Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things.

You guys, it’s already the last Sunday of August. I know this is such a common saying, but wow, where has the summer gone? As crazy as this sounds, it’s slowly starting to feel like fall here in the mountains. I spotted yellow leaves on my hike Friday morning and with the crisp air in the early morning, it feels like change is coming.

Currently, I’m getting ready to head out to LA tomorrow (Saturday) for a special photoshoot with my go-to photographer Kristen Kilpatrick. Not going to lie, it’s been one of the trickiest trips to plan, but we’re moving forward and I’m so excited. We have some fun locations planned and I know that no matter what, the photos are going to come out amazing. Kristen makes everything look beautiful!

So that’s what’s happening for me this week. LA for the first half, then quickly back home to hopefully catch some sunny, late summer days before it begins to get cold. The first week of September is usually one of my favorite weeks of the entire year.

In other news, it’s officially back to school time. And while I was never a kid that loved to head back to school, I do love this time of year. Something about September feels like it’s a fresh start. It’s time for new notebooks, pens, backpacks, and a change-up of the laid-back summer routine. It also means my favorite season is here, and that the holidays are just around the corner. Such an exciting time and so much to look forward to!

What’s different about this year is that my parents made the decision to send Asher to online school full time. There was a lot of thought and multiple reasons behind this decision, but it’s a little bit of a different year for Miss Asher. She’s excited though. The courses she is taking will challenge her a bit more. And the flexible schedule will allow for more travel and real life learning. I know a lot of families have made this move as well. It’s crazy how different times are from when I was a kid. I would have killed to do online schooling.

Question: what is your kid’s schooling looking like this year. Has anyone else made the switch to full time online school?

And lastly, the most exciting news of the Summer…

I am finally going to be an aunt! My brother Brendan and his wife Lyndsie are expecting a little boy this February. To say that everyone is excited is such an understatement. With so many siblings, it’s crazy that this is the first baby between all eight of us (granted Asher and Oslo are obviously way too young). I can’t wait to be an aunt! I’m pretty excited for both Bren and Lynd’s, they’re going to be incredible parents. And that little boy is already one lucky little guy. If you’re curious, you can take a look back at Bren and Lynd’s wedding almost exactly two years ago. The wedding was held here at the studio and it was such a special day.

Coming up this week on HBH, I’ll be sharing a late summer skillet dinner that’s going to be great for busy school nights. The most deliciously simple appetizer…great for upcoming game days. Plus a healthier take on a classic. And of course, I’ll be ending the week with a sweet treat that screams “fall school bake sale”.

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

watching…White Lotus on HBO Max. I haven’t started this yet, but it seems like everyone is talking about it. For those watching…are you loving it?

loving…the Patrick TA Major Brow Lamination Gel. One of the best brows gels I’ve tried.

wanting to order…this shallow serving platter from Roman and Williams Guild. Just waiting for it to become available! It’s expensive, but I’m picturing the pretty Thanksgiving salad served up in this platter.

loving…the Halloween shops at Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel. So excited for Halloween!

listening to…We Are Supported By with Reese Witherspoon. I haven’t actually listened to this just yet, but I’m excited to!

burning…Boy Smell’s end of summer candles, Gardener and Lanai. Both are a part of their summer collection.

dreaming of going to…any of these European hotels, but especially Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. So breathtakingly beautiful.

want…this Limited-Edition KitchenAid Mixer with Black Ceramic Bowl. Love this mixer so much. I can just see my next Halloween-themed Instagram giveaway featuring this mixer.

loving…the vintage finds found on Elise Green. So many pretty pieces from France. I love these glasses.

ordered…these jeans from Re/Done and love the fit. Super cute and comfortable too.

loving…the Vintage Rug shop. I’ve been hunting for the perfect vintage runner for the studio and am loving this site. So many options.

want…the new Paris Candle from Diptyque. Love the sound of a spicy vanilla candle.

drinking…a spicy rosé tequila with sparkling water. My brother is obsessed with this right now, should I create a recipe?

following…Field Architecture. Such a pretty and inspiring Instagram feed.

2. The most popular recipes of August.

most popular: Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka

runner-up: Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta

also have to mention: Iced Brown Sugar Latte with Shaken Espresso

and then this one too: 25 Minute Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry

ok, last one: Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Creamed Corn

3. Early Fall Decor Finds…

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: What’s a weird/random talent that you have that no one would know? 
a: I don’t know if this is really considered a talent, but I feel like can read people fairly well. I usually know if they’re genuine within minutes of talking to them. Probably not a talent but I will say, I’m not often wrong about people ??‍♀️ 

q: One thing you’d order out, but would not make at home?
a: sushi! It’s too much work to make at home and more fun to get out.

q: Have you ever tried yoga or meditation?
a: I used to be really into yoga back in high school but fell out of it when I started HBH…I’ve tried the meditation thing, and you know, I just can’t sit that still ??‍♀️

q: What type of espresso machine do you have and do you like it? 
a: Breville Oracle Touch, it’s actually my favorite appliance.

q: Most surprising thing about you? 
a: I have a mouth worse than a sailor and it’s never expected by anyone ?

q: New to your page and so impressed by your recipes. How did you get started?
a: long story, but the short version is I had just finished high school with an Associates Degree and was planning on getting my Bachelors Degree. I was stressed about starting school and wasting money doing something that wasn’t exciting me. At the last minute, I pulled out and started HBH in October of 2012 and I never looked back. Now here we are 🙂

q: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or passed on) who would it be and why? 
a: My grandma (Nonnie). I miss her so much! She’s a huge reason behind my love of fashion, styling, and creating a beautiful table/meal.

q: You’ve mentioned that your dad did a lot of the cooking growing up, what was your favorite recipe of his? 
a: 100% his Friday night pasta dish, and…as casual as this is…his crispy tacos.

q: What’s your morning routine?
a: I love my morning routine! I’m up early and immediately I down a glass of warm water before heading out the door for a hike. I’m usually outside within 5-10 minutes of waking up. Hiking is my favorite part of the morning (I think I’d go insane if I didn’t get to hike everyday). Then once I’m home, I grab more water and do my morning skincare while the coffee brews. I get dressed for the day, then grab some black coffee with a scoop of collagen. I’ll sip that while working at the computer. I try to only look at things I enjoy, like online shopping or reading an article…never email or slack. And then finally, I’m out the door and headed to the studio.

q: How do you balance risk and ambition when coming up with new recipes?
a: I try to find a middle ground between something totally new and different, but something that still feels approachable. Sometimes it’s really easy, and sometimes I find it to be really tricky.

q: Do you have any dream additions to your kitchen?
a: yes! I’m removing the island cooktop (worst move I made when designing the studio kitchen). I would also like to add a pot filler over the range against the wall. New floors and an organized pantry would also be awesome!

q: If you could spend a year anywhere in the world, where would you choose? 
a: Italy or Greece. I think I’d learn so much about cooking, find new inspiration, and learn a lot about life in general. Really I should just do it while I still can. It sounds scary but exciting too!

q: Can we please get a chai latte or London fog recipe?
a: 100%!!! But in October ??

q: Do you do any crafty things other than cooking?
a: yes!! I love love love a good craft. Anything from making a homemade gift, arranging flowers, styling clothes, styling a room, making collages. I really love it all. I’ve been doing crafts since before I could write.

q: Pick one, hot air balloon, skydive, or parasailing?
a: well, I’ve already been parasailing (my uncle owns a parasailing business). And I’d never skydive, so hot air balloon all the way! That actually sounds so fun!

q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure candy?
a; Probably a Reese’s, or just a good old Malley’s Chocolate Bar.

q: What’s your favorite time of day?
a: morning and night. I love early mornings more than anything, but I also work well late at night.

q: Peonies or tulips?
a: peonies. I don’t love tulips

q: When people leave reviews on your recipes, do you like to hear what they did differently?
a: Yes! Love to see how everyone adapts recipes to their liking/needs. Get creative!

5. Happy Birthday Asher!

As of tomorrow, Asher will officially be a teenager. It’s her 13th birthday and just typing that out makes me a little sad. Asher and I have been together since day one, I was there when she was born, helped put her down for daily naps, read books to her, and took care of her as much as my mom would let me.

I was 14 going on 15 when Asher was born. It was a time in my life when I was really struggling with my anxiety and while most people thought I’d have a really hard time have a new baby sister in the house (at the time I was the only girl), I embraced it, and Asher is a big part of how I was able to push through some really hard years in my life. So for that, I will always be forever grateful and I know we’ll always have the most special bond.

It’s fun watching her grow into the little woman that she is!

And now, some photos because she’s the cutest…and has grown so much this year! 

6. Inspiring me this week…

(via Pinterest)

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

The First 30 Minutes of My Day with Kristin Cavallari…love learning how others spend their mornings.

14 Unique Baby Shower Gifts for the Healthy Mom To Be…I need all these ideas.

 All the Best Fall Trends at H&M…fall fashion, but affordable and cute.

Virgo Guide…what to read, watch, wear, and do, to take full advantage of your season. 

19 Trader Joe’s Dips…here’s how they ranked.

A Renovated 9th Century Carriage House in Connecticut…so cute and cozy, love this vibe.

17 Books to Read Before They Hit the Screen…do you like to read the book first, then see the movie? Or the other way around?

Want to Pluck Your Own Eyebrows? Here’s How to Do It Without Messing Them Up…taking notes.

17 Easy One-Pot Recipes to Keep Your Weeknight Dinners Stress-Free…yum, these all sound delish.

7 Things to Do Right Now If You’re Job Hunting…if you need some helpful tips.

We Found 50 of the Best Home Decor Items on Amazon…home decor made affordable and easy.

A Moody, Minimalist “Forest Estate” in Ibiza…love a moody home.

8. Newly Arrived Early Fall Finds..

bonus: back to school, back to work bags 

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats…

Monday: Crispy Prosciutto, Sage Pesto, and Tomato Grilled Cheese

Tuesday: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Wednesday: Brown Butter Cherry Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo

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

Friday: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Saturday: Vegan Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Sunday: Chocolate Zucchini Banana Cake with Vanilla Coffee Frosting