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Hi, hi. HI! It’s the last Nine Favorite Things post of April, and I have to say that this month has thrown me a curve ball. I had to make a big pivot on my plans for the current project I’m wrapping up. That ended up positioning me here in Colorado, cooking and photography a whole lot of delicious recipes. That was certainly not the plan, but sometimes life loves to test our limits. It’s been a lot, and oh my gosh, it’s been a lot of cooking, photographing, and cleaning. But I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel so excited and confident because I know that what I’m creating is the best it can be.
I can not wait to share it with you all!! By now, I’ve left enough hints that I think you’ve all guessed what’s coming soon!
Mahahahaha…
All in all, it was actually a very good month full of travel, fun things, good people, hard work, and even a good amount of flowers (plus new candles because I can’t help myself and I need them in my life right now). With time spent in both New York and LA, it’s been a good mix! Thankfully, I got some beautiful weather while in LA because it’s currently snowing here, and it’s such a dark day.
I’m excited about a trip to New York this week to escape this “lovely” spring weather! I have an event with Benny Blanco to help him launch his first cookbook! Are any of you coming? I can’t wait to see you all there. If Benny is running the show, you know it will be a very fun night!
Looking forward to May, we have big changes happening, so things feel overwhelming, exciting, and scary all at once. It’s both good and bad, but mostly SO GOOD. I feel really excited!
I talk to Asher almost every night. I really look forward to our conversations. She is the sweetest 15-year-old, and I feel so lucky to have her as my sister. She’s also such a big help to me!
OK, lastly, are there any recipe requests for May? I would love to hear the dishes you all are looking for. I am excited to share new Spring/Summer recipes! Wahoo!
That’s my update for you this week! Have a wonderful Sunday!
1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…this Brinjal paint color. The idea of this in a walk-in closet or a bathroom is so fun!
loving…this Free 15 Minute Walking Activation. Been loving this. It’s free, so give it a try!
listening to…Half Baked Harvest entrepreneur Tieghan Gerard on authenticity. The podcast I recorded with Martha is finally out!
everything in my cart (low)…added these slingback kitten heels to my must-have shoes for spring. Asher would love them.
The H&M new arrivals are so good. Love this simple cotton t-shirt. And this top with collar + jersey shorts is the perfect pool/beach day cover up.
Cute royral blue sambas, spark/wonder clay/white Gazelles, and green spark/almost yellow Gazelles.
listening to…this entire All Out 2000s playlist on Spotify. The only thing missing is the Spice Girls, so then I listened to this 90s Pop playlist. Needed some good vibes.
dreaming of going to…Grand Hotel Bellevue London. When I make it to London one of these days in the future, I’m staying at this hotel. It’s new and, wow, so pretty!
burning…Nette candles. I just lit the Laide Tomate Scented Candle and I’m surprised how much I love it. It’s so great for spring and summer. I never thought I would be into a tomato candle, but I love it! Also being added to my cart, the Spring 1998 Scented Candle, Twelfth Night Scented Candle, Gallica Rose Scented Candle, and their collab candle with Tata Harper, Into the Garden Scented Candle. I truly have a candle issue.
shopping…this pretty Jason home Leif Serveware. I already added it to my shopping cart!
ordering…the Amazon 8 Set Packing Cubes. Should I finally invest? Are packing cubes worth it?
wanting…more spring florals in my life.
reading…Inside Emma Roberts’s “Grown-up Dollhouse” in LA. Honestly not what I pictured she’d live in, but it is very unique decor!
everything in my cart (beauty)…I want to test out the new Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Instant Face Bronzer. I’m in need of a little glo!
Ok, last thing, if you’re a lash girl, you have to try these Velour Lashes Lash Extension Cluster Refills. They come highly recommended by makeup artists.
following…You Have To Read This Now. If you love to read, you have to follow this account on IG for the best recommendations. McKenzie from our team has been loving everything. She also said she’s obsessed with her kindle right now.
wanting…this Foldable Treadmill. Everyone talks about these! I want to order one but other than at night, I don’t sit at my desk and by then I’m way too tired to walk. But for computer days this would be so good for me. Any thoughts? Do you think it could be worth the investment?
everything in my cart (high)…these Burberry Chisel Square Toe Kitten Heel Slingback Sandals are gorgeous.
If you have a tropical vacation planned, or are looking for the perfect one-piece for summer, this Monica Ribbed Swimsuit from Haight is the prettiest shade of red. and I love the cut. I’d even wear it as a tank with jeans.
loving…this pink marble slab. It’s so perfect. I’d use this in my bathroom for sure.
shopping…last minute Mother’s Day gifts.
2. Mom’s Favorite Brunch Recipes.
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Homemade Honey Butter Cheddar Biscuits
Harissa Eggs in Whipped Goat Cheese
Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake
Bursting Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
3. Affordable Drinkware for Summer Entertaining.
and some serve ware
other Home Finds
4. Favorite April Podcasts I’ve Loved.
How To Take Control Of Your Time & Manage Time More Productively
Gwyneth Paltrow – On Real Wellness Routines, Career Advice, & How To Feel Your Best
10 Ways To Upgrade Your Morning
10 Self Care Habits To Upgrade Your Life
Unleashing Wealth: How to Invest and Get Rich with Codie Sanchez
Designing Confidence and Facing Life’s Greatest Hardships with Ronny Kobo – an incredible story with heartbreak and a truly beautiful ending. This will leave you in awe and feeling inspired.
adding to my podcast list
Giggly Squad – my cousin Abby loves Giggly Squad, and I recently started following Paige. I’m excited to dive into her podcast!
New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce – super curious about this mainly because my brother grew up playing hockey with Jason.
Career Contessa – I’ve known about this podcast forever but never listened until now!
Morning Quickie – if you love The Skinny Confidential, these quick bites will leave you inspired every morning. I haven’t listened yet, but want to start.
5. Photos I Love, What I’m Cooking + Inspiring Me.
Photo I Love Most – Asher is so cute
Cooking – every single spring recipe. Sharing all 25 of our most popular spring recipes right here. Also, all 25 of our most popular Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo and the upcoming summer season!! My favorites are all here – so excited!
6. Tell me something fun!
I love doing these! So fun learning more about you all and what you’re up to!
What’s something fun you’re looking forward to that’s coming up?
(my event with Benny and finishing up this BIG project)
What’s making you happiest right now?
(phone calls with Asher + excitement for new work ventures)
Are you traveling? If so, tell me where!
(back to New York this week)
Leave your answers in the comments. I can’t wait to hear!
7. Favorite links I’m loving.
15 Underrated Summer Destinations to Visit in the U.S.
This Easy Protein Hack From Trader Joe’s Changed My Life…I love bone broth.
Every ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Song Ranked…what’s your favorite song?
Your Guide to Copenhagen—Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop in This Creative Capital
Pretty Summer Nail Colors with Major Vacation Vibes…cute colors.
30 Summer Nail Ideas We’ll Be Wearing All Season Long…even more ideas.
10 Phrases Successful Women Use at Work
Love, Kat: What’s on My Radar in New York, Paris, and London…cute.
8. Favorite Pieces for Spring/Summer
Amazon swim
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Spicy Honey Balsamic Salmon Bowls
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
Wednesday: Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
Thursday: Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowls
Friday: Hot Ranch Chicken and Bacon Sandwich
Saturday: Artichoke Gouda Tart
Tieghan, I would love to see more fish and seafood recipes.
Your Nine Things is so much fun to read. Thanks for being open and vulnerable.
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback, Kym!! I will add that to my list! Have a great week! xT
Ok just to say the nine favourite things, and the kitten heel choice are really great. Listened to the podcast for walking. Helpful.. and teary too. I think I seen the nine favourite things years ago. It was a great reminder, I’m going to start this again.
Thanks so much, Michelle! Have a great Sunday! xT
Headed to NYC later this year. Do you have a list of favorite hotels there? Or restaurants?
Hey Donna,
I sure do!! You can find all my faves located here:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/lifestyle/travel/
I hope you have the best time! xT
Excited to try that sandwich but maybe I’ll make focaccia for it to go on. It’s hard to find buttermilk here (I live in Malaysia), just sub milk or make my own with vinegar and milk?
Hey Katie,
Thanks! I hope you love the recipe! Yes, either of those options would work well for you! How cool you live in Malaysia, thanks for reading:) xT