Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

It seems so crazy to me, but not only has fall officially arrived, but somehow tomorrow is October first! I am so ready for all things Halloween, all things cozy, all things autumn, and then all things holiday! When I get stressed and anxious, I crave the comfort that comes along with this time of year. Anyone else the same way? My current anxious state is most likely the result of all of the craziness going on at work right now. Don’t worry this is very normal for me, and all is good. I’ve just potentially bitten off a bit more than I can chew…good problems…and I tend to work better under pressure…or at least I hope so!

Anyway, I think this is why I am looking forward to these October days so much this year. I’m excited for the shorter days and longer nights spent sitting by the fire (err okok, sitting by the oven), bundled in a blanket with candles lit while I work away on my computer. Excited for fall baking, pumpkin carving, watching all the Halloween movies, and starting to plot out my 2018 Thanksgiving menu. It’s going to be a good month.

Before I get way too ahead of myself however, here’s what’s coming up on HBH this week. It’s going to be a cozy recipe week. We’ve got a healthy slow cooker turkey chili recipe, something very pumpkiny, healthy, and delicious, a new homemade gnocchi recipe, sweet Halloween inspired cookies, and a brand new “spooky” cocktail. Can’t wait to share!

If you missed anything from this past week, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. Hope you’re all having the best fall weekend, and enjoy this Sunday’s Favorites!

1. Inspiring Me This Week. 

Kristen Bell. First of all, I’ve loved Kristen Bell since her Veronica Mars days, loved that she was the voice of Gossip Girl, and loved this sloth video SO much (if you have not watch this clip from the Ellen show you have to stop reading and watch it now, it will make you smile). I’ve recently listened to a few of her podcasts and am in awe of her kindness, generosity, and realness. There is nothing fake about her, and unlike a lot of other celebrities, she doesn’t come across as perfect, but more like a normal person who’s just doing the best she can. To hear Kristen’s interview, check out the most recent episode of Armchair Expert with her husband, Dax Shepard.

Kristen puts out so much kindness and happiness into the world that it’s really just a breath of fresh air. I love that she’s involved in multiple charities and consistently looking for ways to give back. It’s inspired me to look into how I can give back, especially with the holidays coming up!

Who is inspiring you this week? Would love to hear who inspires you daily!

PS. very excited to learn they are doing a Veronica Mars reboot. Cannot wait.

2. Rett Syndrome.

Speaking of people who inspire… Mike Ramirez is my brother Red’s US Snowboard Team coach. He asked if I could donate a signed copy of my cookbook for an upcoming Rett’s Syndrome fundraiser in Salt Lake City. Mike and his wife Shoshanna have a sweet daughter named Marlowe who suffers from Rett Syndrome.

Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder that mostly affects females. It is brought on by a single gene mutation, that as a result, leads to the underproduction of an important brain protein. Kids are born “normal,” but without the protein, between the ages of 1 and 3, they begin to lose acquired skills. Many lose their ability speak, walk or use their hands, and depend on their families for every part of their day.

I wanted to share a story about Marlowe’s then 10-year-old cousin, Eva (you can read the story here). Eva raises 4-H pigs and made the decision to donate all of her profits from that year’s pig to Rett Syndrome. Word started to get around about what Eva was doing for Marlowe, an interest in Eva and her pig grew. When it came time for the pig to be auctioned at the County Fair, Eva’s pig ended up earning the highest amount ever in Oregon State history. Eva and her pig contributed $40,000 to Rett Syndrome. Now, that’s some pig…and some kid!

Today there is no cure for Retts, but researchers believe it is curable. They have proven that once normal protein levels are restored, the symptoms of Retts subside. Rett Syndrome has been reversed in the lab and could be one of the first childhood neurological disorders to be cured. There is now a clear road map to a cure, but 33 million is needed to get this road map into clinical trials.

I highly encourage you to read more about this disease, and to do what you can to help. If you’d like to be a part of the cure you can donate here. Every little bit counts.

3. My Favorite Fall Mugs. 

I’m always excited to drink coffee in the morning, but I especially love coffee in the fall. Crisp mornings are made for slowly sipping your favorite brewed coffee or pumpkin spice latte. These are my favorite mugs…because having a cute mug makes drinking coffee better. It’s true.

4. September’s Most Popular Recipe: 

Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole

I have to say, this one shocked me. Don’t get me wrong, I adore this recipe, but  I never thought you would embrace it like you have. It’s a casserole, so it’s not the prettiest, but it sure is DELICIOUS, and it’s my oldest brother Creighton’s favorite recipe. Like ever. If you haven’t made it yet, give a try this week. It’s a good one!

Runner Up: 30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs

Love, love, love this recipe…and it’s another favorite of Creighton’s!

Have to Mention: 30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

I shared this recipe just this past Wednesday and it’s already the third most popular recipe of the month (it’s basically tied with the meatballs), so I feel as though it deserves a mention as well! Plus, it’s my personal favorite of the month. So good.

5. New Videos:

Pumpkin Beer Broccoli Cheddar Soup…perfect for chilly nights.

Healthy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken…a favorite recipe from the HBH cookbook.

Sheet Pan Sticky Pomegranate Chicken with Honey Roasted Squash…so easy, so good.

6. Mistake of the Week. 

No joke, I burn or break something in the kitchen at least once a day. Honestly, I’m just a messy a cook. I make mistakes and I make them often. This week alone I broke a bowl, lit a towel on fire (weekly occurrence…it’s SO bad), and took browned butter five steps too far (see above photo). It happens, I’m human, and I’m ok with it. Plus, I got this fun photo of my burnt butter and I kind love it.

Always try to find the beauty in the little things. Easier said than done, but try it!

I LOVE the light in the studio kitchen, my sugar pie pumpkins, my Clè tiles, and my KitchenAid range.

7. A few Links I am Loving…

13 places around the world that are hauntingly beautiful…because it’s Halloween time.

5 steps to make any food comfort food…all about comfort food.

Goop’s turkey ragu…looks so good.

how to avoid the comparison game…love this honest post full of some of the best advice and tips.

3 chicken taco soup recipes…yum. I love soup weather.

what a $15 million home looks like in 15 cities…the Connecticut and Aspen homes are beautiful.

easy Korean Dumplings…favorite recipe over on The Chriselle Factor.

10 cocktails for Thanksgiving…because apparently some people are already in planning mode.

Blair Waldorf approved hair trends…love a good headband hair style.

lip colors for fall…obsessed with these darker shades.

8. Favorite Fall Dresses and Skirts…

sweater dress | plaid mini skirt | white dress | leather mini skirt 

velvet skirt | sweater knit skirt | velvet skirt | black lace dress

9. This Week’s Dinners:

Monday: 30 Minute Peanut Chicken Ramen

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Sticky Pomegranate Chicken and Honey Roasted Squash

Wednesday:  Caramelized Onion, Cheddar, and Spinach Flaky Pastries

Thursday: Autumn Braised Chicken Escabèche

Friday: Brown Butter Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo with Fried Cheese

Check out all the past Favorites posts here.