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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Here we are again, the last Sunday of the month…and less than a week out from July 4th. How is this possible? I have to say, I am really looking forward to July! It’s a new month, the first full month of summer, and there’s so much going on. Everything from the 4th of July on Saturday, to birthday celebrations (Red and Creighton), to a possible trip to Cleveland for my grandpa’s birthday. There’s also fun studio improvement projects, lots of ICE CREAM, and all that summer produce that I love so much (hello to peaches, all the tomatoes, and all the fruits, and just about everything in between). Wow!
So you see? Plenty to look forward to, plenty to be thankful for, and so much to be smiling about. I’m excited!
In other news…my younger brother Red is turning 20 tomorrow. I really can’t even believe he’s no longer a teenager. It’s crazy to have watched this kid grow up. From that tiny little baby (I’m not joking, he was only 5 pounds) that I got to hold in the hospital to the adult he is today. I was 6 when Red was born and I remember the day so well. It’s so hard to believe that 20 years have passed. I always think of Red as the little kid who lived life running around, never ever, ever sitting still, always with a smile on his face. He’s still that same kid, still running around and never sitting still, but he’s very much an adult now.
Coming up this week on HBH, it’s all about last-minute July 4th recipes. I’ll be sharing a new summer grilling recipe that isn’t your average July 4th dish…but is so delicious. Then on to one of my favorite easy side-dish recipes (that’s actually more exciting than the main – to me anyway). Then a sweet dessert inspired by summer flowers. I’ll be closing out the week with a different kind of post, but one I hope you guys will all love! Taking the 4th off, so no cocktail post. But just in case you missed yesterday’s boozy popsicles, be sure to check out these salted spicy watermelon margarita popsicles. They’re my favorite!
Question: would you prefer to see a last-minute appetizer recipe or a last-minute dessert this week?
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. If you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list). You can grab the full grocery list for this week’s menu in our special Sunday newsletter.
1. a few questions for your summer edition…
Turning the tables on you guys and asking you some questions today! Excited to hear everyone’s favorite things about summer in the comments!
1. What do you love most about summer?
2. What is your favorite summer recipe?
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport?
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be?
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu?
7. How about your go-to summer outfit?
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without…
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try…
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word…
My answers…
1. It’s hard to pick just one thing I love about summer, but for me, I love the relaxed, laid back feeling of long summer days. Something about summertime takes me back to being a kid again. I’m constantly remembering back to the carefree days of my childhood summers spent in Cleveland with not a care in the world. I have a lot more happening now than I did back then. But summer always feels more relaxed to me, and I love that! And then, of course, there’s the sunny days and warm temperatures. I only wish they’d last longer here in the mountains. Our summers are way too short!
2. It’s got to be something fruity, maybe with peaches?. I’m going to call out two, my Peach Caprese Salad and Browned Butter Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon “Toast” Brioche Crumbs.
3. I am a DQ girl at heart and will forever love their Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and cookie dough blizzards. My go-to anywhere else will always be something chocolate, mostly likely with peanut butter. Typical right? But honestly, I need to branch out. Excited to hear what your favorites are. Give me some new ones to try!
4. Some of my family is heading to Key West this week, but I’m laying low at home and sitting out this family trip. Saving my vacation days for later this month. Details are not hammered out yet, but I will share more soon!
5. If I could go anywhere this summer, it would be along the Amalfi coast of Italy with Asher right by my side. She’s been dying to go and I want to be the one to experience it with her (I’ve never been). We’ll eat all the pizza + burrata.
6. My vintage Levis, either a simple tee or cute button-down, these sneakers, and my hair pulled back with my favorite scrunchy. PS. I have my eye on these white Levi’s too (which are on sale on Amazon right now).
7. I would start the night with this blueberry lemon thyme smash. As an appetizer, I’d serve this marinated goat cheese strawberry crostini and my summer farmers market platter. And as my main course? Hmm, hard to pick, but I think I would go with my pesto chicken caesar salad, lemon parmesan salmon, this corn pasta salad, and salt and vinegar potatoes. Dessert would be my blackberry lavender naked cake and giant hot fudge cookies, of course!
8. It would be summer without summer sunsets over the mountains and fresh basil on everything.
9. This summer I want to try making homemade strawberry ice cream bars (like the ones from the ice cream truck). Any other homemade summer recipes I should try to recreate?
10. Chill.
2. the most popular recipes of June.
Most Popular: 25 Minute Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken with Spicy Garlic Butter Corn
Technically posted this May 28th, but since we missed a lot of content this past month, I am counting this recipe for June! It’s a good one and my family’s personal favorite too. And? It’s EASY, requires no oven use, and major bonus…this comes together in no time at all (under 30 minutes). Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something a little more exciting, but still quick and DELICIOUS.
Runner Up: Swirled Blueberry Lemon Thyme Cake
So happy you guys love this cake! It’s one of my favorites of the month too. I was nervous to share it, but I’m so glad I did! It’s a unique cake, but delicious! Sweet lemony sour cream cake swirled with a mix of fresh blueberries and blueberry jam. And it’s simpler to make than you’d think. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all those summer berries!
Also have to Mention: Giant Salted Espresso Hot Fudge Cookies
These are simply the best. Add ice cream and enjoy!
3. July 4th entertaining finds.
4. Favorite question of the week…
q: Would love to know your food photography gear, process, and preferred presets?
a: I keep it simple. My camera is a Canon 5D Mark IV. I edit in Lightroom, but not heavily, and I don’t use any presets. I like to edit each photo individually. And I don’t use any lighting, I only shoot in natural daylight. Everything you see on IG stories is always shot with my phone.
5. latest recipe videos.
20 Minute Orzo Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto + Burrata…the easiest summer pasta dinner.
5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake…the melty chocolate cake…you can have in minutes.
And on Instagram stories…
20 Minute Florentine Butter Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes…DELECTABLE.
Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream…every bite is melt in your mouth delicious.
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Oven Fried Zucchini Bites…golden, cheesy, and perfect. Different, but GOOD!
Greek Salmon with Lemon Feta + Orzo Summer Salad…Very delicious. Pretty simple. Extra summery.
Skillet Blueberry Bourbon Pandowdy…enjoy warm, right outta the oven. So. Darn. Good.
6. Photo I loved most this week…
Asher, already looking like a teenager. Please stop growing up.
7. Favorite links i’m loving…
Meet the Former Lawyer Behind This Soon-to-Be-Everywhere Glassware…the prettiest glass wear.
Celebrities Broadcast From Their Homes…a peek into the homes of your favorite celebrities (Taylor’s wallpaper!)
Martha Stewart Announces New HGTV Show Martha Knows Best…excited about this.
These Striking Photos Capture the Spirit of Summer in Europe…can’t wait to visit.
A Design Lover’s Guide to Safe Summer Road Trips…all the places to see and things to do.
The Shocking Relaxing Power of a Hammock + The Best Ones On The Internet…now I need a hammock.
15 Fun Ideas for Hobbies to Try this Summer…if you need some new ideas.
How to Start a Nature Journal Today…love this idea.
Elaine Welteroth Got Married on Her Brooklyn Stoop, Then Threw a Virtual Block Party…what a special wedding.
How to Improve Your Posture While Working From Home…I need all of these tips.
Emotional Burnout Is Real…here’s how to heal.
Paris’s Eiffel Tower Reopens but With Major Restrictions…after 104 days.
Tata Harper’s New Skin-Plumping Flower Mask…excited to try this product out myself.
Tour a Brooklyn Brownstone With Equal Parts Tradition and Whimsy…such a pretty home.
25 (Really Good) Pasta Recipes…bring on all the pasta.
Vegetables Are the Unsung Hero of Summer Grilling…here’s how to prep them just right.
30 Summer Essentials From Amazon for Even Less…love a good amazon fashion find.
I Have a Soft Spot for Floral Dresses…40 favorites for summer.
23 Binge-Worthy Podcasts for Your Summer Road Trip…need to deep dive into some of these.
27 Stylish Pieces That Support LGBTQ+ Rights…ordering this candle.
Let’s Talk Vessel Sinks & Wall-Mount Faucets… I’ve always wanted a wall-mount faucet.
8. all the floral pieces I love…
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: 20 Minute Florentine Butter Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Tuesday: Greek Salmon with Lemon Feta and Orzo Summer Salad
Wednesday: Mac and Cheese Stuffed Oven Fried Zucchini Bites
Thursday: Summer Niçoise Salad
Friday: Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas
Saturday Drink: Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
Sunday Brunch: Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
What do we love most about summer? The warm air, the sun on our balcony and the shade, the flowers and the cool evenings. This year is terribly warm for us and that makes everything difficult. But the memories of those past summers at the cold lake, with its guests and its beautifully golden moments, that is what we love as summer.
Now after that long pandemic things got out of control and we don`t go to the lake anymore, but we think of it often. It`s green trees there, it`s clear blue and green water, the fresh air, the laughs, the white large parasols at the kiosk, the lawn covered with people taking a break, these are summer moments we keep in mind hoping one day to go back there again like we used to.
Summer is also much more, it`s meeting new people, making new friends, the cool morning hours are the best, when everything is still so colourful.
Favourite icecream flavour: for him it`s vanilla, for me it`s lemon sorbet.
Favourite recipe: salad niçoise for me;
for him: salad made of strips of pork sausage, onions, gherkins, oil and vinegar dressing
Summer is also a good body lotion, funny sunglasses, fun moments with friends and family.
Summer is also creating, in whatever direction. Knitting for the fall, drawing and colouring, taking pictures of people in town who go for a stroll, reading a nice book on my ebook.
Looking at the stars at night and wishing for something special.
Hi Nina,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your favorite things about summer! I love reading through all of the faves that you left:) I hope you’re off to a great weekend! xx
1. What do you love most about summer? The possibilities: Picnics, games, time with friends and family and strawberries from my garden!
2. What is your favorite summer recipe? Panna Cotta with balsamic strawberries or grilled peaches. Honestly, I love eating bowls filled with lightly sweetened mashed strawberries, sometimes with a bit of fresh heavy cream. Yum!
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Strawberry, also dark chocolate zinfandel.
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport? In August, I plan on driving to Nebraska to see family.
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be? Anywhere peaceful with water and great food!
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu? Burgers and potato salad
7. How about your go-to summer outfit? Sundress or skirt and top.
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without…Yard games…like bags with the family!
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try…My hand at watercolor painting!
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word…Anticipation!
Hi Terrill! Aw picnics are so fun! Hoping to have some with my family this summer as well! Also, so nice you are going to see family! I hope you have an amazing time!! xTieghan
I love your newsletter, instagram posts and amazing recipes. I have purchased three of your cookbook for friends and one for myself, everything I’ve made has been delicious. My neighbor made your lavender scones for my birthday and they were devoured. You need to do a cooking show, please!
Aw that is so amazing to hear! I am really glad you enjoyed the lavender scones and I hope you continue to love my books!! xTieghan
The photo of Asher is so clear. The air up there must be super clean! Have loved your site for a long time; you are so talented! Can’t tell you how many of your recipes we’ve done…LOTS!!
It is! Thank you so much Janelle! You are too sweet! xTieghan
Would love if you could share an app this week that can be brought to a party. It’s so hard to think of things that don’t have to be kept hot or served right away!
Thank you Daralyn! xTieghan
1. What do you love most about summer? I love my early mornings outside before the sun gets too warm and that window at night where the sun starts to come down and the weather gets cooler. Love how long the sunlight is out!
2. What is your favorite summer recipe? This is a hard one! I think strawberry shortcake or anything with fresh berries or peaches. There are so many great summer fruits and veggies that I cannot get enough of!
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate peanut butter for sure!!
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport? We had so many summer plans but things are rearranging now. Might travel out to Washington state to visit my cousin who just had a baby and then Austin, TX for Labor Day weekend for a girlfriends bachelorette!
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be? Aspen, CO or Lake Tahoe. I lived in Aspen for a summer in college and it was my favorite, ever. Colorado summers are so dreamy.
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu? Hamburgers on the grilled, veggie skewers, watermelon feta salad, cold corn and tomato salad and a cucumber margarita!
7. How about your go-to summer outfit? Something loose and flowey! Dresses and my Birkenstock’s or white sneakers
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without… THE BEACH! Grew up going every year and being near the water is so calming!
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try… to spend as much time outside!
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word… happy ?
Aw that sounds so sweet to visit your cousin in Washington! I am sure she would so appreciate it! Also, Colorado summers are one of my favorite things.. they really are so dreamy! Hopefully you will be able to get to Aspen soon! Thank you so much for sharing, Val! xTieghan
1. What do you love most about summer?
MY GARDEN! Late nights, warm weather, flowers everywhere, patio hangs, camping, boating, spending time outdoors, and grillings!
2. What is your favorite summer recipe?
I think I am still figuring this one out! I love anything fresh I can use my garden veggies on with tons of colors and flavor!
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I am a sucker for the fruity ice cream. like a huckleberry cheesecake? SIGN ME UP! I also love the ever classic Vanilla
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport?
We are going to Bear lake in Utah (driving) and Iowa in August (flying)
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be?
THIALAND! we were going to go before covid hit!
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu?
Totally still new to this and working on slaying it but I looove having a burger bar with all the toppings!
7. How about your go-to summer outfit?
SUN DRESS and Chacos or birks. I keep it cas
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without…
Sunsets and desert drives, dinner on the patio, and hikes!
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try…
fly fishing!
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word….. Enthusiastic!
Love a good back yard hang during the summer! It seriously is underrated! Also, I would love to go to Thailand as well. Seems so cool! Did you get to reschedule your trip?? Ok lastly, A burger bar.. YES!! I love that! Thank you Maycee! xTieghan
LOVE the idea of asking us questions 😀 !
1. What do you love most about summer? Hard to say…used to be vacation, but ever since I’ve started a “career”…I can’t say much is positive besides birthdays/celebrations nearly every weekend 😛 ?
2. What is your favorite summer recipe? Honestly ANYTHING fresh like salads and allllll the summer fruit <3 then of course, grilling, but none of these really require "recipes" persay
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Pistachio – the real, nutty green kind we get in europe not the artificial turquoise american kind. Or classic, french vanilla SPECIFICALLY from Trader Joe's
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport? Please don't make me cry 😀 i WISH as I am usually SUCH a traveller (thx pandemic…) but no, unfortunately not. I would brave the airport, if it was open xD
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be? Ooo tough one – literally anywhere 😀 i'd prefer cooler climates but at this point I'd literally go anywhere so long as it requires a passport
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu? Grilled meats, veg, & haloumi as well as light salads & hummus/guac/tortilla chips for appetizer spreads. And fresh fruit and light desserts !
7. How about your go-to summer outfit? I am not a fashionista so, my go to ? Adidas (shorts v.s. the usual sweats haha) + my bandana (v.s. usual beanie) and maybe some sun shades
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without…a proper vacation to really connect with friends/family I haven't seen in over a year :'(
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try…to breathe on top of living a little. Also wouldn't mind a swim in a cold lake
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word…HOT
Aw I am sorry you are not able to travel right now! Is the airport near you not open? I thought they still were. Also, breathing on top of living a little. Such a good one! The importance of centering yourself but also taking risks.. cause you gotta live while you can haha! Thank you so much Natala! xTieghan
1. What do you love most about summer? – The carefree feeling that comes with summer. I feel the world is slowing down and people are just enjoying things instead of rushing through life. I love the long days and the warm summer rain and wind, and I feel like we can just be during summer without a care in the world.
2. What is your favorite summer recipe? Anything with cooked or fresh tomatoes, anything with strawberries and I love sandwiches in the summer.
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint and chocolate chips always and forever!
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport? I am going nowhere. Mostly enjoying my time at home or at my parents’ pool. Maybe a short weekend trip to the family cottage.
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be? Italy for our honeymoon, but that got cancelled so next year it will be!
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu? Ice tea with orange slices, fresh veggies and little brie and peach crostini, chicken and veggies skewers, s’mores.
7. How about your go-to summer outfit? A summer dress or jean short and a tank top.
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without… long summer nights spent outside and midnight swims.
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try… to enjoy my hometown.
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word… free
That is such a good way to put it! It does feel like everyone is more relaxed during summer! Oh wow and Italy!! I hope you have the most amazing time when you get to go!! Thank you so much for sharing Samantha! xTieghan
1. What do you love most about summer?
The general feel in the air, the promise of long balmy summer evenings, scorching days full of adventure, long chats with friends, endless possibilities
2. What is your favorite summer recipe?
Tinned sardines (in oil), fried with chopped garlic, olive oil, lemon zest & juice and plenty of salt & pepper, served on crusty bread with fresh parsley
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Toffee
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport?
Cornwall (UK), driving.
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be?
California
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu?
Flat mushrooms with feta, olive oil and oregano, berk chicken, steak with plenty of olive oil, sea salt & pepper, and a chopped salad with avocado and fresh basil
7. How about your go-to summer outfit?
A breezy summer dress
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without… ice cold rose, laughter and good friends
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try…
Making my own ice-cream, and ginger margaritas
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word… happiness
Days full of adventure is me and my families favorite for sure! It is such a great part about summer!! Or I guess anytime of the year haha. I hope you have an amazing summer filled with your favorite things! Thank you for sharing, Grace!! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan!
I’m Charlotte, from France. For the first time, i’ll answer your questions. It’s fun !!
1. What do you love most about summer? Long evenings and bathing.
2. What is your favorite summer recipe? Tomato salad + feta + basil
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Always coconut !
4. Are you traveling anywhere this summer? If so, where are you heading? Are you driving or are you braving the airport?
I’m driving to the French Alps, on my own, to go hiking and camping. I’m half scared / half excited !
5. If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be? To Los Angeles, to visit my best friend.
6. What is your go-to back yard BBQ menu? Orange + honney marinated chicken. Delicious !
7. How about your go-to summer outfit? Summer is all about pretty dresses for me !
8. Finish the sentence: It wouldn’t be summer without… the sea. (I live in Brittany, on the seaside).
9. Finish the sentence: This summer I want to try… stand-up paddle.
10. Describe summer to YOU in one word… BLISS
Wow driving to the French Alps! How fun!! I hope you have an amazing time and stay safe! Hopefully you will get to travel to LA soon as well! Thank you so much for sharing, Chacha!! xTieghan