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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
(edible flowers brighten my day via Gourmet Sweet Botanicals)
I get the feeling you guys can all relate to what I’m about to say, but there isn’t much happening around here these days. With the holidays behind us, the craziness has definitely slowed…though we’re still very, very busy here at HBH. But that’s nothing new. I’ve been dividing up my time between the blog, social, and outside projects (some of which I can finally share soon!!), but at the same time trying to carve out more time for family, more time to chill, and a slightly earlier bedtime too.
I’m trying…
Keyword trying. Some days have been better than others, but I think I’m making some progress. Little by little, right? I read a story on habits this week and found it so interesting. It can take up to sixty-six days to form a habit. In order to break bad habits, you need to work slowly each day to form a new habit. So in a way, I guess that’s what I’m working to do. And trust me, I am a real creature of habit. Once habits are formed, they’re hard for me to break.
My biggest focus is on an earlier bedtime. Which has been my focus before…but I clearly have not succeeded. Looking at my late bedtime as a bad habit though has changed my view and given me some tools to actually break the habit. Before I just kept saying I wanted to get to bed earlier, but I wasn’t thinking of it as a bad habit. Now that I’m viewing it as what it really is…a bad habit, I’m implementing a plan of action using some of the ideas listed in the blog post.
The other thing I’m working on is stretching. I’m thinking of signing up for Melissa Wood Health after so many of you recommended her flows the other week. I love that she offers ten to seventeen minute flows. My time is limited for sure, but I can carve out ten minutes to do a quick yoga flow, you know?
So that’s what’s currently on the top of my head for me! How about you all? How’s the new year going? Anything you’re trying to switch up in your daily routines? Any habits you’re trying to break?
In other, much more fun news, Asher and I finally got to give my mom the birthday gift the two of us had been working on since new years. We got her a one night stay at The Little Nell in Aspen. If you’ve ever been to Aspen, I’m sure you’ve seen The Little Nell. It’s certainly the cutest little hotel in the heart of Aspen and the only ski-in and ski-out hotel. My mom loves a mini trip, so we knew that she’d be so excited, and she was!
BUT we didn’t just gift her a stay, we had to come up with a fun way to give it to her. I put Asher in charge of this and boy did she deliver. She had the genius idea to play a little game with her. We bought her a ski outfit that you’d only see worn on the Aspen slopes. ‘Twas a really special cheetah print ski suite. To complete the ensemble, we got leather gloves with fur. The only thing missing was ear muffs, but I had a hard time finding the right pair. Anyway, we knew my mom would never actually wear this outfit, but we wanted her to be confused by the gift. And she was…but she sure did play along with our “game”. You had to be there, but our family had a pretty good laugh.
Once she put on the suit, Asher gave her a card that said, “can you guess where you are going yet?”. When she read this she said, “going?!”. It took her a second to figure it out and we had to give her a clue, but she finally guessed Aspen. Asher made her the cutest slide show on her computer that ended with a gift certificate for her one night stay. It was all perfect, and really fun too! And now, we’ve got a trip to Aspen to look forward to!
Question: What has been one of your most memorable birthday gifts? Any that are fun and out of the ordinary?
Coming up this week, I have a fun vegetarian recipe for Monday that’s bright, colorful, and healthy…but feels more indulgent. Then on to something sweet, but lightened up for a little Tuesday baking. Then, we’ve got some tacos lined up. And for Thursday, some easy but delicious pasta. And for Friday? Everyone’s favorite candy bar, but made at home and made healthier too. Any guesses?
Question: What was your favorite recipe this week? Mine was certainly, the chocolate chunk banana bread mug cakes. They turned out SO GOOD and they’re the easiest to make. Has anyone made one yet?
Enjoy this week’s favorites! And as always let me know if there is anything recipe wise, product wise, or anything in between that you would love to see!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…Sex and The City the Movie. OK. So I haven’t watched this series, but the movies are now on Netflix. I didn’t know what else to watch, so I gave it a try and I got sucked in. I can’t say it’s my favorite, but I can now say I’ve watched it. The question is, do I need to watch the series from start to finish?
baking…Homemade Twix Bars. I’m really into homemade takes on our favorite store-bought or restaurant foods. What should I make next? Any requests?
loving…my Alo Leggings. You guys. I genuinely LOVE these leggings. I’ve been looking for a pair of leggings that fit like a glove but are not so tight that you’re just uncomfortable all day. These are the perfect leggings. They’re soft, breathable, and cute. 100% recommend these leggings.
loving…the Zwilling USA Pro Line. In fact, I use these knives daily!
ordered…this Song Of Style Oversized Knit Polo. In both colors, because it truly looks like it was made for me.
listening to…Life with Marianna. Such a good podcast you guys. My favorite episodes so far are Jen Atkin Shares Her Career Journey and Advice For New Brands and Melissa Wood on Setting Intentions For The New Year and Being The Best Version of Yourself (this might have convinced me that I need to meditate.
ordered…basically ALL the Boy Smells Candles. Slow Burn (in the size magnum size, which is incredible. I have it burning now), Broken Rosary (which I have now ordered twice), and Park Life (haven’t lit this yet, but it smells incredible.
also ordered….Diptyque Baies/Berries Candle. I’ve waited the longest time to splurge on this candle and all the hype is true. It’s incredible.
watching…Being Hailey Langland. Hails is like family. Yes, she’s my brother’s girlfriend, but she’s been apart of the family for years. She is the toughest woman I know and the girl can ride a snowboard like no other. If you love an inspiring story, watch this.
And a quote from Hails, “if not now, then when”…love this.
ordering…Terrain Fresh Flowers. I need some color back in my life. Ordered these branches.
loving…everything from the new Zara Home drop. Their stuff is just so good.
thinking about ordering…a Dyson Vacuum. We NEED a new vacuum and I’ve only heard good things about the Dyson’s. Does anyone own one? Thoughts?
2. My favorite winter lemon recipes.
Swirled Blueberry Lemon Thyme Cake
Earl Grey Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Salted Maple Butter
Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream
Lemon Strawberry Dutch Baby with Ricotta Cream
Vanilla Chai Lemon Ricotta Muffins
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Honey Glaze
One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo
Simplest Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey
Herbed Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemony Feta Dressing
20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs
Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken With Citrus Avocado Salsa
3. New Kitchen Finds from Anthro…
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: What do your parents do for a living?
a: My mom is actually my business partner and works on the back end of HBH. She manages the ads, upkeep of the site, copy edits all blog posts, and a million other things in between. Couldn’t do it without her ? My dad is technically retired, but he’s my right-hand guy for pretty much anything and everything from grocery shopping, to cleaning, to every last “shit” job there is. Also, couldn’t do it without him.
Working closely with family can be extremely challenging. But I also wouldn’t be able to trust anyone else with these tasks. I know they’ve always got my (+ HBH’s) best interest in mind when making any kind of decision, big or small.
q: Do you like the snow? If not, how do you deal?
a: Yes! Love the snow…but only from about November through January. Once March hits I’m so ready for spring and warmer days…which I will not get until June. Soooo…I just make recipes inspired by the tropics and pretend I’m there. It’s not the same, but at least it’s good food ??♀️
q: What is your favorite quote?
a: I don’t know if this is a quote, but I live by the saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. My mom instilled that in all of us (as in my siblings and me) and it’s never failed me.
q: Do you have someone who helps you write the blog?
a: Nope! It’s me 🙂 and all my typos. Though like I mentioned, my mom has always copy edited every last blog post since our very first post. Without her, you guys would be left wondering what on earth I was trying to say. Spelling/grammar have never been my strong points.
q: What are some of your other hobbies besides cooking?
a: Anything revolving around any kind of styling. Putting together outfits or re-styling my house I could do all day long if I had the time. I love to make things look pretty or reinventing a space if it’s feeling boring. I also LOVE a good craft project. Oh, and organizing too.
q: Is your pizza oven inside or outside?
a: So many questions about this pizza oven! It’s inside our studio space. I know it’s only a pizza oven, but I literally stood by it all day today and worked on the computer. I LOVE having it going in the winter.
5. New Year, New Home Inspiration.
Architectural Digest – what an incredible shower
Source Unknown
Source Unknown
6. Inspiring me this week…you guys!
First, I want to say thank you to you guys. The responses I received to last Sunday’s Favorite’s post pretty much blew me (and my parents too) away. So much kindness, so many incredible and encouraging words, and the most inspiring quotes. My dad has had the idea for me to share some of the quotes today since so many of them are just what we all need to read these days.
So. with that, here are some of our favorite uplifting quotes!
From Diane K.
My mother’s standard was “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all.” Why these people feel necessary to be negative on social media and websites is beyond me, it’s not like they HAVE to be reading any of it, they choose to be reading it. If you don’t like something, just don’t read it, get off of it.
From Me: 100% YES to this. Thank you Diane!!
…
From Kristen
My mom always tells me to “ do to others what you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31. Anger and hate get you nowhere.
From Me: Agree!! Such a great quote. Thank you Kristen!!
…
From Paige
Someone once told me that energy travels in a circle and what you put out into the world will eventually come back to you. It’s the law of attraction. It really is true and it really works! So does a little yoga or mediation every now and then, just to quiet the noise!
From Me: My mom says this too!! I need to work in the yoga part for sure! Thanks Paige!
…
From Maggie May (sharing her whole comment because it’s just GREAT)
Happy Sunday Tieghan, and thanks for the uplifting words. Love the message of kindness as always. I live by this Mother Teresa quote: “ Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” I think HBH and these Sunday posts are a perfect example of this because they always make me so happy. At this point, I’ve made hundreds of your recipes, and they bring so much happiness to me and my fam. Food is such a good way to spread happiness, right!! This week I made the coconut chickpea curry and Moroccan chickpea tahini from HBH super simple…delish. Anyway, I’m rambling but Keep it up!! Happy birthday to your mom tomorrow too ?
From Me: This just made my day and the quote from Mother Teresa is one I will keep referring back to. “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” I think if we can do this, we’ll all be happier and feel better within ourselves. Making this my goal to always keep this in the back of my head. Even on my hardest days. Thanks so much for sharing this Maggie May!
…
From Kelly Griffith
Adding to your sentiments about kindness, this one always stays with me. “It’s hard to be a human.” When I find myself being so easily annoyed by other people or judging them, I remind myself of this. It is hard to be a human.
From Me: It sure is!! Try to give yourself and others a break. You never know what someone is dealing with.
Thank you again to everyone who reads along every day and this post every Sunday. Whether you comment or not, I am SO happy these Sunday Favorite’s posts are something you guys can look forward to!
7. A few favorite links I am loving…
50 Amazon Finds That Will Elevate Your Work-From-Home Setup…all about the elevated work from home setup right now.
7 Renovation Trends to Look Out For in 2021…currently working on that bathroom oasis. And I love the idea of bringing the outdoors in!
Flawless Floor Mirrors…I certainly love a floor mirror. Something about them is timeless and so pretty. This is my favorite.
7 Ways to Update Your Work-From-Home Routine for 2021…so many good ideas here.
12 Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp and Healthy…I love my morning routine, but maybe it’s time to switch it up!
6 Things to Stop Doing in 2021 (and 6 to Start)…yes to ALL of these, but especially to overthinking. That is my biggest issue/time suck.
How to Find Joy in Your Day-to-Day Routine (Really!)…because we deserve to be happy and have fun every single day.
The Comfiest and Chicest Items You Can Buy at Zara Right Now…of course, I LOVE a good Zara find. This is mini skirt and these boots are in my cart.
20 Affordable Cashmere Lounge Sets You’ll Never Regret Buying…loving this tank and cardi set from Reformation.
A Condo in a Former NYC School Got a Major Update…so many funny little nooks in this home.
Our Favorite Sources for Dried Flowers That Deliver…certainly the perfect way to add fresh color in the middle of winter.
9 Financial Goals to Make This Year…plus exactly how to achieve them.
Tour This Colorful West Village Town House…such a unique home and I certainly love that rooftop garden.
All the 2021 Clean Beauty Trends…I am a huge fan of Ilia and Saie.
Make Way for the “Cloffice”…I love this idea so much. I actually did something similar when I was a kid. Have any of you turned your closest into an office?
8. Cozy, Casual Winter Looks…
9. This week’s dinners…
Monday: Folded Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Tuesday: 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil
Wednesday: Lightened Up Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo
Thursday: Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing
Friday: Balsamic Mushroom Fontina Pizza
Saturday Brunch: Za’atar Eggs with Lemony Yogurt and Herbs
Sunday Baking: 5 Minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake
Check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
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. 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.
This post was originally published on January 17, 2021
Since you mentioned trying to get into a stretching routine. You might check out “Yoga by Adrienne” on Youtube. She is doing a 30 day challenge in January called “breath” and each video is about 20 minutes long and has been wonderful so far! Good reminder to take the time for yourself and just move.
Hey Rachel,
Thanks so much for reading along and your recommendation! xTieghan
Made your Folded Crispy Buffalo Chicken wraps last night! Sooooooo good! Once the prep part is done – very easy!
family loved them! thanks very much and keep up the great work! Look at your inspiration almost daily.
All the best!
Kudos from Canada!
Hey Pamela,
I am thrilled that you liked the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a go! Have an awesome week:) xTieghan
We bought a Dyson 18 or so years ago thinking it would last longer than other vacuum cleaners, and it did not. I think it was four years max. Maybe they’ve improved them, but I would be hesitant to ever spend that kind of money on a vacuum cleaner again. It was very disappointing.
Hey Kristin,
Thanks so much for your review on the Dyson! xTieghan
What a nice gift for your mom. That’s such a great hotel!
Thanks so much!! xTieghan
i was looking for a new recipe to try this week- we’re going to make those scallops! YUM!
As for habits, I am working on getting back to drinking 65 oz of water a day… And. not at 4 pm when I realize I’ve had none, but throughout the day.
Hey Cassie,
I hope you love the scallops, let me know how they turn out!! xTieghan
We love our dyson vaccums- our first one is ten years old and still works great! We just upgraded to a cordless stick vaccum and it’s awesome. Worth the investment!
Thanks a lot for your feedback Steph! xTieghan
I look forward to this post every Sunday. It’s the best. The links to articles, your fashion picks and of course FOOD! I couldn’t live without my Dyson vacuums. They are the best. They work great and so easy to maintain. I have two: a cordless stick vacuum and a regular multisurface plug in. The stick vacuum is great for a quick clean up or change the attachment to handheld to use in small spaces. The bigger dyson is perfect for thick rugs and deeper cleaning. They are a little pricey but worth it. I hope this helps! Also, I made the Greek sheet pan souvlaki chicken last nigh. It’s a family favorite. The sun dried tomatoes, feta, olive mix is genius.
Hey Sarah,
Thanks a lot for reading along and sharing your feedback on the vacuum:) I am thrilled you enjoyed the chicken Souvlaki recipe! Have an awesome week! xTieghan
I had bought a refurbished Dyson off of Amazon about 7 years ago as a young, nearly broke bachelor. I had a $50 target special before that that had died after only having it a couple years. The Dyson has been amazing.
For a short while, between moving from one area to the next, I lived with my parents while my old house sold. My mom used my Dyson while I was there and fell in love with it. She now has two for herself – a large one, and one of the handheld ones.
I’d definitely say go for it, they really are all they’re cracked up to be.
Hey Robb,
Thanks a lot for your feedback on the Dyson, this is super helpful! Have an awesome week:) xTieghan
The Sex and The City series is INFINITELY better than the movies. Seasons 3 and 4 are especially good.
How is the Broken Rosary Boy Smells candle? I’m kicking myself that I didn’t order it before Christmas, but it’s cool to see it on Shopbop.
Hey Elena,
Thanks for your feedback on Sex and the City! Loving the Boy Smells candle:) xTieghan
Yes!!!! My dyson v10 stick vacuum is so light and makes it actually fun to vacuum !
That’s so awesome, thanks for your feedback Elaine!! xTieghan
Tieghan,
Get the Dyson vacuum cleaner! I invested in one 2 years ago and it was one of my best purchases ever! For so long I thought I could not afford it and kept lugging my heavy, ineffective vacuum up the stairs and the house just never seemed that clean. Enter the Dyson, that picks up dirt you cannot even see – and makes it fun! Find a spot where it can hang and charge and it is always ready. I would give it 5 stars!
Hey Susan,
Thanks for your review on the Dyson, this is super helpful!! xTieghan
I love what you create! I love what you offer and how you share so generously with all of us! I have never cooked in my life and a close friend introduced me to your work a few months ago & my life has been transformed! I am sure you hear this often, but as a small business owner, I know it is important to understand how your work reaches out into the world and helps others:) Thank you!
Hey Tammy,
Thanks for your kind message and following along. I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes:) Wishing you all the best! xTieghan
Good morning! My most memorable birthday gift was for my 60th birthday (some years ago). My son Chris sent me a box containing 60 birthday cards from family and friends! It was such a great idea because I lived so far away from most of these people and hadn’t seen some for many years. It was such fun opening each one and reading the wishes sent. The tears started to flow immediately …and every time I go back to reread them!
Hey Diane,
Thank you so very much for reading and sharing your birthday gift, how awesome, this is totally something I would love! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Another wonderful blog post, thank you, you have really made my day and with all of the recipes with lemon, you have cheered me up immensely. Unfortunately my partner and I are now having to isolate after he tested positive for covid-19 this weekend, so I whilst I cannot go out on walks for now, I am planning on baking some of those lovely lemon recipes whilst monitoring my own health this week. Best birthday surprise will seem weird but about 5 years ago my partner treated me to a Kitchen Aid mixer, which I love. As for favourite recipe of the week, it has to be the balsamic mushroom fontina pizza, it was so delicious. Now here is a question for you. What is your favourite flavour cake? I hope that you have a good week.
Hey Colleen,
Thanks for reading today, so sorry to hear you have Covid, I hope you and your partner feel better soon:) Favorite birthday cake? For sure chocolate! xTieghan
Definitely give the Sex & the City series a try if you liked the movies. I liked the movies but I LOVED the series!
Thanks so much Lori! xTieghan