Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
{the prettiest Cleveland summer sunset from my grandpa’s backyard}
I spent the past week cooking every day from morning until night. I’m talk sun up to sun down. The first part of my mornings were spent on the computer, then straight to cooking and photography, and when the sun set, back to the computer to write-up a blog post, respond to emails, Instagram messages, and edit the next days photos. It was a busy and tiring week and while I got a lot done, I also had a lot of fails.
If you follow on Instagram you probably saw a few of those fails in my IG Stories. I always think it’s important to show you guys that I’m human too, and nothing I do is perfect. In fact, I always like to say that perfect is pretty boring, and I like to try to find beauty in the flaws. It’s sometimes easier said than done, but most of the time when I take step back and embrace the imperfections, I kind of end up loving them.
Bottom line here? Perfect IS boring, go for the imperfect, it’s different, fun, and better. Also, also! When your having a rough time, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!
Anyway, happy Sunday! I’m planning to spend the day both outside and in. Making this lobster for dinner, and snacking on these cookies while shopping online for an event at the end of the month. It’s going to be a chill Sunday and I’m going to limit the computer time…or at least I’m going to try to. We shall see how it goes. Not going to lie, I’m bad about taking days completely off, but one of these days I will.
Anyone have tips for me on how to sign off and not work?! Let me know, because I NEED them.
Coming up on HBH this week I’ll be sharing a handful of new summer recipes, including a spicy corn chowder, back to school snacks, a vegan pasta (that’s too good for words), a new Mexican inspired dish, and ending things on a sweet note with the perfect summery recipe. Good, good, good, things!
As always, if you missed any post from this last week be sure to sign up for our daily and weekly newsletters. Also, if any of you are meal planning today, check out favorite #9 for my weekly meal plan.
Enjoy another week of Favorites and have a great Sunday!
1. Haters are Nothing But Fuel For Your Rise.
Being able to reach SO many people is the most amazing part about my job, but it can come with some negatives as well. There’s not a week that doesn’t go by where I don’t have a mean comment, email, or IG message. I actually feel really lucky, because all things considered, I don’t have many haters (THANK GOD), but they are certainly out there, and make themselves known every now and again.
Over the years I’ve really grown a thick skin and can let most things roll right off my shoulders without thinking twice. It’s actually a great skill to have learned, but sometimes it can be hard. Negative messages do still affect me. I had one this past week that criticized a recipe. It wasn’t even that it was that mean, but something about this message brought me down a little. I let it affect me for a few minutes and then decided to use their unkind words as fuel for my day, and you know what? It worked.
I ended up totally turning my day around and by the time my head hit the pillow I forgot about the negative and felt so happy with my productive day.
Point of the story? Use the haters as fuel to keep you going. Also? Having haters means you’re probably doing all the right things, because haters are only jealous of what you have accomplished. And that’s the truth.
PS. looking for inspiring quotes? Check out my inspiration Pinterest board. This is my go-to board for when I need some positivity in my life.
2. My 7 Go-To (almost) No-Cook Recipes.
Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Skillet Balsamic Peach Pork Chops with Feta and Basil
Skillet Burst Cherry Tomato Summer Pasta with Lemony Breadcrumbs
Grilled Pesto Zucchini Stuffed with Tomatoes and Orzo
Fresh Fig, Prosciutto, and Arugula Salad with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Chipotle Shrimp Cobb Salad with Jalapeño Corn Vinaigrette
3. My Favorite Mirrors…
I have a love hate relationship with mirrors. I don’t usually love looking at myself in them, but I love how they can transform a space. We are currently styling out the studio barn space and incorporating a few mirrors into the space to make it feel open and inviting. Here are some of my favorites.
metal floor mirror | hoop mirror | gleaming mirror | wall mirror
studded mirror | black floor mirror
4. The Girl Boss Files: Jessica Alba
Love, love, love…always inspired by Jessica Alba. I have been learning more about her through this interview and video. Plus, I now need to try all of the Honest Beauty products.
5. New Videos:
Caramelized Corn and Heirloom Tomato Galette…this is everything. so good.
Sweet Peach and Thyme Shortcakes…simply the best.
6 Ingredient Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup…a summer favorite that’s equally great for fall. just sayin.
6. Products I am Trying this Week…
As you guys know I am really into trying out new beauty products right now. I have my favorite face oil, goat milk lotion, face mask, mascara, and highlighting powder, but I’m loving trying new products every now and then. Here’s what’s new that I’ve given a try this week.
Go-TO Properly Clean Face Wash – I’ve heard nothing but good things about this product and love that it’s safe for sensitive skin.
Go-TO Very Useful Face Cream – love, love love this so far. It’s so incredibly hydrating and I also love that it protects against premature aging.
NatureLab Tokyo Volume Shampoo and Conditioner– I have super flat and bodiless hair, so I am very exited about this. I only used it once, but so far I love it. Bonus? It smells really good and is free of harmful chemicals that can damage hair.
Superseeds Serum– read about this brand. SO COOl, all their products are made from seeds and all are incredible. Loving this anti aging serum.
What products are you trying and loving? Have you tried any of these? Anything I NEED to try?
7. A few Links I am Loving…
25 at home date night ideas…fun.
10 mini road trips you can take this weekend…where would you go?
a palm springs villa…so. pretty.
the NYC hotels under $200 a night…dying to stay at the Jane Hotel.
12 motivational books to read…I need to read more books. these are perfect.
at home coffee tips…always love a cup of coffee, and these tips are great.
a colorful Charleston cottage…too cute.
how to be productive when you are working from home…love this.
what to eat everyday for glowing skin…yum.
inspiring career podcast to start the day with…excited to listen to these.
vitamins to skyrocket your metabolism…bring um on.
8. Stylish Backpacks for Back To School
convertible backpack | mini red backpack | green backpack | travel backpack
madewell backpack | blue backpack |
9. This Week’s Dinners:
Monday: Saucy Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables
Tuesday: Sicilian Style Salmon with Garlic Broccoli and Tomatoes
Wednesday: Balsamic Peach Basil Chicken Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Thursday: Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
Friday: 3 Cheese Everything Spice Grilled Cheese
Check out all the past Favorites posts here.
Hi Tieghan!
I just wanted to write you a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and cooking a few of your recipes. Between renovating a barn to writing a cookbook and living a fulfilling life in Colorado, you are inspirational! Keep on doing what you’re doing because A LOT of people enjoy what you share with us every day. Thanks for all the awesome recipes and photos!
-Julia
PS..I was already planning on making grilled cheese sandwiches tonight and after reading your Sunday menu, I’m going to add the “everything bagel spice” to them..YUM!!
Hi Julia! This is so sweet! It is so nice that you appreciate what I am working on and doing with my site! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and LOVE the grilled cheese sandwiches! Thank you!
The pic for skillet pork chops appears to be chicken breasts including corn or am I mistaken?
HI! So sorry, I included the wrong photo by accident. Thank you for pointing that out, all fixed now. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks so much! x Tieghan
Love the backpacks!! Also, hello to that Salmon dish, looks incredible!!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thank you!
Hard to believe people make time to criticize a recipe online. I also struggle with criticism, and letting things go. I try to remember that when someone is rude or harshly critical of me, that is not’s really about me, but about them and their own issues. You have created amazing recipes, I love many of them! I look forward to all of your posts. You’ve inspired so many of us!!
Thank you!
I love that outlook on it! Thank you so much Sara!
I have a suggestion to help you disconnect from work for a day: Read fiction. It really works, and it’s one of the most important things you can do for your productivity, your creativity, and your overall well being. Read.
Thank you so much Betsy!
I am so sorry to hear about the nasty comments. It truly amazes me how people can be so vitriolic. Somehow they seem to get courage when not confronting the issue in-person. Cowardly. Of course, constructive criticism–not vicious criticism–is always welcome. Who doesn’t make mistakes? Often times a criticism can help us see things differently which helps us in the long-run. I wish this cyber back stabbing would stop. Maybe in another lifetime. My girlfriend gave me a magnetic sticker that I have on my car–“Kindness Matters”–which, hopefully, people will see and absorb the message. Love your blog and am thankful for all the hard work you’ve put into making it such fun to read.
I love that! Kindness does matter and I hope others see it as well! Thank you so much Linda, this is such a great comment!
I just wanted to say that I think you are amazing and I look forward to your beautiful posts each week! 🙂
Thank you so much Pia!
Hi, Tieghan, Where do purchase chicken and pork in Summit County? I have not been able to find tasty pork and, unfortunately, I am from Fremont, Ohio where the BEST chicken can be purchased at Root’s poultry. I cannot find any chicken quite as meaty and tasty out here.
Hi Kim! I like to buy my meat from the Whole Foods in Frisco. They normally have pretty good options! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope this helps! Thanks so much! x Tieghan
I love your comment regarding Haters! You have inspired me and Thank you for another amazing Sunday! I look forward to reading Nine of Your Favorite Things each week!!
Thank you so much Francie!
I love pasta with cheese permesan
Isn’t it the best?! I hope you try it!
Dear Sweet Tieghan,
I am old enough to be your grandmother but I want to say keep doing what you are doing. You bring such a smile to my face each day and love your Sunday long posts too. Yes, have tried many of your recipes and love them. You are creative beyond measure for such a young woman and have such passion for good nutritious food. You are an inspiration to everyone you touch. I wish you well as you continue and I will continue enjoying each day finding a new recipe for inspiration. I am an Italian Nonna who loves to cook for my family and God bless you.
Hi Rosemary! This is so sweet and means so much to me! I love hearing that you enjoy my recipes and I hope you continue to! Thank you so much for your kind words and I wish you the best!
Hey beautiful girl! If you’re wanting to try some great products I’d love to make some suggestions for Beautycounter. I think there are some things you’d really love, so if you’re interested just shoot me an email? I know you get tons of emails and don’t want to clutter up your inbox 😉
Thank you Heather! I will let you know!
It’s so sad that people feel the need to bring others down and that they use the anonymity of the Internet to protect themselves from having to confront people in person. Although it is cowardly, sometimes I try to think about what might be motivating them to behave this way. Happy people, people who have fulfilling lives and people who feel good about themselves don’t act this way. No excuse, but a way to look at them with some compassion.
In terms of how to not work, I have a few suggestions. Being out in nature, as you know, is a great way to disconnect from work. I remember that you are a hiker, so you are already doing that. As another reader suggested, reading is a great way to distract yourself and relax. So is doing a craft. Lastly, doing something for someone else is a great way to spend time outside yourself and your own worries. Thanks for being so open and honest and for all you put out there for us.
Hi Vivian! Thank you so much for this, these are all great suggestions to taking your mind off of things.
looking good
Thanks!