Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Do you know what I love about this time of year? When things finally, finally start to blossom around here, it brings new life and energy. Does anyone else experience that with spring? This past week the sun decided to come out in full force after a snowy week before. The weather has shifted and the sunshine is really doing me some good. I’m not getting nearly enough sleep, which yes, I know is horrible (but I have to be honest). But the flowers that are popping up out of the ground are giving me lots of energy mixed with excitement for summer. 

Aside from that, it was a pretty normal week. That said, I’m really looking forward to what’s coming up this week and next. As well as what’s coming up as we head into the month of June. It’s crazy we’re approaching the middle of May. Memorial Day is just a couple of weeks out! Do you have fun plans? We don’t have anything booked, but I am secretly hoping a small trip pops up on my calendar. 

For now, I’m focusing on this week. I’m heading out of town on a work trip tomorrow, then it’s off to somewhere fun. I said last week that I wasn’t sharing the destination, but the truth is, I don’t even know where I’m headed. I know the general area we’re going to, but not the exact location. My mom has decided she’s going to totally surprise me, so I’ll be finding out with you guys! I’m nervous because in general I don’t love surprises, but I’m trusting her with this one.

I have not been on vacation since last summer when the family headed to Cabo. And even then, I wasn’t there long. So I’m looking forward to this. It should be pretty chill, but still adventurous because let’s just be honest, anything with my family is a real adventure. 

If you couldn’t tell, I’m really leaning into travel this summer, which is something I have not embraced in the past. Traveling is honestly something that’s always given me a lot of stress and anxiety. Recently I’m feeling a shift. Seeing new locations and having new experiences is becoming a really big focus. I’m pushing the family to do an Italy trip this summer instead of Mexico. Capri looks simply perfect. I need to go! 

Let’s see, what else. I’m also really enjoying tapping into my fashion and design side. I have way too expensive tastes, but I’m still having fun with it. Asher has been rubbing off on me with all her fashion talk and online shopping. And after long design meetings for the studio space, plus my house, I’ve been scouring Instagram late at night for ideas. 

Going to end my rambling here. Enjoy today’s favorites and have a great Sunday!!

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

loving…this farmhouse in Upstate New York. Stunning. The glass windows, the views, the open space outdoors, the bathrooms, they’re all so pretty and unique. What a special home.

loving…Tata Harper, they just sent their new eco-friend packing over and it’s so good. I had our discount code re-activated for you guys if you want to try out the brand. Use the code TATAxTIEGHAN for 25% off all Tata Harper skincare through May 31st. I love their restorative eye cream. Also, this is not sponsored, I’m just sharing a brand I love. 

listening to…Stick Figure. As recommended by my cousin, Matt. I’m listening to it now and it’s very chill, which I enjoy. 

loving…Janessa Leone hats/accessories. I had the pleasure of meeting Janessa in LA. She was so kind and attended one of my events. Janessa is well known for her beautiful hats. I have loved them for years. My very favorite is the Klint. I think it’s the prettiest, chicest hat. I also love the Sherman and the Gabrielle. Oh, and the Piper is a great everyday staple…at least where I live. But honestly, every single one of her pieces are gorgeous. You can’t go wrong. These are more investment pieces, but they’ll last you a lifetime. You can’t beat the quality. 

dreaming of going…my list is getting long. St. Barts really looks beautiful, Italy is a big one on my list. And smaller trip-wise, Santa Barbara looks stunning and it would be so easy for me to quickly visit too! We’ve also talked about a trip in the fall to visit the Staub factory in France. It could be interesting to see for myself exactly what it takes to make a Staub coquette.

loving…Zara outfits for spring. Love these casual everyday leather slides, I’d wear this cropped blazer with jeans or a cute dress. This oversized white linen shirt is a staple and would be cute over a bathing suit too, love the satin green as well. These low-rise black pants are cute for dinner out and I love that this white dress can be dressed up or down. These are the perfect lightweight jogger pants too. 

watching…Blake Lively Dives Into Her Life in Looks. Love this so much. She talks about everything from Gossip Girl to the Met Gala.

loving…Dua Lipa. I just read her Vogue cover article, she sounds really cool. Did any of you go to her concert? I’ve seen some clips and they looked amazing. Her style is incredible, see her looks here. I also LOVED her Vogue 73 questions. Such a cute video. 

ordering…the Tatcha silk sunscreen. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that will help to hydrate and even skin tone. Also, ordering the Globox self tanning mousse. 

using…Biossance body care. Just started using the squalane enzyme sugar body scrub along with their squalane caffeine toning body cream. I have loved the feel of my skin the last few days.

admiring…the Louis Vuitton 2023 cruise show. They held it in San Diego at sunset this past week and it looked magical. The location was perfect. What a cool venue. 

testing…sea salt sprays. Thinking of ordering the Ouai wave spray. I have heard so many awesome reviews. Or the Bumble and Bumble surf spray or the R+Co rockaway salt spray. 

loving…the sweet daintiness of this Gucci bag. The berries are adorable for summer if you’re looking to splurge. This Oscar de la Renta too. 

watching…Along for The Ride on Netflix. It’s a little cheesy but cute. A really nice feel-good kind of movie. 

supporting…Baby to Baby. I’ve always loved and supported Baby to Baby, but after reading this story on Goop, I donated yet again. I had no idea that diapers were taxed. They are the fourth-highest household expense among low-income families.

concerned about…the formula shortage. This is real, fortunately, Oslo is older and this isn’t life-threatening. Oslo uses Loulouka, a Swiss formula, so you wouldn’t think he’d be affected. But because of the shortage here, even the Loulouka isn’t available. This is a very scary situation for those with little ones who rely on formula. If you have any tips for moms please share them in the comments.

2. Vacation sunscreens. 

all picked out by Asher, the queen of warm-weather destinations

3. Recipes with a flora touch to them.

Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake

Blueberry Chamomile Galette

Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Pink Drink

Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Swirled Berry Ice Cream Butter Cake

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: if you could give awards to your family, who would get what? Like most creative, funnies, etc. 
a:

Creighton – funniest
Trevor – most persistent
Brendan – most creative
Kai – nicest or most creative or most helpful?
Red – best athlete
Asher – smartest and best dressed
Oslo – cutest
Mom – gets the most done
Dad – I don’t know, he’s a mix of freaking everything and definitely the most out there. You certainly never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. It’s scary. 

q: were you a straight-A student in high school?
a: Nooo way. I got mostly B’s and I certainly had to try really hard to get those. 

Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum. I use it every night and it really has changed my skin. it’s so hydrating. I just started using their night serum too. 

q: where can I find the strawberry margarita?
a: This is a new recipe from the new cookbook! I have 4 drink recipes in this book! 

q: what has been the biggest highlight of your book tour?
a: Not sure I can say anything other than this night in New York. But, and I say this as a big BUT, the highlight has been getting to meet all of you. The stories you’ve shared with me have made all the long travel days and nights working on this book sooooo worth it. We have the kindest, most supportive community. You’re all even sweeter in person. I have loved meeting you guys!! 

q: do you get nervous being on radio or TV?
a: The crazy thing is that I don’t, but that’s not my personality. I would have thought I’d be so nervous, but every time I do it, I’m so happy and chill beforehand. I love it! 

q: how did you choose the cover for the book?
a: I actually had to fight for this cover. Everyone wanted to use a pizza or pasta or chicken dish (there were 3 options) and then I threw this into the mix. No one wanted me to use the Pierogi. But I just felt like it spoke to what the book is about so much more. It’s an everyday style recipe. Not fancy but delish, and made a little more wholesome, plus it’s one of my favorites in the book. 

q: if you could only make 3 of your recipes for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
a: Crispy cheesy tacos (recipe is in the HBH Every Day cookbook), my dad’s pasta, and pizza! bonus 4th – big ass bowl of everything I love (roasted veggies +pepperoncin + lots of sauce + cheese).

q: do you live with you fam? I assumed you had kids, but now I am not sure?
a: I know I’ve answered this before, but a lot of questions about it tonight soooo…

No, I don’t live with my family!!! My brothers all live in CA (well Red doesn’t really live anywhere, he’s always traveling and Creighton is here a lot). I’m neighbors with my parents, so it’s why my fam is always close by (: 

q: how did you get over your anxiety for travel and do more?
a: Well, I still have it, and honestly, I really dislike traveling (the airport part + driving/logistics). It stresses me so much, but the more I do it the easier it gets. I’m starting to learn that if it’s out of my control, I just can’t stress so much. Accept the situation for what it is and make the best of it. 

I now know what makes traveling easier for me now and always trying to do those things. A hotel I feel comfortable at is key. Working out travel logistics before the trip, etc. Also, never underestimate the power of deep breaths. I always forget how much they can help. 

q: will you ever do an all gluten-free cookbook?
a: I don’t think so! Never say never, but it’s not of interest to me now. Plus, I try to give gluten-free substitutions if possible with recipes. So I hope people are able to adapt many of them! 

q: would you like to travel more for work?
a: Yes! I’m loving being able to travel more. I couldn’t do it all the time, but maybe once or twice a month 

q: did you love the NYC hotel? what was the name again?
a: I did! It’s The New York Edition and it was my favorite of them all!

5. What’s in my carry-on bag. 

When I did my last q&a on Instagram, someone asked what’s one thing that’s always in my purse. I don’t carry a whole lot in my purse, so I thought I’d share everything I travel with. I keep it down to the very basics and try to travel as light as possible. Here is what I bring with me when I travel. 

hand sanitizer – always. But I’ve done this for as long as I can remember. My mom ingrained it in me as a kid. Note, she’s much bigger on actual hand washing though.
hand lotion – my hands are always, always dry. Dr. Barbara Sturm super anti-aging hand cream is my go-to. 
lip balm – same with my lips. I use the Dr. Bronners lip balm.
wallet – a given, but I have my eye on this cute vintage Louis Vuitton wallet. My Nonnie used to carry this, so it feels even more special to me. 
flaky sea salt – I actually use this so much. You never know when you’ll need a little salt. I carry these cute little sea salt tins, but just refill them with the giant tube of Maldon sea salt we have on subscribe and save. 
snacks – usually dried mango + nuts/seeds.
computer + charger + phone charger + hard drive – these go everywhere with me.
laptop sleeve – this Cuyana laptop sleeve is incredible. It’s slim, so it saves room.
headphones – Apple AirPods are the best.

the bag – I always, always travel with my Senreve bag. It’s cute, but also carries everything I need. 

What’s in your carry-on? 

6. Inspiring me + a note on sponsored content.

My mistakes, failures, and bad days tend to bring me my greatest success, most creative ideas, and best work. I’m trying to embrace the mistakes these days. It’s not fun while going through it, but it’s always brighter on the other side. 

sponsored content

Sometimes I get comments, especially with this favorite’s post, asking if the products I share are sponsored. For Nine Favorite Things, I really am just sharing products I love with you guys. So all the skincare and fashion links are simply items I enjoy and want to share. 

Some of the links within this post are affiliate links, which only means that we’ll see a small kickback from those links if you click through and purchase. Again, I only share what I truly love, which is why you’ll see a mix of affiliate and non-affiliate links. 

Recently so many of you have been asking for discount codes, so I’ve been reaching out to brands to ask what they can provide. Some are amazing and give great codes and others pass. But I always want to bring you guys the best of the best. Hopefully making things easier (and cheaper) for you in the long run!

I wanted to address this since people definitely ask. In general, I accept very little sponsored content. I’ll only work with brands I really, really adore. And if I do partner with a brand to create a sponsored post, I always start the post by saying that it is sponsored post. It’s been my number one rule since day one. 

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

The Starbucks Drinks Our Editors Couldn’t Live Without…what’s your favorite?

a Modernist Apartment in New York’s “Jenga Tower”…I could live here. 

The Games Table Is Having a Moment…oh I love this – so fun. 

10 Gorgeous VRBO Palm Springs Rentals With a Pool…vacation time. My family stayed in this cool Pink Martini House and loved it!

Best Sunless Tanners for a Sun-Kissed Glow…according to makeup artists.

These Are the 10 Biggest Summer 2022 Trends…from Zara. 

18 Eye Creams That Actually Work on Dark Circles…I love a good eye cream.

23 Beautifully Designed Coffee Shops…Bolt Coffee in Providence looks so cute.

12 TSA-Approved Beauty Products …if you travel a lot.

30 Beauty Products to My Cart…all fit for summer. 

Best Way to Ripen an Avocado…not sure I believe these work. 

5 Ways to Help You Overcome Bathing Suit Anxiety…enjoy your summer vacay.

California’s Coolest Up-And-Coming Getaway Destination…cool historic hotels.

8. Spring/Summer fits from Abercrombie. 

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

Monday: Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Tuesday: Greek Olive Pasta Salad

Wednesday: Dad’s Easy Cheesy Eggs with Chili Butter

Thursday: Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Friday: Spicy Zucchini Ricotta Lasagna with Oregano Breadcrumbs

Saturday: Cheese Rangoons with Sweet Ginger Chili Sauce

Sunday: Easy Baklava