449: Nine Favorite Things.

Life has been so many things this year. I started the year in Europe, spending almost a month there to watch my brother compete in the Winter Games while also working on a few projects of my own. From there, I headed straight to Austin for a month-long photoshoot, and then came the biggest leap of all: moving to Miami.

That move has opened my life in ways I never imagined.

There’s been so much change and so much newness, but every bit of it has led to something positive. Looking back now, I’m so grateful I took the leap.

I’m in New York for the first time since February. Technically, I was here for about twenty-four hours before flying to Milan, but this feels like my first real visit back. It feels so good to be here. The energy of this city is unlike anywhere else. Of course, over time, any place can wear on you, but I think life comes in seasons. The key is paying attention to what’s serving you and what brings you the most joy.

Right now, I’m just so happy to be back, especially in the summertime, when the city is full of sunshine, flowers, and people enjoying every minute outdoors. I’m staying at my favorite hotel, Fouquet’s, and it’s just as wonderful as ever.

The week before any trip is always busy. I’d like to think I’m a travel pro by now, but I was definitely a little rusty this time around. There’s so much preparation that goes into every trip, especially when we’re shooting content while we’re away.

It was also really nice having my family back home after they’d all been traveling. Cooking dinner together reminded me how grateful I am that we all live so close. It’s brought me even closer to my mom, which has been such a gift.

This week’s post is a little shorter than usual. I usually write these pretty close to publishing, and fitting everything in while traveling can be a challenge. It’s hard for me not to want every Favorites post to feel completely full—packed with new thoughts, favorite finds, and ideas. But I’m learning that not everything has to be one hundred percent all the time. Sometimes it’s okay to leave a little room.

I’m such a creature of habit that doing things out of sequence doesn’t come naturally. But this season has been teaching me to loosen my grip a little, and honestly, I think that’s been good for me.

It’s a quick trip to New York, but I have a feeling I’ll be back again soon.

Lately I’ve been thinking about how much life can change in such a short amount of time. A year ago, I never would have imagined I’d be living in Miami, traveling as much as I have, or feeling this excited about what’s ahead. Sometimes the biggest changes begin with simply believing they’re possible.

Okay…I sound like a motivational speaker, which is definitely not my norm. But maybe there’s a little truth in it after all.

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

In New York, I’ve been living in low-rise jeans. This Abercrombie pair has been on repeat. Gap and Abercrombie continue to make some of my favorite everyday jeans. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and the fit is always so good.

I also recently picked up these low-rise Khaite jeans. They’re definitely an investment, but the quality and fit are on another level. I love that I can wear them all day, then dress them up for a work event or dinner.

I came across this Classic Pooh Friend Tee and immediately thought it was adorable. I’m such a softie for anything nostalgic. My mom used to read Winnie the Pooh to me all the time when I was little, so this one instantly made me smile.

And then there’s fall. I told you last week how excited I am for my favorite season. I know it’s still early, but these warm UGG slippers are already on my list the second the temperature dips into the seventies. Florida fall is definitely going to be different! I still can’t believe I might actually be here for it. Nothing is set in stone just yet, though. I have a few ideas—and a few dreams—floating around.

For now, I’m still dressing for summer. I found this lace Maxi dress, and I swear it looks like something Prada would make. I’m planning to wear it to dinner with a jacket. A denim jacket would be really cute, but if we’re talking dream pieces, this Chloé leather bomber is at the top of my list. Isn’t it so chic?

Also very cute, this elongated shoulder bag. I’ve been loving this shape.

Listening to

I really want to get into audiobooks. I love podcasts, and a friend was telling me how many audiobooks she listens to. We both love learning this way, and she gave me some great recommendations to start with. For some reason, though, I’m weirdly intimidated. Starting an entire book feels like such a commitment, but I really want to give it a try.

As for podcasts, I’ve been listening to them all week. I loved this short episode of The MWH Podcast with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg on the Lion’s Gate Portal. I’m fully embracing that kind of energy right now. It just feels good to feel genuinely positive and excited about what’s ahead.

I’m also really excited to listen to Julia Berolzheimer on Lipstick on the Rim. I’ve always loved Julia. She’s such a kind, genuine person, and it’s been so inspiring to watch her and her husband build both their life and their careers together.

Dreaming Of Going To

My travel wish list just keeps growing. I recently came across PRIOR, a travel company that creates incredibly thoughtful, immersive trips. I love the idea of traveling somewhere and truly experiencing the food, culture, and people instead of simply checking another destination off a list.

Also very high on my list is Nimmo Bay in British Columbia. It’s a tiny wilderness resort tucked into the Great Bear Rainforest with cozy cabins, incredible food, forest bathing, floating saunas, and endless time outdoors. I am always happiest outside, so this feels like my kind of place.

And after being back at Fouquet’s New York this week, of course I discovered the new Fouquet’s Mykonos. It’s set on Paraga Beach and looks so much calmer and more tucked away than the Mykonos I’ve always imagined. The design, the sea, the long dinners outside…it all looks so beautiful. Definitely adding this one to my dream list.

Beauty

The new Dior fall collection has me so excited. The packaging pulled me in first, but I really love the new shades of the Dior Addict Shine Lipstick and Rouge Dior Lipstick. This fall and winter, I want to be a little bolder and actually wear a red lip. There’s just something so classic and timeless about it.

I’ve also been loving a blushy cheek lately, so of course the Rouge Blush made it into my order as well. And now I’m already thinking about getting my nails done, because the new Dior Vernis Nail Polish colors are so good. Clearly, I’m more than ready for fall beauty.

Practicing

I’ve been diving into the Lion’s Gate Portal. I know it’s totally woo-woo, and you can take it or leave it, but the more I lean into this kind of thinking, the more I notice a shift in myself.

For Virgos, this year is apparently all about stepping outside your comfort zone, saying yes to bigger opportunities, and believing you’re capable of more, especially when it comes to your career. It might feel a little scary, but I guess that’s kind of the point.

What really struck me is that this is exactly what I’ve already been doing. Maybe it’s the Lion’s Gate energy, or maybe it’s simply a mindset shift. Either way, I like where it’s taking me. I’m feeling more open to what’s possible, more confident in what I can create, and more confident in myself.

From My Kitchen

I’ve been cooking so much this week. I actually had to stop and think about everything I made!

My Dad’s Friday night pasta was so fun and easy. He’d make this on Fridays throughout the year, and it’s the simplest pasta, but SO GOOD. His secret? Lots of olive oil and so many bell peppers on top.

Over the weekend, I made these quick chili oil beef noodles again. Sunday night’s dinner was simple and classic, and finally earned me a 10/10 from Creighton. We had grilled bone-in ribeyes with blue cheese garlic butter, homemade broccoli rice pilaf, my fresh radicchio salad, and extra crispy bacon…just for Creighton. I also made a fun Italian chicken calzone.

But my favorite thing all week? Chocolate chip banana pancakes, requested by my mom on the rainiest day. They were perfect. There was something so relaxing about standing in the kitchen making pancakes. It reminded me of being back in middle school, and I loved every minute of it.

Around My Table

For our shoot in New York, I picked up a few things around the city that I adore. Vintage matchsticks, the prettiest handmade beeswax taper candles from Greentree Home in early autumn shades of purple and yellow, and a few new pieces for the table.

I found simple dinner plates from Crate & Barrel that feel perfect for these transitional days and into fall. And these napkins from East Fork are so subtly beautiful.

I love mixing one-of-a-kind finds with more accessible pieces. I’ve actually been shopping at Crate & Barrel since I was little. My Nonnie and I used to go all the time, mostly just to wander the aisles, look at everything, and find inspiration. I still love doing that. These days it’s usually online, but every time I get to walk through one of their stores, it brings back those memories.

This Week’s Little Joy

This is kind of silly, but it was such a sweet little moment, and it just happened.

I’m sitting on the rooftop at Fouquet’s, working while the sun sets over the city. It’s the most beautiful New York night. The sweetest waiter came over to let me know they were doing last call, but then told me I was welcome to stay up there and work for as long as I’d like.

I mentioned how much I love being outside, and he asked me my birth sign. I told him Virgo, and without missing a beat he said, “You’re an earth sign. Virgos are my favorite!”

We talked for another few minutes, and it was just such a kind, unexpected encounter. Moments like this can feel rare, especially in a city as big as New York. I love that I’m noticing them more. It made me smile, and that’s really all there is to it. Just a sweet little New York moment.

Looking Ahead

I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my family this month. I want to soak up these last summer days together before the craziness of fall begins. I have a feeling it’s going to be a full season, so I’m appreciating this slower time while we have it.

2. Throwback HBH Summer Recipes We All Still LOVE.

Sweet summer peaches! 

Nonnie’s 5 Ingredient Peach Dump

Pesto Peach Chicken in White Wine with Burrata

Cinnamon Maple Brown Butter Blackberry Peach Crisp

Fresh summer corn

Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder

Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

Abundant zucchini

Pesto Cheese Zucchini Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes

One Pot Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta

Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Zucchini Bread

3. For the Home

4. Ask Me Anything

I have an idea, and I want to know what you think.

What if every week you left your questions in the comments, and I picked a handful to answer in the following Sunday’s Favorites post? Kind of like Ask Martha…but Ask Tieghan.

You can ask me anything—recipes, entertaining, travel, style, work, or whatever you’re curious about.

Would that be fun? Leave your questions in the comments below, and let’s see where this goes!

5. My Week in Photos.

Dad’s pasta dish – before baking

I know it doesn’t look perfect, but promise, it’s delicious (mom likes burnt edges)

My red curry noodle bowls

Bananas for banana pancakes!

Packing for New York

Arrived late on Friday, but so happy to be at Fouquet’s again!

New York is SO PRETTY this time of year

Best hotel in New York, I will share more next week!

Small sneak peek into the prep day for a photoshoot

Flowers, flowers, flowers! They make me so happy!

Lots of wine on set this weekend from our new upcoming collection!

Building out a special story for you guys!

Brooklyn

A very pretty New York sunset on the Fouquet’s rooftop

6. Inspiring Me.

Couldn’t be more true. Shared via Emma Grede.

7. Favorite Links.

20 End-of-Summer Activities to Try if You’re Not Ready for Fall Yet

Starbucks Fall Drinks Are Coming Soon: What’s New on the Menu This Year

8. August Style Edit: easy everyday transitional pieces + vacation dresses.

J Crew pre-fall

Free People 

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: One Pot Lemon Basil, Corn, and Ricotta Pasta

Tuesday: Weeknight 30 Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs

Wednesday: Cool Ranch Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas

Thursday: Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potatoes

Friday: Tomato Cheese Pie

Saturday: Iced Brown Butter Peach Oatmeal Cookies

Sunday: Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls