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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

Happiest Memorial Day weekend everyone! So crazy that Tuesday is already June first, but I’m excited! I can’t wait to hear what everyone’s up to for the long weekend. Please let me know in the comments! We had gorgeous weather on Thursday and Friday, but as often happens, our Memorial Day weekend is rainy and gray. A bit of a bummer, but that’s just kind of the way it can roll this time of year.

I’m making the best of it and staying inside to get some work done. We’re only one month out from our family vacation to Mexico (we’re going to Cabo). So I’m already prepping and planning for that, which means extra time in the kitchen. If I get all caught up on things, which is a big if, I’m dying to do some summer cleaning, purging, and organizing. This sounds weird but the way the sunlight shines into both our studio space and my home is so beautiful. It’s making me want to clean and tidy everything up. It’s also bringing me more ideas for some fixer-upper projects as well…

Currently in the works…replacing my bathroom vanity and toilet, and then lots and lots of yard work. This is kind of an odd unglamorous question, but I’m curious if you guys have toilet suggestions? The amount of options is mind-boggling.

As for the yard work, I’m doing my best to direct my dad on garden planting and such. He’s a great handyman, but you’ve got to stay on him or nothing will get done. We’re trying to figure out a solution for our greenhouse, and a new home for our chickens. It’s a slow process with him, but I think he’s trying to find some help with the slightly bigger projects 🙂 Sharing my dream gardens and yards below…Pinterest is my best and worst friend. So many new ideas every time I do a little scrolling.

Speaking of home updates and finds, my brother and sister-in-law sent back some new antiques from their recent buying trip around Texas and New Mexico. I’m so excited about some of the pieces they got me, photos below! If you guys are ever looking for great antiques, follow them on Instagram at Good Livin’ Co. Promise they have the best antique finds! Love these guys for always finding me the goods!

Moving along, my cousin and his wife (so weird to say, they just got married in March) are here for the long weekend. And while I can’t show you the video that literally has made my weekend, I can say that little Matt is a devious genius and pulled the best prank on my oldest brother, Creighton. He of course filmed the entire thing (what isn’t caught on video these days?!) and I haven’t laughed that hard in years. And you guys, I really needed a good laugh, especially at the end of a long week.

I think when we’re knee-deep in work and life things we can forget how important it is to take time to laugh, to smile, and to appreciate the small moments that can set the tone for the days ahead. So don’t forget to give yourself that time to allow small moments of joy in. Even on your busiest days!

Lastly, so many Memorial Day sales this weekend. I’m going to share some of my favorites below!

Coming up this week, I’m planning to take Monday off since many of us are on vacation this weekend and off the internet (yay!). Back at it on Tuesday with a very summery recipe that just feels fitting for June first. Then moving on to a simple dinner. And then, of course, something sweet to end the week. Again I’m really feeling like a new S’mores-inspired dessert needs to be in our future.

question: what are your top 5 summer desserts? So curious to know…please share!!

I said this in our newsletter and just realized I never transferred it here… tomorrow we honor and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. While you’re enjoying time with family and friends, we hope you take a minute in remembrance.

Alrighty, I think that’s all the updates I’ve got today! Hoping everyone has an incredible weekend and is able to kick the summer off with a margarita in hand. Have a great Sunday and a nice Memorial Day!

1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…

loving…my Boll & Branch sheets, blankets, and comforter. Every single one of their products is made of such high quality and so soft. I love knowing everything is made chemical-free. You can use my code TIEGHAN15 for 15% off your order. offer ends at the end of the month!

watching…Kaia Gerber Shares Her Guide to Face Sculpting and Minimal, Sun-Kissed Makeup. as someone who is pretty bad with makeup application, I love the Vogue beauty secrets series. also loved Emma Chamberlain’s episode too.

baking…homemade cinnamon toast crunch. one of my favorite HBH recipes from years and years ago.

loving…the casitas and villas at the Viceroy Los Cabos. I’m not sure if we can make it work for our large crew, but they sure are beautiful!

watching…The Crime of the Century – a two-part HBO documentary on the opioid crisis and the actual crime that was behind it all.

listening to…the most random mix of music from Jamie Johnson, to Justin Timberlake, to Chris Stapleton, to the country hits of the 2000s. trying to mix it up.

reading…The Secret Life of Groceries. My dad’s cousin, whom we’re all close to (we call her cousin Ethel…she’s the best!), suggested this book. She’s only just started it, but this is a deep dive into what’s involved in getting our groceries to the shelves.

thinking of ordering…ST. TROPEZ Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse. my mom used to use ST. TROPEZ back in the day and always loved it. I’ve heard really awesome things about their mousse and I’m wanting a subtle tan before heading to Mexico. also, considering the Tarte Cosmetics Brazilliance PLUS+ Self Tanner. has anyone tested out either?

burning and loving…LES by Boy Smells. also, Boy Smells is offering free shipping for Memorial Day weekend. Re-ordering the Les candle, Slow Burn (always a favorite), and Hinoki Fantôme. such good summer scents. I clearly have a candle obsession, but at least these guys are on the more affordable side (some of my other favorites are crazy…).

drinking…spicy serrano pineapple margarita. finally shared the recipe for my go-to summer margarita. what are you guys sipping on this summer?

listening to…Molly Bloom On How She Ran The Biggest Underground Hollywood Celebrity Poker Ring on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast. when I started this, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I actually found the story really thrilling and it was a nice way to escape my thoughts.

2. The most popular recipes of May.

20 Minute Stir Fried Honey Ginger Sesame Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular: 20 Minute Stir Fried Honey Ginger Sesame Noodles

This one shocked me. I’m the worst at judging which of my own recipes will be popular. More times than not, the recipes I think will be a total flop, you guys love! Not complaining at all, I just think it’s funny.

I didn’t love this photo, but the noodles? So delicious. Saucy, just a touch salty, a little sweet, and a little spicy. And they take only minutes to make.

Rosemary Chicken and Avocado Bacon Pitas with Honey Feta Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: Rosemary Chicken and Avocado Bacon Pitas with Honey Feta Sauce

These pitas are probably my personal favorite of the month. It’s that crispy bacon, rosemary chicken, avocado, and salty-sweet feta sauce. Pretty hard to beat.

Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

It’s different for sure, but trust me, it’s delicious.

Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Garlic Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

And then this one too: Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Garlic Sauce.

Add a side of chips + guacamole…and probably a margarita too. Yes, do it up!

Warm Chocolate Fudge Skillet Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

OK, last one: Warm Chocolate Fudge Skillet Cake.

This is the chocolate cake that rivals all others. It’s GOOD, fudgy, and molten-like with the perfect crinkly top.

3. Memorial Day Sales.



bonus: more sales to shop this week…there are so many!

Violet Grey: 20% off site-wide, with some product exclusions. discount applies at checkout (all my favorites are on sale!!).

Anthropologie:20% off ready-to-ship furniture and décor and 30% off summer entertaining essentials. 

Pottery Barn: up to 50% off.

Lulu and Georgia: up to 25% off.

Serena and Lily: 20% off with the code DIVEIN.

Food 52: 15% off orders $149 with the code SUNSHINE.

Zwilling: so many of my favorite Staub pans and Zwilling knives are half price.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: how do you cook and eat so much and stay so thin?
a: I see this question over and over.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different! You have to find what works for you and your body. Don’t compare yourself, you are you and you’ve got to embrace that.

q: pregnant and dying for mocktails…what did you add to Asher’s?
a: smashed blackberries with 1/2 a lime and a handful of mint. Shake with ice. Top off with ginger beer.

q: you refer to we when talking about HBH, is your family the “we”? 
a: they sure are! my mom is my business partner, she runs the back end of the blog, aka the tech stuff…and more! My dad is my right-hand guy. Malachi, my younger brother, is our video editor + saves my ass whenever something goes wrong. And my cousins Maggie and Abby, are all are big parts of HBH too. We also have one non-family full-time team member…Margaret!

And then of course there’s Asher. She’s our official taste tester of all things chocolate. And Creighton…my taste tester on all things MEAT!

q: favorite childhood memory?
a: family vacations with all my brothers.

q: what’s your zodiac sign?
a: I’m a Virgo!

q: what advice do you have for anyone trying to start their own business/side hustle?
a: I always say if you can’t stop thinking about an idea that really, really excites you then you need to just jump in and start. Starting is always the hardest part because it’s daunting, you know there’s a long road ahead. If you love what you’re doing you’ll have the motivation to keep going and push forward each and every day. So you just have to start! Research what you need to get started and then start. You’ll learn as you go, you’ll make mistakes, but you’ll learn so much from them all. Trial and error is the best way to learn.

so start now and adjust as you grow.

also, I’d keep your day job until you are making enough to support yourself fully off of your new business. It takes a while to make an income, it’s certainly not instant.

q: what is your favorite summer salad?
a: corn, tomato, and avocado pasta salad and this melon basil Burrata salad with crispy prosciutto.

q: what is your interior design style?
a: Hmm, I’d said laid back and neutral with small pops of color (like flowers or a fun painting) and plenty of coziness. Maybe a little rustic/vintage. I guess it’s a mix of all of those elements! Oh, and zero clutter, it stresses me out.

q: do you use store-bought pesto or make your own?
a: a mix! I try and make my own when I have a ton of basil, but I also keep jarred pesto stocked in the pantry at all times

5. My Favorite Go-To Summer Dinner Party Menu.

Dinner parties are back on this summer, here is my simple go-to menu that I know I can always fall back on.

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

drink of choice: Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

Whipped Ricotta Toast with Marinated Tomatoes and Lemon Thyme Honey | halfbakedharvest.com

for snacking: Whipped Ricotta Toast with Marinated Tomatoes and Lemon Thyme Honey

Souper Creamy Lemon Butter Cheesy Zucchini Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com #orzo #easyrecipes #zucchini

on the side: Creamy Lemon Butter Cheesy Zucchini Orzo

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com #chicken #corn #summer #easy #dinner

for dinner: Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

Nonnie's 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake | halfbakedharvest.com #icecream #easyrecipes #chocolate #peanutbutter #summer

can’t forget about dessert: Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

6. Inspiring me on Pinterest…the Summer Edit.

question: when it comes to Pinterest, what are your favorite things to pin? Is it a home renovation project? Recipes? Inspiring quotes? Fashion inspiration? I think my favorite thing to pin is home decor or and renovation projects. I have so many updates I’d love to make around here and I’ve always had a love for interior design.

*all photos sourced via Pinterest.

7. Favorite Links I’m loving…

Step Inside Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis’s Sustainable L.A. Farmhouse…this house is truly my dream home. I love it.

A 1930s Whipping Cream Cake Is the Internet’s Latest Favorite Recipe…love a vintage recipe, adding this to my “must make” list.

I’m a Sucker for Nordstrom Sales—These Are the Under-$100 Items I’m Into…so many incredible and affordable finds right now.

15 Costco Steals for Picnics, BBQs & Beach Days…bring on summer nights and low-key entertaining.

Thinking About a Career Change? Here Are 10 Questions to Ask Yourself First

The Best Balcony Garden Ideas From a Photographer’s Tiny San Francisco Space

Every Single Thing I’m Buying to Achieve My Summer Beauty Aspirations

7 Epic Beauty Sales Worth Stalking This Weekend (and What to Buy From Each)

In This Teeny-Tiny Hamptons Beach House, the Dining Room Could Only Fit Outside

Emma Roberts Violet Grey Shopping Bag…

No Joke, the Most In-Demand Products Among Beauty People Are Cheaper RN

The 20 Best 90s Movies Every Millennial Should Stream This Summer

14 Realistic Fitness Goals To Set This Year…and exactly how to accomplish them.

8. Nordstrom Half Yearly Favorite Sale Finds…


bonus: memorial day weekend fashion sales to shop.

Shopbop: up to 50% off.

Revolve: up to 50% off.

Nordstrom: up to 50% off site-wide with product exclusions.

& Other Stories: up to 50% off select items within their MDW treats edit.

J.Crew: 25% off full-price + 50% off sale.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats…

Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard

Spicy Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Spicy Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa

Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine | halfbakedharvest.com #pasta #shrimp #easyrecipes #summerrecipes

Thursday: Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Garden Greens Goddess Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Garden Greens Goddess Pizza

Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita

Cookies n' Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Cookies n’ Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Comments

  1. Love your content!!!
    Summer desserts:
    Apple pie ala mode
    Ice cream sammys
    Peach pie
    Banana split pie
    S’mores
    My Nanas fav: any berry cobbler

    1. Hey Amber,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing your fave desserts! These all sound so good! xTieghan

  2. Another good read, Grocery by Michael Ruhlman. The book is about Henien’s in Cleveland. It covers so many aspects of the business. I read it in 2 days!

  3. Mmm…dessert.
    1. Jello
    2. Anything with lemon
    3. Key Lime pie
    4. Ice cream (in a cone, bought from an ice cream store)
    5. Parfaits

    I know you live separately from your family, but on the same property. Do you make dinner for everyone?

    1. Hey Sara,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing your fave desserts, these all sound so good! I don’t specially make dinner for them, they usually just eat whatever I made that day for the blog or IG! xTieghan

  4. Hi Tieghan,

    Thanks for the perfect weekend ritual you give us with these posts!!

    Top 5 Summer Desserts:
    1. Ice Cream! Seeing some more ice cream recipes that don’t take an ice cream maker would be incredible!
    2. Fruit Pies. Your blueberry one with chamomile whipped cream is one of the best I’ve ever had! I’d love something tropical, like if you could figure out how to do a pineapple or mango pie…
    3. Coconut-Macadamia Nut Cookies (I have a wonderful recipe for them)
    4. Olive-Oil Cake with some form of in-season summer fruit
    5. Coconut Cream Pie (I have a favorite recipe for this, too)

    Happy Memorial Day!!

    1. Hey Judy,
      Thanks so much for reading today and your message! Love these summer desserts, thanks so much for sharing! Have a great week:) xTieghan

  5. Top 5 Summer Desserts!
    -peach ice cream
    -strawberry short cakes
    -blackberry crisp/cobbler (with a more streusel topping)
    -peach cobbler and ice cream (with a more biscuit topping)
    -any type of fruit sorbet

    Love your blog!

    1. Hey Steph,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing your fave summer desserts! Have the best week:) xTieghan

  6. Maybe someone else said before me, but it’s our country’s Memorial Day. I used to think of Memorial Day as a 3-day weekend. Among other things, the Tulsa Massacre that occurred 100 years ago this weekend has made me think more about why we commemorate (not celebrateI) Memorial Day.

    1. Hey Brenda,
      Thanks so much for your comment, maybe you missed me noting this in the post, but I do mention the true meaning and reason of Memorial Day. Have a great week! xTieghan

  7. Favorite Summer Dessert: Is it weird that I just love simple Jell-o in the summer? Also 8 oz strawberry cream cheese mixed with 14 oz. marshmallow fluff and an assortment of fruit! Best fruit dip ever! It is so simple but so refreshing and delicious! And it is so quick and easy to throw together. My boys ask for it all summer long! It really is the best!

    I also want to thank you again for your 9 favorite things being an easy escape all year long! I just finished one of the hardest teaching years of my career with all the Covid restrictions and the uncertainty of everything going on. We made it, and I have the typical feelings of relief of this school year being over, mixed with grief of losing my 20 little 3rd graders who accomplished so much against incredible odds who will be moving on to 4th grade. But looking back, I just wanted you to know that your beautiful photography and incredible recipes we a constant ray of light during a difficult time. For lots of us. Thank you for being there and providing a beautiful place in a dark world. Summer is here!

    1. Hey Rachel,
      Thanks so much for reading today and your thoughtful message. Lol not weird at all, I never make Jell-o but it does sound so refreshing! I am so glad you have been enjoying the 9 favorite things posts. I so appreciate your kind message. Have the best week! xTieghan

  8. Great pictures, love your family members finds, not to mention the peonies. ?

    I tend to make fruity summer desserts, pavlova, trifle, ice cream, cheesecake anything with strawberries and raspberries. Cake with berries and cream… Also glasses desserts, you know, cream, chocolate, fruit, cheesecake mix Etc in pretty layers in the glasses.

    1. Hey Kelly-Jane,
      Thanks so much for reading today and your kind message! Love all of these dessert ideas, yum my mouth is watering just thinking about them! Have a great week:) xTieghan

  9. Top 5 Summer Desserts:
    Blueberry Pie
    HBH Lemon Tart
    Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
    Peach Cobbler
    Coconut Cake.. not really summer but we always make it in the summer haha.

  10. Hey Tieghan!
    I’m so excited for your home projects getting done step by step and glad the weather is getting a little warmer. I’m looking forward to summer entertaining too and my top 5 desserts would be: pound cake (simple but so good), ice cream cake (working on making a vegan version), cupcakes!, trifles, and strawberry cobbler! Your interior design ideas are amazing. Wish I could visit them all. What summer plants do you have planned for the greenhouse?
    Thanks for sharing this weeks Nine favorites and I’m looking forward to next weeks post. 🙂
    Best,
    Kristin

    1. Hey Kristin,
      Thanks so much for reading today and your thoughtful message! Yum, love these desserts! So far for summer planting, LOTS of herbs and of course lavender. I will definitely share more once this project in underway. Have the best week! xTieghan

  11. The St. Tropez self tanner products are great!! I definitely recommend their line! I also love using the Vita Liberata brand. It’s the best self tanner for an even fade and if you apply it correctly and consistently, you are tan for a few weeks!

    P.S. the pineapple shrimp tacos were amazing!! Just as good as any restaurant shrimp tacos that I’ve ever eaten!

    1. Hey there,
      Thanks so much for reading today and sharing your feedback on the St. Tropez self tanner! Thanks for giving the pineapple shrimp tacos a try:) Have a great weekend! xTieghan

  12. Our Memorial Day weekend is being spent getting my dream kitchen almost finished! Counter tops are in and flooring is being laid by my awesome hubby and brother in law! I’m cleaning and organizing. As far as the toilet question goes if it’s in your budget I 100% recommend getting one with a bidet! My husband brought one home off of a job in Aspen and wow! I never thought that was a necessity but after having one I say pay for the fancy stuff:)

    1. Hey Elissa,
      How exciting! Nothing better than a new kitchen. Lol good to know about the bidet. Have a wonderful weekend! xTieghan