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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
We are less than two weeks out from the start of September and I am all things excited. September is one of my favorite months, as it’s the true start to fall. And along with September comes the four most magical months of the year…
Am I cheesy or am I cheesy?
It’s true though, September through December are the best four months of the year, and while I am slightly overwhelmed (but I am always overwhelmed, and generally work best this way), I am mostly excited. We’ve been working hard this week to complete the Studio Barn (which hasn’t been easy), planning out the holiday season (yes, holiday season…been basically thinking about the holidays since early July), and working on a couple of projects. We spent yesterday filming brand new video content, and will continue to do so today. On Monday I’m off to LA for the week for a photo shoot, a couple of meetings, and a fun event. I’m definitely going to have some down time in between everything, so LA people, let me know what’s best to do this time of year. Already on my list is hiking, the farmers market, and vintage shopping, but what else?!
Coming up this week on HBH we have lots of delicious late summer recipes. We’ll be starting the week off with an easy 20 minute back to school dinner that everyone will love, then moving onto something sweet and perfect for snacking, then on to a fresh new tomato recipe, and a big summer salad…that is dinner worthy. We’ll finish the week off with my new favorite waffle recipe to welcome in the weekend, so excited!
If you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, sign up for our daily newsletters to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on Half Baked Harvest. And of course, if you are meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s #9 on the favorites list).
Hope you all have a lovely Sunday and enjoy another round of my favorites! See you all tomorrow.
1. I Thought I was A True Harry Potter Fan…
But then I took this quiz and realized that one, my memory sucks, or two, I don’t know as much about Harry Potter as I thought. This was SO hard, I failed, how did you do?
PS. my favorite Harry Potter inspired recipes…
Forbidden Forest Chocolate Butterbeer Cake
Pumpkin Butterbeer Hot Chocolate
2. My Favorite Podcast This Week.
Oprah’s Master Class. Have you guys listened to this yet? The Justin Timberlake episode caught my eye and got me hooked. The Ellen DeGeneres episode will be released soon, can’t wait!
I am always looking for new podcasts to listen to while I am cooking and photographing all day long. I love learning while working and being super efficient with my time. So please, tell me your favorite, favorite podcasts, I need some inspiring ones!
3. Rearrange For Fall…
It’s pretty obvious I am beyond exited for fall, here are some of my favorite pieces to update your home for a fun fall refresh. Bring on all things cozy.
4. A Couple of Places I have Been Around the Web.
My favorite Superfood Smoothie.
I am over on The Chriselle Factor sharing my go-to green smoothie that I make whenever I feel like my skin needs a little added glow. This smoothie is packed with greens, healthy fats, and lots of antioxidants. It will leave you feeling energized and your skin glowing, promise.
Grab the recipe here.
An Interview with The Kitchn.
I had so much fun sitting down with The Kitchn while in New York, read my full interview here.
5. New Videos:
Blueberry Chamomile Galette…this is the BEST!
Weeknight 20 Minute Spicy Udon NOODLES…easy, spicy, sweet, and my favorite.
Brown Butter Lobster with Kale Pesto Swirled Polenta and Tomato Bacon Pan Sauce….one word, YUM.
6. Negative Comments.
What I love so much about creating recipes and sharing my stories is being able to interact with so many of you. It’s truly the best feeling in the world to receive a comment, Instagram message, or email excitedly telling me how much you loved a recipe, enjoyed my story, or loved our how-to videos. Receiving these interactions make all the hard work 110% worth it.
I recently received a comment from a reader that said she was annoyed I had yet to answer her question. She gave me a “one star” rating and it really bummed me out. Normally, I can brush these unfriendly comments off, but this one got to me. I work so hard to respond to all messages, it’s A LOT, and most nights I’m up well past midnight returning IG messages and blog comments. I love interacting with you guys, but weeks often get busy and I’m human, I fall behind too!
Constructive feedback is great to learn from, and I honestly love hearing your opinions, but I can’t always get back to everyone in the timely manner I wish I could. I felt this message took it too far. Did I really need a “one star” rating because I hadn’t had time to respond yet? If I stayed glued to my computer and monitored comments all day I wouldn’t be able to create new content for you guys. I’ve grown a pretty thick skin over the last six years, but I let this little comment get to me all week.
My bottom line? Just remember to be nice!
7. A few Links I am Loving…
10 fall cocktails to get you excited for September….yes. yes. yes.
what is intermittent fasting…the how to and the why.
how to get Miranda Kerr’s glow…hint it involves avocados.
17 strong female movie characters…if you need some inspiration.
a luxe villa in Coral Gables…the perfect Florida home.
Christian Dior’s favorite decorators…wow, and so pretty.
a mom of 7 shares her working mom tips…reminds me a bit of my mom (who is also a mom of 7).
14 easy pastry recipes…bring on the butter and good smells.
how to style a Target cardigan…so cute.
fall 2018 concerts you want tickets to…Maroon 5, Chris Stapleton, Justin Timberlake. Who’s on your list?
8. Boots to wear from late summer to late fall…
9. This Week’s Dinners:
Monday: 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef and Lemongrass Rice Bowls
Tuesday: Salsa Verde Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas with Mango
Wednesday: Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder
Thursday: Greek Chicken Souvlaki and Rice Pilaf Plates
“I recently received a comment from a reader that said she was annoyed I had yet to answer her question. She gave me a “one star” rating and it really bummed me out.”
Yikes! That’s ridiculous of the reader! I’m more of a lurker than a commenter when reading blogs, but even when I do comment I never *expect* a response from the blogger! Yes, I do often check back to see if I got a response and am sometimes bummed when I don’t, but that has never affected my opinion of the blogger overall! Anyone who is angry at not getting a response (or putting time limits on what is an appropriate response time!) is just self-centered!
Keep being awesome and producing always delicious recipes like you always do!
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for this. I hope you are loving my blog and continue to!
Hi – I recently found your blog and absolutely love it! We’ve been enjoying several recipes already over the last couple weeks. Just wanted to add in a couple podcasts I listen to and love:
-Good Life Project
-Stuff to Blow Your Mind
-Great Women of Business
-Beautiful Anonymous
Thank you so much Annie! I will check these out!
In this time of instant gratification from (among other things) social media, some become incredibly demanding. “one star” seems to be one of those that think she is most important, her needs are of highest priority. People like that don’t deserve attention.. As an artist, I too would dwell on that one negative comment instead of all the positive reinforcements. We need to stop doing that to ourselves and hope that positive comments, not rudeness, continue to come our way. Your work and your soul are beautiful. Please just continue to bless us with the best food blog out there! To everyone else, to quote, be kind to one another.
Hi Terry! Thank you so much for this! I agree, I think we should all try to focus on the positive comments we receive instead of one bad one.
Just today I made another batch of your utterly delicious sun-dried tomato and ricotta cheese turkey meatballs. I’ve made this recipe at least a half dozen times now I love it! Thank you for that. I understand that negative comments are hurtful and discouraging. People can be so rude when hiding behind a keyboard. I hope you’re able to find a healthy balance between enjoying life and managing your blog. Please take time for yourself. There will always be more recipes to create! xxx
Thank you so much Kim! This is so sweet! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and recipes!
Thank you for all your beautiful, yummy recipes!! I look forward to reading your emails each day! Love Sundays when I receive your 9 favorite things post!!
That is so sweet! Thank you so much Francie!