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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things.

As you can see, we finally had our first big snow of the season this week. It started on Sunday and pretty much continued throughout the week. Not any serious accumulation really, but man it was cold. Twenty degrees on Friday morning and I was freezing my butt off. Fortunately, we’ve warmed up and yesterday was gorgeous.

Most might say it’s too early for this kind of weather, and I totally agree, but it sure is cozy. And it’s getting me crazy excited for the holiday season that’s right around the corner. I’ve been lighting autumn candles every night and it’s just perfect. I’m leaving for LA this week, and honestly, it going to be hard.

Speaking of which…yes, I’m headed to LA this week! Very excited for this trip. We’re filming something fun. It’s not like anything I’ve ever done before, so you better believe I’m nervous. It’s a nervous excitement though, so I really can’t wait!! As always, there’s so much prep before any kind of trip, but especially this one. Logistics of travel are stressful, but I’m in a good place now and can’t wait!

My family is also traveling to California this week. They’re headed first to Carlsbad for the weekend, then all the way up to Tahoe to spend the week. Asher is on fall break. So they figured they’d head to Tahoe before it gets too cold there and enjoy some more fall weather. Though Asher wishes she was heading to LA with me. Someday I’ll get to bring her. I’ll have to surprise her with a fun agenda.

Let’s see what else. That kind of sums things up around here up in a nutshell. Oh, wait!! I’m missing two BIG events. First, my cousin Maggie and her husband Tom welcomed their first little guy into the world, Walker Conrad Galla. He’s a healthy little peanut at 7 pounds 4 ounces and arrived at 9:21 am on October 10th! So happy for this now family of three. I can’t wait to meet Walker in December!

And then! Little man Oslo celebrated his first birthday on the 11th! How is he already a year old? We didn’t do too much since he had a little party back in Cleveland, but he got some ice cream and seemed like the happiest little kid. He’s getting SO BIG.

Last thing, thank you all for your messages on last week’s favorites post. I loved hearing all of your suggestions. I’m definitely taking notes on everything suggested. Thank you!

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

loving…the Tata Harper restorative eye cream. I mentioned this a few weeks ago and have been using it morning and night. The tired-looking fine lines under my eyes have basically disappeared. LOVE this eye cream.

loving…Zara sweaters. This hoodie knit would be a great everyday staple, and this wool turtleneck is so cozy for fall/winter.

listening to…Jessica Alba on Life with Mariana. Really great conversation on creating your own business.

ordered…The Beis 29″ Large Check-In Roller. I try to never check a bag, but I have to for my upcoming trip. I love my Beis carry-on, so this was an obvious choice.

burning…link these Golden Light Taper candlesticks. So pretty. I love the detail.

loving…the 111 SKIN masking planner. Great if you love a weekly sheet mask.

ordered…a big Aritzia haul. Especially love these vegan leather pants, knit sweater, and cozy fleece hoodie.

thinking of ordering…these casual Levis. They’d be cute with any fall boot.

following…Frances Loom for home decor.

loving…Arrae supplements. These are really great if you struggle with bloating or anxiety.

drinking…the goblet of fire cocktail. This one was so much fun to photograph.

thinking about ordering….Trade Coffee. We love coffee, but never switch up our beans. Trade seems like it would be a great way to try out new beans. Has anyone used them before?

loving…Milbon shampoo and condition. Love the look and feel of my hair after using these.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

2. Nine soup recipes for October.

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Brie and Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

30 Minute Thai Chicken Meatball Khao Soi | halfbakedharvest.com #thai #coconut #healthy

Weeknight Thai Chicken Meatball Khao Soi

Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips | halfbakedharvest.com

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

20 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen | halfbakedharvest.com #soup #instantpot #ramen #fallrecipes

30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana | halfbakedharvest.com #instantpot #soup #slowcooker #winter

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms | halfbakedharvest.com #slowcooker #crockpot #instantpot #soup #wildrice

Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms

Crockpot Beef Chili

3. New moody finds for the fall tablescape.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: where do you get your recipe inspiration from?
a: I get inspiration from everywhere, it’s not just one place. I find a lot of inspo through things like fashion, design, and colors. I know that sounds odd but I always see a recipe first in my head, then I put it on paper. So I work backward from knowing how I want a recipe to look, to then writing the ingredients down. It’s a process I could never explain really, but it makes sense in my head. And then, of course, my family and travel! My fam is always sending me ideas and I love to travel for inspo too.

q: when it snows, do you still go hiking? or snowshoeing?
a: I usually just hike. I hate putting on snowshoes, but it would probably be better if I did. They beat down the path quicker than just hiking in boots.

q: what’s your favorite Halloween candy?
a: Malley’s Chocolate bars or Reese’s peanut butter cup.

q: favorite Halloween movie?
a: of course, I love Hocus Pocus (soo excited they’re making a new one). And all the Halloweentown movies. And I know Harry Potter is not Halloween, but it’s always fun to watch this time of year.

q: how did you learn how to style your food so well for pictures?
a: I developed my style over time. It wasn’t an overnight thing that I just knew how to do. I used to style clothes, so I think I took all that energy and put it into styling food. I love to make things look pretty, but it definitely took time! Go look at the early photos on HBH…they’re bad. See my first-ever blog post here.

q: I’m moving out for the first time and need some recommendations on how to make my new place my own?
a: you definitely need the kitchen essentials…a cast iron skillet, cutting board, knives, coffee maker, etc. And then I’d add a few things you love, like a favorite mug or wine glass. The same goes for the rest of your space, make it cozy with throws and photos you love. Add some fun pieces and have fun creating a space that’s yours. Try some new things to figure out what you like/don’t like. And since its fall add candles and pumpkins ?

q: do you have a hot apple cider recipe?
a: I do! You can grab it here.

q: where did you get the gold flatware you’ve been using?
a: Zara home.

q: going to Colorado in a few days! Best spots to see fall colors?
a: honestly, anywhere up in the mountains is going to be stunning. Aspen especially, Summit County too, but Aspen is extra special. And I haven’t been there, but Telluride and Crested Butte will be the same!

q: how often do you get trolled/unhelpful or mean comments? And how do you not let it get to you?
a: every day. But at this point, it’s easier to ignore than it was at first. There are some days when it just gets to you though and will put me in a funk the rest of the day. It’s not always easy. But I try to not give it any energy and just use it more as fuel to keep pushing on. I always say, if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. Haters hate on people who are doing cool things/things they wish they could do.

q: go-to meal after a long flight when you’re hungry, but also want to sleep?
a: over-easy eggs with a side of buttered bread (like a rustic style sourdough or something) and avocado. It’s a great late-night go-to, it’s always good. I love a runny yolk with toast for dipping. Plus, I usually always have eggs in the fridge and bread in the freezer. So it’s great after traveling when you have zero groceries.

5. Do you overthink everything?

(found on Pinterest)

I’ve been an over-thinker my whole life. It’s never been easy for me to make a decision whether big or small. I overthink everything, travel, work, new recipes to create, what I said, what I wear, and things that are way out of my control. And this week was bad. I’m not sure what happened, but mentally this week killed me. I started to overthink every move I was making. This was especially apparent when working on new recipes this week. Normally, I have ideas in mind and I pick a couple to work on each day without too much thought.

But this week, every idea I had just wasn’t good enough and I spent so much time going back and forth, back and forth. When what I should have done was just stop thinking and start creating. I ended up having what felt like the most unproductive week I’ve had in a while.

I listened to a podcast that reminded me that so many of us waste time just thinking and never doing. Or thinking about things that are out of our control. It’s the overthinking that stops us from getting what we want, and we end up just getting in our own way.

When I heard that, I entered into the next day with the mindset of “stop thinking and just do”. So instead of going back and forth on what recipes to test, I just ran with the first ideas I had and didn’t think twice about whether they’d be good for cozy weather, easy enough, or popular enough. And finally, I had two solid days of work after a wash of a week.

Long story short, I was reminded this week just how much I can let stress and anxiety overcome my thoughts. Changing my mindset to just stop thinking and do, was so helpful. So, I guess this is your simple reminder that overthinking things just sets you back and you gotta just do it!

question: how do you all deal with overthinking? If you have any tips, please let me know!

6. Inspiring me this week…fall flower arrangements.

(perfect moody fall vibes, via Pinterest)

(the mix of dahlias is so pretty, via Pinterest)

(would be pretty for a fall wedding, via Pinterest)

(darker for fall, via Pinterest)

(love these warm colors, via Pinterest)

(this is the perfect color scheme, via Instagram) 

7. Favorite links I’m loving…

27 Host and Hostess Gifts to Get the Party Started…the holidays are fast approaching.

13 Camel Coats We Want to Splurge On vs. 17 More Affordable Options…this wool Zara coat is perfection.

7 Target Shopping Hacks…who doesn’t love a good Target Hack?

Skip the Salon…here’s how you do a mani-pedi at home.

Step Inside a Mesmerizing Hancock Park, L.A., Home…love the wood beams throughout.

How to Get Over the Fear of Not Being Good Enough…taking notes.

Kosas Makeup is 20% Off…also loved the how-to makeup tutorial.

These Vegetarian Dinners Will Nourish Your Body…yum, these all sound great.

Inside Martha Hunt’s Cozy Manhattan Home…so cute.

These Are the Only Knife Sets Worth Buying…these Japanese knives are so pretty.

35 of the Best Gifts for Travelers…holiday travel is fast approaching.  Love the Beis weekender bag. My mom just purchased the plaid.

7 of the Best Safari Experiences in Africa, According to a Travel Expert…if you happen to be planning a trip, these look incredible.

8. New style finds for fall.

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats…

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions | halffbakedharvest.com

Monday: Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili

Easy Ginger Chicken and Spinach Ramen | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Easy Ginger Chicken and Spinach Ramen

Thursday: Sweet Potato Lentil Curry with Crispy Sesame Chickpeas

Brown Butter Pumpkin Tortellini Alla Vodka | halfbakedharrvest.com

Friday: Brown Butter Pumpkin Tortellini Alla Vodka

The Grave Digger | halfbakedharvvest.com

Saturday: The Grave Digger

Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing

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Comments

  1. Hey Tieghan, Your nine favorite things are so awesome to look through and I always get lots of ideas!!

    Could you please tell us about you clothes style?

    Thank-you.

  2. Made these tonight and they turned out perfect! I didn’t have instant coffee so I brewed some strong coffee and used a bit of that in the glaze. The coffee flavor pairs amazingly with the cinnamon knots. Your recipes never disappoint, they are always so delicious!

    1. This was meant for the new cinnamon knot recipe ? so sorry, I must have accidentally clicked here and commented

  3. Hey Tieghan, I just wanted to say how cool it is that you leave your early (“bad”) posts up on the site and even reference them when talking about how your style has developed. It’s really genuine and honest, and also shows how far you’ve come in growing your talent and skill! I really appreciate it and I’m sure a lot of your readers do too, especially if they’re thinking of starting their own creative project one day but feel like they have to get it perfect from day one (I know I feel that way sometimes). So, thank you!

  4. i like so many others look forward to this on a sunday morning sipping a cold brew coffee on the porch. thanks for pushing through and sharing

  5. Your blog is a favourite part of my Sunday routine. I am sorry that you have to deal with online haters – the anonymity of the internet woos unhappy people to say and do things online that they would NEVER have the guts to say or do in person. Focus on those of us who are appreciative of your talents. I hope I don’t offend when I say that I am blown away by how accomplished you are for one so young. Keep up your exceptional work!

  6. I’m so thankful to my local bookstore owner for introducing me to one of your cookbooks this summer. From there I found your website, have been enjoying your recipes, and look forward to your weekly blog! I love that your recipes have so much flavour, and have ingredients that are available in my sleepy West Coast town. I teach high school students how to cook and bake and we’ve enjoyed a handful of your recipes already this year. Some of our favourites are the 30 min Thai ramen (love the peanut butter addition!), pumpkin gnocchi and a one layer chocolate cake. You make my job easier by not having to test recipes beforehand and I’m so grateful for that. ??
    I’m a chronic over thinker and get overwhelmed with a million things going on in my head. Some things that help me cope are journaling (writing it all down helps me work through my thoughts) and taking a ten minute “breathing break” (I’d call it meditation but I’m far from mastering that one! I set a timer on my watch, sit on my yoga cushion and try to focus on my breath instead of my thoughts…it’s a work in progress.) You’ve got a tough skin for dealing with all the haters…and an infinitely greater number of fans that love the work that you do. ?

    1. Hi Elle! Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a kind and thoughtful comment. I will definitely try to take your advice about overthinking! I really appreciate it 🙂 xTieghan

  7. I made your pomegranate braised short ribs with mashed sweet potatoes for 8 the other night. We started with the peach & brie tart, then the Autumn Harvest Salad. Everyone said it was better than a Michelin Star restaurant. It is one of my favorite meals ever.

  8. I’m so sorry that you have to deal with unkind comments.
    Just remember that people who throw stones at other people, are truly unhappy with themselves.
    You have a wonderful family that loves you. Hold them close???

  9. Hi! My family have decided to follow your weekly dinner plans and was wondering if there was a shopping list somewhere that covers what is needed for them all.

    1. Hi Rosie! Yes, there is! If you subscribe to the emails, there will be a weekly meal plan and a grocery list included with it as well! Enjoy! xTieghan

  10. I put this together for a friend a couple of months ago. Since I get so much from you every week — I’m addicted to your recipes — I want to share it with you for your parents’ trip to Tahoe, which is gorgeous right now and will be more so this next week!

    Drive around the lake — do the Nevada side first and then down the West Shore. If you want to see Squaw Valley (now called something else, but it was originally named that because of its history — where the native women and children stayed while the men went hunting), it’s about 10 minutes west of Tahoe City — site of 1960 Olympics and a beautiful resort. Back down 89 out of Tahoe City, stop at Sunnyside for lunch in the bar. It’s owned by the same company that owns Kimos and Dukes in Hawaii. It’s “old Tahoe” and the food is good. West Shore Cafe next door has wonderful sandwiches, but seating is limited and not as scenic. Further south is Eagle Rock — short and easy hike to the top for spectacular view of the entire lake. On down about half a mile, lakeside, is Fleur du Lac, build by Henry Kaiser and where Godfather II was filmed. It’s a private, gated estate now, but it’s fun to peek through the gates. The end of Grand Ave. has public access to the beach and a great view of it. Continue on down to Emerald Bay, which is probably the most photographed. Be careful of the people parking on the road and walking between cars. Further down is Taylor Creek where there is a short trail and self-guided tour showing where the salmon run in early fall (last we were there two weeks ago, there was no water in the creek and there was no wild life…). We love going down there to watch the salmon and look for bears feeding and teaching their cubs how to gut the fish for their roe. It’s gotten more and more crowded, but during the week should be ok. There’s an info center (and bathrooms!). I don’t know a lot about South Shore or the impact the fires have had. We’ve walked around Heavenly — shops and restaurants. — and I think you can take the gondola up to the top Other than that, there are great short hikes everywhere around the lake. And the best home decor store ever is Hemmings and Jarrett in Tahoe City (but call first because they close for a few days to get ready for Christmas). Be sure to get gas in Nevada; it’s LOTS cheaper!

    1. Hi Donna! Thank you so much for sharing, this sounds like such an awesome itinerary! That was so sweet of you, I really appreciate it! xTieghan

  11. I definitely have the over thinking gene! And sometimes it’s paralyzing. Someone asked you about being trolled, I know that would be something I couldn’t get out of my head! I’d love to listen to that podcast you mentioned. Would you mind sharing? BTW, I love your recipes! ?

    1. Hey Tanjia! I am so sorry! I have been trying to remember which one it was and for the life of me I just can’t. I feel like it was an episode of The Skinny Confidential Podcast. I always have so many valuable takeaways from their podcast!

      Thank you!! Wish I could have helped more! xxTieghan

  12. When I’m overthinking things and feeling anxious I turn to Matthew 6:28-34 and verse 34 stands out most for me: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
    ‭‭
    I believe these words ring true whether or not you’re a Christian, but as a Christian myself, remembering that God is in control and I only need to do the task before me in this moment brings me comfort. This verse helps me too: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this with me, it’s so beautiful! I’ll keep that in mind. Have a lovely week! xTieghan

  13. When I’m overthinking something I like to say it out loud – to someone or even just to myself if I’m alone. That often helps me realize how ridiculous it sounds. Also, I ask myself “what’s the worst thing that could possibly happen?” and then answer (often out loud) “what’s the likelihood of that happening?” Normally its slim to none