Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – fav photo of Hail’s and Oslo

Well, once again you guys amazed me with your kindness and outpouring of excitement for Red and Hail’s last week. We’re obviously so excited for them and it was fun to finally get to share their Olympic news. You guys really are the most supportive! Asher would say this is so “influencer” of me, but I’m especially grateful to have such a strong little online family!

Just thought I’d start with that little note, because you guys really deserve an award for being the best community! If you want to watch something fun, check out both Red and Hailey’s Chipotle commercials. There are clips in there from when each of them are little, I loved it.

Work-wise, I had a day of zero recipes working, so that was no fun. When I have those days, I always have my dad in the back of my head saying, “you wouldn’t know what really good days are without the bad days”. We have to have them! Fortunately, it was just one day and the rest were great! I spent Friday on back-to-back calls working on new HBH projects. I love my cooking days, but it’s also exciting to have a day full of meetings that allow for new ideas.

Also, I saw something this week that said 2022 is the year calendar invites need to include whether the meeting is a voice call or video call. You just never know otherwise. Personally, I vote for voice calls. I’m not a lover of the Zoom.

Enjoy this week’s favorites! While I don’t have a lot of life updates, I do have lots to share below!

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

loving…Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum. If you’re looking for glowing skin overnight, this serum is amazing. Especially if you’re not using any kind of retinol or can’t use retinol because it bothers your skin. A good lactic acid serum like this can deliver similar smoothing, brightening benefits to retinol. You can also use both retinol – this one is my favorite, and lactic acid together, read details on how to use both here.

road-tripping it to…Aspen. Not me personally, but Red is competing in X-Games this weekend, so my family is heading there this week. I told them they need to get breakfast at Felix Roasting Co. at Hotel Jerome. They have amazing coffee, bread, bagels, and my mom and Asher can get their hot chocolate here. Then Catch Steak for dinner (they love steak), but they also offer incredible seafood options too (Red’s a sushi guy). Plus the location/vibe is amazing. The restaurant is located right by the Aspen Mountain gondola. And they have a heated dining terrace that my mom would love (she could use a birthday dinner).

They also need to head over to CHICA, which is located inside The Residence at The Little Nell (favorite hotel). They’ve got great Latin American eats, ribs, al pastor, and Mexican hot chocolate. Creighton will be all about this. Lastly, Asher needs to go to the Re/Done store in town. We both love Re/done (especially their jeans and tees). She’s dying for her first pair. Got to love Aspen. It really offers up all the things!

ordered…Aritzia Fleece Hoodies and Pants. I basically live in a hoodie and Aritzia has some of my favorites. This fleece hoodie (the yellow is super cute, but they have so many colors). I also order the zip hoodie (in blue, because apparently dark blues bring out hazel eyes), and these cozy sweatpants. Living in these pieces right now.

also loving…Aritzia Cashmere. I have to mention their cashmere pieces. They’re more affordable than most and so soft + warm. These joggers are in my cart.

listening to… Melissa Wood Tepperberg on Setting Intentions. This one is a quick listen, but so valuable and I was able to relate to so much of what Melissa said. The conversation was so good that I actually listened twice. I loved when she touched on comparison. I’m living by this quote this year because it’s how I feel right now. “I love this, I love this, but there is something else, I want to go deeper”. I love HBH and everything about this community, but I want to do more for you guys.

also listening to…Eric Schmidt (former Google CEO) on Armchair Expert. I’m sure many of you have listened to this already. But I’m in the middle of it and finding it super interesting. It’s a little tricky to follow, so I’ve had to go slower with it.

loving…Alo Yoga base layer. Great for really cold days or anything outside in the snow, warm and comfortable. Also loving their new rust color in the airbrush legging.

loving…OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème. Cait, Kai’s girlfriend just told me about this. She said she loves it. I need to order it!

ordered…Salamon Boots/Shoes. I recently ordered these trail running shoes. They’re great for when the snow is packed down and hard on the trail. I have my eye on the higher tops for snow heavy days. And these high tops are cute for just going places and day-to-day.

shopping…the Beis restock. They just restocked some of my favorites, the carry on and check in bag + weekender bags are my go toes. Asher loves their work tote, and my mom is obsessed with this diaper bag, which is still sold out. But she highly recommends this one, which is also great, it’s just a tight fit for her oversized laptop!

curios to try…the Jolie Showerhead. Supposedly it removes chlorine and heavy metals from your shower water to improve your skin and hair. Plus, it’s very sleek and clean looking, so I’m thinking I need a new showerhead.

loving…stacking Alexa Leigh bracelets. These are so perfect for me. They’re cute, but small enough that I can easily wear them while cooking and they don’t get in the way. I have this link bracelet and this ball bracelet in a couple of sizes. I need to add a few more, like this rope bracelet.

loving…these faux fur hats by Emma Brewin. These are super cute, pricy, but cute. Also, love these fun hats on Urban. Asher would be obsessed.

watching…not much! Any recommendations?

2. Wholesome Sunday dinners.

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Sheet Pan Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa and Potatoes

Artichoke Pesto and Burrata Pizza with Lemony Arugula

Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta

3. Accessories to make Winter outfits more fun.

jewelry 

beanies, hats, clips, and hair ties 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: do you ever do book signings in NYC?
a: yes!! We have one planned for February when the 3rd book is released! More info to come! 

q: what are you looking forward to in 2022?
a: so many things!! The 3rd cookbook’s release and the small tour we are planning (can’t wait). Hopefully working more on HBH product. Brainstorming ideas with our small but awesome little team! My nephew Bud being born in February!!! I’m so freaking excited to be an aunt, gonna spoil little Bud rotten 🙂 And of course, the Olympics!

q: what was your favorite Christmas gift this year? And favorite that you gifted?
a: Asher’s gift to me was the sweetest!! I have to try and get a pic but it’s tricky. She gave me a necklace with a heart pendant that has a photo of the two of us in it. And then Hailey Langland (Red’s girlfriend) made me the coziest coat…hand-sewn and everything. I LOVE them both. 

Most of the gifts I gave this year I was excited about, but Creighton’s was so fun. I knew he’d be so excited about a box full of meat from Five Marys, branded with his name. His reaction did not disappoint! I also loved Asher’s gifts. I got her way too much, but I’m her only sister and I’m allowed to spoil her a bit 😉 

q: how far in advance do you plan your recipes?
a: not far at all. Sometimes I test a recipe, then share it the following day. Ideally, I work a week ahead, but that only happens 50% of the time.

q: do you still hike in the winter?
a: yes!! I just put snow pants on and boots and head out every morning. It’s my favorite thing to do.

q: what was the most crucial step you took to monetize HBH?
a: taking the time to connect with you guys. Creating a strong community was key. Now you guys feel so much like family and the monetization just naturally followed. Connecting with your community and building a trust with your followers is key, actually, it’s everything. The community is what drives me, it’s where I get my ideas.

q: does your mom gasp watching Red snowboard?
a: no, but I do. This is me watching him ?. I half watch, half cover my eyes.

q: how big is your family? how many brothers/sisters?
a: 6 brothers, 1 sister 

Creighton- 36
Trevor- 34
Brendan- 31
Me- 28
Kai- 26
Red- 21
Asher- 13
Oslo- 1 

q: is there a trait that you think all of your siblings and you share? physical or behavioral?
a: we’re all very respectful and polite to others, especially when first meeting someone.  We treat everyone the same, no one is more special or “cool” than anyone else. My parents always taught us to make everyone feel welcomed.

q: best hand cream/remedy for cracked skin?
a: honestly I’m always on the search for one, but I have horribly dry hands from cooking all day. I do love Augustinus Bader hand cream. It’s the best I’ve found, especially if you put it on before bed. Then put Lano Golden Dry over and let that sit all night.

q: what’s your favorite thing about being in a big family?
a: always having someone to call. No matter who it is, they’ve got your back.

q: would you ever do a tour of your house?
a: coming later 2022!! We’re finally finishing both the studio and my house and I’m so excited. I’ll also try to share the behind-the-scenes process too!!!

q: book signing in Denver?
a: yes! I’m sure we will do one in February/March when the new book is out! 

q: do you get intimidated by celebrities that follow you?
a: no! While it is cool and sweet, celebrities are people just like you and me! I get excited over everyone that follows!!! 

q: anything you have tried to like but just can’t eat?
a: tea. It makes me gag, unless you make it creamy like a latte.

q: best way to care for your cast iron skillet?
a: I just wash mine under hot water, sometimes I use soap if it’s really dirty, but not usually. Then, I put it on the burner over low heat to fully dry.

q: what kind of mittens do you wear in the freezing temps?
a: believe it or not, when I’m hiking I just wear those 2 for $5 gloves you can get at Target. I keep them in my coat pocket so I always have them. If I was going snowboarding I’d wear real gloves. Red recommends Quiksilver outerwear for men and Roxy for women. 

(the fam, a real wild bunch – photo from Mike Dawsy)

5. Productivity Tips.

A question I get asked all the time is, “how do I get it all done”. It’s funny because maybe from the outside it looks like I’m able to get so much done. But in my mind, it’s never enough. I know, I know, that’s not a positive way to look at it, but it’s often how I feel. And the truth is, I’m not even close to perfect. There is so much I can improve on. My biggest challenge right now is to prioritize sleep.

That said, I do feel like I’ve learned some positive habits over the years. Ones that are really essential to having productive days/weeks. However, it’s important to note that what works for me, might not work for you. I do think you have to try things out and figure out what’s best for you personally.

Here are some small things I do that really help me personally.

1. I start my day with water + a hike

Literally, the first thing I do when I get out of bed is to drink a big glass of warm water (after hiking I drink lemon water). Then I’m out the door for a hike. For me, this is my favorite way to start the day. It ensures that I get in physical activity no matter what happens the rest of the day. But even more importantly, it’s my time to think creatively and problem solve without any distractions. On the rare days that I don’t get outside first thing, I always feel so much more frazzled.

2. I don’t open any social platforms until after my “morning routine”

I don’t know when I started doing this, but it saves so much time and mental clarity. When you open a social app, nine times out of ten you’re going to get distracted. What you see could affect your mood for the entire day. So I avoid getting on social media for as long as possible in the morning.

3. I don’t scroll Instagram

This is honestly because I just don’t have time. When I’m on Instagram, I use it mainly to communicate with you guys and not much else. I spend most of the time either posting or in my direct messages.

4. I have all notifications turned off

I started doing this last year and it’s saved me so much stress. Literally, I don’t get any notifications on my phone, just phone calls. I figure if someone really needs to reach me, they’ll call. Then I’ll usually check my texts at night when I have more time. I know this isn’t something everyone can do. But if you’re struggling to get more done and constantly stressed with the number of messages coming in on your phone, turn those notifications off, and get back to everyone on your own time. People shouldn’t ever expect an immediate response. That’s just my opinion, not everyone agrees, but this really works for me.

5. I don’t live in my inbox 

Everyone has a different job, so I don’t think it’s one size fits all. But for me personally, my time is better spent on the creative side of HBH. I don’t check my email every 5 minutes. Instead, I try to check in once a day to clear anything that might need an immediate response. Again, this will not be for everyone, but I do think it’s helpful to set boundaries with emails. Check in 2 or 3 times a day, but don’t always have it open. It’s a distraction from the work you really want/need to be doing.

6. I keep notes on everything

The notes app is so underrated, I use it all day every day. I create t0-do lists, content ideas, product ideas, and ideas for this favorites post. I also use it to keep information linked for our team with shared notes. It’s easier than working in google docs and email because it’s accessible on all my devices – phone + computer. I also love a physical notebook for my daily to-do list and writing recipes. My favorite is Golden Coil.

While this all sounds so nice and dandy…and maybe my mornings are efficient, my nights could really use some work. I need to prioritize more sleep and less work. But as I often say, baby steps. There are actually a million things I could be better at…more organized, better communication, more positivity, etc. So try for small improvements every day. I’m not good at this, but give yourself a break. If one day isn’t as productive as you’d like, let it go. I tend to beat myself up when I have “bad” days. It’s definitely something I need to work to get better at.

The only reason I share this is that people often ask. Plus, I find it interesting learning some of the things that help people have awesome days. I take what I can, and leave what isn’t good behind.

6. Favorite quote of the week.

you can talk all the shit about me you want, but kindness, keeping your head down, and hard work always win

I wrote something similar to this earlier this week and accidentally deleted it from my notes, but someone on Instagram was talking negatively a whole lot this week. No details need to be shared, it was honestly so silly. But I let it bother me for about 10 minutes. Then I shifted into a different mindset and was able to realize that what they’re doing only looks bad on them, not me. People will see right through the nonsense. Kill them with kindness is what my dad says to me weekly, and it couldn’t be more true. Kindness wins every time.

(via Pinterest)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

Everything You Need to Know About the Infrared Sauna Blanket…I really need this blanket.

Emma Watson Opens Up About Her Return to Hogwarts…I had to read this.

Global Supply-Chain Crisis Is Hitting Hotels…everyone is affected, when will it end?

Mango’s Sale Is on Another Level Right Now…love this cardigan and these boots.

67 Housewarming Gifts…always could use a good gift idea.

The 40 Best New York City Landmarks to Visit…so many places to visit.

5 Ways to Do IKEA Kitchen Cabinets…affordable, but still stylish.

The Best Humidifiers to Get You Through Another Winter…I want to try the Dyson, but wow, it’s pricy.

The 15 Best Parkas When You Really Need To Brave the Chill…I love the sherpa-lined hood on this Alo puffer.

18 Books You Can Fly Through In A Weekend…if you love a quick weekend read.

How to Manifest a Better Love Life in 2022…honestly, taking some notes here.

The Best Warm Gray Paint Colors…I love the moodier tones.

How to Fix an Itchy Sweater…I hate an itchy sweater, so I appreciate this. Though it’s a little involved.

42 Things You MUST Do in Paris…if you are planning a trip.

What to Wear to Enhance Your Eye Color…I need to add more orange and lavender colors.

8.Affordable winter styles I love.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Honey Garlic Salmon Soba Noodle Bowls

Tuesday: One Skillet Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce

Wednesday: Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch

Thursday: 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil

Friday: Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt

Saturday: Hard Cider Pretzels with Creamy Honey Mustard

Sunday: Homemade Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars