This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things – LA sunshine

Hi! Happy Sunday, Happy April, and Happy Spring Days ahead! I have been home in Colorado for the last 72 hours with two days of full snow. And to be honest, I am very happy to be traveling again today. I don’t usually love back-to-back trips, but I’m excited and very ready for some actual springtime weather! So I’m feeling good!

I spent a good part of the week in LA where I had mostly beautiful sunshine. I stayed at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills for this trip! It’s such a charming hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills with all the best LA shopping just feet away. I really loved my time there. Everything from my room to the restaurant, to the staff – honestly, just the hotel itself, was wonderful. I also loved the convenience of their café where I was able to pick up coffee and breakfast quickly every morning. This was so nice since all my mornings started pretty early on this trip.

I spent all day Monday filming with Benny Blanco. If you don’t know Benny, just do a quick google. I suggest following him on TikTok or Instagram, and discovering how cool he is. Benny has been writing and creating songs since he was 6! We are complete opposites, but I am so excited to share our day of filming soon. He’s fun and very different, but I know – or I hope, you will love what we created. More on that very soon, but just know I had so much fun hanging with him.

We filmed most of the day, then I went straight to an event in Malibu hosted by Rachel Zoe and Chriselle Lim. The dinner was in celebration of Rachels’s site, Curateur, and Chriselle’s fragrance line, Phlur. This was very last minute, but I was really happy to be able to attend. Rachel’s very sweet! And I’ve known Chriselle for years, so I was excited to be able to celebrate with her! Plus the Phlur fragrances are always so good.

(the view from my room at the Maybourne)

The rest of the trip was mostly meetings. But hopefully, they will lead to something exciting. Only time will tell!

I flew home Wednesday night, but didn’t end up getting home until 2:30 am…more flight delays. I’ve been cooking, photographing, and getting myself organized for a week plus of travel! I’m excited for the next week and seeing my family very soon. I have missed them!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

the sweet fruit plate The Maybourne team left for me

And that’s really it. It’s crazy that Easter is in a week. I’ll share my favorite Easter recipes with you all soon. Most likely tomorrow or Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that list.

Lastly, thank you so much for your support now and over the years. It truly amazes me every day the loyal HBH family we’ve built!

Enjoy another week’s favorites!

happiness

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

loving…Christian Dior’s Mumbai Show Spotlights the Extraordinary Craftsmanship of India’s Artisans. How stunning. The location, the clothing, and every last detail was so beautiful.

everything in my cart (low)…Reformation’s Zenni dress is pretty in all 3 colors. But I equally love the voluminous short dress from Zara. And how pretty is their satin slip dress? It looks designer. Lastly, I can’t get over Zara’s easy-to-style basics: the perfect leather belt, pocket should bag, pleated t-shirt, and buckled flat leather sandals.

The Jayde denim midi skirt from Reformation is the perfect midi denim skirt and very on-trend. Oh, and I think the Emberly Pant and Gia Linen Skirt are super cute too. Both are great spring finds.

 


listening to…Priyanka Chopra Jonas. I’m halfway through and loving learning more about her story and how she built her incredible career and family. 

dreaming of going to…A captivating country garden grown from a few acres of farmland. This garden is a dream.

also dreaming…Soneva. They have resorts located in the Maldives and Thailand. Just check out their Instagram account. A dream destination.

loving…the new Banana Republic home collection.

 


shopping…LXR.com. A new to me luxury online vintage shop. Such a great, more affordable, way to buy designer pieces.

wanting…the Mila Mirror and Minka Textured Pot both from Anthropologie. I love these 2 pieces together.

 


everything in my cart (beauty)…I read some awesome reviews on the ZO Skin Growth Factor Serum Plus, it’s meant to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase hydration. Let me know if you’ve tried it. I’m excited to try the Naked Beauty Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Mask after reading the founder’s skincare routine. These sound amazing. Have you tried?

I need to order the SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 an everyday skincare staple. Also a staple from SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex.

Lastly, I would love to try out these ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads. My skin is always on the red side from going to freezing cold air, to warm air inside. These help to reduce clogged pores and soothe irritated skin.

 


loving…if you need to smile today, click here.

watching…CitadelSeason 1 on Amazon Prime. Ok, so this isn’t out yet. But after listening to Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Armchair export, I am excited to watch.

wanting…the Alo ribbed boyshort in smoky quartz. Perfect for a warm weather vacation.

 


everything in my cart (high)…This Khaite strapless duchesse cotton-blend satin mini dress is literally the perfect little black dress – wow, so pretty! Speaking of dresses, this Prada jersey dress with embroidered appliqué flowers is a piece of art. The rose detailing is stunning.

This Acne Studios long-sleeve knitted top and midi skirt set is cozy, yet the color screams spring (Asher and my mom saw it in persona and think it has Whoville vibes). And this Cult Gaia Joey top is super fun. Good for a warm-weather vacation.

I love this light green Fendi one piece swimsuit. It also comes in a bikini, which is probably what I would order.

Lastly, the Adidas x Gucci collection. Oh wow, so many cute pieces, but I adore the cotton tank top the most. It’s the red detailing that I love.

 



following…Friends of Form. For design inspiration.

shopping…Flamingo Estate. They recently launched on Anthropologie, which makes buying their products super easy. My favorites are the Wildflower Honey, Manuka Honey, Persimmon Vinegar, and I want to try their Estate Estate Candle in all 3 scents. I think I would love the muscatel sage, but the Tuscan rosemary and Roma heirloom tomato sound wonderful too.

shopping…the Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel outdoor collection. Spring is here and summer is coming!! Some of my favorites from the newest collection are below.

 


listening to…Gwyneth Paltrow x Will Cole: Gut Feelings

Most popular: Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli

Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps

25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: 25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts | halfbakedharvest.com

My personal favorite: Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Ok, last one: Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

3. Cute for Easter + Spring.

Easter baskets

 


Easter entreating 

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: if you came with a warning label what would it say? 
a: spicy and difficult. Because I make a lot of spicy food and I’m not the easiest person to please 🙄🤷🏻‍♀️ I have high expectations.

q: just here to say, LOVE your fashion/lifestyle/food content. 
a: Thank you!! I love sharing lifestyle pieces with you all. It keeps things fresh and not boring and repetitive for me!!

q: what bowls do you recommend for the KitchenAid mixer? 
a: Honestly the stainless steel bowls are the most durable. I love the look of the ceramic and glass but functionality-wise, I use the stainless steel.

q: I know it’s not your usual but can you give us a house tour? 
a: we’re about to start redoing it in a few months so yes!! I’ll do a before and after! It’s going to be a long process but I’m sooo excited!!

q: how do you feel about cheez whiz?
a: It’s not for me.

q: question you hate answering over and over?
a: Are you married? Do you have kids? Who’s Oslo? What do you do with the food? Do you live at home? Is Asher your daughter? How do you stay thin while creating food?

Nope. No. My little brother. We eat it! And nope I don’t. And no she’s my sister. I’m very active and I’m sure genes play a huge role as well. We’re all different and shouldn’t compete or compare our bodies OR judge others’ bodies. Body shaming is hurtful no matter what size you are.

q: do you have your own chickens? 
a: We do but they’re not producing eggs right now. I use Vital Farms organic eggs. They’re wonderful.

q: do you switch up your candle scents with the seasons? 
a: I try to but I love a cozy fall/winter candle the most. I just ordered way too many new candles, so I’ll let you all know my favorites as I burn through them. Any good spring candle suggestions that are still cozy?

q: favorite New York hotel?
a: If you are looking to stay downtown Fouquet’s hands down is the best.

q: restaurant recs in Miami? Visiting soon! 
a: Try Komodo Miami and Papi Steak. I only spent 2 nights in Miami, so I didn’t get to explore the restaurants but I’ll be back soon (:

Oh wait, I have suggestions from my parents, Creighton, Asher, and Abby: Jaya at the Setai for PanAsian and Baires Grill for Argentinean dining.

q: favorite dinner right now?
a: We are obsessed with this 30-minute Pad Thai right now. Creighton has requested it every week since I first made it.

q: can you explain the smoking of the fruits and veggies? 
a: This pic below is at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach. Their Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos is really fun. They use the meat on the menu to smoke their vegetables. It smelled so gooood. Now I want to smoke my veggies!!

5. What is the best party snack of all time?

I LOVE this question. So much. Party snacks are truly the best, best. Not going to lie, I want to serve Ruffles potato chips with sour cream and onion dip for our next gathering. BUT, I think we need a healthier update on that retro classic…

What is your go-to favorite party snack?

My top 5, because I can’t pick favorites.

Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives | halfbakedharvest.com

Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives

Everything Ranch Cheese and Pretzel Snack Mix | halfbakedharvest.com

Everything Ranch Cheese and Pretzel Snack Mix

Mexican Street Corn Dip | halfbakedharvest.com

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch | halfbakedharvest.com

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders | halfbakedharvest.com

Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders

Lastly, make sure to read all the incredible comments this Cup of Jo post where they asked this exact question. So many fun ideas.

6. LA in photos.

(back-to-back days at Dear Media)

loved all the flowers at The Maybourne

(Rodeo drive)

(I never travel without the essentials)

10 Miami Airbnbs for Your Next Beach Vacation…I am ready.

See Inside the 5 Most Expensive Hotel Rooms in Paris…oh so pretty. Would love to stay at any of these hotels.

Tour a SoHo Penthouse…stunning. Love it.

10 of the Most Underrated Summer Destinations in the U.S...fun!

Lymphatic Drainage Is Crucial for Detoxification and Immunity…need to try this at home.

The Best New Shows and Movies To Stream This Month…which are you watching?

5 Benefits of Lemon Water, Explained by a Nutritionist…every morning.

The Best Trader Joe’s Cheeses…here is how they ranked. What’s your favorite?

15 Books To Read if You Want To Take Your Career to the Next Level…smart moves.

11 Ways to Secure a Designer Bag on a Budget…taking notes.

8 Must-Visit Stores in Miami’s Design District…oh fun! Asher and I are going soon!

The Easiest Way To Untangle a Necklace…good to know.

9 Stunning Hotels That Get You Close to Wildlife...so fun!

8. Spring dresses.

under $300

 


splurge

 

the Saks sale

 


random for spring 

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Havarti Avocado Sandwich with Spicy Mayo | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Havarti Avocado Sandwich with Spicy Mayo

Easy Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Enchilada Bake | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Easy Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Enchilada Bake

Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon | halfbakedharvest.com #salmon #easyrecipes #seafood #dinner

Wednesday: Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Sesame Chicken Schnitzel Bowls with Feta Tzatziki | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Sesame Chicken Schnitzel Bowls with Feta Tzatziki

Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese

Carrot Cake Cupcakes | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns | halfbakedharvesr.com #bread #everythingspice #cheddar #easter #cheddar #bread

Sunday: Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns

Add a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Love hearing about all of your travel recaps lately! But also agree ~ sometimes it’s just so nice to be home. I’ll be staying at 11 Bowery in 2 weeks. Curious what your favorite SoHo restaurants are right now? Appreciate any tips and happy pre-Easter week!

    1. Hey Sydney,
      Thanks so much for reading along!! Ahhh so sorry, I really have never been able to explore much of SoHo, I’m sure you will be able to find some great spots though! Happy Monday! xT

  2. Wow. Your week was busy! I’m glad you’re enjoying it! You’re so right, negative thoughts about your body can be dangerous and harmful. Thanks for saying that! I’ve been through that, so I know what you mean. Also, I love the way you answered the first two questions you dislike. 🙂 My week’s great so far; I’m making your smashed raspberry cake today. I’ll let you know how it is! My favorite show ended this week, and it was soooo sad. 🙁 My favorite character died. Other than that, I’m enjoying this week! I hope you’re well! Abigail

    P.S. Do you have any favorite easter brunch recipes? I can’t decide what to make.

      1. Thanks! The cake was delicious! I loved the frosting. 🙂 I’ll check out the spring recipes.

  3. You always looks so terrific- all your outfits are amazing. Do you have everything tailored? I’ve heard that is the best thing you could do for a super wardrobe.

    1. Thanks so much for your kind message PJ!! I do, it really does help and makes clothes fit you so much better:) Happy Monday! xT

    1. Hey Rachel,
      I like to carry some pepper spray with me, but I generally feel pretty safe on my hikes! I hope this helps! xx

    1. Hey Sam,
      So sorry, I really don’t have any recommendations specific to those categories, I’ve actually never even been to chinatown. Have the best time!! xx

      1. Seriously?? You’ve been to NY multiple times but have zero recommendations for classic NY foods. Very strange, especially for a food blogger.

        1. Would you please stop with this bilge, Sam? Get a life. She’s not your personal tour guide. Stop making up false drama. She did not say she has “zero recommendations for classic NY foods”. Did she? No. She said she has never been to Chinatown, and has no specific rec’s about bagels and pizza. She’s been to NY for work trips, probably very busy, and not going on random bagel tours. Instead of trying to bait people into your petty attention seeking nonsense, put some of that energy into a simple Google search and find your own effin’ bagels, if you’re actually interested, which, let’s be frank, you aren’t. If you were, you’d have sorted that out yourself already.

          Tieghan, please moderate your comments. Is this type of constant abuse really what you want for your site?

        2. Wow, she goes out of her way to give you a polite response despite your repeat snark attacks on her blog, and you STILL come back being a total d!ck!? You really should be ashamed of yourself. How embarrassing.

        3. You have major issues, Sam. Take a break from the internet, and look after your mental health. Become a better human.

        4. You’re making a whole lot of false and rude assumptions there, bro. Especially sickening since she was nice to you in her reply.

  4. Hi Tieghan,

    I too was body shamed for being thin, so I wanted to reach out to you to share my story. I am now 61 and still thin but not the under 100 lbs that I was during my teenage and young adult years.

    People don’t seem to understand, not then and not now, that being thin does not give someone license to say whatever they think about your size. I heard it all: “Why are you so thin?”, “You must be able to eat anything you want” , “you must not eat”, “Do you have an eating disorder?” , “My gosh, what size do you wear?”. You would never say those things to someone who was heavy.

    Hearing those comments all my life truly affected my self- esteem and I have spent years trying to undo the damage. It sounds like you have a much healthier perspective than I did and I am proud of you for that.

    I never tried to be thin, it is just who I am. The hurtful comments take a toll. I hope that because you have such a wide audience and a platform, maybe people will begin to understand that when you body shame someone, it is hurtful and you are saying more about yourself than the person you are shaming.

    Best of luck to you. Honor that beautiful body of yours and keep speaking out.

    Ann

    1. Hi Ann,
      Thank you so much for reading and your thoughtful comment. I totally can understand where you are coming from and really just want people to know that you have no clue what people are going through and to make comments like that is just not okay. I appreciate you being here:) Happy Monday!! xx

  5. For travel I have a hard time finding my favorite products in travel size. Where do you find yours?

    1. Hey Velvet,
      Most of the skincare I use has a travel option for ordering or it might be labeled as “sample size”. I usually go with that! I hope this helps! xx

  6. Will you ever share pictures from your hikes at home? It’d be nice to see sightseeing pictures from your travels, instead of just hotel pictures. Isn’t control of your schedule one of the perks of being self-employed? Why don’t you add a few extra days to trips so you can explore the city?

    1. Hey Caitlyn,
      Thanks for reading! Yes, I share photos from my hikes often, especially over on IG. I don’t always have time to sightsee while I am traveling, I try to get in as much work as possible to make the best of my time:) Have a great week! xx

      1. You’ve shared how packed your schedule is when traveling. Why not add on a few extra days to actually enjoy and see the city you’re visiting?

  7. Wonderful post as always. I love the red sweater on you!

    Do you have a recommendation for someplace to go next January. Last year we went to O&O Mandarina which you posted and it was amazing. ❤️ Friends recommend Costa Rica but I wonder if it’s too wild.

    1. Also can I say this controversy over Asian whitewashing is ridiculous. Fusion restaurants are everywhere and in cooking we always borrow from some ethnicities to add to another. IMHO for people to pick up on this crazy thing as something to rub salt in their own wounds is not going to help them feel better about themselves which I think is what they’re looking for.

      1. Precisely. An emotionally healthy person would not be remotely fussed about a recipe interpretation. Even if Tieghan were to don a sackcloth and ashes, and self-flagellate whilst begging for forgiveness, it still would not be enough. Because it’s not about that. It’s about a fragile collective mindset of people who think the world needs to revolve around their every sensitivity and demand. It doesn’t, and it isn’t ever going to. The sooner they start coming to terms with that, the better. Meanwhile I agree she should moderate the comments. These people can go whinge elsewhere.

        1. Why are you both bringing this up?! If we really need to discuss this it wasn’t about “fusion”….she made a racially offensive move by calling her dish something I wasn’t vs saying it was inspired by. That simple. I like HBH and enjoy many of her recipes, but she really needs to grow and acknowledge the mistake.

          Your comments James are over the top given she’s never even acknowledged the error vs wearing a sackcloth as you say!

          1. Please stop with the hand wringing. It was not a “racially offensive move”. It was literally nothing. Your feelings are not facts, Diane. I’m sorry for triggering you, but they are not. She mispronounced a word and she made a fusion dish. You having a meltdown over something so benign that happened weeks ago makes you appear mentally ill. Does this REALLY affect your life? Or do you just think everyone should bend to your will in order to soothe whatever your disorder is? She doesn’t need to “acknowledge” anything. You need to get a grip and move on and recover from this nothingburger.

            FYI, we did not “bring this up.” Sam did. Again.

    2. Hey Lynn,
      Thanks so much for reading this week!! We did go to Costa Rica one year and had a great time! My family really enjoyed the year we went to Cabo and then of course the Carribean trip they were just on was amazing! I hope this helps! xx

  8. Happy April and happy spring to you also, although even in the UK it doesn’t feel like spring yet. I went for a walk this morning and wish that I wore a hat and gloves. I know that we love talking about the weather haha, but I do hope the temperatures warm up soon.
    Great Sunday Favs and photos as always and you have inspired me with your havarti avocado sandwich for lunch. I do not have havarti cheese, however I do have cheddar, so we’ll how it turns out.
    I’m looking forward to the new and last season of Firefly Lane and also looking forward to watching Citadel, both on Netflix.
    Glad you are enjoying all your travel trips. I booked a small trip to a cake event later this year, which I am super excited about. Enjoy this week’s trip and have a good week 🙂

    1. Hi Colleen,
      Thanks so much for reading!! Oh gosh, I know that feeling and sure hope the temps warm up here too, although I know how the mountains work:) Let me know if you give the sandwich a try, it’s a good one! Enjoy your cake event, sounds like something fun to do! Happy Monday! xx

  9. Surely, SURELY, you saw the feedback on the ‘bahn mi’ rice bowls. I am not sure why you are including this without any acknowledgement. You say you interact with and always listen to your fans. Please do so.

    1. Because that kind of ridiculous over the top false outrage over absolutely nothing isn’t even worth dignifying with a response. Give it up already.

    2. The only feedback worth heeding would be the countless pleas for her to moderate and pre-approve comments. This blog is becoming a breeding ground for mentally unstable people to constantly air their bizarre grievances, complain about nothing, and make everything about them. Take away their platform and take back your space, and they will go elsewhere.

    3. I hope she re-posts that beautiful Banh-Mi masterpiece bowl every week, just to keep rubbing salt in your self-righteous narcissistic wounds. 😀