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Nine Favorite Things

(dressed the part in Austin yesterday)

Hey everyone! Happy Sunday! Typing this with so much energy and excitement. I’m in Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest (SXSW) and will be speaking on my first panel about content creation. It’s Sunday, so by the time you read this I will have already done the panel, but I’m so looking forward to it! Speaking is something I actually really enjoy doing, especially when it’s on a topic I feel confident speaking about.

I love being able to help others break into this crazy internet space and share what I’ve learned over all these years. I’m very much looking forward to the event; it should be fun! But yes, I am probably a little nervous, too! It’s a good kind of anxious.

Of course, being in Austin is always fun. On Friday night, I got to see some friends who live here. Today, I have a meeting for something very big and exciting before flying out this afternoon. I’m heading to LA for a quick one-day trip, but I’m truly looking forward to it so much! We’re finally working on my home and studio renovations again, and my LA meeting is our first design meeting. I can’t wait!

This week was busy preparing for travel and work, but a good one, nonetheless. I’m really excited about the upcoming recipes and project we’re embarking on! Exciting months are ahead!

Here’s an update on my dad. He had his surgery, and all went really well. He’s up and moving around pretty close to normal. His arm is in a brace, and he has an IV port in the other arm. We’re so happy the surgery is behind us and that the infection looks like it’s gone! He’s very pleased.

Also, the HBH Every Day Cookbook is currently 48% off on Amazon! Sometimes they randomly mark down the books. When they do, I always like to let you guys know. They make great gifts if you need something for Easter!

That’s all I have for updates! Today’s Favorite’s post is shorter than usual due to travel, but still full of fun and lots of fashion!

Nine Favorite Things

(the packing process) 

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

ordered…the Rimowa Matte Black iPhone case. This is a costly iPhone case, but I toss my phone around like no other; I need to protect it. I’ll let you know how this is! It’s my first ever Rimowa buy. Still not sure I can justify the price of their famous luggage though. Is it really worth it?

wanting…a few random items. First, I love this green tile I found on Amazon. It would be cool in a bathroom. And speaking of bathrooms, this is a really pretty jewelry dish. For the kitchen, everyone told me I really need to get this pizza wheel, so I’m ordering it. And even more randomly, I found this glass bowl at Nordstrom’s and liked it a lot.

everything in my cart (low)…these balloon jeans from Zara look designer. Very into them and the grey color.

Loving the Coach Horse & Carriage Print Square Scarf. This would be cute tied up in a top knot or on a handbag. Speaking of accessories, I am obsessed with these Semi-Circular Earrings from Zara. They remind me of a certain designer pair I love.

Lastly, I am thinking about this packable jacket from The North Face. It looks perfect for travel, but is it warm enough?

listening to…How Food Can Impact Anxiety, The Gut-Brain Connection, and Helping Anxiety with Food with Dr. Uma. I cannot wait to listen to this. I’m saving it for this afternoon’s flight.

dreaming of going to…the Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas, in Thailand. I vote for Thailand for our next family vacation…but I think I’ll want my own villa please!

loving…the new wedding collection from Abercrombie. It has cute and affordable pieces for the bride, bridesmaids, and guests!

shopping…the NOVEMBER 19 jasper cutting board. This is so unique and pretty! One of those cutting boards you want out on your counter all the time. Also, if you have time, scroll the NOVEMBER 19 site. I spotted some unique home finds!

burning…well, first, I’m currently burning all those Nette candles I talked about the other week. The Sunday Chess and it’s really nice. This is a more relaxing scent, which I love. Ok, new candles below! I want to order the Nopalera Merida Candle. And then from Corpus Dark Flowers Soy Wax Candle, The Cassis Soy Wax Candle. These all sound so lovely, and I also love the packaging. I’m a sucker for good packaging. Oh, and I just discovered Sunday Edition candles. The Dusk Candle sounds amazing with blackberries and rhubarb.


watching…Getting Ready with Chloë Grace Moretz. I love these Vogue Get Ready with Me style videos. And the Louie Vuitton show looked amazing.

everything in my cart (beauty)…The Prada Beauty Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation is in my Nordstrom cart. Not going to lie, I really love the packaging. Also in my cart is the Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush.

I love the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. All the shades are so good.

Sephora and Ulta are having sales right now. In my cart is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Medium Hold Clear Brow Gel + Brow Definer, and the Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Matte Lipstick.

reading…“Beautiful and Truthful”—Penélope Cruz on Her Surprise Premiere (Alongside Brad Pitt) at The Chanel Show. This was iconic, what a show.

everything in my cart (high)…I adore this leather trench from The Frankie Shop. I would only ever wear a jumpsuit from Saint Laurent. Miu Miu has some of my favorite pieces right now, I need this Leather-Trimmed Canvas Jacket

Jewels, I think this Baguette Pendant Ruby is so pretty.

shopping…gorgeous Dior Hand-Painted Water Glass in Blue Roses d’Hiver and Green and Blue Lotus.

2. A Few of My Favorite Recipes to Make in March

25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Carrot Cake Cupcakes | halfbakedharvest.com

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast | halfbakedharvest.com

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Black Pepper Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas with Avocado Basil Ranch | halfbakedharvest.com

Black Pepper Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas with Avocado Basil Ranch

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

Skillet Chicken Fajitas with Creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce

Crockpot Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Crema | halfbakedharvest.com

Crockpot Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Crema

Easy Homemade Pretzel Bagels | halfbakedhavrest.com

Easy Homemade Pretzel Bagels

3.  My Current Home Wants/Favorite Finds for Spring.

4. Bedtime Routine.

Nine Favorite Things

(legs up, every night)

I always share our morning routine, so when someone asked for my bedtime routine, I was excited to share!

Disclaimer: My sleep routine is not perfect. I don’t get enough sleep, but I still have my routine. First, I use my Higher Dose sauna blanket. It’s my favorite. I look forward to hopping into the blanket every single night. It helps reduce stress and boost mood, increases blood flow and circulation, and promotes glowing skin. Honestly, I just love the heat. I do this while I work on my phone or answer emails.

Second, I always, always dry brush every single night. It’s changed my skin and it helps boost energy + increase blood flow. Then I shower and lather on a body cream. The Mutha Body Butter is one of my favorites. Or the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter.

Next, I throw on my red light mask. I use the Dr. Dennis Gross red light mask and usually keep it on for 15 minutes. I do the blue setting twice then the rest of the time I do red light. While I have the mask on, my legs are up against the wall. I’m also editing IG stories on my phone while sitting on my sauna blanket. When I’m done, I do my full night skincare routine. Another thing I’ve been trying to do is journal or write three things I’m grateful for. But that doesn’t happen very often. I usually fall right asleep. I try to do this routine when I’m home and while traveling! Except I don’t travel with the red light mask.

5. How are YOU?

It’s always fun to check in with you guys and see how life is treating you.

For me personally, things feel really exciting yet overwhelming at the same time. I lack organization and some of the routines that I thrive on I’ve had to let go of lately. Because of this, my anxiety has been up and down. Some days, I just wake up feeling so anxious, and I can’t figure out why. It’s funny because things can be really good but also challenging at the same time. I guess that’s the balance of life!

With that, I would love to hear how you are doing! Some fun questions…

  1. What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific!
  2. What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too.
  3. What is your biggest worry in life right now?
  4. What are you watching? Movies and TV!
  5. What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
  6. What is one thing you really like about yourself?

PS. Check out the Cup of Jo post where I got this idea from. The comments are always fun to read.

6. Inspiring Me.

(currently: working to find the good in everything)

(I want these flowers

(my imagination is muchhh better than my logic)

(this bathroom is the most zen)

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

64 Journal Prompts to Start (And End!) Your Day Feeling Inspired

The Best Rooftop Restaurants to See and Be Seen in Austin

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Jackson, Wyoming…my family loves Jackson Hole.

These 9 (Free) iPhone Hacks Are Genius for Optimizing Your Health Effortlessly

The New Shows & Movies Our Editors Are Watching in March

14 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring in Just One Day

25 Grain-Free Products That Have Changed My Life This Year

You Won’t Look at Flagstone the Same After Seeing This New Outdoor Tile Collection

Spring 2024 Hair Trends: 20 Colors, Cuts, and Styles You’ll See This Season

The 15 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations for the Ultimate Girls’ Trip

Everything You Need to Refresh Your Life This Spring

8. Favorite Spring Trends.

spring travel pieces

work bags

the best sweatpants

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

Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken

Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta

Crockpot Chipotle Pineapple Pot Roast Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Crockpot Chipotle Pineapple Pot Roast Bowls

20 Minute Garlic Oil Schezwan Peanut Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: 20 Minute Garlic Oil Schezwan Peanut Noodles

Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli

Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata

Saturday: Garlic Herb Roasted Olives with Burrata

Frosted Chocolate Fudge Pop Tart Bars | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Frosted Chocolate Fudge Pop Tart Bars

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Comments

  1. What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific!
    *1 cup regular brewed coffee & ~1 cup warmed 2% milk with a splash of half & half and about a tablespoon of maple syrup. It’s as close as I can get to a latte without a fancy machine.

    What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too.
    *Tomorrow off work

    What is your biggest worry in life right now?
    *Aging parents/in-laws and big life decisions that comes with that

    What are you watching? Movies and TV!
    *Gilmore Girls on repeat, it’s my comfort show

    What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
    *Practically counting down the days until my student loans are paid off. Less than $12,000 to go (down from $67,000+ in 2017) and should be gone by the end of 2024 if all goes to plan

    What is one thing you really like about yourself?
    *That I can be myself. Especially as I’ve gotten further into my 30s, I care less what others think about me and more about being authentically myself. I find my identity in Christ, rather than societal/cultural pressures, and it has been so freeing

    1. Hey there,
      Thanks for sharing your responses today! Sounds like a great way to make a fancy latte:) Enjoy your day off work today! I am sure thinking about your parents getting older can be stressful, as we just want what’s best for them. You know I love my Gilmore Girls!! Wow, paying off your student loans is such a HUGE accomplishment, you should be so proud of yourself! I hope you have a great weekend! xT

  2. My morning drink is literally hot water with lemon. Not for health purposes, I just like it 😛
    This week I’m excited about my travel, been doing a lot.
    My biggest life worry is my job, I really wish I could just travel for work and do creative things but alas, it’s only for the select lucky few I guess…
    I’m watching my back right now tbh XD
    I honestly want freedom…
    I really like my eyes and my attitude ahha

    1. Hey Natala,
      Thanks for trying the time to respond to the questions! I love lemon water as well, plus it is a great way to start the day! Enjoy your traveling this week, where are you going?! Sorry to hear that you have worries about your job. I hope you have a great weekend! xT

  3. Hi-I make the same drink every morning. I do a couple shakes of ground ginger, 1 TBS of apple cider vinegar, juice of a lime, ice, and club soda. It is a delicious drink that helps with blood sugar regulation and inflammation. I tweaked it from the Glucose Goddess.

    1. Hey Cindy,
      Thanks so much for sharing your drink every morning! Sounds like something that makes you feel good! Have a great day! xT

  4. Ok I just thought of a fun question since I wasn’t able to attend in person this year: what was your biggest takeaway from each speaker during your panel?

  5. What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific! –
    Coffee with cream (full fat cream, please!)

    What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too. I’m getting a new car on Saturday! YAY!

    What is your biggest worry in life right now?
    Sounds counterintuitive to the answer above, but will I have enough money to retire in 10 years?

    What are you watching? Movies and TV!
    Just finished The Diplomat on Netflix.

    What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
    The Dennis Gross red light you listed. I keep looking at it.

    What is one thing you really like about yourself?
    The manner in which I handled a very messy divorce. I never succumbed to the pettiness and ugliness. I handled it with grace and dignity.

    1. Hey Natalie Jo,
      Thanks for reading today and sharing your morning drink:) Wow, a new car?! How exciting, enjoy! I think your concern for retirement is totally relatable, life can be so unpredictable. I’ve never heard of The Diplomat, thanks for the recommendation. Ahhh the red light mask is the best:) Good for you for taking the high road in your divorce, I’m sure that was not easy. I hope you have a great week! xT

  6. What is your favorite makeup to bring along when you travel vs what you use at home? Would be fun to see your reviews of everything you order!!

  7. 1. What is your morning drink? And how do you take it? Be specific!
    A flat white coffee with 100ml of espresso. Beans are Colombian but roasted at a place a mile up the road.

    2. What are you excited about this week? You can include things that are coming up, too.
    My next weights class – I’m working on my deadlifts.

    3. What is your biggest worry in life right now?
    Balancing money coming in with money going out (we recently did a build and it was so expensive!)

    4. What are you watching? Movies and TV!
    Rewatching the wonderful Schitts Creek. I also saw Money Monster (a George Clooney and Julia Roberts film) recently – it was pretty good.

    5. What’s something you really want? A designer bag/vacation/home – anything!
    A completed and fully-functioning downstairs bathroom (see question 3!)

    6. What is one thing you really like about yourself?
    That I don’t believe in the concept of unwinnable situations (work and personal situations) – I honestly believe that there is a way through, over, or past that will be fine.

    1. Hey Marie,
      Thanks for reading today! Yum, your coffee drink sounds super yummy! Good luck with your weight class, I bet that is challenging! I’m sure your new build is well worth it, how exciting! I’ll have to check out Money Monster, I love George Clooney and Julia Roberts! Your mindset on unwindable situations is so cool, I love that! Have a great week and thanks for sharing your responses:) xx

  8. Hi Tieghan. I’ve been reading your blog for years and years. It was your butternut squash and sage leaf pizza recipe (I think that was the combo) that led me to your site. I really enjoy Nine Favorite Things on Sunday mornings. Especially the Favorite Links section. Always something new to read and learn. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a great week and safe travels!

    1. Hi Tiffany,
      Thanks for being such a long time reader:) I love that you enjoy these posts, they really are so much fun to put together! I hope you have a great week! xT

  9. Hello Tieghan!

    I’ve never posted here before, I have just reached out for you in Dec to see about signing books for my friends. They all love your books even tho we couldn’t meet up.

    1. Hot Green Tea (from Costco) every morning. Antioxidants!! I love the Kirkland brand, it never gets bitter no matter how long I forget to drink my tea. Lots of other brands get bitter.

    2. I’m excited about visiting my son in Valencia this week! It is a beautiful city (I’ve been here for 3 days already) and so much to do, and get to spend time with my son. We eat dinner on the beach tonight!

    3. I worry about my teenage sons. I hope they keep their happiness and joy while pursing their passions. Both are about sports, and how “far” they can go and pursue as a careers.

    4. Watching The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Amazon Prime. Beautiful, heartbreaking, importance of family, and the way the story develops is perfectly captivating.

    5. I would love a Coach purse. I have to retire my favorite, and the new one I got months ago is too small and not practical for everyday. Yep, I pack too much stuff & cannot downsize.

    6. I like my love for adventure and exploring new things. I’ve instilled this in my sons. They love exploring and traveling too.

    1. Hi Katie,
      I appreciate you taking the time to respond this morning! Green tea sounds like a relaxing way to start your morning. Enjoy your time with your son this week, sounds like so much fun! I’m not a parent, but I am sure there is a lot of worry that happens throughout raising kids! Thanks for sharing on The Lost Flowers, I’ll have to check that out. So awesome that you are an explorer, what a great way to see the world! Have a great week! xT

  10. Good morning Tieghan! So happy to hear your Dad is on the mend. Hard to keep a good man down, right? So, onto your questions!
    You will laugh. I’m just a Nescafé instant coffee girl! Don’t care for the taste of brewed coffee and find it’s never hot enough for me. Nothing too exciting happening this week around here..lol..My biggest worry? Getting our 6 month trip planned for next Fall/winter. Plans to go to Tokyo, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. It’s a lot of work! (Btw..I’ve been to Thailand several times and we love it. ) We spent two months in Chiang Mai last winter! If you go, eat local, “with” the locals! Cheap and delish! Right now we’re watching Billions and Tokyo Vice. Both very good! What do I really want? Mostly for hubby and I just to stay happy and healthy for the remainder of our lives. I’m a pretty simple girl. No interest in designer clothes or jewelry. Traveling the world and staying fit makes us the happiest. We’ve had all the other things you mentioned throughout our lives and in the end, they’re just things..nothing else. But, everyone likes different things. How boring it would be if we were all the same, right? what do I like about myself? I guess my mouth (although it gets me in trouble at times..haha) I’m not afraid to speak up and say what’s on my mind. I like it when other people are like that too. Then you know exactly where you stand with someone. I also like that I’m a good cook and self taught. My mom never let me make anything growing up. Not sure why that was? I guess I should’ve asked her that question..lol,,Loved this post!

    1. Hey Colleen,
      Thanks so much for reading and thoughts for my dad. Lol hey whatever works right?! I love a super hot coffee as well! I hope you enjoy the slow week ahead. Wow, your trip sounds absolutely amazing, I’m jealous!! I hope you have the best time! I love that being happy and healthy is a goal for you and your husband, simple yet so important! I love that you speak your mind, I think that is so awesome! I hope you have a great week! xT

    1. Hey Michelle,
      It really was such a great opportunity to speak at SXSW. Honestly, my favorite part was just getting to meet so many readers/followers and chat with them. I always appreciate all of the support! Hope you are having a great week! xT

  11. Thanks again, Tieghan, for a great Nine Favorite Things! Hope you enjoyed your stay in ATX. Austin never disappoints!
    Oh – & so great to hear your dad is doing well. 💜

    1. Hey Diane,
      Thanks so much for reading this week! Of course, I had a great time in Austin:) I hope you have a great Monday! xT

  12. On a recent recipe post, you said “I always cook/bake as if I am at sea level and make adjustments if needed”. This is very confusing. Can you please explain how you cook/bake as if you’re at sea level when you live in the mountains?

  13. My morning drink is Chameleon or Stok cold brew with Silk Oatmeal Cookie creamer – so good.
    Hmm, this week I’m just excited to be home for the week! I’m sure you can relate, Tieghan!
    My biggest worry in life right now is my husband’s broken ankle and slow recovery.
    I’m finally watching The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and find it so delightful – beautiful to look at, great fashion, smart and funny and full of heart.
    I really want a backyard makeover!
    I really like my flexibility in viewpoints – I’m empathetic and can generally relate to where someone is coming from/see all sides.

    1. Hi Sarah,
      Thanks so much for sharing your responses:) Ohh I’ve never been a cold brew person, but your drink sounds pretty refreshing for the warm summer months. Enjoy your time at home this week, nothing like sleeping in your own bed! Ahh, I hope your husband has a speedy recovery, I am sure that is stressful to deal with. I love that you are able to relate to others and see other viewpoints, that is so amazing. Have a great week! xT