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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things.

We’re just one week out from Asher’s 13th birthday (it’s the 30th). And while I’m not big on celebrating my own birthday, I am so bummed I won’t be with her to celebrate hers, as I will be in LA for work. The last I heard, my family is planning to surprise her with a trip to Lake Tahoe. Which she will LOVE, Asher loves any kind of trip with the family. She’s such a little traveler.

I’ve already gotten her a couple small things that she’s been wanting. But nothing that I’m super excited about yet. She’s dreaming of a designer purse, which is not something my mom would ever buy. Seems my grandma’s love for designer items skipped a generation, but Asher and I are all in.

I might just splurge on something small that she’ll have for a lifetime. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I LOVE getting the people I love a gift that will make them smile. Something they might not buy for themselves but would make them so happy. It’s so much fun!

Fun fact? I hate receiving gifts, but love to give gifts. Especially a gift that I know someone is going to love. It’s why I am the sole person in charge of our mom’s Christmas gifts. Actually, now that I think about it, people always ask me what special talents I have. I think mine could be gift-giving.

question: do you like to receive gifts or give them…or both?

Anyway, we’ve entered into late August. And since I’m leaving for almost a week-long trip to LA on Thursday, I’m feeling the “Sunday Scaries”. Always so much to do and plan for before heading out of town. I am excited for my trip to LA though!

Speaking of travel, the family headed to Aspen last weekend for a quick 2-day trip before all the craziness of fall kicks in. I feel like so many people have either done or are doing the same right now? Soakin’ up every last little bit of summer.

They all stayed at the Limelight in Snowmass and had nothing but amazing things to say. Most of the time was spent outside. Floating the river, hiking, lounging by the pool, or just enjoying the Aspen sunshine and beautiful surroundings. I’m sharing a few photos below, Aspen really is so pretty! And if you’re looking for a good family spot around Aspen, the Limelight is so nice any time of year. We’ve stayed there a few times now and really love the hotel. Plus, they also allow pets, which is a huge bonus for us…Merle never gets left behind.

That’s pretty much it around here. We had our first snow dusting on the mountains Thursday night. So while Friday was mostly sunny, it really felt like fall with the chilly temperature. I’m always excited for fall, but I could use a few more weeks of warm sunny summer days. We didn’t get enough this year, but really…do you ever?

Coming up this week, I’m working hard to use up all the in-season tomatoes, zucchini, and corn. So this week’s recipes really reflect that. We’ve got a crazy delicious grilled cheese, a healthier take on pizza, vegan cookies (oh these are so good guys), and something sweet with zucchini as the star (also sooo good).

The only thing missing this week is peaches. But don’t worry, I highlighted some favorite peach recipes below!

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

watching…Man in The High Castle on Amazon Prime. My brother and sister-in-law just recommended this to me. It’s not a show I’d typically gravitate towards, but it sounds incredibly interesting. Is anyone watching it?

loving…Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara. Ilia is my favorite mascara, but they just sent me their new volumizing mascara and I am even more obsessed. It’s so good and as always, made with all clean ingredients.

listening to…How To Make It Easier To Do What Matters Most with Greg McKeown on The Skinny Confidential. I had to listen to this twice to really retain all the information. So many valuable takeaways.

obsessed with…the new Who What Wear Collection. Both this midi dress and cardigan are already in my cart. Classics like the sweater will not go out of style.

dreaming of going…to Ireland. I’d love to stay at Cliff at Lyons a hotel in County Kildare which looks absolutely beautiful and fairytale-like. Also, Adare Manor in County Limerick sounds magical too.

reading…Owl Babies and Dig, Dump, Roll to Oslo. Found on a site called Book Share Time. The site was suggested in the comments (sorry, I forget by who). It’s a site that helps find the perfect book for the goals you want to target.

loving…the new Vintner’s Daughter travel set. As someone who 98% of the time only brings a carry-on, I really appreciate the travel set! Such an amazing addition to anyone’s skincare routine.

loving…the pretty Olive & June nail polishes in Geometry and WKF. I saw this photo and I love the pretty green shade for fall. What fall shades do you love?

obsessed with…the Stuart Weitzman Presley Boot. I’ve been looking for black boots for the longest time. I finally found the perfect pair. And they really are perfect. The chunkiness, the height, and the black leather. SO CUTE. Also, love them in the Oat too. The Norah Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots are Asher’s favorite (someday!)

drinking…Winc Wine. I love Winc. They deliver wine right to your door. Most of their wines are low sugar and unique to Winc, so you can’t get them elsewhere. You can use my special link to get 4 bottles of wine for under 30$. Currently loving Sister Snake Cabernet Sauvignon.

wanting…a Trone Pair Toilet. I know, this is so random, but I love the idea of a toilet that you don’t have to touch and shuts all on its own. It’s eco-friendly and easy to clean, I’m all about this.

2. My 6 favorite peach recipes…at the moment.

Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy | halfbakedharvest.com

Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy

Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie | halfbakedharvest.com #pie #peach #summer #dessert #easy

Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie

Rosemary Peach Chicken in a White Wine Pan Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Rosemary Peach Chicken in a White Wine Pan Sauce

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Toast Brioche Crumbs | halfbakedharvest.com #summerrecipes #peaches #icecream #easyrecipes

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon “Toast” Brioche Crumbs

Buttery Raspberry Crumble Bars | halfbakedharvest.com #raspberry #summer #easy #breakfast #dessert

Buttery Raspberry Crumble Bars

Skillet Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler | halfbakedharvest.com #peach #summer #easyrecipes #cobbler

Skillet Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler

Also, my Peach Burrata Crostini with Burst Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette5 ingredient Raspberry Peach SherbetTomato, Peach, and Burrata SaladPesto Peach Chicken in White Wine with Burrata, and Cinnamon Maple Brown Butter Blackberry Peach Crisp.

3. Favorite Home finds from the Anthropologie fall drop …

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: How do you deal with professional jealousy?
a: I really, really try to stay focused on what I’m doing and not what others are doing. I can get jealous. So I’ve found it’s easier for me to not follow a lot of people in my space on social. Instead, I focus more on what I’m doing and creating. You have to put your energy into what really matters and do the work…then you’ll be the one ahead 🙂

q: You seem like a very calm person. What happens when you get really angry? 
a: haha. I am the farthest thing from calm, and my family will be the first to tell you that. I’m a real stressor. I’m not the greatest to be around when I’m stressed or angry ??‍♀️ Nothing happens, I just vent to my mom.

q: It’s amazing how much you create. How do you stay inspired? 
a: lately traveling has been so inspiring for both food and other things we’re working on! I love seeing new places, reading menus, and learning what other people love. I’m dying to go to Europe soon. I’ve never been!

q: Where did you stay in Alaska? 
a: we were on a boat! Such an incredible way to see Alaska.

q: What is your HAPPY PLACE?
a: when I’m hiking and when I’m home. Both make me so happy.

q: When will the fall recipes start? I can’t wait!
a: I’m definitely waiting till September! I’ve got to hang onto summer a little longer!

q: Tips for interior design on a budget?
a: shop high and low, mix-n-match a more expensive piece with more affordable pieces. Invest in the pieces that you’ll have for a long time, like a couch or dining table. But save on the trendier items. And search vintage stores for unique finds. I love Zara Home, H&M Home, Crate and Barrel, and Anthropologie for more affordable pieces! Oh, and I’m also searching Etsy too!

q: Favorite candles?
a: so many! if you’re going to splurge a bit look at Cire Trudon, Diptyque, and Byredo. And more affordable, Boy Smells, The Little Market, and Maison Louis Marie.

q: Favorite family tradition?
a: Holidays at home and our vacations together! Even if that just means Christmas break at home. Love being with these guys!

q: Team Jess, Dean, or Logan? I am dying to know!!
a: I’m here for Jess, but Dean is my close second.

q: Could you make some HBH product?
a: we’re actually working on product…but not aprons!! What would you guys love to see most?? What are you dying for me to create?

q: Most valuable thing your parents taught you?
a: strong work ethic and kindness for others. Sounds simple but it’s the key to a happy life, especially kindness.

q: Best time to visit Colorado?
a: early September for sure! Perfect weather.

a: If you could have one super sense, what would it be? 
q: hmm, I’m not really sure. I guess if I had a super sense, I’d want to be able to have super hearing and be able to hear from far away. If I had a superpower, it would be to heal others from things like cancer, injuries, anything deadly.

q: Most used emojis?
a: ????‍♀️????

5. Reader Recommended Podcasts & Candles.

Last week I had asked for new podcast and fall candle recommendations and you guys totally came through! So many comments were left on last week’s post with such great suggestions. I thought I would gather them all up in one place for us all to reference.

candles

Otherland Cardamom milk (sells out fast so order quick), Capri Blue Spiced Cider, Nest Pumpkin Chai, Nest Autumn CandleNest Bamboo, PF Candle Co Amber Moss, Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Nest Bamboo.

podcasts

Plucking Up with Liz Bohannon – She interviews a ton of different people who are successful in a wide variety of areas about ways that they got over their mistakes to build meaningful brands and lives. Suggested by Brynna.

Smartless – a fun and interesting podcast with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes with a different guest each show. Suggested by my brother Red, and follower, Susan, too!

Black Box Down – each episode is about a plane crash and what the industry has learned from each one.

The Unsolved Mysteries Podcast – the title pretty much sums this one up.

Let it Out with Katie Dalebout – she has a variety of guests, sometimes this is deep and sometimes it’s light-hearted.

6. Family Photos, Inspiring Me + Birthday Ideas…

Weekend in Aspen…

(Asher – downtown Aspen)
(Hiking in Snowmass)

(Red and Oslo resting in the room)

(Red and Oslo – the community living room at the Limelight)

(Hailey and Oslo)

(Oslo munchin’ on some breakfast)

(Dad, Asher, Oslo, and Creighton after breakfast)

(yoga in the courtyard of the Limelight)

(The pool and courtyard at the Limelight)

(the cutest little guy, lounging by the pool)

(lobby of the Limelight)

(the beautiful flowers around the grounds of the Limelight)

Bren and Lynd’s trip through Oregon and Washington… 

Inspiring me…

(from Pinterest)

Birthday ideas?

My mom is looking for some fun birthday ideas for Asher’s 13th. Anything fun and creative for a girl who’s got everything?

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

7 Homes With Alfresco Kitchens to Fulfill Your Outdoor Entertaining Dreams…beautiful.

I Used to Be an Event Planner: Here’s How I Plan a Dinner Party Menu…incredible tips and hosting advice.

7 Stunning Hotels in Ireland to Visit…so stunning, would love to visit any of these.

Jeremiah Brent’s Expert Advice on Designing a Deck…tips from the best.

How to Wash a Comforter…always good to know.

3 Foods That Could Be Causing Your Bout of Brain Fogand what RDs recommend eating instead.

Surf-Inspired Hotels Across the Globe That Are Chic and Sporty Alike…if you haven’t been, you have to check out the Surfrider Malibu.

Here Are 21 Dessert Recipes to Get You Excited for Fall…not ready for it, but still excited for fall baking.

These Are the 10 Best Matcha Powders, According to Matcha Devotees…going to try this one.

9 Screenshot-Worthy Nail Vibes That Will Reign Supreme This Fall…I am not into nails at all, but some pretty colors for fall.

8. Fashion Find under $200 from Shopbop.

 

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats…

Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos with Creamy Jalapeño Verde | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos with Creamy Jalapeño Verde

25 Minute Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: 25 Minute Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy Pesto Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Spicy Pesto Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers

Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake

Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla with Chipotle Sesame Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com #quesadilla #easyrecipes #broccoli #mexican

Friday: Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla with Chipotle Sauce

Peach Burrata Crostini with Burst Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Peach Burrata Crostini with Burst Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette

Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake

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Comments

  1. Greetings from the UK and thank you for the lovely read…. Give Asher what money can’t buy… just your your time and love – Stay Safe…

  2. So much goodness in this post! I LOVE Ireland! I’ve been there twice & would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks to Ancestry & 23 &me, I found out I’m Irish so I love it even more. 🙂 I love my bday & I really do wish everyone did! It’s your special day. I love to give gifts & I love to receive a gift too because it’s a good flow of energy. I’ve splurged on gifts for people, it’s really ok. 🙂 I love Ilia mascara too & their other products as well. Very easy to shop their site. Safe travels to you! BTW have you heard of Catherine Fulvio? She has a cooking school in Ireland. I think you might like her! xo

    1. Hey Alane,
      Thanks so much for reading along, I am so glad you enjoyed the post. I amazing to have been able to travel to Ireland twice! I think it is so awesome that you love and embrace your birthday:) I will definitely have to read up on Catherine and her cooking school, sounds great! xTieghan

      1. Hey Tieghan!

        Currently drooling over everything in this post! When you decide to make your Ireland dreams come true, I’m happy to give you some recommendations! I lived there for six years and went to cooking school at Ballymaloe (you would love it!) Enjoy LA this week!

    1. Hey Gloria,
      I’m not familiar with those, but I will definitely send the recommendation over to my mom! Thank you! xTieghan

  3. I relate SO much to your take on gift giving, it’s definitely a super power ?. I really love getting gifts from my loved ones too, but it has very little to do with the “thing” and more the fact that they really thought of me.. I love it when I can tell how much thought they put into it, but I could care less what it is.
    Any who love your posts!

    1. Hey Steph,
      Thanks so much for reading today, totally can relate to how you feel with gift giving/receiving. I love a good homemade gift from Asher:) xTieghan

  4. The Man In The High Castle is crazy good and at times made me look at life right now and wonder where we are headed.
    I’m going to Ireland next February for the first time. It will be cold and rainy but that’s okay! Going to check out your recommendations.

    1. Hey Suzy,
      Thanks so much for your feedback on The Man In The High Castle:) I hope you have a fantastic time in Ireland, I bet it will be amazing. xTieghan

  5. Love your Sunday posts ! I think my special talent is gift giving too. I love to find and give something special to those I love. Would definitely rather give a gift than get a gift ! You mentioned that your family may take a trip to Tahoe for Asher’s birthday. I wanted to let you know that smoke from the Caldor fire has been going into the Lake Tahoe region and the air quality has been really bad there on a lot of days recently. They are having a hard time containing the fire so it looks like it may not be put out any time soon. It’s been another really bad year with fires here in California ?

    1. Hey Mary,
      Thanks so much for reading each Sunday! I think a lot of us definitely prefer the act of gift giving rather than receiving:) Thanks so much for the heads up on the smoke at Lake Tahoe, such a bummer! I hope you have a great week:) xTieghan

  6. I love to plan and give gifts too.

    It’s always a bit uncomfortable getting gifts, as I’m not keen on being the centre of attention, but, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised others like giving too, and it’d be horrible of me to take that joy away from them. So I’m trying hard at becoming more comfortable with receiving, even if my real joy is giving! Xx

    1. Hey Kelly-Jane,
      Thanks for reading as always. I totally understand how you feel when receiving gifts, same for me:) I hope you have the best week! xTieghan

  7. Hey Tiegen – I’m with you. Giving is so joyful, getting is embarrassing. Loved MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE! Safe travels and enjoy your LA trip.
    Always enjoy your Sunday morning read!

    1. Hey Linda,
      Yes!! This is exactly how I feel as well:) Thanks for reading, I hope you have a great week! xTieghan

  8. I’m with you- I love giving gifts and the process of finding the perfect one, but I’m not that into receiving them. I always wish I had an unlimited budget so I could really go big for others’ gifts! Thanks for the candle roundup- I just bought the cardamom milk one because it’s my favorite for fall/winter and sells out so quickly! I have my eye on those Nest ones as well. As for products for you to create, I’d love for you to make some candles and tea towels- perfect for gifting and adding some coziness to the kitchen.

    1. Hey Hilary,
      Thanks so much for reading! I am so glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t like receiving gifts. Lol an unlimited budget would be nice wouldn’t it?! Happy to share the candle round up, nothing better than a good candle! Thanks for your product suggestions as well:) xTieghan

  9. I saw Ashford Castle on the list of 7 stunning hotels in Ireland. We haven’t been inside, but we did get to go there for a falconry experience on a Rick Steves Tour of Ireland. It was incredible to have a Harris Hawk land on and take off from our arms, and to learn about all of the kinds of birds they keep. I highly recommend Ireland. It is gorgeous, and the food is the best I’ve had so far in Europe. Our son went to school in Denver, and just started his first job there, so I guess we are going to continue to visit CO! We haven’t been to Aspen, but it looks as if we should check it out. I get super stressed about gift buying. If you have any tips to share, besides paying attention to the person and what they like, I’d love to hear them! Thank you for another week of interesting things to see, gorgeous CO scenery, and delicious food. Happy birthday to Asher, and safe travels to you!

    1. Hey Kristin,
      Thanks so much for reading today and sharing your experience with the Ashford Castle. Sounds like a fun tour you did in Ireland. How exciting for your son, congrats on his newest adventure. For gift buying, I try to think of things that the person would never buy for him/herself! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan

  10. For Asher….my daughter just turned 12 and she is obsessed with bath bombs from LUSH. She also loves crafts from Paper Source and anything Alo or Lululemon!

    1. Hey Sandy,
      Thanks so much for reading today and sharing these gift ideas for Asher! She does love her crafting, so Paper Source is a great suggestion:) Have a great week! xTieghan

  11. I would love for you to create some beautiful flatware….. I can never find any I like, but I usually love what you use in your photos!

    1. Thank you so much for your suggestion Amy! I do find a lot of my pieces at vintage stores, they are definitely more unique than what you would find elsewhere! Have a wonderful week:) xTIeghan

  12. Tieghan! Oh..yes..you need to most definitely get yourself to Europe one day! Nothing like it and there is so much history and scenery in every country. I could live there with no problem at all. But, someday (when this crazy pandemic is over), another place in the world you should really see is Asia. China especially. Now that is “ancient” history. So much to see and do. I have walked the Great Wall and have been to ancient cities, and even walked the Dragon’s Backbone ( you can look that up to see what it is..lol). But, not just China..Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, India, Malaysia, etc. All so pretty and different. New Zealand and Australia are gorgeous too! Anyways..I still can’t get over how fast Asher has grown and changed her looks (just this summer!) and I think Red needs a baby..haha! He looks so relaxed and so natural when he’s with Oslo. He would be a good daddy! Oh..and yes..I am like you..I much prefer to give gifts than to receive them. People normally don’t know what I like, so I’d rather they’d just save their money and buy themselves something nice. Maybe for Ashers birthday, just give her a girls day out with you. A nice lunch somewhere and maybe a little shopping spree or something like that.

    1. Hey Colleen,
      Thank you so much for reading today and your thoughtful message. Europe sounds pretty amazing, thank you so much for your recommendations in Asia as well, sounds like you are quite the traveler! Lol yes Asher has grown up way too fast! Glad I am not alone in the gift giving department:) Love the idea of a girls day out with Asher, she would actually love this! Have the best week:) xTieghan