Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

(sunday baking: pumpkin patch chocolate peanut butter cake)

Hi, hi! And happy Sunday!

As many of you know, HBH Super Simple is almost here – just one week from Tuesday! And things are well…only just a little bit crazy. I leave for New York in one week and I’m in full-on crunch mode. Working to check everything off my list before leaving for what’s the start of on and off travel for about three weeks. I’m never gone for a HUGE chunk of time, but it’s going to be a lot of back and forth, especially with our hour and a half drive to and from the airport (my least favorite thing about traveling).

We have four days in NYC, then home for a couple of days, then four days in LA. Then back home for a fun holiday photoshoot (that I’m so excited about). Then in November it’s off to Chicago for two-ish days, but bringing my mom and Asher on that quick trip. I’m especially looking forward to a little quality time with those two. It’s very much needed.

We also got two pieces of big fun news this past week. Both are happening within the next couple of months (my favorite time!). I can’t wait to share more once everything is finalized!

And then, if all goes well, I’ll be back to NYC in early December. Which I would LOVE, because who does not love NYC in December. It’s magical. I don’t use that word often, but it’s the most fitting for NYC during the holidays.

So, a lot. But all good things, and I can truly say that while I am overwhelmed, I’m mostly just SO EXCITED.

Excited for the events, the signings, and mostly, to be able to meet more of you – very soon!! So much happening! Can you tell I have some energy or what? Just way excited over here! And anxious, but that’s to be expected. With new things, traveling, and so much happening, my anxiety is high, but doing my best to manage!

Anyway, that’s what’s happening over here. Again, all very good things. Feeling thankful.

Coming up this on HBH, we’ll be starting the week off with a hearty Italian recipe that would be great for Sunday nights. Then we’ll share a sneak peek inside HBH Super Simple and recipe straight from the book too. Then yet another “better than takeout” style recipe (can you guess what it is?). On Thursday we’ll have a fun game day snack that’s quite addicting. And it’s a wild card on Friday – because I just don’t know yet. And of course, a fun drink on Saturday! Many new and delicious things headed your way this week. Can’t wait!

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. And of course, if you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s #9 on the favorite’s list)

1. Inspiring Me This Week On Pinterest.

(all photos via Pinterest)

2. Homemade Holidays?

Some of you may or may not recall, but for the last few years I’ve done a series starting mid-November called “Homemade Holidays“. It’s a fun series of posts with holiday crafts, DIY projects, tablescapes, my annual cookie box, and homemade gifts. I have so much fun with these, and I would love to bring it back again this season. My question to you all is…when do I share these posts?

In years past, I discontinued Nine Favorite Things for the month of December and instead put up holiday content. BUT you guys seem to love these favorites posts so much, and Saturdays are all about cocktails. So…I’m a little stumped.

Do you want a favorite’s post on Sunday? Or Should I do a holiday post instead? Should I do BOTH? If both, that means one recipe post will need to go…

HELP. What do you guys think? Please, please – tell me!

Fun Fact: this potpourri is my favorite Homemade Holidays post…it’s also HBH’s second most viewed post, EVER.

3. It’s 25% off everything at Antro right now…

4. Questions of the Week.

q: What is your favorite appetizer to make?
a: Cheeseboards! Should I make a new one for the holidays this year?? I also love baked brie and my grandmas 3 ingredient appetizer recipe (in the new cookbook) too! So basically…cheese!

q: What are your favorite and not so favorite aspects of your job?
a: Favorite: being able to be creative every day, cook, and style food. Connecting with you guys (honestly my very favorite, it’s how I know what to create!). Working on fun new projects and growing HBH as a brand. Those are all my favorite parts!!

The not so favorite part: really just the pressure I put on myself. Having your own business isn’t a 9/5…it’s 24/7 and I have to work to find a bit more balance.

q: Are you much of a reader? What are you reading these days?
a: I am really not much of a reader, but I wish I was. I need to make more time for it!

q: How do you get inspired to create recipes?
a: Mostly from you guys! I love hearing what recipes you’re all loving and what recipes you want to see me share. The seasons are also a huge inspiration for me. I get bored rather quickly. I love the changing seasons because they bring new ingredients to work with!

q: Your sweaters are ON POINT. What’s your go-to store?
a: Love. My. Sweaters. My favorites sources are Shopbop, Revolve, Sèzane, Anthropologie (25% off today for Anthro Perks members!), Love Shack Fancy, & Other Stories, and Nordstroms.

5. Newest Videos.

Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce…It’s easy and everyone’s favorite skillet dinner.

Spiced Pecan Apple Cider Doughnut Cake…nothing is better than Sunday baking in the fall. Bake this.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole…the creamy baked version of chicken noodle soup.

Butternut Squash and Brie Soup…certainly one of my best bowls of soup.

6. It’s snowing today sooo…

Slow cooking these short ribs for Sunday night dinner.

Rewatching this interview with Julie Andrew’s on GMA. Found this so interesting.

Working on planning all the upcoming holiday cocktails for all the Saturdays to come…what do you want to see?

Sourcing the internet for clothes…what does one wear on a BIG morning talk show? I am lost. HELP ME.

Probably sipping on my favorite latte of the season.

Baking up a batch of these pumpkin butter chocolate chip cookies.

Lighting my favorite candle – because I am obsessed with these Anthropologie candles.

Cozying up to this blanket and calling it an early night…or binge-watching a good show.

7. a few links i am loving…

a candy colored mansion outside of Chicago…wow. most colorful home I’ve ever seen. and that kitchen.

it’s never too late…25 famous women on starting over in a new career.

which fall meal should you make for dinner…I got lasagna, how about you?

Andy Baraghani, senior food editor, Bon Appétit…really good interview for a Sunday read.

9 creepiest places you should probably never visit…if you like spooky things.

Diane Keaton’s first-ever decor line is unmistakably hers…black, white, and timeless.

inside Instagram founder Kevin Systrom’s Lake Tahoe retreat…but really, this house. the kitchen. wow.

how a high-profile event planner dresses for work…taking notes.

vegetarian friendly one-pot meals…YUM.

rare first edition of the this “Harry Potter” book just sold for more than $58,000…I LOVE Harry Potter, but wow.

why Michelle Phan thinks being alone is so important…a must listen to podcast episode I found really inspiring.

this fall, pair your candles for maximum coziness…sold. I must do this. today.

12 incredible one-bowl recipes that are too easy not to try…one bowl means less dishes. yes, please.

7 chic hotels above the arctic circle…if you like to travel to cold places.

tour a mini hôtel particulier in an art deco Chicago high-rise…so cute. I’d love to stay here.

worth the money…luxe beauty favorites.

this private island oasis in Panama raises the bar on sustainable retreats…come January I’d certainly like to be here.

8. What I Order for NYC and LA…

9. this week’s nine favorite things dinners.

Monday: cream of mushroom soup with garlic herb breadcrumbs

Tuesday: healthier 30 minute beer braised chicken

Wednesday: garlic butter creamed spinach salmon

Thursday: one pot chicken and sage dumplings

Friday: brown butter brussels sprout and bacon ravioli

Sunday Night Side: crispy rosemary butter roasted potatoes

Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.