Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Hey, hey!! Oh my goodness, such a week! I hope this is not annoying, but I feel so excited about everything we’re working on. It’s Friday afternoon as I write this. I usually take a Thursday or Friday away from the kitchen for an admin day. Admin days, for me, mean that I’m usually on back-to-back zoom calls, which to be honest I hate. But, we have so many exciting projects in the works, at the end of the day, I felt so happy. And overwhelmed (which I thrive on), but mostly so excited.

Not to mention that we’re coming up on my most favorite time of year, which also greatly excites me. As we enter into September this week, I have all things fall content brewing in my head. I know that I will also be traveling a little more this season, so I have to work to get organized. Here’s what I know for sure. I am so excited to start cocktail Saturday up this month and then go full on come October. I’ve been ordering unique cocktail glasses in prep for the new season! Halloween drinks to come!

We’ll bring back our Thanksgiving series on Instagram, as well as share out our holiday menu and my tablescape. And for Christmas, well, I have ideas! I really do love this time of year, it’s my favorite!

Right now our leaves are still very green (thanks to all that rain). But I know in the next 2 weeks or so things will slowly begin to shift to fall. It’s already been super cold at night! And the grocery store definitely has pumpkins, which seems kind of early, right?

Are you excited, or not ready to let summer go?

Last but not least, Asher’s 14th birthday is on Tuesday! She’s heading to California with my parents to spend time with my brothers and cousins to celebrate. She’s very excited since no one from our family besides myself is currently here in Colorado. I’m sadly traveling for a shoot this week, so I will be missing her birthday. But we’ll celebrate with cake when we’re both back next week! I’m thinking that you can’t go wrong with double birthday celebrations. So we’ll make it a birthday week. I mean she’s Asher, and she’s very special, so a birthday week it is!

I think that’s all on the family, work, and life front. I’m having fun getting back into my fashion side with all the traveling I’ve been getting to do. I’m also excited for one last family trip in a couple of weeks. Creighton wants to do a small trip around the 15th, which will be so nice. We’re going somewhere warm!

Hoping you all have a relaxing Sunday. Enjoy this week’s post, it’s crazy that Thursday is September 1st! Tailgating season is here!

fresh picked dahlias 

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

loving…Mx ID ghost flutes. I just received a set of these pretty champagne flutes this week. These are a higher-end item, but they’re absolutely beautiful and unique. I’ve been using them as vases for the flowers from the garden. Just so pretty.

loving…Tata Harper. I’ve spoken on Tata Harper previously, as I’ve been using their eye serum. I just tested out their body cream and am now loving them both. Really incredible skincare. Also, on the skincare front, I truly LOVE the new IS clinical cleansing polish. I have been using it every 3 days or so and it’s wonderful.

wanting to try…Skin Ceuticals C E ferulic serum. Everyone seems to love their vitamin C serum. This has been on my list of skincare products to try so I finally ordered. I”ll share my feedback soon.

everything in my cart…LOW. I want this set from Réalisation. The chocolate sweatshirt and matching sweatpants look extra comfy and I love the rich color. Ordered this Vince scoop neck cami while it’s on sale, perfect staple. Another staple, the Agolde extended sleeve crewneck tee. The extended sleeves are so nice. The Reformation Mason pant now comes in a green pin stripe, which I think is super cute. Also from Reformation, I might need this high rise midi denim skirt. It would be so cute with tall boots or paired down with sneakers. I want to order the Wilfred vegan leather blazer in coffee bean. Again I love the rich color. The Teddy sherpa jacket from J.Crew looks so cozy, but still lightweight for the fall days ahead.

For sweaters, this off the shoulder wool sweater via & Other Stories has been added to my cart. Also from & Other Stories, the perfect trench coat. Continuing on to heavier coats, my mom would love this faux shearling coat via Nordstrom. From Zara, this sequin knit dress is pretty. Love it paired with boots. Also, these Free People boots are the perfect shade for fall.

listening to…Gaby Reese on the Skinny Confidential. Really enjoyed this conversation, especially the end where she touches on her wellness practices and eating real food, fruits, vegetables, meat, and plant-based carbs.

reading…Joanna Gaines and her Latest Fixer Upper House: The Castle. My mom sent this over to me. We both really enjoyed learning more about this project, and reading about the renovations and updates made. I especially enjoyed going through all the before and after photos of this beautiful castle. Such a unique and special home. Love the bathroom.

dreaming of going to…Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel in Anguilla. This looks just magical. The blue waters and gorgeous resort are calling my name. Also in Anguilla, Malliouhana an Auberge Resort. Both resorts would be incredible to visit.

dreaming of going… Grace Hotel another Auberge Resorts Collection. Greece looks incredible and I’m dying to travel there soon. Loved reading this travel piece on the beautiful Grace Hotel. It would be a dream to visit!

wearing…comfy pajamas. McKenzie (she’s our social media girl) said she loves these organic cotton pajamas or these satin pajamas both from Nordstrom. I’d love both pairs. Added to my cart. Great price too! Going to share more PJ’s next week! So cozyy.

loving…Smith and Mara scattered diamond ring. Such a stunning ring and it sits so comfortably on my finger. It’s my favorite ring, I just love it. It’s not cheap but it’s a ring I can wear daily since it’s small and dainty. Other Smith and Mara pieces I have and love: the diamond crescent earring and diamond spiral earring, which everyone is always asking about. I know these are expensive pieces, but they’ve been kind enough to offer a discount code for you guys. Use code “Tieghan” for 20% off your order.

ordered…Milos basket from CB2. I love having baskets like this throughout the home. The old basket I have was falling apart. I just ordered this and it’s going to be perfect for all my Boll & Branch throws.

loving…Boll & Branch! I talk about their bedding often, but with fall coming up, I just ordered another down comforter from them. If I had to tell you to order one product from B&B, it would be the down comforter. It’s my favorite and keeps me so warm on cold Colorado nights. You can use the code TIEGHAN20 for 20% off your order.

trend I don’t love…ballet flats. They’ve never excited me. Trend I am loving…sneakers. I got these Reebok’s the other week. Originally, I wasn’t sure how felt about the sneaker trend, but I’m into it. I now love the Reebok’s I got.

recommending…travel backpacks. I haven’t personally tested this bag out, but for $50 it looks like an incredible travel bag that also fits my computer, which is rare and super important to me. I use and love my Senreve backpack every time I travel, but if you’re looking for even more room, this backpack looks amazing.

eating…ground chia seeds and ground flaxseed. Both are rich in Omega 3’s and great sources of healthy fats and fiber. I’ve been sprinkling them onto avocado toast, quinoa, and mixing them into smoothies. Or even just eating them by the spoon. I actually love the taste!

wearing…Rhode peptide lip treatment. I didn’t think I needed this product, but now that I’ve been using it, I am in love. It’s so pretty on the lips. I love the unscented, but both the salted caramel and watermelon slice are the prettiest shades. The salted caramel would be so great for fall. It’s so good.

everything in my cart…HIGH. Dress-wise, this Staud jersey dress is stunning for a night out this fall. Also, how beautiful is this Saint Laurent wool crepe maxi dress? I love the white deep V dress, but also adore the black backless dress too. Stunning.  A maxi dress with long sleeves is so my kind of dress (maybe because it’s always cold here!). For something a little more laid back, The Gia dress in animal print from Réalisation. And if you’re in need of a wedding dress, the Danielle Frankel Lennon dress is so pretty.

Moving onto coats, you can never have too many blazers, but this Saint Laurent leather blazer is oh so special. And this Rick Owens long sleeve hoodie coat is perfection. I would happily and excitedly wear this every day this fall/winter. Love this Totême country jacket. An updated classic. And lastly, this Ganni quilted jacket is perfect for rainy fall days.

And on to pants. I’m loving satin for fall and these Vince satin wide leg pants are on my to-get list. From Valentino, love the look of these blue wash, wide leg jeans, camel cashmere pullover, and ivory hooded coat. And then these Valentino over-the-knee boots – gorgeous! More fall boots, I love, love the Versace platform bootie. A fall staple boot. Also on the boot front, the Prada monolith leather chelsea boot. Cute and practical for everyday wear.

drinking…collagen. Every morning in my coffee. Collagen has many benefits, it revitalizes dull, fragile hair, helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, supports dehydrated skin, and repairs brittle nails. I mix it into my morning coffee and don’t even know it’s there. I use Vital Proteins unflavored and love it. Do you drink collagen? Some people say it’s just a bunch of hype, but I don’t know, I’d like to believe it’s working!

watching…Capturing Home. Stylist (Kate) and photographer (Amy) design personalized spaces for homeowners and their families. It’s really cute show if you love interiors.

reading…The 11 Things in L.A. I Always Want to Eat. So many new spots to add to my list. I really want to go to Petit Trois and Mother Wolf.

curious to try…MAD et LEN black champaka candle. For a candle, this is expensive. But people have been mentioning it everywhere, so now I’m curious. This is a new-to-me brand, has anyone burned their candles?

2. The most popular recipes of August.

Most popular: One Skillet Street Corn Chicken Enchilada Bake

Runner-up: Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler

Also have to mention: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Asher’s Favorite: Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

My Personal Favorite: Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s

3. Favorite fall decor finds.

Pottery Barn

Anthropologie

Crate and Barrel

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: how do you stay healthy with all that you cook?
a: In general, cook with real food, nothing processed (for the most part/day-to-day). Shop mostly the perimeter of the grocery store (produce, meat, seafood, dairy). Go full fat all the way. Just real, simple, wholesome food. That’s pretty much it. This is obviously not perfect. And I fully believe in letting yourself enjoy the damn cookie if you want the cookie (: I know this is cliche, but moderation is the key to a balanced life.

q: what is your skin type? Dry? Acne? Forever clear?
a: I have super dry skin that tends to be on the sensitive side. I try to keep my skincare pretty much fragrance free and very heavy on the moisture. Especially since I live in such a dry climate.

q: I don’t know your story, how did you start your business? How did you begin doing what you love?
a: Hi!! So many new people this week so I figured I’d try to quickly answer this one. I started HBH just out of high school and freshly 19. I was supposed to attend fashion design school in LA (FIDM). But after living and working in the city over the summer, I turned around and came home.

Ever since I can remember I always said I wanted to go into fashion. I’ve loved putting looks together all my life and spent weekends with my grandma shopping. Coming home was not my ideal situation and I felt pretty lost/not sure of my next move. I didn’t want to spend money on traditional schooling when I wasn’t even sure what to major in. Plus, I’d never liked school.

I had been cooking for my family since middle school, and also around that time began reading a few blogs. It was actually my mom who really pushed me into starting HBH. We’d taken out the domain name 1 year prior when the family was in Mt. Hood for the summer. I never touched the site until I came back from LA, and that’s when we started HBH. Literally started and never looked back. I think in all these years (almost 10!!!) I’ve only missed only a handful of blog posts. I’ve shared more recipes and content than I could ever count. Looking back is honestly the coolest. We’ve come soo far and have soo much happening. Especially this year!

q: how old were you when you made the first cookbook?
a: I was 23 (almost 24) when the first book was published. So I was 22 and 23 while creating it.

q: what are some everyday things worth investing in while in your early 20s?
a: A cast iron skillet, you’ll have it forever. Like forever. I’ve had my Staub skillets for years and they still look new. I use them every day, they are certainly my favorite.

Investment pieces you love. Jeans + blazer + a timeless bag that always makes you feel good. Splurge on the pieces you can have forever and wear a lot. Save on the trendier items.

q: find any new podcasts to listen to lately? 
a: My brother has me listening to Smartless and I’ve been into The Blonde Files Podcast too. But I could use some new ones!! Typically I love to listen to podcasts where I learn something or business podcasts.

q: fav midrange clothing store brands?
a: try shopping the Shopbop under $200 section, & Other Stories, and honestly, Abercrombie, they have some really cute pieces right now. J.Crew is great for basics. Mango is really awesome too. And of course, Zara.

q; can you share your Ariel Gordon discount code?
a: If people use this link it will auto apply.

q: how do you clean your cast iron skillets? A friend swears you are never supposed to clean it?!
a: Yes! Exactly that! I really don’t clean them. We rinse them under warm water. Then I like to dry them over an open flame on the stove to ensure they don’t get any rust (which my @staub_usa cast iron never has). People think cleaning cast iron is complicated but it’s actually the easiest. Warm water is all you need. The oils left from cooking continue to season the skillet over time, making the skillet cook even better! Yes, I swear the skillet gets better over time and with less harsh cleaning! Just rinse it off and dry it well!

q: do you think a new blog can have success?
a: Yes, it is a saturated area, however, bring something new and different to the table. Work harder than everyone else, hone in on what makes you unique, and connect with your community. The community is everything. Always be working to create content they want to see. Make the community the happiest! And have an email list! Don’t rely on social media alone!!!

5. Something you splurged on?

I got this idea from A Cup of Jo and thought it was fun! I used to be the person that would not buy herself barely anything new unless it was essential. And if I did, I’d ultimately end up returning it because I felt “guilty” or not “worthy” of something new. As I grow and continue working to build our business, I’m coming to the realization that you have to let yourself enjoy things!

And I’m trying to do just that! Growing as an adult, learning more, and hopefully becoming wiser.

So this year, I bought myself my first designer bag, a Prada. I love it so much and know I will have it for many, many years to come. And maybe one day it will be Asher’s. It took me forever to make this purchase, but I don’t regret it. When I travel for work, it gives me a new confidence. Sounds silly, I know, especially since a designer bag is very much a want and not a need. Nonetheless, I’ll take the extra confidence!

What is something you have splurged on that makes you so happy? A vacation? A designer item? A new home? That pricy designer lipstick? 

And my favorite affordable purchases? Snif candles, Merit beauty products, and anything from Zara Home, which I swear is the best-kept secret. They have some of my favorite kitchen pieces and go-to gold silverware that everyone always asks for.

6. Happy Birthday Asher.

My favorite sister Asher (yes, she’s my only sister) will be turning 14 this Tuesday! She has spent her first official year as a teenager, really becoming a teenager. I can’t believe how much she has grown this year, how much she has matured, and what a young woman she has become. She’s a real “boss” these days and I swear one day she’s going to be president or run her own company. She knows how to take charge. 

She’s fallen in love with online shopping, interior decorating, and has a strong desire for travel. She’s also been the world’s best big sister to Oslo. Watching the two of them together is so cute. She’s helped me refine my closet, pack for trips, and is a pro at stealing all my top skincare products. She really is a special one and we love her! Sharing a few favorite photos from this past year. You’ll see just how much she has grown!

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

6 Buzzy Hotels on My Travel List…The new Aman New York is at the TOP of my list.

Tour an East Hampton Home That’s Perfectly Imperfect…pretty.

Tour a Dreamy Hilton Head Beach House…perfect. I would love this space. Second home maybe?

These 31 Suede Bags Were Literally Made for Fall…certainly love a suede bag for fall.

Secret Storage Is All Over Urban Outfitters’s Fall Home Drop…such good pieces.

Take These Words + Phrases out of Your Relationship Vocabulary…take notes.

Barbiecore Is Trending—15 Essential Beauty Buys to Nail This Nostalgic Look.

9 Clean Beauty Products That Replaced My Makeup Staples…I love these brands too.

Put Out the Snacks…game night games for weekend fun.

A Fool-Proof Formula For Packing Kids’ Lunches…25 Recipes To Get Started.

This Is the Secret to Keeping Your Sweaters Looking Brand New…good to know.

How to Subtly Switch Your Decor to Fall…some cute, easy ideas.

Tour 9 Minimalist Homes That Are Stylishly Tranquil…certainly love a less is more approach.

8. Favorite fall style picks from Abercrombie and H&M.

Abercrombie

H&M

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

Monday: Simple Coconut Chicken Meatball Curry with Rice Noodles

Tuesday: One Pot 4 Cheese Caprese Mac and Cheese

Wednesday: Spicy Ginger Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowls

Thursday: Easy Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Pizzas

Friday: Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch

Saturday: Cheesy Pesto Avocado Bacon Breakfast Burrito

Sunday: Giant Frosted Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tart