Next Post
Crispy Braised Chipotle Beef Tacos.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Welcome to this weekโs Nine Favorite Things.
Happy Sundayโฆwhatโs everyone up to? Around here Iโm surrounding myself with as many flowers as possible. Even though itโs spring, the weather here in Colorado just didnโt get the memo. Itโs been pretty cold and snowy all week, which isnโt the most ideal. I think we can all agree that weโre ready for the warmer, sunnier spring days, so snow days in mid-April are just that much more brutal.
On the bright side, itโs cozy, and itโs made me even more grateful for the flowers Iโm able to source through Terrain (and my local Whole Foods and Kroger grocery store too). As cheesy as it is, they really do brighten my mood. If youโre feeling down or in need of an energy boost, buy yourself some flowers!
Question: I am not the biggest fan of house plants, but I know so many people LOVE them. What are your favorites? Iโm thinking about getting a fig tree!
Speaking of the spring snow, itโs made me really start to consider spending the later winter and spring months (say March through June or July) in a warmer climate. My brothers live in southern, CA so a place near them would be ideal and probably most convenient. But really, I can go anywhere Iโd like. Iโve considered looking into the southern states like Charleston, SC because their spring looks absolutely beautiful with all the blooming flowers. I might be in the dreaming stages at the moment, but this is really something Iโm thinking about for next year and maybe even for a few months over the summer.
Iโm lucky in the way that I really have nothing stopping me from picking up and taking off for a few months at a time. I can really work anywhere with a decent kitchen and internet. Iโm thinking I should take advantage of this time while I can, I know it wonโt always be this way. Again, at this point, Iโm only at the dreaming stage. It would be tricky because Iโd have to pack up and take a lot of my photography props with me. And Iโd need to find some new help in the kitchen (my dad is my right hand and always has been). But Iโm reasoning that these are all things that could be worked out!
Question: within the US whatโs your favorite place to be in the spring and summer?
Moving along, this week was busy with non-stop back-to-back cooking, photographing, and filming. Between testing and filming recipes for the blog, and working on an upcoming project, there was lots of cooking. The darker afternoons have been tricky for photographing and filming, but Iโm trying to make them work! I shared a few recipes this week that ended up being some of my favorites for spring. I always find that itโs when Iโm the busiest that I create my favorite recipes. Theyโre normally easy as can be, but yet fun and flavorful. My favorites of the week were Tuesdayโs Magic Cookies, Thursdayโs Honey Garlic Chicken, Mondayโs Lemon Chicken Skewers, and then Fridayโs Key Lime Pie Bars too! And honestly, I really LOVE that One Pot Penne Alfredo I shared as well. It was just a really good week of food!
Our brand marketing manager, Margaret was here for a couple of days, so that was fun! We have a very exciting launch coming up soon that she and my mom have really been working hard on for the last year. We spent time going over everything while she was here and I canโt wait for you guys to see it!
Letโs see, what else?! Hmm, my parents are heading to Scottsdale, Arizona on Tuesday for Asherโs Spring break. They just booked their hotel and the weather forecast looks perfectโฆso I am only just a little bit jealous. Once I wrap up this project weโre working on at the end of the month, maybe I can convince everyone to go somewhere warm for a weekend. I miss Florida!
Ok, and lastly, I just have a question. Does anyone else spend time late at night online shopping? Adding things to a cart, and then not checking out? Iโve been doing that so much lately and have really been loving some of the spring fashions. But I keep adding things to my cart and then they sell out before I pull the triggerโฆand then I want them even more!
Is anyone else crazy like me? I shared a few of the items I had in my cart below. Both the pricy and then the affordable pieces to match!
Coming up this week on HBH, Iโm excited to be sharing a few Mexican-inspired recipes with Cinco de Mayo being May 5th. A new, fresh homemade take on a childhood classic. And weโll be ending the week with a simple sweet cake thatโs not like any other cake Iโve shared before.ย I canโt wait to share them all! PS. if youโre looking for any fun Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo, we grouped them all together here for easy access!
Question:ย Whatโs one thing you guys are either cooking and or baking today? I love when you guys share your Sunday recipes with me onย Instagram. Iโm excited to see what you make this week!
1. Things Iโm Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Tryโฆ
watchingโฆthe Weight Of Gold on HBO. This follows Olympic athletes after theyโve won gold, so we found it especially interesting.
lovingโฆthese fun pieces from Machete. The Chunky Hoops in Gold with Poppy Charm, Kate Hoops in Poppy, Midi Square Hoops in Tortoise Checker, and the Muse Hoops in Canyon Brown. And then this Midi Heirloom Claw in Sea Shell Checker is my favorite.
orderedโฆthis sweatshirt in mauve I love the muted purple color and the button detailing. Itโs so comfortable too! Also, just order this sweater, which looks perfect for spring/summer days. Thinking about this pullover from Zara too.
listening toโฆCarly Stein Of Beekeeperโs Naturals on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast. Iโve always been such a fan of honey, but now Iโm even more so after listening to this. Loved learning more about Beekeeperโs Naturals product and all the benefits.
orderedโฆthis red light therapy mask. I finally added this to my Violet Grey order after so many of you commented on how beneficial youโve found these masks to be. I cannot wait for it to get here this week. Iโve been reading so much about how incredible red light therapy is not only for the skin but also for helping to calm anxiety. Itโs a big investment, so Iโll keep you updated on how Iโm liking it.
lovingโฆthe Bรจis Backpack Diaper Bag. This would make an amazing Motherโs Day gift for any expectant moms. My mom got this bag and she absolutely loves it!
orderedโฆ.new spring candles. Iโm swapping out my cozier scents for some spring florals. Iโm excited about the new purple kush (with notes of violets) and Italian kush (the smells of summer in Italy) from Boy Smells. I love the scents in the new Diptyque Miami candle tooโฆcanโt wait for it to arrive. Oh, and the Fleur Fantรดme and the Bohemia candles from Byredo are both in my Nordstrom cart. The scents sound especially springy.
lovingโฆthis Italian Duotone Retro Goblet from Food 52. Theyโre kind of expensive, but I love them for summer drinks. Should I order?
2. My favorite 30 Minutes or Less Recipes.
30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles
20 Minute Florentine Butter Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
Weeknight Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatballs
20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs
5 Minute Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Toast
3. A Few Of My Momโs Motherโs Day Picksโฆ
4. Favorite Questions of the Week.
q: do you make your recipes in real time or do you create a bunch then post them one at a time?
a: for the most part everything you see on IG is pretty real-time! I wish I was more organized and planned out, but when Iโm excited to share something I want to share it NOW. That said, I do sometimes have recipes I make days in advance too, it just depends on the week! But mostly, they are made in real time.
q: Staub versus Le Creuset skillet? Deciding which one for my registry!ย
a: I think we all know I love my Staub Collection. Itโs really all I cook with.
q: how do you have such amazing energy? Do you ever hit a wall?
a: yes! The second my head hits my pillow I am out. Or a lot of times when I come home from cooking or working on the computer all day, Iโll be dead tired and crash. But I think my energy drive mainly comes from the excitement of working towards a bigger goal. I love getting to build HBH daily, itโs sooo exciting right now!
q: whatโs your zodiac sign? Does it align with your personality?ย
a: Iโm a Virgo, and yes, Iโm a true Virgo to the T.
q: are you serious about moving to California?ย
a: lots of questions about moving to CA! I mean, yes and no. It was really just a thought, but I would love to spend more time there in the late winter/spring when the weather here isnโt so nice hereโฆso split time would be ideal!
q: could you please do a risotto recipe?
a: I just shared my no stir risotto the other day on Instagram. Itโs such an easy, delicious recipe!
q: what was the scariest part of starting your own business?
a: the fear of failure Iโd say, but that also drives me to succeed at the same time. And even when/if I fail, it just makes me work a little harder to get back on track. I always learn the most when something doesnโt go right. In a way, I was lucky when I started HBH because I didnโt realize I was starting a business. At that time, I was fearless and didnโt really have anything to lose, I just started it. I think thatโs key, you just have to start, thatโs always the hardest part!
q: would you like to marry and have children someday or are you content staying single?
a: married with kids! Iโve always wanted a family (I love my big family), but Iโm in no hurry at all. Thereโs a lot I want to do before!
q: how do you rim a glass when it says to use agave nectar?
a: I wouldnโt use agave! Instead, try just using a lime, it works every time!
q: do you ever get back to Ohio?
a: yes, usually in the summer!
q: do you test your recipe before you film them for IG?
a: I always test before!!! What you see on IG is normally my 3rd or 4th test, sometimes more if itโs a baking recipe
q: do you grow you own herbs?
a: in the summer yes! But right now I get a lot from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals.
q: one kitchen item worth the splurge?
a: a good knife set!! I love my Zwilling Kramer Knives.
5. SurpriseโฆMore Baby Goats!
If you read the favorites post from a couple of Sundays ago, then you know all about our surprise baby goat, Wiggle! Heโs doing amazing and very lively these daysโฆ
But guess what?! We now have two more babies to add to the family. Layla had her babies this past week and delivered the three cutest little kids like a pro. Sadly one of them didnโt make it, which is always hard. But weโre thankful that the other two are doing well!
My dad and Asher are currently bottle-feeding them to make sure theyโre getting enough milk, so itโs especially cute to watch. Here are some photos!
Random photos from throughout the weekโฆ
6. Inspiring Me on Pinterestโฆ
(Pinterest via Lauren Conrad.com)
7. Favorite Links Iโm Lovingโฆ
Tour Naomi Campbellโs Sprawling Kenyan Escapeโฆoh how I would love to vacation here, so pretty and relaxing.
The Case Of The Kitchen Islandโฆlove these vintage island ideas.
Take a Look at the 7 Biggest Hotel Pools in Americaโฆmust visit them all. wow.
29 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids When Theyโre Boredโฆsome fun ideas if you need them!
2021 Guide to Austinโs Best Restaurantsโฆplanning a trip to Austin ASAP, these all sound incredible.
20 Movies About Siblings to Watch With Yoursโฆall the feel-good movies and some good throwbacks here!
I Credit This One Product With Helping Me Look YoungerโฆIโve been using retinol too and love it.
The 5 Coolest Spring Hairstyles on Instagramโฆvery into the braided front pieces and I love that itโs totally something I can achieve!
17 Books To Read if You Loved โBridgertonโโฆfor all the readers out there.
Spring H&M finds for womenโฆthis swimsuit, along with this cotton tee, and these sandals are in my cart.
Everything You Need to Know About Pricing Your Servicesโฆif youโre working for yourself, read this.
Inside Pharrell & David Grutmanโs Goodtime Hotel In Miami BeachโฆI linked to this last week, but hereโs the video tour, looks amazingly nice!
Where to Road-Trip (and What to Bring)โฆI guess Arizona is the place to be these days.
Beet and Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressingโฆlove this for spring. sounds amazing!
8. My Favorites Picks From Shopbopโฆ
9. This Weekโs Dinners + Weekend Eatsโฆ
Monday:ย Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce
Tuesday: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce
Wednesday: Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey
Thursday: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Cashew Chicken and Coconut Noodles
Friday: One Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo with Spicy Arugula
Saturday: Creamy Coconut Lime Mojito
Sunday: Magic Chocolate Chip Cookies
If youโre catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our dailyย newsletters. Theyโll help you to stay up to date with everything thatโs happening here, as well as fun content youโll only get via email. And of course, if youโre meal planning today, donโt forget to check out my menu above!
This post was originally published on April 18, 2021
Greetings! I just bought a very nice fern for my living room. I put it in a cream colored decorative pot-Iโm doing my best not to kill it!
My favorite place to be in the spring is Maui. I play lots of tennis, swim in the beautiful ocean & visit dear friends. Summers are best at home in White Salmon, WA at our โโHodge-Podge Lodge!โ
You know, Iโve made the magic cookies & the chocolate chip ones from the super simple cookbook. Each time I do-the cookies come out puffy & not flattened. What do you suspect is happening? Iโm going to check my oven calibration & review my ingredients. Thanks for your posts & have a great week!
Hey Gena,
Good luck with that fern, I know how you feel! Oh my, I bet Maui is quite magical! Thanks for trying the cookies, have you tried banging the pan on the counter? Thatโs what really helps my cookies to flatten. I hope this helps! xTieghan
Move to Santa Barbara, CA! Itโs the best town- beach, mountains, perfect weather.
Thanks so much Jenna!!
Spring is beautiful in Northern California! The green hills, wild poppies and lupine, crisp mornings, clear blue skyโฆ.its my favorite. Having grown up in southern california, you just dont get the change of seasons like you do in No cal. So, I say find a cute cottage in Carmel or Sanaโa Cruz, if you want to be by the sea. Or if youโd rather be inland, Sonoma or Napa area. Great food, organic, fresh off the farm with lots of farmers markets to choose from in all these places and of course thereโs the wine. Lots of hikes all around Norcal! And then its just a quick drive down to So Cal to see your brothers!
Hey Tasha,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing this vivid description of Northern California! I truly appreciate this feedback:) xTieghan
BEST SPRING AND SUMMER PLACES to me are Michigan, especially its west coast and northern parts. And you get Chicago too! But Michigan has questionable springs so probably just summer. California beats everything! Spring is amazing. After a wet year, the green is so green, like Ireland. And the desert wildflowers are like no other! The summer is usually fine especially along the coast. And you can always go to the desert to warm up or the mountains to cool down. You can also roadtrip in Cali for a very long time and see more beautiful things than you can in most countries! And if you have family in Cali (well, family that you like ??) then what is better than that! Add a sprinkling of tons of creative talent (a reason our son returned here after trying Michigan). And, finally, but most importantly, you have me to proof everything for you and wash your dishes. And my hubby is an expert dishwasher too! He is amazing at cleaning up after us bakers! Sunshine 300 days a year??? Mmmmmm!!
Hey Ruth,
Thanks so much for reading today and sharing your favorite spring and summer spots! Iโve never been to Michigan, but the lake looks pretty darn awesome! I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
Another wonderful blog this Sunday and I love the bouquet of flowers. Houseplant recommendations, a Japanese peace lily is pretty and easy to look after, they like lots of light. If you want a houseplant with some fragrance then I recommend a gardenia, they smell gorgeous and have pretty white flowers on them. In the US I have only visited Florida and The Black Hills in South Dakota, however one day I would like to visit other parts of the US. I think you having a warm and sunny escape/holiday home somewhere is a fantastic idea. You are not crazy, as I also have items saved in online shopping baskets too, from clothing to make-up and cake decorating equipment. I usually go with the notion that if an item sells out that I have saved in the basket then I wasnโt meant to have it haha. As for cooking and baking this week, I made your creamy chicken and wild rice soup with roasted mushrooms on Saturday and by way of cake homework/practice I have made a chocolate, cardamom and orange cake, which is filled with orange buttercream and white chocolate ganache. Over the next few evenings I need to cover the cake in fondant, then lustre it before finishing off with a stencil pattern around the outside of the cake. This past week I finally watched Firefly Lane on Netflix. I loved this show and recommend it. The baby goat pictures are adorable and Oslo looks so snug too. Have a great week ๐
Hey Colleen,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughtful message! I will definitely look into the Japanese peace lily. Glad Iโm not the only one who leaves items in their carts:) Thanks for giving the creamy chicken and wild rice soup a try and happy to share the pics of the goats. Happy Monday! xTieghan
I look forward to reading your Favorite Things every Sunday! 1. House plants-that is my husbandโs job. I kill them all! ๐ 2. I grew up in Texas and while March and April are wonderful in southern states, the humidity starts creeping in in May. We went to Charleston in May, and my son couldnโt handle the heat! Of course, we live in Durango, so, as you know, the heat is quite different in the South. Something to think about! 3. Tonight, I am making your Paprika Rubbed โRotisserieโ Chicken. Itโs our favorite to have on Sunday nights. Love the baby goats!
Hey Meredith,
Thanks so much for reading each Sunday! Lol glad Iโm not the only one thatโs bad with house plants. Thanks for sharing your feedback on Texas and Charleston. Love that you have been enjoying the Rotisserie chicken! xTieghan
Been to Austin recently. Ate at Suarte and loved it. Very nice.
Canโt remember the name, but there is an interesting place for brunch. It is interesting because of the gorgeous grounds. They have peacocks flying around. I remember seeing a gorgeous white peacock. Itโs like an old southern plantation. We couldnโt get a reservation but they do take out. One of their specialties is fried chicken. They are open for dinner too.
Hey Joyce,
Thanks for reading and sharing your notes on Austin. Will have to add this to the list! xTieghan