Nine Favorite Things – Special Announcement.

Hey all! Happiest Sunday – here are my Nine Favorite Things!

This week was my first full week home after my France trip. And now all I can think about is when can I go back! My time in France was short and sweet. It left me excited to see more of the beautiful country. My goal is to return in September, but this time for Paris Fashion Week. I have zero plans, but I’m putting that out into the universe. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Paris during a fall fashion week! Maybe this will be the year!

On the first day home, I honestly felt like I had been hit by a bus. But after a full day of travel and a lost suitcase situation, maybe that was to be expected. As the week proceeded, I was back to my usual self. My bag, however, took much longer to show its face. I finally got it back five days later. Thankfully, it was lost on the way home and not on the way there, so I am grateful for that!

Aside from taking the week to get back in my grove, we’ve also had so much going on. My brother is getting married here at the studio over the long weekend, so the prep has been slightly overwhelming. We’re spending the weekend preparing not only for the wedding, but also for the studio renovation, which begins the following Monday. Busy but exciting!!

I’ll be taking the quickest trip in and out of New York. Then heading home for wedding time! I’m sure I’ll have some fun stories to share next week!

Other than that, it’s been very stormy here. We’re all just trying to keep a smile on despite the weather, but so far, next week looks amazing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that it stays that way.

I’ve been cooking a lot and working on some projects for the fall. My mom has been working her butt off. Everything from updating the website to working on the renovation project, to ordering flowers for the wedding, to making sure that all the wedding guests have a place to stay and that the rehearsal dinner and welcoming party are set. What is it about moms? They’re the real superwomen!

Ok, onne last thing…I have a very big announcement. Have fun reading below!! My nerves are HIGH at the moment. I feel scared and excited to share this news!

Have a great Sunday and the best Fourth of July! PS. We will not have a post on the 4th. I hope you enjoy the holiday!

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

loving…the Chanel Fall 2024 Couture Runway Show. So many bows, pretty tweeds, skirts, and suites. I thought the show was so good. 

wanting…a giant blowfish pendant. This is so cute and fun for a kid’s room!

everything in my cart (low)…shopping a few Zara dresses! Love this white midi. So casual for a hot summer day, but add heels and it’s great for the night too! Love this sleeveless mini dress too. And lastly, a perfect knit halter midi dress. Obsessed with halter dresses right now.

Also, I’m ordering these flip-flops from the Coach outlet. And they’re on sale right now!

listening to…Removing Labels Around Food and Finding What Works For YOU in Both Wellness and in Life with Danielle DuBoise and Whitney Tingle, Founders of Sakara Life.

dreaming of going to…the Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri.

ordering…my favorite tea kettle. It’s time I finally get this!

loving…this fun Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad for gifting to kids! My mom ordered this a while back and she mentioned how much she loves it for Oslo on travel days. It keeps home busy on the plane.

shopping…Tab Vintage. They have the best vintage pieces. Just scroll through the new arrivals for cute summer style inspiration and find some of your favorite pieces!

watching…Alex Cooper Recreates Her Wedding Skin and Makeup Routine for Vogue.

wanting…a few cute looks for the 4th! Loving the idea of a flag sweatshirt. I’d order this one from Denimist or I equally love the Ralph Lauren flag sweatshirt too. Both are great anytime of year! And this swirling skirt from Staud, so cute. Love the red and white stripes.

everything in my cart (beauty)…ordering the new Gucci Flora gorgeous orchid perfume. The scent sounds beautiful for summer, and I adore the campaign with Miley Cyrus.

I’ve always loved the Mutha body butter. It’s one of the best body moisturizers. For summer, I’m obsessed with the brand’s body butter glow. It adds a perfect, subtle bronzed glow.

The Dior Gel Effect nail polish in lemon glow is going to be my next nail color this summer.

wedding travel…Off-Grid Safaris and Island Escapes: 7 It Destinations for Honeymoons. What’s your perfect honeymoon spot? For me, Sicily would be my first choice, then Saint Lucia!

studying…The Fashion-Insider Guide to Paris: Every Spot Worth Knowing. As I mentioned above, I have Paris as a goal for September. Saving this to refer back to!

ordering…the Windmill Fan. It’s so cute and a great option for hot summer days. My parents use a fan every night while sleeping. I need to get them this fan! It has awesome reviews too.

everything in my cart (high)…the entire Celine pilates line. Would I order any of this, really? No, but it’s a very chic pilates set up, thats for sure.

shopping…Amazon Prime Day of course! Here is everything you need to know and some of my selects below too!

loving…the new Kate Spade x Heinz collab! So fun! 

2. Go-to 4th of July Recipes.

Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Watermelon Peach Salad

The Italian Salad Sandwich

Granny’s 7 Layer Dip

Sesame Ginger Steak Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Easy Ginger Blackberry Peach Cobbler

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Toasted S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Grilled Caprese Pesto Chicken Skewers

The Best Simple Vegan Potato Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

3. Summer candles.

4. Something big is coming.

Some of you may have predicted this, some of you have been waiting for this, and some might have no idea, but I am so excited to finally share the best news!

There is a NEW Half Baked Harvest Cookbook coming this fall 2024!

November 19th, 2024 Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy out!

This cookbook has been such a long time coming. We’ve been working on this HBH book for almost three years. It has been a true labor of love. I’ve worked harder on this cookbook than any of my previous books. This guy really does have ME spilled onto every page. I put all my energy into creating the BEST cookbook I could. It was hard, but I’m so happy to FINALLY share it with you all! I feel the most proud, the most excited to share, and the most confident in this book than any other.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve (hopefully) become wiser and more confident with age or if I just really love this book. But this is the only HBH cookbook I’ve felt happy with after finishing it.

Is it my perfect book? No, not even close. But is it still an amazing cookbook that will bring you all so much value? Yes, absolutely!

So, what is this book all about? Well, the title pretty much gives it all away. These are my best quick and cozy recipes. Any long-time readers know that I love cozy. I want a cozy home, cozy clothes, and cozy food – sometimes even in the summer!

I decided to give you what we want and need the most: quick recipes with something special about them that makes each recipe cozy. My favorite kind of recipe! Once inside the cover, you’ll find over 125 recipes. All are complete with photos and stories that really give you a good background and knowledge about each recipe. There are my go-to breakfast recipes, most loved appetizers and drinks, simple yet so delicious salads, soups, appetizers, the simplest desserts (that I know you’ll love), and my family’s favorite cozy meals. Without a doubt, some of my best recipes are printed on these pages.

I can’t believe that the book is already available for pre-order. I wasn’t sure we would ever get to this day. But now that it’s here, everything feels so real and so exciting. We have so much coming, including a full cookbook tour this fall! Locations and dates are soon to come, so be on the lookout. Until then, you can preorder the book here.

Also, here’s something fun for right now: when you pre-order a copy of the book from Barnes & Noble, you’ll be automatically entered to win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer and a signed copy of the book! Go to Barnes and Noble to order and learn more.

And lastly, just thank you all! You guys who read the Favorites post every Sunday like it’s the newspaper, those of you who follow along on social channels, those who come here via email, and those who read and enjoy the recipes each day, just thank you. Thank you for sticking with me all these years and for the never-ending love and support. Your love for HBH and the content I share never goes unnoticed. I really love you guys like family!

Oh my gosh, I hope you just love this cookbook. It’s coming out right before the holiday season—the coziest time of year!

As I mentioned above in the intro, I’m scared but at the same time so excited for you all to see this new book. I worked so hard to finish this project and make it our best book yet. Fingers crossed you’re all as excited as we are to share the news, and soon enjoy book! Wahooo!

Lastly, I’ll be on Amazon Live this Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., sharing details on the cookbook, a drink, and my Prime-Day favorites!

5. The end of France in photos.

6. All of my looks from France + similar pieces.

yellow set look 

white dress look 

blazer and sneaks

full Khaite look 

accessories

shop all the looks here 

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

11 Seriously Good Fourth of July Sales You Can Already Shop

28 Stylish Pairs of Travel Pants to Get You Through Insanely Long Flights

Postpartum Meal Prep: The Ultimate Guide to Healing Food

Every Major Bridal Trend to Know in 2024

20 4th of July Nail Ideas for the Long Weekend

17 Drugstore Sunscreens That’ll Have Your Back All Summer Long

What Actually Happens When You Cut Out Sugar

Our Favorite Travel-Size Sunscreens

Juggling Business and Friendship: 4 Tips for Navigating Working with Friends

Here’s How to Recreate Sabrina Carpenter’s Iconic Hair at Home

How to Cool Down a Room Fast—Without Cranking the AC

The 7 Best Washer and Dryer Sets, Inspired by Our Favorite Laundry Rooms

8. Summer Styles Under $150.

Abercrombie sale

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

Monday: 20 Minute Sesame Basil Beef Stir Fry

Tuesday: Queso Steak and Elote Tacos

Wednesday: BLT Caesar Pasta Salad

Thursday: Watermelon Peach Salad

Friday: Pesto Cheese Zucchini Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes

Saturday: Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy

Sunday: Muffin Top Strawberry Shortcakes