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Nine Favorite Things.

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(Kai, Red, and Hails on their way)

This week was full of so much. Up, downs, scariness, excitement, and feeling pretty damn proud. I don’t think there is anything in life that’s greater than a strong family. I feel so lucky that my family loves and supports one another through everything. Strong families get people through the hardest of times. They celebrate our most exciting moments, and they keep us grounded. That’s my family. It’s huge, it’s crazy, so chaotic, and very wild, but the most supportive and loving. I’ll be the first to admit that they drive me insane, but I love them the most. We genuinely all love to be together and I know that’s something to never take for granted.

Red, Hailey, and Kai all left on Thursday for China. It was a long week prior to their departure. There was prep, and honestly scariness for what could potentially be ahead. But in the end, it was incredible to watch them leave. They were all in good spirits which made everything a lot easier.

For obvious reasons, the 2022 Winter Olympics are much different than any other. They’re even stricter than Tokyo’s games last summer. This experience is nothing like Korea 4 years ago. But everything comes with its own set of hoops and hurdles, right? This time around, many of the athletes are more stressed about covid and safety than performance. It’s so much to deal with mentally. I don’t think people really understand what these guys are going through. I hate the word proud, I wish there was something better to explain my feelings. But I am so happy to get to watch Red and Hailey make their way over to their second winter games. Two incredibly strong and brave young people with incredible mindsets. Not to mention my brother Kai, Red’s rock. Watching them all board the plane to China together was pretty incredible.

We’re here sending them all the good vibes, thoughts, and prayers while living vicariously through the photos and videos they send. I know I said it before, but I feel so happy for these guys and grateful that Malachi is there too. He’s been with Red through it all. Filming and photographing every minute, capturing special moments, and being his biggest supporter. They really have done this together.

I love watching it and we’re so excited for them!!

While it’s all exciting, it’s also scary. What they’re going into is, in a way, unknown territory that we don’t have much control over. Behind the scenes is different than what the world is talking about. And that’s what bums me out. It seems like no one is talking about what’s important…these athletes. We need to be supporting them more, highlighting them more, and celebrating what the Olympics are really about.

If it’s not covid talk, it’s something silly like articles highlighting the free condoms being distributed at the 2022 Winter Olympics (not kidding, a real article, so silly). These athletes have gone through so much in order to be able to head to China. It’s time we look at what the Olympics are really about. Strong athletes all coming together to represent their countries. They’ve worked their lives for this and that’s what should be talked about and celebrated!

Redbull put out an awesome video as a send-off for Hailey, watch it here. It’s so sweet! I’m sharing photos plus details on how to watch below! More to come next week!

Fun fact, the Olympic games originated in ancient Greece as many as 3,000 years ago. The first modern Olympics was in 1896 in Athens. It featured 280 participants from 12 nations competing in 43 events. Since 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games have been held separately and have alternated every two years. There’s so much history in the games, they really are so cool! You can read more about the history here.

As you can imagine, that was the biggest event of the week over here, so not much to share otherwise. The rest just doesn’t compare, just normal everyday life! Jumping into this week’s favorites now.

Have a great Sunday!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

(snif candles)

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

loving…Emi Jay claw clips. I’ve talked about these before Christmas, but I’ve been wearing them so much. They make any bad hair day cute. The tortoise clip is perfect for every day, but the heartthrob clip is cute for Valentine’s Day. I also love this pretty virgo clip too (on preorder).

listening to…wellness practices that will enhance your life. This is so much more than it sounds like. The episode really takes a deep dive into the world we live in today and what we can do to help balance it. I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t sure I would get through all of it. But I found every part of the conversation to be really interesting and informative. Excited to try Cymbiotika too.

burning…Snif Candles. I love these so much. Not only is the packaging elegant and so well thought out, but the 3 scents all offer something really wonderful. My favorite though is the limited old saint wick. So wintery and cozy.

ordered…the new Skims Team USA capsule. Super cozy and cute. Our favorites are the knit joggers, sleep pant, sleep legging, and hoodie.

watching…the new Ozark season 4 on Netflix – my cousin Maggie suggested this one.

reading…7 Essential Recipe Resources for Next Level Cooking. So honored to be included on this list. Hillary is so sweet and the co-founder of Who What Wear.

excited to try…Tata Harper’s aromatic irritability treatment. Cait, Kai’s girlfriend recommends this for stress release. I’ve never tried using aromatics for stress before. We all know how I love candles though, I think I could love this too!

loving…White and Warren knits. They have the coziest knits and if it’s not snowing here, then it’s in the single digits at night. Bottom line, it’s COLD. I’m living in this sweater, I love the half zip. Use the code Tieghan20 for 20% off your order.

ordered…Dr. Rogers healing balm. Mentioned this last week. It’s so good that I had some sent to my brother, Brendan. He struggles with really dry cracked lips.

ordered…Sacred Shea Skincare organic shea butter. Apparently, this is the best after the shower and super hydrating.

exploring…LA. My brother, Brendan, gave me a mini LA guide. He said to be sure to check out Little Prince in Santa Monica for seasonal eats (the garganelli pasta sounds incredible). Then, check out Escondido Falls in Malibu. It’s a great winter hike with an amazing 50’ waterfall. If you’re into vintage shopping, they love the Santa Monica Flee Market on Saturday or Sunday. The Getty Villa is an art museum on PCH in Pacific Palisades. If you’re on the east side, Descanso Gardens is great for a nice stroll through beautiful florals.

Whale watching at Zuma beach is a must this time of year. The whales are migrating and it’s really cool. They come right up to the beach and clean their bellies. And then, their favorite sushi spot is Tatsuki. Brendan says it’s the best hole-in-the-wall sushi spot.

Lastly, Mt. Baldy is his favorite spot! It’s an old-school ski resort 45 minutes from downtown. You’re literally snowboarding/skiing with insane views of all of DTLA and Catalina island in the background, it’s incredible. Brendan said you can go up there just to sightsee as well and it would still be well worth it. People who haven’t been there will absolutely love it.

loving…velvet furniture. This CB2 swivel chair is so cute and comfy looking.

drinking…juices, or trying to anyway. I’ve had a Breville juice maker just sitting in the kitchen since November – untouched. It’s time. I’m thinking cucumber, celery, lemon, and ginger to start.

watching…the Chanel spring 2022 show. They had horses walking in the show and it was stunning.

loving…the thesaurus. It’s nice changing up your words!

loving…Zara platform ankle boots. So clean and simple, but that platform really elevates. If you love high, high heels, these boots are for you.

snacking on…chili chews. My cousin, Abby, told me about these. Basically “better for you candy”. Like sour patch kids, but wholesome. She loves the strawberry.

thinking about ordering…a 62 ounce water bottle. Kai’s girlfriend, Cait, said she loves this and it helps her drink so much more water. She fills it twice a day.

2. Wintery recipes for feeding family.

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions | halffbakedharvest.com

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Creamy White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos | halfbakedharvest.com

Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken Pizza

30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

30 minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili

3. For travel.

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: do you watch cooking/baking shows?
a: no I don’t really like them ?

q: why did you wait till March to drop your new cookbook?
a: it was supposed to be out in the fall, but I delivered photos a little late. Then some printing issues and supply chain stuff made us have to push it back.

q: how do you stay so thin?
a: why is this important? I get this question a lot, more on Instagram, not the blog. But sharing anyway because I do think the message is important. Everyone is different. Our bodies are not the same and they’re not meant to be. It’s what makes us all different and unique. 

What I do, shouldn’t be exactly what you do! And let’s be real, it’s not like I’m eating brownies 24/7. I exercise daily, and for the most part, I eat well with plenty of daily fruits and vegetables. I also have my mom’s small frame. So yes, I have genes helping me out too.

But this isn’t a question we should be so concerned about. I think we need to focus more on how we can treat our own bodies. The foods we’re eating, daily sunshine, and activity. Versus what other people’s bodies look like. Focus on being your best version of you, and embrace it!

q: favorite way to cook a steak?
a: cast iron skillet. Sear it, then finish it with a pat of butter + smashed garlic. Let the butter brown around the steak and garlic 

q: best lesson learned from your own success?
a: it’s pretty simple, hard work and kindness rise above everything else 

q: how do you keep yourself motivated to stay active during the winter?
a: I just don’t know any other way. My parents have always made an effort to be active pretty much every single day. Growing up, my brothers and I were a part of that. We’d hike, ride bikes, play handball with my dad, walk with my mom, go to the pool with my papa, take family ski trips, etc. We were active every day. So now it’s just something I like to do every day.

I never feel good on days when I’ve barely moved. For me, it’s honestly a mental thing. I exercise for the way it makes me feel. It’s also when I think most creatively. My best tip is to find an activity that you really love. Try different things and see what sticks. Or if you get bored easily, do something different every day, but just make it a priority. If you’re a morning person, get out first thing. If you love the night, do something after work.

q: does Oslo have a favorite dish yet?
a: mini pretzel sticks when he’s down at the studio ? He’s trying everything right now though. My parents feed him what they are eating. He loves plain Greek yogurt and citrus.

q: do you ever cook other people’s recipes?
a: not really. I can’t follow a recipe (even my own) for the life of me.

q: Needing a good 1-2 meal. Make then reheat the next day?
a: I always think chili is better the next day. We’re loving this white chicken chili.

q: what keeps you going every day? I really appreciate how down-to-earth and real you are! It’s rare!
a: First of all, thank you so much!! Myself and you guys are what keep me going every day. I have this huge desire to keep growing HBH, to do something awesome with it. I think that’s always in the back of my head. But trust me, I have bad days and days when it gets hard. And more than anything, it’s you guys. Your messages, photo tags, kindness, and excitement make me so excited to keep creating every day. I love getting to create for you guys and get to see you all recreating what I share in your own way. It’s the coolest.

q: what are some of your bucket list places you want to visit?
a: Greece ??
Italy ??
France ??
Switzerland ??
Iceland ?? 

And anywhere warm and tropical.

5. More Olympic details + photos.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

The family is all getting together this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to watch Hailey and Red here at the studio. My mom somehow scrambled up 75 friends and family, flying in from all over to watch. It’s the next best thing to actually being in China with the boys. The really fun part is that NBC will be here Saturday night. And if Red makes finals on Sunday night too. They want to get live clips of everyone watching and reacting to try to personalize the games. Should be very entertaining (wink wink). I’m nervous but excited to be putting out so much positive energy for Hails and Red.

Below is the schedule and where you can watch!! Send them all the cheering you guys can! Counting on the HBH family energy!

Olympic Schedule

February 4th – NBC and Peacock will broadcast Opening Ceremonies at 6:00 pm MST

If you go to this link, there’s a button to “personalize a schedule” and look at only snowboarding events. This will always be the most up-to-date schedule link. It’ll show you what events are airing at what time and on what network. For normal TV — snowboarding will always be either on NBC or on USA Network. And then for streaming — Peacock’s premium tier (which is like $5) will have every single live event feed. You can also rewatch the competition if you’ve missed it.

Slopestyleall times are in MST

Friday, February 4th 

Qualifiers – Hailey  7:45 pm MST on NBC/Peacock

Saturday, February 5th 

Finals – Hailey (for athletes that advance) – 6:30 pm on USA Network/NBC/Peacock. And again at 10:00 on NBC Primetime Plus

Qualifiers – Red – 9:30 pm on USA Network/NBC/Peacock. 

Sunday, February 6th

Finals – Red (for athletes that advance) 9:00 pm on NBC/Peacock and again at 10:00 on NBC Primetime Plus

Big Airall times are in MST

Sunday, February 13th

Qualifiers – Hailey – 6:30 pm NBC/Peacock

Qualifiers – Red – 10:30 pm NBC/Peacock. And again at 11:30 on USA

Monday, February 14th (for the athletes that advance)

Finals – Hailey – 6:30 pm on NBC/Peacock and NBC primetime

Finals – Red – 10:00 pm on NBC/Peacock and NBC primetime

And some photos, because who doesn’t love photos

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

6. Quote of the week.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

(from Pinterest)

Don’t stress on what you can’t control. Take it day by day, hour by hour.

13 Mountain Hotels That Make a Case for Winter Getaways…love these cozy spots.

Inside a Storybook House in Pastoral Connecticut…the 2022 Gilmore house.

50 Rockefeller Plaza is Getting a Stylish New Make-Over…very cool.

6 of Hawaii’s Most Luxurious Property Developments…need a warm vacation.

Pantry Storage Containers the Pros Can’t Get Enough Of…organization time.

The Best Robot Vacuums for Spotless Floors…I think I need one.

Canyon Coffee Cofounder Ally Walsh Cherishes Her Peter Shire Mugs…love Canyon Coffee.

3 Kitchen Appliance “Trends” We Are Seeing In 2022…the good and questionable.

Urban Outfitters Launched a 50% Off Sale… here are 29 good finds to shop.

7 Little Things to Stop Doing for Dinner Partiesand 3 things to always do.

Tour a Santa Ynez Home with Laid-Back Charm…love this open layout.

Favorite Smoothies, Nutrient-Boosting Add-Ins + Blenders…very pretty smoothies.

Went on an H&M Deep Dive29 under-$50 items.

17 Unromantic Signs This Person Might Be “The One”…this is cute.

London’s Exclusive Members’ Club Inspired This Home…love the bath and dining.

Studio McGee’s Target Collection just Launched…this brass side table is fun.

The 16 Things You Need To Purge for a Clutter-Free Home…in a de-clutter mode here.

8. Everyday looks I’m loving un $200.

 

skims Team USA capsule

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake

25 Minute Chili Oil Egg Ramen | haldbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: 25 Minute Chili Oil Egg Ramen

Crispy Parmesan and Pesto Egg in a Bagel | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Crispy Parmesan and Pesto Egg in a Bagel

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Goddess Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday:  Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Persian Herb and Beef Stew | halfbakedharvest.com #beefstew #whitebeans #healthy

Friday: Persian Inspired Herb and Beef Stew with Rice

5 Minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: 5 Minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake

Triple Chocolate Espresso Mousse Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Triple Chocolate Espresso Mousse Cake.

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Comments

  1. I made a comment a couple days ago illustrating why I’m boycotting the Olympics. I stand by that, but I do wish the best for Red and that he brings home the gold!

  2. I think these comments illustrate something that is going on in the online food/cooking community right now: how – or if – to separate the content from the personality/brand of the author. I find Tieghan’s food photograph dazzling and her recipes reliable. I don’t make the ones with a lot of sugar or what I deem too much fat. Old fart that I am, I don’t relate to a lot of her prose and I admit to flinching at spelling and grammar mistakes. I’m re-reading War and Peace so I’m not at a loss for good writing – but Tolstoy doesn’t include any recipes!
    Note: Peace is better than war. 🙂

  3. Hey, just saw this article on the BBC… and Red is mentioned. Thought of you as I’d only just read Nine Favourite Things.

  4. Great article with so many wonderful recommendations. Checked out Cymbiotika…love!!! Already ordered. Best wishes to your fam competing in the Olympics. Will try to catch their events. Also, love your recipes. Recently made the 25-Minute Black Pepper Jalapeño Basil Chicken Stir Fry and it was delicious!!

    1. Hey Kat,
      Thanks so much for reading along, love to hear you enjoyed today’s post! Thanks for your positive thoughts to Red and Hailey! Also, love that you enjoyed the basil chicken stir fry, it’s a good one:) xTieghan

  5. I read your post every Sunday! I just want to send some positive energy your way! I think you do an amazing job and your recipes are top notch! Positive energy to your family at the Olympics!!!

    1. Hey Mai,
      Thanks so much for your message and reaching each Sunday! We definitely appreciate the positive energy! Have a great week! xT

  6. I think people ask you about your weight because you have a food blog that has recipes that are VERY high in fat. If your instagram is genuine, than you must be eating these foods every day. It’s not clear that you are eating lots of vegetables when your recipes are cream and butter heavy and have 9 million ingredients (like you said, too few ingredients lacks flavor!! which is obviously not true).

    1. There is really no need to be so nasty, Susannah. “If your instagram is genuine”, what a rude thing to say. Who are you to comment on someone’s body? Or what YOU perceive them to be eating/not eating? If you don’t like the recipes, don’t make them. If you’re so bothered by the ingredients or the blog or really whatever else it is that’s making you this uptight, just unfollow. Believe it or not, you don’t have to announce it. Make peace with the fact that no one asked for your opinion.

      1. I actually didn’t comment on her body at all, Katie. I was just commenting on WHY she gets asked this question all the time. She answers it every single AMA so clearly a lot of people are wondering how her body lines up with her recipes. I never commented on her weight, I was just think maybe the question shouldn’t be answered every single week if she is so bothered by it.

    2. This question shouldn’t even be relevant. People think the same thing about Giada de Laurentis with the mentality that if they cook (Italian food), they must consume all the food they eat and therefore it must be reflected in the amount of weight they gain and look more like Ina Garten. I’ve made a lot of HBH recipes and I think they’re very healthy using only wholesome ingredients with a good balance of healthy fats, carbs and proteins. It’s all about moderation and only eating until you are full.

  7. I love your honesty and straight forwardness so much! Just as much as your recipes. We’ll be watching and rooting for Red and Hailey this weekend. I can’t imagine what it is like to know all the behind the scenes info. Like the quote says though, worrying means you suffer twice, so send positive vibes and trust that all will be good.

    1. Hey Amy,
      Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and reading along! Yes, positive vibes for sure! Thanks for your support. Have the best week! xTieghan

  8. So looking forward to your new cookbook! I have my sister and girl from work cooking your delicious recipes!
    I made your carne asada chipotle beer chili last week! YUM!

  9. Thank you for your honesty about the weight question. People are way too focused on this. No two people are alike! As long as you are healthy and happy that is all that matters.
    Love, love, love your recipes. My fiance couldn’t be happier that I found them. ?
    Good luck to your family at the Olympics. ????

    1. Hey Michelle,
      Yes, I completely agree with you! I am so glad you and your fiancé have been enjoying the recipes, thanks for making them. Thanks for your support for Red and Hailey! Have a great week:) xTieghan

  10. A chilly weekend here in South Florida, and I made the chipotle bean chili. It’s the best vegetarian chili, with umami flavors from the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce plus four different beans, the meat was not missed at all.

    Thanks for producing the Sunday post each week, and best wishes to your family members competing in the upcoming Olympics.

    1. Hey Lisa,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it worked out for you! Hopefully Florida warms up and thanks for reading each Sunday!! xTieghan

      1. Thank you for your Sunday post each week! I can only imagine how much work you put into it. I look forward to reading about your family (good luck Red & Hailey!!), favorite things, and, of course, the recipes!!! You’re an inspiration & you help get my week off to a great start!

        1. Thanks so much for your kind message and reading along Diane!! I hope you have a great week and thanks for your positive thoughts! xT

    1. I always think it’s interesting that people ask about your weight and how you stay skinny. I am 61, thin and just think it’s so simple that you can eat everything, just not so much. I love how the body let’s you know this. I don’t deny myself anything except the over eating feeling.
      Thank you for all your hard work that we reap the benefits from.

  11. Hello!
    Loved your honest response to the question about weight. Best of luck to Red and Hailey! Thanks for sharing the excitement and for another week of amazing recipes.

    1. Hey Susanne,
      Thanks so much for reading, your thoughtful message, and support for Red and Hailey! Have a great week! xTieghan

  12. Adding my voice to good wishes for all athletes from every country.
    And saying that every healthcare worker on the front lines deserves just as much admiration and support.

  13. Imagine having a problem with there being free condoms ??‍♀️
    Echoing what the others have said here, will not watch the Olympics, and don’t understand people who do (or decide to support china by traveling there to compete).

  14. Going back to last week’s post where you mentioned family clean up time as well as your kitchen favorites… if you haven’t tried them yet, please don’t wait until you are 54 to get a Scrub Mommy and a Scrub Daddy sponge from Target. Makes clean up crazy easy…and happy as the sponges smile at you!

    1. Hey Janece,
      Lol thank you so much for the recommendation, we will definitely have to check these out!! Have a great week:) xTieghan