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Nine Favorite Things – flowers from this week’s shoot
Happy spring everyone! After spending a couple days in very sunny and warm LA, I’m officially ready for spring, warm weather, and sunshine. It felt so nice on my skin after 2 weeks of cold back home in Colorado. Looking forward to these longer days and warmer temps ahead.
As I write this, I’m sitting on my flight back to Colorado. Looking forward to having my dad pick me up, get home, shower, and chill. But with a 2-hour drive up the mountain, it’ll be a late night – per usual when traveling. I will say that I’m so thankful for my dad who always comes down to Denver to get me. It’s one of those things daughters really love their dads for. Only my dad would spend 4 hours roundtrip just to make an airport run.
As they always do, my LA trip went a mile a minute. When I travel for work I really like to pack my schedule and not have a minute of downtime. Which I love, but it can also be exhausting. This trip was pretty mellow though. A quick 72 hours with a photoshoot and dinner meeting the first day. And a podcast plus lunch meeting before catching my flight out on Friday. Any guesses as to what the photoshoot was for? I get to share details tomorrow!
I did manage to squeeze in a facial at Dr. Barbara Sturm on Wednesday after my flight in. And it was well worth it! My skin has never felt better and that’s no exaggeration. It’s still hydrated and glowing after 2 full days of makeup and hustling. If you’re ever visiting (or live) in LA or NYC, I highly recommend a facial splurge at one of the Barbara Sturm spas. It is so worth the investment, trust me. And I feel the same about her products (more on that below), but my favorite product is her hyaluronic acid. I always say that skincare is the one thing I really am ok with splurging on, especially while traveling. It makes such a difference when your skin is hydrated.
Anyway, hopefully, some fun things are on their way, and after my quick trip, I’m feeling excited for new opportunities. And even more excited for the book tour. I leave in one week for a week and a half of travel. Then a quick break for Easter, and I’ll wrap things up in Costa Mesa and LA. So a busy month ahead, but I can’t wait.
Also, we did add 100 more tickets to each event. Sadly Chicago and NYC have sold out already, but if you live in LA, there are still tickets! SO EXCITED to get to meet some of you soon. Bringing our HBH family together!
With Easter coming up, is anyone planning their spring break vacations? I’ll be traveling for the book, but my family is heading to Palm Springs for some pool time.
With so much travel coming up that means this week is all about prep and working ahead on content, planning outfits, packing, and getting everything organized. Huge shoutout to my mom for booking all my flights, hotels, and transfers, and making things easy for me. I know people think Kris Jenner is the momager of the year, but I’d say it’s really Jen Gerard.
And that’s my update! Lots happening – which I love. Anything you all are looking forward to this spring? You know fresh flowers are on my radar.
Enjoy all the favorites below!!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…Tata Harper. Use the code TATAxTIEGHAN for 25% off all Tata Harper skincare through March 31st. I love their restorative eye cream, but all products are amazing you guys.
loving…the Violet Grey Women’s Made box. Violet Grey created a beauty box in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with only women-founded brands. Some of my favorites include Shani Darden cleansing serum, Dr. Barbara Sturm hand cream, and Vintners Daughter active botanical serum.
listening to…Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez. Absolutely loving this podcast and the wide variety of guests. Excited to listen to episodes with Tan France and Peyton List.
shopping…Olivela. I have actually mentioned this amazing site before, they give 20% of proceeds from every purchase to charities. You can read more about them here. They carry some of my all-time favorite brands, like Dr. Barbara Strum, Vintners Daughter, and Naadam.
wanting to try…Charlotte Tilbury’s new beautiful skin foundation. I’ve heard such good things.
loving…spring Zara Home drop. The new stoneware tableware is really cute, especially these bowls. LOVE these mini copper and brass saucepans. Then this hamper basket would be great for the farmers market or storing produce in the kitchen. Of course, this glass vase is amazing for branches. In furniture, this armchair looks really nice. And lastly, this cotton robe (with a hood!) looks super cozy,
ordered…Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum, anti aging eye cream, and night serum. After my facial, the esthetician recommended I try these. Especially excited about the vitamin c serum and the night serum for my dehydrated skin.
following…Michelle Selko. She has the prettiest flowers if you’re based in LA.
loving…this bench chair from Studio Twenty Seven. The design is so unique. Also, this round table from CB2.
shopping…random spring pieces. Love this ACNE Studios sweater and Staud cardigan, and these Re/done jeans are great too. Also, love the lilac color of this lace top and these Stand Studio slippers. And this yellow bag is a fun, springy yellow shade.
, ordered and love this pretty lilacwatching…Bad Vegan on Netflix. Have you seen this yet? Not sure it’s my kind of show, but I’m very curious.
loving…Kanyon Shop. Found this site from our social manager, McKenzie. Such a cool home decor shop. I love the fun mugs.
2. Spring Baking Recipes.
Easy Vanilla Earl Grey Crème Brûlée
Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler
Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts
Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake
3. The Lulu and Georgia 25% off sale.
*get 25% off with the code FAMILY25
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: what’s your favorite kind of gift to give/receive? tangible or experiential?
to receive, I love a simple letter or something that cost zero dollars. if someone really wanted to buy me something all I need are flowers or a candle to make me excited. literally nothing else. I don’t love receiving gifts.
however, I loveee gift giving. My favorites are something experiential OR something someone would never buy for themselves but would be soo excited to get as a gift. A splurge item.
q: do you judge a book by its cover?
a: I sure try not to. personally, the more beat up a book may look, the more interested I am. I’ve learned that just because something looks pretty on the outside, it doesn’t mean the inside is all that sweet. anything too perfect is suspicious.
q: do you recommend buying blocks of cheese or buying pre-shredded?
a: always buy blocks of cheese if you can. the pre-shredded stuff comes with additives that ideally you want to avoid. plus, the flavor is so much better.
q: did growing up with a big family influence the recipes you created?
a: for sure! I lean towards family-style meals and crowd-pleasers. this is why I almost never share recipes for 2 or dishes without any kind of side. it’s got to be a complete meal because I’ve always fed a large crowd
q: best top 10 beginners tips?
a: these are in no particular order, just random tips off the top of my head.
1. stock the pantry with ingredients you enjoy for easy dinners
2. keep it simple, don’t get fancy
3. invest in a good knife, cutting board, and skillet (I love my Staub cast iron)
4. finish with a fresh herb (for color and flavor)
5. if cooking, don’t be afraid to leave out an ingredient you don’t like. adapt the recipe to your taste
6. avoid the grocery store on Sundays
7. if you really mess up, just order pizza, we’ve all been there
8. always squeeze citrus over your avocado to prevent browning
9. cut raw chicken with scissors
10. GOOGLE ANYTHING YOU DON’T KNOW
q: one goal/dream that you have for this year that scares you?
a: sharing more about my life and the behind-the-scenes of my day-to-day. it doesn’t scare me though. it can be uncomfortable sometimes because I’m naturally a shy person. what does scare me is all the exciting ways I’m hoping to grow this year. it will require a lot more of me doing very new thing things. exciting but also scary. change is hard.
q: do you like to shop for clothes or are you an online shopper?
a: online shopper!!! my favorite late-night activity.
q: no bathtub on the house floor plans? with all that snow I imagine a hot bath.
a: nope! I’m not a bath person. I do love a hot shower though.
q: how are your avocados always perfect ripeness?
a: buy your avocados while they’re still green and hard. they will not bruise as easily on the trip home from the store. then leave them on the counter to ripen until they’re just firm to touch. then keep in the fridge until ready to eat.
q: do you scrape all of the batter out of the bowl to use?
a: I do!! my mom would die if I didn’t. she never wasted an ounce of dough.
q: ever consider getting a pup?
a: I used to, I gave up the idea a while ago. I love the idea of a sweet puppy, but I know in reality I just don’t have the time to commit. he/she would end up 1. being lonely and 2. horribly trained. so for now, no puppy. I love them though.
q: favorite makeup foundation?
a: I love Saie beauty slip tint or Kosas foundation. I mostly just use concealer under my eyes because I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to applying makeup. I can do concealer, mascara, brows, and swipe on some highlighter…and that’s about it ??♀️
q: redoing the floors in our home. what color do you gravitate towards?
a: darker, moodier tones, but it really depends on the space and how much light is coming in.
5. Travel bag/water bottle recommendations + inspiring me.
I LOVE my Senreve bag, but I have the newer 16- inch mac book and it no longer fits inside. So, so, so sad because it really is the perfect carry-on bag. Wondering if you guys have a favorite carry-on bag that fits the 16- inch computer, but is also cute?
I love that I can take my Senreve bag from the plane right into meetings, so I need something similar!
On that note, however, I am LOVING the Cuyana Convertible Leather Laptop Sleeve I got last week. It’s the perfect slim leather sleeve for travel and day-to-day.
Lastly, what is your favorite insulated water bottle? Looking for a 30 or 36-ounce water bottle with a wide opening. Determined to stay hydrated while traveling!
inspiring me – tropical travel
(photo via Pinterest – would love to travel here)
6. LA photos + Inspiring Me This week.
(LA sunrise)
(Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare/spa in West Hollywood)
(flowers from the shoot by Michelle Selko)
(our manager Alix)
(the Dear Media studios)
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
…spring break.
…so pretty.
…spring blooms.
Real Estate Companies Making Vacations Easier…love having help to planning a trip.
50 Home Décor Items Under $100…pretty finds.
…so ready to see Paris already.
Editors Try on Every Pair of Abercrombie Jeans…here are their favorites.
…Gerard family vibes.
30 Under-$100 Zara Finds…I love these wide leg pants and a cute bag.
The 7 Loungewear Trends to Know for 2022…cute and cozy
Where You Should Travel This Year…according to your enneagram.
7 Iconic Hotel Suites Around the World…I LOVE a nice hotel room.
…very NYC.
8. Spring finds under $200.
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Every nurse I work with LOVES the Owala water bottle. Has many different sip options and keeps drinks cold! Plus, simple design with fun color options. Let us know what you get!
Hey Ashley,
I’ve not heard of these, but thank you so much for the recommendation, I will definitely have to give them a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
My favorite insulated water bottle is the Freesip from Owala. It’s 32 ounces though. I like that I don’t have to use two hands unscrew the lid. I can grab it, open it and chug water or drink from the built in straw and close it with one hand. They come in great colors too!
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for reading and sharing this water bottle recommendation, will have to check them out!! Have a wonderful week! xTieghan
For water bottles, I’m a Tervis girl myself. They’ve got a HUGE line of designs on three different size wide-mouth water bottles – 24/32/40 oz. They go anywhere from simple modern colors (the powder coated onyx is slick) to artistic and licensed fandom designs. I’m a little obsessed with the “Outdoor Ombre” design. Been eyeing it, but the hubs may divorce me if I get another water bottle to jam in the kitchen cabinets. LOL…
The sundried tomato pasta with whipped ricotta pasta is on our menu for Wednesday night. We’re SUPER excited to try it!
Hey Kristie,
Thanks for reading today and sharing your fave water bottle! I hope you love the pasta, let me know how it turns out! Have a great week:) xTieghan
They’re not insulated per se but BKR water bottles are the absolute best. They have 3 different sizes, 250 ml, 500 ml and my favorite the 1 liter. They’re glass water bottles with a sleeve that goes all the way to the mouthpiece. They have straw caps and straws also making it super easy. I like the spike sleeve the best but they’re all amazing colors.
Hey Jessica,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your water bottle recommendation, will definitely check them out!! Have a great week! xx
Would you be able to share a link for the recipe that looks like it’s blueberry galettes (there is an image, but no link in your favorites #2 section)?
If you click the picture it’ll take you to the recipe. She calls them blueberry lemon thyme tarts
Hey Dagmar,
Here you go:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/blueberry-lemon-thyme-tarts/
I hope you love the recipe!! xTieghan
Your blueberry cheese cake looks like. Clafoutis ? and I recently watched the Lost Kitchen on Magnolia Network and she made 40 mini free form berry tarts for her guests. Such a great show no matter how flustered she gets it’s so relaxing. And an interesting show I just stared is the Miniturist on PBS really interesting. Love your delicious dishes. And as a Mexican I never thought to bake my taquitos or tacos.. now I won’t do it any other way ??❤️
Hey there,
Thanks so much for reading and your message!! The blueberry cheesecake is a good one, let me know if you give it a try!! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I love my Dagne Dover laptop bag!
Thanks for the recommendation Erin!!
How about a quick stop at Next Page in Frisco as part of your book tour? Or send your dad on his way to Whole Foods. ??
Lol love this idea Christine!!
LOL your question about water bottles reminded me of one of our travel stories: we had been on a outdoorsy/hiking type trip, and getting to the airport my husband had his reusable water bottle with water still in it in his carry-on. TSA made him go back outside the line and dump out the water and come back through. So be warned – refill after going through….
We like Hydro Flask (I put ice in with my water and the ice doesn’t melt for hours), and supposedly the Zojirushi bottles are really, really leakproof which is important when traveling with a bottle with your stuff!
Seconding hydro flask! I love mine
Third on the hydro flask, we own several different sizes, kees beverages hot and cold for hours.
Don’t stick them in the dishwasher though, hand wash only.
Love my hydro flask also. The main reason I got it (30 oz) was because it fits in my cars cup holder and also my not-very-big shoulder bag. Im *trying* to never be without water. Plus they have lots of cool colors.
Thanks so much for your review Marianne!
Thanks so much Emily!!
Thanks Chloe!
Hey Deborah,
Thanks so much for reading today, lol I have heard of stories like that, thanks for sharing your faves! Have a great week! xTieghan
Hello Tieghan,
I so enjoy my Sunday morning read. I haven’t finished yet – but, I am thinking your photo shoot was for your new Williams-Sonoma line. Happy you had a good trip.
Bring on Spring!
Hey Linda,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing your guess for the shoot! Stay tuned:) Have the best week! xTieghan
This is so not what you asked for, but I love this insulated cup for around the house(and I’m a mom so I’m and out and about in the car a lot too.) It has really helped me stay hydrated—-for some reason I drink more when I have a straw. It’s 40 oz so if I drink two a day I feel accomplished! Stays cold forever, straw, big, fits cup holders, and a handle. Reduce 40 oz Mug Tumbler, Stainless Steel with Handle – Keeps Drinks Cold up to 34 Hours – Sweat Proof, Dishwasher Safe, BPA Free – Dark Web, Opaque Gloss https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08HDPRFK2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_AT29SNZE5NQCGRTYC2QF
Laura does the straw pop down when not using it (like carrying it to your car) or do you have to remove it entirely to close. I can’t quite see in the reviews. Also does it leak when turned over? Thanks so much.
Hey Laura,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing this cup, super helpful!! Have a great week! xTieghan
Can you share brand of super cute cardigan you wore in above pic with manager Alix?
Hey Sara,
Here is the link for the cardigan:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bFgkL
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Favorite water bottle is GSI Microlight. Love this bottle so much! I live in Austin and an insulated water bottle is a must have. It’s super durable too. My kids are always dropping their bottles and the bottles just have a couple of small dents. https://gsioutdoors.com/microlite-1000-twist.html?msclkid=1816040ca84611ec8bd66103ec9c8d42
Hey Maggie,
Thank you so much for sharing your fave water!! I hope you have a great week!! xTieghan
I made your iced lemon loaf this week and my family loved it! I like the use of just the honey to sweeten it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hey Nicole,
Thanks so much for trying the lemon loaf, so glad to hear it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
I’m guessing olive oil or balsamic vinegar for your reveal! Flowers from the shoot are gorgeous!
Have a great week. xx
Hey Kelly-Jane,
Love this guess! Right?! Nothing better than good flowers. Have a great week! xTieghan