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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
I highly recommend Felix Gray blue light glasses! I’ve been using them for over a year and a half now and they’ve really helped with eye twitching / tiredness.
Thanks so much Emi!! xTieghan
Buy yourself the desk lamp. You’ll never regret investing in a good piece, especially if it’s replacing a cheap little lamp you’ve kept since middle school! You’ll appreciate it forever.
Love to you! What the #@$$ is wrong with those haters? They must be very miserable people 🙁
Thank you so much Shannon, definitely think I should do the lamps! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
I’m so sad to see you’ve been sent upsetting emails. I reckon it must come from envy or jealousy. It doesn’t excuse it, but perhaps explains the though process behind such negativity. Onward and upwards!
Lovely pictures of little Oslo, that one with the polar bears top ??
Have a great week. Xx
Thank you so much for your kind message Kelly-Jane! xTieghan
Please more restaurant remakes!! Around my house we love Chickfila, Chipotle, and Taco Bell the most I’d say 🙂 Alongside Starbucks too – Starbucks has lots of menu items that would be cool to remake!
Also I had to tell you – yesterday I made a simple cheese quesadilla as a late-night snack and decided to try and replicate a simple version of your “Doritos” seasoning from the Cheesy Gordita Tacos recipe… so the filling of my quesadilla was shredded cheddar, parmesan, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and some ranch. Ooohhhh my goodness did it taste INCREDIBLE! Might be fun to do a quesadilla recipe with that theme 🙂
Hey Kelly,
Thanks so much for reading along:) Love the restaurant inspo ideas! Thank you for trying the cheesy Gordita crunch, I am so glad it was enjoyed:) xTieghan
Dear Tieghan: Once you open an email and see it’s negative, stop reading and delete it. Do not listen to any of that bad energy. They are jealous of your success. They are lazy and will not work as hard as you do. You’re doing so well. Don’t listen to them!! And I love your blog posts but it’s tons of content which must be exhausting to curate. It’s okay to do less because your quality is so good!! I can imagine you’re up late at night crafting the weekly post. So much work but people will love it if it’s less. You’re amazing!!
Hey Janet,
Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and kind message. This really made my day, reading your note:) I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
Oslo is soooooo adorable!!! I’m very happy for your family! Negative talk is really hard – it’s easy to say just let it go but very difficult to do. Just know that you’re doing a fantastic job and all that matters is what YOU think, not anyone else (even though there are thousands of more people who love your work than those who don’t). Keep it up 🙂
Hey Erin,
Thanks so much for reading along! We are so very blessed to have Oslo in our lives:) Thanks for your positive message! xTieghan
I think you would enjoy the podcast Tough Love with Toni. She’s a jazzercise instructor but so down-to-earth and motivating! 🙂
Thanks so much for the recommendation Cat! xTieghan
Hi Tiegan,
I have been cooking exclusively from your cookbooks for the past month, and each night my family says, “This is the best dish ever!” Your easy to follow recipes inspire me so much and I constantly say- “ She’s incredible and she’s only 27! I want to be her sous-chef for a week!” I’ve sent your cookbooks to so many of my cooking friends and they feel the same way. Keep those amazing recipes coming!
Hey Maggie,
I truly appreciate you kind message, I am so glad your family has been enjoying the recipes. I so appreciate you giving them a try:) xTieghan
HUGE vouch for blue light glasses! I get mine from TIJN and they’re very effective and very cute. I used to get headaches all the time (which were somewhat improved by filtering the blue light directly on my laptop) and someone recommended that I try them and they make a world of a difference. There’s a lot of literature about them being bogus, but I personally find them really soothing! Worth a shot for sure.
Hey Maya,
Thank you so much for your blue recommendation! I absolutely need to get a pair:) Have a great week! xTieghan
It makes me said to learn you get nasty emails from people or maybe even “hate emails “? I just love your cooking, photography, seeing pictures of your family, learning about your family and oh that Oslo!!! What a bunch of sweetness❤️ And Asher too, sooo stickin cute. Your family is obviously paramount in your life and that is so wonderful and a gift. People are just jealous and envious of you! Please don’t think another moment of it and don’t give them any energy! You are the better then that! I’m older and wiser , this I know is true?. Love, Susan
Hey Susan,
I truly appreciate your thoughtful message, it really made my morning reading this, and was such a great reminder not to dwell on the negative. I love sharing Asher and Oslo and I am so glad you have been enjoying the photos as well. I hope you have a fantastic week! xTieghan
Look forward to the Nine Favorite Things every week! Have also been loving the Banana Bread Mug Cake. Those small serving sweets help me have a treat but not a regret! Lol Very sorry you had someone send negative message. It can be hard to not let that one wipe out all of the amazing things you do. Don’t let it define you! You are a talented and industrious woman. Look at what you’ve created! Consider the tastebuds delighted!
Hey Jennie,
Thanks so much for reading along every Sunday and I am glad you have been enjoying the mug cake, it is so easy and so good! Thanks for your positive message:) I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
I love the pictures of Oslo, especially the one with the polar bears on front. He’s going to be a looker.
I like the lamps your looking at, but I was wondering if you ever go to 2nd hand stores. I have found some great items at those kind of stores at great prices. Just a thought???
Hey Colleen,
Right?! He really is just the cutest!! Yes, such a great idea, some of my best finds are from vintage and second hand stores! xTieghan
Oslo is so cute and I just love his name, it’s so adorable! I think that with social media people forget how to be kind and think rationally. They get sucked into these echo chambers of everyone piling on the hate and they forget how to think before they speak. Is this truly going to make anything better? Why are you commenting/emailing in the first place, did anything this person do actually hurt you or is that just what the hateful echo chambers say? Good on you for spreading love and kindness through food. Food is for everyone and is something we can all share and enjoy! Keep your head up!
Hey Erika,
Thanks so much for reading along today, Oslo really is the best:) Thanks for your positive message, I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
I ordered an inexpensive pair of blue light glasses for the entire family since we are all working from home on screens or in remote learning from high school. previous issues of headaches, trouble sleeping, eye fatigue have all disappeared. I wear bifocals so ordered blue light glasses to wear over my prescription frames. Do I look silly? Of course, but don’t care as the benefit outweighs the silly appearance;)
Hey Lisa,
So glad to know the blue light glasses really do make a difference, I definitely need to get myself a pair:) xTieghan
I look forward to each of your posts and your Nine Favorite Things never disappoints! Also, made your creamy salmon with artichokes and spinach this past Saturday evening and it was amazing! I served it to someone special in my life and it was memorable! (ha! also made your no knead sourdough bread – yum!!). Thank you for sharing your life’s passion.
Hey Talia,
I am so glad you have been enjoying the Sunday posts:) Thanks for giving the salmon a try! xTieghan