Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things.

Happy summer!! Today is the first official day of summer and I think we can all agree, it’s a good feeling. Nothing beats that summertime vibe. Even though we’re all still working and going about our day-to-day duties, there’s an air of relaxation and chill to our everyday lives that’s so refreshing.

And let’s not forget the weather. Sunny, hot days with warm nights are hard to beat. I look forward to them every year.

And with summer also comes Father’s Day! I’m hoping you guys are off celebrating and livin’ up the longest day of the year. We don’t have any plans for today, but our forecast looks sunny, so that means time outside for sure.

Speaking of summer, I wanted to quickly check in with you all…

What are you all up to this summer? Are you traveling? Hosting backyard BBQs? Spending time at the beach? Working a summer job? What does your life look like these days? Just curious to know how everyone is spending their summer…and where!

Also, what recipes are you looking for? I’m assuming quick and simple dinners with lots of summer produce. Desserts featuring berries and stone fruits. And refreshing yet fun summer drinks. But is there anything I’m missing? As always, I LOVE hearing from you guys.

Alrighty, moving along to summer travel! As you guys know my family is heading to Mexico in a couple of weeks. Or well, as of right now that is still the plan, but we’re having a hard time finding the perfect spot. Everything is pretty booked up (which leads me to believe that you too might be traveling this summer!). If you guys have suggestions on where to stay and what to do in the Cabo area, we’re taking them! The only requirement is that it be fun…oh, and that it can accommodate 16 of us…yikes! And guys my fam is adventurous, we’re always up for something new and cool.

Let’s see, what else? Family-wise, I am missing little Miss Asher. She’s spent the last two weeks in Cleveland with family and it’s been weird not seeing her little face daily. She’s finally arriving home today and I can’t wait to see my partner in crime. Oslo on the other hand I’ve seen lots of. He is the cutest, sweetest little dude who seems to always have a smile on his face. Photo below to prove it. And then the rest of us? We’re all counting down the days to vacation. We’re that oddball family that really loves hanging together.

So those are my updates. Nothing super exciting, but sometimes life is just life, and you live it day-to-day, you know?

Lastly, I have been meaning to share with you guys that we’ve recently been stepping up our email newsletter game. We’re working to send out not only updates on new blog posts, but also emails featuring recipes for upcoming holidays and special occasions. They’re always short and sweet, but a great way to get recipes right to your inbox and never miss anything. If you’re not already on our email list, you can easily sign up here and customize the amount of emails you’d like too. Promise, they are fun!

And with that, coming up this week on HBH: I’m excited to share a couple of the simplest summer dinners. A sweet summer breakfast…to switch things up. And then it’s a fun appetizer that’s perfect for the 4th of July. And on Friday, it’s a wild card recipe as of right now. Hopefully, the inspiration will come to me throughout the week!

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

watching…Cruella. well, I haven’t watched it just yet because I’m waiting for Asher, but I am so excited to watch this. it really looks so good, and of course, I loved 101 Dalmatians as a kid. so this is an obvious must-watch for me. have you seen it yet?

listening to…Monica Padman on Second Life. if you are a fan of Armchair Expert this is a really great and fun podcast episode to listen to.

ordered…Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40. everyone forgets to use sunscreen on their hands and feet. but as someone who’s burned her feet one too many times, I ordered this immediately. 

loving…the little market coffee. this is a new launch for the Little Market and I love the blends. I am currently drinking the dark roast.

loving…the new Necessaire summer skin edit. I’ve really been working to take care of my skin before vacation and am loving this set. their new body oil is really incredible. I mix it with the body lotion. use the code Tieghan10 for 10% off your order.

listening to…Labor in a Parking Garage: Troian Bellisario & Patrick J. Adams’ Shocking Baby Delivery! this is the craziest, happiest story. so incredible.

ordered…this new Diptyque citronelle candle. when I realized I was out of candles on Friday I panicked and bought a whole bunch for summer. I’m excited to try out a new scent. I think I asked this last week, but what are your favorite summer candles?

thinking about ordering….The Nori Press. I am the worst with wrinkled clothes and never know how to deal with them, especially when traveling. this seems like it would be perfect for me, but I am hesitating. because…do we really need steamed wrinkle-free clothes? Maybe.

drinking…frosted watermelon rosemary frosé. my current favorite summer cocktail.

re-watching…this is embarrassing, but I started Gossip Girl again. I haven’t been excited about a new tv show in ages and can’t wait for the premiere of Gossip Girl on HBH Max in July. I love that they’re bringing it back.

2. The Best Summer Ice Cream Recipes.

No Churn Fudge Brownie Coffee Ice Cream

Malted Milk Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream Bars

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Cake

No Churn Minted White Chocolate Swirled Ice Cream

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon “Toast” Brioche Crumbs

Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Peanut Butter Mocha Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches

3. Ice Cream Essentials…

4. favorite questions of the week.

q: where do the stairs in your barn lead to? 
a: the upstairs office and seating area. we haven’t really completed it yet, which is why I’ve never shown the space.

q: any foods/ingredients you don’t care for? you seem to cook a bit of everything.
a: I’m sure there are some, but I try to cook a variety and switch it up so I never get bored. That said, I’m not a hot dog person at all…and this saddens my brother greatly. he’s currently trying to convince me to share a hot dog recipe and it’s just not going to happen ??‍♀️

q: what’s your favorite summer dinner to make for the whole family?
a: this garlic butter creamed corn chicken never, ever fails. even my brothers love it.

q: gas or induction cooktop? 
a: My favorite is a gas cooktop. I know more and more top-rated induction cooktops are being made these days, so maybe I’m missing something.

q: I know you haven’t married, but what do you look for in a partner? 
a: someone to offset me! I need someone who will help balance me out, someone totally opposite, but still lets me be me…cause I’m a bit crazy.

q: your hair color is so pretty! natural or colored? 
a: everyone is asking me this today. nope, I’ve never colored my hair. honestly, it sounds like too much work, time, and maintenance. Plus I actually kind of love my hair color 🙂

q: what’s your middle name?
a: Elizabeth

q: what time do you usually get up in the morning? 
a: between 6:15 and 6:30 am. I love the early mornings, especially in the summer. I’d get up earlier if could…but I go to bed too late.

q: do you ever cook at home or just at the studio? 
a: every single night! we honestly don’t eat dinner at the studio very often. only when there is a big group, like at Christmas. otherwise, I cook dinner at home. once I’m done cooking for work, I want nothing more than to head home and get out of the studio. I love my house and am so happy to have a separate space for work.

q: what knife set do you recommend for everyday use and non-professionals?
a: the Zwilling Pro line is great and super affordable.

q: if you ever moved, where would you want to live?
a: Honestly, I have no idea! I need to spend more time traveling to get a better idea. Maybe somewhere with seasons though because I love fall so much. Possibly somewhere like upstate NY. but then…I love love love sunny (warm) days so that side of me says to stay west and close to CA. like I said, I really have no idea ??‍♀️

q: I know you’ve said it, but what’s your favorite knife?
a: my absolute favorite is the Miyabi knives. this is my current go-to.

5. Happy Father’s Day…a note to my Dad.

Oh man, I’m not sure where to start with my dad. We didn’t always get along when I was growing up, but today he’s really my best friend. As a kid, I was the only girl in a group of boys. Let’s be honest, my poor dad was lost and clueless when it came to raising a daughter. He also only had three brothers. But man oh man how everything has changed. Asher and I have really dug our claws in deep with this guy. He’s now got a real soft spot for us girls of the fam.

Just like my mom is the most important woman in my life, my dad is the most important guy. I spend more time with him than anyone else. I go to him for everything from advice, to venting…to the daily grocery list. He’s here for it all, and man, he’s seen the ups and downs throughout the years. I’ve loved watching and experiencing our relationship grow from my teenage years on.

Yep, my dad’s a real special guy. Most will agree with me on that, everyone loves him. He’s got the heart of a teddy bear, but with a real badass look to him. He challenges me when I’m wrong, encourages my crazy ideas, is without a doubt my biggest supporter, and has never once let me down. When I say jump, he’s the guy that says how high…well, kind of. The point is that I couldn’t get by in life without out him. I’m thankful for all that he has taught me. I am truly my dad’s daughter. And while we are worlds different from each other, we’re also one and the same.

Anyway, I could go on and on because really my dad’s the coolest and I feel pretty lucky to have him in my life. If you’ve ever been someone lucky enough to spend 5-minutes with the guy, you know just what I’m talking about. And, as I always say, he’s the best and you gotta love him…quirks and all.

Love you dad!

And Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

And moving onto the best part…all the damn photos my family shared with me of this guy. These photos prove more than anything just how awesome he really is.

6. Summer 2021 Bucket List

1. spend more time outside and less time in the kitchen. come July I am making this happen. starting with the family trip to Cabo.
2. make fresh-squeezed lemonade with a fun flora twist. New recipe maybe?
3. finish the studio space…and freshen up my house. I just want both spaces to finally feel complete. plus, I know you guys would really like for me to show these spaces in full.
4. host an outdoor movie marathon. isn’t this a fun idea? if you don’t live at elevation like me (where the nights are cold), I feel like this would be such a fun party idea.
5. make some fun summer cocktails. if you need ideas…I have a lot of them.
6. get off Instagram for 24 hours. Everyone should do this, I’m going to try to in Mexico…but honestly, I doubt I will check this one off. Just being honest.
7. go on a long photography walk or hike and stop to notice and capture what most appeals to you! – from Margaret 
8. plant wildflowers in every inch of the yard. this is already in motion around here.
9. project day! paint the door a different color, or the walls, or even just one wall…fix up that broken furniture you’ve been ignoring – from Margaret
10. make homemade ice cream…a summer must. what is your favorite flavor?

11. blueberry, strawberry, and or peach picking is a must. leave your favorite places to go in the comments for people to explore!

12. choose a new suburb or place in your city to explore. There is so much around us that we overlook – from Margaret 

13. bake a cake or a recipe you’ve always been too timid to try! – from Margaret

14. embrace the summer of fun and go on a summer date night somewhere new and exciting. think outside the box and do a movie in the park. do an at-home dinner and a movie. Or head to a fun concert outside.
15. don’t put pressure on yourself to have exciting plans every single day. summer is about fun, but it’s also about relaxing and just enjoying the season for what it is. so don’t forget to take time away for yourself to recharge a bit. for me, that means laying in the tall grass in the sun for 30 minutes on days I can carve it out. it’s so rejuvenating.

question: what’s on your summer bucket list? I would really love to hear!

ps. for those unfamiliar, Margaret is part of our HBH team and has been for the last year-plus. She wears a lot of hats around here and always has such fun ideas 🙂

7. favorite links i’m loving…

Pots and Pans Our Chef (and Foodie!) Friends Always Recommend…some really great recommendations on this list. Including my favorite Staub skillet.

How to Organize A Pantry With Deep Shelves So You Can Actually See Everything…love an organized pantry.

20 of the Best Kid’s Movies That Parents Will Love, Too…as mentioned above, really excited to see Cruella, but so many favorite gems on this list.

Make Life Beautiful With Floret Flower…if you enjoy flowers and gardening, this is a great Sunday read.

Choosing Interior Door Hardware…love these tips and some of the hardware pieces are really pretty too.

These Are the Best 15 Picnic Recipes to Elevate Your Summer Gathering…some really great recipe finds.

Everywhere You Need to Use SPF That You’re Forgetting To…don’t forget your head, hands, and feet.

Everything You Need From Trader Joe’s To Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board…summer cheese boards are my favorite.

8. Low Key Summer Day Style Picks…

9. this week’s dinners + weekend eats…

Monday: Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo

Tuesday: Garlic Herb Corn Carbonara with Burrata

Wednesday: Basil Chicken Saltimbocca with Marinated Tomatoes and Potato Salad on the side.

Thursday: Summer Coconut Chickpea Curry with Rice and Fried Halloumi

Friday: Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata

Saturday: Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Sunday: Blueberry Lavender Pie