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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things

Hi, hi! Happy last day of August! This really is my favorite time of year โ€” the next three months are when I feel the happiest, busiest, and most inspired. Thereโ€™s just something magical about fall. It brings me so much peace and joy.

We still have a few weeks of summer left, but here at home the leaves are already turning and the temperatures have started to dip. Weโ€™re a little ahead of most, but Iโ€™m embracing every second. The golden hour light has been so pretty.

The changing colors, crisp autumn apples, pumpkin spice in the air, Halloween nights, lighting that first cozy fire, making hot chocolate for Asher every evening, watching Halloween movies, and of course, fall baking โ€” it all makes me so excited. I even picked up my first batch of Honeycrisp apples this week, which means itโ€™s officially time for homemade cider!

How are you all feeling? I know so many of you are just as excited for fall as I am. Did you grab a pumpkin spice latte yet? Rumor has it theyโ€™re even better this year!

This past week has been busy at home as Iโ€™ve been preparing for a month of exciting travel. I finally took my boot off this weekend, and my foot is just about as good as new. I still need to build back some strength, but it feels amazing to be moving again.

That said, my anxiety has been pretty high lately (whatโ€™s new?). It never fully goes away, but the little routines I stick to always help โ€” my sauna blanket at night, legs up the wall before bed (never miss it), a hot shower to wash the anxious energy off (something Iโ€™ve done since I was a kid), my skincare routine, and long talks with my mom. And probably the biggest thing: moving my body every morning. Weight lifting has been making me so happy lately.

Something I need to get better about? Going to bed earlier. Always a work in progress.

In case you missed it, I shared my favorite Late Summer Recipes to cook and bake this month + the 45 Most Popular Back-to-School Recipes. And a little product update too โ€” our Pumpkin Smash Body Cream is turning into one of our biggest launches yet (see some of your fun reviews below!). The Apple Cider and Pumpkin Smash candles are also nearly sold out, especially the bundle pack, which has been so popular!

Thatโ€™s all my rambles for today. Iโ€™m just so excited for everything fall โ€” the recipes, the cozy moments, and hopefully a little more calm mixed in with the busy. Letโ€™s get into this weekโ€™s favorites!

1. Things iโ€™m Loving.

cozying up withโ€ฆmy Barefoot Dreams bed blanket. Oh, how I love this blanket. Itโ€™s always wrapped around me when I work. This weekend, theyโ€™re offering 30% off using the code LONGWEEKEND. I also adore the Lola Blankets. Theyโ€™re fall collection is pretty much sold out (I wanted the Rhubarb shade), but I ordered the Indigo blue weighted blanket (I have their original). Update: The Indigo Blue is also sold out, but the black sand is nice too.

orderedโ€ฆspeaking of cozy, I got the UGG Elea Slip-on and I love them. So cozy. They are selling out so fast but if you get a pair size up, I wear an 8, but got a size 9. The 8 was too small, but the 9 is great.

everything in my cart (low)โ€ฆI want to order this half zip fleece. I had a similar style growing up and I now need this jacket.ย In my opinion, this is the bestย shoulder bag for fall.

Jewels. I love Ring Concierge, and their Echo Silver Ring is beautiful and on sale this weekend.

These Steve Madden sneaks look like a designer shoe.

And weโ€™ll end with Zara. This is the perfect Leather Maxi Bucket Bag. Plus how gorgeous is this Maxi City Bag + City Bag (these look like The Row bags).

And now for some jackets. This Cropped Trench Coat, is very pretty and cozy, as is this Belted Faux Suede Jacket. And wow, what a stunning Suede Leather Jacket.

Wearing it all with these classic, chic High Waist Wide Leg Full Length Jeans and 100% Cashmere Short Sleeve Sweater. Ooh, and I do love this Wool Knit Vest.

And finally, a Zara dress. This Voluminous Short Dress is the perfect little black dress. Layer it under the jackets above!

listening toโ€ฆLauryn Bosstickโ€™s Candid Birth Story: Welcoming Baby #3, Balancing Postpartum, & Recovery Rituals.

daily ritualโ€ฆFull-Body Red Light Therapy. I fully believe in red light therapy. It can be so easy to incorporate into your life through habit stacking. While Iโ€™m in my sauna blanket every night, I respond to emails/texts. I do legs up the wall with my back on the sauna blanket while editing all my IG stories. I use my red light mask (for glowy skin) after the shower and while I unload the dishwasher + fold laundry. Oh, and Iโ€™ve been working on my PERF mat from HigherDose too, which has been great for muscle recovery.

taking notesโ€ฆThe 10-10-10 Rule for Manifestation. I think Iโ€™ve shared this before, but Iโ€™m re-sharing it because I love the concept. It feels much more approachable than others.

travel..the Troutbeck Hotel would be such a cute spot to travel to see all the fall leaves this season. Itโ€™s a 250-acre Hudson Valley estate hotel. It looks so cozy and cute. I love a boutique hotel experience.ย 

everything in my cart (beauty)โ€ฆSephora is offering 50% off select beauty items through September 1. Personally, I love this LAWLESS Pinch My Cheeks Soft-Blur Cream Blush, and if youโ€™ve not yet gotten yourself the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, now would be the time. My mom and sister love this.


I am very into fall nail colors. My favorites: espresso, merlot, copper, and I kind of love the plum nail look too.

working out inโ€ฆIโ€™m still so into new workout clothes.ย I got thisย Sally Half-Zip Sweat from Varley and love it. Iโ€™ve also been wearing this Lululemon jacket on walks โ€“ itโ€™s chilly here. Also, these are great Lululemon shorts.

readingโ€ฆall about Taylor Swiftโ€™s engagement. The stories are ALL over the internet, but this one is fun, Predicting Taylor Swiftโ€™s Wedding Dress: 5 Styles That Feel So Her. Which is your favorite dress style? For Taylor, the embellished gown, especially the Elie Saab look 18 is my favorite (ha, mom just said the same without knowing my choice). Itโ€™s a fairytale dress. So pretty, and I can see Taylor in it.

everything in my cart (high)โ€ฆGuest In Residence has to be one of my favorite cashmere brands. I wear this cashmere striped sweater all the time and live in this cashmere polo topย  (which comes in many colors).

A very pretty, but simple red dress from Reformation.

I shared thisย Suede Maxi Dress from Gabriela Hearst last week, and this week I found the silk dress. Both are stunning, and perfect dresses for fall.

And lastly, a gorgeous chestnut brown leather skirt. This is thinking ahead, but Iโ€™d wear this for Thanksgiving.

Oops, I lied, one more thing. Iโ€™m into the new Louis Vuitton bags. They can do no wrong.


something funโ€ฆ13 Readers Share Their Best Summer Moments.

shoppingโ€ฆtravel accessories. Going to get this travel organizer for my carry-on bag and also this Cuyana tech carryall for computer, cords, and photo hard drives I have to travel with. This tech organizer is another great option. Thinking I might love packing cubes, so maybe this set, or hereโ€™s Amazonโ€™s version. I want this trunk from Harper Collective, but itโ€™s an investment. Been dreaming about it for months!


2. The Most Popular Recipes of August.

Crockpot Hamburger Helper | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular:ย Crockpot Hamburger Helper

Skillet Mexican Tomatillo Chicken and Rice | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up:ย Skillet Mexican Tomatillo Chicken and Rice

Apple Butter Zucchini Bread | halfbakedharvest

Also have to mention:ย Easy Apple Butter Zucchini Bread

Jumbo Caramel Peach Cobbler Muffins | halfbakedharvest.com

Peachy Favorite:ย Jumbo Caramel Peach Cobbler Muffins

Crockpot Brown Butter Tomato and Ricotta Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com

Best Back to School Recipe:ย Crockpot Brown Butter Tomato and Ricotta Pasta

And the Roundups: Late Summer Recipes,ย Our 45 Most Popular Back-to-School Recipes, and 31+ Recipes To Cook In August 2025

3. Labor Day Home/Decor Sales.

4. And The Reviews Are In!

Wow! You guys are officially in love with our new Pumpkin Smash Body Cream! Honestly, I wasnโ€™t sure what to expect with this launch โ€” would you all enjoy it? But the response has been incredible. Weโ€™re sitting at 5 stars across the board, and your reviews have been the sweetest to read.

So many of you have also been sharing both the candles and the body cream on Instagram and TikTok โ€” Iโ€™ve loved seeing all your photos and videos. Keep them coming, they make me so happy!

Speaking of reviews, I have to give the BIGGEST thank you to everyone who has ever left an Amazon review on any of the four cookbooks.

Every time I scroll through and see how positive and kind your words are, it almost makes me cry. Amazon is one of the hardest platforms to get reviews on โ€” let alone such thoughtful, glowing ones. Super Simple now has over 13k five-star reviews filled with the sweetest notes! And while the other three books donโ€™t have quite as many reviews, theyโ€™re all just as kind and encouraging.

It honestly BOGGLES my mind, you guys.

I canโ€™t thank you enough. Iโ€™m so excited for these next few months (fall and the holidays!) and everything coming into the new year. Iโ€™m working on so many fun, new things, and Iโ€™m just so grateful youโ€™re here with me.

5. โ€œAsk Tieghanโ€.

Q: If you had to pick just one thing, what is your favorite part of what you do with HBH?

Honestly, itโ€™s building a community of kind, supportive people all around the world. Every time we do a community event, a book signing, or even one of our virtual events on the Community Page, itโ€™s the best feeling to see everyone come together through a shared love of cooking, home, and all things Half Baked Harvest.

My goal has always been the same โ€” to create a space that brings people happiness every single day. And seeing that actually happen has been the most rewarding part of all of this.

What I love most is watching you all connect โ€” sharing stories, swapping recipes, and even forming new friendships. At nearly every book signing, someone tells me how they met the person next to them in line, and before the night is over, theyโ€™ve gone out for drinks or even dinner together.

Building this community is what excites me most. Itโ€™s what keeps me focused and motivated โ€” and itโ€™s truly what I love about what I do.

Love you all!

6. My September Mood Board.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

7. Favorite Links Iโ€™m Loving.

20 Must-Have Pieces, According to Instagramโ€™s Favorite Fashion Sourcer

Taylor Swift Just Got Engaged in the Ring Trend Youโ€™ll Be Seeing Everywhere

A Closer Look at Taylor Swiftโ€™s Engagement Ringโ€”With the Designerโ€™s Details

How Mindfulness Works to Break Bad Habits

The Stylish Spectatorโ€™s Guide to NYC During the US Open

We Tried 9 Different Frozen French Fries

21 Nostalgic Movies and TV Shows to Rewatch This Weekend

We Tried All the Starbucks Fall Drinks โ€“ Ranked From Worst to Best

Starbucks Fall Drinks Are Back โ€“ This Favorite Flavor Isnโ€™t on the Menu

The Best Way to Make an Espresso Martini Doesnโ€™t Involve Espresso

How This South American Capital Became a Fast-Rising Design Hotspot

8. Fashion Finds.

under $100

under $300

Free People

Fall Bags

Fall Shoes

9. This Weekโ€™s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Mix and Bake Chicken Taco Casserole | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday:ย Mix and Bake Chicken Taco Casserole

15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday:ย 15 Minute Sesame Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

Wednesday: 6 Ingredient Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

Weeknight 30 Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com #curry #meatballs #healthy

Thursday: 30 Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing

Homemade Caramel Hostess Cupcake Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Homemade Caramel Hostess Cake

This post was originally published on August 31, 2025

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Comments

  1. Hi Tieghan, can you please consider cooking more fish and vegetables? Also, if possible, please no more โ€œcrispyโ€ fish. I find you often significantly overcook fish and Iโ€™m not sure why. Most people want fish to be moist and just cooked or even a little under depending on the fish. Iโ€™m getting weary of your recipes lately. They all feel like repeats. Same ingredients, same cooking methods.

    Thank you!

  2. Hi Tieghan! Thanks for posting the podcast on post-partum care. I am 4 months pregnant with my first (!!!) and I feel like I have no idea what to expect when it comes to delivery and what comes after!
    Coming from a large family, are kids something you see in your future? Or are you content being child-free? Just curious!
    Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

    1. Hey France!! Oh my goodness! Congratulations! That is such wonderful news and exciting news! So happy for you and your growing family!

      For me, yes kids someday but not for a while I donโ€™t think. Iโ€™m just taking life as things come and I know it will happen when the time is right for me! But you never know, could be sooner too!

      Thank you for this sweet comment! Hope you are having a wonderful long weekend too! xT

  3. Happy Sunday, Tieghan, Gerard Fam, and HBH Team! Tieghan, I love your lead in to fall! I am so ready. I have been baking (made your honey beer bread โ€” a house favorite!) and lighting scented candles. Here in Chicago the air conditioner has been turned off and the windows are open! I hope you have a wonderful week and a great kickoff to September. Thank you for all your delicious recipes and of course NFT, which is my favorite!

    1. Hey Jen! Happy Sunday! Iโ€™m so glad youโ€™re enjoying the start of fall, it really is such a happy season! Love that the honey beer bread is a favorite in your house! Chicago in the fall sounds perfect with the windows open and candles going. Thanks so much for following along and for the kind words about NFT, it means a lot. Wishing you a cozy and delicious September too! xT

    1. Carol, Oh my goodness you have NO idea how much this comment means to me! Thank you for being apart of this community, it really means the world! I hope you have an amazing week full of positivity and joy! Thanks again for your kindness! xT