Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
We are less than two weeks out from the start of September and I am all things excited. September is one of my favorite months, as it’s the true start to fall. And along with September comes the four most magical months of the year…
Am I cheesy or am I cheesy?
It’s true though, September through December are the best four months of the year, and while I am slightly overwhelmed (but I am always overwhelmed, and generally work best this way), I am mostly excited. We’ve been working hard this week to complete the Studio Barn (which hasn’t been easy), planning out the holiday season (yes, holiday season…been basically thinking about the holidays since early July), and working on a couple of projects. We spent yesterday filming brand new video content, and will continue to do so today. On Monday I’m off to LA for the week for a photo shoot, a couple of meetings, and a fun event. I’m definitely going to have some down time in between everything, so LA people, let me know what’s best to do this time of year. Already on my list is hiking, the farmers market, and vintage shopping, but what else?!
Coming up this week on HBH we have lots of delicious late summer recipes. We’ll be starting the week off with an easy 20 minute back to school dinner that everyone will love, then moving onto something sweet and perfect for snacking, then on to a fresh new tomato recipe, and a big summer salad…that is dinner worthy. We’ll finish the week off with my new favorite waffle recipe to welcome in the weekend, so excited!
If you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, sign up for our daily newsletters to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on Half Baked Harvest. And of course, if you are meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s #9 on the favorites list).
Hope you all have a lovely Sunday and enjoy another round of my favorites! See you all tomorrow.
1. I Thought I was A True Harry Potter Fan…
But then I took this quiz and realized that one, my memory sucks, or two, I don’t know as much about Harry Potter as I thought. This was SO hard, I failed, how did you do?
PS. my favorite Harry Potter inspired recipes…
Forbidden Forest Chocolate Butterbeer Cake
Pumpkin Butterbeer Hot Chocolate
2. My Favorite Podcast This Week.
Oprah’s Master Class. Have you guys listened to this yet? The Justin Timberlake episode caught my eye and got me hooked. The Ellen DeGeneres episode will be released soon, can’t wait!
I am always looking for new podcasts to listen to while I am cooking and photographing all day long. I love learning while working and being super efficient with my time. So please, tell me your favorite, favorite podcasts, I need some inspiring ones!
3. Rearrange For Fall…
It’s pretty obvious I am beyond exited for fall, here are some of my favorite pieces to update your home for a fun fall refresh. Bring on all things cozy.
4. A Couple of Places I have Been Around the Web.
My favorite Superfood Smoothie.
I am over on The Chriselle Factor sharing my go-to green smoothie that I make whenever I feel like my skin needs a little added glow. This smoothie is packed with greens, healthy fats, and lots of antioxidants. It will leave you feeling energized and your skin glowing, promise.
Grab the recipe here.
An Interview with The Kitchn.
I had so much fun sitting down with The Kitchn while in New York, read my full interview here.
5. New Videos:
Blueberry Chamomile Galette…this is the BEST!
Weeknight 20 Minute Spicy Udon NOODLES…easy, spicy, sweet, and my favorite.
Brown Butter Lobster with Kale Pesto Swirled Polenta and Tomato Bacon Pan Sauce….one word, YUM.
6. Negative Comments.
What I love so much about creating recipes and sharing my stories is being able to interact with so many of you. It’s truly the best feeling in the world to receive a comment, Instagram message, or email excitedly telling me how much you loved a recipe, enjoyed my story, or loved our how-to videos. Receiving these interactions make all the hard work 110% worth it.
I recently received a comment from a reader that said she was annoyed I had yet to answer her question. She gave me a “one star” rating and it really bummed me out. Normally, I can brush these unfriendly comments off, but this one got to me. I work so hard to respond to all messages, it’s A LOT, and most nights I’m up well past midnight returning IG messages and blog comments. I love interacting with you guys, but weeks often get busy and I’m human, I fall behind too!
Constructive feedback is great to learn from, and I honestly love hearing your opinions, but I can’t always get back to everyone in the timely manner I wish I could. I felt this message took it too far. Did I really need a “one star” rating because I hadn’t had time to respond yet? If I stayed glued to my computer and monitored comments all day I wouldn’t be able to create new content for you guys. I’ve grown a pretty thick skin over the last six years, but I let this little comment get to me all week.
My bottom line? Just remember to be nice!
7. A few Links I am Loving…
10 fall cocktails to get you excited for September….yes. yes. yes.
what is intermittent fasting…the how to and the why.
how to get Miranda Kerr’s glow…hint it involves avocados.
17 strong female movie characters…if you need some inspiration.
a luxe villa in Coral Gables…the perfect Florida home.
Christian Dior’s favorite decorators…wow, and so pretty.
a mom of 7 shares her working mom tips…reminds me a bit of my mom (who is also a mom of 7).
14 easy pastry recipes…bring on the butter and good smells.
how to style a Target cardigan…so cute.
fall 2018 concerts you want tickets to…Maroon 5, Chris Stapleton, Justin Timberlake. Who’s on your list?
8. Boots to wear from late summer to late fall…
9. This Week’s Dinners:
Monday: 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef and Lemongrass Rice Bowls
Tuesday: Salsa Verde Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas with Mango
Wednesday: Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder
Don’t let the negative troll commenters get you down! XO
Thank you Liz!
I don’t comment much…but I alway try and read everyone of your post. Not only do I find the recipes super inspiring but I love the way you share each and every day:)
Thank you so much Olivia! I am so glad you are enjoying my blog and hope you continue to!
Love reading your site with my cup of morning joe. Just keep smiling and don’t let one rudey ruin your day or week!
Podcast-
One part plant (yay Jessica!)
Rich Roll podcast
And
Podship earth – this one is bite sized with 30 minute episodes, new favorite for quick walks or doing things around the house. environmental focused & Jared’s voice is great, soothing even..
Thank you so much!
I really look forward to reading your blog every day! Thank you so much for posting great content so often, so inspiring! 🙂
And can I just say I also have your book and love it as well :):)
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you Lynette!
Don’t give yourself a hard time because of a negative comment. Having a blog and being active on social media means all sorts of people are going to see your content, some will be friendly and some will not. It’s just like working as a teacher, receptionist or any work where you have to deal with people. I think you are really sweet and that you are doing an amazing job so keep it up and don’t let that get you down.
Sending my best wishes from Spain!
Thank you so much Cristina! This is so sweet and means more than you know to hear it!
Don’t let the haters get you down! I have personally reached out to you twice and you have responded to me both times so kindly and in a very timely
Manner, and I have seen you do so with others. I knew how busy you are and how many fans you have, and yet you still remain such a genuine humble person! It’s easy to harp on the negative comments, even if there’s only a couple., but try not to. There will always be people who choose to be negative. You’re human, and the ones who truly appreciate you and your content understand that. Keep on doing you, you’re amazing!!
Thank you so much Jess! I truly appreciate your kindness and patience with me! I hope you continue to love my blog and the recipes I share!
Don’t let the negativity ruin your day! I look forward to your posts, your gentle spirit shines in every post.
Thank you so much Kathryn!
I look forward to your recipes and Nine Favorite Things posts every Sunday morning. Thank you for all the work you do.
I have found that when people are over the top in their negativity or try to make you feel bad for something ridiculous, it is usually a tactic to make themselves feel better about something, and truly has nothing to do with you. You are awesome, so keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much Amy! I am so glad you are enjoying my blog and honestly the nice words you shared mean more than you know!!
How unfair that a person gave you a one-star rating for lack of response. As a blogger, I know how precious time is and how answering everyone is almost impossible. I used to comment all the time to your wonderful recipes and I would give them a five- star rating. Why if I hadn’t made the recipe? Two factors — the beauty of the presentation and experience in cooking and baking and just knowing how it would taste. So, instead of commenting I share your wonderful recipes with my readers and followers on Facebook. And yes, I have made quite a few of your recipes and they were wonderful. So let the negative vibes roll off and let all the positive thoughts from your loyal followers carry you on. XO
p.S. you don’t have to answer
Hi Marisa! I am so glad you understand this as well, it is just so hard to respond quickly sometimes! Anyway, you are so sweet and I am so glad that you enjoy my blog and support me! Thank you so much!
Made it to the last question on the Harry Potter quiz but didn’t get all of them. 🙁 Was confused because they left people off of their quiz list who could have been on it!! I love Harry Potter too, and love your HP themed recipes 😀
Thank you Sloane!
Don’t let anybody get into you! No matter how hard you try, there will always be someone who is not satisfied. I simply love your recepies, your presentations, your inspiration and your blog. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thank you so much Berna! I am so glad you are enjoying my blog and recipes and truly hope you continue to!
My sister and I think your recipes are genius! We read your blog daily and it gives us inspiration for meals throughout the week! I especially look forward to to your Sunday “9 favorite things” Thanks for making cooking so fun and giving my sister and I something to enjoy and discuss together as we live far from each other ?
Hi Dina! I am so glad you are your sister both enjoy my blog and get to connect from it!! I love that! I hope you both continue to enjoy my recipes and posts!
Hey Tieghan thanks for your great work. My husband and I made your mahi mahi burrito bowls again last night. One of our favorites! Recently we started subbing tuna because mahi wasn’t in the grocery store? Equally delicious. Your recipes are on steady rotation in our house. Thanks for such delicious recipes. I’ve encountered some harsh people too recently. Annoying!
Thank you so much Jennifer! I am so glad you have been enjoying my recipes and using different alternatives to some ingredients! I love when you guys try different things with my recipes, I think its so cool!
It is obvious to anyone who visits your site, that you are incredibly hard working and committed. A food blog is so much more work than a regular blog where you just research and write…no shopping, no cooking, no clean up! With that said, like most women, you want everyone to be happy. Although you mentioned that the negative comments are disappointing, they are more than that, they are demoralizing. I would suggest you set stronger boundaries–let readers know that negative comments will not be tolerated and will be deleted.
Hire an assistant to do that job for you, because you don’t deserve to have your peace of mind disturbed for one minute over someone’s petty need to be recognized. Don’t worry about stars….your recipes are so fantastic, just know it. I’m about to make a vegan version of your beautiful Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Bread:)
Hi Barbara! I love that idea, but I do not want every comment that I do not like to be deleted. I like that my blog is open for all comments and interpretations from every recipe, even if it is a bit harsh. Thank you so much and I hope you LOVE the banana bread. Thats one of my favorites!
Tieghan, you and your blog team are shining stars, a big, beautiful five-star shining constellation.
If it helps, I like to think that when somebody pushes my button, it’s because I stuck it out there. I read this concept from Abraham Hicks. I have a big red button sticking out there, and why am I so surprised when somebody pushes it? It’s a way to gently laugh at yourself for being sensitive, and to realize *you* are the only person you can affect.
Haters gonna hate, but also lovers gonna love. You are loved. Love yourself, and retract your button.
I LOVE THAT! Thank you so much Julie! I am so glad you commented this because it is so true!
I’m a big fan of your blog and especially your recipes. People are so impressed with the taste and look of the dishes I’ve made from your recipes. I have one concern, however. There’s been so much talk about GMOs and their adverse effects on your health. Two really dangerous culprits are soy products and corn. What I’ve read is that virtually all soy and corn is GMO and even though it’s labelled organic the health benefits are still questionable. Something to think about.
Hi Linda! I will look into this further, thank you for commenting!
Hi Tieghan,
I came across your blog when we were in Colorado this summer on vacation from Cincinnati and it was written up in a local magazine. It is amazing – actually beyond amazing. I cannot imaging who would give you a one star rating?? Someone who has no sense of the detail and depth you put into your blog. I am a teacher and the blog reminds me of creating a lesson plan – it is a LOT of work to get it right! I teach high school students a business and marketing program – and you would be so inspirational to them! If you are ever this way (it is 4 hours from Cleveland though) please let me know and you are on a guest speaker! You are a 5 star in my gradebook! (that is an A+ 🙂
This is so sweet Susan! It is so nice to hear that you understand how hard it can be sometimes to get everything done on time! I will definitely let you know about this if I am in Cincinnati! Would it be possible for you to send me an email so I can have your contact?
OK, you do not owe anyone reasoning for why you haven’t responded to them online, you ARE human and you HAVE a life – if you wanted to take three weeks off i’d miss your recipes and general chatty content, but if it meant you were taking care of yourself and hanging with your fam – I’d be like “cool, I get it – enjoy girl!!”, I know it’s’ easier said than done, but try to forget about that person – and lets be real – as IF they’ve never forgotten to reply to someone…c’mon!!
Also – HOW HARD IS THAT HP QUIZ!?!?!!!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Rebecca! This is so sweet and I totally agree with this! Thank you so much!
Tieghan! You are #allthegoals! Your posts always make me happy and your recipes are delicious! Your attention to detail and creativity are inspiring. I admire your down to earth attitude despite being so successful and famous at such a young age. Thanks for sharing that you feel annoyed by trolls. Your authenticity is part of what makes you so relatable and interesting. But please do not let the haters bring you down! They’re just jealous and they’re not paying rent so I hope you evict them from your head! 🙂
Thank you so much Stephanie! I am so glad you are enjoying my blog and posts!
You should never have to feel like you owe people responses to comments – I am amazed that you try to respond to everything with all that you are doing! People who feel legitimately entitled to responses at all, let alone quick responses, must have no life and not understand what it’s like to have things to do other than sit online. Those people don’t see content creators as human beings who are working a job like anyone else. If you get more comments like this in the future just remember that these people aren’t living in the real world with their expectations and attitude, and you don’t need to pay attention to criticism from people who don’t respect your job.
Thank you so much Robyn! This is really sweet and nice to hear! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and posts!
People who feel entitled to receive a reply, either at any time at all or especially within a time frame they have set for you, are not living in the real world – it is very obvious how much you have on your plate and it is completely unreasonable and disrespectful for someone to behave that way. If I have received negative feedback on my work from someone in the past, I usually first think about whether the person giving me the feedback respects me and my work – if they do, I take it to heart. If they don’t, not worth my time to fret over. Perhaps easier said than done but also easier to let go when you think about where the person’s head is at when they gave you the feedback. And in your case with this negative comment, it seems pretty obvious that this person’s head was in the clouds regarding what you owe them personally.
I know with your job your readers are essentially like your “clients” and you want to deliver on the commitments you make to your clients, like you would in a traditional work environment – but if you worked in an office, this person is the one coming by your desk demanding a poster for the company Christmas party by 2pm when it’s actually August and you have 15 important deadlines to make by the end of the week.
Hi Robyn! I completely agree with this and thank you for sharing! I am so glad you understand that it is hard to reply in a timely manner sometimes!
The quality and quantity of your content is always impressive. I’m sorry to hear that someone lashed out at you for not responding to their comment immediately, you clearly work really hard at your job! I agree with your sentiment about being kind. It reminds me of the old saying (I’m sure I don’t have this entirely right, but close enough) “in a world Where you can be anything, be kind.”
Thank you so much Anne! This is so nice to hear!
I just bought your cookbook and am savoring reading through each and every recipe & picture! How can I even decide which recipe to try first? It is truly the most beautiful cookbook I’ve ever seen! Thanks! (And no reply requested or expected)!
Wow thank you so much Dawnya! I am so glad you are loving the book and please let me know what you make first!
The corn and tomato tarte tatin is on my list to make this week!! I have all the fresh produce ready from my garden 🙂
Perfect! I hope you love this Brittany!
Im not super good at giving compliments …but my friends and i follow many blogs and your photos are by far the most inspiring ever!!! (Not to mention your mouthwatering recipes) Keep up the awesome work, so many ppl look forward to it every day :):)
Love your true inspiration and art that you create being from life, it gives your work so much depth each picture isnt just the food but a ‘moment’.
Thank you so much Mojo! I am so glad you love my photos and recipes and I hope you continue to!
Hi,
Boss files with poppy Harlow has some really interesting stories about women ceo and entrepreneurs! Being that you are one yourself this makes for inspiring stories.
http://www.citruslove.com
Thank you!
Hi from Portugal. Haters will hate no matter what. Just don’t let it get to you. So many of us love all the things you write. I love all your posts especially Nine Favorite Things ! Thank you
Thank you so much Maria!
Very interesting things
Thank you!
Hi Tieghan,
Please don’t let that one reader’s comments get you down! You are awesome and don’t ever forget that. Your recipes always inspire me. Keep on doing what you are doing. Most of your followers, like myself, believe you deserve 5 STARS*****.
That is so sweet! Thank you so much Mary Kay!
Thank you for all your beautiful, yummy recipes!! I look forward to reading your emails each day! Love Sundays when I receive your 9 favorite things post!!
That is so sweet! Thank you so much Francie!
Just today I made another batch of your utterly delicious sun-dried tomato and ricotta cheese turkey meatballs. I’ve made this recipe at least a half dozen times now I love it! Thank you for that. I understand that negative comments are hurtful and discouraging. People can be so rude when hiding behind a keyboard. I hope you’re able to find a healthy balance between enjoying life and managing your blog. Please take time for yourself. There will always be more recipes to create! xxx
Thank you so much Kim! This is so sweet! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and recipes!
In this time of instant gratification from (among other things) social media, some become incredibly demanding. “one star” seems to be one of those that think she is most important, her needs are of highest priority. People like that don’t deserve attention.. As an artist, I too would dwell on that one negative comment instead of all the positive reinforcements. We need to stop doing that to ourselves and hope that positive comments, not rudeness, continue to come our way. Your work and your soul are beautiful. Please just continue to bless us with the best food blog out there! To everyone else, to quote, be kind to one another.
Hi Terry! Thank you so much for this! I agree, I think we should all try to focus on the positive comments we receive instead of one bad one.
Hi – I recently found your blog and absolutely love it! We’ve been enjoying several recipes already over the last couple weeks. Just wanted to add in a couple podcasts I listen to and love:
-Good Life Project
-Stuff to Blow Your Mind
-Great Women of Business
-Beautiful Anonymous
Thank you so much Annie! I will check these out!
“I recently received a comment from a reader that said she was annoyed I had yet to answer her question. She gave me a “one star” rating and it really bummed me out.”
Yikes! That’s ridiculous of the reader! I’m more of a lurker than a commenter when reading blogs, but even when I do comment I never *expect* a response from the blogger! Yes, I do often check back to see if I got a response and am sometimes bummed when I don’t, but that has never affected my opinion of the blogger overall! Anyone who is angry at not getting a response (or putting time limits on what is an appropriate response time!) is just self-centered!
Keep being awesome and producing always delicious recipes like you always do!
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for this. I hope you are loving my blog and continue to!