Nine Favorite Things.

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Welcome to this week’s Nine Favorite Things.

This time last year was a whirlwind. Do you guys remember? I’m sure you do because the whole world was asking themselves, “what in the hell is actually happening”. What’s crazy is that I was traveling, finishing up a leg of the HBH Super Simple cookbook tour. When I left for LA all was normal, but by the time I returned home a week later, we were in lockdown. Honestly, I hate to even bring it up because just thinking back to that time really makes me cringe. It has been the weirdest year and looking back through photos of my time spent in LA and Dallas, I miss the days of real-life interaction!!

We had to cut the cookbook tour short and sadly, I missed my stops in San Francisco and Chicago (so so sorry to everyone who was set to attend these events), but I know in time we’ll get to make up those dates! My only time in San Francisco has been at the airport and then making my way up to Napa for a food event in 2016. So I’ve never really spent any time in the city. Looking forward to the day when I get a chance to head that way!

The very last event I attended last year was the annual Women’s Day lunch hosted by The Little Market (looking at the date, that was exactly one year ago today). It’s an event I’ve been honored to attend for the last four years. On Friday, I co-hosted this year’s event virtually alongside The Little Market Founders, Hannah Skvarla and Lauren Conrad as well as a few other incredible, inspiring female speakers.

It was a very different experience from years past, but I have to give a huge shout-out to The Little Market. Their incredible team put together a truly wonderful virtual event. It’s such an honor to be able to work with The Little Market. They bring so much good into the world. And even though everything was virtual, it was so much fun to see friends whom I haven’t gotten to see in a year (I even put on a dress!). At the same time, I’m already looking forward to next year, when (hopefully) we’ll be back to in-person events!

It was definitely my favorite event of the week. All in all, it was a good week! As I mentioned, I struggled a bit the week before, but I really made an effort this week to stay as focused as possible and ignore all of the negative. Something I love to do when I’m feeling a little beaten down is to search for inspiring quotes on Pinterest. I always find reading a few to be helpful in pushing out the negative noise. Sharing some of my favorites below.

Let’s see what else. A couple of weeks ago I recorded a podcast with Sezan and her husband Stevie for their podcast The Goodlife. The episode is now out! You can listen to it here. We had such a fun conversation about my backstory, cooking, and general life. It was so much fun, and I loved getting to know the two of them even more.

Lastly, Little Oslo is good (he certainly seems more grown-up every time I see him). Asher has gotten into cross-country skiing. I’m hoarding flowers at the moment. I’m also still looking for a cute wedding dress to wear to my cousin’s wedding at the end of the month. And I’m really leaning into the “home improvement” projects I have going on. Currently in the works, is a new bathroom sink (we found the prettiest pink marble that I’m so excited about), fixing our island countertop at the studio, and possibly a few kitchen updates at my house too. Indeed, I am dreaming way too big…

Question, does anyone else search online for fun new clothes and home decor, add them to carts to think about possibly ordering, then let them sit for the next few days? That’s what I do and I wish I could just bite the bullet and pull the trigger on some things already.

Coming up this week, a fun Mexican recipe to slowly ease our way into longer, brighter spring days. A simple skillet dinner, a bright fresh salad, and ending the week with a new dessert that’s very different and unlike any others I’ve shared before.

1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try…

following…Kristen Kilpatrick. I could write an entire blog post on this girl and I feel so lucky to call her a friend. I’ve never met a kinder more talented sole. Kirsten is a lifestyle, wedding, and even food photographer who has been featured in major publications like Vogue. She’s my go-to girl for any kind of lifestyle photo I need to have taken. Every single time we get to shoot together, I walk away feeling more inspired and happier. She just has this way of bringing light and energy into every room she enters. Anyway, she sent me a small gift this week out of the blue and it made my week. She’s just so kind. If you’re looking for someone with positive energy and incredible breath-taking content, follow Kristen on Instagram. The photos and videos she shares of her family’s horse farm in Texas are truly magical.

watching…Shani Darden’s Full Nighttime Skincare Routine. I’m always a little lost about the order in which to layer skincare, so I loved this quick video. If you use any of Shani’s products, I’d watch this. I was layering on her retinol reform in the wrong order.

burning…Boy Smells Slow Burn Candle. I’m obsessed with this candle. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but everything from the clean ingredients to the affordable price, to the scent. It’s all-around perfect. I wish they still had the magnum size available!

loving…the Maison de la Luz in New Orleans. The small hotel looks so pretty, I would love to visit soon!

listening to…Dr. Will Cole on both The Skinny Confidential Podcast and Life with Marianna. Honestly, I didn’t think I would have any interest in these, but after listening to Dr. Cole speak on the TSC podcast, I was so interested to keep hearing and learning more. I really love his holistic approach to health and healing the body through food. Both podcast episodes are a great listen if you’re interested in health and wellness.

excited to try…the Mutha Aphrodisiac Massage Candle. I just opened this up and it smells incredible. But also really excited to finally try out a massage candle. The wax melts and you can massage it onto your skin. I’ll give an update next week for sure!

reading…Floret Farm’s Discovering Dahlias by Erin Benzakein. I LOVE this flower book, it’s beautiful and has left me wanting to have a full-bloomed dahlia farm by the end of summer. Such an inspiring and beautiful read if you love flowers as much as I do.

loving…the Irregular Print Porcelain Breakfast Set from Zara Home. LOVE this set, and while I’ve not yet ordered it, it’s in my cart. And I really think I do need at least the cute breakfast mug…right?

ordered…my first pair Agolde Jeans. So many of you recommend these to me!

loving…Floral-Applique Cotton-Blend Mini Dress By Valentino. A great inspirational piece.

reading…The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg. I haven’t started this yet, but am excited to learn more about Diane and her career in fashion. I love learning and hearing the life stories of others in creative fields. And of course, Diane has been extremely successful throughout her career.

ordered… these two new KitchenAid bowls in Sage Green and Matte White. For a little something special coming soon.

2. Spring Salads To Look Forward To Enjoying.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com #healthyrecipes #salad #cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Greek Chicken Chopped Salad with Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Greek Chicken Chopped Salad with Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette

The Best Herby Potato Salad | halfbakedharvest.com #summer #easyrecipe #vegan #potatoes

The Best Herby Potato Salad

Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad with Goddess Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com #buffalochicken #salad #healthy #dinner

Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad with Goddess Dressing

Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata

Sweet Potato Fry Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Butter

Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes

3. Favorites For the Spring/Easter Table.

And some spring florals too…

4. Favorite Questions of The Week…

q: What are your other favorite hobbies besides cooking?
a: I love design, so anything like styling an outfit or designing a room is so much fun for me. I wish I had more time for it! I also love to hike, that’s when I have my best ideas 🙂 And since I’m not a reader, I love listening to podcasts and have found them to be such an easy way for me to keep learning something new daily.

q: Do you wear gloves in the kitchen?
a: Nope! But I honestly should! My hands are pretty beat up from cuts and burns 🙁

q: Why do you post to Instagram stories so late at night?
a: It’s just when I have time to be on Instagram. I’m usually cooking/shooting during the day and then on the computer working on everything else that needs my attention after. So later at night just works for me!

q: Have you ever thought about opening your own restaurant?
a: No! The restaurant industry is HARD. I’m so impressed by everyone who owns a restaurant. It’s just never been something I’ve been excited to do and don’t have any plans to do so in the future. But never say never!

q: What’s your advice for someone just learning to cook?
a: Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t be afraid to “mess up”. You learn more by making mistakes than anything else! Cooking is meant to be fun, so try not to stress about making every last dish perfect. Nothing in life is perfect

q: Kitchen appliances to add to my registry?
a: Personally, I keep it really simple and basic. Stand mixer, food processor, espresso maker, slow cooker, instant pot, toaster. My TOP 3 are a stand mixer, food processor/blender, and espresso maker (gotta have that coffee).

q: Favorite eye cream?
a: I have two! Biossance and Mutha. Both are amazing.

5. TLM Conversations with Change Makers.

In honor of International Women’s Day, which is tomorrow, March 8th, The Little Market is putting on a month-long virtual series bringing together activists, celebrities, and thought leaders to talk, learn, and inspire one another and you. All month long they have panels available that are free and open to everyone. You can sign up for the series here and learn about each speaker here. Their speaker list is incredible and includes the names of Eva Longoria, Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, Glennon Doyle, Jane Fonda, Kelly Ripa, Melissa McCarthy, and so many more.

Some of the panels I’m looking forward to listening in on…

Investing in Women with Lauren Conrad, Hannah Skvarla, and Jessica Alba.

Surviving Human Trafficking with Francia Raísa and Rebecca Bender.

Women’s Economic Independence with Kelly Ripa and Sophia Vergara.

Leading with Love with Nicole Richie, Sophia Rossi, and Cleo Wade.

And lastly a few of my favorite Little Market products…

Lavender Sugar Scrub

Cinnamon Candle, Lavender Candle, and Vanilla Candle

Baskets and Hampers

Market Bags