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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Hey you all! Iโ€™m really soaking in these days at home. I have some travel ahead, and while Iโ€™m excited, I can feel my anxiety starting to creep in. That said, Iโ€™m letting it happen and working my way through it. The last few weeks have been busy, and I know things are only going to pick up from here.

First up this week: Sun Valley! Iโ€™m so excited. Iโ€™ll be teaching a cooking class and hosting a dinner. Iโ€™ve never been to Sun Valley, so Iโ€™m really looking forward to seeing it. Will any of you be there?

Shortly after I head to Italy. My schedule there is a little crazy, but Iโ€™m so excited to support my brother. Traveling for longer periods usually makes me really nervous, but surprisingly, Iโ€™m managing okay. I genuinely feel stronger mentally than I have in the past.

I promised myself that this year I would tackle my anxiety head-on, and Iโ€™ve really been doing exactly that. Honestly, it feels good. I truly believe a mindset shift can make such a differenceโ€”along with a few tears here and there and a little hard work too.

Lately, Iโ€™ve been leaning into the things that make me feel my best: organizing everything around me (I swear it helps ease my anxiety), listening to podcasts that inspire me, and buying a few too many candles. I just love trying new scents. This week I picked up the Diptyque Roses Candle, and Iโ€™m pretty sure itโ€™s coming with me to Italy.

Iโ€™m also really excited for a girlsโ€™ night with my sister Asher. I have something fun planned as a little pre-Valentineโ€™s sister date. Sheโ€™s truly my best friend, and weโ€™ve been having the best late-night chats lately. Thereโ€™s nothing like a sister bond.

What are the things youโ€™ve loved this month?

One thing that really made me smile was sending a few small but sweet gifts to friends whoโ€™ve been having a harder month. One even received a little Williams Sonoma goodie box to bake up fresh cookies. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant a lotโ€”and thatโ€™s exactly what I hope this space does for so many of you too.

So enjoy some of my favorites below. And if you take away just one thing today, let it be this: go a little out of your way to make someone smile. A friend, your mom, your brother, or even the person standing in line in front of you. Say something kind, lend a hand, or send something small. It really does make a difference.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

1. Things Iโ€™m Loving.

lovingโ€ฆWeโ€™re Banking On These 6 Bathroom Trends Being Whatโ€™s Next In 2026. I donโ€™t know what it is about bathroom design, but I always love looking at pretty homes with even prettier bathrooms.ย I love the tile in the first bathroom fromย Brady Tolbert.

alsoโ€ฆgreen kitchens! Love some of these kitchens, my favorite is the green marble countertop in the second photo down. Not crazy about the actual cabinets, but I love that marble!

everything in my cart (low)โ€ฆfound a few new Zara pieces. This pocket knit is adorable, and I love this long-sleeve t-shirt โ€“ plus this leather bag is perfect.

Iโ€™m also adding this long feather down jacket straight to my cart, along with a great thermal tee. I love the Zara ski collection!

Found a nice faux fur coat from Mango that is majorly on sale and so pretty!

And from H&M, a pretty Rib-Knit Half-Zip Sweater, Oversized Mohair-Blend Sweater, cozy Scuba Sweatshirt, and stylish Mohair-Blend Half-Zip Sweater.

listening toโ€ฆ Simplify Your Life (PART 1).

so prettyโ€ฆa Fashion Extravaganza in the Italian Alps. A very wintery Vogue photoshoot by the iconic Martin Parr.

dreaming of goingโ€ฆBellevue Gstaad. My ideal wintery hotel. So cute.

lovingโ€ฆthe Ralph Lauren Fall 2026 Menswear Runway in Milan.

orderedโ€ฆthese Base Layer Bottoms from Smartwool. These are great for layering under snow pants. Iโ€™ve been wearing Smartwool since I was a kid!

lovingโ€ฆthe idea of an Admin Night with friends.

everything in my cart (beauty)โ€ฆIโ€™ve been using thisย setting spray from Saie, and I really love the way it feels.ย It leaves the perfect dewy finish and is fragrance-free.

I ordered this Rich Cream from Facile after reading so many really GOOD reviews. I always need a rich cream. Speaking of which, Iโ€™ve been using the new hand cream from CYKLAR this week. Itโ€™s so nice. The vanilla scent smells so nice! Itโ€™s fast-absorbing and helps replenish moisture to soothe dry hands and cuticles.

watchingโ€ฆMartha Stewart Breaks Beauty Rules Because She โ€œLikes to Glowโ€. She really is an icon. You have to watch this!

Also, Iโ€™m excited forย The Magicianโ€™s Nephew Chronicles of Narnia to be released this November.ย I loved the Chronicles of Narnia books when I was a kid!

eating atโ€ฆSiena, when I finally make it to Parisโ€ฆ.this place looks so good!

orderingโ€ฆthisย Sheet Set Organizer. I am REALLY into organizing and getting rid of unneeded things in my house right now. No clutter is my motto.

everything in my cart (high)โ€ฆthis is the prettiest Grand Shearling Coat from Nour Hammour. Iโ€™ve been adding this to my cart on and off for a month!

I love the fur-linedย Hudson Mule from The Row, but itโ€™s a silly expensive.ย Get these UGGS instead.

home findโ€ฆthis fun Zebras Red Rug. Love the pop of red.


home loveโ€ฆA Rustic Hudson Valley Retreat.

something funโ€ฆValentineโ€™s Pottery Bundle. LOVE this idea of an at-home pottery day with friends or your date!

shoppingโ€ฆsneakers! Not really, but I added both of these to my shopping cart. The New Balance 740 sneaker and ASICS Gel-K101 sneaker. I want an all-black pair.

2. Favorite Game Day Recipes I Love.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders | halfbakedharvest.com

Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders

Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings | halfbakedharvest.com

Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings

Granny's 7 Layer Dip | halfbakedharvest.com

Grannyโ€™s 7 Layer Dip

Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders | halfbakedharvest.com

Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapenฬƒo Ranch | halfbakedharvest.com

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeรฑo Ranch

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders | halfbakedharvest.com

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers | halfbakedharvest.com

Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Pumpkin Beer Pretzels with Chipotle Queso | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Beer Pretzels with Chipotle Queso

3. Everything I love from Williams-Sonoma.

4. What Are The Small Good Things in Life?

I loved reading this post from The Cup of Joe. You must read the comments.

Here is my list!ย 

Small Good Things in my lifeโ€ฆ
  • Little luxuries that make everyday life betterโ€”soft, warm shoes; a quiet, comfy moment at home; feeling put-together without trying too hard; and getting up an hour early to beat the rush of the day

  • My ability to notice what I like. I know what I want, and that actually feels really good

  • Chatting with my sister, who truly is my best friend

  • Texting with friendsโ€”I love the people Iโ€™ve surrounded myself with this year

  • Listening to podcasts

  • Fresh winter flowersโ€”they genuinely make my week, and I need to pick some up

Super tiny, everyday good thingsโ€ฆ
  • Fresh sheets

  • A hot shower at night after a full day

  • The first sip of coffee in the morning (always)

  • Climbing into my sauna blanket while finishing up work for the night

  • Wearing a cute outfit

  • A clean kitchen at nightโ€”every time

  • A text that makes you smile. Today, someone simply asked how my day was going, and it meant more than they probably realized

  • A quiet minute when nobody needs anything from youโ€”my sacred 2 a.m. hour

I asked my mom for her list tooโ€ฆ

What Are Some Small Good Things in Your Life Right Now?

Please share in the comments. And if youโ€™re struggling to think of any, try to think of the very smallest thing that brought you happiness this week โ€” it might surprise you.

5. A Peek Inside My Fridge.

Because you always askโ€”hereโ€™s my fridge before a three-day photoshootโ€ฆ

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

So much butter and milk! Theย Alexandre Family Farm is my favorite organic A/2 milk, 100% Grass-fed Milk.

And the Dufour Pastry Kitchens pie crust and puff pastry! I get these at Whole Foods. Best of the best.

And clearly, I love herbs. This is a stocked fridge!

Oh, and the Straus Greek Yogurt.

Iโ€™m always stocked on cheese โ€“ always.

Whatโ€™s in your fridge?

6. Inspiring Me.

(yes to this!)

(the fire inside the kitchen โ€“ wow)

7. Favorite Links.

9 Practical Pretty Decor Pieces To Make Life A Little Better in 2026

12 Simple Shifts That Make Gloomy Workdays More Enjoyable

The Ultimate Wedding Weekend Guide: How to Plan a Multi-Day Celebration

The 11 Biggest Wellness Trends of 2026, According to Experts

25 Well-Designed Products Every Home Should Have

I Plan All My Travel in January: Hereโ€™s Why

What Was the Last Meal You Ate Before Giving Birth?

8. Winter Style Under $200

under $ 250 bagsย 

winter accessoriesย 


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

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Pitas | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday:ย Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Pitas

Spicy Honey White Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday:ย Spicy Honey White Pizza

Creamy Lentil Sun-dried Tomato Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday:ย Creamy Lentil Sun-dried Tomato Soup

One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders

Earl Grey Blueberry Lemon Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Earl Grey Blueberry Lemon Cake

Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

This post was originally published on January 25, 2026

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Comments

    1. Hi Kara,
      I will be there for the Sun Valley Food and Wine Celebration, I am teaching a cooking class and hosting a dinner. Unfortunately, both of these events are sold out. So sorry!! Have a great weekend in Sun Valley!

  1. I hope you will share lots of pictures and videos of your cooking class and dinner in Sun Valley! I canโ€™t wait to see what you make! Will you have family or friends joining you?

    1. Hey Laura,
      Yes, I will definitely share as much as I can!! Only those who have purchased a ticket will be there:) Have a great Monday!

  2. Such a fun read!

    We have a lot of huge windows that have a beautiful view and itโ€™s where I find myself a lot in my spare time. This month Iโ€™ve been looking out and planning some new flower beds and updated outdoor decor. Nice and peaceful!

    I need to make those beer pretzels with queso yum!!

    Your refrigerator peek is helpful. I need an updated roomy fridge that will help me organize things better.

    1. Hey Heather,
      Thanks so much for reading today! Loved reading about the large windows in your home and the time you are spending there dreaming of summer! I hope you love the pretzels! Have the best week:)

  3. Ohhh whatโ€™s keeping you busy in Italy that you have a crazy schedule?! Maybe an overseas photoshoot? ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿคž

    1. Hey Kelly! No photo shoot!! We just have a lot planned including a fun dinner! I will make sure to share as much as I can!

      Have a great week!

  4. The green marble is gorgeous in that kitchen, though as you said the cupboards, not so much!

    Always like my candles at this time of year especially. Books. Feeding the outside birds. Like it too when itโ€™s stormy outside and Iโ€™m in bed all cosy. Not sure if thatโ€™s a little thing though. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Fully stocked fridge! Mine if also full to bursting, though not as nicely organised! Xx

    1. Hey Kelly-Jane,
      Thanks for reading!! Lol yes, agree with the cupboards:) Thanks for sharing your favorite things this time of year! Have a great Sunday!

  5. The Small Good Things are so important, arenโ€™t they? And the ability to recognize and appreciate them is MAGIC. My Small Good Thing this past week was attending a guided, โ€˜Word of the Yearโ€™ class with my best friend, Sonja. She and I have both had a couple of rough years in a row and a bestie activity was in order. Unbeknownst to us, until the very end, we chose the same word. There was laughter, there were tears and we each have a unique piece of jewelry with our word of the year on it. RESILIENCE.

    Tieghan, when youโ€™re in Sun Valley, be sure to stop into Huck + Paddle and say โ€œHiโ€ to the owner, Brandy Herold โ€“ you will love her and her shopโ€ฆ perfection! Their hand-poured candles are right up your alley! Your books would be an awesome addition to her inventory. <3

    Keep being awesome!

    https://huckandpaddle.com/

    1. Hey Nancie,
      Thanks so much for taking the time to read today. Thanks for sharing your small good thing, I enjoyed reading about your class, sounds like a great experience! I will definitely have to stop by Huck + Paddle, thank you for the recommendation! Have a great Sunday!

  6. What kind of fridge do you have? I love all the extra bins! Is it a regular kitchen size fridge or a chefs size one? Where is your freezer? Curious what you have in it.

    Little things that made me happy this week:

    โ€“ clean coffee pot
    โ€“ my toddler
    โ€“ a chill Saturday of binge watching Netflix
    โ€“ our upcoming trip to Cozumel Mexico.

    I hope you have the best time ever in Italy. Thatโ€™s going to be such a fun trip.

    1. Hey Emily!!

      I have a sub zero. A single big fridge and then the same size freezer sits right next to it! They are larger units.

      In my freezer, itโ€™s mostly meat and frozen vegetables, plus ice cream!

      LOVE your happiness for the week. So fun to read!! Thanks for sharing!

      Have a great week!

  7. I love the leather skirt and gorgeous top you are wearing in the first photoโ€ฆ Stunning!

    One of my simplest pleasures is my morning cup of jasmine green tea and morning prayers to start the day

    Looking forward to trying the Earl Grey Lemon Blueberry loaf and the turmeric chicken tenders.

    As always, thank you for a fun post.

    1. Hey Tracy,
      Thanks so much for reading today and your kind message:) I loved reading about your simplest pleasures in the morning, sounds like a great way to start the day. I hope you love the lemon blueberry loaf and chicken tenders!

      Have a great Sunday!

  8. I agree with you on that green kitchen. The marble is beautiful but the cabinets are giving me Brady Bunch vibes ๐Ÿ˜‚
    Have a wonderful week, I love reading my Sunday email from you!

  9. What makes me happy is knowing that I have a box of tissues. Iโ€™ve been sick for two weeks and canโ€™t wait to feel better!

  10. Good morning. I love my Sunday mornings reading your post and have enjoyed many of your recipes. I think there is an issue with the One Skillet Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake. The recipe calls for PASTA but the photos clearly show rice. Would you please re-post it with rice? I have gluten issues so rice is my go to! Thank you.

  11. Iโ€™m with you on that first sip of coffee and YES always! Hot shower at nightโ€ฆI always take a hot lavender bath before bedโ€ฆall seasons. And Iโ€™ve been declutterring too! Itโ€™s so freeing! Iโ€™ve also been off social media for a month and that has been so freeing for my brain ๐Ÿง . ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for all you do!

    1. Hey Cindy,
      Thanks for reading today!! Love that first coffee sip:) Your hot lavender bath sounds so relaxing. Good for you on your social media break!

      I hope you have a great weekend:)

  12. Snow Day! Itโ€™s infrequent so close to the ocean but we are actually getting snow right now. I know, big deal for everyone who is tired of winter, but it is a big deal down here. I grew up in New England & still miss real snowstorms. This will turn to rain &/or sleet soon but itโ€™s so nice now.
    Iโ€™ve been noticing a big emphasis on chicken dishes lately. As a vegetarian, I can often adapt those recipes (think tofu or beans), but would you consider adding one or two veg recipes a month? I have other sources (my beloved Moosewood cookbooks or the newer Cooke & Kate book), so itโ€™s not a deal breaker. Just something to consider.
    Safe travels, you will LOVE Italyโ€ฆ

    1. Hey Dale,
      Thanks for reading today! Enjoy the snow, sounds like this is quite the winter storm! Yes, I can definitely add more vegetarian recipes to my list, thanks for sharing this feedback!

      Stay safe and warm and have a great weekend!