Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Another Sunday, another favorites post! Hard to believe that today is the last Sunday of July. Where has the summer gone? Around here our weather starts to cool about late August and fall slowly starts to settle in. I’m hoping fall can hold off until mid-September this year…I’m just not ready for summer to come to a close. It’s been an odd summer with ups and downs and a lot of emotions. But even with everything happening in the world, and all the craziness, it’s still been such a nice summer.

As I said, I’ve been enjoying summer here in Colorado…this year more than ever. It’s been warmer than summers past, and while this week has brought a lot of thunderstorms, it’s been nice to step outside afterward and see all the wildflowers thriving, and feel the warmer air. My early morning hikes are always my favorite part of the day. I’m grateful to have my favorite hiking trail right in my backyard. It’s the most peaceful way to start my (busy) day, I always return home feeling excited to get going.

We’re settling into new work routines with old and new HBH team members and planning/prepping for the upcoming fall season. We’ve got multiple fun projects in the works, all very exciting and keeping us very busy!

But guys…other than that, I don’t have too much to report. With everything being shut down and not much traveling happening, it’s really just left time for things like work, family time, and plotting out some home projects (more on that below).

Question: How are you all spending your summer? Would love to hear how you’re adapting your summer plans to still keep things fun!

We do have one very special trip planned, my cousin Maggie’s wedding in September! We will all be heading home to Cleveland for a few days for the wedding. So my new task for the next month is to find cute, fun, and comfy outfits. I need something for the rehearsal and something for the wedding. Any ideas for me? It’s mid-September in Ohio so the weather should still be fairly warm. Let me know what you think!

Coming up this week on HBH, we’ve got a good line-up of fun summer recipes. We’ll be sharing a summer appetizer that’s going to be perfect for upcoming game-day snacks. Then a simple herby noodle dinner that even picky little Asher loves. We’ve also got a fun new vegetarian spin on tomatoes. And then on to a delicious spicy chicken dish. On Friday I’m hoping to have a sweet peach recipe to round out the week. I’ve been working on getting this peach recipe right for too long now…it’s getting close though!

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. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…

listening to…the new Taylor Swift album. On repeat…like everyone else. Always in awe of her talent.

excited to shop…the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early access preview. Love this sale.

a podcast I’m listing to…Design Time, with Leanne Ford, who is one of my favorite interior designers.

ordering…this Dansk baker. Because fall baking will soon be here.

loving…Wild Friends nut/seed jars of butter. Specifically the Be Well blends. SO GOOD. And no sugars or oils added!

watching…Street Food Latin America. Recommend by my brother, who wants me to make everything from this season.

loving…this swimsuit. It’s far too much money, but I’ve always loved palm trees.

re-ordering…Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum. My holy grail two-step skincare routine.

loving…these woven baskets and thinking about ordering them. Thoughts? I love baskets as decor and storage pieces.

wanting…this dress, which isn’t normally my style, but I love the vintage feel. Also, the longer version too.

ordering…Liberty Strawberry Face Mask. For every mask purchased, they donate a colorful one to a children’s healthcare network in the US to fill their halls with cheer.

2. My top 6 summer savory zucchini recipes.

It’s zucchini season, so here are my favorite recipes to make…

Spicy Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Involtini

Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

Mac and Cheese Stuffed Oven Fried Zucchini Bites

Souper Creamy Lemon Butter Cheesy Zucchini Orzo

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar and Zucchini Soup

Garden Greens Goddess Pizza

PS. I am sharing a brand new zucchini dish tomorrow, so save some zucchini for that!

3. It’s 25% Off Select Bedding and Décor at Anthro…

4. Favorite questions of the week…

q: When you were a kid, what was your favorite dish to eat?
a: Savory: dad’s eggs + toast, dad’s pasta dish, cheddar pierogi, and when I was really young…the frozen Stouffers mac and cheese my mom would buy. I’d cook them so the edges got a little crisp. Kind of want to do a homemade version now ?

Sweet: mom’s chocolate chip cookie dough/cookies, Dutch babies, mom’s special k bars, Buckeyes! And then “kid junk” wise? Probably Cinnamon Toast Crunch

q: Is there a dish that brings you a lot of joy to make?
a: Um, the Dutch baby from this past Tuesday is one for sure. In the fall, I love baking up anything with pumpkin or apple. For breakfast, anything sweet like French toast! So basically baking = joy 🙂

q: Would you ever show your cleanup process? It’s my least favorite part of cooking. 
a: My kitchen is a mess at the end of the day…such a mess. Thankfully I have help cleaning. My dad’s actually the official HBH dish guy and grocery run guy 🙂 He’s at the studio with me most days I work in the kitchen helping to clean. I do the food, he does the dishes…we banter back and forth. He calls himself my therapist because he hears about every last thing happening with HBH/life.

q: Advice to find happiness?
a: I think you really have to find something you love in life. Surround yourself with people who you feel are uplifting. Try to look at the good and forget the bad, always remember all that you have to be grateful for. I’m not a pro at happiness and really shouldn’t be giving advice here. But starting HBH has brought me so much happiness and still continues to make me so happy! Find what you love!

5. Latest recipe videos.

Crispy Lemon Feta with Spiced Chickpeas and Basil Orzo…the dinner that highlights cheese as its main.

And on Instagram Stories:

Saucy Thai style Summer Noodle Stir Fry…with (spicy + salty) sesame peanuts.

Lemon Strawberry Dutch Baby with Ricotta Cream…great for breakfast, but personally I love a breakfast-for-dinner situation.

Roasted Tomato Cheddar Tart…but with “house-made” ranch seasoning.

Lemon (garlic) Butter Scallops and Burst Tomato Basil Pasta. This one is simple and very delicious.

Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Zucchini Bread…swirled with creamy almond butter + heavy on the melty, warm, gooey chocolate.

6. I am so into home projects right now…

Anyone else? All I want to do is make updates to both the studio space and my home. I’m feeling the need to create the coziest, welcoming, and inviting spaces that make me feel like I never want to leave. My current project list is as follows…

For my home: 

– A new bathroom vanity. Really wanting a beautiful stone basin with a deeper build to more easily wash my face every day.
– Replace my stacked washer and dry. Any recommendations?
– Eyeing this curtain rod…and it’s making me want new curtains too. Love these.

For the studio:

– Wallpaper behind the large kitchen cabinet. Already have the paper, just need to put it up.
– Find a long vintage runner for in front of the kitchen sink.
– Finish our upstairs office space. We never really completed it.

For the outside:

– Plotting a whole new greenhouse. Read about my vision for it here.
– Horses…but this is more of a dream at this point.

Question: what is on your “home projects” list?

And a couple of Pinterest inspiration photo…still looking for that sink!

photo via Heather Bullard

photo via Nichole Hollis

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

Inspiring Ways to Transform a Kitchen with Wallpaper…Asher has the wallpaper in pic #12.

60 Small (BUT MIGHTY) Kitchens to Steal Inspiration From…such great ideas.

How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Open-Air Movie Theater…Asher is going to do this for Red’s GF, Hailey, for her birthday on August 2nd.

11 Ways to Break Bad Habits…love these helpful tips and need to put them to use so I can get to bed earlier (my worst habit).

13 Wellness Trends to Try From Home…very curious about red light therapy.

4 Things You Need to Know About Buying a Home Right Now…house hunting? Read this one.

The One Practical Decor Piece You Need in Your Home… as I said above, I love a good basket.

Every Room in This Home Is Covered in Royal Blue…such a unique home with so much character.

This Kind of Neighborhood Has a Big Health Benefit…walking is the thing to do.

Inside an Understated Paris Apartment…all the marble detailing is beautiful. And the kitchen…Wow.

The 8 Denim-Skirt Outfits to Wear This Fall…love a fall outfit, love a denim skirt.

Feeling Bored? Take One of These Online Classes…first on my list, Bobbi Brown Teaches Makeup and Beauty

8 Pantry Organization DIY Ideas for Every Storage Struggle…if you need some pantry help.

18 Fridge And Pantry Hacks You Should Know…number 2 is my personal favorite tip. It really works.

A Models Everyday Beauty Routine…from pimple patches to the ultimate eye-opening makeup trick.

The Best Farms in Every State…go find all the summer produce. No excuses.

There Are 7 Different Types of Strength Training…here’s how to hit them all.

Gardening Made Me Happier…it will work for you too. PS. this corn recipe looks delicious.

3 Things Tia Mowry Does Every Morning to Stay Healthy…sane.

How to Make Your Weekend Special While Staying at Home…love #7 and #9.

Making These 9 Simple Changes…totally transformed my body (and mind).

6 Important Things to Remember With Your Wedding Invitations…if you happen to be in planning mode.

Are You Working Out at Home…home workout tips to get you started.

30 Fruit Desserts to Make When Chocolate Just Won’t Do…because it’s summer.

The Singular Importance of Your Vote…and the steps you need to take before election day.

8. Summer jewelry and hair accessories…

And if you want to splurge…

9. this week’s dinners…

Monday: Saucy Thai Summer Noodle Stir Fry with Sesame Peanuts

Tuesday: Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Chickpea Salad

Wednesday: Instant Pot BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken Tacos with Ranch Corn Slaw

Thursday: Roasted Tomato Cheddar Tart with Ranch Seasoning

Friday: Browned Butter Scallop and Burst Tomato Basil Pasta

Saturday Breakfast: Lemon Strawberry Dutch Baby with Ricotta Cream

Sunday Baking: Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Zucchini Bread

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