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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!!Â
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?Â
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:Â Ginger Apple Moscow Mule
Sunday: Brown Sugar Maple Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
Love your posts. Think of you every evening during nightly news, reporting of fires in Colorado. Hope they are not near your home!
No, fortunately we are safe where we are! But it is really scary hearing about them! Hoping everyone is staying safe! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
Nashville, TN. Hopefully traveling to Canada to see my childhood best friend when the borders open up!
What’s making you the happiest this month?
Oh gosh….my pumpkin decorations in my house, hot cider, fall weather, sweaters.
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Love making coq au vin this time of year and I want to try a pot roast. Sweet wise, love pumpkin bread and pie. Excited to make your vanilla chai pumpkin muffins next weekend for my in-laws 🙂
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
My kitchenaid mixer because fall baking is a must!
What do you love most about fall?
I dress way better in the fall/winter than I do in the spring/summer. Sweaters and jackets are my favorite.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Decorating our new home and hopefully visiting Terrain in November!
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Probably keeping things a little smaller this year. My parents are older so we want to make sure it’s safe to be with them at Thanksgiving.
I love that you are enjoying the weather and the fall smells! They are the best! Also, I feel like I dress way better too.. I love sweaters haha! Good luck decorating the new home! That is so exciting! Thank you Margaret! xTieghan
Hey, Tieghan! Thanks for another great 9FT post – the highlight of my Sunday! I had no idea camels were so huge…never seen one in person! Beautiful horses too.
1.) Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
I live in Stockholm Sweden, and am looking forward to (hopefully) traveling to visit family in California, and exploring some places in Eastern Europe that are on my bucket list when things “normalize”.
2.) What’s making you the happiest this month?
The beautiful change of seasons in this part of the world, cooking with seasonal fall ingredients like apples, butternut squash, sweet potatoes.
3.) What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
I love anything taco for savory. I experiment with taco varieties all year round and for fall, I recently made black bean, chorizo, and sweet potato tacos with avocado crema, whipped feta, and jalapeno kale slaw. Wasn’t too shabby for an “on the fly” meal. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but recent sweet creations have been to perfect my chocolate chip cookies, and my Mexican chocolate skillet cake.
4.) Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
Matrix Biolage fiberstrong shampoo and conditioner – ideal for hair that gets irritable and frizzy in extreme climates.
5.) What do you love most about fall?
Apple, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg, clove, ANYTHING. The fall colors on the trees, the crisp, cool air, using the slow cooker more often, and putting on pajamas early because it gets dark in Scandinavia at 4 PM now…perfect excuse!
6.) What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Christmas markets, glögg (hot spiced wine), traveling to the countryside to enjoy the snow, decorating for Christmas, and having holiday dinner with my partner and family over here.
7.) Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Entertaining, but on a small scale. A few close friends and family over for dinner, holiday gatherings, and drinks at home.
Best wishes, Tieghan! Looking forward to more great stuff from HBH, and still praying that there is someday a “Half-Baked Holidays” special cookbook produced. 😉
Hi Aline! I love that you are experimenting with tacos.. They are the best and those sound amazing as well! Also, you can never go wrong with chocolate chip cookies! Thank you for sharing all of this with me! But please tell me more about this hot spiced wine.. YUM! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
– in NYC working from our tiny apartment, and excited to travel to Charlotte NC over thanksgiving to check it out as a potential place to move in a couple years!
What’s making you the happiest this month?
The peak season leaves and beautiful hikes in the nyc area
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Pork chops with sage and brown butter; pumpkin bread
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
Williams Sonoma handsoaps – almost time for Winter Forest
What do you love most about fall?
Energising walks in the morning or at golden hour followed by a well deserved hot meal
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Time for lots of rest
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Small – just immediate family but excited to have plenty of time together without distraction
Oh wow that is exciting! Have you been there before? I love that you are enjoying hikes lately, they have been one of the bests for me as well! Also, I hope you have an amazing week full of everything that makes you happy! Thank you Kelsey! xTieghan
Oh my goodness I just found you! I bought your Half Baked Harvest Simple Dinners cookbook. I had a delightful time reading it as I did drooling over every recipe. I’m in Colorado as well, not native, but claim to be. Thrilled to find your blog. Although I could never eat everything you post about or I would be as big as a barn, literally! I love that the variety will allow me to feed friends and family. I travel for a living so your blog will allow me to live vicariously through your world while I’m
Away from beautiful Colorado. I’ll be sharing this with everyone. I have a daughter who is what I call a Bohemian Baker, she gets literally lost in her world as she creates. She and her son live with my husband and myself. She fills our house with so much energy and spice that I cannot imagine not having them. She is thrilled to have a new blog to follow and I’m sure her delight is the recipes she’s already concocting. What a delight to delve into your corner of the world! Thank you for sharing your talents!
Hi Ashley! I am so happy you found my blog and have been enjoying my cookbook! I love that your daughter can find a little freedom with baking.. it sounds like she really enjoys it! Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful week! xTieghan
I forgot to add that I seriously love the pictures of Asher with her camel! She is one blessed girl and so so sweet. I love that she just wants to hang with her big sister!
Thank you so much Rachel! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)? i’m in South Florida! Excited to come home to Colorado for a visit at the end of January – hopefully! We are planning to snowboard in Wolf Creek!
What’s making you the happiest this month? My best friend and her husband moving back to Florida!
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!! Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops – so easy and so delicious!! I haven’t made any sweet recipes yet – but all of the recipes you’ve posted lately look amazing! Hopefully I will have time to make one for a Halloween party this weekend!
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month? I’m loving my local Farmer’s Market this month – they have had the most amazing vendors with homemade pasta, fresh greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, pasta sauce, granola, and creamed honey!
What do you love most about fall? In Florida I love when we get our first cold front and I can open up the windows and air the house out. But as far as a traditional fall – I love the beauty of the changing leaves.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays? Seeing my mom & step-dad, graduating college (at 42 years young 🙂 , and just having some good old fashioned cheer after a tough year.
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller? Small gatherings
Bonus Question: Is there anything you need from me this coming month? Tell me everything you want, I am open ears! You always surpass my needs/wants/expectations! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!!
Hi Rachel! Aw that is so fun that you are headed to Colorado! Are you driving or flying? Also, yes to enjoying your local farmers markets! I have been as well. They are the best and it supports small business which I love! Thank you so much for sharing with me, I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes and posts! xTieghan
Oh my.
Just a girl with her ?..lol.
Where do you find an camel and what do they eat?
Amazing
I would definitely have to ask my dad or Asher how they found this one… But I think they just eat hay and tree leaves.. stuff like that! xTieghan
I always look forward to your Sunday posts! Thanks for another inspiring and fun read. Loved seeing Asher and her camel is the cutest thing!
Thank you so much Megan! I am really glad you enjoyed this post! xTieghan
HI Tiegan
I live in the Philadelphia suburbs. I can’t wait to travel to Sydney, AU to visit our son who has lived there for the past 11 years. We had to cancel our trip there in the spring.
I’m loving the beautiful colors this fall. COVID has certainly made me slow down and appreciate all the beauty surrounding me.
I’m enjoying your fall salad recipes with kale, Brussels sprouts, pomegranates, apples, and other autumnal ingredients.
For self-care, I’m lucky enough to have a trainer come to our home and supervise workouts for me and my husband on our “pandemic, outside gym”. Pretty nice to do crunches while looking at the sky and seeing leaves fall.
This holiday season hubby and I will be in Minneapolis to help our daughter and her husband with their soon to be born twin boys. We will do lots of cooking for them and your recipes will be frequently featured. I can’t wait to make your pretzel chicken finger recipe with our 4 yo granddaughter. It will be fun to decorate and prepare for Christmas with a 4-year-old.
I love your Sunday post. Can’t wait to see what you have coming this week..
Ooo that is so nice that you are able to have your trainer come over. I am sure it is way more motivating than trying to do home workouts on your own! Also, wow! How does he like living there? That is so far, but its amazing you get to go visit at least once a year! I hope you have a fun and amazing week! xTieghan
1. Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you are excited to travel to soon(ish)?
I live in ReykjavÃk, Iceland. I can’t wait to start traveling again but that won’t be happening until covid is over.
2. What’s making you the happiest this month?
My 27th birthday is in the upcoming week and that’s always exciting.
3. What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
I love to make soup or chili when the weather gets colder and it starts to get dark outside in the afternoon. I think apple pies are a must to make in the fall but right now I’m loving everything with chai spice.
4. Name one product or service you’re loving the most this month?
Not really a product or service but warm and cozy sweaters.
5. What do you love most about fall?
I love the long and bright days of summer but I secretly like when it gets darker with all the candlelight, warmer clothes, soups and chili, warm tea and so on 🙂
6. What are you looking forward to most for the upcoming holidays?
I love everything about the holidays! Baking, decorating (all the Christmas lights light up the darkness and it’s so pretty), buying gifts, watching movies (Harry Potter marathon is a must each year), spending time with family, taking walks in the snow and eat and drink something warm afterwards.
7. Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Depends on how things develop but it’ll probably be small with only the closest family.
Hi Berglind! Wow that is super cool you live in Iceland.. I definitely want to go there sometime! Also, SO exciting your birthday is coming up.. Happy Birthday in advance haha! I am definitely loving some cozy sweaters this year as well! Especially with everything not fully back to normal and spending a lot of time at home.. give me the coziest sweater please haha! I hope you have an amazing week and holiday season! xTieghan
Hello,
I’d love to have a traditional peanut butter cookie with choco chips recipe, made with milk and no frills. Just a basic go-to that has nice height and makes a great apres ski treat.
Thank you!
Love the apres ski treat idea! Thank you Nilli! Also, I am not sure if you will have any interest in one of these cookie recipes, but I just have so many chocolate + PB options, I thought I’d share! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-swirled-cookie-bars/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/slice-n-bake-chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-cookies/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/giant-chocolate-chip-cookie-cookie-dough-peanut-butter-cups/
1.Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)? I live in Portland, Oregon! We travel home to Southern California a lot and are hoping to go back once it is safe to do so
2. What’s making you the happiest this month? Cool weather and long walks!
3. What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!! Savory- lentil soup. Sweet- apple pie
4. Name one product or service you’re loving most this month? I just bought snapware tupperware and am loving it
5. What do you love most about fall? Cool walks and hot chocolate in the evenings
6. What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays? Family time
7. Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller? Much smaller. Hoping we can travel home.. but everything is so fluid!
Hi Becky! I am defitely loving the weather and long walks lately too. It is so needed to clear my head! Also, snapware tupperware is the best and so underrated! So happy you got some haha! I hope you are able to see your family this year and have an amazing holiday season! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
Super cool/random – I love that your sister has a camel!
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
I just stumbled upon home brand EQ3 (Canadian) – I am decorating a new place and will be placing an order there but especially excited about a trio of little vases to display year-round with buds and branches, Pebble and Posey are my favorites:
https://www.eq3.com/us/en/category/accessories/accents/decoration?page=1&sort=price-asc&count=24
Hi! Oh, it is not ours, my dad and little sister went for a trip to see them! I love that you are decorating a new place.. SO exciting! I hope it all turns out amazing for you! xTieghan
I just love your posts and your recipes. I try to make one a week but would love to see more vegetarian recipes, lower fat and less ingredients. I am disabled with permanent severe nerve pain and my husband just broke his hip. I’ve gone from him doing most things to me doing everything. So, I’m keeping things simple!
I’m so impressed with you and you inspire me to do more cooking. Wishing you the best of luck in the future!
Hi Tara! I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you are both doing well and he is recovering quickly! I will try to get more simpler recipes for you both! Have you tried any of the recipes in my Super Simple cookbook? I feel like you may enjoy some of those! Thank you and have an amazing week! xTieghan