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rThanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post!
Hi, hi! Hope you guys are all staying warm and cozied up this weekend! I know many of us are dealing with fridged temps right now. All the more reason to stay warm inside and bake up a little cake…I mean, right? Yes, yes, let’s bake!
This week has been bizarre weather-wise for so many across the US. Nothing unusual here in Colorado, but for states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi that rarely see sub-zero temps and days of snow, it’s been a crazy and scary week. Since so many are struggling and working to get back to normal, I wanted to share an easy way to help if you are able.
Baby2Baby provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. Their Disaster Relief program has blankets, warm socks, winter coats, hats, diapers, wipes, soap, formula, and more all on the way to children severely impacted by the winter storms. If you’re able, you can donate here. I understand that not all of us have the means to give right now. But I want to try and highlight causes that are doing so much good and giving back. Baby2Baby is an organization that we love to support.
Switching gears a bit now. if you guys follow along on Instagram, you might have seen a story featuring my older brother, Creighton go up on Friday night. Creigh has been here in Colorado since March. He’s working from home like everyone else, so he figured why not spend the time closer to everyone in CO. The thing about Creigh is that he LOVES food more than anyone. I can’t say it’s all particularly good food, but regardless, he loves to eat and he can be pretty fun to cook for.
One day last weekend I had to work on the computer all day. So when he stopped into the studio for his daily, “sooo, what did you make today”, visit, he was pretty bummed to find me not cooking a thing. He said that all I’d made all week was soup and it was lame. And then somehow, that turned into a very passionate conversation about Taco Bell and his favorite taco of all the time, The Cheesy Gordita CRUNCH. There was so much excitement and legitimate passion coming from him that clearly, I had to share his excitement on IG. What was shocking to me was just how many of you loved the story…and that Cheesy Gordita Crunch taco. There was so much excitement that I created the recipe at home and shared it first thing Monday AM.
And you know something? I have to say, it is a delicious taco. But all this excitement got me thinking. One, I clearly need to feature Creighton and all his rants more often, because it was pretty obvious that everyone greatly enjoyed the laugh. And two, I wonder what other restaurant favorites are on everyone’s lists? Living where we live, we really don’t go out to eat very often. So I’d love to hear what you guys like to order? Should I do more restaurant-style remakes? Let me know your favorites!
Oh! And do you guys remember last week how I was looking for a new desk lamp? Well, I found two that I LOVE. Of course, they’re not available to ship until April and May…and they’re also a little pricier. But I think they are gorgeous! Should I bite the bullet and order them? I do feel like they could be nice statement pieces that I would have for a while. I love the look of this one for my desk. And then this one I’d really love for a console table in the entryway of the studio. I’m not crazy, they’re pretty cool, right?
In other news, while this week was actually pretty good, I got hit with some “unsettlingly” emails on Wednesday. They threw me off the entire day and even into Thursday. I’m 100% over it now. But I will say that it makes me sad to see how much negativity and hate takes place in our world today.
I know I’ve chatted about this in a Favorite’s post before, so I won’t go into any real detail. But I think when times are stressful and uncertain it’s all the more reason to really go above and beyond to be kind and think of others. Before you try to tear someone down for no reason at all, stop and think about why you’re doing that. Just try changing your mindset and doing something positive instead. Bake someone cookies, send flowers or a candle, or shovel someone’s steps. I really think it’s going to make you feel 110% happier inside.
Tearing others down doesn’t get you anywhere, it just worsens your mindset. Trust me, I know. I’ve been there, and I still slip up. But as cheesy as it sounds, kindness and giving back is KEY. Ok, that’s all!
Lastly, some very happy and exciting family news…little brother Oslo’s adoption will be FINAL tomorrow! While it’s felt final since day one, I know my mom is relieved and excited. My parents went through what seemed like every hurdle possible to adopt over the last three years and while we all believe that every step happened for a reason, it was still an emotional roller coaster. Finalizing everything just gives everyone a little sense of relief. We can’t imagine the fam without Oslo now!
Here are some photos to hopefully give you all a smile today. He is getting so big!
Coming up this week, I’ll be sharing everyone’s favorite Chinese-inspired takeout dinner, but made at home and healthier. A new breakfast recipe that’s perfect for cold winter mornings and early spring days. On Wednesday I have a fun twist on one of my favorite childhood foods. Then we’ll move onto a crazy easy, but delicious pasta. And for Friday, something heavy on the chocolate! Very excited about each recipe!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
loving…my Tulip Magnolia Branches. They are starting to blossom and are SO PRETTY!
watching…Beauty Secrets with Kendall Jenner. I love these Vogue videos so much. I know nothing about applying makeup, so I actually learn a lot from them
loving…my Chunky Chain Necklace. I’ve been wearing this so much! Also, I love this more affordable version. And this one too!
thinking about ordering…Blue Light Glasses. If I’m not cooking/shooting, I’m looking at a screen. Wondering if blue light glasses are worth it. Does anyone use them? This pair is simple but cute!
loving…this Chanel 19 Large Flap Bag. I would never splurge on this, nor do I have anywhere to carry it. BUT I sure do appreciate its fun design.
loving…Beis Baby Bag. Or I should say my mom is. She’s obsessed with this bag, she loves the wide mouth opening. New moms check it out, she has the backpack. And I LOVE the mini work tote.
ordered…QUAI Treatment Hair Mask. My hair has been so, so, so dry. And it greatly needs a cut, but I’m excited to try this and see if it helps!
thinking about ordering…this Puffer Vestt from Zara. I love the look of a vest, but I never seem to have the right time to wear it.
loving…my Alice and Olivia Cashmere sweater. I only have a few cashmere sweaters, but this is so soft and I love the fun blue color. I also found a couple more affordable options from & Other Stories that are very similar. Also loving their cashmere scarf and beanie.
watching…Letters to Juliet. A movie suggestion from HBH reader Colleen last week…Asher, my mom, and I thought it was so cute!
loving…these Williams Sonoma Goldtouch baking sheets. I use them every day.
2. A Few of My Favorite Cocktails To Mix Up Soon…
Frothy Whipped Coffee White Russian
3. New For the Spring Kitchen…
4. Favorite Questions Of The Week…
q: Did you enjoy school?
a: No I actually hated school and had a ton of anxiety growing up. It was just never my thing. I hated being in a classroom all day long and never felt comfortable at school. When I started high school, I took college courses for high school credit and graduated early with an Associate’s Degree. That’s when I started HBH.
Throughout middle school and high school are when I grew my love of cooking. I’d cook for my family after school and used cooking as a creative release. I had a lot of fun playing around with new recipes. I cooked pretty much every night and I swear it got me through high school.
q: I saw you went to school in LA for fashion! Wondering if that school was FIDM?
a: It was! But I never started. I lived in LA a few months, then decided it wasn’t what I wanted. After LA is when I started HBH. That was the summer after I graduated from high school. Our first blog post was in October 2012
I think FIDM would have been an amazing school though. I sometimes wonder “what if”. But in the end, I LOVE what I’m doing so much. Now I style food instead of clothes. Haha. But I’ve been getting back into clothes more and more these days. I love any kind of styling/design. I’m always trying to make everything around me pretty.
q: I want to know what lotion you use? I am in NYC and it is so drying on my face.
a: I swear by Vintner’s Daughter Serum. And then I layer on Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream. The two together work like magic. These are on the pricy side, but I think they’re worth it. I also LOVE using Biossance Vitamin C + Rose Oil and Repair Cream. And another favorite is the Mutha Face Oil.
q: How did you learn to create recipes of your own?
a: Mostly through trial and error. I’m such a visual person, I learn so much more by doing versus reading. I need to try things, then adjust.
q: Was cooking always a big part of your family life growing up?
a: No! Not at all. As my dad puts it, he cooked to “survive”. Aka get food on the table and feed the fam. It was always very basic, but still good! My dad is a great cook, he just didn’t ever try too hard in the kitchen. Cooking wasn’t something anyone in my family was very into. Though my mom has always loved to bake!
q: How long did it take you to hit 50K page views per month?
a: I have no idea. I’ve never kept track of the numbers. That’s always been something that’s stressed me out, so I just don’t pay attention. Instead, I focused/focus on creating the best content I can. I am a firm believer that good content always rules.
5. Learning Through Podcasts.
I know I talk about my favorite podcasts all the time. But lately, I’ve been enjoying listening to podcasts more than ever before. I’ve had to stop listening while working, as I found them to be too distracting. I’m now squeezing them into times when I really don’t need to be using my brain. So, for example, I’ll listen at night once I get home from the studio while getting dinner together. Or maybe while doing daily house chores. Or even while putting on make-up, or taking an afternoon walk. Basically, I’m just squeezing in a few minutes here and there, but I am loving learning. With a little more focus, I’ve been able to actually take in more from each podcast instead of just kind of half-listening. And I am really enjoying it!
This isn’t something I used to say about myself, but I’m finding that I really love learning, and learning from others. I love to listen to podcasts with business founders, athletes, and anyone who has a story to tell, whether I feel like I can fully relate or not. Filling my headspace with inspiring knowledge has really been a new source of inspiration for me.
Here are some recent favorites I’ve really enjoyed…
Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent | More Than One Thing with Athena Calderone – actually in the middle of this, but love it so far.
Maria Sharapova: Founder and CEO of Sugarpova and Former Professional Tennis Player – enjoyed this for a motivational kick.
Jen Atkin on Say Yes To The Dress – always love listening to Jen. Her business and life perspective are so good.
CEO and Serial Entrepreneur Katherine Power’s Life With Marianna – loved learning about how Katherine built her multiple brands.
The Joe Rogan Experience with Miley Cyrus – my dad got me onto this podcast. While I have only listened to this episode, I really enjoyed it. I’m not a big Miley Cyrus fan but actually was able to relate to this in a lot of ways. I enjoyed hearing about what it was like growing up in the way that she did.
Question: do you listen to The Joe Rogan Experience? He has SO MANY episodes, where should I start?
How India Oxenberg Survived Life Inside A Sex Cult – I didn’t expect to be interested in this, but actually found it to be incredibly interesting…and honestly, mind boggling.
Celebrating the GOAT GOD– shockingly I’m really enjoying learning about Tom Brady and his career. He’s got a pretty incredible perspective on life.
LG QUICKIE: Meet Our Galentine’s – just for fun or if you need a break from life for a minute.
Melissa Wood-Tepperberg on Half Naked Podcast – I have not listened to this yet, but I’m looking forward to it next chance I get.
Question: I’m curious, what podcast do you listen to and love?
6. Inspiring Me This Week.
(above photo via our Pinterest Flower board)
(photo above via our Pinterest Home board)
(above photo via our Pinterest Inspiring Quotes board)
(photo above via our Pinterest Flower board)
(above photo via our Pinterest Home board)
(photo above via our Pinterest Inspiring Quotes board)
(above photo via our Pinterest Home board)
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving…
The Best Interior Design Accounts on Instagram…for new inspiration.
31 Stylish Kitchen Products From Target That Reviewers Also Find Incredibly Useful…wow, I was shocked and honored to have the HBH Cookbooks on this list.
Best Everyday Leggings…I live in my Alo leggings right now.
Inside a Tucked-Away Rural Hawaiian Retreat…oh how I would love to stay here.
6 Makeup Cheat Codes That Make You Look 10 Times Better in Photos…loving these easy tips.
People Are Sharing Their Favorite Everyday Life Hacks..and I’m taking notes.
Step Inside Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West’s Boundary-Defying Home…wow, it’s very, very minimalist.
16 Small-Space Desks That’ll Fit Just About Anywhere…if you want to upgrade your WFH set up.
Small RH desk in Asher’s room…her room is pretty adorable.
How to Start a Fireplace Fire (& Keep It Going All Night)…things you need to know.
50 Amazing Life Hacks to Make Life Easier…so many good ones…still taking notes.
8 Virtual Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job, According to the Experts…good things to know.
This Target Décor Looks Expensive But It’s All Under $100…love, love a good Target find.
H&M New Arrivals Spring 2021…this yellow hoodie and fluffy shorts are currently in my cart.
5 Mindful Ways To Handle Anxiety While Working From Home…I love all of the ideas, but I’m interested in exploring meditation.
8 Methods for Popping Popcorn and the Winner Is a Delightful Throwback…my mom is all about old-fashioned, whirley popped popcorn.
The Spring Accessories and Jewelry to Buy Now…what’s on your must-have list?
40 Vegetarian And Pescatarian Recipes…for anyone cutting back on meat.
The Kitchen Trend Designers Love…would you try this trend?
Want to Try Intuitive Eating…some tips to help you start.
Make Life Beautiful With Kaleb Wyse…a fun Sunday read.
8. New and Affordable Style Finds…
9. This Weeks Dinners.
Monday: Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Sticky Gochujang Chicken Meatballs
Wednesday: Gingery Coconut Sweet Potato and Rice Stew with Chili Oil
Thursday: Szechuan Noodles with Sesame Chili Oil
Friday: Pesto Pizza with Feta Stuffed Crust
Saturday: Earl Grey Blueberry Lemon Cake
Thank you so much for all of the beautiful and amazing content. Your blog and your IG is such a gift. It’s so incredible we get all your incredible recipes and content for FREE! You have created such a beautiful and positive space for people to enjoy. I love your recipes, your personal stories, and all the cool home and fashion trend ideas you share. Thank you!
Hey Mel,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and reading along. I am so glad you have been enjoying the blog:) xTieghan
Yes, highly recommend blue light glasses! They have made a huge difference for me. I get significantly fewer headaches now after sitting in front of my computer screen all day.
Armchair Expert has become one of my favorite podcasts! The one this week with Erin Meyer was super interesting, about how different cultures communicate, make decisions, view time, give feedback, etc.
Thanks so much Mariah! I definitely think I need to give them a try. I love the Armchair Expert as well! xTieghan
This is my first time commenting but just wanted to let you know that you rock and haters are always going to hate. Thanks for making the world a better, more delicious place to live in!
Thanks so much Ashley:) xTieghan
You have done it once again! I love Sunday mornings and 9 things. I have to get up early on Sunday morning to teach a class. I always looks to see if 9 things is there before I start! It makes me so happy to have something to look forward too. Where do you find all the really great links? Like this week the Kaleb Wyse article and the glass wear from Crate and Barrel. Do you have set sites you visits every so often? The links are so extensive I just wonder how you find them? Anyway , thank you for sharing each week. By the way – I make the Brussel sprout pizza so often, my children love it and ask for when they are home. Oh my, little Oslo is so cute. That smile is melting hearts every where!
Hey Jamie,
Thanks so much for reading along each week! Lol lots of searching to find the links:) SO glad you enjoyed the pizza! xTieghan
Love the pics of Oslo, and to see him smiling warmed my heart. Yay for the adoption being final!!!! Don’t know how I missed Crighton’s story, bc I make a point of checking your IG posts/stories before bed as a sure way to end the day on a positive note. Which makes it even harder to understand the haters. My take on it is that people reflect who they are. I can now feel genuinely sorry for ppl who are nasty and mean. It must be a huge burden to carry all that meanness through life. Not that it excuses their behavior. I choose not to let them into my world, but can still feel compassion for them. Usually lol. You bring light to people’s lives, along with deliciousness. That’s a gift no one can take from you. M
Hey Maria,
Thanks so much, I am so glad you have been enjoying the photos of Oslo, he is the best❤️ xTieghan
YES TO PODCASTS. Pretty much into true crime But as a graduate of the Dick Wolf School of Law, I’m also dabbling in legal and current events.
Power: the Maxwells (about Ghislane Maxwell’s family)
You’re wrong about;
Brainwashed
Someone Knows Something
The Case Files
Finding Cleo
Above the Law
American Scandal
As an aside, your little brother is so adorbs. Wishing my son was still at that age.
As far as the nasty messages, as the kids say: “If you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t poppin”
Keep your chin up
Hey Harley,
Thanks so much for all of these podcast recommendations, so awesome!! Thanks for your kind message and reading along! xTieghan
Beautiful post as always! I love Joe Rogan haha – my husband likes to listen to his podcasts while he falls asleep & while he falls asleep within 10 minutes, I’m always stuck listening to them because i get hooked! He definitely has some good ones! Also LOVE the Skinny Confidential Podcast…that’s one of the only ones I’m consistent with, there honestly hasn’t been an episode I’ve disliked. I’ll definitely be listening to the one you listed also, the one with Melissa Wood – LOVE her!
Hope you have a great week! xo
Madi
Hey Madi,
Lol too funny about Joe Rogan! Yes, same love the Skinny Confidential! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I’m sorry those negative emails happened to you. It is an unsettling time and people are lashing out. I really enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing pictures of your family and their stories with us. Oslo is adorable (and I also love the chicken pants). Congratulations!!!
Thanks so much for your kind message Sue:) xTieghan
We made the cheesy Gordita tacos last night. They were delicious! The only change we made was using Penzey’s Taco seasoning for the meat mixture and adding a little Sriracha at the end. Great recipe, thank you!
Hey Kim,
I am so glad you have enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week! xTieghan
First of all – I Can Not believe some people would write you ugly and hateful emails!!! What’s the point? No one is forcing them to follow you!!!! What is wrong with people???? So so many love everything about following you that I can’t imagine someone stooping so low as to write a hateful email. Please try to ignore them, although I’m sure it’s hard. Just remember how much joy you bring to so many!!
Second – love the pictures of Oslo!!!!! His smile is the best! More Oslo please!
Third – Blue Light Glasses. I don’t personally use them but my two daughters and daughter-in-law do and they SWEAR by them!! They say they help immensely!
Keep up the great work Tieghan!! I love following all of your posts!!
Hey Ellen,
Thanks for your kind message and positive feedback:) So glad to hear about the blue light glasses and will of course share more of Oslo! xTieghan
Smartless has been my favorite podcast during the pandemic. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Sean Hayes and a surprise guest each week – you’ll laugh out loud for a solid hour!
Thanks so much for the recommendation Jeannie! xTieghan
I’ve followed your recipes for years and have just started reading Nine Favorite Things this winter abs look forward to every week! I I’m so inspired by your kindness and authenticity as well as your food abs fashion savvy! I just turned 50 and am learning so much from you! You are a bright light! Keep shining! ?
Hey Jill,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and reading today! You are so kind:) xTieghan
You should 100% get those Blue Light blocking glasses. I needed to get some this year due to more screen time with work, and my glasses have stopped me from getting migraines!
Anyways, I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy your Instagram account and of course all the delicious meals I’ve made since I started following you. Thank you!
Thank you so much Bailey, this was super helpful! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
Another great post to start my week – thank you! I am all about the power of positivity and it sounds as if you are too! YES to the blue light glasses – and you can get more affordable options on Amazon. Since last March, I have had to log much more computer time and my eyes were becoming itchy, irritated and dry. The glasses have been a game changer! My eye health has improved 100%. I have ordered them for my kids and husband. No one knows the long term effect of all of this blue light on our eyes, so we need to protect them.
And a fun feature of the week would be your “family favorites” – dishes your family loves or wants you to make. My son is just like your brother and we have done so much with Buffalo chicken since that post a few weeks ago. Peace, love and happiness this week!
Hey Susan,
Thanks so much for reading today and your review with the blue light glasses! Have the best week:) xTieghan
I love reading these posts every sunday! I am excited to try your latest taco bell recipe….I will be making your greek meatball and orzo recipe for dinner tomorrow. Have you ever tried red lobsters’s cheddar bay biscuits? I wonder if there is a healthier recipe for these. Joe Rogan’s podcast is so popular; I will need to try it! The “Chicks in the Office” podcast is the pop culture podcast I didn’t know I needed, but it has become my guilty pleasure. Anyway, I always enjoy your links to various resorts! It’s nice to imagine traveling out of the cold midwest at this time 🙂
Hey Emily,
Thanks for always reading along:) I hope you love the greek meatballs! I have not tried tried the biscuits, maybe I will have to try experimenting:) xTieghan