Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post!
Happiest Valentine’s Day everyone! It’s a very snowy Valentine’s day here, so absolutely no plans other than cooking all day and testing new recipes! I’m not someone who goes all out for Valentine’s Day by any means. But I do have fun with just about any holiday. I love any excuse to enjoy some candles, flowers, and chocolates…valentine or no valentine. How about you guys?
I’m obviously flying solo this year and not stressing about it either. Oddly that’s not something I feel a whole lot of pressure on, which is strange since I stress about almost everything. I feel like there’s no point in stressing. When the time is right, and the person is right, the stars will all align. Maybe I’m overly optimistic, but I’ve got so many other things in my life to focus on right now. So, if anyone else is also flying solo this year, don’t be bummed, you’re not alone. Find something you love to do today and pour yourself into that. Have confidence that your time will come, but don’t stress on it. Live your life and just let it play out. That’s my two sense anyway…but I’m by no means any kind of relationship expert.
No matter how you’re celebrating today, I’m hoping you have something fun and or relaxing planned. And no matter what, I hope you end the night with chocolate. It’s an absolute must. I might try and do a little girl’s night with Asher since I’ve been blowing her off for weeks on our sister’s night. Tonight feels pretty fitting. Any good, must-see movies? I didn’t grow up watching the classic “chick flicks”, because I was the biggest tomboy. Kind of hard not to be with five brothers and a mother that was never really into girly things. So I need ideas! All I know is Pretty Women, which honestly, she’d probably love because she’s 12 going on 18. Oh! Maybe The Devil Wears Prada? I feel like she might love that too. What’s your favorite chick flicks?
Let’s see, what else. Not much new to report around here. I’ve had my head down writing the last few days really trying my best to finish up a project. But it’s hard when we have multiple projects we’re trying to juggle and manage. One of them being a site redesign that’s so close to being completed. Read so close. I’ve been slacking big time on the launch due to timing issues. I want to be sure it’s pretty close to perfect before we launch so there are no issues. So something new to look out for that’s coming soon. We hope it’s going to improve your experience reading HBH. And a big shout out to my mom, who’s really the one that’s been working hard on that.
Question: Before we finish everything up, is there anything you’d love to see improved on the site? You guys know I really love your feedback, so let me know!
Lastly, my disaster of the week? I baked up a cake four times in one day, making just the slightest adjustment with each test. On the fourth test, I got it just right. Twas’ the perfect cake, it looked incredible and smelled even better. As I was pulling it out of the oven I dropped it. I almost cried, but then I just laughed, threw it up on Instagram, and moved on. I get a lot of questions about how I do things so perfectly all the time. That example right there goes to show you that I’m just like everyone else. I make mistakes, and trust me, I make them often.
Coming up this week in HBH, we’ll be sharing a new Mexican recipe that’s a healthier version of one of my brother’s favorite dishes. Then a simple blueberry dessert that’s perfect for wintery baking days. For Wednesday, we’ve got a fun new meatball recipe. And for Thursday, something light and fresh. For Friday, we’ll of course have something sweet to end the week…which is honestly still up on the air. And…maybe even a new cocktail recipe coming up on Saturday…if I can pull it off.
Actually, speaking of cocktails, I’ve been thinking it would be fun to bring them back once a month. Say the first Saturday of every month? I love to share new cocktails with you guys. But I usually reserve them for my holiday cocktail series that runs from October through December. So my question is, would you enjoy a new cocktail once a month throughout the year? Once a month is a little more manageable than every Saturday, so let me know what you think!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…Framing Britney Spears. Have you seen it yet? I don’t have Hulu, but am considering at least doing the free trial just to watch this. I’ve heard it’s a must-watch and I have to admit, I am pretty curious.
loving…Tan Luxe. I recently start using the face drops, body drops, and then also the gradual tan lotion. I’m loving the added color on my skin. Equally awesome is that there is no weird residue or orange hands.
listening to…Tom Brady: How to Reach Peak Performance on Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations. I didn’t know anything about Tom Brady before listening, so I found this so interesting.
loving…Zara Home Finds. I’ve been waiting for this terracotta plate to become available for weeks. I’m loving this matte copper flatware. And this mini wood stool would be so cute in a bathroom.
loving…these Knotted Sandals from Zara. I’m ready for that tropical vacation…which we don’t have planned, but you never know!
ordered…Alo Alosoft Lounge Legging. In black this time. I am obsessed with these, they’re so comfortable.
loving…these Light Switches. One of my biggest pet peeves is visible light switches and outlets, but these are so “chic” that I don’t think I would mind.
listening to…Bobbi Brown Shares Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs on Life with Marianna.
2. My Top 5 Date Night Recipes
One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo
Saucy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Coconut Milk and Rice Noodles
Easy Sheet Pan Tomato Herb Pizza
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta
Bonus Desserts…
Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
Coconut Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Strawberry Conversation Heart Cupcakes
3. Favorite Table Lamps…
As you guys know, I’m really into home improvements right now. I’ve been trying to do little things each week that will hopefully add up to a completed space that feels warming, welcoming, and inspiring. I’ve had the same desk lamp since the time I was in middle school (I’m talking 6th grade). It’s a Target buy and I’m going to be honest, while it’s held up well, I couldn’t be more over the purple shade with beads handing off of it. It’s time for an upgrade. Here are the ones I’m loving most right now…there are SO many.
4. Favorite Questions of the Week…
q: What is your Hogwarts house?
a: I would hope Gryffindor!
q: How much time do you work on photos, Instagram, and blogging?
a: Photos take up a HUGE chunk of time. I only use natural light, so when I’m cooking/photographing I’ll spend the entire day working through recipes and photos. Sometimes photos go quickly, but most of the time I spend way too much time making the photo just right
Instagram also takes up a HUGE chunk of time. I put a lot into it and try to be as active as I can with you guys. So I spend a good chunk of my mornings and nights working solely on IG… creating stories, posts, reels, and messaging you guys. I love it though!
And I write 6 blog posts a week, so I spend a lot of time on the blog too! I don’t track hours, so it’s hard to give exact times
q: What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
a: Definitely hiking. But I love anything outside. If I happen to be in Florida, all I want to do is sit in the sun…someone please take me Florida. Haha!
fun fact: palm trees are my favorite! I love them. I think the trees in Florida…or tropical destinations specifically…are just the BEST. They just scream RELAX!
q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure meal that you have not posted on your site or in your cookbooks?
a: It’s not a guilty pleasure, I don’t really believe in that. BUT If I had to pick something, I would say I just posted it last week. It took me forever to share my buffalo chicken pizza and it’s for sure one of my favorite foods. I actually love it minus the chicken and plus a whole lot of buffalo sauce. So a buffalo hold the chicken cheesy pizza.
q: What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
a: Anywhere with turquoise blue water. Right now Brazil is at the top of my mind.
5. Inspiring Me On Pinterest This Week.
(above photos via our Pinterest Home board)
(above photos via our Pinterest Flower board)
(photos above via our Pinterest Beauty board)
(above photos via our Pinterest Inspiring Quotes board)
6. Morning Routines, do you have one?
It feels like everyone is talking about their morning routines, do you guys have one? I have to say, my morning routine is one I have down to a T. I look forward to it every day. Since I get this question so often, I figured I’d share mine with you guys. It’s pretty basic, but it really does work well for me.
I’m up pretty early, usually between 6 and 6:30, I always strive for the earlier time, but I sleep through my alarm almost daily, so it’s closer to 6:30 am. I LOVE being up early. The first couple hours of the morning are when the least amount of people tend to need me, so it’s usually my only time that I’m really able to disconnect. I pop out of bed and immediately drink a glass of warm water. I wish I did warm water and lemon. Somehow I just can’t seem to commit to squeezing a fresh lemon first thing in the am.
Once I have water in me, I’m literally out the door for a hike within ten minutes of getting out of bed. I throw on my clothes and shoes and I’m gone. This is my favorite time of the day. I don’t listen to anything while I am hiking. Instead, I let my mind wander. Sometimes I think about work, sometimes recipes, and then sometimes it’s just very random life stuff. It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s nice to not be “on” and to think freely.
Once I’m home, I make coffee, always add protein powder to the steaming cup, and grab something to eat. I’ll usually sip coffee as I shuffle through things on the computer for ten or so minutes (I love these ten minutes so much). This is usually when I find most of the links I share below for all the “links I am loving”. I save them in my notes on my computer throughout the week.
I don’t ever open my phone or email though. I’m really good about not getting on email or my phone until I head to the studio. And I don’t usually open up Instagram until 9 am or so. I don’t want to be distracted by DM’s, texts, and emails in the morning. Instead, I want to focus on my task list and what I need to get done that day. Once I have my day figured out, then I’ll usually throw up an Instagram story or post, and then I’ll start the workday.
It’s nothing crazy by any means, but it does work for me.
Improvements I would love to make?
– making my bed every morning. Of everything listed here, I think this will be doable for me. I started today and it took maybe 3 minutes. I can handle that and I love the feeling of having my bed made and looking cute.
– adding lemon to my water. This could be tricky, but if I get into the routine of doing it, I think I can stick with it.
– 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. I’d love to do this in the morning, but I admit that realistically, I see this happening more at night.
– writing in a gratitude journal. I’ve heard so many people rave about gratitude journaling first thing in the morning. I’ve never been one to journal, like ever, but I am curious to give it a try.
Sooo, I’m curious: do you have a morning routine? Is there anything you do that you swear by?
7. Favorite Links I am Loving…
…have you watched it?
See Leanne Ford’s Latest Project…before HGTV viewers do.
20 Years Later, Justin Timberlake Has An Apology For Britney Spears & Janet Jackson…Sunday reading
How Miranda Kerr Feels at Home…love her kid friendly home
…loving the velvet trend and statement pieces.
Roman and Williams Guild is one of my favorite places to shop for tableware (though it is very pricy), love this interview.
……love these colors. Especially Tar and Palm.
…obsessed with a thick eyebrow, loving these tips.
ee the exclusive trailer.
…s…such a cute French apartment.
…love reading other people routines. If you’re in your 20’s or 30’s read this for tips.
…some of these dresses are beyond gorgeous. The Oscar de la Renta Spring 2021 Bridal Collection is just so pretty.
…perfect for breakfast on the go or just an afternoon snack.
The $20 Oil-Serum That Banished Our Dry Winter Skin…I love this skincare line.
9 Easy Date Night Ideas for Every Relationship…including the one with yourself.
4 Non-Toxic Face Tanners…if you are looking for a glow.
The Best At-Home Valentine’s Day Plans…last minute ideas for today.
8. Casual + Cute Winter Looks…
Lots of Nordstrom sale finds!
9. This Weeks Dinners.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Thank you for sharing another brilliant blog, I love chilling on a Sunday morning with a mug of coffee and reading Nine Favourite Things.
Gosh, you’ve given your HBH followers homework this week by giving us lots of questions to reply to hahaha 😉
Ok here goes. Valentines: My partner is a chef and working today so he put the idea to me of doing something for Valentine’s tomorrow instead, which is fine by me. For today it’s my cat and I so it will be a relaxing day and this evening I am planning to cook spicy pesto pasta alla vodka with the addition of some roasted mushrooms and butternut squash pieces and my cat will have tuna for dinner.
Your site: I am looking forward to seeing the new site, however this one is very good and I find it easy to find blogs and recipes.
Chick flicks: I also love The Devil Wears Prada. A couple of my other favs are Miss Congeniality 1 and 2, Sandra Bullock is great in both movies. I also love Letters to Juliet, a very heartwarming movie.
Morning routine: Like you I also drink a glass of water when I get up. Also like you I cannot handle warm water with lemon, so I usually follow up with a fruit tea instead before moving onto coffee. I usually then feed the cat, have a quick bath/shower and get dressed, make a high protein shake for breakfast, then start my working day. I try to go for a walk either at lunchtime or after work, depending on the weather here.
And finally: Florida, I have been lucky enough to holiday there twice and I have played golf there. I do have a soft spot for Florida. A friend of mine is moving there this year so fingers crossed that I can visit her in 2022. Maybe we could have a HBH Florida sun day with cocktails (yes please to a once a month cocktail, especially for some refreshing summer ones). Have a great week.
Hey Colleen,
Thanks so much for reading along and your thoughtful message. I hope you love the pasta alla vodka and enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. Love the chick flick moves and your morning routine! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
Hey, I’m a long time reader – I love the overall aesthetic on your blog! Just wanted to pop in to say that Zara has some pretty terrible business practices (someone has even found a rat sewn in to a dress they purchased from there)… I know this isn’t an ethical fashion blog, so you have no obligation to only post/talk about ethical pieces, but I just thought you might want to know. Take care!
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks so much for letting me know and sharing your feedback. xTieghan
A great one is 13 Going on 30 with Jennifer Garner or Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon.
Hey Tara,
Thanks so much for these recommendations, love Sweet Home Alabama! xTieghan
Good morning! Thanks again for you 9 Fave Things. Love this every Sunday! Chick Flicks….Sweet Home Alabama, Notting Hill, The Runaway Bride, Dirty Dancing, While You Were Sleeping, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Stepmom, Father of the Bride, Footloose, Grease, Grease 2.
On another note, I am trying one of your older recipes tonight! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with the bread boules! I can’t wait. I am trying to eat a few lesser carbs until I hit my goal, and this is one where I can make the boules for the family and I can have mine out of a regular soup bowl. I can’t wait to try it-looks delish!
Hey Stephanie,
Thanks for reading along and sharing these chick flick movies! I hope you loved the soup:) xTieghan
Loved reading this! Thanks for all the fun things 🙂 I do warm water with lemon in the morning as well and have found it easiest to chop up a few lemons at the beginning of the week and use one of the pieces each day. I also don’t squeeze the lemon juice in, just pour the water over the top and go. Keeps it not as lemony, but still good!
Hey Brynna,
Thanks for reading! Great idea with the lemons, thank you! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan! So glad you asked about chick flicks…
I love You Again, While You Were Sleeping, The Princess Bride, What A Girl Wants, Letters To Juliet, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, North and South, Wives & Daughters, and pretty much any Jane Austen movie! I have been watching Jane Austen movies + period films for about 15 years and shared the best of the best on my blog recently: https://sugarsaltgrace.com/20-movies-binge-love-pride-prejudice/ I hope you’re able to check some of them out!
Hey Becca,
Thanks so much for all of these recommendations!! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan! I LOVE chick flicks, so I’m so glad you asked for ideas! My faves are You Again, The Princess Bride, Wives & Daughters, the 2005 Pride & Prejudice (still love the 1995 version), and The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Thanks Becca!
Hi Tieghan,
Perfect chick flick for you and your sister- 13 Going on 30. You’ll both love it!
Lisa
Thanks so much for the recommendation Lisa!! xTieghan
My favorite chick flick is Sweet Home Alabama! But you really can’t go wrong with any chick flicks. Chick flicks are my favorite!
And I agree with you… some please take me to Florida 🤣 I want to see some palm trees too and the ocean.
Happy Valentines Day!
Thanks so much Mackenzie!! xTieghan
Love u girl!
Thanks Elaine:) xTieghan
Movies to watch with Asher…. all three of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved. Have a great long weekend!
Thanks so much for the recommendations Peggy! xTieghan
My easy morning routine for lemon water: Once a week, quarter up a few lemons and store in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Pull out two quarters every morning and squeeze into a mug. Grate some fresh ginger, add a 1/2 tsp. coconut oil and a small squeeze of local honey. Pour in warm water, stir, and drink up with your vitamins! BEST start to your morning for hydration, a liver cleanse, and to kickstart your constitution! Cheers!
Hey there,
Such a great idea for the lemon water! Thanks for reading! xTieghan
Would love to be able to filter recipes better & see more than a few recipes per page!
Hey Courtney,
I totally agree…and you will…that is already in our new redesign! Thanks for your feedback:) xTieghan
I made your avocado brownies this past week and they were a hit! My husband absolutely dislikes avocados but ate these brownies!
Hey Anna,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
My favorite “chick flick” is the Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Cameron’s wardrobe is very similar to yours and Jude Law is just dreamy in this. It is a MUST in the winter!
I get up between 5:00 and 5:15 am for work as I like to be there early and I have almost a 30 minute commute. My dad ingrained that in me as I would work with him on projects in the summers. His thought was that if you start early you can plan and get things started. Once the day starts, it is more about dealing with what is in front of you. I agree and it has served me well. So those quiet moments are so important to get a jump on the day. And making the bed. So if all else goes wrong, seeing a beautifully made bed makes things better!
Hey Susan,
Thanks so much for reading along! Such great movie!! Lol love this this about your morning, thanks for sharing! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan!
I’m excite about your new website design. One of the things I love of about your website is the “feel” of it – warm and inviting, just like you, and I hope you don’t lose that.
A couple of minor points you probably have already thought of – a recipe box that actually keeps the recipes in it; I’ve starting putting my links in a bookmark folder on Safari. An easier recipe index to follow; this one most likely worked well when you had fewer recipes. I would also suggest running comments from newest to oldest as it is sometimes hard to scroll through several years worth of comments to find the newest ones.
My morning routine depends on what time I have to be inn to work – sometimes I have to be in at 7, so up by 6. I do try to be up by 7, on mornings when it’s later so I have time to do things before work. As soon as I get out of bed, I make it, even on my days off.
I’ve never been a fan of Valentine’s Day, but I hope you enjoy yours with Asher – I think any of the movies mentioned would be great!
Hey Carol,
Thanks so much for reading along, don’t worry the website will still have the same “feel”, just some improvements! Yes, totally agree with the recipe box, that is on our list:) xTieghan
Would love to see more veggies incorporated into your recipes as most of us should be having a bigger percentage on our plates. Also lower percentage of carbs and gluten- most of us need to up our healthier eating style!
Thanks so much Markie! xTieghan
Hi, Happy Valentine’s Day! In regards to lemon water… I make my glass right before I go to bed and keep it on my nightstand. Then it’s room temperature and there for me when I wake up in the morning. For some reason, much easier than preparing it in the morning!
PS – I would love to see a cocktail recipe once a month! I have a bunch of your cocktails and I love them!
Hey Annie,
Oh that’s smart, I never thought to do it that way! Thanks for sharing! xTieghan
Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! I’ll be spending it inside with my hubby since where we live is coated in a sheet of ice. I too am a morning person. I love the quiet before the rest of the world wakes. Chick flicks are my favorite. A few of my favorites are: If you life light & fun the Miss Congeniality movies are a fun watch. Also The Princess Bride, 13 going on 30 is fun too. If you enjoy British Movies, I have a weakness for them; The Holiday, Emma any all of the Pride and Prejudice movies. If you like things a little edger, Bridesmaids is hilarious, definitely not British LOL
Hey Karen,
Thanks for reading along, I hope you enjoy your Sunday! Thanks for sharing your movie recommendations!! xTieghan
I make my lemon water at night with a little pink Himalayan salt and leave it on the kitchen counter.
Great idea Amy! xTieghan
I have made several of your recipes and saved them in the recipe box. Am never able to find the box when I come back to your site, so would love a link to a saved recipe box when you update the site.
Hey Pauline,
I totally agree, this is already on our list for improvements! xTieghan
Maybe try the True Lemon packets in your water? I’ve seen a handful of people raving about them recently.
Thanks for the recommendation Rachel! xTieghan
Hello and Happy Sunday. I have a suggestion for your site update. When reviewing your recipes, please consider having a tab that says ‘I made this’. For reference, check out Smitten Kitchen’s site. I love reading reviews from folks who have actually made the recipe and avoid all of the “This looks so good” comments. I can’t think of anything else – your photos, recipes and snippets at your life are a delight!
Thanks so much for your feedback Kathleen! xTieghan
Maybe you could make little ice cubes of fresh lemon juice to drop into your water in the morning. I keep a little silicone ice cube tray for leftover lemon juice and it tastes fine.
Happy Valentines Day!
Hey Stefanie,
I love this idea! Thanks so much for the recommendation! xTieghan
I would love to see a cocktail a month. I look forward to it!
Thanks Jen! xTieghan
I just want to say Thank You for always replying to your instagram comments. I’ve made a couple of comments not expecting replies because surely you’re getting tons of comments! So thank you for that, it’s very much appreciated. It says a lot about you and how you value your followers.
Thanks so much for your kind message Claudia!! xTieghan
Hope you’re staying warm today! It sure is COLD here in CO this morning.
Excited for the site redesign. I’m sure it will be beautiful! Please don’t get rid of the “skip to recipe” button. While I love reading all of your blog posts, my husband does most of our cooking and appreciates that he can click that little button and get directly the recipe when making our weekly grocery list and when cooking.
Yum… we just made the Saucy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe last week. So good. I’ve described it to others as a Thai shrimp scampi. I’d also list the Balsamic Mushroom Ravioli up there as a great date night meal. We enjoyed the Balsamic Mushroom Fontina Pizza for the second time last night. SO good. Our Valentine tradition is fondue. We’re enjoying a main course with steak, shrimp, and lobster tails and chocolate because, yes… Valentine’s Day must include chocolate!
Love the idea of a monthly cocktail. We tried and enjoyed SO many of the holiday cocktails this year. The Winter Mojitos were our favorite. They’ll be wonderful in the summer too.
Hey Mikaela,
Thanks so much for reading along today. Don’t worry, we plan to keep that button:) Thanks for trying the saucy garlic butter shrimp, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I would love to request more Oslo photos. He is such a cutie pie!
Awe thanks Carrie, he is definitely a little cutie! xTieghan
Hi! I would love weekly cocktail recipes. My husband and I just started Cocktail Fridays, so Saturday recipes would give me a week to get all the ingredients. Perfect!
For your site redesign, I would love it if I could search for something and then filter by category. For example, I wanted cocktail recipes using a big bottle of Jack Daniels we received as a gift. I searched for “whiskey” and had to go through food recipes and 9 Favorite Things posts. I would love if I could have filtered by cocktails. Or if I searched espresso but was looking for a cake recipe instead of beverage, I could filter by desserts or baking. Just a suggestion. Thanks!!
Hey Megan,
Thanks so much for your feedback, this is definitely on our list. xTieghan
Popping in for the first time to add to the appreciation for your recipes and 9 Fav Things … both have become one of MY fav things during COVID. Very excited to try your One Skillet Greek Meatballs & Lemon Butter Orzo w/ Whipped Feta – yum! Lots of great chic flicks already mentioned by others, I’ll add a fun new series: Call My Agent. It’s a French series set in Paris. I encourage viewing w/ subtitles (vs dubbed). Helps feed the travel bug 😉 And, I’m with you on lemon water (actually, any citrus in my drinks including vodka tonics 🙂 ). I’ve recently discovered adding cinnamon sticks to my water bottle and am loving sipping on that first thing in the AM and all day long (antioxidant, antiinflammatory, etc). Happy Valentine’s to you and yours!! ~L2
Hey Laura,
Thanks so much for reading along! I hope you love the Greek meatballs and thanks for the movie recommendation! xTieghan
Really yummy recipes this week.
As to chick flicks, my favorite is “Practical Magic” because girls rule. After that, “Sleepless in Seattle.” Because Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
Happy cooking.
Hey Marilee,
Thanks so much for the recommendations! xTieghan
Two things:
1 – I found that making a batch of lemon juice (sometimes with ginger) and keeping it in a small weck decanter in the fridge helped me add the lemon juice more often… when I keep up with making it and keeping it in the fridge! Just juice a couple lemons – enough for a few days, a bit of ginger if you want it (or turmeric, haven’t tried that but might) and you’re good to go.
2 – I just finished a really interesting book that you might like. It’s called “clean” by james Hamblin and its about skin and our misunderstandings about it. Its based on science but its not a hard read – super interesting!
Happy Valentines Day!
Hey Leanne,
Thanks for sharing your tip with the lemon! Thanks for your book recommendation as well! xTieghan
Some fun movies:
Never Been Kissed
Ever After
While you were sleeping (maybe better at Christmas time)
Legally Blonde
Miss Congeniality
Thanks so much!! xTieghan
New on Neflix and good for Asher (Tom Hanks plus relative newcomer Helena Zengel, about Asher’s age): News of the World
Hey Maria,
Thanks so much!! xTieghan
One of my blogs suggested Always Be My Maybe and Someone Great as really good films to watch. Saw the trailers and they both look really good.
Thanks so much Linda! xTieghan
If you’ve watched the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, the last one came out on Netflix Friday! If not, some other good ones are 10 Things I Hate About You, The Proposal, Legally Blonde, Dirty Dancing.
I just started a new job where I’m working from home full-time (before I was in the office a few days a week) and loving my morning routine! Wake up at 5, work out, shower and get ready, make coffee and breakfast and watch/read the news. And working out/getting ready time is perfect for catching up on podcasts!
Love what you said about being single during Valentine’s Day and letting the right person come along when the time is right. Especially during the pandemic, it can feel lonely being single and not being able to meet new people. So reminding myself there is no timeline, being late 20’s and single is not a bad thing, and to focus on myself, my family and my friendships during this time.
Hey Mariah,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing the Netflix recommendations. Congrats on your new job, how exciting! xTieghan
Thanks for asking for website opinions! I find your site to be one of the better food blogger setups, but we can all always look to improve! Personally I enjoy when the comments sections has some subcategories to easily filter through. All comment are seen in the “all” tab, “made this” for people review their experience, “questions” where people ask about the recipe. Check boxes added to the ents form would correspond to the subcategory. Might even help you see questions easier? On another note, I also enjoy seeing at the end of posts a quick link to other recipes you posted a year ago, two years ago, etc. You often post seasonal recipes (stews in winter, salad in summer etc) and with so many recipes it’s nice to be reminded of some “oldies but goodies” recipes. Keep up the wonderful work, and I look forward to seeing the new layout!
Hey Suzanne,
Thanks so much for your feedback!! xTieghan
Love your Sunday posts, your attitude is always a ray of sunshine 🙂 Today I’m probably forcing my boyfriend to watch 10 Things I Hate About You (a classic… I mean, Heath Ledger, duh). You should watch Little Women with Asher! The new one or the one from the 90s is also great. Such a good movie and about sisterhood of course 🙂 I’m excited to see the new site!
Hey Marcella,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing your movie recommendations! xTieghan
Love your site and all you do. I have made several of your recipes and have loved them. On lemon in your morning water – Try squeezing the lemon the night before and put in a little pitcher, then add it to your water in the morning. A quick gratitude journal is to write one thing your are grateful for each day. I have gotten this idea from Callie and Jeff Dawler that have a podcast The Upside. Great advice and nice podcast. By the way, my husband went to Lakewood High School and graduated in 1975, I went to Collinwood in Cleveland. We now live right outside of Atlanta, Ga. in Peachtree Corners. Enjoy your pictures of Colorado and all the snow. Blessings, Michelle
Hey Michelle,
Thanks so much for your kind message and reading along! I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes. Thanks for your recommendation on the lemon water. xTieghan
I did the lemon water thing for two months. I loved it and it definitely helped me with hydration, but then I started getting heart burn – like really bad. I decided to take a break from it and I continued to have some symptoms for a few weeks and was afraid that I had permanent damage. Luckily it went away and I’m all better now. But I had to stop the lemon in the water. Now I just do warm water in the morning just like you. I also am a tea drinker which can also be a bit acidic and my dentist told me (because the acidity was causing my gums to recede) that I can drink tea, but just need to add milk. So I do that next after the first glass of water. Who knew??!!
Hey Sarah,
Ahhh that does not sounds fun, but thats good to know! xTieghan
Hi Teighan
Have you watched the movie 13 going on 30 with Jennifer Garner ? It’s an older one , very cute . I think you and Asher would enjoy it .
I have been making at least one of your recipes every week . Every one has been delicious ! I enjoy your blog as well .
I like your references to Ohio – I grew up in Clevland suburbs back in 1965 -1975 !
Be well and TY
Hey Kelly,
Thanks so much for reading along and the movie recommendation! Thanks for trying the recipes:) xTieghan
Just love your blog but here are a few suggestions I would have as a loyal follower. It would be great to have a larger, bolder print. When I’m trying to follow a lengthy recipe it’s just so pale and tiny that I can hardly read it. Also many recipes I have made are nowhere close to accurate in prep time. They might be accurate for you when you’ve made it 4 times to perfect it but when you’re following one for the first time, I find it’s often 3 times as long to prepare as indicated. And that’s my two cents worth! 🤪
Hey Patti,
Thanks so much for your feedback! xTieghan
Oops, forgot 2 things I wanted to say! I squeeze a quarter of a lemon in my water glass beside me before bed. Then in the morning it’s nice and lemony and room temp so I just drink it before I put my feet on the floor! And if comments could be listed starting with most recent that would be terrific!
Thanks a great idea!
As a born and raised New England (though now Carolina) girl, I am a Tom Brady fan and LOVED that Supersoul episode! He is so dedicated to his art and it’s amazing what he’s accomplished with such determination and training. I was inspired!!!
Thanks so much Cassie!! xTieghan
instead of fresh lemon, grab a bottle of lemon juice and you will always have warm lemon water!
Thanks so much Rachel! xTieghan
morning routine – meditation, it’s a must.
So smart Jody! xTieghan
Website redesign sounds so exciting!! For some reason I cannot use the search function on the current site while viewing it on my phone (it is a small screen though).
Thanks Kristen!! Hmm, you should be able to use it on your phone! xTieghan
My favorite love story to watch (over and over on VHS) with my girlfriends at 13 was The Princess Bride, if your little sister hasn’t seen it that’s a great girls night/valentine flick ❤️
Also meant to share some of my secret skincare faves a few weeks ago – Cure, a Japanese exfoliant – you can get this on Amazon and it is literally magic, massage into skin about 30 seconds and you’ll see what I mean.
Eminence organic skincare https://eminenceorganics.com/us their masks are AMAZING definitely worth a try, I love the Raspberry Pore Refining mask, but they are all great.
Enjoy! and thank you for sharing your beautiful photos, delicious recipes, and thoughtful content with us.
Hey Kimberly,
Thanks for reading along and your movie recommendations! I will definitely check out the exfoliant, thank you! xTieghan
I look forward to reading your blog every sunday… I have never commented on anything (I am very shy and timid). BUT I just wanted to let you know how much joy and happiness I get from reading your blog and trying your recipes! I love the way recipes have links for other recipes in it and everything is homemade 🙂 For example, I made apple butter last week and then used in another one of your recipes to make apple crumble bars. My sister and I are always talking about your recipes. I love your positive, realistic, hardworking, and humble attitude! Keep being YOU!
Hey Sarah,
Thanks so much for reading every Sunday and your thoughtful message. I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes and appreciate your feedback. I hope you have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
I’ve been using your recipes for years and we (my daughter and I) often find a new one every week to add to our favorites. However we just found out she must adhere to a strict gluten free diet. I can convert many of your recipes to GF on my own, but have you considered creating some that are strictly GF but would have a mainstream following and that are not dessert?
Hey there,
Yes! You can actually search for recipes by diet specific!
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/category/recipes/diet-specific/gluten-free-recipes/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’ve been using your recipes for years and we (my daughter and I) often find a new one every week to add to our favorites. However we just found out she must adhere to a strict gluten free diet. I can convert many of your recipes to GF on my own, but have you considered creating some that are strictly GF but would have a mainstream following and that are not dessert?
I’ve been using your recipes for years and we (my daughter and I) often find a new one every week to add to our favorites. However we just found out she must adhere to a strict gluten free diet. I can convert many of your recipes to GF on my own, but have you considered creating some that are strictly GF but would have a mainstream following and that are not dessert?
Hi Tieghan,
I’m so happy to have discovered your blog. Cooking dinner nightly can get boring at times, so I appreciate your creative ideas. Regarding any ideas for your site, I agree with the other comments about the recipe box. I gave up on it, as recipes that I took time to save and organize would eventually disappear. Another suggestion would be the ability to make a comment on a recipe that’s been saved. Once I’ve made something for the first time, these notes would in handy when making the recipe again. Thanks.
Hey Natalie,
I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes and I appreciate you following along! Definitely hear you on the recipe box:) xTieghan
Love your site! With your redesign, is there any way to refine the search results? By date, by season or meal type. I will often take an ingredient in my fridge and search on your site to see what you have, but it’s a lot to scroll through 10 pages (though I do!)
Hey Kristin,
Yes, this is definitely something we are working on! xTieghan
Love your fav things on Sunday. It’s turned into my fav thing to read on Sundays. 🙂 The recipes and post are the best ! And yes, share more cocktails .
Cheers!
Mindie
..
Thanks so much Mindie! xTieghan
I love your drink recipes and miss them on Saturdays so I would love if you brought more of them back!!!
Thanks Andrea! xTieghan
Love nine favorite things!
On the lemon in warm water: I was trying really hard to be better about adding lemon to tea/warm water and struggling hard. The solution? Dry them! I have a dehydrator, so I just cut a ton of lemons into circular slices and dehydrated them completely. Now I just have a bag of lemons on hand and I find that the “grab and go” option makes me drink the lemon water way more than I did before! If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also bake them on a low setting for a few hours to do the same thing. Now I drink a cup of hot water with a lemon slice, honey, and some dried mint leaves from my summer garden every night and it’s perfect!
Hey Ellie,
Such a great idea with the lemons, thank you!! xTieghan
I can’t imagine the time & creativity to write six weekly blog post. So, thank you. I truly enjoy your Nine Favorite Things. I’ve been loving your home inspiration pics- thank you for linking your Pinterest board. So chic!
Hey Tawny,
Thanks so much for your kind message and reading along:) xTieghan
Love your morning routine simple yet very effective way to begin your day! As for your warm water I do the same but found a truck that works well for me regarding the fresh lemon in it. I purchase a bottle of organic lemon juice by Lakewood keep it in fridge and pour in the equivalent of one lemon in my water and gently warm it in microwave since the lemon juice has been refrigerated works like a charm same as a fresh lemon each bottle has 10-12 lemons in it !!! Perhaps this may work well for you give it a try!!
Hey Patti,
Thanks so much for reading along! Thanks for the trick with the lemon juice!! xTieghan
Monthly cocktails please!! I love your cocktail recipes since they are easy, unpretentious, and delicious!! I look forward and get excited when you post them. ❤️
Thanks so much Debra! xTieghan
Random question, I see you use a lot of things from Thrive Market. Thinking of becoming a member, do you have any link that list all of your favorite items you purchase? Spices, sauces etc……., I know a lot of times you have a link for ingredients in your recipes, but it would be nice to have a favorites list 😁
Hey Nancy,
So sorry I do not have a specific list, but great idea! xTieghan
Loving the blog today!
I really appreciate the “skip to recipe” button. I love reading everything your blog, but sometimes the photos make me hungry, and I want to know if I have the ingredients right away!
Valentine’s – not a big deal day for me. We usually try to spend time together with no outside distractions, sometimes for a walk/hike, sometimes cooking dinner together.
Girl’s day movies: Miss Congeniality, Letters to Juliet, really any 80’s movie with Molly Ringwald.
Morning routine: I stretch a bit in bed before getting up (general body stretch, then some cat/cow stretches), and then do about three to five sun salutations. Quick tip if you have lower back stiffness, before coming back up in your salutation, bend your knees a bit – it moves the stretch from your legs to your lower back. This really helps me in the am as I am a terribly curled-up sleeper! I make my bed after I get ready for the day – I like to fold the covers back when I first get up to air it out first.
Water: I usually drink a glass of room temp water with lemon and ginger. I put the grated ginger and water in a decanter the night before, then pour through some cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve in the morning, then squeeze about half a lemon in also.
Hey Sara,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and reading along! Love your Valentine’s Day and morning routine, thanks for sharing. Great idea with the water! xTieghan
I would love to see a monthly Saturday cocktail!
Thanks Jess! xTieghan
My all-time favorite chick flick is “Center Stage” 🙂 LOVE LOVE LOVE that movie! If I ever see it come up randomly on TV, I always stop what I’m doing and watch it. Every time :o)
Thanks for the recommendation Daun!! xTieghan
For the website, it would be super convenient if we could create different categorized folders to save our recipes in the online recipe box. If I’m looking for something specific, it takes a while to scroll down and down and down the list to find it. Thanks so much for asking, looking forward to using the new website!
Thanks so much for the feedback Jessalyn! xTieghan
i know its late for Sunday night, but for the future Chick flick time…I love Steel Magnolias and Julie & Julia
Thanks so much for the recommendations Sandi! xTieghan
I love your morning routine, adding the walk sounds like something I would enjoy (not a hike since I live in the city). I am so not a morning person but I do the lemon water thing with a little cheat. I squeeze a few lemons at a time into a container that I keep in the fridge and just pour a little in my cup each morning. It’s not as fresh but it’s just more manageable early in the morning.
Hey Heather,
Thanks so much for reading, lol love the lemon water cheat! Whatever works right?! xTieghan