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Welcome to this week’s Nine Favorite Things.
Happy Easter everyone! What are you all up to? Hoping you’re spending a nice spring day with family and or friends. We’re back home in Colorado, so it’s just a small crew home for Easter this year. We really have no plans that I know of, but I know we’re all thankful we got to see everyone this past weekend in California. I guess we kind of celebrated a little early! Speaking of which, I have a trip recap for you guys!
First up, my cousin’s wedding in Julian was beautiful. I know everyone was worried about the weather since the previous day was pretty cold and rainy. But the clouds cleared and with the sun out it was warm and picture-perfect. Of course, I was all for the super small immediate family-only wedding. I knew every single person there. And to me, ending the night around ten-thirty was kind of perfect! Everyone in the wedding looked gorgeous and as I said, it was so nice to be with my brothers and cousins. Kind of like another Christmas gathering…but in a new place.
From Julian, my family headed to Palm Springs for a couple of days together in the dry heat and sunshine. While I made my way up to LA for three days where was welcomed with more sunny skies and eighty-degree temperatures. It was pretty much my dream (not going to lie, still wish I was there). I checked into my hotel and finished out the day with a blog post and emails. I ended up staying at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood…a new spot for me, but so nice. If you’re heading into LA anytime soon, I’d definitely recommend staying here. The rooms are nice and spacious, and they have really pretty bathrooms…which is always super important to me. I have a thing with hotel bathrooms, they’ve got to be super nice and extra clean. If not, I’m totally grossed out. A nice bathroom is certainly KEY.
Anyway, Monday started off bright and early for a shoot with The Little Market. We spent all day cooking and creating some amazing spring and summer tables for you guys, so I can’t wait to share details on all that soon. Tuesday was back-to-back meetings. But fortunately, I was able to make time to meet a friend for drinks in the hotel lobby (another perk of the hotel is that it has multiple restaurants and the cutest lobby).
On Wednesday I stopped into Home & Family to tape a segment with them which will air this Tuesday. Then straight to the airport, and from there…home I went. So all-in-all, not the busiest trip to LA, but I was so grateful to be able to go. It had been over a year and it felt nice to be working with people again and shooting new things. Though, it’s always nice to be home too!
So that was that. And the rest of my family had an amazing time in Palm Springs. I’ve never been, but from the look and sounds of it, I need to plan a trip. They loved the house they rented with its own pool and hot tub. They even went out to dinner one night to a restaurant called EIGHT4NINE. The food was great, and the private room where they dined was awesome too.
On to April…yes, now that April is here the sun is staying up longer. I’m loving having more time to shoot photos. I’m also really looking forward to the warmer days ahead. It’s crazy, but summer is SO CLOSE. I’m currently dreaming up that summer garden and hoping we can make it just a little bigger and better this year.
Question: have you guys started planning your summer garden? I really want to do herbs and edible flowers this year. Vegetables have proven to be a bit tricky in our climate, so I’m going to focus on herbs and flowers for now!
Coming up this week, I’m sharing all new spring recipes, plus some new Mexican-inspired cuisine. We’ve also got a spring pasta (my favorite), a new fun sandwich. And of course, we’ll be ending the week with a simple dessert that Asher has been begging me to make. Any guesses?
1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…Virgin River on Netflix – this was a suggestion from my parents.
baking…my easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Coffee Cake for Easter breakfast.
loving…Alo Yoga. if you haven’t tried their stuff yet, it’s some of my favorite yoga wear. Everything is so comfortable and soft. I love their lounge leggings and I’m living in their muse hoodie and matching sweatpants.
ordered…this cute Vintage Brass Sugar and Creamer Set and these Vintage Gold Leaf Glasses.
listening to…This American Life – my brother Brendan and his wife Lyndsie recommended this. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m looking forward to starting it.
reading…Sweet Laurel Savory. A wonderful cookbook if you are looking for healthy, grain-free recipes.
loving…this Turtleneck Jumpsuit my mom wore to the wedding. She looked so cute!
ordered…these Illesteva Jefferson Ace Sunglasses. A little more than I would spend on sunglasses, but they fit my face nicely, which is so rare!
ordered….the Day Glow Highlighting Balm from Merit. I have only heard good things about this new clean beauty line, excited to try this balm for a spring glow.
loving…my RE/DONE Classic Tee, but also LOVE my Madewell Crewneck Tee, which is a quarter of the price. Both are so soft, but I prefer the fit of the RE/DONE tee.
excited to try…the Mutha NO.1 Serum. I haven’t tried this yet but just added it to my cart. I’ve been looking for a morning oil with vitamin C. This sounds perfect and I already love all my other Mutha products.
wanting… the Honey Infused Hair Oil from Gisou. I’m curious to try a hair oil, but don’t know if it would leave my hair greasy. Has anyone used this?
loving…this Berry Nice Cheese Board Jigsaw Puzzle. Such a fun puzzle if you’re looking for something to do!
2. The Most Popular Recipes of March.
Most popular: Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
I couldn’t believe how much you guys loved this recipe. When I shared it, I wasn’t sure you’d be into the idea of a spicy cajun pasta, but to my surprise, so many of you loved this recipe. In fact, it might just be one of the most popular recipes of the year…only time will tell on that, but regardless I am so happy to see everyone enjoying this easy recipe! It’s everyone’s favorite cheesecake factory pasta, but with my twist. The sauce is spicy and sooo creamy. And the crispy chicken? Game changer when thinly sliced and tossed with the pasta. It’s hard not to love this one.
Runner-up: Soft and Crinkly Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies
Not going to lie, I think these ended up being extra popular because Gigi Hadid made them and shared the link. Of course, no matter how you found them, these cookies are seriously DELICIOUS. Think soft and chewy in the center with the perfect peanut flavor, hints of brown sugar, and plenty of chocolate.
Also have to mention: Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Spinach Tortellini
Love a good simple one skillet dinner and apparently so do all of you!
Ok. Last one: Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Lemon Butter Potatoes with Creamy Whipped Feta
3. New Finds for the Kitchen…
4. Favorite Questions of the Week.
q: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
a: Nothing at all! Anything I’d ever want to change would be small things like the fact that I’m a month late on a HUGE deadline…and it still feels like I’m not even close to finishing. I have ups and downs like everyone, but in the big picture, I wouldn’t change a thing 🙂
q: How often do you grocery shop? I feel like I would live at the store if I cooked this much.
a: Usually every other day, but sometimes every day. And then sometimes we can go 4-5 days without hitting the store. But on average, every other day!
q: Are all of your siblings adopted? Are you?
a: Just Oslo, and we love him more for it, he is such a blessing (and yes, we all have the same parents).
q: What tips can you give for keeping your flowers beautiful?
a: Always trim the stems, get rid of any dead petals, and pick away the bottom leaves to prevent them from soaking up all the nutrients. I put the fresh flowers in warm water, which also seems to help.
Oh and use the flower food that usually comes with the flowers. it helps!
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that not all flowers are the same. Some take up water differently than others, so read a little about how to care for a specific flower!
q: How do you clean your baking sheets?
a: I get this question a lot. Really, I do nothing more than rinse them off with water, then dry. If there’s something really stuck I use one of those scrubber pads that are coarse with some soap. But usually, I just rinse them under warm water.
q: Not a question. But I just love your energy and recipes. Your space always makes me ?
a: this is my goal with everything I do. I try to bring good energy and create a happy space for you guys! I know that’s cheesy, but it’s really what I’ve realized I love to do, especially this past year.
q: Is there a design decision you would do differently in your kitchen?
a: yesss! I 100% would not put in an island stovetop. it just gets in the way!
q: Can you recommend a candle that will make the house smell like spa and not cooked meat?
a: I love the slow burn and Hinoki Fantome candles from Boy Smells. And these are pricy, but ANY Cire Trudon candle is amazing. I love the Nazareth scent which is cinnamon, so super cozy.
q: What’s your biggest tip for becoming known for what you do? I’m in the beginning stages.
a: make sure that what you are doing is unique to you and no one else can bring to the table what you can. And then, consistency is KEY. Consistent high-quality content will get you the farthest and create longevity.
5. Now Some Questions For You…
1. What’s your favorite Netflix show right now? Gimme your top 3? I need suggestions, I just watch reruns of all my favorite shows.
2. On that note, what’s your favorite streaming platform? I am certainly a Netflix girl.
3. What are you looking forward to most right now? For me, I’m looking forward to some new projects that are in the works.
4. What’s your favorite flower? My favorites change, currently, I’m really into jasmine, ranunculus, and anemone.
5. What is your favorite place to vacation? Anywhere tropical for me, I love the Bahamas.
6. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
7. What recipes would you love to see this month? I need some new ideas to spark some inspiration!
6. Exciting News…Meet Wiggle!
Our newest little baby goat! Surprise! While we were in California, one of our goats had her babies. The funny thing? We weren’t even sure she was pregnant. My dad and I had an idea she might be, but we definitely weren’t sure. Sadly only one of 3 survived, but he’s a lively little one!
Anyway, Asher has officially named our newest family member, Wiggle! He indeed likes to wiggle his tail a lot, so Wiggle it is!
And then some photos from the past week…
From the wedding
The bride and groom – Matthew and Caroline (all my brothers were the groomsmen)
(from left to right, Dad, Creighton, Mom, Brendan, Red)
(Brendan and Lyndsie)
(Asher and Red)
(Oslo…getting so big)
And from my shoot with The Little Market
Home…
7. Favorite Links I am Loving…
8 Unique Online Home Shops You May Not Know About…so many hidden gems I never knew about.
These Skincare Products Are Too Pricey…but here are their cheaper cousins, which are just as effective.
With 7 New Design-Centric Hotels, Los Angeles Is Officially Back in Action…certainly some new ones here to save for my next trip.
the 20 Trader Joe’s Items I Always Buy…some new healthy options to try.
7 Styling Tips to Give Your Home a Whole New Look…without spending a dime.
Garages of the Future Won’t Be Eyesores Anymore…the prettiest garages, what an upgrade.
Make Life Beautiful With Jersey Ice Cream Co…love this design team.
The Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2021…what is on your list?
Matilda Goad London Home Renovation…certainly such a pretty English home.
This Common Mistake Could Reduce Your Home’s Value as Much as 30%…if you’re renovating, be sure to include these items.
Help! What Podcasts Do You Like…read the comments for some great recommendations.
35+ Easy Leftover Ham Recipes for the Week Ahead…if you’re looking for ideas.
35 Tiny Things To Do For Yourself Today…love so many of these and some are quick and simple to do too!
Are You Overfunctioning…the phenomenon leading so many women to burn out.
The Smart Girl’s Guide To Intuitive Eating…10 basic principles to start with.
43 New Beauty Products That Got Us Really Freaking Excited Last Month…read this if you love all things beauty.
7 Luxurious Oceanfront Homes For Sale in Miami…if you want to do a little daydreaming…of course!
What Really Happened in Texas? Understanding the Power & Winter Storm Crisis…certainly an interesting read.
12 Online Grocery Stores You Probably Don’t Know About Yet (but Should)…we love Thrive Market.
8. New Springtime Accessories…
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats…
Monday: Sheet Pan Lemon Brown Butter Salmon and Potatoes with Parmesan Asparagus
Tuesday: Spinach and Artichoke Pita Grilled Cheese
Wednesday: 30 Minute Chicken Fajitas with Roasted Pineapple Salsa Verde
Thursday: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
Friday: Cacio e Pepe with Arugula and Lemon
Saturday: Frozen Blueberry Paloma
So Netflix top 3:
Schitts Creek
Bridgerton
The good place
Honorable mention: I’m Sorry
HBO max is great because it has my two favorite shows of all time with Big Little Lies and Little Fires Every Where! The Flight attendant was really good too 🙂
I would love to see some of your infamous salads. You always have the best, never boring salad inspirations, I’ve really missed them lately! Also anything fruity! I’m so excited for summer produce!
Thanks for all of your work! You do an awesome job!
Hey Steph,
Thanks so much for these Netflix recommendations, this is super helpful! Definitely have some salad recipes up my sleeve to share:) xTieghan
I always find something new in your “Nine Favorite Things.” I love learning something new, that’s why I’m always excited to read your post. On to people putting you down…they’re terrible and absolutely envious that they are not as creative and interesting. Replying to their snark only encourages them and they don’t deserve your attention. Know that 99% of us love what you’re doing and always love your recipes, posts, stories and photos, even when don’t publicly acknowledge it. Keep up the great work! ?
Hey there,
Thanks for reading each Sunday and your super kind message! I am so glad you enjoy the posts as much as I do:) Have the best week! xTieghan
Love your work.
I would love new recipes with octopus, crab soup, burrata with fried green tomatoes, tuna tartare, ceviche. I would love to try these recipes transform to your delicious style. Love your recipes.
Hey Mariana,
Thanks for reading today and sharing these ideas, will definitely have to do some recipe testing! xTieghan
Recommending a show for you to watch, because you asked….on Netflix. Shtisel.
Sooo good, Jewish, not Jewish, in every country people are loving this show. It’s a huge hit, all about human interaction.
Thanks so much for the recommendation Jody!! xTieghan
Thank you so much for your yummy recipes! My fiance and I make at least one of your recipes every week and always walk away wanting to make them again! And I love your Nine Favorite Things – like someone else said below it’s become a Sunday morning routine to read with a cup of coffee :).
I would HIGHLY recommend This Is Us – we stream on Hulu. I watched the show when it started a few years ago (love Mandy Moore) and restarted it with my fiance a few months ago. Also – Million Little Things is great as well! I’m just finishing Firefly Lane — however I must say that I like the book much better than the show (Netflix).
I’m looking forward to planning my wedding (recently engaged) and planning our honeymoon! My favorite place to travel is Paris, and I’m excited to show my fiance the wonder of France!
Would love to see some yummy salad and pizza recipes – as it’s getting nicer and the days are longer, I find myself reaching for those recipes over skillet recipes.
Happy Easter!
Hey Jennifer,
Thanks a lot for reading and your thoughtful message. I am so glad you and your fiancé have been enjoying the recipes. Will definitely have to check out This Is Us, thanks for the recommendation! Yay! Congrats, planning a honeymoon should be super fun for you! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I loved Virgin River, agree with your parents on that one! I just started watching Dawson’s Creek too- that was one I never watched while it was on-air, but it’s a fun throwback.
Interesting thing I’ve read this week: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/step-inside-emmy-raver-lampman-and-daveed-diggss-colorful-southern-california-home
Your family is adorable, love all the pics!
Hey Mariah,
Thanks a lot for reading today and sharing the architectural digest story, can’t wait to read it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Your family is lovely!!
Thanks so much Lillian! xTieghan
Love your weekly roundups! That wedding looks amazing, I loooove California. I’m from Texas and do not want to relive that snowstorm ? it’s probably snowed about 3x in my life (the most being like 3 inches) where I live in San Antonio (I’m 27), so that was SO CRAZY. Luckily my family had a generator so we had our heater on and we were more fortunate than most. I felt bad for elderly people without heat, especially if you didn’t have a gas stove and couldn’t cook a hot meal. Sometimes I love Texas but mostly I hate how our government tries to do everything itself because times like that it really bites us in the butt!
Thanks so much Marcella! So glad you were able to stay warm during the snowstorm! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Love everything about you! Your energy, your positivity, your enthusiasm, your creativity. You are doing a great job! Keep up the good work. So…what recipes would I like to see more of? Mediterranean! Please! I
Hey Judy,
Thanks so much for reading along today and your extremely kind message! Would love to start sharing some Mediterranean recipes, thanks for your recommendation. Have a great week! xTieghan
Another great post! My brother lives in San Diego visits Julian regularly and loves it. I think these are all Netflix series – Queens Gambit, The Crown and Ozark. All are so good, thought provoking and great scenery. And Queen’s Gambit and The Crown are set in another time, so that is a plus for me – I love the sets and clothing from different eras, I usually only watch TV once per week just due to still having so much school work that I need to bring home, so it takes me a long time to get through these. In the summer, I do have more time, but like to savor the shows and I am not a binge watcher. And if you have never watched Mad Men, I highly recommend that and The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel. Sets and costumes are amazing!
Hey Susan,
Happy Easter and thanks for reading! Thanks for your Netflix recommendations, those all seem to be pretty popular. Have a great week! xTieghan
LOVE that photo of you from the shoot, and you’re right on your mom looking killer in that jumpsuit!
To answer your questions:
1. What’s your favorite Netflix show right now? Gimme your top 3? I love all of the murdery ones so I loved Behind Her Eyes and Tell Me Your Secrets (which is Amazon but it was recent so on my mind). I just started Surviving Death which is true stories and SO interesting about our souls and spirits.
2. On that note, what’s your favorite streaming platform? Definitely Netflix! Then Amazon.
3. What are you looking forward to most right now?I’ve started working at a magazine as the Digital Content Manager, and I am looking forward to the day I write something that is published. It will happen!
4. What’s your favorite flower? Like you, mine changes with the season! I love peonies, but they don’t seem to last. Love black-eyed susans and daisies, too. I have a daisy tattoo.
5. What is your favorite place to vacation? I love to go anywhere with mountains and hiking. My husband likes tropical- Costa Rica was the perfect spot that combined our loves.
6. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week? THIS piece. I have a thing about crows so a friend sent me this: https://harpers.org/archive/2021/04/the-crow-whisperer-animal-communicators/
7. What recipes would you love to see this month? Anything healthy and strawberry related since they’ll soon be in season and I want to be ready! I also love all of your egg dishes- we’re making eggs in purgatory today.
Happy Easter and welcome to the world, Wiggle!
Hey Cassie,
Thanks a lot for reading along today! Also, thanks for responding to all of my questions, love to read what you are enjoying and appreciate you sharing! xTieghan
Your baby goat is adorable! I’m so glad everything worked out for the wedding!
Thank you so much!!
1. What’s your favorite Netflix show right now? I’ve recently finished Behind her eyes which I really liked! I’m now watching Ginny & Georgia and Office.
2. On that note, what’s your favorite streaming platform? Netflix!
3. What are you looking forward to most right now? I can’t wait for summer. Bring it already 🙂
4. What’s your favorite flower? I don’t really have a favorite flower but I like tulips this time of the year.
5. What is your favorite place to vacation? I need warm weather and beaches! When we were really allowed to traveled I discovered how nice East-Europe is, Croatia and the countries close by, and I wanna go there again. South Europe is also nice.
6. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week? Not sure!
7. What recipes would you love to see this month? I’m all into citrus in the springtime. Some nice baked goods with citrus 🙂
Hey there,
Thanks so much for reading along today and sharing your responses to my questions, I just love reading the answers! xTieghan
Happy Easter to you and yours! ? ?
Great post, as always. Xx
Thanks so much Kelly-Jane! Happy Easter:) xTieghan
Hey! You are my Sunday wake-up routine: your nice long informative Sunday morning post & my home made caramel latte (yes, I use your caramel recipe & always have some in hand.)
So, Netflix recommendations. Never Have I Ever is a teen age series you might like. I am finishing the first season (of 4) of The Last Kingdom-Vikings & Saxons history. To me, it’s not as good as the History Channel’s The Vikings, but it’s interesting. If you like classic rock, try Rompan Todos: in English, it means “Break It All” & it’s about Latin rock & roll. I am retired but work part time as the Sussex County Coordinator for Literacy Delaware-I plan to suggest that all of the tutors we train watch this. Reason? It’s in rapid fire Spanish with English sub-titles, so it’s good for people who’ve never had the opportunity to be in a situation where English is not spoken first! Plus, the music is amazing!
Next up in the Netflix rotation is probably the Last Pirate Kingdom-while waiting for the next season of Bridgerton…
Love your Asian sauces. We r a blended household-1 of us eats meat & I’m a vegetarian. I love that many of your recipes are flexible enough to fit us. I just use an alternate protein in mine so I’m not making 2 dinners every night. Can’t wait to try the pita with melted cheese!
Oslo-LOVE the pictures. He looks like he’s generally a happy little guy? And that Wiggles-thanks for including g him in today’s post. Happy Easter!
p.s. Working on fiber art for my very first small solo show at the Ocean City (MD) Art League. The opening is 07 May so I am trying to get 10-15 pieces ready, along with titles/prices/promo materials,etc. SO exciting!
Hey Dale,
Thanks so much for reading along today and sharing your Netflix recommendations! So glad you have been enjoying the recipes with your family and thanks for making them. Lol Oslo sure is the best and Wiggle is the cutest. Best of luck at your art show! xTieghan