Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Nine Favorite Things – this weeks birthday girl!
Now that we’re well into January, how is everyone feeling about the new year? Thus far mine has been pretty busy, which I’ll never ever complain about. But at the same time, I’m dying to get out and travel again. There are no trips locked in just yet, but I know some fun things will pop up soon.
I’m using this time at home this month to buckle down and work on a few projects we have happening this year, which I’m so excited about. This is the first year we have a real team in place. It feels amazing to be in the position we’re in today. It’s also fun to see the growth. I’m so incredibly thankful for our small team. I also want to give a shout-out to Asher for a minute too.
She’s been so helpful the last few months. You give her a task, and, just like my mom, she just gets it done. She’s been helping with everything from packing up and shipping out cookbooks, returns and exchanges, cleaning, organizing, orderings things, you name it. I’m so grateful for her, she’s the sweetest. We need to make Asher’s hot chocolate together tonight, she’s certainly earned it!
Other than that, its been pretty much business as usual over here. We still have some family in town through the end of the month. We’ve got a small trip planned to Aspen for X-Games the 26th – 29th. I’d like to stay at the Hotel Jerome. I peeked in there the last time I was in town and it was really beautiful. Sadly I think all the rooms are sold out. So possibly another trip. Maybe Asher and I can do a girl’s overnight stay. That would be a fun surprise for her!
Also, there are talks about a winter vacation somewhere tropical, so that’s currently on everyone’s minds. Any ideas? I think you all know that my vote is for Turks and Caicos. The Amanyara Resort looks amazing!
Moving along, I’m loving this year’s January recipes. The banana bread I shared the other week has been on repeat. I’ve made it so many times! Also loving the sheet pan curry chicken, cauliflower tzatziki bowls, and baked crunchy hot honey chicken (my favorite of them all – we love this one so much). Do you have a favorite?
Tip for the week? I’ve been comforting myself nightly with candles lit all around me. Coming home and lighting a candle every night is just the coziest, happiest task for me. If your anxiety is high and you’re feeling stressed, light your favorite candle tonight. If you need a new one, I’ll share some of my favorites next week (both affordable and my fav splurges too), i have to gather them all together. Promise the act of burning a candle will do wonders for your mental health!
It’s always the smallest things that can make the most difference. Happy Sunday!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
wanting…a new pair of everyday lounge pants. I’m loving the pairs that Alo has. The straight leg sweatpant is my top pick. I have the black, cinnamon, and toffee in my shopping cart. The matching hoodie is super cute too.
more Alo picks
everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, I am really into these cargo-style pant, super cute. Also, these high rise straight leg jeans and wide leg jeans are both must-haves and super-affordable denim options. Also love these extra cozy knit pants and soft sweatshirt. And on the fancier side, a pretty sequin skirt, full-length pants, plus this sateen top (very cute).
listening to…Anna Kendrick on Armchair Expert. Really enjoyed this fun, but also serious conversation. It surprised me.
Also, I haven’t started this yet, but I’m curious about EXPANDED by To Be Magnetic. It’s a manifestation-focused podcast, which sounds funny, I know, but I’m giving it a try! Have you ever listened? Any podcast you listen to that you’re loving?
listening to…Khloe Kardashian on The Importance of Putting Yourself First and Making Kindness The New Norm on the Jay Shetty podcast. I’m currently in the middle of this one. It’s good!
watching…Wednesday. Asher, Kai, and Cait watched it and said it was good.
ordering…Summer Friday’s new Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum. I just ordered this now actually and I’m looking forward to testing it out. Like many of us, I love Summer Friday’s product.
dreaming of going to…Tokyo! I came across a list of some of the best Tokyo hotels and I now want to plan my trip! Have you been? I’m thinking of the HOSHINOYA Tokyo.
reading…How Florence Pugh Became Hollywood’s Most Grounded Superstar. Up until now, I was not familiar with Florence, but I thought this video was cute. She seems really cool! I also watched this cute video, Florence Pugh Shares the Recipe for Her Very Best ‘Garlicky Crostini’.
loving…everything Dyson. Especially my Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Autoreact and Dyson V8 both of which are on sale. Also, I’m finally getting the Dyson Airwrap.
everything in my cart beauty…my hands have been horribly dry this winter. Cracked, cut up, and honestly they just hurt. I ordered this Chanel LE LIFT La Crème Main and will be curious to see if it’s worth the price tag. Also, trying cuticle oil to see if that helps at all.
Also…the new glow glides highlighter from Charlotte Tilbury is SO pretty. I think I have to try it.
ordered…Premium Matt Second Skin 15 Denier Tights. I’m very into tights right now. Love this simple, affordable tight (they’re on sale for $9).
everything in my cart (high)…Love this pretty CORDOVA hooded quilted down ski jacket. It would be cute paired with this very, very pretty Jacquemus cropped knitted cardigan. Also, I adore the ravy suede shearling booties from The Row. So cozy and cute.
watching…23 Shows You’ll Be Glad You Stayed In For. What of these are you watching and loving? I still have not started season 3 of Emily in Paris, but now also want to watch Outer Banks, plus the Sex and the City spinoff – And Just Like That.
cooking…Uncle Joe’s Stuffed Peppers. Creighton’s favorite recipe from the HBH Every Day cookbook. I made these on Friday night and they were a real hit. Creighton LOVED them and so did the rest of the family.
listening to…Miley Cyrus Flowers on repeat.
2. Easy, cozy winter recipes.
Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken
Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup with Rice
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta
3. cozy winter mugs.
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: favorite knife brand?
a: Miyabi knives are my favorite. I have four of the very same chef’s knives because I love them so much. This set is awesome and on sale today too.
q: do you have a skin condition? I noticed marks on your arms?
a: No these are just oven burns. I need to be more careful. I used not care much, but I’m making more of an effort since they obviously scar 😩
q: do you have an exercise routine to stay in shape? Especially with all the food?
a: When I’m home, I hike every morning. When I travel I make it a priority to get out in the morning as well. I do it because it helps so much with my anxiety and when I don’t, I’m overly anxious. Getting outside is my best tip for managing anxiety
q: how did you get started? What was your inspiration?
a: I started cooking for my family in 6th or 7th grade and just never stopped. I never thought I’d be doing what I’m doing now, but I’m so happy it worked out this way. I’ve always loved fashion and thought I’d become a stylist, but I switched gears a bit after a stint in LA. My only hope now is to start to share more of what I love with you all. Not just the food, but design and fashion as well. I’m excited about what’s to come this year because I’m working on combining more of my passions!
q: tips for staying warm in the cold? Trying to get outside, but brr.
a: Layers!!! I always layer a long sleeve under everything. Then you can continue to layer from there. I’m obsessed with this cashmere hoodie from Alo. It’s great to layer. To stay really warm, put a windbreaker over your down coat to block the wind. I do this at home and I’m never cold hiking in the snow.
q: best/worse part about social media?
a: Best – all the connections you make and the kind, strong community you can build
Worst – negativity, criticism, and internet trolls
q: what made you fall in love with cooking?
a: The people I get to cook for. I love to cook because I love to cook for others. I love seeing how happy a dish can make someone. It brings me so much pleasure to so easily be able to please friends and family with food. It’s their reactions to each dish that makes my day. I love knowing that someone LOVED a dish I made just for them.
q: favorite holiday tradition?
a: Being able to spoil my mom with gifts. Gift-giving is my absolute favorite thing to do. I hate receiving gifts, BUT I love giving them. I love finding personal and special gifts that people might not buy for themselves but will be so excited to receive. My Mom and I made it a tradition to open her gifts together after Christmas morning, just the 2 of us. It’s my favorite and this year we added in Asher.
And then of course my family. Christmas Eve is my favorite!!!
5. Mom’s birthday.
This past week was my sweet mom’s birthday!! Mom’s birthday is funny because it falls so soon after Christmas, so spoiling her with gifts can feel repetitive to the holidays, but this year was different.
My mom was actually sick on Christmas so I ended up saving most of her gifts for her birthday. I know it sounds lame, which it totally is, but it honestly ended up working out so perfectly. After her b-day dinner Wednesday night, we spent the night together (with Asher of course), opening gifts. Just mom, Asher, and me. It’s SO rare that Asher and I get mom all to ourselves, so the time felt incredibly special. I couldn’t think of a better way to be able to celebrate her!
And I’m very pleased to say that my mom, Jen, absolutely loved her gifts. Not that that’s the important thing, but it’s a nice added bonus for sure. She’s keeping everything, so I feel like I did a pretty good job this year. I may have gone a little overboard, but if there is one person in this world worth spoiling it’s my mom.
She’s pretty special! And to celebrate her even more, here is one, very rare photo of her!
It’s one of my favorites to date.
6. Inspiring me.
Mona Vand
I recently met Mona in New York a few months ago. I’ve followed her online for many years. But meeting her and getting the opportunity to really get to know her has been so inspiring. I loved her recent podcast episode with The Skinny Confidential, you’ll learn a lot about her. She’s very chill and I love her approach to health and wellness. If you’re looking to find someone who feels relatable in the space. Her YouTube is full of amazing video content too, so she has a lot to offer for you to explore!
Oh, and even some yummy food ideas as well. She’s Persian and has really good family recipes to share, plus these cookies sound delish.
quote of the week
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
14 Best Coffee Makers of 2023 to Get You Through the Day
Tour a Famous Socialite’s Former Palm Beach Estate…very palm beach.
Inside the Beautifully Revived Mallorca Home…wow. Beautiful.
53 Best Valentine’s Gifts for Her (2023)…fun finds.
Miley Cyrus Has a Mic Drop Moment in Vintage Yves Saint Laurent
The Model-Approved Ways to Master Effortless Winter Dressing…love these looks.
Interior Design Trends to Know in 2022…and what’s on its way out.
What Do Vogue Editors Actually Wear to Work…a Look at their mood boards.
How to Mix-And-Match Seat Pairings (4 Tips)…I love to do this.
This Extreme Method for Stress Management is Becoming Mainstream–The Wim Hof Method, Explained
Everything You Need To Know To Make a Vision Board That Actually Works
A Montecito Ranch House Home Tour with an “Open Kitchen”
Why You Should Be Dry Brushing (and How to Do It)
8. Affordable finds.
coziest winter sweaters
base layers
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: Cauliflower Tzatziki Bowls with Sweet Potato FriesA
Tuesday: Crispy Sesame Ginger Chicken Tacos
Wednesday: BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Jalapeño Sauce
Thursday: Sheet Pan Curry Butter Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Tahini
Friday: Artichoke Pesto and Burrata Pizza with Lemony Arugula
Saturday: Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls
Happy Birthday to your mom! She’s beautiful and I’m glad she loved all your gifts.
Awe thanks so much Jacqueline!!
Best hand cream for winter: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/skin-type/dry-skin/ultimate-strength-hand-salve/522.html
Thanks so much Jojo!!
Hi, Tieghan! Happy late birthday to your mom! I bet she liked the gifts; you seem like a good gift giver. 🙂 I have a question. Do you live in your studio barn? And is your pantry and kitchen in the barn or in your house? I’m a bit confused. My mom made your crispy tcos last night for dinner and they were delish! I erally hope i can make your buckeye brownies soon; they look great! Abigail
Hi Abigail,
Thanks for reading!! I don’t live in the studio barn, I have a separate house and the pantry and kitchen are both in the studio. I rarely show my home, so most everything that I film is in the studio:) So glad you enjoyed the tacos! xT
Thanks for clearing up my confusion, Tieghan. Your pantry is super organized. Ours is a mess. 🙂 Thanks again!
Good morning! Love your website and your seemingly boundless energy!
Just wanted to give you a suggestion for your dry hands. Vaseline topped with either Eucerine cream or Cerave cream and the cotton gloves at night. Hope this helps!
Hey Linda,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your suggestions for the dry hands, will add these to my list!! Have a great week! xx
Happy Birthday to mom! I hope the family had a nice celebration. Thanks for another great Sunday post – that salmon bowl looks tempting for tonight’s dinner option. 🙂 Have a great week!
Thanks so much for the birthday wishes Sheryl!! I hope you love the salmon bowl, let me know how it turns out! xT
9.) Sitting on the floor next to my stove while scarfing. Stoners.
I’m curious- does Asher not read your posts?! She seems involved in a lot of aspects, but you mention surprises for her frequently 🙂
Hey Clare,
Thanks for reading! Nope, she doesn’t read the posts, she has other things going on:) Lol my surprises would be shot if she did read these! xx
Hey there! A quick tip for your hands that has worked wonders for me – at night, rub your favorite rich hand cream in with a drop or two of oil. Then cover the backs of your hands with an overnight face mask. For the oil, I use Osea Undaria Algae body oil, one or two drops mixed into whatever cream or body butter I have on hand. I’m guessing any oil will do, like even a face oil if that’s what you have on hand. Then for the mask, I use True Botanicals Moisture Lock Overnight Mask. It kind of seals in all the goodness and has made a MASSIVE difference for me. Try it, you’ll see! The overnight mask is great for the face too, to make sure all those good serums and creams don’t just rub off on the pillowcase. 😀
Hey Katrina,
Thanks so much for reading! Love the idea of covering my hands with a face mask, never thought about that, but it’s genius!! Thanks for the tip! Have a great week:) xT
I made the hot honey chicken using tenders to eat with the lighter broccoli cheddar soup. Perfect meal.
Thanks so much for making the recipes Beth, love to hear that they were enjoyed! Happy Monday! xx
We’re making the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken with your sweet potato fries this week. Can’t wait! We had the buffalo chicken pizza last night (we make it all the time, tbh), crunch wraps the other day, and we made the chicken noodle soup a few weeks ago. Your recipes are a regular part of our weekly menu planning!
Not only have I been to Tokyo, but I lived in Japan for a few years (military brat here). My first prom was in downtown Tokyo. It’s been 30 years and I still miss Japan. Fun fact – one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to was in Tokyo. It’s called La Jolla and it’s still there (Yelp! link below)! Tokyo really is a food paradise, so you’d have no shortage of foodie opportunities. Yakisoba is one of my absolute favorite foods. Fried krill (I once had it at a big food market) is amazing, too. A trip to 7-11 (yes, I said 7-11) is an EXPERIENCE!! Friends still living there will send some of us classmates our favorite requests when we ask. Ha! There really is nothing quite like it. The Japanese culture is beautiful, the people are amazing, and there is so much to see and do. I hope you get to go! Sorry for rambling on, but I can’t help it. I love my old home!
La Jolla – https://www.yelp.com/biz/_TDDnh8ub6sMezo_3mztuw?
Hey Kristie,
Happy Monday! I hope the hot honey chicken turns out well for you, I appreciate you making so many recipes! Omg wow, that is such an awesome experience living in Tokyo. Lol love that the best Mexican food you’ve had was there. Thanks for sharing about your life there!! xT
Have you tried Aveda Hand Relief Hand Cream? I get terribly dry hands, but this works wonders for me and the scent is so mild.
Hey Joann,
Thanks for reading! I’ve not tried that, but thank you for the recommendation! Hope you’re off to having a great week! xT
GREAT Hat that you got your Mom!!!
Where can I find it??
Hey Karen,
Thanks so much!! Here is the link:
https://www.modaoperandi.com/women/p/toteme/shearling-winter-hat/548244
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Look at your sweet Mom!! Such lovely pictures. I love reading about your relationship.
Also have to say… I cannot believe someone would got out of their way to ask “do you have a skin condition?” Goodness people… if the person can’t change the thing you’re about to comment on in 10 seconds or less (i.e. tuck in their tag, wipe a smudge off their shirt), then DON’T comment on it.
Grateful for all the work you do with your hands to be shared with us!!
Hey Sara,
Thanks so much for reading and your kind message! Lol totally agree with you! Thanks for following along and hope you’re off to a great Monday! xx
Have you ever tried Eucerin Skin Calming itch soothing cream? I wash my hands ALOT and this works wonders for me. My Mom swears by Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour miracle balm . She gets it from Amazon. I always enjoy your posts and it was so fun to see you on the morning shows during the holiday season. Happy 2023 to you!
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks so much for reading today! I’ve never tried the Eucerin Cream, but thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look into that! We appreciate you bring here and following along! xx