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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things

It’s officially SUMMER! Y’all, I am so excited! It’s such a fun time of year! Everyone I know is taking advantage of summer, traveling, hosting backyard dinners, daytime BBQs, planning weekend getaways, attending weddings, and really leaning into “summer Fridays”. It’s a nice feeling to know more laid-back days are ahead.

Of course, I say that, but it’s actually been so busy, but all good things! I think it’s just the idea of summer, it’s very chill and that’s so inviting. Is there anything you all are looking forward to in the coming months? I know not all of us are traveling, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have an incredible summer. See lower down, number 5 on our list today, of fun things to do at home!

Let’s see, what’s new? Not much, so a quick recap of the week. It was a busy week of preparing for about two weeks of travel starting today! I’m so excited to go, but wow last week was a lot. There’s always so much to do to prepare before heading out on any trip, but especially a two-week trip.

My personal goal for the summer is to step out of my comfort zone and embrace doing different things. Starting with more travel, since I tend to be adverse to travel and am definitely a creature of habit. I’m someone who loves a routine and could do the very same thing every day. In general, it works for me. But I’ve realized that it’s really, really important for me to have new experiences. Not only to spark new ideas and stay creative but also for my mental state. My last trip to LA, then Miami, really showed me that travel can actually be something I enjoy.

I’m currently en route to one of my favorite cities. Then off to meet my family for our summer vacation with the whole fam (see last year’s vacation highlights here). I think mom said there’s a total of 18 people this year, so a full crew. I’m sure I’ll have many photos and stories for you guys come next week.

We’ll be celebrating Red and Creighton’s birthdays while we’re there, so there won’t be a lack of activities!  I’m excited to reveal the location to you all! What’s your final guess on where we’re headed? It’s changed probably 5 times, but the spot we landed on is going to be beautiful. My mom did an incredible job planning this one!

So I’ve got work to start the week, then chill time with the family. I’m really excited for both adventures!

My highlights for the past week include a day of exciting calls on Thursday. Followed by a walk around the block with my mom. I know this doesn’t sound like anything special, but I love the time I get to have with her. And then our lilac tree is in full bloom right now. The vibrant branches make me so happy. I’m not sure there’s a better summer fragrance than fresh lilacs.

Lastly, every time I travel, I always pull new outfits for the trip. I did a serious last-minute clothing haul for this trip and spent way too much. I’m curious, do you guys enjoy seeing the pieces I order, even if there’s an expensive item? Or would you prefer I only share the more affordable pieces? I love to share them all, but I also want to share what you’re all most interested in seeing.

Plenty of fun “things’ below. Hope you all love this week’s favorites post!

mom’s new Maya Brenner ring I love so much

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

loving…the new Necessaire new neck cream. Use HBH10 for 10% off the Treatment Collection.

reading…Tour Nancy Meyers’s Newly Revitalized L.A. Home. So peaceful and welcoming. I love the outside, the kitchen, and the magical secret-garden-like front door.

loving…Zara summer vacation finds. So many cute things for vacation. This sweetheart dress screams tropical weather. Love this fun satin cutout dress, or this satin dress in black is cute too. Obsessed with their basics. Ordered this spaghetti strap tank, then the wide strap tank too. And you can never have enough basic black/white knit tees. Also, this basic knit sweater is great too. Very into these menswear style pants. I can see Asher wearing this textured jacket. Just added these wide-leg pants to my cart, perfect for bed time. This ruched bikini in blueish is super cute. And I’d put this linen shirt over it as a cover. Love this beaded crossbody bag (super cute). And how fun is this quilted neon toiletry bag?

listening to…Closet Need An Upgrade? Learn How To Build A Timeless Closet with Arielle Charnas on Lipstick on the Rim. I listened to this while walking around the block the other night. I put it on in a rush and ended up really enjoying the conversation on fashion and styling a classic outfit. It’s a good listen for anyone who enjoys fashion.

dreaming of going…Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. What a beautiful Canadian destination. I would love to visit!

ordered…cocktail glasses from Joss & Main. Got these whisky glasses, and then these drinking glasses, and then, these Belmont drinking glasses.

loving…claw clips for easy vacation hair. Taylor, on our team, sent these over to me. I love this set of octopus claw clips, these seashell clips are perfect for a beach vacation, and of course, love these Emi Jay (they’re my favorite clips).

curious to try…Pai Skincare the impossible glow bronzing drops. I can’t sit in the sun, but these sound like the perfect way to still get a natural-looking glow. I want to try the bronze and rose gold shade.

watching…Hailey Bieber’s Date Night Skin Care & Makeup Routine. I LOVE watching these Vogue beauty secrets, but this one is especially good.

loving…Maya Brenner Designs. I recently received a few pieces and they are now some of my favorites. These are investment pieces, but so pretty and they’ll last a lifetime. I got my mom the black diamond Pave ring and it is perfection. So stunning.

following…HandelsMann + Khaw. For the prettiest interior spaces.

loving…Pepper Mayo European towns linen mini dress. Casual enough for daytime, but dress it up with fun sandals for night.

want to order….Cuyana travel bags. I have their leather laptop case and now I feel like I need one of their travel bags too. Eyeing the leather overnight, canvas overnight, or possibly the larger leather weekender. Also, their cosmetic travel cases look really nice too. I know so many people love them.

following…Teressa Johnson. She has the prettiest florals. She’s based out of Seattle for anyone local.

loving…Vintner’s Daughter. I’ve used use the brand for years. But they re-launched their very popular active treatment essence in a spray bottle and it is a game-changer

loving…overalls. How cute are these Levis overalls? Our social manager, Mckenzie said she has been living in these. They’re cute for laid-back summer days and hanging in the garden. These Good American overalls are super cute too.

loving…Olive & June social studies shade. A pretty sun-kissed navy blue for summer.

testing…Method hand soap. I love fancy hand soap and apparently, this smells just like Le Labo’s famous Santal 33 scent.

wearing…new APL slides. Just got my dad their zipline shoe and also ordered another pair of slides, this time in chocolate. I love the color.

the new Necessaire neck cream

2. My favorite summer cocktails.

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita | halfbakedharvest.com

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Strawberry Mojito | halfbakedharvest.com

Strawberry Mojito

Firecracker Champagne Paloma | halfbakedharvest.com

Firecracker Champagne Paloma

Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy | halfbakedharvest.com

Frozen Peach Rosé Slushy

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé | halfbakedharvest.com

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Blackberry Champagne Mule

Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles | halfbakedharvest.com

Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

3. Summer vacation travel bags.

 

Also, I don’t use packing cubes, but if you do, here you go, 12 Packing Cubes That Will Keep You Organized While Traveling.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: did you go to high school or were you home-schooled?
a: a little of both except I wasn’t ever home schooled. I did 2 years of normal high school. I then switched and took classes at Colorado Mountain College for both high school and college credits and graduated a year early.

q: what is your opinion on truffle oil?
a: it’s not my favvv ??‍♀️

q: are you particular about the bowls/plates you use for plating? Or grab whatever?
a: I’m very particular. It takes me forever to pull dishes.

q: do you ever get an idea that doesn’t turn out? How do you prevent wasting time? 
a: all the time, but you never know until you try, so you have to try! It’s never a waste of time trying something new.

q: did you decide on your hair after that poll?
a: probably just getting a trim! y’all are very opinionated about my hair!! Many suggested highlights, but coloring scares me more than cutting! I’ve never colored my hair! Honestly not sure ??‍♀️

q: what motivated you to finish high school early and have such a different experience?
a: I was never someone who enjoyed school. It caused me so much stress/anxiety since I was really little. By the end, I just wanted to be DONE and start working right away. I wanted to move to LA and work in fashion. I was so eager and excited that it was easy to push through school.

q: I feel like you are so humble with such a big following, is it hard to stay grounded?
a: I don’t think so! I don’t live in LA or NYC. I’m pretty small town and I don’t feel like I’m anything special!! Very, very average/normal!! My family would set me straight if I ever got too annoying to them anyway. Haha, lots of brothers, remember (:

q: would you ever do diet-specific recipes? Like keto?
a: no, that’s really not my thing. I’m all about eating real foods, limiting processed foods, and cooking at home as much as possible. I don’t like to put labels on foods or how I eat.

q: when you’re not cooking, or with the family, what’s your go-to thing to do?
a: if it’s daytime, anything outside in the sun makes me happy. I don’t get to spend enough time just chilling in the sun or being outside. I’m pretty simple. If it’s late at night, I’ll sometimes online shop and have a lot of fun with that ? If I’m not working though, I usually spend my free time with my family.

q: tips for feeling less travel anxiety? I love to do it, but hate breaking my routine!
a: Do everything you can to take the stress out of traveling. For me, that’s arranging travel plans that work best for my schedule. Making sure I have a hotel that I’m excited to stay in and know I will feel comfortable at. Know what your limits are. If you know something will really stress you out, don’t do it. If you’re able to spend money on things that will help, do it, and don’t feel guilty. Whether that’s scheduling a shuttle for an airport run, or splurging on a hotel. Make the travel experience as fun and comfortable as possible and you’ll learn to love traveling.

Also, I had to accept that travel is unpredictable, delays happen, and flights get canceled. When it’s out of my control I just have to say to myself, there isn’t anything I can do. Find the next best solution and take things by the hour. It’s easier said than done, but learn to let go of some of the stress.

q: what’s your favorite animal?
a: I don’t know really, but a giraffe came to mind immediately. There’s something so beautiful and unique about them. I also love butterflies ?

q: what does your social life look like? do you ever feel isolated where you live? 
a: it’s verryyy mellow. If I’m not working, which I consider being “social” for me, then my social life is my family for sure. With 8 siblings + super close cousins, it’s never lonely. That’s the best part about having such a huge, close fam, there’s always someone there to talk to ?

q: what does it take to succeed in your industry?
a: the willingness to really put in long hours, do the actual work, and dedication. A love for the content you’re sharing, a willingness to open parts of your life up to the public, and kindness. Know what makes you unique and have tough skin!

q: why don’t you move to LA? You love the west and the weather is good year-round!
a: I don’t think I could last longer than a few weeks. While I love to visit, I think I enjoy it more for work than anything else. I’ve kind of decided I’d like to do longer trips to LA, stay in my fav hotel, and work/play while there. I love a packed LA trip. But then I also love heading home and getting back to “normal”.

5. How to have the best summer at home.

Not all of us can jet-set off to Europe, so I thought it would be fun to share a bucket list of ideas for summer days and nights closer to home! Here’s a fun list of mine, but guys! Please share your ideas within the comments too!!

  1. Plan as many weekend/day trips as you can. You might not be going to Paris, but you’ll be surprised to find all the hidden gem locations within driving distance. It will take some research, but worth it in the end.
  2. Spend your days outside when possible. The beauty of so many of us working from home is that we can easily make it outside our office.
  3. Make fresh-squeezed lemonade. I have a new recipe coming!
  4. Make a summertime playlist. Nothing gets you in a feel-good kind of mood quite like a good playlist. Curate the list to include all of your fun, laid-back summer favorites.
  5. Wake up early and soak in that summer morning sun! The sunlight that comes into my room in the early morning gives me so much energy. It makes getting out for a hike so easy. Plus, I always feel ahead of the game on days when I’m out of bed even just a few minutes early!
  6. Have an outdoor movie marathon. I’ve always loved this idea! Or just watch a good summertime movie. What are your favorites? I could use some ideas!
  7. Don’t wait until Friday and Saturday night to “relax”. Long summer nights are meant to be spent outside enjoying the sunset. Make fun dinners throughout the week and maybe even a cocktail or two.
  8. Get off Instagram 1 to 2 days a week. Trust me, you will be happier because of it.
  9. On nice evenings, walk around your neighborhood with a friend or give your mom a call. It’s a great way to enjoy the warm nights and decompress from the day.
  10. Make homemade ice cream sandwiches. These blackberry swirled sandwiches are a current favorite. And then continue to make and enjoy ice cream ALL SUMMER LONG.
  11. Find a local farm and pick fresh summer produce. Then challenge yourself to make a new recipe that night.

  12. Spend rainy days organizing and decluttering your home. Come fall you’ll feel ahead of the game and ready for some new cozy fall decor.
  13. Go Swimming whenever possible.

  14. Don’t put pressure on yourself to have exciting plans every single day. Summer is about fun, but it’s also about relaxing and just enjoying the season for what it is.

 

6. Self-doubt and overcoming the “second-guessing”.

I struggle with self-doubt and have perfected the art of second-guessing. I’ve done this for most of my life. But as we continue to grow HBH and reach into more areas, it’s becoming hard to know the right moves to make in all aspects of life.

Sometimes the right move is very clear. But most of the time every major decision I make comes with too much thinking and then overthinking. I was experiencing this with our studio and home updates. I loved everything, and then all of a sudden I didn’t. After a long call with Katie, our designer, I feel so much more confident about how we’re moving forward.

Our call made me really want to learn how to be more confident with decisions. Confident in myself, and confident enough to go with my initial thoughts and stop overthinking my every move. It’s way easier said than done, but I hope that with time I can learn how to do this. Not only is this going to free up space in my brain and allow for even more new ideas to flow, but my gosh it’s going to help me work so much more efficiently.

I just wanted to put this all out there. I know I can’t be the only one who struggles with this or has asked the question “but what’s my gut feeling…I have no idea!”. Really though, what does that even mean, go with your gut? I have not a clue, but hopefully, with time, I can grow into a more confident me.

No real point in sharing this other than to put it out there. But if you have tips/tricks that help you, please share them!

Step Inside the Ken Fulk–Designed Nantucket Dream Home…simply stunning.

The Best Hamptons Hotels and Homes to Book This Summer...I have never been, but maybe this is the summer I make it to the Hamptons.

Trader Joe’s Summer Essentials You Need To Try ASAP…because we all love TJ’s.

The Studio McGee Office Photo Tour…such a creative space.

What To Bring On A Picnic…really cute picnic essential finds.

Need a New Hobby… 31 fun ideas to try this summer.

Favorite Books We’ve Read This Year…if you need some summer beach day reads.

8 Moving Hacks That Will Make Packing Up So Much Easier…for everyone on the move.

21 Healthy Eating Habits for Lifelong Wellness…love these.

9 Genius Tips I Learned From Studying Hailey Bieber’s Beauty Routine…take notes.

7 Summer Trends from J.Crew’s Head Designer…love that J.Crew is making a comeback.

Zara Said Let’s Party30 pretty going-out shoes. Got to love Zara. 

A West Marin California Family Retreat…what a cozy California home.

The Best Flea Market in Every State…fun for summer weekends.

For Longer, Thicker Hair, Try This At-Home Practice…need to try using hair oils.

48 Hours in Seattle…where to eat, shop, and find inspiration.

8. Red, white, and blue for the 4th.

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls

Summer Coconut Chickpea Curry with Rice and Fried Halloumi | halfbakedharvest.com #coconut #vegan #curry #easyrecipes #summer

Tuesday: Summer Coconut Chickpea Curry with Rice

Korean Grilled Steak with Toasted Sesame Chimichurri | halfbakedharvest.com #summergrilling #easyrecipes #dinner #steakrecipes

Wednesday: Korean Grilled Steak

Charred Peppers with Marinated Feta and Tzatziki | halfbakedharvest.com

and Charred Peppers with Marinated Feta

Charred Peppers with Marinated Feta and Tzatziki | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Grilled Caprese Pesto Chicken Skewers

20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: 20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs

Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas Bites | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Bites

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Comments

  1. “When people show you who they are, believe them”- Maya Angelou. They show it through their actions as we can’t read their minds! Actions speak.

  2. For sure one of the “Nine Favorite Things” of my week is reading this magazine column. And you are not very, very normal Tieghan. You are very, very special and important to us. You are so “extra.” I mean, who makes cocktails and then creates something to actually freeze on a stick and put into the cocktail glass? And I could go on and on about your recipes. Such a wonderful and exceptional young woman all around!! Thanks for another great column!

    1. Hey Lorena,
      Thank you so much for reading and your super kind message! I am so glad you enjoy these posts as much as I do:) Thanks for your support and following along! xxTieghan

  3. Another wonderful post! Nine Favorite Things is always a must read. I find I do know the answer if I’m paying close attention. The universe is usually pointing us in the right direction it just takes practice looking for and recognizing the signs. Honing your intuition (ie: your gut) is a lifelong process. Keep at it!

    1. Hey Tracy,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing this tip!! So very true, it’s whether or not we want to see it right?! Hope you had a great holiday weekend! xTieghan

  4. I’m also an over thinker! I am 38 now and it has gotten better with time for me. I meditate a few times a week and I think that has helped me get more in tune with my body and my gut. And I try to remember that 99% of decisions can be reversed, maybe it will be expensive, time consuming etc but almost everything is fixable – that helps me feel better when making a choice and trying not to overthink it.

    1. Hey Jamie,
      Thanks so much for reading! How awesome that you meditate, I would love to get into that, I bet it is so good for you! Hope you had a great holiday weekend!! xTieghan

  5. Wow- this post is so thorough I feel like I can dump social media for like a week and be prepared for everything. I am following you immediately. Bravo girl!!❤️

  6. I can relate to your comment on second guessing ourselves. I made a decision on pool pavers in February. Really stared to second guess myself and spent way too much time reevaluating only to come back to my original decision. So trusting our guts (or original decisions) is important!

    1. Hey Sandy,
      Yes!! Totally understand where you are coming from! Thanks for reading today and sharing your thoughts! xTieghan

  7. I started doing a version of 9 favorite things on Sunday evenings as a kind of journal reflection to go over things that I loved that week, be it recipes, hobbies, a special hike or event, cool articles I want to save etc. Always love reading yours and now its fun to make my own too.

    1. Hey Colette,
      Such a great idea!! Thanks so much for reading each Sunday and sharing your little routine! Hope you’re having a great week! xTieghan

  8. Total overthinker! I annoy myself! Lol. Please share all the things. I love it. Share what YOU love. Enjoy your vacay!

    1. Thanks so much Jenna!! It’s fun to look at that stuff and just enjoy the products, not necessarily needing to buy them:) xTieghan

  9. You are so amazing and I thank you for sharing your talent with the world. Your ideas are always new, refreshing and taste incredible. Stay the way you are and don’t feel like you have to take on the world’s problems. I thank you for being a place I can go to in order to find some peace, calm and creativity in this crazy world. A world that has lost sight of the things that matter such as morals, love, respect and the ability to listen. Don’t listen to the haters. They need to stop hating. Keep doing what makes you happy and sharing your gift with the world.
    Peace and love to you.

    1. Hey Renee,
      Thanks so much for your kind message and giving so many recipes a try! So glad you are able to find some peace within these posts, this really makes me so happy:) I think we all need a bit of an outlet! Hope you are having a great week! xTieghan

  10. Tieghan,

    I am a longtime follower of your blog, and have successfully enjoyed many of your recipes from the blog and cookbooks. Today however, I have made the decision to go through my social media intake and unfollow any account that has been actively posting since Friday and has neglected a mention of Friday’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe. I can no longer allow energy to go to people and accounts that remain silent, even though the women that are about to die in droves are their main source of income. While I have enjoyed your blog, I must focus my energy, money, and support elsewhere. I will continue fighting for your rights, those of your little sister, and the majority of your followers. I can only hope that you choose not to remain silent much longer, as silence makes us complicit in this hatred. I wish you all the best, but will no longer follow this blog.

    1. I came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed the silence. I’ve unfollowed a couple of other influencers over the last few days for the same thing and will sadly be doing the same with Half Baked Harvest. I am in full agreement that silence equals complicity. And if you’re silent simply because you are ignorant on the issues, now is the time to learn because to sit idly by with your head in the sand as Rome burns in my mind is just as bad as lighting the fire.

    2. I stand with Jordan. This is so important. It’s not being a “hater” or “political” rather it’s taking a moment in this heartbreaking time to recognize our shared humanity – something that food and cooks do so beautifully. It is relevant and I’m genuinely sorry it’s not here.

    3. Hi, I have been taking a 20-minute mind break from the heavy issues of the news, my own personal stress, etc. I save these 9-things posts up like a stack of magazines to savor when I have a few minutes. So this comment is a little late.

      I hear what you are saying. Reproductive rights and access to healthcare for women is absolutely in crisis.

      However, I wonder if there may be room for us all to do what we feel most comfortable with and make the assumption that everyone is doing the best they can in their own way. I don’t know Tieghan personally (even though we’re BFF’s in my dream world 😉 ), but I would assume that she has made a choice to stay away from the subject on this platform in a thoughtful way. Some of us are more impactful in one-on-one conversations or participate in advocacy in our own communities. Others are very vocal on social media. Both have their place. I learned that on the issue of reforming gun laws. I am extremely passionate about that issue. I was extremely vocal on social media for years post Sandyhook. I learned that I do better with a boots on the ground and personal work and conversation style of advocacy than I do on social media. I had the most meaningful and mind-changing conversations offline and actually lost the opportunity to do so when I was vocal online. I am grateful for those who are comfortable being vocal online. I am also aware that everyone has their own way of advocating and just because it’s not online doesn’t necessarily mean they are silent.

      I’m not sure it’s fair to assume that she is silent (no matter her views) just because she hasn’t spoken up on her blog. I agree that every voice counts right now, but it is essential that we use our voice in a way that we personally feel we can be the most effective. We’re all on our own journey.

      There are plenty of companies that I shop with who have yet to speak out on issues that are important to me. When they do speak out, if I am in disagreement they don’t get a red cent from me ever again. When they don’t, I assume they are doing their best until they give me reason to believe otherwise.

      I hope this comes across without tone or condemnation. It’s hard to convey behind a keyboard, but my intention is to offer another perspective on how we choose to advocate.

  11. Tieghan,
    I love your NFT s and wouldn’t change a thing! The content is great and I love the variety. Totally can relate to 2nd guessing & over thinking. I was going to comment last week on the changes to your amazing barn. I love love that giant chandelier you have. However, I have a penchant for older architecture and dark wood. So I just adore your barn. Go have a fun and arelaxing time on vacation w/your family. Keep doing YOU!

    1. Hey Alaina,
      Thanks so much for your kind message and reading each Sunday:) Love that you enjoy these posts! Thanks for the compliment on my barn, I can’t wait until it’s finished!! Have the best holiday week!! xx