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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Hey, hi, and welcome to the very last Sunday of October. This time next week marks November 1st and the start of the crazy, but wonderful holiday season. Honestly? I can’t really wrap my head around the fact that we’re entering the final week of October, that Halloween is this coming Saturday, and that we have only two short months left of 2020. I’m excited for all that’s to come, but also just wondering where time is going. It feels like just yesterday that I was getting ready to head to NYC for the release of the HBH Super Simple Cookbook and make my first national live TV appearance on Good Morning America. It was such a fun and exciting time, and as I’ve said, I miss it a little!
Everything that has followed since the book’s release has been truly amazing. I can’t believe it’s been a year and I really, really can’t believe all that’s happened in a year. It’s fun to look back on!! I’m so thankful for all of you guys, your support, and the fact that even though I ramble on daily, you still come back to hang. I know I say this a lot, but you guys feel like family!
Anyway!! This week! It was quite a week, to say the least. It threw us some very major, but very exciting (and happy) curveballs on the family front (more on that next Sunday). There’s also some fun and exciting work stuff ahead. It’s been all over the place and busy. What’s new right?
My family has been in town this week, so per usual when everyone is in Colorado, it’s really just chaos. That said, I love having them around and it’s been especially helpful this week. My parents ended up having to take a last-minute trip to Texas. They couldn’t take Asher with them, so she is being bounced around between my siblings and me. And you know something? She misses my mom and dad, but she’s having the time of her life.
She spent the weekend in Denver with my brothers and sister-in-law, Lynds, but tonight she’s stuck with me. My plan is to get everything checked off my Sunday to-do list during the day so that I can surprise her with that Halloween movie night she’s been begging me to put on my to-do list all month long. That poor girl wants nothing more than a night of spooky movies and time with her sister. It the absolute sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. She even spent Thursday night with me helping me clean the studio kitchen after cooking all day. What twelve year does that? She said, “Tieg I just want to spend time with you, so I’m gonna help you clean”.
I mean? She’s just the cutest and I love her. So, I’m going to make sure that Halloween movie night happens tonight. My dad should be back home tomorrow night, so tonight is the perfect night. Any suggestions for movies? She already has a full list and will be demanding a mocktail pomegranate ginger paloma (aka pomegranate juice with lots of lime and topped off with ginger beer) with a side of popcorn.
So that’s my Sunday for you! It’s going to be busy, but will end in the sweetest best way possible. How about all of you? What are you up to today? Is anyone making a batch of my cider pumpkin waffles this morning?
Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll have lots of fall comfort foods! Monday is a new one pot pasta. Tuesday is all about a new game day appetizer that will also be great for the upcoming holidays. Hoping to share a warming vegetarian soup on Wednesday. Then, a quick dinner on Thursday with an Asian Twist. And for Friday? Jumping ahead a little and sharing something sweet that will be great for the chilly months of November and December. Saturday’s cocktail is a wildcard…I haven’t got a clue what it is yet, but it will be good…my autumn/holiday cocktail list is a mile long.
In addition, 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 favorite questions for you…
I have questions for you! I did one these way back in April and thought it was so much fun. So I’m doing it again, but the fall version! Excited to hear what you’re up to, how you’re doing, and what you’re looking forward to!!
- Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
- What’s making you the happiest this month?
- What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
- Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
- What do you love most about fall?
- What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
- Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Bonus Question: Is there anything you need from me this coming month? Tell me everything you want, I am open ears!
My answers…
1. Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you are excited to travel to soon(ish)?
I am home in Colorado! But very excited for a trip to LA just before Thanksgiving. I’m filming some fun things and can’t wait!
2. What’s making you the happiest this month?
So many things! You know I love this time of year. I love Halloween, the crisp cool fall air, the colors on the trees, and the coziest recipes. But the thing that’s making me the happiest is my special bond with my little sister, Asher. I feel really lucky that even though we’re fifteen years apart, we have the closest relationship. She’s my best little friend!
3. What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Hard to pick only two, but off the top of my head, I love this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup and my Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
4. Name one product or service you’re loving the most this month?
I have a lot, but narrowing it down to three. I LOVE this candle so much. It’s the biggest splurge, but to me, a candle is worth it. Don’t judge, I have a candle obsession. Then, Violet Grey! They are my go-to source for beauty products. I love the Dewy Skin Cream and the Dewy Skin Night Concentrate by Tatcha. I use this essence, and this oil from Vintner’s Daughter, and then the Dewy Skin Cream. My skin has never looked healthier…even though it’s very tired. And lastly, I am still obsessed with this cozy knit sweater, I can’t stop wearing it.
5. What do you love most about fall?
Wearing cozy sweaters, the leaves, pumpkins, apples, crisp weather, burning candles, and the excitement for the upcoming holidays.
6. What are you looking forward to most for the upcoming holidays?
Decorating, cooking, and spending time with my family. And finding my mom’s gifts. I love gift giving!
7. Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
It’s just my siblings and cousins this year. So the normal group. We don’t usually have extended family out to Colorado for the holidays, but we do always have stray friends! We keep it close-knit and I love it so much!
2. Nine favorite fall recipes to bake today.
Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Butter Bread
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Glazed Brown Sugar Maple Cookies
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter
Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze
Bonus: Spiced Pumpkin Maple Latte
Bonus: 6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Question: so what are you baking then?
3. For The November Home…
4. Favorite question of the week…
q: Do you wear an apron over those luscious sweaters when you cook?
a: The truth? I only put my sweater on when I am in front of the camera. When I am really cooking, I am in one of my favorite hoodies. I LOVE my sweaters, but I am a messy cook and I don’t want to ruin them. That said I’ve started to wear an apron ever since our aprons launched on Etsy this month.
5. It’s snowing today sooo…
Cozying up to my Boll & Branch sheets. I switched to these in early September and I am obsessed with them now. They’re the softest, and I love knowing that the sheets are made with 100% organic cotton and are free of chemicals. The knit blanket I got is perfect for our frigid cold Colorado nights!
I shared this on Instagram, but not yet with you guys! If you use the code 20HALFBAKED you’ll get 20% off your order. The code is valid until November 1st! Perfect for holiday gifts too! The next items on my to-try list are their bath linens. They look so soft!
PS. while I did work with Boll & Branch this past month on Instagram, this is not sponsored. I’m just sharing because I really do love these sheets. I want you all to be able to use the discount while I’ve still got it!!
6. A few photos from the week.
Asher…and all her animals.
Bren and Lynds, dropping off my new surfaces.
Our neighbor’s horses.
Asher and her camel…just a normal father-daughter outing.
New wallpaper in our kitchen cabinet.
7. Favorite links i’m loving…
How To Make a Haunted Cookie House for Halloween…oh my gosh. I have to make this with Asher today.
Finished Binge Watching Emily in Paris…here’s what to stream next. I’m watching Gossip Girl yet again.
How to Determine the Right Foundation Shade Every Time…this is so helpful. I never know how to pick my shade.
Monique Gibson’s New York City Home Is a Live-Work Dream…I love this space and never would have guessed it’s in the city.
Plan a Greenhouse Wedding in 7 Weeks? No Problem…this would be my ideal wedding. Small and cozy.
Cameron Diaz Takes AD Into Her Kitchen, Wine in Hand…loved this interview and am excited to try her new brand of wine, Avaline.
7 Chef-Approved Jarred Pasta Sauces to Keep in Your Pantry at All Times…Raos Homemade is my favorite sauce.
Look Inside This Eclectic English Countryside Escape…
Shop Madewell’s Black Friday Sale This Weekend…love this cozy cardigan and crewneck sweatshirt.
How Jennifer Garner Keeps Her Spirits Up at Home While Navigating 2020…fun Sunday read. Also the “Pretend Cooking Show” is a must-watch.
What’s The Most Charming Thing Someone’s Ever Done For You…love this post. So many sweet notes.
Inside Supermodel Elsa Hosk’s Vintage-Filled SoHo Loft…such a fun open floor plan. I love the loft bedroom.
8 Facts You Need to Know About Immune Health…always good to know.
A Surreal New Bookstore Has Just Opened in China…wow. That’s a serious bookstore.
12 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Single Self…if you’re struggling with being single, read this.
6 Items at the Grocery Store with the Biggest Markups…and what to get instead.
8. Cozy and Affordable finds from H&M…
9. this week’s favorite dinners…
Monday: Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
Wednesday (breakfast for dinner): Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter
Thursday: Skillet Chicken Broccoli Pot Pie with Garlic Butter Phyllo Crust
Friday: Herby French Shallot Soup
Saturday: Ginger Apple Moscow Mule
Sunday: Brown Sugar Maple Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
I would love to see a recipe on a new take on a pork roast with some type of apple dressing…
Hmm sounds so good! I will try to get one together for you! xTieghan
1. Enjoying coffee and morning quite from my couch in Tennessee, and dreaming about cross-country drives to see my son’s on the west coast.
2.I am happiest with three big creative projects which, if I can pull them off, will take me through 2022. Big dreams + hard work = happy me!
3. Any recipe about soup or one sheet meals has me excited to be in the kitchen. As for sweet – its always a chocolate chip cookie for me.
4. Not a big product/service girl so I’m passing on this one.
5. As a visual artist Its all about the colors
6. Creating new traditions while honoring the old. With my parents passed on and my 2 children unable to come home this season it’s the first time my holidays will be different. Less family, less people to share stories with, less laughter. Its time to transition to a very small tree, less baking, and creating wrapped gifts which become as special as the gift within – all opened virtually of course. virtual gift opening.
7. Its just the hubs and the pets so we’ll do what we do most days: make a delicious meal, enjoy a fire, read, and then watch some tube. Currently hooked on Britannia and Fargo – who knows what our guilty watch will be come the holidays.
Thanks for posting these questions, and for being one of my Sunday morning routines.
Hi Kimberli! I love that you are dreaming big and working hard!! YES! Also, hopefully you are able to see your sons soon and enjoy some quality time. I know its not the same being alone during the holidays, but new traditions always help! Thank you so much for sharing with me. I hope you have a wonderful week! xTieghan
And it looks like there’s a remake of Roald Dahls “ The Witches” streaming on HBOmax starring Anne Hathaway! I loved the Angelica Huston version when I was a kid.
Thank you! xTieghan
Watch Hubie Halloween on Netflix! It’s great and new this year which is always fun.
Thank you Kristin! xTieghan
Good morning, Tieghan! I look forward to Sunday mornings and Nine Favorite Things. Thanks for posting this every week. Loving Asher’s boots. Are they Blundstone’s? Have a great week, Linda
Thank you Linda! I am really glad you like my nine favorite things! Asher’s boots are actually Dr. Martens! xTieghan
Iam in New Zealand we,re heading into summer just love all your recipes and blog.
Thank you so much Helen! I am really glad you enjoyed this recipe! xTieghan
Good morning. I have tried to sign up for emails since last spring.. I get the message that I am already in the system. However, I never receive emails. I checked the blocked file and trash and they are not there. Please advise. I really enjoy your blog and have your latest cookbook.
Hi Cheryl! Thank you for letting me know! Could you please send me an email? Contact@halfbakedharvest.com xTieghan
I made your butternut squash carbonara this week and it was a big hit. My husband said “it’s a keeper” – words not commonly uttered by him. I love seeing all your amazing fall-inspired desserts!
Wow that is so amazing! I am really glad this turned out so well for you, Heather! xTieghan
Wondering why you are talking about traveling and family gatherings when the covid virus is up ticking in so many states. Drs. and scientists say it’s time to be more cautious. You have such a large following it could be a platform telling people to not gather. But you must practice what you preach.
OK, so I have two teenagers (15 and 13) and we have recently watched Hubie Halloween with Adam Sandler which was funny, and one that caught me by surprise… Fun Size. It’s got some sexual talk but not content in it, and it was HILARIOUS! Our whole family was laughing!!!
As for a product I love… I’ve been using this skincare set and my 42 year old skin has never looked better. I had been breaking out on my forehead and for the first time in a while I have clear skin there. Plus, it’s clean and natural: https://somecallmecrunchy.com/collections/face/products/facial-care-set
Making me the happiest: my toddler started going back to preschool this week and I feel like I can actually get things done again!!! Also love my late afternoon/early evening golden hour walks with him. It’s so fun to see the world through his eyes.
I love everything about fall and can’t choose a favorite, but I suppose the warm glow that surrounds everything might be it. Everything just feels more magical.
I am in NC and we just went to the mountains last weekend for 3 days of hiking and relaxing sans kids and it was a beautiful, perfect fall weekend.
Our holidays will just be us… small and simple.
Gonna finish reading then it’s off to start your slow cooker bean chili!
Oh thank you so much for sharing, I will check them out! I am so happy it is making you feel confident.. YES! Also, it really is the best to see the world through childrens eyes. They have such a beautiful outlook on life! I hope you have an amazing week, Cassie! Thank you! xTieghan
1. Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
I live in Minnesota, I am actually taking a little road trip to Illinois in a few weeks to meet up with a friend.
2. What’s making you the happiest this month?
The beautiful fall weather & beautiful colors from earlier this month. We now have snow ?
3. What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Any chili or soup right now and homemade pumpkin lattes.
4. Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
Loving Cultivate What Matters Powersheets for goal setting & planning. They help to bring such intention to my life and have helped me cultivate habits and make projects happen.
5. What do you love most about fall?
I don’t think I can name just one! Probably the leaves changing beautiful colors!
6. What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Hopefully making new memories and seeing family.
7. Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
It is so hard to tell, we may entertain a small group of family if a larger family gathering does not happen.
I adore your photos above and love seeing Asher with all of her animals! You two have such a special bond.
Hi Becca! I am so happy you are enjoying fall and its snowing! Same with where I live haha. Pumpkin spice lattes from home definitely help with the cold! I hope you are able to see your family this year and enjoy the holidays! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
We are on the seacoast in New Hampshire! Really want to get to Netherlands to visit family, but for now enjoying fall in New England,
What’s making you the happiest this month?
Definitely some cozier fall meals and tall boots!
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Your salsa verde chicken enchiladas are probably my favorite dish of all time. Also, those pumpkin butter chocolate chip cookies were out of this world. I think I shared that cookie recipe with 20 people.
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
Product: My hair stylist used evo hair products on me this week and I want to get my hands on that collection. Service-hired myself a house cleaner this month—-AMAZING.
What do you love most about fall?
The invitation to come outside and see the beauty, but also the cozy vibes it creates inside with lots of fall baking and cooking and harry potter marathons.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Looking forward to enjoying it all with my 2 year old kiddo and seeing the joy it brings her.
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Entertaining, but on the small side !
Hi Emilie! I am so happy you have been loving my recipes and I hope you continue to! So kind of you to share them as well! Also yes the HP marathons when it gets chilly.. thats the best!! I hope you have an amazing week and holiday season! Thank you! xTieghan
Halloween Movie: Fun Size – it was filmed in Cleveland, so you may even recognize some of the scenery. Fun fact, I was the on set edible food stylist – I made the ‘candy bacon’ and the candy studded pancakes.
Ok that is so cool!! Is that what you do for work full time? Sounds pretty awesome haha! I will check it out! Thanks Tamara! xTieghan
Love the Sunday posts-they are my Sunday treat to myself with a cup of coffee, in bed, after the creatures have been fed! So thanks for doing this & in to your questions.
1. We are on MD’s Lower Eastern Shore, 5 minutes from Ocean City MD. We’ve lived here 2 years, after building our dream home. We LOVE being here, especially after tourist season! However, once we are comfortable traveling we’d like to go to Australia, see all of the MLB ball parks on the West Coast (combined with visits to family & friends) & go up to see my sister & her family in New England.
2. Happiest-our 8 month old orange tabby kittens. They are better than TV with their antics. We also have 2 more cats-17 & 12 years old plus our nearly 19 year old rescued yellow lab.
Also, my art quilting studio. It’s a small-ish Office space behind a local church, right in the heart of Berlin, MD. I can be as messy or as neat as I want & I can produce some cool stuff to satisfy my inner artist!
Finally, my part time work as Sussex County Coordinator for Literacy Delaware. Sussex County has chicken processing plants & landscaping businesses so a high proportion of immigrants who want to learn English. Although we also do Adult Basic Education, my particular specialty is English as a Second Language. Our learners are amazing!
3. Fall recipes-savoury: crispy toasted Brussels Sprouts; sweet: salted caramel anything
4. Self-care-still searching!
5. Holidays will certainly be different this year! Usually I travel to New England to see my family but opted not to go this year. It was a tough decision but the combination of COVID & flu season has me VERY nervous. My wife is immmuno compromised so we are careful without being maniacs. However, this year it will probably be just the two of use with all of the critters. I think the kittens (aka the Beastie Boyz) are too heavy to try to climb the tree although I would not put it past our oldest cat to teach them how to “undecorate” the lower tree branches. The ornament box has a special bag for unbreakables, which are hung in the lowest branches of the tree.
Again, thanks for all you do-you are amazing!
Hi Dale! Wow this was amazing to read! I am really glad you are living in a place that you love and you have a space to be creative nearby! Also, I think its amazing that you are helping immigrants learn English! Wow! I hope you and your wife are staying safe and have a wonderful week! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! Another lovely Sunday post – I enjoy reading your blog every day! Here in the U.K. a lot of families are likely going to have to spend Christmas apart from the loved ones they usually celebrate with so would be great to see some 2 person meal or holiday ideas to reflect those that can’t gather and celebrate? Thanks so much! Maryann
That is such a great idea! Thank you Maryann! xTieghan