Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

{bursting blueberry lemon layer cake…perfect for Father’s Day}

You know how some weeks are just better than others? Well, this week was a good week, much better than the last. It didn’t have any crazy “crisis” moments like the previous week. It was full of creating new recipes that I am excited to share, more video content, time with my family. And my favorite part? The weather finally turned the corner around here. We have green trees, blooming lilacs (which are possibly my favorite flower), and sunshine! All mixed in with a few summertime afternoon thunderstorms.

This past Friday was spent filming with Malachi. And while it was a long day in the kitchen, we had an unexpected kitchen assistant that was surprisingly so helpful. My little sister, Asher!

Asher is 10 and heading into 5th grade next year. She is very mature for her age, probably due to having 6 older siblings. Regardless the girl is smart beyond her years. Here’s the thing, Asher typically has zero interest in helping me in the studio. But my parents are foster sitting (respite) newborn twins for 4 days, so Asher spent Friday at the studio. Therefore, we put that girl to work.

If you follow on Instagram, you saw the behind the scenes. I have to say, she was a really huge help. Of course, it made me think about hiring an actual kitchen assistant because we got so much done with her around (anyone interested?). Not only that, it was just nice getting to spend the day with Asher. Life has been so insanely busy that we haven’t spent the day together in a while. We cooked lots of recipes, made some huge messes, and got stuff done, but we also had so much fun. There is a 15 year age gap between us, but I have just as much fun with Asher as I would someone closer to my age…maybe more? It was such a nice way to end the week and it makes heading into a new week all the more inviting.

Coming up this week on HBH we have new summer salad recipes, my all-time favorite strawberry recipe, a delicious chicken curry, and we’ll be kicking off a new video serious that has me both nervous and excited. Cannot wait!

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 Nine Favorite Things!

1. A Couple Of Things…

A Few Cocktail Recipes:

When I was in LA a couple of weeks ago, I shared a few incredibly easy summer cocktails with my go-to beauty and fashion girl Chriselle Lim. I had the best time shooting these recipes with The Chriselle Factor team. Oh, and a big shout out to my friends at Anthropologie for helping us to create such gorgeous cocktails.

You can find all the fun (and EASY) summer cocktails here.

And shop all my favorite Anthropologie cocktail Items below.

Studio Barn Updates:

Some of you may have caught this yesterday, but we are finally showing off the new studio kitchen complete with photos, appliance details, and a yummy salad recipe too!

For all the detailed studio kitchen photos, check out this post.

For my healthy, but delicious cauliflower salad, check out this post.

And if you’ve missed any studio barn updates, you can read all about it here.

2. Best Summer Side Dish Recipes.

Because everyone knows it’s really all about the sides.

corn, tomato, and avocado pasta salad

greek watermelon feta salad with basil vinaigrette

the cheese-maker’s mac and cheese

heirloom tomato cheddar tart with everything spice

browned butter jalapeño cornbread muffins

pesto potato salad

cheesy zucchini and corn pie

antipasto pasta salad with herby parmesan vinaigrette

spicy corn and peaches with burrata

fresh fig, prosciutto, and arugula salad with cherry tomato vinaigrette

melon caprese salad

the best herby potato salad

herby everything cheddar swirl buns

caramelized corn and tomato tarte tatin

pan-fried feta with peppered honey

thai grilled corn and peach quinoa salad

Question: What are your favorite summer BBQ recipes? Dying to know what I need to make next!

3. Easy Breezy Summer Candles…

4. Questions of The Week: 

q: What’s your most-used pantry item? kitchen gadget?
a: Olive oil is probably my most used pantry item. But the surprising pantry item I use at least a few times a week? My homemade everything bagel spice. It’s my go-to seasoning blend when I want to add flavor to dishes. My most used kitchen gadget is my stand mixer or my food processor….nothing unexpected there, but these are certainly essential to my kitchen.

q: Do you excise?
a: Yes! First thing in the morning! I couldn’t get by without my morning hikes. I love getting outside, having that time to brainstorm new ideas, and just be completely alone. Living in Colorado I have the mountains as my backyard, so instead of listening to music while hiking, I just let my mind wander and think creatively. Not only do I get an incredible workout, but this is usually the time when I come up with my best ideas for recipes…and new ideas for growing HBH.

q: Anything you’d do differently when building your barn if you had the chance?
a: So much! Anyone who has built anything knows that building is HARD. The number one thing I wish I would have done was set aside more time to be involved in the process. I prioritized work over the build when really I should have set more time aside to be involved in the details of the building. We’re currently completing a handful of changes that we could have avoided if I would have spent more time on the project originally. My best advice to those building? Above all, hire people who really, really, REALLY know what they are doing. Find a good team, and be as involved as you possibly can. Also, know that it takes a lot of time (and money) to build something you really love.

q: what are the best kind of sheet pans to use?
a: I love USA pans and have found them to be the best for everything from roasting vegetables to baking cookies.

5. Newest Videos: 

garlic butter creamed spinach salmon…everyone’s favorite salmon recipe.

baked black pepper ranch chicken fingers…because who doesn’t love a good chicken finger? the best.

berry and cream cheese croissant french toast bake…the only french toast recipe you need.

6. Happy Father’s Day to My Dad!

If you only knew all my dad does for me, you would understand how important he is. My dad and I haven’t always had the best relationship. We struggled a little when I was a kid, mainly because I was a pain in his ass. BUT as I’ve gotten older we’ve grown closer, and at least for now, he’s the most important guy in my life. I couldn’t do all I do without my dad. He’s my biggest supporter, the one I vent to when I’m stressed. The one who’s always there to clean up my messes, and the one I turn to when I need advice on pretty much anything. Thankful to have the best dad a girl could ask for. Also thankful to have his dark hair color and full eyebrows…not so thankful to also have his nose.

Happy Father’s Day! Hoping you all are spoiling your dads today with all the things he loves. Or simply making him a delicious dinner and ice cream cake to show him some love!

7. A Few Links I Am Loving…

a guide to Capri, Italy… where to eat, stay, & swim.

the design lovers guide to the French Rivera…booking my tickets now.

the rise of meatless meat, explained…and all the questions you have are answered.

easy DIY flower bouquets…could not love these pretty flower bouquets more.

the prettiest (easy) summer makeup…all about these simple and effortless looks.

10 DIY backyard design ideas…that are actually doable.

a makeup artist shares how many coats of mascara you need…good to know.

microblading 101…if you are obsessed with eyebrows, like me, read this.

7 clean hacks to be ready for company…at a moment’s notice.

inside John Stamos Beverly Hills home…so pretty, but simple, and not too over the top.

this is a cookbook you’ll sit down and read for hours…already ordered via Amazon and cannot wait to read.

insanely delicious mushroom bacon…yup. I am very into this.

what to wear to the farmers market…laid back summer styles.

a nutritionist shares why trendy diets don’t work…and what to do instead.

women who inspire us…loved this inspiring read on starting your own business.

8 whole foods hacks busy women swear by…two words, semi-homemade.

8. My Favorite Swim Suites for Summer…

9. This Week’s Dinners:

Monday: better than takeout kung pao cauliflower

Tuesday: chicken souvlaki bowls with garlic fries

Wednesday: 3 cheese zucchini “ravioli

Thursday: 20-minute crispy honey ginger salmon

Friday: arugula peach ricotta pizza with crispy bacon

Finally, check out all the past Favorites posts here.