Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
As I write this, it’s the coziest night. Snow is lightly falling, I have the fire going and my jumbo size Slow Burn candle is burning away. The perfect January night. I LOVE a cozy night more than anything. January can sometimes be a little depressing with the holidays over, but this year things feel a little different. For one, I’ve been working non-stop on different projects, so that is really exciting! A couple of fun things will be coming out this year! Does anyone have any ideas?
I’m also attempting to learn how to use TikTok. I am not tech-savvy at all, so creating videos is a struggle for me, but I bought a course through With Honors and have been working on it a little bit each day. I will say that it’s fun learning something new. But oh my goodness, finding time to actually learn something new is so hard. Glad I’m making it work…even if it takes a full month to actually finish (the course isn’t very long)!
Have you guys started any online courses over the last year with the extra time at home? I highly recommend checking out With Honors courses if you’re looking to grow your own online business or learn something in the social media realm. They have courses from top influences and CEO’s that are really easy to follow.
The other thing I have really been doing a lot of is listening to podcasts whenever I have a moment that doesn’t require my mind to be thinking creatively. I started to find that listening to podcasts while cooking/photographing was distracting and I had to turn them off. So now I’ve been trying to listen more in the evenings like when I’m just making dinner for myself, editing photos/videos, or if I end up taking an afternoon walk around town. I mix it up between more business-related podcasts and ones that are more mindless and better for just letting my mind relax.
The other thing I’ve become really interested in is home updates. I know I mentioned my bathroom sink in last week’s post, but I’ve been pinning photos for both my house and the studio. I want to update everything and create my own little sanctuary. Anyone else in the same mindset? With so much time at home, I love the idea of creating my perfect space that makes me feel inspired. Plus, once travel is a thing again, it will be so nice to come home to a space that’s welcoming and cozy. So, I’ve been doing lots of pinning and searching around online.
Ok and lastly, the other amazing thing about this particular January has been having most of my family here in Colorado. Everyone came for Christmas (they stay with my parents) and basically just never left. They’re all working from home anyway, so everyone figured why not stay and enjoy the snow. I feel so lucky to be able to have them around and I know the bond we all have as a family is a rare one.
That said…they create just a bit of extra work. My brothers can really eat, so I’ve been making a lot of food these days, some of their personal favorites are the spicy pesto pasta alla vodka, dan dan noodles, tacos, folded buffalo chicken wraps, and then Red’s favorite is the buffalo cauliflower from the HBH Super Simple Cookbook. Kai and Red have X-Games coming up this week, so they’re currently in a “bubble”, which is interesting.
Coming up this week on HBH, I’ll be sharing a new take on one of my all-time favorite soups. Tuesday’s post is still up in the air but it will likely be something with citrus. On Wednesday we’ll move onto my very favorite skillet recipe (so excited to share). Then a super simple sheet pan dinner on Thursday. And then the sweetest, healthier chocolate dessert on Friday…which means I actually have no idea. Taking suggestions!
Last thing…I just heard the most exciting news that has me smiling ear to ear. It has not one thing to do with work, so don’t expect any TV show or cookbook announcements. I will share the fun details when I get the OK!
1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…Dream Home Makeover and America’s Next Top Model. Do you guys remember this show? My mom and I used to watch it back in the day. What are you guys watching? I still haven’t been able to get into Bridgerton.
cooking…I’ve been cooking bowls and bowls of Ramen. My family did Ramen night on Saturday. Plus, Pasta alla Vodka on Friday.
listening to…The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast: Almost 30’s Krista Williams & Lindsey Simcik On Finding Purpose, Strength, & New Opportunities. This episode is so on point and so refreshing to listen to. I absolutely loved this conversation.
reading…Blowing My Way to the Top by Jen Atikin. Really excited to dive into this book. I got the audio version so I can listen while doing other things. Jen always offers up the best advice, both career-wise and life-wise.
ordered…Dipityque Hypnotic Collection. I got the Baies and the Figuier Candles. I am love these so much.
loving…these Veronica Beard Sandals. I’m not usually a slides shoe kind of person at all, but I have a soft spot for these. I love the fun print and could picture myself wearing them on a spring break vacation to Florida.
ordered…this tripod for my phone. I’ve been making do without any kind of phone stand/tripod when I film recipes and shoot my Instagram Stories. But I finally just order this tripod. I can already tell it’s going to make my life so much easier. No idea why I waited so long to purchase this.
thinking about ordering…these Lug Sole Leather Ankle Boots from Zara. Affordable and so cute, but do I NEED them? That I don’t know. Thoughts?
ordered…Grown Alchemist Hand Wash in Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, Sage. I have heard such nice things about this!
loving…this Marc Jacobs shoulder bag. Look, I could totally buy this and if I had somewhere to go I might. But with nowhere to go, for right now it’s staying in my shopping cart. I love the black bag. It’s unique with the handle, but yet simple and classic. It’s a look that would never go out of style and always feels cute.
thinking about ordering…Dr Dennis Gross LED Mask. After reading this post on at-home light therapy I am almost convinced I need this mask. Is it worth the money? I am so curious to try at-home light therapy. I have only heard amazing things! Has anyone tried it?
2. Healthy, But Cozy Winter Recipes.
Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken
Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Healthier Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Bonus: Healthier Dark Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars
3. Favorite New Home finds for a Winter Refresh…
Here is what I’m dying to refresh my home with this season.
4. Favorite Questions of the Week.
q: Do you give up on recipes or keep testing until you make them work?
a: Yup!!! I normally try pretty hard if I love the concept, but if it’s just not working, then it’s not working and I move on. Most of the time the failed recipe ends up turning into something even better. I just re-imagine it and usually love it even more.
q: What’s your longest lasting kitchen tool?
a: I have had these measuring cups from Crate and Barrel for years and I love them. They also have a matching measuring spoon set too.
q: I am such a slow cook, how can I speed things up?
a: If you are following a recipe, read the recipe through before you start cooking. Saves so much time! Other than that, I’d say to go slow and enjoy the process. You’re probably messing less up and creating a better meal by going slower! Not everything has to be done at a super-fast pace!
q: Where do you get all your sweaters?
a: I live in all my & Other Stories hoodies and sweatshirts!! They have some of the best! And then of course Shopbop is always a go-to. Zara has great ones too! I’m wearing their hoodie now. And also Revolve. And then Sezane always has the prettiest knits that are also unique.
q: What do you always make homemade? And what do you buy from the store?
a: I always make pizza dough and fresh naan homemade! But I always buy marinara sauce. Rao’s Homemade is my favorite.
q: Do you like traveling or prefer staying in that paradise of yours?
a: I am 100% a homebody and love my little paradise. BUT I am dying to travel. After a year of being home. I really, really miss getting to travel every month for work!
q: Do all of your siblings still live at home/nearby? Are you the oldest or in the middle?
a: Nope! We’re pretty spread out. My oldest brother lives in Cleveland, but he’s been in CO since March since he’s able to work from home. The next brother is back and forth from CO to CA. The next brother lives in LA with his wife (that’s so weird to say, lol. Hi Lynds!) Then there’s me! I’m in CO…and can’t wait to be able to travel for work again. I miss it! And the next two brothers Kai and Red travel constantly and don’t really have a home base. Asher and Oslo are of course at home here with my parents.
5. Inspiring Me This Week…
(via Domino…I love this marble)
6. A Few of the Instagram accounts I follow.
Whenever I do a Q+A on Instagram I always get asked who I follow for inspiration. I don’t follow many food accounts at all because I don’t love seeing what others in my space are creating. I can tend to compare myself, so I just eliminate the option. It helps me to be even more creative and different with my own recipes. But I love following fashion, interior design, and lifestyle brands for outside/unexpected sources of inspiration. Below are the influencers that always leave me feeling inspired.
Leanne Ford – Currently Leanne is my top source of inspiration. With all the home updates I’m dreaming about making, her feed has an overwhelming amount of design inspiration. For any of you not familiar, Leanne is an interior designer, working both on and off TV. You might recognize her from HGTV, but if you don’t follow her yet, you should. Her style is minimal and rustic, but yet so pretty. I love everything about it. Check out her previous Los Angels home here and her current Pittsburgh home here.
Marianna Hewitt – I have been following Marianna for years, but the last few months she’s really left me feeling inspired to create more of a work/life balance. Marianna is the co-founder of the very popular skincare brand Summer Fridays. She’s also a top fashion and beauty influencer and podcast host, so she’s balancing multiple hats. I’ve been loving her daily quotes, her morning routines, and of course, all her makeup tutorials that are super helpful for me. I’ve learned so much!
Jen Atikin – I just started following Jen within the last month, but have found a lot of her content to be so good. She’s a celebrity hairstylist but offers up so much more than just hairstyling tips. She’ll share everything from how she created her multiple brands(OUAI and ManeAddicts), how she gets it all done, her workouts, and more. It’s her business advice that’s my favorite though, I’ve learned so much from her the last few weeks.
Daphne Oz – For the best real life content and recipes too. She’s always sharing her family life along with her struggles and how she “balances” it all.
Mcalpine House – For home design inspiration! What interior design accounts fo you guys love?
Question: who/what are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
7. A Few Favorite Links I am Loving…
…such good tips.
…here’s what to buy.
…love these simple, but still delicious swaps.
Designer Monique Gibson Designs a Tribeca Aerie with High-Impact Views…such a pretty NYC home. I love the kitchen and the view.
…love the floor to ceiling tiles
…my family would love Lok Lak. What would you guys make?
Food Isn’t Good or Bad…loved this. If you’re struggling with “good” versus “bad” food right now, read this.
…if you’re feeling uninspired at home, use these tips.
…I removed notifications from my phone and it’s been a game changer.
…I love the limited edition Rose Diptyque Candle.
…if you feel like organizing today, read this.
11 Bunk Beds That Your Kids Won’t Want to Outgrow…if only my brother and I could have had one of these beds. So fun.
Shea McGee Just Shared Another Smart Use for the Humble Kitchen Basket… I LOVE a basket and this is such a good kitchen hack.
We Know Your Dream Vacation Based On Your Taste In Food…mine was spot on. What did you get?
8. Valentine’s Day Style…for staying in.
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday Sweets:
Sunday Game Day:
Check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
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. If you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list). You can grab the full grocery list for this week’s menu in our special Sunday newsletter.
I love that you’re taking a class in something outside your comfort zone. Dr. Sanjay Gupta recently wrote a book about brain health and this was one of the ways he says you can create more neuro pathways to help ward off memory issues associated with aging. I know you’re far from that being a concern but it’s a good habit to get in to and hey, who couldn’t use some extra brain power??
Thanks so much Emie!! xTieghan
I look forward to your Nine Favorite Things post every Sunday morning…the perfect start to my week. I just love your positive message and devotion to family.
Thanks so much Patty! xTieghan
I miss the cocktails! Always made myself one of those on Friday’s – are they ever coming back? Cocktails are not just for the Holidays – everyday is a celebration waiting to happen! And they were so seasonal – you can tell I really miss them! 😉
Hey Charlotte,
Yes, I will have more cocktails to share! xTieghan
I recently started to follow your blog and just wanted to let you know I absolutely LOVE it. Enjoy reading it every time!
Thank you so very much for reading along:) xTieghan
Love this! Would also love to see some more Instagram accounts belonging to BIPOC folks to follow! Let’s not let last year’s momentum fizzle out in 2021!
Thanks so much for reading along Lauren! xTieghan
I look forward to your nine favorite things every week!!!!!! Thank you so much……I am never disappointed! My sister has her own interior design group in Vail….Greenauer Design Group. She does amazing work and could give you great ideas with your refresh. She has a website and you can follow on instagram. Have a happy happy Sunday!!!!!
Hey Pam,
Thanks so much for reading along and thanks for sharing your sister’s company, I will definitely check her out! xTieghan
Hi T! Thanks for another great post. You will be happy to know that my sister got BOTH of your cookbooks for Christmas! We have made 16 recipes in the HBH one, and 12 in the Super Simple! We love them both! Thank you SOOOOOO much for spending your time creating such beautiful books!!!
Hey Clare,
Thanks so much for reading! I am so glad you got both of the cookbooks for Christmas, I hope you absolutely love them! xTieghan
I know it’s not a dessert per se, but I’ve been wanting to make a healthy version of Cocoa Puffs or Cocoa Pebbles at home.
Hey Becca,
What a fun idea! Thanks for reading! xTieghan
Ashers smile is beautiful
Good luck at the X games we usually go but well COVID
Love free inline courses currently taking a Tony Robbins course
YES TO THE KED MASK THEY ARE AMAZING
Thanks so much Kimberly! xTieghan
I just got the Bestqool Red&Near Infrared&Blue Led photon mask and I love it! My sister in law recommended it and even her husband says he sees a difference in her skin. It’s also much more affordable than Dr. Dennis Gross or the well known Joovv. I figured if I love it and want to invest further, at least I tried the less expensive one first!
Hey Sam,
Thanks so much for reading and your review on the mask, this is super helpful! xTieghan
Every Sunday, I pin so much from you! Seriously, it’s the best read with coffee under a snuggly blanket. 🙂 Thank you!
Thanks so much Andrea!! xTieghan
Congrats on learning something new and glad to hear that you’re enjoying it. With covid still raging around the world I am planning more learning in sugarcraft flowers as well as a few other cake decorating techniques. My fave show currently is The Expanse (Amazon Prime) and I recently also binge watched Emily in Paris on Netflix. I highly recommend both. Last night I made your Spicy coconut butter chicken which I loved. This week I’m planning to try the pasta alla vodka as that looks delicious. Stay safe and have a good week.
Hey Colleen,
Thanks so much for reading, what a fun thing to learn! Thanks for the show recommendations and trying the vodka sauce! xTieghan
I recently started following your website. I really like ALL the content. I was wondering if you could include some carb free options with your recipes. I became diabetic 28 years ago when I had my son. Its a progressive disease and I do better noe when I can really limit my carbs. Thank you.
Hey Cheryl,
Thanks so much for following along! Thanks for your recommendation, you can also search for recipes by diet specific:) Have a great week! xTieghan
You asked for more show recommendations.. I really like watching cooking stuff, so I often watch New York Times Cooking videos on YouTube- Claire Saffitz or Melissa Clark are some go tos
Selena + Chef on HBO is something that I really enjoy also. Besides cooking I found Andrea Savage’s “I’m sorry” show on Netflix which is super funny.. a couple documentary series that are really good: Wild Wild Country, The Vow, Cheer, and the Price of Gold (not a series just a one off)
Hey Hannah,
Thanks so much for reading and your show recommendations, super helpful! xTieghan
well i think i have less expensive tastes than you do, but i try to follow less influencer types and more location-based accounts. I follow a lot of hashtags based on whatever i’m into at the time… currently a whole bunch of remote travel locations that i’m interested in going to when Covid allows it. I find that by following hashtags you get a broad perspective on a place and then can also go down whatever rabbit hole you choose by going into that person’s account. I also love a few outdoor adventure accounts. Jenny Tough on Instagram is wonderful. She does these epic solo adventures around the world that are so inspiring (she’s got good youtube videos too). While I likely won’t ever do what she does, its inspiring to hear about what is possible and how “normal” she makes it seem… makes me feel like i can push my boundaries a lot more than i am. I also follow a lot of gardening and flower farming pages, both for tips and ideas and just because it makes my feed gorgeous without making me want to go out and buy something.
When i’m cooking i tend to watch/listen to youtube videos more than podcasts for some reason… i save podcasts for walks and drives. A podcast you might find funny is Home Cooking with Samin Nosrat. She’s just so charming and her and her cohost are pretty entertaining.
Hey Leanne,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing your tips! xTieghan
I also got Amalfi Coast! When do we leave 😉
I’ve been eyeing that LED mask for months. It’s a splurge but I’ve heard good things. Thanks for another fun 9Favorite Things! This week I will be making your healthier tortellini soup for the second time and trying the cauliflower tacos. It’s turned chilly in SoCal and I’m ready for soup and deliciousness.
Hey Amanda,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your review on the mask! I hope you love the soup:) xTieghan
Great post! What are the boots that the little girl in the first picture is wearing? Love them and would love to find for my daughter!
Hey Abby,
Thanks so much! Those boots are from Dr. Marten. Have a great week! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! Love this post! The skill I’m trying to learn right now is photography (I’m taking two classes at my local college). So far I’m loving it! You are a huge inspiration to me because my favorite thing to photograph is food. I love your blog and cookbooks and somehow every single one of your photos makes my mouth water!
That sounds like a good book. You’ll have to let us know how it is. Right now I’m listening to The Year of Less and reading American Dirt. Both are incredible!
Have you thought of making a recipe for GF vegan veggie burgers? I’d love to see your take on them. 🙂
Enjoy the snow and stay cozy!
Hey Kate,
Thanks so much for reading along, how awesome that you are taking some photography classes! Thanks for your recommendation on the books:) Yes! Here are some veggie burgers you might like:
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/greek-roasted-cauliflower-burgers-with-pan-fried-feta-and-tomato-olive-salsa/
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/sunflower-seed-veggie-burgers-with-grilled-halloumi-curried-tahini-sauce/
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/epic-crispy-quinoa-burgers-topped-sweet-potato-fries-beer-caramelized-onions-gruyere/
Let me know if you have any questions! xTieghan
For natural cleaning products just use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide! These are the only cleaners I’ve used for over a decade (and bleach when needed).
Not sure about the light therapy.. once you hit 30 just start using a prescription grade retinol cream daily and sunscreen. The rest of these skin products don’t really work!!
Hey Angela,
Thanks so much for reading along and your suggestions! xTieghan
The link to your tortilla soup reminded me to share this funny coincidence. Two weeks ago, I made it for the first time, and my little family of 3 LOVED it. I immediately knew that my brother–who lives 900 miles away (I’m in the Midwest; he lives in Denver)–would love it too. So I texted him to share the recipe. He was at the firehouse in Frisco that evening (he’s a paramedic/ shift chief), and they were in the process of making the same exact recipe! Was such a little thing, but it made me feel connected to him in a way I needed–I miss him dearly and with this stupid pandemic… [Btw, the guys all agreed the soup was amazing too, he said!]
Hey Amanda,
That is really so awesome, thanks so much for sharing this and trying the recipe!! xTieghan
For your projects, New cookbook, more HBH products? New instant pot recipes perhaps?
Always love reading your Sunday posts. Excited to hear your happy non-work news you hinted at too 🙂xx
Hey Kelly-Jane,
Thanks so much for reading along, stay tuned😉 xTieghan