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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things.

Hey you all! I hope everyone has had the best week — our very first full week of September!

Like always this time of year, things feel busier than ever. The last few months of the year really pack everything in. Not that I’m complaining, I love it!

This week brought on some darker, chilly days here in the mountains. I baked my first loaf of beer bread, made a big sheet pan of buffalo chicken, and worked through so much prep for upcoming travel. I’m off to Dallas on Tuesday and will be away for close to two weeks. It’s going to be a big chunk of time, but there’s so much happening!

In Dallas, I’ll be speaking at the LTK Conference, sharing all about how my mom and I built Half Baked Harvest. From there, it’s on to New York. Can you believe I haven’t been back to the city since June? I cannot wait to return — September in NYC is always special. The leaves won’t be changing just yet, but the city has its own kind of fall magic. I may even have to start rewatching Gossip Girl while I’m there!

I’m excited for the mix of Fashion Week and photoshoots we have lined up. After staying put at home for the last month, I’m looking forward to traveling again, even if my nerves are running higher than usual. I know it will all be great! And honestly, I need to get back into that travel flow because things are nonstop. We’ve got a huge trip to Italy coming up in February for the Winter Olympics — my younger brother Red will be competing in his third Olympic Games! Can you even believe that?! My mom has been planning for months, and I’ll share more details with you all soon.

Aside from travel, it’s business as usual. I spent most of last week testing fall recipes — you guys, I have some good ones coming! I didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped, but I can’t wait to share everything. Fall is when I do my best work, and I’m so ready for all the cozy recipes.

That’s all for now. Thank you for reading these Favorites posts and keeping up with our work and life updates — I love connecting with you here each Sunday. Wishing you all a wonderful September Sunday!

And if you’re catching up on posts from the week, don’t miss 30 Recipes to Cook in September 2025 — it’s filled with cozy autumn favorites that will leave you with the perfect list of dishes to cook all month long.

1. Things I’m Loving.

ordering…fall candles. Currently, I’m most excited to try the Warm Citrus Spice Candle from Primarily Pure. I already know I love their candles and adore the vanilla body butter. This scent sounds perfect for September, and I’m excited to burn it alongside our Apple Cider Smash candle (best September candle).

everything in my cart (low)…Zara has the best fall coats. In my cart, the 100% leather bomber jacket (gorgeous) and faux leather bomber jacket  – so cool and cute. I’m going to wear this a lot.

I love this Striped Knit Polo Neck Sweater. It’s perfect for September days. And this Soft Basic Knit Sweater too. And this Basic Plain Knit Sweater in the muted butter-yellow color reminds me of the fall leaves. Very cozy.

And lastly, I just got this High Neck Knit Vest, and it’s even cuter in person. Going to get so much use out of this! I love the chunky neckline.

From Anthropologie, this is a great boyfriend style jacket. I’d get it in cambridge brown. And from Free People, this very cute suede jacket.

Pair everything with these Levi’s wide leg jeans.

listening to…How People-Pleasing, Perfectionism, And Burnout Are Actually Trauma Responses With Dr. Thema. I’ve only just started this one, but I think many of us will relate to the topic. Also, if you don’t follow Emma on Instagram, I really enjoy the quotes she shares.

travel…The Best Fall Destinations to Visit This Season. New York is always magical in September and October. I’m excited to be in town both months! If you’re closer to the West coast, check out some of The Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe, From Cozy Cabins to Swish Ski Resorts. My parents love Lake Tahoe. So much so, they have considered moving there multiple times! Are you taking any trips this fall? I’ve always wanted to do a fall foliage trip!

dreaming of going…I’m reading all about Italy these days. I can’t wait for our trip in February! I have a travel mood board in the works.

everything in my cart (beauty)…scents for fall. Everyone is talking about fall fragrances. While I’m new to perfume, I think my vibe is more spicy and sweet or cozy. I love the Maison Margiela Replica Autumn Vibes with notes of cardamom, cedarwood, moss, and red berries. The cardamom reminds me of a sweet/spicy chai latte. And for something extra cozy, the Miu Miu Miutine perfume. It has notes of wild strawberry, brown sugar, and oakmoss. My only thought is, why not swap the strawberry for a sweet Honeycrisp apple? That sounds wonderful! You guys, what if we made our apple cider candle into a perfume? I would be into that!

Makeup-wise, I just received the new Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops With TFC8. And while I’m horrible at makeup, this lies really nicely on the skin. I actually forgot I had makeup on! Also, my mom loves this Vitamin C Lactic Serum. It has a slight tint to it, and she uses it as makeup. It’s all she uses on her skin! 

reading…11 Cozy Books to Get Wrapped Up in This Fall. I need to become a reader! What’s on your fall reading list? Share your favorites in the comments so everyone can get new ideas!

thinking about…getting this tripod. If you can believe it, I don’t have a tripod for my phone! This is highly rated and affordable!

everything in my cart (high)…I love Phoebe Philo right now. This slip dress has some of the prettiest details. I love the low back, lace trim, and cute silhouette!

A few boots! A great pair of suede knee-high boots from Prada, these Miu Miu work boots are perfection. I got these Burberry saddle boots for New York (I’m obsessed with them). If you’re looking for similar, more affordable boots, definitely check out these Free People riding boots.


learning…all about our aging brains and how to keep them sharp. You have to keep learning new things! Reading, board games, learning a new skill, a new workout, etc. The key is to keep your brain constantly learning! Pretty cool, honestly.

2. September Apple Recipes.

Apple Cider Smothered Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Apple Cider Smothered Chicken

Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Iced Apple Cider Caramel Oatmeal Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Iced Apple Cider Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad

Baked Cinnamon Crunch Apple Cider Doughnuts | halfbakedharvest.com

Baked Cinnamon Crunch Apple Cider Doughnuts

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes | halfbakedharvest.com

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes | halfbakedharvest.com

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes

Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread | halfbakedharvest.com

Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese | halfbakedharvest.com #grilledcheese #frenchonion #easyrecipes #fall #autumn

French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing | halfbakedharvest.com

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze | halfbakedharvest.com

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze | halfbakedharvest.com

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Ginger Apple Moscow Mule | halfbakedharvest.com

Ginger Apple Moscow Mule

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita | halfbakedharvest.com #margarita #applecider #cocktail #holiday #thanksgiving

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margaritas

3. It’s Spooky Season! Halloween Favorites!

4. Never Underestimate the Power of Family.

This might sound random, but truly — never underestimate the power of family and how they can save you when you need it most. In my experience, no one is there for you more than family, in both the good times and the bad.

Last week I dropped my camera…again. I’m the queen of dropping cameras and have broken more lenses than I care to admit (it drives my brother Kai insane). Kai has taught me everything I know about photography, so whenever I have a camera issue, he’s the first person I call. I would never buy any new piece of equipment without him first giving it the stamp of approval.

The last time Kai was here, he ordered me a new camera and lens, swearing it was so much better than my very outdated setup. I believed him, but honestly, I was too afraid to try it, the thought of the learning curve stressed me out. So, the camera just sat.

Fast-forward to last week: I dropped my old camera mid-shoot, and this time it was completely done. I had no choice but to finally pull out that new camera. I was sure I’d plug it in and it wouldn’t work for me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. It saved me — and I love it! If Kai hadn’t already purchased it, I would have been waiting a week for a replacement, totally stuck in the meantime.

It might seem like a small thing, but to me it was huge. I was so grateful. And it reminded me again how lucky I am to have my family. These are the people who love you unconditionally, who show up for you in the best and worst moments. And, if you’re extra lucky, they’ll think ahead and set you up for success when you don’t even realize you’ll need it.

I know everyone’s family looks different, but if you’re fortunate enough to have a strong family unit around you, never take it for granted. Love them deeply!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

5. Things To Do This Fall.

Cozy Up the Home

  • decorate the house with fall decor, maybe start your Halloween…or Christmas shopping
  • decorate the front porch with pumpkins, so many pumpkins and mums
  • burn your fall candles
  • set a fall table

Fall Activities

  • head to the farmer’s market
  • fall festivals
  • apple picking – my personal favorite
  • pumpkin patches all October long!
  • fall walks/hike to see the golden leaves
  • tailgating/attending your favorite team’s football game

Get Cozy

  • fall movies and TV shows – Gilmore Girls always!
  • Halloween movies – Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and Harry Potter
  • read a cozy fall book
  • make a fall music playlist
  • stay warm with your favorite blanket
  • light the fireplace

Fall Style/Beauty

  • cozy sweaters – cashmere is my go-to
  • boots – toll/short/chunky/rising boots
  • great jeans – into dark wash jeans
  • jackets – loving suede, leather, and cashmere
  • toasty warm fall makeup
  • fall nails – this OPI in Purrrride is my next color

Easy at Home Crafts

Cooking/baking 

I could keep going and going. What are you looking forward to?

PLEASE SHARE!

6. A Spooky Mood Board.

7. Favorite Links.

This Mediterranean Cheese Isn’t Just Delicious, It’s High In Protein

Toasty Makeup Is the Trend To Warm Up to This Fall

How To Mix-And-Match Dining Seating

31 Halloween Costumes We Expect to See Everywhere in 2025

An Insider’s Guide to Venice, Italy

How To Style A Coffee Table

We’re Experiencing the “Great Shrinking”—Here’s What That Means for You

I’m Romanticizing Fall—These Are the Solo Dates I’m Adding to My Calendar

8. September Styles.

Abercrombie sale 

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef Sesame Rice Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Candied Bacon | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Candied Bacon

Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions

Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken

One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

Thick and Fudgy Zucchini Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Thick and Fudgy Zucchini Brownies

Buffalo Chicken Corn Dip | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Corn Dip

And don’t miss 30 Recipes to Cook in September 2025.

This post was originally published on September 7, 2025

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Comments

    1. Hey Barb,
      You bet! Just summit a question in the comments of NFT and I will select a question to answer each week:) xx

      1. Hi again. I know you are a busy woman but I’m hoping you can share some tips for keeping my questions from getting caught in your filter? I was trying to find out what your Ask Tieghan selection was for this past week?

  1. Hi Tieghan
    My cousin shared a recipe with me when I told her I had an abundance of zucchini and yellow squash. The recipe is a cobbler with the zucchini being the star you swear your eating apples. I’m reminded of the recipe as I review all of your recipes. If you’re interested I’ll be happy to share.

    1. Hey Kathleen,
      Wow! That sounds delicious, I love this idea! I’ll have to play around with something like this.

      Hope you had a great Monday! xT

  2. I made the Honey Crisp Apple Salad last night and it was delicious and amazing!! I had some Trader Joe’s candied pecans on hand, so I used them and saved a step. I’ll be making this one on repeat!

    1. Hey Susan,
      Yay!! Love to hear you enjoyed the salad, thanks so much for making it!

      Hope you are off to a great week! xT

  3. A few weeks ago you said you were doing the home renovation & that’s why your clothes were in the kitchen. I feel so bad for you, I can’t imagine having the renovation process started and then stopped in my home. 🙁 What happened?
    sending you lots of love, thanks for another great blog!

    1. Hey Sasha,
      The process is just taking a bit longer than expected. I hope to share photos and updates with you all soon:)

      Have a nice Tuesday! xT

      1. Sorry I was talking about your home renovation where you told someone below that it now isn’t happening. 🙁 I hope everything is ok dear!! You deserve a home revamp!

  4. Hi HBH, soon it will be two years since you first brought up this round of renovations. How are they looking? I hope everything is ok. It’s been a bit surprising how little has been shown after Tieghan said so many times she was looking forward to share. Hope all is well.

    1. Hey there! It’s coming along and building is just a very long process. I did hope to share more as we moved forward, but with travel schedules and delays with the renovations, it’s just been tricky.
      And a lot to take on/manage.

      I am still planning to share the space, but saving for a few special photoshoots! Hopefully the space will be done before the end of the year. Fingers crossed.

      Have a wonderful week and thank you for your comment!

  5. It’s nice you’re excited to visit Manhattan. I’d like to offer an etiquette note: only people who live in the tri-state area can call it “the city”. Hopefully, this saves you from any potential embarrassment with the locals.

  6. You’ve shared multiple times about dropping expense cameras/camera lenses. Have you considered getting a neck strap to help you be a bit more careful?

    1. That’s definitely a great idea! Thanks for sharing the suggestion, Rebecca! Hope you had a wonderful fall weekend! xT

  7. You must be excited for the renovation to be nearing the finish line- didn’t you say the final pieces are arriving next month? Have you started the renovations on your house or are you still holding off on those? Looking forward to seeing what you pack for your Paris trip! Très chic!

    1. Hey Kate, Yes, I definitely am! For now, we are holding off on the home renovations. I will certainly share completed photos when ready:) Thanks for reading today! Happy Sunday! xx

  8. Have you ever considered buying:using a neck strap for your camera? Seems like a Pretty simple fix your camera dropping issues! I just bought myself a new Nikon and I’d be devastated if I dropped and broke it!

  9. Looking forward to trying all of the yummy apple recipes! French Onion Apple Grilled Chesse is a family favorite that is requested on repeat!

    1. Love to hear this, Janet! Thanks for making the grilled cheese so often:) I appreciate you reading today! Happy Sunday! xT

    1. Hey Trish!! We are excited to be rolling out new features with AI before the end of the year. These features will be mainly in our recipe box and search bars. We want to make the site even easier to use! We are so excited!

      Right now we use AI for grammar and copy editing assistance.

      Have a wonderful week!

  10. Happy Sunday, Tieghan, Gerard Fam, and HBH Team! I love that you’re headed back to NYC later this month! I always love the pictures you post, and you seem to have the best time. I loved your very fall centric NFT today. I’m definitely ready! Have a wonderful week ahead!

    1. Hey Jen! Happy Sunday!! I am so excited for NYC in the fall, I will definitely share pics:) So glad you enjoyed the post today. Have a great week ahead! xT

  11. What happened o the remaining dates on your book tour? Fingers crossed since you’re traveling again, you’ll announce the new locations/dates?

  12. Happy Sunday! You are the very first thing I do on Sunday morning, along with a big home made latte (real maple syrup is the only way to go!) Love the fall salad ideas. I found frozen pomegranate ariels at the grocery store this week, they may turn out mushy but we’ll see…
    We were in Venice about 10 years ago; it was magical and you will love it. My dream is to go back, but this year we are returning to Denmark & Sweden then hopping over to Germany for a few days.
    Fall is the best, so have an amazing fall!

    1. Hey Dale,
      Wow! Thanks a lot for reading each Sunday morning, that means a lot to me! Your homemade latte sounds delish. I’m sure Venice is amazing, I have heard great things. Enjoy Sweden and Denmark, sounds like an awesome trip! xT