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Welcome to this week’s Nine Favorite Things.
Hey, hi from Julian, California! Wow, you guys were not kidding when you said this town is small, it’s adorable, but not too much around outside of town. I got in Friday afternoon and we’re staying in a little cabin outside of town. My parents arrived Thursday night, so when I walked into the house I was met by Asher and her “I should warn you’s…” Of which consisted of freezing cold bedrooms, an even colder bathroom, and a shower with no door. It seemed everything she said, she followed up with, “I should warn you”. Thankfully she’s pretty darn cute, which sort of softens the blow.
But even though the house is well…interesting, the town is really sweet and so cute. I love little towns! Now, before any of you ask, no I haven’t tried the apple pie…yet. It’s currently Saturday morning so I just haven’t had a chance. More on the apple pie and wedding to come next week!
I’m heading to LA on Sunday morning. l will say that I’m looking forward to a nice shower and some warmer temps. I’m staying at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. This is a new hotel for me, but I’ve heard really nice things about it. It’s been nice to get out of Colorado, it’s been a long, long while.
The last time I was in LA was just a couple of weeks before this time last year. Right before everything shut down. So crazy that it’s been a whole year! And wow, things are different, but we’re making do with our “new normal”.
Soo, that means my visit here in LA isn’t nearly as jam-packed as my trips usually are. Just a small shoot tomorrow, then actually nothing but zoom meetings from my hotel room on Tuesday, and a quick stop at the Home & Family set before heading home Wednesday night. Different kind of work trip, but thankful to be getting back into things.
And aside from that, not too much to report…at least yet. I’m going to try to keep this post fun and entertaining, but shorter than my usual mile-long Sunday post! Because we are at a family wedding. As you guys know, my mom, who is the other side of HBH, copy-edits every single blog post before we push them live. She has since day one of HBH, crazy, right? And if she didn’t, you guys wouldn’t have a clue what I was trying to say. Grammar has never been my strongest trait.
Coming up this week, lots of recipes with Easter in mind! Starting the week off with a new sandwich that’s my personal favorite recipe of the week. Then something sweet for Easter (that you’ve all been requesting). An easy, easy, Easter dinner. And we’ll be ending the week with a spring breakfast recipe. Oh, and then a cocktail too. It’s time to bring those back for spring and summer!
Lastly, I do want to say something about the horrible shooting this past week in Boulder, CO. It’s hard to ignore and not speak on. I wasn’t aware it had happened until a follower alerted me. Even though we are not located near Boulder, this one hit close to home. Immediately I was hit with the horrific thoughts of “what if that was dad in that store shopping”, “what if Asher had been with him”, just so many scary “what ifs”. I can’t even imagine.
It’s so scary, incredibly sad, and just something I can’t begin to wrap my head around. My heart goes out to the families and friends affected by the shooting. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you all right now.
Hope you guys enjoy this week’s favorite’s post and enjoy the final Sunday of March. It’s April next week and blooming spring days are ahead!
Question: what are you looking forward to the most in April? For me personally, I’m finally wrapping up a looming deadline at the end of the month and while it still feels daunting, I know the end is near and that’s exciting. Also, spring styles and spring flowers!
1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…Operation Varsity Blues on Netflix. This follows the college admissions scandal. And while I don’t normally watch shows about this, I am really curious. Has anyone watched it?
burning…Diptyque Mimosa Scented Candle. Love this one for spring, it reminds me of Easter and Mother’s Day.
listening to…Secrets To Personal Growth Time Management, & Productivity on The Skinny Confidential. This is SO interesting. If you struggle with time management, I recommend listening to this. Not everything is super doable, but I took away a lot from this.
reading…Clique Bait. If you have younger kids, Asher is loving this book.
loving…La Casa Rosa a stunning home in Sydney, Australia. The marble island along has me sold on this house. So unique and timeless.
ordered…Magnesium. I have seen so many articles on magnesium recently and how so many of us are lacking in it. Finally ordered some. If you struggle with sleep, I’d read more about magnesium and how it can help with sleep disorders.
baking…. this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. It’s just like a giant peanut butter cup, but so much better.
loving…this Simple Black Dress. The detailing on the back is so pretty. It’s the perfect linen dress for spring and summer.
drinking…these fun Creamy Coconut Lime Mojitos. Always a hit.
reading…Nomadeland as recommended by my cousin Ethel. This sounds super interesting. A riveting account of resilience and efficacy of Americans that live on the road.
2. Easter Recipe Ideas…
Drinks:
Breakfast/Brunch:
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Coffee Cake
Earl Grey Blueberry Lemon Cake
Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream
Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers
Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake
Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns
Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Spring Herbs and Burrata
Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta
Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey
Lunch/Dinner:
Roasted Turmeric Chicken Pitas with Garlic Lemon Tahini
Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Lemon Butter Potatoes with Whipped Feta
One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Browned Butter Pasta
Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce
Herbed Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemony Feta Dressing
One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo
Desserts
Easy Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée
Coconut Pecan Caramel Butter Cake
Simple Lemon Sugar Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Caramel Butter Cake with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting
Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Custard Cake
Milk Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Bunny Cookies
Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake
Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
3. Asher’s Favorite Home Picks…
We’re having an Asher-themed Nine Favorite Things. Today, she is sharing some of her favorite product finds!
4. Favorite Questions of the Week…
q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
a: honestly I’m horrible with music and don’t listen to it much. But the first thing that came to mind was “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. I feel like that’s a classic, right?? That’s got to be good for karaoke!
q: What movie could you watch over and over?
a: Harry Potter 100%. it never gets old.
q: How do you always making everything look so perfect?
a: Thank you!!! but you’ve got to know I am far from perfect. Sooo far from it. There are days I truly go around like a chicken with her head cut off. It’s messy ? I think Instagram can paint this perfect picture but you’ve got to remember you’re only seeing maybe 1/4 of someone’s life!
q: What are your favorite baking sheets?
a: I love the Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch baking sheets.
q: What are your favorite kitchen gadgets?
a: I am super simple with kitchen gadgets. I honestly only have the basics and nothing more.
Stand mixer, food processor, blender (but I use my food processor more), cast iron everything, cutting boards, sharp knives, cookie school, and bench scraper for quickly cleaning counters.
I can’t think of anything else other than my espresso machine, good knives, cutting boards…oh, and skillets are key!
q: Did you always want to work in social media?
a: haha! no! growing up social media was MySpace (do you remember MySpace?) and not even a thing yet. But I’ve always loved to be creative and thought I’d do fashion styling. I even moved to LA for a hot second to do so when I was 18. I never thought I’d be doing what I’m doing today!
q: What is your favorite gluten free cookie?
a: Gluten free or not, these tahini cookies are my favorite I’ve ever shared.
5. Photo I Loved most This Week…
6. Inspiring Me this Week on Pinterest.
The spring/summer travel edition…
As things slowly start to move again in the world, I know so many people who are planning trips for the late spring and summer months. Here are the places inspiring me on Pinterest. Some are close to home, while others are dream destinations I hope to explore someday!
The Lost Coast: California Redwoods + Oregon Coast
The 9 Absolute BEST Beaches in Thailand
Amalfi Coast Travel Bucket List
Seychelles Island, East Africa
Capri – Villa Lysis (Villa Fersen)
The Perfect Road Trip Through Turkey
Question: when you do travel next, what is your dream destination? What’s exciting you?
7. A Few Links I am Loving…
How To Turn an Antique Dough Bowl Into a Sink…love this fun DIY.
Are You Shopping for Decor on Instagram Yet…some home decor accounts to follow.
We’re Seeing This Indoor Tree Everywhere…I’m actually not a big plant person (I much prefer fresh flowers). But I think these olive trees would look so pretty. I want one!
4 Reasons Why Multitasking Is Not the Best Option…trying not to multitask these days and I agree, it saves time in the end.
Chrissy Teigen and Kris Jenner Are About to Clean Your Entire Home…love the idea behind these green products starting at $6.
The 18 Best Non-Toxic Candles to Set a Cozy Mood…I love Boy Smells and Diptyque candles.
Celebrating Incredible Women during Women’s History Month…loved learning about these inspiring women-owned business
Basket Bags For Spring…love a basket bag for spring markets.
As Museums Slowly Open Up, Feast Your Eyes at These 11 Art-Filled Restaurants…such pretty places to eat at.
Are You Committing One of These 7 Decorating Sins…things to take note of if you are renovating.
Kelly Wearstler Designs a Digital Desert Home for LeBron James’s Electric Hummer…seems a little excessive, but cool designs.
The Very Best Bed Sheets of 2021, Tested and Reviewed…if you need new sheets.
8. Asher’s Spring Style Picks…
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats…
Monday: Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Lemon Butter Potatoes with Whipped Feta
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Braised Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Wednesday: 30 Minute Caramelized Shallot Beef Ramen Noodles
Thursday: Creamy Lemon Basil and Asparagus Ricotta Pasta
Friday: Sheet Pan 30 Minute Sticky Apricot Chicken
Saturday: Spicy Cucumber Margarita
I highly recommend Seychelles! My daughter’s wish was to go there for her Make-A-Wish trip. It’s beautiful, surreal really.
Thanks so much Melissa! xTieghan
Love these posts!!
Thanks so much Kim!!
I was surprised to see a destination close to home (for me) on your list but, sadly, the Opal Creek Wilderness burned last year and is closed indefinitely. Hope you get to check some of the other adventures off your list though!
Thanks so much Dev, Julian was absolutely beautiful, I am so glad I was able to visit! xTieghan
Great post, as always,
Love Ashers picks! That mirror ?
Beautiful bride and groom.
Your around the world picture shares are so beautiful too.
Have fun on your travels. X
Thank you so much Kelly-Jane, it really was a beautiful wedding! xTieghan
I look through these recipes (and everything else) and wonder how the heck you do this!! I want to try to make everything (I don’t cook), I want to buy everything (I have no money), and I want to live in Italy (after I win the lottery, learn to speak Italian – although I have tried twice – and have visited many times). Thank you for all your posts.
Thanks so much for your kind message Anne! I hope you love anything you try:) xTieghan
Asher, you have excellent style and taste, just like your sister!
Thanks so much Karen!! xTieghan
I look forward to this every Sunday!! Your style and taste in things always broadens my horizon and sparks creativity! I love it. Thank you for what you do and put out there into the world. It’s great to see authenticity and genuineness.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message Rachel, I am so glad you love these posts as much as I do:) xTieghan
I live very near the lost coast, one county up, as far north and as far west in California as you can get, in Del Norte County. My house is about 20 miles from the Oregon border, so I feel like both a Californian, and an Oregonian. It is magical here! Our section of the coast is called the Wild Rivers coast, and our biggest river, the Smith, it the cleanest, clearest, and purest in all of California! We have classic PNW weather (aka SO much rain and a temperate climate) so everything is super green and lush year round! We have had several big movies filmed here, like one of the Star Wars films, E.T., and the Birdbox. NBC even filmed a documentary about our town of Crescent City, and Rikuzentakata, our sister City in Japan! That is a very special story! We have an award winning cheese maker in our town, and our dairy is top-notch because of our climate. Some of the cows and steers on our farms and ranches have an ocean view, as their pastures hug the shore line! The coastline is rugged, and so beautiful, and the redwoods are absolutely majestic! We do have mountains as well, but nothing like you must have in Colorado. In the winter, on a sunny day of course, I can stand on a cliff overlooking the ocean in the west, and to the east, see a snow-capped mountain! It’s a pretty special place to live, and as most coastal towns are small, the population of our entire county is around 30,000 people! I really love living here!
Hey Brittney,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your location, this really sounds so amazing and magical:) Might have to add this to my travel list. Have a great week! xTieghan
The most recent thing I watched on Netflix was Seaspiracy, and it really rattled me. I won’t eat fish ever again. It is definitely worth watching – in fact I think it is imperative that everyone watch this.
Hey there,
Thanks for the recommendation! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Hi Teigan- Thank you for acknowledging the shooting in Boulder in your post. This is my neighborhood grocery store. It has been a devastating week for our tight-knit community. There is a group of us in south Boulder who follow you and love your recipes- even middle schoolers!
Hey Leslie,
So so sorry for your community, I can’t imagine what this must feel like. Sending positive thoughts and love your way:) Have a great week! xTieghan
Do you have any dairy free recipes?
Hey Anna,
I sure do! You can also usually use your favorite dairy free substitutes in most of my recipes! xTieghan
You’re not TOO far from San Diego — if you find yourself there — best fried chicken and such a cute outdoor restaurant at the Crack Shack in Little Italy — super fun to wander through Liberty Station especially the market section — Balboa park is gorgeous — and of course some sun at Mission Bay.
Thanks so much for the recommendation Trisha!! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Hi Teighan,
I just watched Operation Varsity Blues and as a high school teacher, it made me sad. I have 2 kids of my own in college and they got in the old fashioned way – hard work, lots of studying and now, lots of working so we all do not end up in major debt! But I know what happened in the documentary is still going on and it likely to continue in some form indefinitely, I still not get on my soapbox for now. So glad the cocktails are back!
Have a fantastic trip! And your new during the week “get organized” with cooking posts are fabulous!
Hey Susan,
Thanks for reading today! I can’t imagine what that must feel like, and totally understand where you are coming from! Hope you love the cocktails:) xTieghan
I just found your blog because my best friend just gave me the Super Simple cookbook for m birthday. After last year I’m in a major recipe slump. I’m also from Colorado so it was a nice surprise to see so many mountain images in the book. I don’t love there anymore so it’s nice to see the photos. Thank you! I’m excited to try the recipes out.
Thanks so much Melissa! I hope you love the cookbooks and everything you make! xTieghan
Thank you for another wonderful Nine Favourite Things blog, however I am surprised that you put this one together this week and thought that you would take a day or two off for attending the family wedding and having some Teighan pamper time? (raises an eyebrow) haha. It’s good to hear that you’re enjoying your mini-break though.
In April I am looking forward to seeing the tulips in my garden bloom, they are nearly there. Also, our quail birds are starting to lay eggs again which is also a sign of spring. I am looking forward also to warmer temperatures and the opportunity to spend a bit more time outdoors whether in the garden or out walking and of course I’m looking forward to Easter of which I am going to make your chocolate peanut butter pie, which looks delicious. For Easter most years I also look forward to painting my nails in the colours of the chocolate Mini-Eggs.
Loving the holiday ideas you chose from Pinterest. I was hoping to visit Greece this year, however I have pushed this back to next year. If you get a chance to have a look I can recommend Thassos, which is the most northerly of the Greek islands. Italy is also on my bucket list of places that I would like to visit. I have visited Paris some years ago now, but it was wonderful and I remember doing so much walking, as there is so much to see, but again I highly recommend a visit if you get a chance 🙂 x
Hey Colleen,
Thanks so much for reading along and your kind message! Lol yes, it was definitely nice to get out of the kitchen for a few days:) Thanks for sharing all that you look forward to in April, this all sounds lovely. Definitely will look into Greece, thanks for the recommendation! Have a great week. xTieghan