Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – little me and mom 

Happy Sunday! Happy Mother’s Day weekend. My hope is that most of you are celebrating today, so I’ll attempt to keep this intro short and sweet.

Honestly, not much to report, just another week at home. I’ve been working on a few projects, and cooking every day. So kind of the usual for when I’m at home. But the upcoming week will be a little more exciting because it holds some travel days! Some of my family is heading to Scottsdale to celebrate my mom even more – time in the heat is what she needs the most! And I’m off to LA yet again for a few days of work. And oh my goodness, some warm weather and sunshine too, thank goodness!

I’m looking forward to a change in pace and scenery. Plus, I always love to travel. It gives me an excuse to dress up and get out of my “kitchen uniform” of leggings and a hoodie. Woohoo!

So I’m very excited for the week ahead. It’s going to be a good one! Anything you all are looking forward to? I always love to hear!

Oh! I guess I do have one update! We did indeed pick a family trip location. As in previous years, I’m going to have fun with this and keep it a surprise for a while. I’ll drop you all some hints each week. Here’s what I’ll say for this week, we’re not heading to Mexico or anywhere near Mexico. We’re going somewhere that none of us have ever been. And it’s never been included in our considerations until about 10 days ago when my mom picked it out of the blue. So, take a wild guess? Where do you think we’re heading this year? The trip is in June!! More to come!

Have a wonderful Sunday and to all the moms, enjoy your day!

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

loving…APLs Mother’s Day gift! Excited to share that APL is offering you all 15% off your next APL order as a special Mother’s Day gift! Everyone is ALWAYS asking me for an APL discount code, well it’s finally here!

Use code HBH15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

This expires tomorrow, May 16th, and there is a one-time use limit per customer.

My favorite style is the TechLoom Wave. I usually get black, but I have a few of their fun colors too. I also love the TechLoom Breeze style and the TechLoom Bliss. And you can never, ever have too many of their slides + socks. My family lives in these.

wanting…the Polo Ralph Lauren short pajamas set. So cute and cozy. Love all the color options too, especially the red.

everything in my cart (low)…I love maxi skirts this season and this satin effect long skirt is simple and stunning. And how pretty is this semi-sheer knit top? It’s a great lightweight knit for summer. Could be cute with this long denim skirt!

These low-heeled strappy leather sandals are the perfect laid-back summer sandal.

listening to…Hilary Duff Takes Us Through a Day in the Life – and Talks All Things Beauty, Lifestyle, and More. Really enjoyed this light heart, fun conversation.

reading…Outlive The Science and Art of Longevity. My dad is reading this and really enjoying it. He’s been telling me all about it and now I got the audiobook to listen to!

dreaming of going to… hotel Crillon Le Brave in France. A timeless refuge in the heart of Provence. This hotel and spa look magical. Would love to visit soon.

loving…Hailey Bieber’s Micro Mini look. So obsessed with this fit.

shopping…the No.8 Cast Iron Skillet from Field Company. This is really pretty. I might need to order and test it out!

wanting…every single ceramic piece from Martina Thornhill. I just discovered this artist and love every piece. Pretty much every single piece is sold out, so I’m dying for the next restock.

everything in my cart (beauty)…From Dior, I ordered the backstage rosy glow blush and addict lip glow. Both have the most amazing Sephora reviews!

Currently shopping for all the glittery body oils for summer vacations. I own and love the pool time glowing body oil from Summer Fridays. I want to try the Tom Ford Soleil Blanc mini shimmering body, or maybe I should just go for the big bottle!

For hair, I’m ordering the GRO Hair Serum, which is for fine hair. This is my first-ever hair serum. Review to come!

watching…The Sound of Music (with Julie Andrews). It’s now available on Amazon and if you can believe it, I have never seen the full movie. This used to be one of my mom’s favorites!

loving… the vanilla chrome manicure. Such a cute nail color for summer.

ordered…Trudon X Les Archives Nationales Tuileries Candle. I know, major splurge. But there are two things that bring me so much happiness, good candles, and pretty flowers. I can’t wait until this arrives, so excited!

wanting…the Salamina rattan wrapped round wood dining table from CB2. Love this piece! Oh, and these Maison Balzac pomponette gobelets are really fun and cute, but yes, a bit of a splurge.

everything in my cart (high)…Everything Saint Laurent is so good right now. Adore their Open Back Long Sleeve Dress. And their Hooded Crepe Dress is so cool, love that hood! Same with their Hooded Jumpsuit. And I’m not normally a jumpsuit person!

I am obsessed with this Valentino Flared Denim Maxi Skirt. The detailing is so good.

It’s almost summer and I think this Cindy Sheer & Opaque One Piece Swimsuit from Wolford is very chic. I love a good one-piece.

For all you brides reading, This Clio Peppiatt embellished stretch tulle mini dress is gorgeous. I’d be so excited to wear this for my rehearsal dinner.

This week’s bags, loving the Gucci Diana leather tote, super cute. And their Ophidia mini shoulder bag is very sweet. The Prada Red Saffiano Boston Mini Bag from What Goes Around Comes Around is very cute. And the Aiko Top Handle Bag from Cult Gia is so great for summertime.

Shoes! These Alexander Mcqueen knit sock boots are gorgeous. I of course love the red shade.

And lastly, some jewelry. I love this Alexander Mcqueen gold and silver tone ear cuff. Very unique. And Sorellina’s mini crescent sapphire necklace, wow, I just love this. Anything sapphire always wins for me. Oh and last up, this Fernando Jorge flame medium 18 karat gold ring is really cool.

following…Elle Gerstein. For nail inspiration! Dying to have her do my nails next time I’m in New York.

listening to…or excited to listen to 3 Crucial Methods to Increase Work Productivity &  How to Unlock Individual Success Through Collaboration.

shopping…Olive Ateliers’ new online store which launches May 24th!! I LOVE this LA-based store. They have the most unique home decor finds. So many incredible, one-of-a-kind pieces. Excited that they will be online soon!

watching…on Vogue, Cara Delevingne Has an Iconic Chanel-Inspired Shag Moment at the Met Gala 2023 and Kate Moss and Lila Moss Wear Coordinating Fendi to the 2023 Met Gala. I always love the behind-the-scenes.

2. Spring recipes with flowers.

Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies

Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake

Blueberry Chamomile Galette

Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake

3. a few new Home finds.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: travel advice for your skin? 
a: Get travel sizes of everything you use morning and night and bring them with you. I mean don’t bring anything “extra”, but I say the core essentials should travel with you. For me, that’s iS Clinical travel size cleansing complex (here’s the full size).  Vintner’s Daughter essence, an eye serum, an eye cream, some vitamin c, and a moisturizer + night serum. I always bring an under-eye mask and face mask too (111 Skin has good ones), hand cream is a must (Tatcha), and your fav lip balm.

Sounds like a lot, but I throw it all in a Cuyanna bag, which I pack in my carry-on. Sadly ): for my last trip, I forgot my Elemis Cleansing Balm, but I usually bring that too. Best way to remove makeup.

Also for skin care while traveling, water is key. I try to drink so much water while traveling, which I find can be hard. But I try to fill up my hydro flask at least 4, or ideally 5, times every day. It’s been key for healthy skin and honestly staying healthy while traveling. Always remember to drink water. Annoying I know, but it works, and it’s free.

q: how do you combat creativity blocks? 
a:  Lately, traveling has seriously helped, especially living where I live. It’s a small town and stays pretty cold all spring so I’ve been making travel a priority this year. It’s mostly work travel, which I LOVE, but trying to meet up with my family soon for time in the sun and warmth. Take me back to Florida 🌴

Just getting out of my home environment, meeting new people, and trying new foods helps to spur new ideas. If I can’t be traveling, honestly, I just push through the block. I keep searching and searching for new ideas. I try different things and eventually, I come up with something I LOVE. It just takes time.

Also, podcasts help too! I’m always getting new ideas from different podcasts. And I love to search on Pinterest. I need to learn how to create mood boards better though, that would be fun!

q: do you ever cook beef? 
a: Yeah! All the time actually. But I want to start sharing more of those recipes on the site for you all. What beef recipes would really excite you?

q: why legs up? 
a: Helps to increase circulation and reduce the inflammation from being on my feet all day. Plus it’s such a huge stress reliever for me. I don’t know why but doing this before bed always relaxes me.

q: do you prefer ordering online or shopping in-store? 
a: Online without a doubt! I hate shopping in-store.

q: what kind of sunscreen do you use?
a: Skin Ceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 or IS Clinical.

q: what difference does the red light mask make for your skin? 
a: The LED mask is an anti-aging and acne treatment, but it also helps prevent future breakouts. The red light is for preventing signs of aging. It boosts collagen production and smooths fine lines. The blue light helps clear and prevent acne. Asher uses this too and she’ll tell you the same thing. It has changed her skin and helped clear up her acne.

q: what are you looking forward to this week? 
a:  I’m traveling this week! I’m excited to be going to LA. Hoping the sun stays out for me! Tell me all the best LA wellness and skincare spots please!!!

q: move to South Florida! I am heading to the beach now! 
a: No but for real. I’m really considering it for at least some months of the year. I love Florida!

q: what home design style do you lean towards? 
a: minimal and vintage, with fun pieces that pop throughout the home that feel super special and unique.

q: your favorite gift idea for a close friend? 
a: hmm, maybe flowers and an entire day of fun things planned that you know they would love! Gift them your time!

5. To my mom on Mother’s Day (and to all the moms and mother-like figures reading).

There are a million and 1 wonderful things about my mom that I could go on and on about. Where to even begin is beyond me. My mom is so special. The MOST special. She really is the person I care the most about in this world (my dad’s right there with her and my siblings too – I love my family).

This year was a huge year for the two of us. We both grew together, learned to compromise better, respect each other even more, and accept and even appreciate each other just the way we are – annoying quirks and all. Working with family, and working with your mother especially, is both the most amazing gift and the worst thing ever. And all at the same time. It has its upsides and its downsides. In past years we’ve struggled to always see eye to eye. And we’ve struggled to find a balance between mother and daughter, and business partners.

This year however we both saw a shift. We grew! We both really worked on our relationship. Understanding that while we differ, we both need each other to do what we do. And when we finally started to accept each other just the way we are, we grew stronger and worked better with every passing day. I feel so happy, excited, and lucky to get to work with my mom on creating and growing Half Baked Harvest. It’s been a big year and in really incredible ways. I truly believe this is all because we’ve stopped working against each other and started working with each other.

It’s not as though we didn’t get along previously, we just had moments where we struggled. But things began to change this year. And for that, I just feel so happy and appreciate her more than ever before.

My mom has been and always will be my best friend. Though we do fight like sisters, I know she will always, always be there to support me, help me grow, and love me no matter what. She’s the most incredible woman I know. And the person in this world who has taught me the most.

As I said, I could go on and on about my mom. She happily and excitedly gives back to charities, gives her time to people who really need it, and always wants to help anyone who asks. She is the most kind, caring, and GENEROUS woman. And she gets more done in a day than anyone. And at the end of the day, she gave me the gift of my incredible family. She’s raised 6 pretty cool kids into adulthood, and will do just the same with Asher and Oslo.

We all love her more than she’ll ever be able to realize. She really is the greatest. 

Hoping you all are celebrating your mom or mom-like figure today. And if today is a hard day for you because you’re missing your mom, just know she’s looking down and watching over you every day.

Happy Mother’s Day to every single wonderful Mom (or mother-like figure) out there!

Enjoy your day!

Some of my favorite photos from the past…

6. Inspiring me + what’s making me happiest this week.

(found on Pinterest)

making happiest – all the spring peonies and my spring candle collection

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

99 Travel Hacks To Make Your Next Trip A Little Easier…so many helpful hacks.

The Best Self-Tanning Tips and Tricks for an Effortless Glow…good to know.

10 Romantic Cities in The U.S. for a Getaway…cute. Personally, I’d visit them all.

5 Produce Delivery Boxes For Fresh Fruits And Veggies…summer is almost here.

Shea McGee Dishes on Her Newest “Grandpa Chic” Design Project…cute story.

Inside Karl Lagerfeld’s Many Luxurious Homes…so many beautiful spaces.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Casserole Dinner Recipe…I’m curious about this.

The 33 Best Met Gala Beauty Looks of All Time…so many good looks this year.

7 Easy Ways to Style a Basic Tank Top…cute. I love a classic white tank.

The Highest Rated Swimwear on Amazon…cute suites for a seriously good price!

Inside the Catalogue…bringing the outdoors in with Studio McGee. Very cute. 

Items I have to try: Laura Chenel Orange Blossom Honey Goat Cheese, Maille Whole Grain Old-Style Mustard, Roland Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Anchovies

12 Newsletters That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Your Inbox…I signed up for a few of these.

What Glimmers Are You Noticing These Days…it’s all about the little things for me. Flowers, trees blossoming, afternoon streaks of light, and candles burning at night.

How to Conquer the NYC Dating Scene…if you live in NY, good tips to know.

Set the Scene: 25 Table Setting Ideas for Every Occasion…super cute ideas.

Inside the Trend…my current favorite trend.

10 Cheap Cooking + Cleaning Tools…need the OXO Good Grips Container Set.

8. Everyday Spring Styles.

spring/early summer dress

everything from Nordstrom this week

a few jewelry finds

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers

Tuesday: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

Wednesday: Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Thursday: Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Tzatziki

Friday: Zucchini Ricotta Lasagna with Oregano Breadcrumbs

Saturday: Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita

Sunday: Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread