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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
I am that girl that is the hardest on herself, her toughest critic, and works constantly (in my defense, I do love what I do and it makes me happy). And, as my mom says, I don’t stop to smell the roses nearly enough. Yup, that’s me to a T. I’m thinking there must be at least a few of you out there that can relate, right? I think as women this kind of thinking is ingrained into many of us, it’s just our mentality and to a point, I am fine with mentality. I always say, work harder than everyone else, be the most passionate, and always be the kindest person in the room (my mom taught me that one). Personally, I believe these are good traits and I’m thankful to have them, but I very often forget about myself in the process, always putting work before myself.
As I was sitting here, blankly staring at my computer screen just wondering what to share into today’s post. I gazed happily at the candles lit on my desk and the small mug full of fresh chamomile flowers. Then it hit me, I want to talk about all the little things I’ve been doing to add elements of happiness and joy to my everyday. Slowly but surely I’ve been making efforts to do small things every day that bring me happiness and allow my creative juices to keep flowing. For me, this is as simple as allowing myself to buy that overpriced candle I’ve been dying to try for over a year. Or bringing home a small bunch of flowers from the studio to create an inspiring home space.
Admittedly, I still need to work on my so-called self-care, but I take it day by day. Adding small things into my everyday life has really helped keep me energized and creative, especially during the last couple of months. I thought it would be fun to talk about ways we can all add elements of joy to our day. So I thought I’d share a few ideas in today’s post. But first…
Question: I’d love to hear what small things your guys are doing to add elements of joy and creativity to your everyday lives? We can all learn from each other, so leave lots of comments!! I’m excited to hear what you guys do…rituals, gestures products, let’s hear about them! If you have a product that’s brought you a kind smile, please leave a link!
Coming up this week on HBH, I have a vibrant Greek salad that I’ve been dying to share, a revamp of a childhood breakfast favorite, the simplest vegetarian stir-fry, a sweet cake with spring berries and floral accents, and a fruity drink for Cocktail Saturday. Oh, and a wild card on Thursday, because I have not a clue what that is yet, suggestions?
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).
As always, I’m hoping you guys have a low-key and relaxing Sunday. We have sunshine in the forecast all day long, so I am planning to take a sun-set walk around the block. Heading out just before the sun sets during “golden hour” is my favorite thing to do. That hour is so beautiful here in the mountains during the late spring and summer months – love!
And with that, I am excited to see what HBH recipes you end up creating today, so don’t forget to share them on Instagram!
1. favorite things inspiring me and what i’m loving…
inspiring me…A Year In Flowers. Just flipping through through this book is a inspiring. The photos of flowers, the calmness captured through the pages, and the stories are magical.
loving…Saie Beauty Mascara 101. I talked a bit about this mascara last week. But after using it all week long, I am in love with this clean beauty mascara. One of the features I actually kind of like about myself is my long eyelashes. But I’ve never found a mascara I love that doesn’t leave them clumped up until the Saie mascara 101. If you’re looking for something to help highlight your eyes, I couldn’t recommend this mascara more. I love it.
wanting…to bake this skillet blondie. I shared the photo on Instagram this past Friday and can’t stop thinking about baking it up.
loving…this mug and saucer I recently purchased. They are even cuter in person.
obsessed…Harry Potter at home. The stars of Harry Potter are reading all seventeen chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone. You can listen to Daniel Radcliffe read the first chapter here.
excited to try…calendula hand cleanser. Ordering this now and can’t wait to try. I love fancy hand soap.
loving…Is Clinical Cleansing Complex. I’ve been using this cleanser for the last two months, it’s my go-to. It leaves skin soft and smooth and even doubles as a make-up remover.
thinking about trying…Scent a subscription candle service. Have any of you tried this? I love the idea of having a monthly candle delivery.
loving…fresh chamomile flowers. I’ve always loved chamomile, but it’s bringing me so much happiness right now. I filled the studio with six bunches on Friday and then brought one home with me to enjoy while I work away on the computer. Flowers easily make me the happiest. Well, flowers and candles…
obsessed…with that overpriced candle I bought. Yeah, it’s expensive, but I love it more than you can know.
Question: what candles are you all burning? I’d love to discover some new ones (no hard chemicals though!).
2. favorite Memorial Day weekend recipes…
Drinks please…
All the Appetizers…
asparagus and brie puff pastry
antipasto skewers with kale pesto
greek inspired antipasto platter
All the Sides
layered jalapeño cheddar biscuits with salted honey butter
peach caprese salad with toasted garlic naan
corn, tomato, and avocado chickpea salad
greek watermelon feta salad with basil vinaigrette
grilled corn, tomato, and avocado pasta salad
corn pudding with candied jalapeños
antipasto pasta salad with herby parmesan vinaigrette
All the Mains
Lebanese chicken with charred lemon cauliflower
instant pot bbq beer pulled chicken tacos with ranch corn slaw
lemon parmesan salmon with corn, tomato, and avocado salad
cilantro lime salmon with mango salsa
honey bbq chicken and charred corn polenta
lemon and oregano grilled chicken
grilled pesto zucchini stuffed with tomatoes and orzo
grilled chili honey lime chicken and sweet potatoes with avocado salsa
All the Desserts
skillet strawberry bourbon cobbler with layered cream cheese biscuits
bursting blueberry lemon thyme tarts
crinkle top chocolate peanut butter skillet blondies
no churn minted white chocolate swirled ice cream
Nonnie’s 6 ingredient chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake
triple layer ice cream surprise cake
cinnamon grilled peaches with mascarpone ice cream
3. favorite pieces to help create an inspiring workspace…
4. favorite questions of the week…
q: What helped you turn this hobby/passion into such a successful business?
a: Not what, but who! My mom played a huge role in helping me create HBH. To this day, she helps keep HBH running. We work on HBH together and have done so since the start. It was my mom that encouraged me to start HBH after high school. She helped build the site and still works to help manage the site and keep it running efficiently every single day. She does SO much and I couldn’t have done it, or do it, without her.
q: Do you have any advice on how to multitask without burning anything?
a: Nope. Absolutely not. I’m horrible at this…which is why my kitchen towels all have been singed/have holes and why my hands are scared all over. I’m not the girl that should be multitasking in kitchen, but yet I do it anyway.
q: How did your love of cooking start?
a: I started cooking around 13 or 14. I am one of 7…with 5 brothers and 1 kid sis. My dad worked 9-5, then he’d go to the gym after work. And my mom? Well, mom had dessert on the table before dinner was ever a thought (not complaining about that…love her for it). Soo, dinner was late, hectic, and usually just chicken n’ rice or tacos. I got annoyed and just decided to start cooking for everyone and never stopped. I cooked dinner for my family all throughout high school and then started HBH just before my 19th birthday.
q: If your sister made you lunch on her own, what would it be?
a: I think one of 3 things. Avocado stuffed with rice, pancakes with so many chocolate chips, or carrots with tomato paste. Or maybe beer bread? She also knows how to make that!
q: What have you been watching during quarantine?
a: Not a single thing. I haven’t had the time! But I’m not mad about it. Down time stresses me out a bit. I don’t “relax” well.
5. latest recipe videos.
Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo…pasta, but with a healthy twist. A little bit of creamy hummus.
And on Instagram stories…
Blackberry Champagne Mule…a spring favorite.
15 Minute Cajun Hot Honey Butter Shrimp…peppery, garlicky, and tossed in a bit of golden browned butter…mmm.
Instant Pot Korean Bulgogi BBQ Tacos…certainly love a good fusion of flavors.
Skillet Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chicken…sometimes you’ve got to switch things up. Enter pizza chicken.
Crispy Lemon Feta with Spiced Chickpeas and Basil Orzo…pretty close to perfect.
Healthier Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bars…simply the best. And easy too.
6. inspiring me on pinterest…the bathroom edition.
As I mentioned above, I’m working on doing a few more things for myself. One of the things I’ve been wanting to do is replace the vanity in my bathroom. It’s a vintage piece that sadly is not very functional. Since I spend a good amount of time washing my face and doing my daily skincare. I’ve been wanting to install a new vanity with a larger sink area. I spent some time last night scouring Pinterest for inspiration, here are some of the bathrooms I love most.
photo via All Sorts Of.
Sources unknown, but all found via Pinterest.
Question: what home projects are you guys working on?
7. favorite links i’m loving…
Amazon’s New Shop Will Help You Support Local Makers…making it easy to shop locally.
How to Expertly Shape Your Eyebrows at Home…taking notes.
This Little Trick Will Double Your Productivity ASAP…doing this.
12 Books That Will Give You Travel Vibes…even though you’re on the couch.
A Modern Farmhouse in the Hudson Valley…love this home.
7 Simple Home Projects…that you finally have time for.
Board Games Are The New Puzzles…these are so fun.
Tips, Tools, and Recipes to Make Your Produce Last Longer…everyone needs these tips + recipes.
Creative ways to be together, but apart…love these fun ideas (scroll down towards the bottom).
3 Tools I Use to Clarify My Vision and Goals…if you need an inspiring Sunday read, read this.
Julianne Hough Surprises Her Mom With New House...if you need a smile today.
Glass Kitchen Cabinets Are Like Open Shelving, Without the Dust…
“No One Is a Competitor”…highlights from the Create & Cultivate digital Money Moves summit.
6 Tips for Creating a Productive Work-From-Home Environment…love these simple and easy ideas.
A Simple Note…love the idea of more handwritten notes…and all of this stationary too.
Obsessed with Lucy Hale Baking Banana Bread…went down the rabbit hole and spent 14 minutes on this.
The 8 Best Clean Sunscreens…because summer is coming.
12 Versatile Button-Down Shirts to Wear Now…to switch things up this week.
Your Kids Don’t Have to Miss Out on Summer Camp…fun online “camps” to sign up for now.
A Jar of Dijon Mustard Inspired This Remodel…surprisingly, I love this kitchen and all the color.
8. Memorial Day style finds…
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: Crispy Lemon Feta with Spiced Chickpeas and Basil Orzo
Tuesday: 15 Minute Cajun Hot Honey Butter Shrimp
Wednesday: Weeknight 20 Minute Spicy Udon Noodles
Thursday: Turkish Eggs with Chile Butter and Whipped Feta
Friday: Skillet Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chicken
Saturday Drink: The Hermione Granger Cocktail
Sunday Baking: Layered Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
Thank you for keeping your Sunday edition going..I look forward to it every weekend! I think last week’s also had a link that talked about finding tiny moments of joy. It’s refreshing! I put it into this week’s lessons for my 2nd graders-they’ll be making Joy Collages. My family has been making Taquitos, creamy orzo with chicken,, all of the better than take out recipes every week and so much more from you.Have a wonderful week. xo
Thank you so much Maureen! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! Thank you for your wonderful blog and cookbooks. My meal planning is solely completed by spending time on your website! I’ve spread the word about you to so many of my friends and family – we now all ask each other, which HBH deliciousness did you make tonight?
A simple new fave product of mine are these collage kits I’ve found on Etsy! I’ve sent a lot as ‘thinking of you’ gifts during the quarantine. They are an inexpensive calming and relaxing way to spend some time. Good for adults and kids!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtKitStudio
Thank you so much Gina! You are too kind! I hope you continue to love my recipes and blog! xTieghan
These candles are as good as it gets.
https://www.illumecandles.com/Products-Candles-Diffusers/?gclid=CjwKCAjwwYP2BRBGEiwAkoBpAntnlr795rBrd8EcdTJebu9MR94NFXqT-DPFLJKk__a7vC1lmIzRNBoCy1kQAvD_BwE
Thank you Sara! xTieghan
I am like you.. i like to stay busy so during quarantine my schedule looks like a homeschoolers schedule haha. I read (which i havent done for sometime so thats so nice), I’m learning spanish, learning to code, quilting (new hobby), watching movies off of my list (i try watching 3 movies i havent seen before: 1 classic, 1 recent release, and 1 b-rated film), and most of all ive been cooking and baking which brings me so much joy. Ive also been having more picnics to enjoy the outdoors. I read ouside in the morning. Its really wonderful.
But that is so great!! Love that you are learning some new things! Thank you Monique! xTieghan
Happy Sunday! Love hearing about you doing the little things everyday that bring a smile to your face. For me, I start each and every morning making myself a great cup of coffee. I take that cup out to my sunroom, sit in my cozy chair and just allow myself be present! It is a great way to start everyday. Also, several years ago we turned a bedroom into a spa bathroom. A decision many friends thought was foolish. My husband did 90% of the work and it took years to get it done but it was so worth it! When the door is shut, I feel like I am in my own personal spa. LUSH [https://www.lushusa.com/home] products are something I highly recommend.
Oh yes that sounds amazing Joan! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan. Your Nine Favorite Things is one of my little joys since so often I never read newsletters even though I love to. Some of the other little things I’ve scheduled in are reading and painting! It helps that it’s warm outside where I live, so I can sit outside and watch the wildlife.
Aw I love that you are loving my Sunday posts! Thank you Sasha! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
I love your links in Sunday’s post; especially decorating and design. I’ve been getting into a touch of Farmhouse in my otherwise Antique/Traditional home style to keep it modern and fresh. I’ve been redecorating with things I already have and trying to use them in different ways for a change while we are stuck at home. I sent you a link to “therusticbarnct” which is a wonderful shop in Killingworth, CT who has added a virtual tour of her shop. She has wonderful taste and beautiful items, and her soy candles that she makes herself are WONDERFUL! Her Lemon Pound Cake, Hazelnut Coffee, Brandied Pear, and Green Tea and Lemongrass are several of my year-round favorites. I’ve also been cleaning out “stuff” I don’t use or want anymore and selling on Facebook Marketplace. It’s something I can still do during COVID and keep it contactless with the people who come to pick up their purchases. Been working out great and making some extra money at the same time. You are so blessed to have your Mom so close to you! Mine is 93 and living in isolation in a Nursing Home because of the COVID cases that hit that facility. Thankfully, she’s tested Negative and staying safe and happy, but we miss her terribly and visiting is restricted now until at least September 9th! Thank God for Zoom and outside Window Visits! You take good care of yourself and be safe! Keep the delicious recipes coming as I’ve been cooking a lot of them too; posted a few for you on Instagram lately. But if I could ask, I could do with a few less pasta and more healthy protein with vegetables. While I LOVE pasta, I’m gluten intolerant and it’s so fattening when you’re not too active. Just a suggestion! Thank you for all you do to keep us all sane during this stressful time.
Hi Jackie! Oh wow that sounds so nice! Also, I am sorry to hear that you cannot visit your mother! I hope she is doing amazing and continues to do well! Thank you! xTieghan
I’ve definitely been enjoying the simple things while stuck at home. Having coffee outside on the deck and watching the birds is one of my favorite things. Having time to experiment in the kitchen (I’m currently attempting sourdough starter) without feeling rushed is so nice. Another thing I’ve been loving is going to the farmers market on Saturdays. I usually work Saturday’s and can’t go but it has been so great to buy fresh produce and local goat cheese. I can’t wait for summer fruits- your peach recipes and that watermelon feta salad look delicious. I just bought a Local goat cheese Gorgonzola That would be delicious with watermelon!
Aw that is really good to see the best in whats happening right now! Thank you so much Ruby! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! These are my favorite posts of the week. 🙂 Are you on the homemade sourdough train? If so, I and many others would LOVE to see your spin on recipes that use the starter… I’m itching to use it more than just in bread (though dough for sourdough waffles is proofing now! Yum!). Happy Sunday!
Thank you so much Lauren! xTieghan
I tried to watch the chocolate chunk cookie bar video but it went to Instagram. I am not a member of Instagram.
Hi Charlotte! Sorry about that! I will try to upload it here! xTieghan
i hear you Tieghan. It’s hard to step away and just relax and decompress and NOT work when you love what you do – and you’re so successful at it. I am the same. I know that it won’t last forever, so I have to churn out content and books and everything while people still want me to! And in the process I don’t take any time off. But I do love my work. And I try and sneak in little things like you do – the perfect cup of hot coffee as I answer my email each morning, a bouquet of meadow flowers I bring inside after checking on the animals midday, and a glass of good wine as I sit in the evening editing photos. Burnout is a real thing, and we all love what you do, so be sure you take care of yourself. But it sounds like you have found balance! As for candles, I love the Magnolia FALL scent and Stonewall Kitchen Strawberry Lemon.
Lisa | Fresh Eggs Daily
I am trying to day by day! Thank you so much for this Lisa! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, i especially like a candle company in Maine called the Primitive Keeper. Hope you check them out. One of my favorite scents for fall is their Macintosh Apple candle – it’s great. But lots of others too – if you like the smell of peonies, there’s a nice one for spring.
Oh wow that sounds amazing! I will check it out! xTieghan
I love looking at your list every Sunday morning. I’d like to recommend Lou Moon Candle Co. From their website:Lou Moon Candle started as a creative project between wife and husband team Austin and Chris Lange. We wanted to create a thoughtful, hand-made, sustainable product that could light up any room.
All of our candles are hand poured in small batches using 100% soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances and all natural cotton wicks for the cleanest of burns. Our candle making materials are all sourced from the southeastern United States too, because we like to keep it local. Ultimately, we hope that with each burn you will find a little share of our Carolina there with you.
They’re working on restocking right now. They sold a bunch for Mother’s day. Please consider supporting this small business near my hometown.
Thank you so much Misty! I will definitely check out those candles! xTieghan
Thank you for yet another honest post – you wont believe I had almost forgotten it was Sunday and when this post landed in my mailbox, I was like “she does 9 favourite things on Sundays, is it Sunday already” things are bad here and I am nothing but at the worst level of anxiety, but of course, like you, I am trying my best to be a little more gentle towards my self. Self care is important but really so difficult to follow. I have been pushing myself way to hard on my blog and have been procrastinating so much but since we week now have been really trying to take things a little slow. Candles, skin care, watching funny videos and of course COOKING is what is keeping me sane. I will come back to this post to read all the comments to the awesome question you asked here. Take care of yourself – this should be the most important thing for oneself. Thanks again for such a lovely post.By the way I am making your garlic butter ramen today from your book, which has been my best buy in the last few months. Sending you lots of love from India 🙂
Hi Shenam! I am glad cooking has been getting you through this quarantine! I think taking it slow is super important right now. Try not to rush through it all! I hope you are doing amazing! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, I love, love, love your blog (and cookbooks). I can’t even count the number of your recipes I’ve tried. We’ve made the Corn, tomato and avocado salad three times… this week! To answer your question, a thing I really enjoy right now is Saje Natural Wellness products. My little ritual is to put some oil in my diffuser before going to bed (I especially like the Unwind and Tranquility blends who are relaxing and great for anxiety). They have great products, natural and they smell amazing. Have a nice day and thank you for your wonderful (and impressive!) work.
Thank you so much Cynthia! I am really glad you have been loving my recipes! I hope you continue to! xTieghan