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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things โ€“ LA for 48 hours

Happy June! Itโ€™s not summer just yet, but June always marks the start of the laidback summer days weโ€™ve been dreaming about from January til now.

As I type this, Iโ€™m currently in Los Angeles but headed home Saturday night. Very quick trip to film a few more videos with Benny. Are you all enjoying this slightly different type of content? These videos are definitely meant to be more fun. Just something different to share with you all. Iโ€™m having fun with these, Iโ€™d love to know what you all think!

While in LA this time, I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. This was my first time staying at the hotel and I just have to say what a nice experience it was. The rooms are very pretty, and everyone who works at the hotel was so helpful. Definitely a great LA hotel option for sure! Next time, Iโ€™d love to make it to their spa, their menu sounds wonderful!ย 

As we often do, we worked with Emily Lutz at Lutz Travel. I wanted to mention her because Emily is really amazing and so helpful when planning travel. Sheโ€™s worked on many of our awesome trips. Including our upcoming summer vacation with the whole family (not an easy task!). Itโ€™s coming up, any more guesses? Itโ€™s warm and on the ocean โ€“ but not in Mexico.

Aside from our family vacation in a couple of weeks, we may spend some time in Florida before heading to Cleveland for a wedding. Should all be fun! Summer is such a great time to squeeze in family things!

The one thing I would also love to do is make it to New York soon. Itโ€™s been a while since my last trip and I miss the city!

Man, what else has been happening? My dad is on a big health kick after reading a book on longevity by Peter Attia. He loved the book and found the information shared to be super valuable. He canโ€™t stop telling me about it.ย  One of his biggest takeaways has been that what you eat matters greatly towards longevity. He and my mom also watched an interview with Dr. Mark Hyman who echoed what Dr. Attia wrote. Dr. Hyman strongly believes in using food as medicine.

My dadโ€™s trying to eat more protein, more vegetables, and no added sugars. I canโ€™t really argue with this, so expect to see more recipes focused on high-protein and summer sweets made without sugar!! I love a challenge in the kitchen, so Iโ€™m excited.

Ok, moving on to June, here are some things making me happy. The super early morning light that streams through my house is the absolute best way to wake up. It shines into my bedroom and directly into the kitchen where I have bouquets of fresh peonies sitting on the counter. Itโ€™s so nice, and I love those hours when the world is still sleeping.

And then, speaking of which, flowers! Fresh flowers have been giving me so much joy, especially with all this gloomy weather weโ€™ve had as of late. Flowers and candles! Itโ€™s the simplest things that are making me happy right now. And what Iโ€™m looking forward to most is probably just a low-key week in Florida with my family before we head to Cleveland. Should be so great!

I think thatโ€™s all the updates I have for today. Not too much happening, but thatโ€™s the beauty of summer.

Enjoy this weekโ€™s favorite selects. I have some good ones!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

1. things iโ€™m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

lovingโ€ฆspring and summer nail trends. If I was not cooking 24/7, I would totally do my nails for summer. The latest trends are so cute. I love following. Zola Ganzorigt and Queenie Nguyen for inspiration ideas.ย 

wantingโ€ฆto test out/try DedCool laundry detergent. I am always looking for a detergent that does the job, smells nice (or is fragrance-free), and is made with clean ingredients. This is a new to me brand Iโ€™m dying to try. Iโ€™d also like to try the currently sold-out Melrose Place detergent whenever it becomes available again.

everything in my cart (low)โ€ฆevery single new arrival from Abercrombie is so good. I linked my favorites for summer below. Too many to list out!

Then, this linen top is in my Reformation cart and I need to purchase it for upcoming summer travel. It would look really cute tucked into this denim midi skirt. Speaking of skiirts, I am on the hunt for a skirt like this semi sheer knit midi skirt. Itโ€™s close to what I want but not exact. Also, loving ribbed midi skirts.ย  And one last one from Reformation, I adore their Gia linen midi skirt.

This woven leather bag is a great summer find.

listening toโ€ฆKim Kardashian ON: How to Deal with Challenging Times in Parenting & Learning to Love Again. I found this to be so motivational. I know that most either love or hate the Kardashians. But I do think they can too easily be judged by what is put out online that they just canโ€™t control. Kim seems to have a really solid head on her shoulders with strong values. I give her a lot of credit, and her work ethic is very inspiring.

lovingโ€ฆraffia bags for the summer. I found this cute Saint Laurent small panier raffia bag. Then all of a sudden I started to see so many other cute raffia and woven bags. Below are some of my favorites (high + low). Oh, and these Sรฉzane bags are so pretty too. Loving their June basket bag and alma bucket bag.

shoppingโ€ฆWest Elmโ€™s new Rhode Collab. Their Wiggle Rope Bath Mat and Wiggle Round Pillow are both cute.

readingโ€ฆA Guide to Bridal Skin Care From a Celebrity Facialist. No, Iโ€™m not getting married, but for any of you who are, this is a must, must-read. Cynthia is the facialist I always see in New York. She is the reason my skin has been so good this last year. No one is better! This is such a good Vogue article.

everything in my cart (beauty)โ€ฆin my Sephora cart, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. I think itโ€™s finally time I get this. Iโ€™ve wanted this hair dryer for the longest time โ€“ just added it to my cart now.

Other items in my cart, Anastasia Beverly Hills Precision Brow Brush because I love a bold brow. The Shiseido Eyelash Curler, which Iโ€™ve owned previously and loved. Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer is a forever go-to moisturizer. It is so good. And I love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.

And Iโ€™m curious about Drunk Elephantโ€™s Bronzing Drops with Peptides. The product sounds amazing. I need to try it for summer!

I still havenโ€™t gotten the hang of gua sha, but this pretty Xiuyan jade Gua Sha tool is making me really want to learn.

Lastly, I am not a big fragrance girl, but I love the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet scent. Iโ€™d also like to try out the classic, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

burningโ€ฆa few new Boy Smells scents. Working my way through their Farm to Candle collection. Iโ€™m currently burning, Rinder, and enjoying the sweet smells of watermelon and fresh summer air. Excited to burn Herbaceous and Snap next. Also, their Hypernature Votive Candle Set (5 candles) is 20% off on Nordstrom right now.

watchingโ€ฆThe Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2023.

listening toโ€ฆthe Jonas Brothers on Armchair Expert. I was never a big Jonas Brothers girl growing up, but now? Loving them! I also enjoyed reading their interview with Who What Wear as well.ย 

wantingโ€ฆto try some new to me coffee beans. Lifeboost Embolden Dark Roast is in my shopping cart. Ever tried this brand? I love that it is USDA organic.

readingโ€ฆThe Trendy New Supplement Everyoneโ€™s Talking About for Insane Health Benefits. Iโ€™m down with this trend. My mom has always preached the importance of Colostrum for newborns in their first few days of life.

everything in my cart (high)โ€ฆLoving mini skirts and this denim mini from Miu Mu is on my got-to-get-it-list. Meaning itโ€™s sitting in my shopping cart. As is this printed stretch mesh midi dress from Loewe. This is different for me, but I think the dress is really cute.

I was not always a loafer person, but I of course love them now. These black mule loafers from Khaite are sold out in my size and Iโ€™m determined to find them.

For all the brides this summer, there are A LOT of crazy cute white pieces. Very into this Self Portrait embellished maxi skirt and crop top set.

Now shoes, these buckled suede mules are super cute and sweet. Theyโ€™d go with most looks, but especially a jeans and tee look. Also, the Khaite Seigel 65 suede sandals are a nice dressier option that I adore.

I currently have my eyes on the classic Gucci Diana medium tote bag. And of course, I love the Prada re-edition 1995 mini handbag in red. Very chic. Oh, and the Bottega Veneta sardine bag in green, such nice color for summer. Lastly, this is fun, the oyster shell clutch from Simkhai. And then, the Louis Vuitton Metallic Garden Keepall Bandouliere Bag


Fatherโ€™s Day ideaโ€ฆthis Nixon custom watch. I like how you can build exactly what you like and even have it engraved. Hereโ€™s the one my mom built.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

2. The most popular recipes of May.

One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular:ย One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice

20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Also, have to mention: Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers | halfbakedharvest.com

And Dadโ€™s Favorite: Easy Chipotle Salmon Burgers

Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

OK, last one: Caprese Caesar Pasta Salad

3. For the Summertime Kitchen.

Crate and Barrel โ€“ tabletopย 


Food 52

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: what nontoxic cleaning supplies do you like?ย 
a: I love Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner

q: why do you give so much content for free?ย 
a: This is a question my team asks me all the time. Itโ€™s because I want to. You all give me SO much of your time every single day. I love being a free source of recipes for you and getting to see all the recipes YOU make!! My DMs and tags are never-ending! I figure I give a little to get A LOT. I feel like Iโ€™m in a place where I know you all will support me when I release new cookbooks, and hopefully soon, new product!! You showing up here every Sunday, (: even just visiting the website daily for those free recipes, gives me support. Give a little bit โ€“ gain a lot ๐Ÿค

q: are you a blended family or just one big family?ย 
a: My parents have been together forever. I donโ€™t have any step or half-siblings. Weโ€™re all one family โ€“ just a big one!

q: what is your favorite luggage set?ย 
a: I love Bรฉis Luggage. I use their carry-on and 29โ€ณoversized bag every trip. No complaints.

q: what do you have to say about all the negative comments and feedback?ย 
a: Nothing to say here. Stop commenting about it. Start living by the motto, if you donโ€™t have anything nice to say, donโ€™t say it at all. Trust me, that will serve you well.

q: Comments on Osloโ€™s hair?
a: We like Osloโ€™s hair. Thereโ€™s more than one way to do something. That applies to cooking as well. If we only did things one way that would be kind of boring. Weโ€™re not boring over here. Itโ€™s no oneโ€™s business or anyoneโ€™s place to make comments. Say all you want about me, thatโ€™s totally fine, I open myself up to that, but leave the family alone.

q: favoriteย edible flower?ย 
a: Itโ€™s always changing. I always pair the flower with the recipe depending on the colors in the recipe or the mood I want to set with the photo. My go-to edible flowers are chamomile, lavender, roses, hibiscus, micro dahlias, micro mums, daisies, violets, and pansies. Loooove an edible flower detail ๐ŸŒบ

q: have you been to Italy?ย 
a: Nope, but Iโ€™d jump at the opportunity to go!!!

q: what do you do with your empty candle jars?
a: To be honest, I donโ€™t always save them, but I mostly use them for flowers. If you keep pens and pencils on your desk theyโ€™re also great for that. Or just for keeping track of random things, holding jewelry, etc.

q: best affordableย skincare product?
a: I am not an expert so Iโ€™m not educated on this, but vitamin C is incredible for anti-aging. You can also find really great affordable options (try Sunday Riley or Tatcha).

q: do you work with sponsoredย content brands?
a: Yes, but not often. I only work with brands I truly love and use daily. The partnership has to be right. Sponsored content has never been our main revenue source (the website is), so Iโ€™m thankful to be able to be very select with the few partnerships we do take on.

q: Favorite red light mask?
a: The Dr. Dennis Gross is my favorite at-home mask. Iโ€™ve been using mine for almost 2 years. Highly recommend.

q: will Creighton get married?
a: The question we all ask ๐Ÿค” he sure does love the freedoms of single bachelor life. Only time will tellโ€ฆ

5. The designer 2023/24 cruise shows.

(the Louis Vuitton 2024 showย on Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore)

May was a busy month for anyone in the fashion space. Many designers hosted their 2024 cruise shows all over the world. From Europe to Mexico, and even a handful in the US. For me, it was so inspiring to follow every last detail of each show. Sharing a few of my favorite shows below.

Things started off with the Chanel 2023/24 cruise show in Los Angeles. To be expected, all of the looks were stunning. The venue was perfect and fit the colorful collection wonderfully. I loved looking through all the looks and following the show on social.

The Dior show in Mexico City came next. This was the most unique, unexpected show. Mexico City was the perfect location and fit the collection beautifully. The amount of detailing was so pretty!

And last up was the Louis Vuitton 2024 show which was held on Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore in Italy. This location alone was absolutely breathtaking. I could not get over this gorgeous European island. It was right out of a fairytale. Out of all the shows, this was my favorite. The looks, the location, and every last detail of this show were so thought out and Iโ€™m in awe of the creativity. It was elegant but mythical with a balance of contemporary femininity and romantic pieces.

6. Inspiring me.

Something I needed to hear. My mom always knows just what to send me.ย 

(via Mindset Therapy)

7. Favorite links iโ€™m loving.

What to Expect From โ€˜And Just Like Thatโ€™ Season 2โ€ฆare you excited?

Whatโ€™s New in the Hamptons? The Restaurants, Hotels, and Stores to Know for Summer 2023โ€ฆmaking travel plans.

Hereโ€™s How To Get To Know Someone Newโ€ฆthe questions to ask.

26 Trader Joeโ€™s Products We Canโ€™t Live Withoutโ€ฆwhat are your favorite TJ products?

Jeremiah Brent Palm Beach Homeโ€ฆCan I just move in? Love this home (and the location).

Dysonโ€™s New Launch Aims to Make Another Annoying Household Chore Less Awful

In Chanel, Lily-Rose Depp Takes Fashion Inspiration From โ€™90s Christy Turlington

Every Single Trader Joeโ€™s Saladโ€ฆall the salads ranked. I never would have guessed the winner.

25 Movies You Need to See This Summerโ€ฆany movies youโ€™re excited for?

50 Therapy Dupes Thatโ€™ll Send Your Serotonin Skyrocketingโ€ฆsaving for when needed.

8. Nordstrom half-yearly sale.


Nordstrom designer stylesย 

the under $300 summer edit


everything Free People


new jewels

9. This weekโ€™s dinners + weekend eats.

Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Tuesday: Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon Bowl

Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoesย and Burrata | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata

Sheet Pan Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Sheet Pan Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas

Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pepperoni Pizza | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pepperoni Pizza

Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Blender Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Blender Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

This post was originally published on June 4, 2023

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Comments

  1. I love this quote โ€“ hope you like it too:

    โ€œIf you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives, but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those of us trying to dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fear-mongering. If youโ€™re criticizing from a place where youโ€™re not also putting yourself on the line, Iโ€™m not interested in your feedback.โ€
    Brene Brown

  2. Hi Tiegan

    Iโ€™m a big fan of your site and have made many of the recipes you so kindly give for free. I also enjoy your Nine favorite things but noticed you donโ€™t include books in the mix. There are so many wonderful books out it coming soon.

    Iโ€™m an author myself (not asking you to plug my book) and would love to see a push toward more reading. BTW there is an incredible book coming out the 13th of June by Harrison Scott Key (non-fiction) called โ€œHow to Stay Married, the most insane love story ever toldโ€. He tells about his wifeโ€™s affair and how they put the pieces back together. Itโ€™s so funny. He won the Mark Twain prize with his first book and is hilariously funny and gut wrenching. Worth your time.

    Also Tess Gundy (a young woman your age) won the National Book award this year with her debut novel called โ€œThe Rabbit Hutchโ€. It examines a dying town and the disenfranchised youth who live there. Itโ€™s sensational

    And if you havenโ€™t read (or listened to) Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow) you must. Itโ€™s a love story set in the gaming world.

    So many more I love and am eager to read. As well as being a writer, Iโ€™ve been a television producer for 30 years, so Maureen Ryanโ€™s book, โ€œBurn it Downโ€ about toxic Hollywood is calling my name. It looks to be a good one.

    My book, Call Your Daughter Home is southern gothic. Itโ€™s old news since it was published in 2019 (Oprah named it a must read) but it did very well in part because people with a platform took it under their wing and pushed it.

    In other words, books and their authors need people like you. And itโ€™s a great thing to add to your nine things, if you are so inclined. It just seemed to fit with your 25 movies you must see link. Books are so wonderful. More reading!

    Keep up the good work, Tiegan. I am loving every bit of what you have to offer.

    Best-Deb Spera

  3. Hi Tieghan โ€“ Came here to thank you for mentioning the book your Dad read by Dr Peter Attia โ€œOutliveโ€. I was intrigued and picked up a copy and have devoured it. Informative and helpful and timely โ€“ like your Dad, I will be making some adjustments in my lifestyle to ensure a healthier and enjoyable quality of life as I get older ๐Ÿ˜Š โ€“ I would not have learned of it without your post and appreciate that you added it. Keep up your amazing work and stay true to you! I enjoy your posts and have found some helpful tips and ideas in them every week.

    1. Hi Jerri,
      Thanks so much for reading and your comment!! Love to hear that you enjoyed the Outlive book, thanks for sharing:) I appreciate your kind message! Have a great week! xT

  4. People in these comments are miserable. Find a hobby outside of someone elseโ€™s blog, if the content here does not serve you. It is impossible to be relatable to everyone, and many of the negative comments in this space are just looking for reasons to be offended or upset. EXHAUSTING! I appreciate your content in all forms, even if itโ€™s wishlist or bucket list items and places. Thank you, and happy summer ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Whether you respond to them or not, the haters making negative comments win when you give them free and unregulated reign over your comment section.

  6. Enjoyed all the fun content this week and always look forward to 9 things for inspiration. Iโ€™m sure most have moved on from this post but thought I would share my hair-dryer tip with anyone interested. I talked to my stylist and she recommended the Echim high pressure hair dryerโ€ฆ. itโ€™s a bit more affordable but still the professional quality of the Dyson. I got one and am happy with it! You can find them on Amazon, sometimes on sale. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. This used to be a nice down to earth โ€œfarm to tableโ€ blog and now it has gone off the rails with super โ€œfancyโ€ content that is boring as hell. Most of us are not here for high fashion and over priced purses and cosmetics. Why does that crap even have a place on Half Baked Harvest? I was drawn to this site years ago for the good food content it once offered. That seems to be a thing of the past, which is unfortunate.

  8. For all the people that feel the need to leave their negative input on the recipes or anything reg T. 9 favorite things. They are herโ€™s not yours. If you donโ€™t like the clothes or places she has been or a wish list. Skin care,books,the cost of any product or anything that she might find helpful. All of you please do yourselves a favor Invest in yourself and create what you enjoy and see if others will follow and enjoy all that what goes with it. see how pleasant your own comment section looks like. Let the rest of us who actually enjoy T and all that she has worked hard for for us to enjoy.

  9. Are you sure digging your heels in and leaving this comment section wide open is a good idea? Your business is going to crash and burn. Take ownership and pride, and please, FFS, verify email accounts and posters and pre-approve your comments before publishing.

    Signed, another formerly staunch supporter who is finally jumping ship, because I canโ€™t watch this train wreck anymore.

  10. To be honest, Iยดm a little baffled by all the extreme luxury content I find here since a while. Itยดs the reason Iยดm not often looking at the Favorites content anymore. A few years ago I loved it. But now, I canยดt relate to this at all and I also donยดt find it interesting. I will never be able in my life to stay at a Waldorf Astoria, the beauty recommendations are mostly out of my range and I donยดt really understand the need to include fashion content from international shows. I could just look at the Homepage of Vogue for that, if I were interested. I would love more relatable content โ€“ what books you like or what shows, foodie things of course, and yes, all the other stuff too, but justโ€ฆ.more normal, down to earth. In the end, it doesnยดt really matter, because you like what you like, and good for you, of course! But what I loved: the mention of the book your dad read and that youยดll have healthy recipes coming! I canยดt wait! My partner has health problems and Iยดm always up for healthy but yummy food inspirations and will have a look at the book too ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Agreed I think itโ€™s strange to have so much high end fashion content on a blog thatโ€™s about recipes. Iโ€™d venture most people would be more interested in restaurant recommendations, vital food trends, certainly not some weird face mask, expensive hotels And $800 purses! Talk about being out of touch with your audience lol Please practice what you constantly preach and take this constructive criticism to heart ๐Ÿ˜‰

  11. Is every Dad reading that book right now? xD I just finished it from my Dadโ€™s recommendation, so looking forward to your inspired recipes!

  12. Also! This page has become so difficult to navigate with all the ads! You canโ€™t read or click anything without accidentally opening a Coca Cola or lucky charms ad ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•

  13. What a post! For your low/no sugar recipes will those exclude maple SYRUP and/or honey? Those are sugars just not granulated sugar ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thereโ€™s also not โ€œmore than one way to do somethingโ€ when it comes to an innocent childโ€™s matted hair. It is unhealthy for his scalp and will be painful for that sweet boy if someone does not properly care for it.

    And no one would consider Tatcha or Sunday Riley an affordable brandโ€ฆ Whole Foods has vitamin c serums if a drug store version is below you ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. FYI Sunday Riley and Tatcha are not affordable skin care brands for a lot, if not most, people. Please try being a little more in touch with your readers, and consider that they donโ€™t have the same significant resources that you have.

      1. She seems like she is enjoying herself and sharing things about HER life on HER blog. If you donโ€™t like the 9 favorite things blog, then just look at the recipes! She posts PLENTY of other content. Sheโ€™s entitled to move her brand in whatever direction she pleases.