Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Atlanta signing

And I am back!! Can you guys believe I lasted all 10 days? I honestly had my doubts, I know myself, and 10 days is a long work trip for me. But what I can happily say is that I truly enjoyed every single minute of those 10 days, even the multiple airport delays. Ok, well I didn’t enjoy those, but I managed. And I guess there were a couple of hotels that I didn’t love. As you probably know, I am very picky about my hotels. But honestly, no complaints! It was such a great trip with an incredible outcome. 

Of course, I’m glad to be back home, but already looking forward to LA at the end of the month. I’m actually itching to do more travel. It’s not easy for me, but I know I need to keep things interesting, not only for myself but for all of you guys too. I’m finding that I actually enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s uncomfortable at first, but worth it in the end. 

Anyway, I think we left off in last Sunday’s post in NYC. From NYC my friend and hair + makeup, Tori, and I flew to Atlanta for the next signing. The weather in Atlanta was amazing, I loved the warm temps and the people there were great. Also, got to see Margaret from our team who lives in Atlanta. I was on there for a very short time, but so fun seeing her and meeting her friends!

From Atlanta, we went on to Dallas and then Houston. All three of these last stops were at Williams-Sonoma stores that were beautiful. In Dallas, I met our HBH team member, McKenzie. She went along with me to both signings in Texas. She was able to get some of the cutest photos and some fun behind-the-scenes content for social. It was so nice having her there!

I was also thankful to have hair + makeup with me for all 10 days. I’ve worked with Tori for the last year. She actually did my hair + makeup for the cookbook photos when we shot in California last year. I truly can’t put on makeup for the life of me, so Tori gave me confidence all week. It was so incredibly nice having her on this trip. We did a whole lot of traveling together, and I’m not going to lie, she’s the only reason I didn’t totally freak out over our many delayed flights. 

When someone tells you to surround yourself with good people, they couldn’t be giving you better advice. I couldn’t be more grateful for the people I have around me. Everyone from my family (most importantly) to the team we’re slowly building, and friends. It’s really cool to look at everyone in my life and feel that way. 

And that’s kind of my trip! I flew home Wednesday afternoon and jumped back into the day-to-day. It was great to finally see Asher and Oslo, I can’t believe how much I missed them! And now, here we are! Just hoping for some warm sunny spring days. Cross your fingers for us, cause we have lots of snow in the forecast for next week…

Which why I literally bought all the ranunculus, tulips, and chamomile that Whole Foods had to offer on Friday. Yep, all their flowers. 

Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend!! And thank you again for your support and kindness!! Enjoy this week’s post! 

(NYC cherry blossoms)

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

loving…my giant Beis roller bag. I packed this bag to the brim and it was a lifesaver this last trip. It rolls in and out so smoothly and can hold so much. And after 10 days of travel + 6 airports and 1 car trip, it still looks new (I have the black). Beis gave me a discount code for you guys if you need any new travel products. Use halfbakedharvest15 for 15% off all Beis. My mom bought this bag for Asher and she too loves it!

loving…the Necessaire body set. Also took this with me. It kept my skin clean and hydrated – always love any Necessaire products. You can use my code HBH10 for 10% of the body set!

listening to…Friend of Friend. Olivia was kind enough to have me on and we had such a fun conversation. She asks really great questions that no one has asked me before. You can listen here. Also, she had the founder of Frankies Bikinis on this week and I loved their episode. Definitely listen if you are a brand founder (listen here).

in my cart…Boy Smells secret garden bundle. I am DYING to try these. The scents sound perfect for spring/summer. I think I would especially love the Damasque and Hackney Garden scents. But I mean, the Rosalita too, which is why the bundle is perfection. 

loving…Cymbiotika minerals. The Cymbiotika products are yet another thing I packed with me. I took the Vitamin B12 + BC (boosts energy, supports heart health, and generally is a vitamin most women are lacking) and Vitamin D3 + K2 + CoQ10 (supports immune health and strong bones by assisting in the regulation of calcium and cardiovascular health by reducing arterial plaque) along for this trip and stayed healthy + energized all 10 days. I’m also loving the Magnesium L-Threonate, which I just started taking this week. 

shopping…MG By Hand. The prettiest ceramics. Newly discovered this brand and my cart is full. I love the simple flora designs. And the collection they launched with Fox Fodder Farm is so cute. Especially love the vases. 

wearing…Lack of Color hats. They have the cutest beach hats. 

ordered…The Mother’s Day Bouquet. So pretty! Any mom would love this bouquet. 

following…Samantha Lau. For hair and makeup inspo. 

wanting…this EF Collection Peridot Birthstone Bracelet. Getting into wearing more jewelry and love the green stones in this bracelet. 

listening to…Chervin Jafarieh part 2 on The Skinny Confidential. More on investing in yourself and overall health. I’m in the middle of this but enjoying it. Part 1 of this podcast is how I discovered Cymbiotika.

loving…this cute & Other Stories woven tote. Perfect for spring/Easter vacation. Also, this collared jacket would be great for chillier nights.

watching…Bridgerton. Or kind of…ok, I’m trying to. I’m being told that if I love Gossip Girl I will love this, but I’m having a hard time getting through the first episode. I’m not a big period-piece person. Do you love Bridgerton, or is it not for you?

ordered…Frankies Bikini daisy necklace. This is so cute and fun for spring/summer. 

2. Recipes for Easter + 5 strawberry recipes.

shared all my favorite recipes for Easter! Full post here

 strawberry recipes

Double Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Skillet Strawberry Cobbler

The Best Strawberry Shortcakes

Strawberry Olive Oil Cake with Honeyed Ricotta

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

3. Spring colors in the kitchen. 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: favorite coffee right now?
a: loving Canyon Coffee – organic beans are a favorite. Verve Coffee is really great too. I just got a bag of their instant coffee for baking and it’s awesome.

q: do you cook 7 days a week?
a: Not usually, it depends on the week and what needs to happen. Ideally, I take Thursday or Friday off from cooking to work on more computer stuff/calls. When I’m cooking and shooting, I try not to take any calls. I usually bulk those calls into one day and that’s the day I don’t cook. Creighton’s least favorite day – no food.

q: why was Kai able to go to the Olympics with Red? 
a: Kai is a videographer and had a media pass with the US team.

q: does the new cookbook have lots of GF/DF options (is it adaptable)?
a: It has a pretty good amount! And it’s meant to be very easily adaptable.

q: what’s one new thing that you want to see for yourself this year?
a: New projects + travel! I love cooking, but I’m definitely excited to switch things up a little. I’m trying to embrace some change.

q: favorite mantra?
a: not sure these are mantras, but I try to do my best to live by these:

– if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all
– if you never try, you will never know
– actions speak louder than words
– we can’t become what we want to be by remaining what we are
– you don’t know what an amazing day is without the bad days
– kill them with kindness                                                                                                               
– treat everyone the way you’d want to be treated (my mom’s most important message)

q: do you have a difficult time in the spring in Colorado? I am in Utah and spring can be hard here.
a: Yes! It’s pretty rough with the constant snow that just keeps falling. I mean, it’s always beautiful here, and a great place to live, but we don’t really have a spring. It goes from spring to summer and summer is very short. Spring here is mud season and most will tell you it’s not the best (unless you love spring skiing). Lots of snow mixed with warm days create…mud. So I’m excited to be traveling more for work this spring and hopefully a good vacation too! 

q: what’s your favorite flower?
a: It changes with the seasons! I love dahlias always. Poppies, anemones, or roses too. But literally only roses from Grace Rose Farm, otherwise, I don’t love them. And ranunculuses are beautiful too. Peonies are pretty but not my favorite. Chamomile is awesome for decorating cakes. Branches are great to style around the house.

q: did you take all the photos for the cookbook too?
a: I did!

q: substitution for chilies in your recipes for less heat? 
a: just omit or reduce the chili flakes or cayenne. Make the dish for you and/or your family’s taste!!! We love spicy, but obviously, not everyone does, so adapt to your needs 

5. The most exciting news…#1 book in the country. 

So excited to be able to share with you all that you’ve officially made HBH Every Day the number 1 book in the country this week. We made not only the NYT #1 bestseller list but also the USA Today’s bestseller list!!

The USA Today list actually combines ALL categories, fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, all of it. By their measure, HBH Every Day is absolutely THE NUMBER ONE BOOK IN THE COUNTRY.

I’m still in disbelief, so excited and happy, and more than anything just so, so, soooo thankful for you guys. I know I say this almost every week now, but I have the most loyal, kind, and supportive community behind me. Waking up every day and knowing I have this community is the greatest feeling. It’s so cool to see what we’ve built over the years. Nothing compares to the specialness of our little HBH family! 

So the biggest thank you to you all! Keep an eye out for an Instagram giveaway soon! I have to say thank you to guys, you deserve it most!! 

6. Hotel recap + the last of our trip photos.

Chicago – Viceroy

After so many of you recommended the Viceroy, we stayed here! I was lucky enough to have a suite, no complaints. My room had such a pretty view of downtown and the bathroom was so nice (love a nice bathroom). It’s also connected to a delicious restaurant, Somerset, which also provides the hotel’s room service. Everyone here was so nice plus it’s a great location within the city! 

NYC – The Edition

Of all the hotels we stayed at, The Edition was by far my favorite. The location within the city is very central. It’s located in the Flatiron district, which is walkable to Soho and Central Park. It’s kind of in the middle of the city which is so great! The rooms are spacious and with the coziest best. I would imagine that most rooms have pretty good views of the city, mine was beautiful. It’s very sleek and clean yet still warming, which I really appreciate.

What I loved most is how the hotel really went the extra mile to make me feel at home. I arrived to warm cookies and the sweetest, sweetest printed photo of Asher and Oslo. I was honestly sad to leave this room. They also have the friendliest staff and really good restaurants/bars within the hotel. Oh, and of course, free coffee and tea every morning. 

Atlanta – The St. Regis

Until this trip, I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a St.Regis. All I can say is that they live up to the hype. This hotel is stunning you guys. So pretty and with an amazing old southern charm to it. I could have wandered the hotel for hours discovering beautiful locations all within the hotel. It reminded me of the Plaza with so much to discover. The staff was really kind and they have awesome dining options. Unfortunately, it was only a 12-hour stay, but it was perfect. 

Dallas – Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

I think of all the hotels, the Rosewood had the nicest staff. Southern hospitality is real. They just go the extra mile just to be kind, which can be very rare these days. The rooms are really pretty, slightly dated, but they add a certain type of charm. Classy is probably a good word to use. Again, I wasn’t here long, but it was a great stay and in a cute little Dallas neighborhood too. They too have a 5-star restaurant, but it was closed the night Mckenzie and I stayed there. Also to note, apparently everyone who is anyone stays here. I guess the Rolling Stones had been there 2 weeks prior, and the word was that Curtis Stone was also staying at the hotel that night too. 

Beyond Travel

I also want to give a big shoutout to Emily at Beyond Travel Company for help with hotels, transfers, and travel details! For travel inspo, follow her on Instagram.

photos

(Tori and I on our way to Atlanta) 

(The St. Regis Atlanta)

(McKenzie and I in Dallas)

(Dallas outfit)

(Signing in Dallas)

(Dallas signing)

(Houston dinner)

(McKenzie and I at dinner in Houston)

(Oslo in Palm Springs with the fam – to round things out)

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

8 Easy Hairstyles All the Cool Girls Will be Wearing This Spring…LOVE the double braids on Hailey Bieber (we copied it above). 

Top Favorite Sephora Products are On Sale…should I finally try the Dyson hairdryer?

16 Spring Candles to Burn …Diptyque Tuberose Candle is top of my list to try.

How To Find Your Makeup Shade Online…love this

Sephora’s Epic Savings Event…the sale everyone is talking about. 

Not Mowing the Lawn Is the Latest Landscaping Trend…my favorite look. 

What You Should Know About Lymphatic Drainage Massages…been wanting to try.

Live Out Your Bridgerton Fantasies at These 5 Hotel Properties…these are cute. 

How to Apply Blush for a Natural, Face-Lifting Flush…blushing cheeks for spring. 

38 Best Mother’s Day Gifts to Give Mom This Year…I need all the ideas this year. 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide…if you still need more ideas.

9 Conversation Starters When You’re Getting to Know Someone…love these ideas.

Tour 6 Los Angeles Dream Homes That Are Light, Bright, and Airy…love the 1st home. 

Avoiding the Internet for Years Like Selena Gomez…my new life goal.

12 Books for When You Just Need To Escape Reality…what’s on your list?

10 At-Home Lotions That Treat (And Prevent!) Crepey Skin…some of my favorites. 

20 Charming Rom-Coms Worth Staying In to Watch…love a rom-com. 

These first class flight seats are as decadent as it gets…are they worth it? 

8. All my favorite outfits from the last 10 days. 

similar options 

exact pieces 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Tuesday: Artichoke Gouda Tart

Wednesday: Crispy Chicken Katsu Bowls

Thursday: Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Friday: One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

Saturday: Creamy Coconut Lime Mojito

Sunday: Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing