Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

{fresh berries and peaches for my raspberries crumble bars that I made on IG this week}

Is it just me or is June already starting to fly by? The weeks have been so busy that I’m only now just realizing how fast the month is going by. I am very happy to report that it is finally starting to get green here in the mountains. It actually feels like summer might just make an appearance here sometime soon…ish. I really can’t even begin to explain how happy it’s made me to see flowers popping up out of the ground and green leaves blossoming on the trees. It was certainly a loonnggg winter, so the vibrant green trees and grass feel extra exciting this year.

Currently, all of my family is here in Colorado…well almost all of my family is here. We’re missing one brother, Brendan, but considering there are 7 of us Gerard kids, I would say 6 out the 7 is pretty good for a non-holiday week. It’s been nice seeing my brothers and having them around to cook for. They eat so differently than the way I tend to cook. I’ve been making a lot of old favorites like chicken noodle casserole and Korean grilled steak. I’m hoping to throw in some vegetable-based meals this coming week! I can’t get enough of the summer vegetables and fruits right now. They have me so excited.

How has your June been going so far? Hoping you are all enjoying the warmer weather and fresh produce as much as I am!

Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll be sharing a fun appetizer recipe that’s great for Father’s Day, new summer salads, an addicting ice cream cake, and so much more!

Lastly, if you missed anything from the past week, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. Hope you’re all having the best weekend, and enjoy this Sunday’s Nine Favorite Things!

1. Inspiring Me on Pinterest.

{photo via Cannelle Vanille}

{source unknown via Pinterest}

{unknown source via Pinterest}

{source unknown via Pinterest}

{unknown source via Pinterest}

{source unknown via Pinterest}

{unknown source via Pinterest}

{source unknown via Pinterest}

2. Currently Loving and Wanting…

loving…my sweet friend Kristen Kilpatrick’s new print shop. Her photos are stunning and always my favorite.

wanting…warm summer nights and listening to fireflies in the grass. It takes me back to being a kid.

loving…Lauren Conrad’s new podcast, Asking For a Friend. I’ve listened to each episode and loved every single one. They are fun, informative, and each features a unique and inspiring guest. Highly recommend!

wanting…to bake this cake again and again because I LOVE it so much.

loving…all Honest beauty products, but especially the beauty oil and mascara. My tried and true favorites.

loving…also so into all the Biossance products right now. Currently using this cream and LOVE this facial mask.

wanting…Aēsop hand wash. Is it worth the hype? And the price tag?

loving…these glasses from The Little Market for summertime cocktails.

loving…the Every Day is Saturday cookbook by Sarah Copeland. Cannot wait to cook through this cookbook.

3. A Few Father’s Day Gift Ideas…

4. Questions of The Week: 

q: Is there anywhere you are dying to travel to?
a: Italy! Can you believe I have never been? Also Spain!

q: What do you sub for cilantro when you have a non-cilantro eater?
a: I always suggest subbing basil for cilantro. In most recipes, it usually works pretty well!

q: What is your favorite food photography prop?
a: The food!! I always highlight the food first and the props come second. Favorite props are handmade pottery/ceramics and flowers! Anything vintage/antique/unique that not many people have!

q: Do you have a good substitute for heavy whipping cream for desserts?
a: It depends on the recipe, but if you’re not whipping the cream, I recommend using canned full fat coconut milk. But again, depends on the recipe!

5. Newest Videos: 

Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita…every summer weekend needs a good cocktail. This is surely a favorite.

6. Learning Life Lessons…slowly.

This past week, I had quite the day on Tuesday with an afternoon that resulted in non-stop computer work and problem-solving. It was stressful, to say the least, but the good news is, all has been resolved and life went on. It’s always so hard for me to see anything but the negative in stressful situations, especially when deep in the moment. It’s almost ingrained into me to look at the negatives and fixate on them.

Looking back on everything now, I’m actually really happy with the way I managed the situation. Instead of becoming completely overwhelmed and overly emotional (which I tend to do), I took everything in, reacted in a more rational way, and problem solved. By the time I went to bed, which was way too late, I had done all I could do to mend the situation. The rest was out of my hands. So I let it go.

I’m really happy that I didn’t allow myself to get walked on, and stayed firm in my direction. Because of my younger age, I think people sometimes feel as though I’m someone they can tell what to do. Slowly I am learning how to navigate and be much more firm with people about what I want. Especially with a project that has my name. It’s not easy, but I’m learning…progress is key!

A year ago I probably would have given in. I guess it’s true what they say, with age comes knowledge. And that’s my little life lesson for the day!

Question: how do you best handle a stressful situation with someone you work closely with? Would love to hear any of your tips and things you’ve learned along the way.

7. A Few Links I Am Loving…

weekend city guide to Charleston, South Carolina….I’ve done a quick day trip, but I’m dying to go again.

22 books for summer 2019The Kitchen Is for Dancing by Karlene Karst. what are you reading?

the Mediterranean is the ideal destination for design lovers…or just me. I need to go. and soon.

these Thai recipes are so good, you’ll think you ordered in…I am all about these recipes.

a fun-filled family retreat in Kentucky…the ideal summer house.

8 female executives on the habits they gave up…I could surely learn a thing or two from these women. taking notes.

Queer Eye’s Tan France reveals his stunning closet…of course, beyond jealous is an understatement.

the donut flavors Americans love most…what is your favorite?

what a $20 million home looks like in 7 cities...Palm Beach OR NYC for me. my favorite cities.

the best cakes to make this weekend when you are bored…love cake baking.

11 ways to make you feel like you have your shit together…need to clear my inbox…or maybe just make my bed.

the goop Hamptons guide…for the ideal east coast summer.

Blake Lively’s fitness tips…she has cheat days and takes days off…knew I always liked her.

8 tips to reduce anxiety…certainly could use all of these tips!

Target just dropped an affordable new skincare line…and I am dying to try it.

budget-friendly summer trends…yes, I can afford these pieces.

8 amazing office tours…because I love a good looking office.

the best Trader Joe’s sauces…what’s your favorite? I haven’t tried any of them…

8. Summer Statement Bags…

9. This Week’s Dinners:

Basil Chicken Saltimbocca with Marinated Tomatoes and Burrata | halfbakedharvest.com #chicken #tomatoes #basil #summerrecipes

Monday: basil chicken saltimbocca with marinated tomatoes and burrata

Grilled Vegetable and Cheese Quesadillas with Mango Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com #summerrecipes #grilled recipe #mexican

Tuesday: grilled vegetable and cheese quesadillas with mango salsa

Balsamic Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad | halfbakedharvest.com #chicken #salad #tomatoes

Wednesday: grilled balsamic chicken cobb salad

Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Tomato Tarts | halfbakedharvest.com #tomato #easyrecipes #tarts #everythingbagel #summer #summerrecipes

Thursday: caramelized onion and balsamic tomato tarts

Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine | halfbakedharvest.com #pasta #shrimp #easyrecipes #summerrecipes

Friday: garden herb shrimp scampi linguine

Finally, check out all the past Favorites posts here.