Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

I just collect flowers now. Love them so much.

(vases from left to right, white stone vase, taline vase, aged ceramic vase, bulb vase, Terrain vase, sold out, glass bottle vase) 

You guys, I feel so well-loved after last Sunday’s Favorite’s post. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read these posts. I read each and every single comment left on last week’s post and am in shock that so many of you read the post all the way through…and that so many of you love these posts the way you do. Honestly, I’m smiling ear to ear right now. Thank you! Thank you!

In reading everyone’s comments, it seems as though most you love the weekly menu, favorite links, hearing what’s inspiring me, my fashion and home finds, and these intros the most. I will say that these posts take forever and ever to write up. But it’s so nice knowing that all the work I put into them is appreciated. I feel like I’m saying this every week now, but you guys really are the best little HBH family.

My other takeaways from the comments left on last week’s post…more lifestyle photos, more inspiring quotes, and some slightly more affordable fashions picks. It seems we all love to fantasize over the pricier items, but the reality is that we need some more everyday clothing options. I’m on it. Yes, my taste tends to sway towards the higher end side (a girl can dream). But this week I’m finding affordable picks, so look out for those today!

Anyway, just wanted to say a quick thank you! I was feeling a little defeated when I started this post. But all those comments put me right back into the mindset I need to be in. Happy, energized, excited, and ready to share what’s happening!

This week was a busy one. So many things happening…all at once. It can be overwhelming yet exciting. I spent the week running around…per usual, but with many more calls, and a little less time for cooking. Somehow I still found time to cook, and I’m excited to share some new summer recipes this week. I received a box of my favorite Frog Hollow Farm peaches on Thursday, so expect new peach recipes in the coming weeks!

As for this the weekend, I have Kai here filming new recipe videos, so that’s always fun! It’s nice getting to spend time with my younger brother. It makes “work” feel not so much like work. The days are long, but we still have a lot of fun. Well, usually…I can sometimes annoy him, but that’s a good brother-sister working relationship for ya!

Coming up this week on HBH… We’ll be starting Monday off with an easy, summery Thai noodle dish. Then Tuesday is one of my favorites, a classic, but with a summer twist. Hint, it’s one of my grandma’s recipes and it’s on the sweeter side! Wednesday is all about a simple summer zucchini recipe. Then a fun peachy appetizer. And of course, Friday is all about the summer treats. And then there might be a new cocktail coming soon. With so many peaches, I have a few new ideas…

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. If you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list). You can grab the full grocery list for this week’s menu in our special Sunday newsletter.

1. Inspiring me this week on Pinterest.

I was surprised when many of you said you like it when I share what’s inspiring me. But also so happy, because I love pulling these photos from my Pinterest library. I don’t often have time to scroll Pinterest, but this favorites feature allows me that time! It’s fun!

Sources unknown, but all found via Pinterest. Please let me know if you happen to know the exact sources.

Question: what photos, quotes, people, places, etc. are inspiring you guys this week?

2. All the summer tomato recipes you need.

Easy Sheet Pan Tomato Herb Pizza

20 Minute Florentine Butter Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas

Basil Chicken Saltimbocca with Marinated Tomatoes and Burrata

Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata

One-Pot 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Heirloom Tomato Cheddar Tart with Everything Spice

Prosciutto Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta

Skillet Burst Cherry Tomato Summer Pasta with Lemony Breadcrumbs

Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers with Lemony Basil Tomatoes

Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Tomato Tarts

Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad

Garlic and Herb Roasted Cherry Tomato Pizza with Caramelized Onions

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata + Toast

Opened Faced Tomato and Goat Cheese Sandwich

3. It’s 20% off all candles at Anthro…

Here are my favorite picks.

4. Favorite question of the week…

q: What do you listen to while you cook?
a: Most of the time it’s music or a podcast, but when I really have to focus it’s neither because I can get distracted, especially when I have podcasts playing

5. Latest recipe videos.

Skillet Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chicken…when you want pizza, but you need a simple skillet dinner.

Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondie…of course, the video really says it all, wait for the gooey ending.

And on Instagram stories…

Sheet Pan Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chicken Enchiladas… a fun and easy, but delicious dinner.

Double Stuffed Vanilla Key Lime Pie…with double the crust, double the filling, and a swirl of vanilla.

Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter Polenta Fries with Lemon Aioli..best way to enjoy polenta.

Browned Butter Corn and Feta Orzo…like a summery pasta salad, but with extra goodies.

Malted Milk Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches…certainly everyone’s favorite.

6. It’s the summer for picnics, BBQ’ing + camping.

With many of us staying closer to home this summer, it has officially become the summer to picnic, BBQ, and camp with friends and family. Personally, I love this. I’m all about doing as much outside and in a more intimate setting. Smaller groups and a simpler entertaining style really allows us the ability to actually enjoy our time instead of running around stressed about hosting a big group.

SO, I thought I’d share some of my favorite picnic-style recipes and pieces you need to create the perfect low-key picnic in the backyard, nearby park, or campground.

A few favorite recipes fit for picnicking, BBQ’ing, and even camping too:\

Blackberry Lavender White Chocolate Scones

Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins

Layered Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter

Antipasto Mozzarella Sandwich with Lemony Basil Pesto

Marinated Veggie Cheese Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Grilled Pesto Zucchini Stuffed with Tomatoes and Orzo

Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini

No Fuss Farmers Market Mezze Platter

Caprese Prosciutto Farro Salad

Buckeye Crunch Bars

Double Stuffed Vanilla Key Lime Pie

Better Than Mom’s Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

For the backyard picnic:

For the campers:

Summer picnic photo Inspiration:

(photo from Style Me Pretty)

(photos from Our Food Stories)

Related reading:

The Picnic Roundup on Studio McGee.

What To Pack for a Picnic on Domino.

Plan A Camping Trip And We’ll Reveal The National Park You Should Visit on Buzzfeed.

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

Simone Biles on Overcoming Abuse, the Postponed Olympics, and Training During a Pandemic…such an inspiring read.

Creating Clueless’s Iconic Wardrobe…all the fun behind the scenes details.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent Design an Era-Spanning LA Kitchen…In love – I want that marble backsplash.

The Simplest Health Tip Ever…of course – chew your darn food!

The McGee Home Laundry Room…well, this is certainly my new dream laundry room.

Studio McGee Make Life Beautiful Q&A…loved watching this and am excited for their book this fall.

The Most Valuable Skills I Didn’t Learn in the Classroom…real life experience is everything.

Tour a New York Couple’s Classic Martha’s Vineyard Home…this kitchen…this entire home. So unique, so pretty.

The Power of Personalizing Your Brand in 4 Steps…yes, to all of this. This is so important.

This Book Delivery Service Will Make Your Summer…if you love to read.

17 Insanely Easy Habits That Will Change Your Life…need to start making my bed.

7 Things Every Women Should Know About Her Period…all your questions, answered.

An Idyllic escape in Jackson Hole, Wyoming…what a pretty home in the mountains.

Eat all the Carbs And We’ll Reveal Where You Should Live…I got London and I’ll take it!

Gigi Hadid Just Showed Her Baby Bump…and she looks incredible.

Dermatologists Rank the 4 Worst Exfoliating Mistakes…good to know.

the 18 Best Skincare Brands to Unlock Plump, Youthful Skin…personally love Tata Harper and Is Clinical.

9 Women on Their Best Pregnancy Style Advice…if you are expecting and need some tips.

How to Design a Living Room for less than $500…for any of us looking for a refresh, but still need to stick to a budget.

A DIYed a Concrete Table…I would love this dining table. So cool.

Jeffrey Seller, the producer of Hamilton, turned his Westchester, NY cottage…into a laid-back family retreat.

51 Small Kitchen Design Ideas…that certainly make the most of a tiny space.

What Founders of Successful Companies Wear to Work From Home…love a good “work from home” look.

Tour Broadway Star Heather Headley’s Perfect Private Escape…I especially love all the wood detailing.

Thinking of Renting an RV…here are the 5 things to bring with you.

5 Ways to Add Character to Your Space…some fun and easy ideas.

8. Basics Under $150.

9. this week’s dinners…

Monday: Sheet Pan Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chicken Enchiladas

Tuesday: Brown Butter Corn and Feta Orzo with Crispy Prosciutto

Wednesday: Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad with Goddess Dressing

Thursday: Caramelized Corn and Tomato Tarte Tatin

Friday: Spicy Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Involtini

Saturday Appetizer: Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter Polenta Fries with Lemon Aioli

Sunday Treat: Malted Milk Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches

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