Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

Welcome to another Nine Favorite Things!

We’re one week into summer and the 4th of July is right around the corner…so crazy right? Today is the last Sunday of June, which means the 4th of July is exactly one week away. I already feel like summer is flying by, anyone else? I hope everyone has been able to get outside and soak up the summer sun. I’m trying to enjoy every minute of these summer days. I think we can all agree that they come and go pretty darn fast.

Speaking of the 4th, what are everyone’s plans this year? Last year was an obvious bust, but this year things are back to being a little more normal. Are any of you traveling over the 4th? Hosting a little 4th of July party? Or maybe just a low-key beach day?

As you all know we’re heading to Mexico over the 4th, so while we don’t have anything actually planned, I know fun will be had. We’re renting a house through VRBO, so we have full access to an amazing kitchen. We’ll probably cook a Mexican fiesta-style dinner with a side of frozen watermelon margaritas. But then again you never know with my family. They could throw me a curveball and do something very out of the box. They’re quite the adventure, so only time will tell.

question: what your plans? If you’re staying home, what will you be cooking up? I’ll be sharing some easy 4th of July recipes today if you need some inspiration.

In other news, I just realized that this is our 200th Nine Favorite Things post. Honestly, how I have written 200 of these Sunday posts is beyond me. I love writing them so much because this is the space where I’m able to share my interests beyond food. But, they are also the BIGGEST post of the week to put together. Over the last three years, they just seem to have grown and grown and grown.

These days, I spend almost the entire week piecing them together. Once the post goes live early Sunday morning, my process for creating next Sunday’s post begins again. I’m constantly looking for fun things to share…new ideas for each “favorite”. Amazing products, interesting family stories, great places to travel…really anything that inspires me.

I have an entire favorites notes section that’s linked up with my laptop, desktop, and phone. That way whenever I have an idea and or link I love, I can jot it down in my notes so I don’t forget. I will usually start assembling the post on Thursday night if I have time. If not, I work on this intro section early Friday morning while my brain is still fresh (i.e not exhausted), then continue writing the bulk of the post on Friday night and Saturday night. It’s a long process, but worth it. And I’ve found it’s a really great place for me to store amazing memories and even notes. Like the post I shared last week for Father’s Day. Kind of like my own online journal.

Anyway, you didn’t need all that info by any means, but thanks for continuing to read my rambles each week. See below for a fun little 200th post giveaway!

Let’s see, what else…my younger brother Red turns 21 this week!! I remember the day Red was born like it was yesterday. The kid was a tiny little peanut. And I mean TINY. He’s still tiny, but man, he’s sure grown into one of the coolest kids. We’re about seven years apart, so I remember Red at all ages and stages of his life. It’s crazy and awesome to watch someone grow up, especially this kid. He and my brothers are heading down to Mexico today to celebrate…which is beyond scary. But we’ll be meeting up with them in less than a week!

Coming up this week on HBH, it’s all about last-minute July 4th recipes. I’ll be sharing a new summer grilling recipe that isn’t your average July 4th dish…but is so delicious. Then on to one of my favorite easy side-dish recipes. Then a sweet dessert that’s also quick and easy. I’ll be closing out the week with a different kind of post, but one I hope you guys will all love!

PS. we’re hiring a Community Manager to join our team. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested, please see more details here.

1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…

reading…Inside Blackberry Farm’s Stylish Push into Real Estate and Home Design. I’ve always wanted to visit Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, and this story has convinced me even more. what a beautiful farm and place to visit.

drinking…my watermelon paloma that I shared with The Little Market. such a wonderful and easy summer drink and these bubble glasses that we used are my favorite. I have them in the tall and the short.

loving…our lilac bush that’s blooming or was blooming. it’s mostly died off now, but last week it was just perfect. I wish they’d stick around longer. does anyone have a tip for keeping fresh cut lilacs from dying so quickly? I put them in water and hours later they are wilted.

wanting…summer sandals. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to wear sandals, so I’m on the hunt for a new pair. Something simple and comfortable, but still cute. Currently eyeing these and maybe these, but still looking for something I love, love.

loving…and while we’re talking summer sandals, Asher just showed me these cute Urban Outfitters sandals. Unfortunately, they’re out of her price range, but they are really cute!

obsessed with…Frankies Bikinis. If you’re looking for a fun new suit search their site. They have a style and design for everyone. I got the colby tie front ruffle bikini top and bottom in mariposa. It’s super cute and works so well with their terry shorts and shirt (which Asher has already stolen from me somehow).

listening to…Skincare Advice with Esthetician, Shani Darden. We all know I love skincare and Shani Darden is someone who’ll I’ll always listen to and follow. This is a must-listen if you’re looking to adjust your skincare routine. 

loving…the Dr. Dennis Gross Faceware Pro LED Mask. I mentioned this mask a month or so back. Now that I have been consistently using it for at least three weeks, I can wholeheartedly say this is worth every penny. I do both the red (for anti-aging) and blue (for acne) and have truly seen a difference in my skin. I haven’t had one blemish pop up since I’ve started using the mask. And even though I’m not getting my full seven hours of sleep, my skin is looking brighter and glowier than before. I really can’t express enough how worthwhile this is. It takes only minutes to use. I’ll throw it on after I wash my face, then fold laundry or unload the dishwasher. So I’m getting stuff done while pampering my skin.

ordered and love…a new pair of Levis jean shorts. When it comes to shorts, vintage, classic styles are my go-to. These shorts are comfy and yet fit like a glove. Plus you can’t beat the price of a pair of Levis.

ordered…this JADE swim yellow one piece and it’s even cuter in person. I love, love the low back.

loving…Brinker & Eliza jewelry. Both Asher (my little sis) and I love this brand. the mother-daughter duo is so sweet. They sent us a box full of the cutest jewelry. I haven’t taken this necklace off and Asher has been rocking their candy land chocker.

2. Some 4th of July Recipe Ideas.

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Blackberry Champagne Mule

Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini

Pastry Wrapped Baked Brie with Thyme Butter Roasted Plums

Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad

The Best Simple Vegan Potato Salad

Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard

Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower

One Pot 4 Cheese Caprese Mac and Cheese

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon “Toast” Brioche Crumbs

Cinnamon Maple Brown Butter Blackberry Peach Crisp

Gooey S’mores Skillet Brownie

Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

3. It’s Up To 40% Off Summer Entertaining at Anthro…

also…July 4th Entertaining Finds:

4. Favorite Questions of the Week.

q: how/when did you learn to cook? I want to learn!
a: I was 13 or 14 and just taught myself through google. google is your best friend when you want to learn something. if I didn’t know something I’d google it…I still google things all the time. don’t fear cooking, the worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work out and you get to order pizza! try again and you’ll get it right!

also, I never took any fancy classes, so essentially learning to cook was free other than buying the food

q: delicious cocktail recipe using gin?
a: this Strawberry Melon Elderflower Pimms Cup is so good for summer.

q: how did your family end up in Colorado?
a: my mom! well, and myself. my mom has always wanted to live in the mountains. when I was in middle school, we made the move. she calls it her “mid-life crisis”. I hated school in Ohio, so I pushed for it big time. but also, my brothers were/are very into snowboarding. so it kind of made sense…everyone wanted to move.

q: raisins in cookies? fan or not a fan? 
a: sorry but for me, raisins in cookies are a horrible idea. chocolate all the way!

q: morning or night owl? 
a: both! I love the early morning sooo much. it’s my favorite time, especially now when the weather and light are soo nice in the am. I’m also most creative in the morning. but I’m also a night owl. I bang out a lot of work at night (the not-so-fun computer stuff).

q: hair up or down while cooking?
a: up in a top knot always.

q: websites you’re on daily? 
a: I read Architectural Digest (obsessed with looking at homes and interiors). Domino Mag and Who What Wear are my go-to’s. I love to click through their product links.

and then Pinterest. I’m always pinning late at night. I pin a ton of home, travel, and style pins

q: room service breakfast order? 
a: ok this is so hard because it could be sooo many things and as shocking as this sounds, I’ve never ordered room service!! now I feel like I need to, just so I can see the breakfast menus. but right now I’m feeling a brioche french toast with real maple syrup and lots of fruit on the side

q: if you could choose any other career what would it be? 
a: an interior designer or a fashion stylist. I love both home design and styling, I always have. my whole life up until 18 I thought for sure I’d be a stylist (even went to LA for a short stint). I’ve always loved to put outfits together (still do). as a kid I’d dress the manikin up in my grandma’s closest every other day. and then I was always, always rearranging my bedroom every other weekend. in general I just love to make things look pretty, so any kind of styling is my favorite

5. Putting Too Much Pressure On Your Work Days?

I love to make a to-do list every morning, but I tend to be way too ambitious. Then at the end of the day, I end up disappointed in what I’ve gotten done. It happens almost daily and it can be mentally exhausting to feel disappointed at the end of the day. But then the other day I did something a little differently. I didn’t put so much pressure on myself to get a million and one things done. And you know what happened?

I ended getting more done than when I plan my day out to a T. I’m not really sure what that says, but I wonder if the pressure we put on ourselves messes with us in the end?

Anyway, point is, I’m going to try and plan a little less for each day and enter into the day with a little less pressure on myself to get everything done. It’s going to be hard, but I’ll keep you updated on how it goes!

question: how do you plan your days? and how do end up feeling the most productive?

6. Inspiring Me on Pinterest…the 4th of July Edit.

all photos via Pinterest.

plus some photo from this week…

7. Favorite links I’m Loving…

U.S. Tourists Can Now Travel to Italy without Quarantining…well this is exciting. Greece is on my list. what is your dream destination?

This Y2K Nail Trend Is Back With a Vengeance…i’m not a nail person at all, but I love these floral designs for summer. 

And Just Like That, It’s Summer! These Are the Epic Novels to Read this Summer…the complete list you need for a summer of reading.

Kids’ Summer Camp Gear Just Got Cooler With These 19 Finds…if your kids are heading to camp, read this.

This Sag Harbor Home Renovation Is Full of High and Low Finds…such a pretty, laid-back summer home.

The Trader Joe’s Summer Essentials You Need To Try ASAP…for all the TJ’s fans out there, this one is for you.

32 Cute Summer Date Ideas for Every Kind of Couple…such fun and unique ideas if you’re looking for something new.

What Are Your Favorite Baby Names…some fun names listed here, what’s your favorite?

5 Thyroid Tests Your Doctor May Be Missing To Properly Assess Your Thyroid Health…an important read if you’re feeling frustrated with your doc.

The Most Beautiful Places in Scandinavia…wow, each place is so pretty.

Why You Should Be Dry Brushing (and How to Do It)…the most important step to glowy summer skin.

What Is Olive Oil Fraud…an expert explains how to identify it, and where to buy the good stuff.

Step Inside Supermodel Cara Delevingne’s Delightfully Dizzying Los Angeles Home…not what I would have expected, it’s so different, but I kind of love it.