday! Hoping you’re all enjoying your weekend and either gearing up for a fun Super Bowl Sunday with friends…or a very chill and relaxing Sunday. Either way, hoping it’s filled with all the best foods and plenty of smiles. Kind of cheesy, but I really do hope that!
In not so fun news, we had a sad/scary situation on our hands this week. Last Sunday a mountain lion got into our goat pen and killed three of our six goats. I have to walk past the goat pen to get to the office (studio barn) each day. So I was the first one to find them very early Sunday morning. To say that it was an ugly situation would be an understatement. Because of the bite directly to their necks, we knew right away that it was a mountain lion.
There was no reason the lion should have attacked our goats. If it’s a healthy lion, they’ll mostly leave livestock alone and instead hunt only wild animals. When they do go after livestock, they usually only take one animal at a time. Generally, a lion would then hide the carcass. This one lined up all three goats in a row, eating only the hind of one of the goats. Not going to lie, it was scary. I’ve always been very aware that we have mountain lions in our area, it comes with the territory. But this was way too close for comfort. The attack happened pretty much outside my back door. Frightening.
Thankfully, Colorado Parks and Wildlife took this very seriously. As much as no one ever wants to kill an animal, because of the cat’s erratic behavior, and sighting of the animal in the neighborhood during daylight (the house up above us caught the cat on surveillance video). CPW felt that the mountain lion needed to be put down. Not only for the safety of our other animals, but for the safety of us, and all our neighbors.
After two days of camping out on our property and tracking the mountain lion, the rangers brought in hound dogs. The dogs immediately found the lion. He had been living in an abandoned house just up the hill. They were able to kill the lion, which turned out to be a 3-year-old male. Again, it’s always sad to have to put any animal down, but since mountain lions rarely travel in packs, I feel much safer heading out my door every morning.
Sad story, with no real happy ending, but I guess that’s life sometimes. All is OK now and only hoping for a brighter week ahead! Unfortunately, the lion killed all three of our milking goats, so as of right now we are lacking in the milk department. I’m looking to try out some type of nut milk. Do you guys have a favorite brand? Let me know!
Moving along to happier things! Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll be kicking the week off with a bright new better than takeout style recipe. Tuesday is a wintry citrus recipe that’s full of color. I’ll be sharing a new sheet pan dinner on Wednesday, and a healthy one-pot vegetarian dinner on Thursday. And for Friday, we’ll, of course, need something sweet for Valentine’s Day!
Lastly, if you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our daily newsletters. They’ll help you to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here, as well as fun content you’ll only get via email. And of course, if you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s #9 on the favorite’s list).
Hope you enjoy this week’s Nine Favorite Things!
1. The Instagram accounts I follow and love.
Whenever I do a Q+A on Instagram I always get asked who I follow, especially when it comes to food IG accounts. Oddly, I don’t follow many food accounts at all. But I love following fashion and lifestyle brands for outside/unexpected sources of inspiration. Below are the ones that always leave me feeling inspired.
Aimee Song – Technically, Aimee is a fashion influencer. Her style is on point, but I love following her for her realness. She does not give in to the pressures of social media and is always sharing what’s raw and real. Everything from her struggles, to her successes, it’s refreshing. She just shared an IG story this past week about body image and the poor role social media plays on it. I found her words to be uplifting and inspiring.
Tezza – If you need creative inspiration, follow Tezza. I’m not sure there is anyone more creative. Her photos are stunning and her Tezza app is the best photo editing app.
Hannah Bronfman – Hannah is my healthy lifestyle follow. She’s the perfect mix/balance of workout inspo, to food inspo, to life, and even career. Not to mention, she’s just fun, real, and always upbeat.
Chriselle Lim – Chriselle is such a true businesswoman. She’s juggling a new start-up business, a thriving blog, family, and managing a huge team. It’s insane. She’s doing so much, it’s inspiring for me to follow along and learn from her. She may look like only a fashion/beauty influencer, but she’s all business. Bonus? Her site, The Chriselle Factor is my go-to source for all things beauty.
The Home Edit – yes, I follow for the home/office organization inspiration, but also? Their Instagram stories always make laugh, especially on bad days when I need something to just make me smile.
Kristen Kilpatrick – I’ve been following Kristen for years. She’s hands down one of my favorite photographers. She’s a true pro and the best at what she does. If you don’t follow her on Instagram, you need to change that. Her stunning photos will make you stop the scrolling, and just gaze for a minute.
Question: who do you follow on Instagram? I would LOVE to hear who your top 3 accounts are!
2. the most popular recipes of January.
Most popular: 30 Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
When I shared this recipe I hoped you guys would all enjoy it, but WHOA. This recipe is really, really loved. With over 730 reviews in less than a couple of weeks (and most of them positive), this is without a doubt the most popular recipe on HBH this month. And from the looks of it, it could be the most popular of 2020, only time will tell. From the moment I made this, I loved every detail of the recipe.
Runner-up: Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Chickpeas
So thrilled that this a salad is making this list!! I LOVE this recipe more than you know. It’s not your average salad. It’s easy to throw together, colorful, healthy, and filling.
Also have to mention: Weeknight Thai Chicken Meatball Khao Soi.
Only shared this just last week, but it is quickly moving to the top of everyone’s favorites list. This northern Thai inspired noodle soup is the perfect any night of the week dinner that’s cozy, and healthy too.
3. for valentines day…
4. favorite questions of the week.
q: Do you have a team to help you with all your content creation or are you a lone wolf?
a: Very small team of 5 at this point…with 4 of them being family members. I create all the content you guys see of course!! But have help behind the scenes with blog upkeep, grocery shopping, cleaning, social media, etc. It takes a village to keep everything running.
PS. yes, I write my own IG captions…I always get this question and find it so odd.
q: Do have days when you just have zero inspiration to create something?
a: Yes, of course!!! Probably more than you think too. It can be really, really hard. On those days, I try to just push through and focus on creating something that really excites me instead of doing something that I just check off my list. And sometimes I just have off days (had a few this week!). But usually, the off days really push me to have an amazing day the next.
q: What’s your morning routine look like?
a: – Up early.
– Out for a hike almost immediately after waking.
– home, wash face, do my daily skincare routine…I don’t usually put on any makeup and try to be bare-faced while in the kitchen.
– Be Well By Kelly smoothie…with goat milk, but I now need to find something new!
– coffee…always.
– start working.
q: Do you ever take entire days off from cooking?
a: Very, very, very rarely. Usually only when traveling do I just not cook. And then when I’m on my computer working during the day, I’ll still usually cook something for dinner .
q: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed as a business owner?
a: Call my mom. Haha. But seriously. I call my mom. Then I call my dad. Got to talk it out, then I’m all good again!
5. newest videos.
30 Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rice…it’s cozy comfort food, but yet pretty healthy too.
Chipotle Sweet Potato Enchiladas…for when you’re craving Mexican, but just want to stay home, cook, and chill.
6. Last Minute Super Bowl Recipes.
Beer Pretzels with Chipotle Queso
Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls
Baked Black Pepper Ranch Chicken Fingers
Herb Butter Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins
Spicy Cauliflower Cheese Bites with Tahini Ranch
Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
5-ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Stuffed Soft Pretzels
7. a few links I am loving…
trends i’m loving…winter blues.
12 signs you are iron deficient…hint you are probably exhausted.
the cereal aisle is totally out of control…a review of almost everything in it.
on the go beauty…3 product makeup routine.
I love my French press…5. alternative ways to put it to work.
one of Mexico’s most sought after new hotel suites…I’d surely stay here.
hydration station…how to stay moisturized from head to toe.
inside this year’s Oscar-nominated movie sets…love a good behind the scenes.
how to ask a busy person for advice…and get an answer.
a design editor’s nursery is minimalist perfection…simple (but cute) is always best.
10 date night ideas to combat the winter blues…all about cooking a new meal.
10 work hacks to implement…email time batching is key. I need to be better about it.
8 sustainable jewelry brands…love all of these brands, and especially these earrings.
one thing design experts always do to get their home party-ready…if you need tips.
these kitchens might inspire you to remodel your own…which is your favorite?
the Goop Lab…have you watched it? Lots of talk about this Netflix documentary.
15 best puffer jackets for women that you can buy right now...at every price point.
basic beauty test…mascara edition.
the new classics…timeless furniture that will always be a great buy.
8. Currently in my shopping carts…
Too pricy to ever pull the trigger on, but so pretty…I can dream.
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: Oven Fried Cajun Popcorn Chicken
Tuesday: Mushroom Al Pastor Tacos with Garlic Lime Special Sauce
Wednesday: Spicy Ramen with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Shallots
Thursday: Jerk Shrimp and Mango Salsa Rice Bowls (recipe in the HBH Super Simple Cookbook)
Friday: Crispy Quinoa Burgers Topped with Sweet Potato Fries
Sunday baking: Salted Pretzel Cowboy Party Cookies
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
I find the nut milk we make at home tastes the best. Cashew is super quick and easy but I love homemade almond also.
That is the best! Thank you Tracie! xTieghan
I read your post about your goats 🙁 so sorry to hear what happened. I’m vegan and I would love to see you do more with but milks so I was happy to hear that you want to try some out! Of course almond milk is amazing, but you can also make your own homemade oat milk, hemp seed milk, cashew milk, coconut milk and just about any other seed or nut you can think of!
Thank you so much Paige! I am excited to try a lot! xTieghan
Favorite nut milk is Three Trees, only almonds and water.
Top 3 accounts are you, Eyeswoon, and Bonberi.
Sorry to hear about your goats, sounds like a terrible situation to witness. Will definitely be making these quinoa burgers and a few other dishes posted on here. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Thank you so much Marisa! I hope you love all of the recipes you try! xTieghan
I’m sorry about your goats, and you finding them like that, that sounds awful. I’m also sorry about your loss of fresh milk.
In addition, your Herbed Butter Garlic Naan recipe is the best.
Hi! Thank you so much! I am really glad you are loving the naan! xTieghan
Oh my!! That is terrible about your goats. We have a friend from church that just lost 22 lambs from 2 pit bulldogs. Some were dead when they found them and others died later.
Aw that is so sad!! xTieghan
I haven’t done any cooking with it, but my absolute favorite nut milk is Silk’s Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. So creamy and chocolaty, and only slightly sweet.
Thank you Kate!! xTieghan
Oatly oat milk is the best i have ever tried in regards to nut milk! Soooo good and creamy. The barista blend is extremely creamy if that’s something you’re going for. Love it because it’s not watery like a lot of other nut milks, and it has a great, mildly sweet flavor!
Ooo love that! I cannot wait to try some of these suggestions! xTieghan
Sorry to hear about your goats. How sad and scary!
For nondairy milk I like to make cashew, pecan and hemp milk. All 3 are so easy and so good. For buying I like the Elmhurst brand. Their unsweetened walnut and hazelnut milks are wonderful!
Thank you Katie! xTieghan
I am so sad to hear about your goats! The milk I swear by is Silk unflavored Almond Milk. I have tried many and this is the best IMO. My second favorite is Trader Joes Almond Milk. I find everything else to be too thick. My fave Insta accounts besides yours is GalMeetsGlam, annestreetstudio and mimithor! Enjoy ?
Thank you so much Meghan! xTieghan
So sorry about your goats, that must have been heart breaking and awful to witness, not to mention scary. I hope you are able to add to your goat population in the spring.
Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your Sunday posts, I look forward to reading them over breakfast each week.
I have only really tried almond milk, which I love except when it comes to coffee; although I have found an almond based coffee creamer that is awesome too. I’ll be curious to see what type of nut milk you try and whether you end up liking it!
Aw thank you so much Amy! I am really glad you are enjoying my Sunday posts! xTieghan
Tieghan,
So sorry your day was off to such a sad start. I cannot imagine how you must have felt walking up to see those sweet creatures after they were attacked.
I have an amazing Instagram account for you to follow: @bluepencilhome. They are fabulous professional organizers here in Memphis and they are also my tennis teammates. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Again, so sorry about your goats.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me! xTieghan
I’m sorry to hear about your goats! What an awful thing to come across then have to deal with. It seems I hear more and more about the mountain lion population not doing so well. ?
Fave IGs (plus you of course!):
@5280coloradodogs
@trailsandbears
@alexborsuk
Bonus sassy dog page: @hyekyung__s
PS Your Nine Favorite Things posts are my favorite!
Thank you so much Ashleigh! Also, I hope you continue to enjoy my nine favorite things! xTieghan
For milk substitute we’ve been using Ripple (brand name) AKA p milk. Both names sound unappealing. But tastes good and hogh in calcium. Which I need.
Yes! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
We’ve been using Ripple (brand name) AKA pea milk. Both names are unappealing. But tastes good and high calcium content which I need
I heard that some goats were killed and was afraid they were yours…so sorry! I think we are all sad at the loss of an animal but this one was clearly going to repeat the behavior.
Exactly.. It is such a bummer all around. Thank you Linda! xTieghan
I am so sorry about your goats. This must have been Layla, Mara, and ? It’s really sad when something like this happens and thank goodness no one got hurt. Something was definitely up with that lion. We live in the rural country in TN. and we have coyotes, bobcats, and quite a few of us have spotted a black panther over the years and have no idea how it’s in the area because it shouldn’t be, but some of the coyotes are getting a little too brave by coming up into our yard late at night and that is far from normal for them Our housedog/4-legged family member passed in September so there’s no pets they can hurt. We have a lot of deer, turkey, and other wildlife that comes up into our yard so I can understand why you feel the way you do about the wildlife there, but the protection of the animals and people should always factor in so you are spot on there. I hope you have a great day and the recipes are delicious as always! Thank you!
Hi Lou! Wow that is so wild a black panther was in your area! I am glad there are no pets to harm, but hope all is well at your home! Thank you! xTieghan
Sorry to hear about your goats but glad they were able to find the mountain lion!
Would it be possible for you to post some meals for 1-2 people or ideas on how to easily scale down some of your recipes? I’d like to cook more for myself at night, but sometimes find it hard if I know the recipe’s going to make a lot and I’m just looking for a quick, easy meal after the gym.
Hi Aimee! I will definitely try that! Thank you! xTieghan
So sorry to hear about your goats ? So sad and very scary! My favorite nut milk is blue diamond unsweetened almond cashew blend. I’m looking forward to your new recipes this week! I have your turkey chili simmering away right now for the Super Bowl.
Thank you so much Holly! xTieghan
Love love love your stuff!
You are a young lady (obviously,) i am a three quarters of a century old gentleman.How about an occasional old gentleman one of nine favorite things (aside from the recipes which drive me crazy in a good way.) Tough I know but an occasional trip way outside of your comfort zone might be enriching.
Thank you.
Hi Charles! I will look into doing this, thank you for the suggestion! I hope you continue to love my recipes! xTieghan
Thaks, it was great
Thank you Jayme! xTieghan
So sorry to hear about your goats. That is very heartbreaking and scary! I wanted to let you know that I just made the salted pretzel cowboy cookies this morning to bring to a Super Bowl party. They are fantastic! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Also, my favorite brand of alternative milk is Califia Farms.
Thank you for trying them Michelle! I hope you all enjoyed! xTieghan
Things that I really need haha.
I adore your blog. You are a very special person. I just read an article that the popularity of almond milk is killing honeybees by working them to death. I just tried a plant based ‘milk’ called Ripple and it’s amazing. Tastes like fresh grass smells. Best wishes to you – Brenda
Hi Brenda! Thank you so much for sharing! xTieghan
IS THERE A SUBSTITUTE FOR GOAT CHEESE IN YOUR BACO WRAPPED DATES?
HI! Sure! You can use cubed feta, cubed brie, cubed cheddar, or blue cheese. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you!! xTieghan
Oh my goodness, that must have been such a shock for you all, your poor nanny goats. How are the remaining three? They must have been shaken up big time.
I love the coconut chicken with sweet potatoes too, fab recipe. Healthy, but you want to eat it because it’s so good! Xx
Hi Kelly! Yes, they definitely were shaken up! I am glad they are safe though! I hope you love the coconut chicken recipe! xTieghan
I would LOVE if you did a Mediterranean Diet type of cookbook.
I will look into it! Thank you! xTieghan
Nourish Move Love – top blog
I am sorry about your goats – I live nearby and was very happy when they found the lion
Thank you so much Lisa! xTieghan
I’m so sorry about your goats and that you were the one who found them! But so happy the mountain lion was taken out. Definitely something wrong there.
Your heart cookies look amazing!
I haven’t had time to look at the cookbook but Jerk shrimp with Mango? I have to make it this week!
I’m not huge on Instagram, I follow you, Nom nom paleo and fashionista over 40. But when I need cuteness there’s Bowie the Bichon and Hello Kitty.
Thanks for the reminder to take my iron. I’ve been so tired the last week!
Thank you so much for all of these kind words! I hope you LOVE the jerk chicken.. Let me know how it turns out for you! I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
I’m soooo sorry to hear about your goats, sad. Terrifying for you and for them.
On another note, I have an almond milk recipe that’s crazy easy and way more delicious than amy store bought I’ve tried. Let me know if you’d like it.
Hi Amy! I would love to try it! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Just horrible – so sorry to hear about your goats! Definitely going to check out that Kale Caesar Salad…it looks amazing!! Favorite milks are almond, coconut, & oat! I want to start making my own oat milk once I return home from traveling! Hope you have a great week!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Thank you Madi! xTieghan