Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Unlike last weeks favorite’s post, no super exciting news to share…unless you count slicing off a decent chunk of my finger tip, which yes, I did do. I am totally OK, no harm done, just one very annoying and gross looking finger at the moment. Lesson learned: pay way more attention and stop working so fast. Very thankful it wasn’t worse, but it was “this” close to being like really bad.

Anyway, aside from that little drama of the week, all is good over here. I am now working on content for the next month, since I will be in Korea for almost two weeks. That’s a long freaking time to be away, especially for me…slightly anxious about all that needs to be done before I leave, but excited for all the new experiences Korea will bring. Speaking or Korea, I am thinking about posting some Korean inspired recipes. I thought it might be fun to post a few before we leave and then compare the differences when in Korea and report back. What do you guys think? Korean food? Yes or No?

Coming up this week, I’m sharing a fun new meal prep recipe, a loaded salad, some sweet cookies, and a new warming winter recipe that I love. If you’re planning your dinners out for the week, be sure to check out my ideas below (favorite thing #9). Have a great Sunday and enjoy another round of favorites!

1. Instagram Stories Q&A.

I did a fun Q&A on Instagram this week and thought I’d share some of my favorite questions here with you guys today.

Q: What do you use for photo backdrops/backgrounds?
A: Anything I can find. Most of my favorite surfaces are from antique stores or junk yards. I love anything with some texture to it. Woods, metals, and concrete are my favorites. I also use a lot of linens as well .

Q: I am thinking of starting a blog, do you have any advice for getting started?
A: Just start! That’s the hardest part. Then be consistent with your posting, and give yourself a schedule of when you’ll post.

Q: What inspired your blog and how do you find time to keep it updated regularly?
A: My love of cooking inspired the blog. It’s my full time job, so I’m working on it pretty much 24/7. It’s also not just me working on everything. I have a small team that I am so grateful for. Managing a blog is a full time job and then some. It takes a lot of work and a lot hands.

Q: What’s your favorite Winter meal?
A: This Ramen and the Honey Ginger Chicken Stir Fry from the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook.

Q: How do you get inspiration for your recipes?
A: My family is a huge inspiration source for me. My brothers are always traveling and they send me recipe ideas, photos of dishes, and even restaurant menus. I also use the seasons as inspiration. I also love being inspired by produce or the weather patterns. For example, it’s winter now so everything is I use is more cozy and I use the oven a ton. In the summer it’s the complete opposite, lighter dishes, no oven!

Q: What photo editing software/apps do you use?
A: I use Lightroom and Photoshop, but 90% of the time it’s Lightroom I use. I don’t use any apps to edit my photos and try to make very minor edits when editing in Lightroom.

Q: How Excited are your to be going to Korea?
A: SO EXCITED. But I’m more excited and happy for my brother. It’s so much more about him than anything else. This is HUGE and I’m just so happy it’s happening for him. He’s worked for this his whole life. He’s the nicest kid, and Gold, Silver, Bronze, or nothing at all, he’s going to be the same kid I know and love.

Q: Will you do a huge post about the new Studio Barn when it’s all done?
A: YESSS. I cannot wait to share!

Q: Can you show us your editing process from raw to finished?
A: I get this question a lot. Does anyone want to see this? If so, let me know and I will work on it!

And that’s all for now. I got so many questions, but these were the ones that stood out! For more Q&A’s follow along on Instagram.

2. A reader Survey.

We’re working on some exciting projects behind the scenes and this survey will help us to better understand what you guys want and love most about HBH. As a thank you for taking the survey, I’m giving away 5 signed copies of the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook. See this post for giveaway info.

Take the Survey HERE.

3. Sink Inspiration for the Studio.

The photo that inspired the design of the studio’s kitchen sink. It’s going to be BEAUTIFUL, I can’t wait. To see more of the inspiration for the studio, check out my studio barn Pinterest board.

{photo via here}

{photo via here}

4. My 6 Favorite Bowls…

Winter bowl recipes are my favorite and I feel like I’m making them daily. Here are 6 of my favorite bowls to place your most cherished “bowl recipes into!

zoyisa bowl | karuma bowl | mineral bowl |  strata bowl

indigo bowl | piedra bowl

5. New Videos:

Crockpot Thai Broccoli Chicken Curry –> reader favorite recipe!

Golden Sun-Dried Tomato Red lentil Pasta –> giant bowls of cozy, comfort pasta

Healthy…ish Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars –> you need these. YOU DO.

6. My 2 Favorite New Lifestyle Site. 

The EVERYGIRL –> for all things career, fashion, lifestyle, and home related.

The New Potato –> for all things food and lifestyle combined.

7. A Few Links I am Loving…

how to make your own bone broth…LOVE this. It’s so easy. And so good for you.

7 make ahead recipes…yummy recipes to eat all week.

how to get beach waves when you have straight hair…yes, please.

the best acne fighting face mask…excited to try this mask.

the 6 most daring pools in the world…umm vacation time?

8. My favorite pieces for a cozy night in…

cozy leggings | higher ground fleece | pajama pants | post surf set

pullover | cropped thermal

9. This Weeks Dinners:

Monday: Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Tortilla Soup

Tuesday: Whole Wheat Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pizza

Wednesday: Roasted Sweet Potato and Salmon Soba Noodle Bowl

Thursday: Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken With Citrus Avocado Salsa

Friday: Lightened Up Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas with Pineapple Avocado Salsa

Bonus Cocktail: Rose and Lemon Spritzer

Check out all the past Favorites posts here.