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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things

The first Favorite’s post of 2023!! I actually feel a little rusty writing this, it’s been two weeks since I typed one up. With both Christmas and then New Years’ Day falling on a Sunday this year, we decided to take the days off from sharing any new posts. My mom and I both figured that everyone would be spending time with family and hopefully off the internet.

Plus, we needed the break, my poor mom especially. She copy-edits every single blog post that goes live. Every single one, and it’s been that way since 2012. She’s never not copy-edited a post. Kind of crazy and also kind of cool when you think about it. It can be hard at times, but I love that I get to work with my mom so closely. It’s such a gift.

The time off from this post was especially nice. I LOVE writing these every week, but they are very time intensive to put together, so the break was nice. But we’re back, and I have so much to share!

First, Christmas was really nice. It was a very different vibe this year with Malachi and Red missing and then the addition of 4 kids ages two and under. Oslo is the oldest at two, then Walker is one, Bud is ten months, and Freya is teensy, tiny at 3 months, a little newbie!

So with new parents and new babies, it was of course special, it was just different. We had a very low-key holiday. We ate Christmas Eve dinner at my parent’s house, did gifts in the morning, and then dinner again at my parents on Christmas night. Honestly, I think the majority of people were in bed by 9 or 10 pm. So a very mellow vibe.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

New Year’s Eve was pretty mellow too, although the entire family was here for New Year’s so we did have some late-nighters. I will say that Asher LOVED her Christmas gifts. I worked so hard on them. We had so much fun opening them up just the two of us on Christmas night. It was so nice. She came over to my house after we all had dinner and we just had sister time. I think we’ll make it a new tradition.

And that really sums up Christmas and New Year’s. It certainly wasn’t as crazy as years past. Kai is here. Red had to leave for a few days for an obligation on the east coast, but he is back today. I’m especially excited to have them around for a few days, I definitely missed them!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. I would love to hear about something special you did over the break!! Please share in the comments. It’s so fun peeking into your lives too. Oh! And what recipes did you make? What were some of your favorite dishes?

Moving along from holiday talk, I am so excited for this year. We have some incredible projects in the works, probably too many, but I love to have a lot happening. It’s exciting! And our team behind the scenes is so strong, it’s such a nice unit we have! We now have a small social media team (McKenzie and Ellie), then Taylor, who truly does it all and is kind of like my right hand. Margaret has mostly been assisting my mom, and my cousin Maggie has many hats. Asher and my dad are unofficial “team” members and we couldn’t function without them.

It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown. I think the biggest thing for me is that I’m excited to share even more with you all this year. I know it is going to be a great one!

Before I dive into my favs for the week, I shared the 25 most popular recipes of 2022 – as picked by all of you. I also shared my Favorite Healthier Recipes in prep for a month of clean January recipes!

Happy New Year HBH Fam!

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

loving…winter scarfs. I love this ACNE Studios wool scarf, very cozy. I bought this one for my mom for Christmas and she loves it!

wanting…an olive tree. But if I have an olive tree shipped to Colorado, will it survive?

listening to…Not Skinny, Not Fat for a mental release and to escape my “to-do list”. My favorite episode thus far has been with Simon Huck. I smiled all the way through.

dreaming of going to…Amanyara Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. My grandpa actually has his boat in Turks and Caicos for the winter, so I would love to take a trip to visit. I’ve been wanting to stay at this hotel for the longest time, it looks so relaxing. The perfect winter vacation stop. Maybe in March?

eating at…we’re headed to Aspen in a couple of weeks for X Games. I would love to take Red to Matsuhisa for Japanese, his favorite. I’d also love to try the French Alpine Bistro. Any other Aspen recommendations?

reading…Atomic Habits. After multiple people that I greatly look up to and respect recommended this book, I finally got it on audio.

reading…How to Be a Boss B*tch. Another highly recommended book for the new year. I haven’t read (or listened) to it yet, but would like to.

everything in my cart…beauty. Some new finds that I’d certainly love to test out.

 


currently burning…Snif’s sweet ash and old saint wick candles. Extra cozy for winter nights.

excited to burn…ordered a few new candle scents for winter. Splurged on one of my favorite candles, the Byredo Chai scented candle. Also trying their Symphonique scented candle with notes of anise, orange, ginger, and cloves. It sounds wintery! Then, a couple new candles, the Maison Louis Marie bois de balincourt candle, and the Frama beratan candle. Ok, and lastly, I didn’t order, but I’m curious to try the Diptyque limited edition tuberose candle.

 


following…Interior designers. For design inspiration. Loving, Flack Studio, Susannah Holmberg Studios, Intimate Living Interiors, Meghan Eisenberg, MasseriaPalaci (really pretty vacation home rentals), and Diego Delgado-Elias.

watching…Emily Paris. Did you binge it already? I haven’t started it yet, but will tonight. What else should I watch? I’m sad Christmas movies are no longer OK. Addition from mom – yes they are still ok to watch! Nothing better than a Christmas movie on a snowy January night. They make you feel good! My cousin, Abby, is watching season 2 of Ginny and Georgia on Netflix. I have yet to watch this, but she keeps telling me about it!

everything in my cart (high)…anything from Loro Piana. The cashmere pieces are especially beautiful. I adore these cashmere gloves. This down jacket looks super warm and would be cute paired with wool leggings. And I’d love to own these quilted leather-trimmed ankle boots. Also, very in love with the coats from LVIR. This suede shearling coat is so pretty.

 


baking…Maple Banana Bread with Cinnamon Spice Butter. My favorite recipe of the week, possibly my favorite winter recipe.

2. The most popular recipes of December.

Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular: Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

(these cinnamon rolls were the most popular new recipe of December. The most popular recipe overall was my Christmas monster cookies…these were also last year’s most popular recipe! Following the cookies, we have The 25 Most Popular Recipes of 2022 and then, My Favorite Healthy Recipes for 2023).

Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Christmas Pomegranate Punch (+ mocktail) | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: Christmas Pomegranate Punch (+ mocktail)

Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup.| halfbakedharvest.com

My personal favorite: Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup

Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen | halfbakedharvest.com

Ok, last one: Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen

3. New Year products for a better 2023.

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: If you had the day off in New York and could do anything, what would you do?
a: I’d take Asher shopping in New York and spend the day with her.

q: do you use any filters on your photos? 
a: Never on food. But I love the Tezza app for creating fun edits on other photos and videos. But I never use them on my food photos or videos. I like food to look like actual food and hopefully look extra delicious 😋

q: what is the brown star I see in a lot of your photos?
a: Star anise!! I have been using it so much this year. It’s so pretty!

q: do you go to bed after you put your legs up at night?
a: No I usually do other things after. Some people go right to bed but I always do this while I’m posting stories at night! I don’t go to bed after, but soonish. It’s definitely the start of my wind-down routine.

q: when do you test recipes?
a: Usually during the day so I can use natural lighting for my videos and photos. Right now, I will test into the night too since daylight is limited. I just can’t film or photograph then since it’s dark.

q: what is your favorite tea?
a: I actually don’t love tea. Most of the time it makes me gag. But a creamy chai I can and do enjoy! But has to be latte-style with milk and ideally whipped cream ☃️

q: do you like to drive?
a: Haha! Um it depends, I don’t mind driving at all, and trips around town are sometimes a nice mental break. But I definitely prefer to just chill in the car versus drive. Especially if it’s a long trip

q: do you mess up recipes?
a: All the time. Like all the time. Sometimes once a week, sometimes more, just depends on the recipe and where my head is at that day.

5. New Year, New Intentions.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

I am not a New Year’s resolution person. I don’t believe in them. I’m of the mindset that if you want to start something or change something, then just do it. The date on the calendar shouldn’t matter.

That said, the New Year does always feel like a fresh start, so it’s a nice time to reflect and look into things we might be able to improve, change, or do a little better. I love to set small intentions for the month. Not the year, just the month. Take it day by and adjust as needed.

My focus personally: 

Prioritize sleep –

I had the same intention last year, and while it improved very slightly, I let things slide in the fall. I need to get back into a better routine. My game plan is 5 minutes earlier every night for the next month. Time will add up and I think it’s about taking baby steps to get into a nice routine. I admit…I’m a morning person and a night owl. I love the quietness of a late night and the stillness of a cozy morning.

My focus professionally: 

Building out HBH product-

We have been working to create product for the longest time. Same with a TV show to be very honest. Both are a long, drawn-out processes, but this is the year we’ll finally launch product.

Building a strong team –

This is something we are already doing that I feel so proud of. For the longest time, I never thought I could be a “leader” to a team. But I’ve learned and adjusted a lot this past year and I love the people I get to work with every day.

Share more –

I’m excited to share more of my life with you all this year! Toward the end of 2022, I really put an effort in to travel more and share more of the things that inspire me outside of food. I found that by sharing more of what I love, I felt more creative and excited to wake up and work every day. Sharing more lifestyle is a big focus this year!

I could go on and on about this year and all that I want to do, but these three things stick out the most. I’m just excited to see where the year takes me!

something to inspire you 

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” Simon Sinek

6. Christmas Vacation Photos.

mom + dad – possibly my favorite photo 

Hailey and Oslo

Oslo and Kai

Hailey and Merle 

Asher – she’s so grown up! 

Cait, Hailey, Asher 

Dad

Oslo

Asher

Asher 

Abby and Oslo

Asher, Oslo, and Walker

Cait and Walker 

little Freya

Walker 

Lyndsie and Bud

almost everyone

Abby and Walker

Walker and Oslo 

Hailey and Walker 

Matt, Caroline, and Freya

You see? A lot of babies…

Room With a View: The Best Hotel Views Around the World.

I Always Take a Solo Trip at the Beginning of a New Year.

The 12 Best Places to Travel In 2023.

According to Amazon Reviews, These Are the 20 Beauty Products You Won’t Regret.

The 7 Best At-Home Infrared Saunas, According To Functional Medicine Experts.

People Are Taping Their Mouth While Sleeping for Health Benefits…interesting.

7 Things to Do Today To Feel Happy and Excited Post Holiday.

Can You Naturally Increase Estrogen? Everything You Need to Know.

2023’s Biggest Wellness Trends.

50 Things You Can Do to Be Healthier and Happier in 2023.

60 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions You Can Totally Achieve This Year.

Foolproof Tips To Make (and Keep) Your New Year’s Resolutions.

8. Cashmere everything under $200.

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Spicy Short Rib Peanut Ramen | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Spicy Short Rib Peanut Ramen

Crispy Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Honey Lime Avocado Crema | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Crispy Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Honey Lime Avocado Crema

Crockpot Coconut Chicken Curry with Crispy Shallot Basil Oil | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Crockpot Coconut Chicken Curry with Crispy Shallot Basil Oil

Honey Garlic Salmon Soba Noodle Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Honey Garlic Salmon Soba Noodle Bowls

Peanut Butter Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Peanut Butter Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Sunday: Crispy Parmesan and Pesto Egg in a Bagel

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Comments

  1. Tieghan,

    My friend gave me an olive tree she purchased at Trader Joe’s in Boulder this summer. ($10 bucks!) I’ve had it 5 months and it looks great, just like the one you pictured.

    Thanks for sharing your love of cooking, fashion and family with us!

    Best,

    Terrill

  2. Just want to say Thank you and Happy New Year, I just love your recipes and the pictures are always so tempting.
    Thank you,
    Thank you,
    Thank you,
    God Bless
    Dee

  3. I just wanted to let you know I love Nine Favorite Things & so appreciate the hard work that goes into writing them.
    Keep up the great work!!

  4. Such a great post.
    In response to your question about getting an olive tree— yes it will survive! They are very hearty and can withstand all types of weather. If there is a Trader Joe’s near you, they sell them. Mine is 1 year old and is really growing. Olives should appear in 3 years I believe. Good luck!!

    1. Hey Denise,
      Awesome! Thanks so much for reading and sharing your feedback on the olive tree! Will keep you posted on if I get one:) Happy Monday! xT

  5. Thank you for putting together such a great newsletter! I bet it takes a huge chunk of time for you and your mom so I wanted to say thank you and tell you how much I enjoy reading it. I appreciate all your hard work and have loved following along for several years. Happy New Year!

    1. Awe thank you so much Kristin, this really means so much to us! Love to hear you have been enjoying the content:) Happy Monday! xT

  6. Just ran up to Aspen for New Years. Aquolina was so good. Get anything with truffles. We wanted to go to L’Hostaria but it closed! Also went to Clark’s and got great seafood. Hard to go wrong in Aspen. But Matsuhisa- has ruined every other sushi restaurant for me. It’s the best. Saw members of Umphrey’sMcghee there last time we went. Right before seeing them at the Belly Up. Hope u have fun!

    1. Hey Sarah,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing your Aspen suggestions! I’ve heard great things about Matsuhisa! Happy New Year! xT

  7. Hey hey! So glad to hear you had a great holiday season!! All the photos seem like everyone else in the house had a blast too. Oslo is SO cute in his snowsuit!

    Honestly, it’s funny you mentioned having a break from writing these posts was nice. I feel like they are a part of my routine in a way as well and I had a nice break too. I read them after I’m done getting ready for the work week Sunday night. This of course involves a lot of meal prep and cleaning. It’s so nice to read this as an end cap you know. A little dose of beautiful and tasty!

    The holidays were the best though!! I baked the Honey Butter Parker House Rolls for Christmas Eve dinner and everyone could not, I mean COULD NOT, stop talking about how good they were!!!! I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be allowed back to my in-laws house for the holiday again if those rolls weren’t placed on the table immediately(jk)! But really though, best rolls I’ve ever made, thank you!! The Chai Gingerbread Men have been a staple ever since that recipe came out but, you know, just as delicious as ever.

    It’s amazing to hear you’ve got such big plans for HBH. Like, UH-MAY-ZING! The sky’s the limit and I’m with ya. You are 100% one of the only people I trust at all with what I eat and with giving it to me straight! lol. At the risk of getting too sappy, I truly look forward to seeing whatever new things you have planned.

    Happy New Year, and happy 2023! Xo Patricia

    1. Hey Patricia,
      Happy New Year and thanks for your comment! Thanks for reading each Sunday, it really means a lot:) The Parker rolls are a family fave over here, so glad your crew loved them too! That’s great the gingerbread men have been a go to! Thanks for following along and being here! Have a great week! xT

  8. Tieghan…you are the cutest. I am old enough to be your mother but I still gain inspiration from you. I taught Foods and Nutrition for 30 years. I do workshops and presentations to groups, organizations , church groups and garden clubs on Growing and Cooking with Herbs and Spices. You are most creative and ingenious. Thanks for all the hard work and sharing your lovely life, your family and most importantly your recipe creations. Many many years ago I enjoyed Food Network…I find nothing about the network interesting. Please if you decide to pursue TV( and I hope you will) please keep it true and real. No contests..no game..just real!! You would be great and sometimes inclusive having your family join in the kitchen or at the table. Even the travels. Happy 2023. Be blessed!! Janie Foltz

    1. I liked very much the photos. All of them look so happy… I also enjoyed the writing … I do want more of this …. Happy new year for you all…

    2. Hey Janie,
      Thanks so much for reading and your comment! That’s pretty cool you taught a foods class! Thanks for making so many recipes and following along:) Lol no worries, I wouldn’t be good with games or contests anyways!! Happy New Year! xT

  9. your mom is right…christmas movies forever!!! LOL. aaaaand “emily in paris” is hysterical…you will LOVE it. xoxo, keep creating for us❣️❣️❣️.

    1. Hey Karen,
      Thanks so much for thinking of me and sharing these candles!! I will definitely checkout her shop! Happy New Year! xx

  10. Such a huge family! And a huge blessing!
    For thanksgiving I made your whole menu minus the pie. It took days of prep and a level of organization that had everyone amazed haha! That was all new to me – all of it.
    For Christmas, hubby took the reins and it was much less food and lower key. He grilled salmon on cedar planks and applied a few different toppings to different pieces of salmon, which I have been advocating for years! I handled the mashed potatoes and green beans. Green beans with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, diced tomato and kalamata olives. So good!

    I want to try so many of your recipes above I can’t see straight haha!

    1. Thanks so much for your thoughtful message Kim! I can’t believe you made so many recipe for Thanksgiving, thank you:) I love a low key Christmas! Hope you’re off to a great year! xT

  11. Happy New Year and Greetings from the UK… just a comment to say thank you for the effort and time it must take to write such interesting and informative weekly ‘nine favourite things’ I love reading it and truly appreciate the content 👏👏👏 Stay safe and well.

    1. Hi Tieghan, I love how much you love Asher. It is so wonderful. I lost my sister to colon cancer 15 years ago when she was 49. I miss her everyday. Her children tell me they miss us “cackling ” in the kitchen while we made dinner. Treasure every moment you have together. It goes too fast.

      1. Awe, thanks so much Sue! So sorry to hear about your sister, I’m sure your nieces and nephews are so grateful to have you in their lives💕 xT

    2. Thanks so much for your kind message Nina and reading each Sunday! So glad you have been enjoying the posts:) Happy New Year! xx

  12. Love your family photos! My fave might be the one of your dad with his helmet and goggles on. He looks like a badass Santa!!!

    It’s also fun to hear about expanding on HBH product offerings. TV sounds especially intriguing! Personally, I think you and your brand would fit in quite nicely with the Magnolia Network lineup.

    Lastly, for binging I recommend Kindred on Hulu. The hubs and I watched it over the holidays and cannot WAIT for a season two! Wednesday was also a big hit with both of us. It’s suspenseful, fun, and SO well done! Both have great writing/storylines and casts. Now we’re watching House of the Dragon. So far, it’s as salacious as we’d hoped!

    Happy New Year!

    1. Hey Kristie,
      Lol thanks so much, happy to share the photos:) Thanks for your kind thoughts about TV and the Magnolia Network! I’ll have to add Kindred to my list, thanks for sharing! Happy New Year! xT