Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

What a week it has been, huh? I have a huge deadline looming, and at the moment, I’m not feeling the most confident. We can all talk the talk about being super confident, practicing shelf care, and doing all the  “right” things. But the truth is, just like all of you, I have good and bad days, and good and bad weeks. This week wasn’t all bad, but I definitely didn’t sleep nearly enough. I also spent too much time comparing myself to others. And probably could have managed my time a little better. But you know what, I’m only human. I’m still growing into adulthood (isn’t that like a forever kind of thing?), learning how to manage a business, and learning how to be the best version of myself.

And that’s OK. It’s OK to not be perfect, to not be on your game 24/7, and it’s OK to have a bad day. One of my favorite things my dad will say is, “if we didn’t have bad days, we wouldn’t appreciate the good ones”. I love this so much. It actually makes me appreciate the bad days. Because without them, I wouldn’t LOVE my good days as much as I do.

Point is, if you had a hard week, remember it’s OK, take it all in, and start fresh tomorrow. It’s a new day, new week, and a clean slate, so start fresh! And…if all else fails, you can always bake up some banana bread. The perfect feel good Sunday activity.

Here’s what’s coming up this week on HBH. I’ll be sharing a new Korean inspired recipe that’s healthy and easy. Then an updated version of one of my all time favorite bread recipes (hint, there’s fresh herbs and garlic involved). On Wednesday it’s a weeknight pasta that’s sure to become your new go-to. Then a fresh new breakfast recipe for Thursday, one that’s savory, not sweet. And on Friday, a sweet new blueberry recipe that will have you dreaming about spring. All good things.

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

1. Inspiring Me This Week. 

Kelsea Olivia Gaynor of East Olivia.

If you don’t follow Kelsea on Instagram, you are 100% missing out. She’s the most bad ass floral designer/content creator and one of the kindest people I know. She’s a true angel and always looking for the beauty in everything, which is such a breath of fresh air.

What inspires me most about Kelsea is her ability to create beautiful floral designs all over the world. If you haven’t seen her work for Create and Cultivate, or her newest Summer Fridays, you must go check them out now. I promise, her work is going to make your Sunday brighter, happier, and you’ll surely walk away dreaming of spring-florals.

Kelsea may be an incredible florist, but she’s an equally incredible business women. She’s built her company from the ground up and worked with some of the biggest brands you can think of, Netflix, Anthropologie, and Teen Vogue, to name a few. I’m truly so inspired, not only her by work, but her work ethnic, and mostly by her kind heart. She’s always looking for the beauty in people and in life.

You can and should follow Kelsea on Instagram, and be sure to check out all her previous work on her website.

2. Dreaming of Vacationing…

all photos from Pinterest Let’s Go Places board (unknown sources).

3. Some of my Travel Essentials..

4. Questions of The Week: 

q: do you ever eat take out and if so, what is your favorite kind?
a: honestly, no not really, we don’t have great options around us.

q: how many recipes do you make in a day?
a: It really depends on what I have on the agenda for the day. Right now I’m shooting something extra special, so it’s anywhere from 4-6 recipes. I will not lie, I rarely can get 6 recipes shot in a day, but if I do, that is a great, great day! When I’m testing recipes just for the blog, and average day is 2-3 recipes.

q: favorite meal of the day?
a: i’m a dinner person person…but I love breakfast for dinner.

q: what’s your favorite flower for your tablescapes?
a: without a doubt, ranunculus.

5. New Videos:

no-guilt broccoli fettuccine alfredo….a go-to fast and healthy…ish pasta dinner.

vegan triple chocolate mousse cake…it’s rich, creamy, chocolatey, and every last bite is so good.

6. The One Thing I Add to my Morning Coffee That is a Game Changer…

Around this time last year I started using collagen protein powder in my morning coffee. But I stopped when I ran out and I never re-ordered. Well, I recently started using it again, and I can honestly say it’s a game changer. Not only have I noticed a difference in my energy levels, but my skin (which has been having flare-ups all winter long) is looking better than it has in months. I’m definitely not a nutritionist. But I did get this collagen tip from my personal favorite holistic nutritionist and wellness expert, Kelly LeVeque. Again, someone who I would also recommend you follow.

I just add 1 scoop of this Vital Proteins collagen protein powder to a cup of black coffee. I’ve never done any kind of cream or milk in my coffee, but I love that the protein powder adds a nice frothy layer on top. It’s kind of fancy and I’m into it.

If you’re interested, you can read about all the benefits (think skin, gut health, and bone health) of incorporating a collagen protein powder into your diet here.

And again, I’m not a nutritionist, but I love sharing what I’m loving and what products are working for me!

7. A Few Links I Am Loving…

30 something and unmarried…YESSSS. this is a must read. married or not. read it.

9 simple soup recipes that take 20 minutes to prep…all the soup, all the time.

these 7 pricey household products are worth the splurge…I think I need that Dyson vacuum.

designer spotlight: Thea Home…loved learning about this mother daughter duo.

7 things I have learned from dating in my 20’s…a good read for anyone currently dating.

5 designers share their biggest white kitchen mistakes…and how to fix them.

the top 8 non-toxic face mask…Summer Fridays Jet Lag + Glow Recipe Watermelon sleeping mask for me please.

6 spring paint colors interior designers are obsessing over…mustardy yellow and moody blues.

why screen time isn’t bad for kids…don’t even have kids and I found this interesting.

9 New York fitness studios that models swear by…if you’re in NYC and in search of a good workout.

your guide to choosing the right marble countertop…if you’re considering marble, read this.

go-to routine to fix chapped lips…needed.

the most delicious green smoothie recipes…very into these.

Anna Wintour recaps the best shows of NYFW…if you love fashion.

8. Obsessing over & Other Stories…

9. This Week’s Dinners:

Monday: chipotle cheddar cauliflower black bean enchiladas

Tuesday: saucy garlic butter shrimp with coconut milk and rice noodles

Wednesday: instant pot chipotle cheddar corn chowder

Thursday: sheet pan harissa chicken with chickpeas and sweet potatoes

Friday: greek orzo stuffed red peppers with lemony basil tomatoes

Check out all the past Favorites posts here.