Nine Favorite Things.

Welcome to this week’s Nine Favorite Things.

Anyone else very excited for spring, a new season, and all the fresh blooming flowers? It’s of course still cold here. Actually, we are in the midst of a snowstorm. But I just put in an order for fresh flowers from Terrain and I cannot wait for them to get here this week. I’ve officially hit that time of year where I need to surround myself with pretty spring flowers in an effort to keep myself inspired. The bright, happy colors always help on these cold snowy days.

Speaking of flowers, it’s also that time of year to start planning and prepping our summer gardens. Because it gets so chilly here at night, even during the summer, we need to use a greenhouse to keep everything warm. So far, we’ve really only had success growing herbs at this altitude. But this year I really want to incorporate fresh flowers into the mix for both inside the greenhouse and outside. Last summer I shared my dream garden inspiration with you guys. I’m attempting to slowly put plans in place to make some of those things a reality this summer. Fingers crossed! Gardens are so much work, but the outcome can be so rewarding!

Question: Anyone else currently planning their spring/summer gardens? It’s crazy that it’s already that time of year!

Let’s see, what else. My family spent some time in Aspen this week to watch Red compete in the 2021 World Championships which goes towards world rankings. Next week will be the first Olympic qualifying event for the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics. SO INSANE that it’s already time to start thinking about the next Winter Olympics. It feels like not that long ago we were all in Korea cheering Red on. Hard to believe three years have passed, but you know, time really does fly. He just missed the podium on Friday (by .1 point), you win some, you lose some. But he’s still sitting in first place in terms of World Rankings so that’s all good. I think I’m more nervous for the kid than he is. I am always so impressed by his ability to handle the pressure and block out all the noise.

In other news, I’m looking forward to heading to California at the end of the month. It’s so nice to see things slowly starting to re-open. I know things aren’t really normal (will they ever be?). But fingers crossed for some brighter months ahead…literally. My cousin’s wedding (it’s very small) is going to be in Julian, CA at Sacred Mountain and since I’m heading that way, I’m also going to make a stop in LA for a shoot with The Little Market and a quick stop to see the Home & Family crew. It’s been over a year, so I feel like I’m a little “rusty”. Nervous, but excited at the same time. I’ve definitely been in the snow for a little too long…

And that’s kind of that. Honestly, nothing all too exciting to report. Just plenty of plotting and planning for some studio and home updates. then the usual cooking, shooting, writing, and attempting to juggle one too many tasks…but nothing new there.

Oh! There is one kind of exciting piece of news. We are SO close to launching the new HBH site and it’s looking so good. I can’t wait to share it with you guys. The hope is that we’ve made improvements to help the site work better for YOU. So mainly adjustments to the recipe page and a new fresh look. We’ve had the same site design for years, so the refresh is going to be fun.

The other thing we’ve been putting together behind the scenes is a brand guide and I wanted to ask you guys a question….

Question: How would you describe the HBH brand?

I know what my response would be, but we’re curious to hear how you guys would best describe HBH as a whole? Please, let us know! Excited to read your thoughts!

Coming up this week, a new pasta that’s simple but great for spring (hello to lots of fresh basil). A new chocolate dessert that will be fun for Easter. A fun sandwich for St.Patrick’s Day. Hopefully, a new salad that I’ve been working to perfect. And then something springy for Friday, and maybe even a new cocktail too!

Question: any new recipes you’d love to see for spring? Always love to hear your suggestions!

1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited To Try…

watching…Ginny and Georgia on Netflix per my cousin’s suggestion. Have you watched it yet? And also Fire Fly Lane? Starting Ginny and Georgia tonight!

cooking…homemade naan. Just what snowy weekends need the most.

reading…Into the Gloss with Leanne Ford. I am obsessed with everything Leanne does, so I love this interview with her. It was my favorite piece of content I’ve read in a while.

loving…Drunk Elephant. I was sent some of their products to try out and am obsessed with their Babyfacial face mask. Have you tried it?

watching…Oprah’s Next Big Interview with Chip and Joanna Gaines….I’m going to be honest, I didn’t watch the royals interview because I’ve never understood the obsession with the royal family. But this is an interview I am so excited about. I have so much respect for the brand that Chip and Joanna Gaines have created. I’m looking forward to learning more about them, their businesses, and how they manage it all.

loving…new pieces from Food 52. Currently in my cart are these scallops plates, blue speckled bowls, blue speckled baking dish, and these handthrown rustic ceramic dishes.

listening to…Rupert Grint on Armchair Expert. This is the only interview I’ve listened to from a Harry Potter cast member. I feel like they are super hard to come by? Either way, I loved this…but I am obsessed with HP, so probably a little biased in my opinion. Who else is a fan?!

loving…Seed Probiotics. I’ve been looking for a good probiotic and am really loving these so far.

ordered…this Staud dress for the wedding. It’s cute, BUT I feel like I am going to be cold. I’d add tights, boots, and a coat, but still…I’m not sure. Thoughts?

loving…the new Staub Sage Green collection. Such a fun color!

excited to try…meditation. So, I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve never ever thought of myself as someone who could ever mediate. Nor did I fully believe in meditation. But after following Melissa Wood Health for the past few months, she has convinced me otherwise. I did one of her 10 minutes guided meditations the other day. And while I really can’t say I felt any calmer or differently, it is something I want to try to explore a bit more. I’m always go, go, go, and high anxiety. So I figure this is worth a shot to help center me and even to help me to work through my day in a more efficient way. More to come on this.

2. Clean Beauty Skincare + Makeup Favorites…

3. Favorite Spring Asparagus and Artichoke Recipes.

No Stir Brie Risotto with Lemon Butter Asparagus

Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Salmon

Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Browned Butter Pasta

Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey

Spicy Pesto, Asparagus, and Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Skillet Baked Creamy Pesto Spinach and Artichoke Gnocchi

One Pot Lemon Basil, Asparagus, and Sausage Pasta

4. Favorite Questions of The Week…

q: Was there ever a point when you considered giving up on HBH?
a: shockingly, no. I honestly can’t recall one. There have been so many times that’s it been really hard and all I wanted to do is crawl into bed and hide for days, but giving up on HBH has never been an option. I just can’t imagine it!!

q: One place you’d love to travel to?
a: Paris! Just because it’s on my “bucket” list. I’ve got to make it there someday! But also, Rome! And Greece! So many places I have never been. Oh, and Hawaii!! And NYC! I really, really miss the city!

q: How do you shop for ingredients living so remotely?
a: I am up in the mountains, but we’re lucky enough to have both a Whole Foods and a Kroger. So getting ingredients is not as hard as you’d think! Anything specialty I order on Amazon or Thrive Market. And I get my edible flowers from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals.

q: Do you wear perfume and if so what is your scent?
a: Nope! I actually really do not like perfume. It gives me a headache for some reason, so I stick to candles.

q: How do you film your Instagram stories? 

a: just with my iPhone! It’s nothing fancy at all and half the time I’m balancing my phone up with something to hold it in place to get shots that require two hands. I finally invested in a tripod for my phone, but other than that my setup is not professional in any way.

q: What’s your sign?
a: virgo! But I don’t really read too much into signs…though I do fit the Virgo “profile”.

q: what’s always in your fridge?
a: carrots, broccoli, beets + Brussels sprouts, apples, pineapples + avocado, butter, cheese, goat milk, and too many condiments.

5. How to Revive Your Sad Looking Hydrangea Flowers.

We all know how much I enjoy having fresh flowers on the counter. And with spring approaching (and the snow not stopping) I’m left craving fresh blooms now more than ever. Sometimes I’ll get lucky and Whole Foods will get in ranunculus’, which are one of my favorite flowers, but it’s usually pretty hit or miss. Therefore, my favorite flowers to pick up from our local grocery store have become Hydrangeas. They’re pricier, but I’ve always loved their pretty blooms.

The not-so-great thing about Hydrangea? They can wilt pretty quickly. As in we put them in water and not even an hour later they look lifeless and so sad. After a little frustration on my end, I finally googled how to revive Hydrangeas and was taken to this article. The article tells you to soak the entire flower in water. At first, I was completely skeptical and never thought it would work. But because Hydrangeas take on water through their flowers and not just their stems, the trick actually works. I was AMAZED. It took a few hours to revive the blooms, but they currently look just as pretty as the day I bought them.

I’m not sure if any of you will be interested in this, but for those who are flower obsessed like me, read on!

Here is how I did it….

Step One: trim the stems on a sharp angle to allow more water to be soaked up.

Step Two: fill the sink with water and submerge the stems and flowers. Fully submerge them too! I know it feels odd but just try it.

Step Three: let the flowers soak for at least 15 minutes, but ideally longer. Mine took about 3 hours to fully come back to life, so give your flowers time. Patience is key here.

Step Four: shake the water off the flowers, then put them in a vase filled with warm water. Enjoy your fresh perky blooms!

To maintain their freshness, I’ve been spritzing them generously with water twice a day and it’s working like a charm. We’re going on a week now of fresh-looking Hydrangeas…yay!

6. Favorite Photo of The Week…

What’s he thinking? 

7. Favorite Links of The Week…

Step Inside A Colorful Southern California Home…I am a neutrals girl all the way but still love this fun and colorful home. It’s very happy!

9 Easy Iced Coffee Recipes to Elevate Your Favorite Morning Ritual…so many fun new ideas.

Simple Hacks to Make Fruits & Veggies Last Their Longest…really love and appreciate these easy tips. 

What Foods DON’T You Like…you must read the comments on this fun post.

All peanut butter, all the time: Reese’s peanut butter cups without chocolate arriving in April…Reeces are my favorite, but I’m not sure I’m into this. Thinking you need the chocolate, right? 

60 Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make Your Life So Much Better…yum! these all sound great if you love an air fryer recipe. 

Why I’m Not A Vegan….with Bulletproof‘s, Dave Asprey, I know this could be a little controversial. But I found the article to be an interesting to read. 

These Will Be the Prettiest Nail Colors to Wear on Your Toes This Spring…loving the Himalayan Salt and In the Buff shades. 

Tom Cruise 320-Acre Colorado Estate…wow.

The Best Lighting For Maximum Kitchen Visibility…good to know

In a Netflix Slump…here are 10 shows to watch.

The Top 6 Gardening Myths Debunked…if you’re planning a spring garden.

3 Brain-Healthy Cooking Fats To Keep In The Kitchen…yes, yes, yes to the butter. I’ve been saying that all along.

Travel without Traveling: Bringing Tulum, Paris, and Scotland Home…if you’ve got the travel bug, but can’t make plans just yet.

8. Shades of Spring…

9. This Weeks Dinners + Weekend Eats…

Monday: Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Tortellini

Tuesday: Cool Ranch Chicken Tostadadillas with Honey Lime Crema

Wednesday: Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Thursday: Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice

Friday: Burrata Caesar Salad Pizza

Saturday: Dirty Horchata

Sunday: Easy Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée