Nine Favorite Things. - Half Baked Harvest

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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

February always throws me off, it is just so short. The month just always seem to fly by and before you know it it’s March. We have so much happening the next few weeks. I’m both excited an anxious at the same time. This week will be packed with creating new content for both the blog and an upcoming project. I also have a couple (very fun) conference calls. And midweek I have a fun photoshoot where I’ll be IN FRONT of the camera instead of behind it. I’m always just a little nervous to be in front of the camera, but I can’t wait for the shoot this week. Kristen Kilpatrick is one of my favorite photographers (and people in general). If you don’t follow her on Instagram, you should. Her photos are stunning.

We will also have family in town this week. They are here for the Burton US Open, which I my younger brother Red is competing in. So a full week coming up, and then it’s March, with another shoot next week, and then off to LA!

Busy and exciting, but trying to find balance at the same time. It’s can be a struggle, but all good things!

Coming up this week I’ll be sharing a new healthy and almost vegan soup. Something cheesy and easy to make in minutes. A new recipe inspired by my brothers recent trip to Japan. A delicious spaghetti squash recipe. And then something sweet and cinnamony that everyone, and I do mean everyone, will love (definitely a new favorite).

What recipes do you all want to see in March? Please let me know in the comments!

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. Sleep…and How I Plan To Get More Of It.

I know everyone is talking about sleep and how important it is. I actually find it exhausting how much everyone is talking about it! It almost feels like it’s the “cool” thing to discuss. Regardless, I do think what’s being said is true, we need more sleep!

The last few months I’ve not gotten nearly enough sleep, and it’s definitely starting to wear on me a bit. I might be young and all, but no-matter your age, sleep is super important for brain function and overall health. With a super busy week ahead, I know it’s going to be very important to try to actually get in a full seven hours of sleep (eight is kind of out of reach for me). A recent New York Times article says that people who get seven hours of sleep are healthier and live longer. So I’m taking a cue from all this recent media and discussion. It’s easier said than done, but here are the two steps I’m taking to get some more time in bed…no matter how many messages I didn’t get to respond to (I’m so sorry!).

baby steps – I plan to try and get into bed 20 minutes earlier every night until I get to my goal bedtime. For seven hours of sleep I would need to get to bed by eleven, a full two hours earlier. I definitely have work to do.
time batch – my nights tend to be filled with computer work, writing blog post, responding to emails, posting to Instagram, responding to messages, editing photos, eating, showering, etc. I’m going to start giving myself time limits on task so that I can better manage my time before bed.

I’d love to hear how you guys make it to bed at a decent hour. All tips and tricks are welcome!

2. Here Is What You Should Make for the Oscars Tonight.

Are you watching the Oscars tonight? If I’m being honest, I will not be. I haven’t turned my TV on in um? Maybe never? I actually don’t think I’ve ever used my TV. But that’s really only because I just watch Netflix on my computer while I edit photos. Anyway, since I’m trying to get more sleep I’ll be skipping out on the Oscars. Instead I’ll catch up on all the highlights tomorrow (kind of just love the red carpet and all the dresses). But I know so many of you will be watching tonight…

SO…here are some ideas on what you can make:

asparagus and brie puff pastry with thyme honey

caramelized onion, spinach, and cheddar flaky pastries

spicy cauliflower cheese bites

cheese board

roasted red pepper meze platter

fried buffalo goat cheese balls

ginger sesame chicken potstickers

Moroccan dip platter

peanut butter chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies

blackberry thyme margarita

3. The Face Mask I am Loving…

If you follow me Instagram, you know that I am very into beauty products. Recently started using face mask and here are the ones I love. Let me know your favorites!

4. Questions of The Week:

q: as a college student, what’s a good think to meal prep on the weekends that’s quick and easy?
a: this one is my favorite for meal prep right now. It’s easy, healthy, and good!

q: does your food get really cold when you are taking pictures?
a: yess. I shoot during the day so anything I make is normally reheated for dinner…so yess, it’s technically leftover. most of the time this is totally fine. sometimes not so much.

q: would you ever have a go at some traditional Jewish recipes?
a: 100% yesss. what should I make??

q: sweet or salty?
a: sweet and salty!

q: what are some tips for plating/presentation? it’s always my weak spot.
a: don’t overwhelm the plate with too much food or too much color. color is great but can sometimes become distracting to the eye and just be too much! That said, a fresh finish like some herbs or a lime wedge can really go a long way! my best tip is to find photos of dishes you love then try to recreate them in your own kitchen by adding your own personal touches!

q: how long does it take you to write a recipe post?
a: so I first need to come up with the recipe, test it, and then photograph it. This can take anywhere from 2-5 hours, sometimes more, sometimes less. I’ve spent days on one recipe, so it really just depends. Once the recipe is tested and photographed, I write it up at night and edit the photos. This takes probably 2-ish hours all together. Then it gets copy edited, and THEN it gets posted. It’s a process.

5. New Videos:

vanilla chai lemon ricotta muffins –> the best winter muffin, cozy, but yet kind of springy too.

oven fried southern hot honey chicken –> everyone’s favorite recipe.

6. Inspiring Me On Pinterest.