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Nine Favorite Things

I was recently looking through our most popular posts from the last couple of months. I was so excited to see that our Sunday Favorites post is seeing so much traffic. It seems to become more and more popular every week. Last week’s post even beat out the top recipe post!

This is such a nice thing to know, mainly because these posts really do take me all week to create. I start the next week’s Sunday Favorites post the second I hit publish on that Sunday’s post, working on it bit by bit each night. It’s by far what I spend a good chunk of my time on each night, but it’s worth it if you all are enjoying the content!

I love sharing my interests outside of cooking with you, so it’s nice to see that you’re enjoying them, too! I love when people message me saying that they read this post as if it were the Sunday paper. And that it’s something they look forward to each week. So cool!

Things are finally getting busier as we head into the spring months. Of course, it’s still snowing here, but spring is top of mind for sure. I’ve been collecting fresh spring candles and ordering flowers with every grocery trip. It’s amazing the effect that lighting a candle and having fresh flowers on the counter can have on my mood. They make me so happy.

Coming up, I’m really looking forward to spending time in Austin, LA, and New York over the next few weeks. First up is Austin for South By Southwest (SWSX). I’m speaking on a panel about creating a business from social media. This is my first time speaking, and I really couldn’t be looking forward to it more. I love sharing our story and helping to inspire others. Fingers crossed that I can do a good job!

From Austin, I’m flying straight to LA for the day for a meeting that I’m also really looking forward to. This will be a fun, creative meeting, so nothing to be nervous about. Details and behind-the-scenes to come.

Good vibes and good things are in the works. When I really take a second to sit and think about everything, I feel two things, mass amounts of anxiety/fear and so much excitement. Anything new, even when it’s good, is always scary for me, but that doesn’t mean I’m upset it’s happening. It’s such an odd feeling. Can any of you relate?

I think this is all of my rambles for today. Enjoy a very springy Favorite’s post, and happy Sunday!

What are you looking forward to this spring? It’s almost here!

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

loving… the new APL  Techloom Traveler sneaker. I have them in black, and they are always on my feet on travel days and when I’m out for hikes. I also love the TechLoom Breeze style and the TechLoom Bliss. And you can never, ever have too many of the slides + socks. My family lives in these.

wanting…the new Snif laundry detergent. This is so exciting. Snif is launching a line of clean laundry detergents. I can’t wait to try them soon!

everything in my cart (low)…a few Zara pieces this week! I’m really into this pretty v-neck sweater. It’s very on-trend and looks designer and is a classic staple piece. I also love this pretty Free People grey v-neck too. It’s on sale and comes in multiple colors as well! And if you want a cashmere option, go for the Reformation v-neck (comes in grey + multiple colors).

Back to Zara finds, this is a really cute leather shoulder bag. Love this similar one in suede as well. As someone who is not big on clogs, I think these suede clogs are cute and a great affordable everyday shoe.

listening to…Meredith Duxbury On Her New Era, The Foundation Challenge, and Going Viral on TikTok. I wasn’t expecting to take as much away from this episode as I did. I really enjoyed the conversation and personally related to what Meredith had to say. I’m excited to follow her into her high fashion era. I met her in the fall and have been following ever since. I really enjoy her content!

dreaming of going to…It’s Milan Fashion Week, and someday (hopefully), I will get there to see my favorite shows like Gucci and Prada. I read The Milan List and have so many ideas for a great trip. Have you been?

loving… the Gucci fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Both Asher and I can’t get over how good all the looks were, such a wearable collection.

loving…Loloi Rugs. I’m just now discovering this website full of the cutest rugs. I’m in a huge home decor phase right now, and I want to freshen everything. Rugs are an easy way to completely transform a room.

shopping…this comfy Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover. I need a new duvet cover and have read multiple glowing reviews about the linen one from Coyuchi. It’s currently 30% off too.

wanting…to allow time for horseback riding. Outside of hanging with Asher (and online shopping, which is an addiction), I don’t have any “hobbies” that I can say I really love. I’m almost always doing something for work. But I used to ride horses as a kid, and I think it’s something I could easily enjoy getting back to.

everything in my cart (beauty)…first, because I truly believe this has been a game changer for my skin, hair, and nails (+ overall daily immunity), Colostrum. I’ve been taking this every day for the last six months and have noticed such a change. Colostrum will help strengthen your skin, lung, and gut barriers as well as optimize your microbiome. It improves cellular health and performance to revive whole body health. More details/information on the Armra website. I’m no doctor, but it’s working for me personally. And this is not sponsored, just my honest thoughts.

Moving along, hand creams. I would love to try the Elemis Hand & Body Lotion. It’s shocking I do not have this since I love Elemis products. Added this to my cart immediately. I already LOVE the Josie Maran body butter. And next up, I need to try the Jan Marini Corrective Hand Complex. 

And then, lastly, I’m such a brow girl. If there’s one thing I do every day, it’s shaping and filling in my brows. I think my favorite brow product has to be the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer 3-in-1 Triangle Tip. It’s the best brow pencil.

watching…Here’s Everything Coming to Netflix in March 2024…what are you watching? As usual, I need suggestions. I’m highly considering rewatching Buffy for the millionth time.

wanting…the new Boy Smells Kacey Musgraves Candle, I need to order this. It has notes of raspberry, sage, and lavender. Sounds moody, but great for spring.

everything in my cart (high)…Loving the new Modellerie Satin Mule from Prada. Seeing these everywhere, they are so cute. Also, I just came across this pretty handbag, it’s a classic. Speaking of handbags, I love the nubuck bag from The Row. This shade of red is beautiful. Ok, and now that we’re talking red pieces, I like these Jill Sander red slingback pumps too! And this gorgeous Reformation leather jacket (definitely looks designer).

OK, now, mainly for this week, I adore the newest Gucci launch. Every single piece is so stunning. I especially love the small Jackie shoulder bag (and the mini bag too), these leather shorts for sure, and the new hoodie is not needed, but perfect.

Lastly, this corduroy blouson jacket from Miu Miu and the matching skirt. This look is so good. I found a great, affordable, look-alike jacket from COS, too. Love this piece.

reading…Everything You Need to Know to Tap into “Celebrity Energy”. I actually love this concept. It’s not about wanting to be a celebrity, but more so about having a positive energy that people WANT to be around and that feels contagious. This is definitely something I personally want to work to learn.

weekend getaway…Destination Kohler located in Kohler, Wisconsin. If you’re in the Midwest looking for a weekend retreat or a nearby vacation spot, this is the spot. All the spa treatments sound so wonderful. Asher would be obsessed.

shopping…the new Quince activewear line. Cute, affordable pieces, and I’ve read only glowing reviews.

2. Looking ahead, popular recipes for March.

30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli | halfbakedharvest.com

Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli

25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta| halfbakedharvest.com

Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps | halfbakedharvest.com

Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins | halfbakedharvest.com

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins

Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts | halfbakedharvest.com

Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

3. Everyday Skincare.

the 2 sunscreens I love 

Nordstrom beauty selects

4. New For the Spring Home

Loving the new Sarah Sherman Samuel outdoor collection. This has me already looking forward to late spring and summer days!


And Lean Ford dropped new pieces for Crate and Barrel. They reinvented some of their top-selling pieces!


Also, starting my Easter decor shopping now! Look how cute things are this year!


Lastly, a few other spring home finds this week

5. What motivates you?

And how do you remain consistent with your work/goals/life in general?

I was asked this recently, and I’m curious to hear what inspires you.

For me, my burning desire to succeed and find success is what drives me. At the end of the day, what’s most important to me is that we provide positive value to other’s lives. Whether it be a yummy recipe, outfit ideas, or just a laugh. If it’s valuable, we want to share it. We want people to leave the site happy. Hopefully, we can provide a little excitement or motivation for you to give something new a try. Cook up something new, go on a hike, maybe even invest in a sauna blanket

Success to me is providing quality content that makes everyday life for those who follow better. And reaching as many people as I can who are interested in seeing that content.

Growing up, I don’t think many people would have ever guessed I’d be running my own company, traveling, or anything remotely close. I was a very shy and self-conscious person who clung to my mom. That was a completely different person than I am today. In the beginning, I wanted to prove people wrong. But now it’s more that I want to continue to prove myself wrong. I’ve underestimated all that I’m capable of and I still do that. But I really live by the motto, “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming”. I do not give up.

Most important to me is that I share content that’s valuable for you. A delicious recipe, how I love to set my holiday table, providing style links that you’ll hopefully love, creating cookbooks you’ll actually cook out of, etc. I want to provide value to your lives, to make this site a happy space for you to visit daily. I want you to leave feeling excited because of what you found here! Everything I say yes to, I try to make sure contributes to these goals. I have so many things I want to bring to you all! I’m excited.

When I’m lacking motivation, I try to think back to this.

6. The Spring Candle Edit.

Inspiring Me

(starting is always the hardest part)

(what a dreamy bathroom)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

I Tried Instagram’s Favorite Workout App for a Year, and It Transformed My Fitness

The Gucci Bags That Celebrities Can’t Stop Wearing…wouldn’t you love them all?

I’m a Self-Tanning Novice, But No One Would Know Thanks to These 5 Insider Tips

I wore a Red Light Therapy Mask for 2 Months and I Can’t Get Over the Results…favorite skincare device. I use the Dr. Dennis Gross mask.

Going Somewhere? Shop the Best Luggage Brands On the Market…I love Beis.

A Beginner’s Guide to Using Human Design to Uplevel Your Life…curious to learn more.

The Fashion-Person Guide to Miami…where to stay, dine, shop, and go.

The Best Drugstore Mascara…here are the top 10.

Inside The Trend | Bows…cute home decor trend.

The Joys of Getting Organized…it’s the best feeling.

8. Nordstrom Spring Styles.

our favorite white tee’s

warm weather vacation Styles

everything Amazon fashion under $50


under $200, spring trends

designer spring trends

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.

One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich

Red’s Favorite Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Red’s Favorite Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls

Toasted Coconut Chocolate Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Toasted Coconut Chocolate Bars

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

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Comments

  1. I have not seen any photos of the dog lately. I wondered what you did with it since your family travels so much.
    I am an animal person, obviously.

  2. I haven’t finished reading this yet but after seeing the first paragraph or two I had to comment that I look forward to reading this every Sunday. I have been following and reading every Nine Favorite Things post for a few years now, and I fell in love with cooking during the pandemic thanks to your recipes. Just wanted to share – thank you!

    1. Thanks so much for your kind message, Elizabeth!! I appreciate you reading each week and all of your support cooking so many recipes! Have a great week! xT

  3. In your skincare routine, I am surprised to see how much plastic you use. You can find everything in glass jars, or for example, if they don’t sell in glass jars….switch! I use a refillery (and you can find one in a town close to you) for everything…..face wash, day moisturizer, night moisturizer, eye cream, body lotion, etc. I am sure you haven’t thought about it, but jeez,,,you’re contributing a lot of plastic to this world. Just asking you to think about it. PS – have bought all your books, not only for myself but for others, and love your recipes!

    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jody:) I appreciate your support and trying so many recipes! Hope you are having a great Sunday! xT

  4. Agree, your blog origins are what drew me in…the amazing foods, and flavor combinations and presentation.

    Everyone has their own sense of what fashion is and should be, and the aesthetic on here is not inspiring for me, and price points are not practical either. Most people reading have likely already developed/ curated their own personal style.

    Travel, lifestyle, flower arranging are what I love seeing and I try most of the recipes you post! I purchased your cookbooks for myself and I give them as gifts.

  5. I adore Nine Favorite Things. You have great style and I feel inspired for the week. I, too, will watch Buffy for the hundredth time! Thank you for the great candle recommendations. Putting in my cart now!

    1. Hi Candace,
      Love to hear you enjoy these posts as much as I do:) Who doesn’t love Buffy?! Enjoy the candles and have a great Sunday! xT

  6. How exciting you’re going to be on a panel at Austin’s SxSW Conference! I’m attending as well and would love to go to your session but I just looked through the schedule and don’t see you listed anywhere? I also checked the speaker directory, and you’re not included there either? What day/time (and location–this conference is huge) will you be speaking? Thanks and good luck!

    1. Thanks so much for your kind message Lori!! I will know all this info sometime this week:) Keep you posted! Happy Monday! xT

  7. Love my Sunday morning coffee and reading Nine Favorite Things.
    This past week we enjoyed your recipe for artichokes,spinach and orzo. I also baked the swirled ginger crunch carrot cake bread . Looking forward to trying your new offerings this week. Thank you, it’s so helpful.

    1. Hi Nancy,
      Thanks for reading each week! So glad you enjoyed the orzo bake and carrot cake bread, thanks for giving them a try! Have a great week! xx

  8. Thank you for putting the time into Nine Favorite Things, it’s replaced the newspaper for my Sunday morning reading. Even if I can’t personally relate to some of the content, it’s all fun and interesting.

  9. Your recipes are amazing and I’ve read your new cookbook which is also amazing.
    You write amazingly and it is great that you share with your readers what is happening in your life.
    As far as the products you recommend, they all seem very nice and luxurious; however, for me personally these products are way way way out of my price range, especially with the massive inflation that has plagued our country. I’m struggling to pay my groceries and buy gasoline for my vehicle. I wish I was rich to be able to afford to try some of these products. 😢

    1. Hi there,
      Thanks so much for your message today! I appreciate you ordering the cookbook and making so many recipes! Thanks for sharing your feedback. Have a great Sunday! xT

  10. Would love to see some more middle-class affordable clothing, lotions and candles. I’m pretty much never spending more than $100 (or anything close) for clothes except the running shoes I wear every day to workout in or a coat. I buy lovely candles at Aldi for $4.99. I would say that maybe I’m out of my demographic here but I suspect the majority of people who enjoy your site and cook a ton of your recipes are not buying $200-300 shoes or $80 candles. I totally get that’s what you like. And I always just pass by the fashion, candle and lotion links. But it would be lovely to be clicking links to things I may actually purchase.

    1. I totally agree with this. I feel like I’m in a whole other tax bracket. Love Aldi candles, too! And even Walmart has nice candles and clothing and jeans these days. 🙂

    2. Hi Christy,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing your feedback!! If you checkout the Boy Smells candles that I linked today, they are actually on sale for a great price at Nordstrom! Appreciate you being here:) Have a great Sunday! xx

    3. I totally agree. I feel that 99% of the things listed on these Sunday posts are out of reach for the majority of her readers.

  11. I’m here for the food mostly, being a retired male the fashion parts are not my cup of tea. That being said, I thoroughly enjoy your 9 Favorite Things and my Sunday is not complete without it. The fact that you share your family and life with us total strangers is great and something I most probably would not do. Fear and anxiety with something new I can relate to as that is me too. Most times after getting done I look back and it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. Bless you for sharing with us. I believe the saying is “Breathe” and forge ahead. We must go out of our comfort range to grow. Best wishes.

    1. Hey Jim,
      I appreciate you reading each Sunday and sharing your feedback on what you like best. So glad you are able to just pass through the things you don’t enjoy. Hope you are having a great Sunday! xT

  12. Someone else who also reads this in bed every Sunday morning like it’s a Sunday paper! 👋🏼 Love this collection of your favorite things and appreciate all the work you put into it! ♥️