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I’m back home after a quick two-night trip to LA, and tomorrow I’m off again! Travel is both exhausting and exciting, but it’s more exciting than anything else, and I’m really enjoying my time away. It makes you appreciate being home that much more!
I wasn’t overly excited to head to LA. Not because I wasn’t excited about everything I had on the schedule, but more because I have so much I need to be doing here and checking off my to-do list. But it was such a great LA trip, one of my favorites actually.
I flew into LA on Tuesday evening and stayed at The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. I don’t usually stay in Santa Monica, but we launched our month-long collaboration menu with Fig Restaurant inside the hotel! It was absolutely beautiful, and if you’re in the LA area and have never been, I highly recommend it. The hotel (and restaurant) have so much history, the decor is so pretty, and of course the food is delicious.
The menu launch went over so well. We shared my marinated tomato and burrata salad, pasta alla vodka, spicy roasted red pepper pizza, and for dessert, my mom’s favorite chocolate chip banana ricotta pancakes. It was all so fresh and beautifully presented. If you’re in LA or visiting, the menu will be served until May 10th, so just one month! You can also read a little more about our collaboration here.
After the launch dinner, I headed to West Hollywood for a photo shoot the following morning. I was able to shoot with one of the best teams and in the most stunning location. I couldn’t have asked for a better shoot, and I truly had so much fun. The time flew by, and before I knew it, I was back in an Uber, heading to meet Benny (Blanco). We had a quick catch-up before I was off again to LAX.
Benny and I will host an event to launch his cookbook, Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends. The event is in New York on May 2nd, and we’ll be joined by The Pasta Queen (so fun!). Benny and I decided to film a little video to help promote the event. It’s going to be a lot of fun; you can grab tickets here!
I then headed off to the airport with my friend Kristen (Kilpatrick). We said our goodbyes (not my favorite), and before I could blink, I was off. I fell asleep the second we took off and before I knew it I was back in Colorado.
I’m spending today in the kitchen, then packing, then I’m off again in the morning!
I’ve been talking to my family A LOT throughout our month a part. They loved their time in San Miguel de Allende. So happy they had fun!
Ok, that’s my update for today. On to what’s been interesting to me this week!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving something fun…Quiz: Which Sex and the City Character Are You? I got Samantha, but I am pretty sure I am NOT Samantha. Oh well. Who did you get?
wanting…these comfy-looking airbrush leggings from Alo. Aso, these new Frye riding boots – loving the banana color. Here they are in light brown too.
everything in my cart (low)…I recently re-discovered Aritzia basics. I’d forgotten how good they are. In my cart, the linen pant (loving the light colors for spring/summer). And this is a great off-shoulder longsleeve tee. This is the perfect seamless crewneck short sleeve tee shirt (and the longsleeve is equally great). And then a pretty off-the-shoulder sweater for chilly days and nights.
Ordering this cute FRÉJA New York Caroline bag in black.
And lastly, this Free People lounge set. Great for travel or working from home.
listening to…Mandy Moore: Unfiltered Reflections on Fame, Love and Resilience.
dreaming of going to…the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy. Well, this just looks like the most luxurious, stunning spring/summer location. I feel like this is a very “Pinterest” worthy Italy vacation. What a dream and so beautiful!
loving…this Glass + Iron Cylinder Vase I ordered. It just came and it is so pretty. Also, I ordered these Recycled Glass Bottle Vases in both the round and narrow. I’m waiting for these to arrive!
shopping…outdoor furniture. All the spring/summer collections are launching!
and I love Vigo Teak collection from Restoration Hardware.
everything in my cart (beauty)…these Dieux Forever Eye Mask Reusable 100% Silicone Patches are a part of the Sephora sale. I just ordered them, and can’t wait to finally try them.
watching…Kendall Jenner Breaks Down Her “Spring French Girl Makeup Look”. I love the Vogue beauty videos, and Kendall’s is cute! Also, rewatching Harry Potter for the millionth time. It’s just the best. And still making my way through Nashville. I can’t say I love it, but I definitely don’t hate it. Ok, and last up, if you’re a Zendaya follower, this video is cute, Zendaya Sticks By Her Most Memed Outfit: “I Would Wear It Again”.
question…what movies do you always rewatch? As stated above, mine is Harry Potter.
ordering…
everything in my cart (high)…obsessed with the new Givenchy Large Voyou Bag. I would get the suede, either in brown or black, but it also comes in leather.
following…Katie Miller. Katie worked on our shoot this week in LA. She is amazing, so sweet, and her Instagram is full of pretty food.
shopping…new socks. I love a cozy pair for bed. I’m eying these Stems cotton and cashmere blend socks or wool and cashmere blend socks.
2. A few of my Favorite April Recipes.
20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls
Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce
Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita
Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler with Layered Cream Cheese Biscuit
3. Spring desk essentials.
4. What’s the Best Advice/Most Inspiring Quote?
Someone recently said to me, “No, no one who’s talking negatively towards you will ever have as much going on as you do.”
I try to remember what my parents taught me: Work harder than everyone else, be kind, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
They can talk all the gossip they want, but they’ll be the ones embarrassing themselves by gossiping. And that’s just the truth.
It’s not the negativity so much as how you react to it.
I always keep their words in the back of my head. My parents really ingrained these ideologies into me at a young age, especially the Golden Rule.
What is your best advice or a quote you love?
Or maybe it’s an inspiring podcast?
5. Mother’s Day Gifts.
6. A Quick LA Trip in Photos.
Menu Launch Day at the Fairmont
started in all white…ended in jeans
chili roasted red pepper pizza
pancakes for dessert
the fig menu
that 6pm California glow
Photo Shoot Day
surround yourself with only the best people
one of my favorite kitchens
this garden is my dream
all smile with Benny
what are we shooting for?
love these flowers
my facial expressions say so much..
anything for a fun shot
the end
7. Favorite links I’m loving.
The Best Destinations to Visit on Your First International Trip
I Eat 120g of Protein Every Day–These are My Sneaky Protein Hacks
Is Colostrum the Magical Supplement It Seems? A Nutritionist Weighs In
12 Books to Read If You Love Nancy Meyers Movies
4 Reasons Why Gaining Muscle Is Key To Healthy Aging
The 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYC
Collagen Supplements to Transform Your Skin and Your Immune System
This Seasonal Spring Vegetable Has More Benefits Than A Multivitamin
8. My favorite Abercrombie new arrivals.
J.Crew outfits
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: 25 Minute Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Tacos
Wednesday: Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Thursday: 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Friday: Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad
Saturday: Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash
Sunday: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Also, thank you for your commitment to your readers – I can’t imagine how and where you find time for everything. Reading Nine Favorite Things is my Sunday indulgence – I rely on it for stress relief and inspiration. From one Colorado Girl to another – you are immensely appreciated!
Thanks again, Nancie:) I really appreciate your thoughtful words, I love the NFT posts and so glad you enjoy them as well! xT
My favorite quote/piece of advice about life in general is:
People may forget what you said, and forget what you did…. but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Hey Nancie,
Thanks so much for reading today and sharing this quote, I love it!! I hope you have a great week! xT
Really proud of you and all your success! Unfortunately, with the territory comes jealousy and haters. Sucks to be them, but you do not have to cater to them. Filter your blog and social comments and keep your accounts a place for genuine discourse about your recipes and other content. You are well past the point in your success where you have to be wide open just for engagement and clicks. You have succeeded. Snarky comments from immature haters do not even need to see the light of day on your sites. Do not give them a platform. Let them go back to the bowels of hell where they came from.
Hi Darian,
Thanks a lot for reading and sharing such a positive message today:) It’s a tough territory to navigate, but definitely appreciate your feedback! Have a great week! xT
Totally agree! Haters should just not engage
How do you feel about Fig deleting all comments from their insta posts?
I would love to see you do a curated travel capsule wardrobe!! What do you pack for a long weekend in NYC?
Love your posts and really look forward to Sunday mornings!
Thanks so much for your kind message, Linda!! I actually post most of my outfits while traveling over on the blog. My packing really depends what I have planned for that trip. But, here is the link that you might like:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/lifestyle/looks/
I hope this helps! Have a great Sunday! xT
I love your black riding boots! Details please!!!!
And please ignore the haters. Clearly they are unhappy with their own lives!
Thanks so much, Lisa:) Here is the link for the boots:
https://rstyle.me/+EF4vukiQ9Nyiud0R2Fx4mw?li=15958243-f9a3-11ee-b83d-0242ac11002e&lpm=SIMILAR&pt=timeline&__cid=1144&l=en&p=explore-displayName-posts-id&r=explore-displayName&rr=explore-displayName-posts-id&vid=46580f25-e15f-4ad2-88c3-23916ea5ce5f&hpd=false
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Looks like a great trip to LA!
Love the pink and red flowers on (Benny’s?) house, just so happy making.
The event with you, Benny and The Pasta Queen sounds so good!
Have a great week. Xx
Hey Kelly-Jane,
Thanks for reading as always:) LA was great and those flowers?! Nothing better! I hope you have a great week! xT
Happy Sunday, Gerard Fam! Tieghan, your photographs are so beautiful. I love seeing snaps from your trips. I do hope you will expand beyond recipes because even though your food is delicious, I love NFT because there is so much more to explore — travel recommendations, home decor, fashion, etc. No pressure, just a thought! I love your quotes and musings on positivity and kindness. There is just no need for pettiness or cruelty. My favorite saying is simply “Onward.” I use it daily, in good times or challenging situations. Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing with us! Also loving seeing you with Benny. He’s adorable!
Thanks so much, Jen! I’m so glad you enjoyed seeing some of the BTS from my trip, I thought it was something fun to share this week! So glad that you enjoy the NFT posts as much as I do, and I appreciate your feedback:) Love the saying of “onward”, so simple! I hope you are having a great Sunday! xT
How exciting! I would love to hear more about the restaurant collab. Hoping you would share! How did you decide on LA, and then how do you choose Fig? I’m sure it was tough narrowing it down! Also who chose the recipes and how on earth did you choose since you have so many!?
Happy Sunday, girl! Congrats on the restaurant collab! I’d LOVE to go to a restaurant and be able to order your dishes, but alas, I live in the South – lol. We’re not exactly a “hotbed of culinary explorations”…we’ve got some GOOOOD food and restaurants down here though. Wouldn’t trade it for anything! Cool that Benny’s got a cookbook coming out, too. I wondered if you were kinda his food muse ☺️ Have a great week and safe travels!
Hey Kerita,
Thanks so much for reading today and your kind message! I really haven’t been to the south, but I am sure there are plenty of delicious food options! Yes, Benny’s cookbook is super exciting as well. Hope you have a great week! xT
It looks like LA was a great short stop. Those photos! That setting! Perhaps, a new collaboration with your branded mixes???
Love the clothes, too – take care!
Thanks so much, Linda! It was a quick trip, but fun! Right?! It was so beautiful! Love your guess for the shoot:) Have a great week! xT
How do you feel about the Eater LA article promoting your Fig collaboration?
Any reason why this comment hasn’t been responded to yet, team HBH? Being able to reflect and grow from criticism is an essential skill for any businessperson! Would love to know your thoughts.
Looks like a fun trip! When does your new cookbook come out?
Thanks so much, Michelle! I will be able to share more about the cookbook soon, stay tuned:) Happy Sunday! xT
Really loved the post this week. Beautiful colors and sun and lots of inspiration. Thanks so much for all your hard work on making us happy. You’re the best.
Aww, thanks so much, Deborah! I appreciate you being here and love that you enjoyed today’s post! Have a great week! xT
Ah my favourite Sunday blog post and I love the photos from your recent trip to LA. I will be heading off for a short trip away next weekend to the Norfolk coast in the UK, which I am really excited for. I just hope that the weather is at least dry for my visit.
I also love the quiz, both last week’s (manicure one, I also got stormy) and for the SATC quiz this week, I got Charlotte.
Movies that I enjoy re-watching include Eat Pray Love, The Holiday, Miss Congeniality and Pride & Prejudice. As well as easy/romantic movies, I also have favourites in both the comedy and sci-fi genres too. Have a great week 🙂
Hey Colleen,
Thanks so much for reading today, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos that I shared from LA. I hope you have the best time on your trip, sounds like a nice getaway! The quizzes are silly, but fun right?! Love the movies that you shared, I feel like those are all good ones! Happy Sunday! xT