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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Hey all, happy Sunday. The week ahead is feeling bright and springy and I’m so very excited about it! We have an almost perfect looking forecast of sunshine and mild temps, which is so welcomed after our long winter. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to finally feel the warmth of the sun. The longer, warm days have been so nice. Watching our surroundings slowly (read, very, very slowly) start to turn green is a sign that summer is on its way. We don’t have blooming flowers yet, but I’m still enjoying my bouquet from Grace Rose Farm and attempting to keep them fresh for as long as possible. If any of you people with a green thumb out there have inside secrets, please, do share!

In other news, this week was all over the place. From creating new recipes, working on a few fun projects, some exciting zoom meetings, and even a couple of live cooking streams. If you missed it, I was live with Amazon Live this past Thursday baking for Cookies for Kids Cancer. I made the yummy chewy browned butter chocolate chip cookies from the Half Baked Harvest Super Simple cookbook. While I can’t say I was pleased with my appearance (my hair, eek). I had a lot of fun baking and answering everyone’s questions. You can watch the reply here. And again, please don’t judge my at-home hairstyling.

Fact…I can not do my hair or makeup if my life depended on it. Yes, I love skincare and I love beauty products, but actually applying the beauty products without the help of a professional? I am lost. I just can’t do it. That’s what you get for growing up with five brothers and a mom who’s never ever put on more than a swipe of bronzer and fun lip color. Maybe I should try watching some YouTube videos?

Coming up this week on HBH, I’m still undecided on whether I’ll share a new Mexican recipe for Cinco de Mayo on Monday or a fun new chicken dinner. Either way, it’s going to be good. Do you guys have a preference? Tuesday is a new baking recipe that’s simple. It’s a recipe I know you will all be coming back to time and time again. On Wednesday, we have a fresh new springtime gnocchi recipe, then on to a delicious Thai inspired meal for Thursday. For Friday, I’m thinking a sweet cake…just in time for Mother’s Day.

As for Saturday, I wanted to check in with you all. Are you guys still wanting to see Saturday drink posts? Personally, I love these fun drink posts and you all seem to LOVE them too. But as we head into a new month, I wanted to check in with you all. More drinks for the warmer days ahead? Or save the cocktails for the holiday season?

If you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our daily newsletters. They’ll help you to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here, as well as fun content you’ll only get via email. And of course, if you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list).

Hope you all have a beautiful (hopefully sunny…and maybe even flower-filled) Sunday. Oh, and tell me, what’s everyone cooking for Sunday night dinner?

1. Working on that greenhouse + inspiration photos.

With more sunny warm days ahead, my dad and I have been plotting the possibility of a new larger greenhouse. We’re thinking the best place for it might be right next to the studio. Living so high up in the mountains means that it gets too cold overnight to grow anything without protection. We’ve been using a greenhouse the past couple of summers to grow herbs. But this year I want to up our “garden” game with a REALLY nice greenhouse. I’ve been scrolling Pinterest for ideas and looking at companies online. Here are some of my favorite photos that are inspiring me.

*all photos found via Pinterest. Exact sources are unknown. 

Excited to share more once we get the greenhouse up and running. Again, if any of you gardeners out there have tips, tricks, and words of advice, both my dad and I would love to hear them!

PS. this is my dream garden. Maybe someday.

2. Mother’s Day Recipe Ideas.

Recipes for A Simple Brunch:

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

Ultimate Spring Brunch Board | halfbakedharvest.com #brunch #breakfast #potatoes #spring #summer #easter #mothersday

Ultimate Spring Brunch Board

Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake | halfbakedharvest.com #frenchtoast #brunch #easyrecipes #springrecipes #easter

Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake

Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Chili Garlic Oil and Herbs | halfbakedharvest.com #potatoes #breakfast #easyrecipes #brunch

Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Chili Garlic Oil and Herbs

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey | halfbakedharvest.com #brunch #spring #recipe

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts | halfbakedharvest.com

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts

The Best Strawberry Shortcakes | halfbakedharvest.com #shortcakes #strawberries #summer #strawberry

The Best Strawberry Shortcakes

Recipes For A Garden Inspired Dinner:

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Hone | halfbakedharvest.com #appetizers #easyrecipes #summerrecipes

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey

Peach Caprese Salad with Toasted Garlic Naan | halfbakedharvest.com #salad #peaches #burrata

Peach Caprese Salad

Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns | halfbakedharvesr.com #bread #everythingspice #cheddar #easter #cheddar #bread

Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns

Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower | halfbakedharvest.com

Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower

Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad | halfbakedharvest.com #salmon #grillingrecipes #dinner

Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Lemon Butter Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Basil Breadcrumbs | halfbakedharvest.com

Lemon Butter Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Basil Breadcrumbs

Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler with Layered Cream Cheese Biscuits | halfbakedharvest.com

Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler

Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream | halfbakedharvest.com #coconutcake #springrecipes #easter #cake #layercake

Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream

Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies | halfbakedharvest.com

Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies

3. A few last minute Mother’s Day gifts.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: How do you film your Instagram stories?
a: So many of you are asking about this. I just use my phone! And to get the overhead videos I just place my phone on a chair that I put on the counter. It’s sooo professional…?

q: How do you keep your clothes so nice while cooking? I am always a floury mess!
a: Trust me, I am a mess while cooking. Chocolate, flour, etc., I get it all over the place and me too. I just started wearing an apron to protect my clothes because I was ruining everything I own.

q: Is your house and studio space on the same property?
a: Yes! Very lucky to have my house and our studio/office space all on the same property.

q: What type of countertops do you have?
a: The kitchen island is quartzite and our black countertops that run on the outside walls of the kitchen are soapstone.

5. Latest recipe videos.

6 Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Chia Mousse…Sunday chocolate, but the healthy kind.

And on Instagram stories…

Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce…plus Mexican inspired “street” fries too.

Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts…flaky, perfectly sweet, and heavy on the cinnamon.

Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini…with a drizzle of salty, sweet thyme honey.

30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs…an oldie, but always such a (delicious) goodie.

(extra) Dirty Horchata Tres Leches Cake…my favorite of the week.

6. The littlest thing that make me so happy.

I’m one of those people that has a really hard time buying things for myself that are not 100% NEEDED. Whenever I order clothes, it takes me forever to finally pull the trigger on my purchase. And in the end, I end up returning most of the items. Not because I don’t like them, but more because of the guilt I feel for buying something for myself that is not necessarily a NEED.

I am slowly working to get past this. To illustrate, this week I made a very small purchase and ordered this candle. I love candles and lighting a candle nightly has become something that really helps me to relax. I’ve been burning the same Little Market candle now since before Christmas. It’s not that I don’t love that candle, because I do, it’s a favorite. But I needed to change it up (don’t we all right now?)

I’ve been lighting this candle for that past three nights and even though it’s the smallest $32 purchase, it’s brought me a lot of happiness. I feel so “silly” writing this all out, but I wanted to share that sometimes it’s OK to make purchases for yourself. Buy that candle, or even that designer bag you’ve been eying. If it’s going to bring you extended happiness, it’s probably worth it!

Question: what’s on your list? Anything I should add to mine?

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

The 5 Recipes I Currently Have on Repeat…excited to try a few of these.

It Took Me 6 Weeks To Understand the Sourdough Hype…I’m thinking it’s time to make some sourdough?

Histories Lead the Decor in a Downtown Manhattan Home…what a pretty home.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide…love so many of these thoughtful ideas.

A Seed Based Salad Dressing…you will want to make again and again.

Why Zurich Should Top Your Future Travel List…noted…and added to my list.

The 30 Most Anticipated New Books Of Summer 2020…if you’re in need of a good book.

Our Favorite Games To Play Right Now…with or without kids.

Need Decor But Don’t Know Where to Shop…a complete online resource shopping list.

My (Beginner) Plan To Grow A Backyard Garden…with key tips from some experts.

13 Ways to Look Pretty at Home…without being too extra.

Leanne Ford’s Secret to Textured Bathroom Walls…without a gut reno.

Amazon’s Best Mother’s Day Gifts…if you need some new ideas…and quick.

Tried This New Beauty Supplement for 30 Days…and it replaced my makeup routine.

The 20 Greatest Recipes of All Time…well now I’m curious to test all these out.

If You’ve Been Sleeping on Apple TV+…these shows will change your mind.

Free, Printable Mother’s Day Cards…love these fun cards for mom.

How to Make Ice Cream at Home + 20 Recipes to Try…summer is almost here.

James Van Der Beek’s Home Is the Ideal Family Haven…such a cozy family home.

8. A brand I am loving, Tory Sport…

9. This week’s dinners…

Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey

Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

Drink: Spicy Cucumber Margarita

Appetizer: Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Salty Lime Avocado Crema

Dessert: Easy Cinnamon Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Tuesday: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

Saucy Coconut Summer Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables | halfbakedharvest.com #curry #summerrecipes #easyrecipes #thairecipe #simplerecipes

Wednesday: Saucy Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables

One Skillet French Onion Tater Tot Casserole | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: One Skillet French Onion Tater Tot Casserole

Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com #chicken #healthy #recipes #easy

Friday: Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken

Watermelon Rosè Paloma | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday Drink: Watermelon Rosè Paloma

Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday Baking: Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts

Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.

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Comments

  1. I LOVE your cocktail recipes and look forward to trying each one on either Saturday or Sunday. Keep them coming!! Actually it was a drink recipe that my friend shared with me and introduced me to your blog. ?

    1. Wow so amazing! I am glad you have been enjoying my blog ever since! I hope you continue to! Thank you Diane! xTieghan

  2. Last night we made the sun dried tomato herb salad. OMG! We loved it…so good. We realized afterwards that we forgot the avocado but it didn’t matter. This will definitely be on our dinner rotation this summer. Next up, brown sugar cinnamon frosted pop tarts….because, c’mon!

    Thx for Nine Things every Sunday. I look forward to it every week!

    1. That is so great to hear! I am so glad you like this post, Carolyn! Also, I hope you LOVE the pop tarts! Let me know how they turn out for you! xTieghan

  3. I look forward to the 9 Favorite Things post every week! Thanks for sharing tidbits of your life that are certainly inspiring mine. I have never really liked to cook but for the first time in 36 years, you have inspired me to cook and enjoy quality time over home cooked meals with my family. Thank you for all that you do!

    1. Aw I am so glad my recipes have inspired you to cook more! That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Megan! xTieghan

  4. Happy Sunday! I would love to see the Mexican recipe for Cinco de Mayo! And I love the Saturday drink posts – would love to see some pitcher drinks that can be made ahead in big batches!

  5. I would love to see Saturday’s for whole wheat recipes, bread, etc. I love whole wheat!

  6. While I do drink alcohol, I’d love to have a selection of mocktails for when I feel like something fancy and fun but without alcohol. Do you think you could come up with some tasty options? Thanks!

  7. Both. Mexican first, chicken later. And more snack cakes…maybe citrus?
    Love all the recipes…

  8. I find makeup tutorials on YouTube really relaxing to watch and they’ve made me go from doing okay looking makeup to really great. Here are some I think you’d like:
    Lisa Eldridge: the ultimate makeup artist. Here lipstick is also my all time favorite.
    The makeup chair: she has a lot of beginner videos and they aren’t too long.
    Shelby Wilson: she uses a minimal amount of products and I think her style would vibe with yours. ?
    Hindash: the ultimate glam looks.
    Charlotte Tilbury: her videos use her products and the looks are a bit repetitive but I think there is some good things in the videos. Also I love love love her brushes.

    Hope this helps.

    1. Amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing all of these people, Dana! This helps so much! xTieghan

  9. Thanks Tieghan! I always look forward to your Sunday newletter 🙂 Planning on making the Chicken Tinga Tacos from the cookbook on Tuesday, but I love your Mexican recipes so another one would be great on Monday. I also have the same issue with buying things for myself, most of the time I will have it in my cart and return it before I checkout. I think I might just buy one of those Little Market candles today!

    1. Thank you so much Carrie! I am so glad you like my nine favorite things posts! Also, yes buy yourself a candle!! xTieghan

  10. I LOVE candles!!! Recently received and order from Otherland. Packaged beautifully! Also, I’m obsessed with Mer | Sea candles.

  11. The photos of those greenhouses you found are beyond breathtaking! It is my goal to someday own a home with a greenhouse on the premises. Also, the photos of all your recipes are beautiful, as always! Such a joy and treat to look at.

  12. Your Mexican recipes are soooo good!! I am actually making one of your enchilada recipes for Cinco de Mayo but I would love to see the new one!! Maybe we could see the chicken dinner another day?? Is it crazy/annoying to want both? Can’t help it!! I really love your Saturday drink posts, too! I think summer cocktails would be super fun and I could really use some inspiration for how to use tropical fruit in cocktails. With everything going on, that would be the best way to brighten this summer up. So.. I say yes! I love your recipes!! Thank you for the happy and inspiring update today and I love your baby goats!! Oh and I looked at that video and I thought your hair looked really cute!!

    1. Aw you are TOO kind!! Thank you so much Elle! I am glad you are excited for all posts to come and summer recipes! xTieghan