Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

By food On Apr 2, 2023

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Nine Favorite Things – LA sunshine

Hi! Happy Sunday, Happy April, and Happy Spring Days ahead! I have been home in Colorado for the last 72 hours with two days of full snow. And to be honest, I am very happy to be traveling again today. I don’t usually love back-to-back trips, but I’m excited and very ready for some actual springtime weather! So I’m feeling good!

I spent a good part of the week in LA where I had mostly beautiful sunshine. I stayed at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills for this trip! It’s such a charming hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills with all the best LA shopping just feet away. I really loved my time there. Everything from my room to the restaurant, to the staff – honestly, just the hotel itself, was wonderful. I also loved the convenience of their café. I was able to pick up coffee and breakfast quickly every morning since my mornings all started pretty early this trip.

I spent all day Monday filming with Benny Blanco. If you don’t know Benny, just do a quick google. I suggest following him on TikTok or Instagram, and discovering how cool he is. Benny has been writing and creating songs since he was 6! We are complete opposites, but I am so excited to share our day of filming soon. He’s fun and very different, but I know – or I hope, you will love what we created. More on that very soon, but just know I had so much fun hanging with him.

We filmed most of the day, then I went straight to an event in Malibu hosted by Rachel Zoe and Chriselle Lim. The dinner was in celebration of Rachels’s site, Curateur, and Chriselle’s fragrance line, Phlur. This was very last minute, but I was really happy to be able to attend. Rachel’s very sweet! And I’ve known Chriselle for years, so I was excited to be able to celebrate with her! Plus the Phlur fragrances are always so good.

(the view from my room at the Maybourne)

The rest of the trip was mostly meetings. But hopefully, they will lead to something exciting. Only time will tell!

I flew home Wednesday night, but didn’t end up getting home until 2:30 am…more flight delays. I’ve been cooking, photographing, and getting myself organized for a week plus of travel! I’m excited for the next week and seeing my family very soon. I have missed them!

the sweet fruit plate The Maybourne team left for me

And that’s really it. It’s crazy that Easter is in a week. I’ll share my favorite Easter recipes with you all soon. Most likely tomorrow or Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that list.

Lastly, thank you so much for your support now and over the years. It truly amazes me every day the loyal HBH family we’ve built!

Enjoy another week’s favorites!

happiness

1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

loving…Christian Dior’s Mumbai Show Spotlights the Extraordinary Craftsmanship of India’s Artisans. How stunning. The location, the clothing, and every last detail was so beautiful.

everything in my cart (low)…Reformation’s Zenni dress is pretty in all 3 colors. But I equally love the voluminous short dress from Zara. And how pretty is their satin slip dress? It looks designer. Lastly, I can’t get over Zara’s easy-to-style basics: the perfect leather belt, pocket should bag, pleated t-shirt, and buckled flat leather sandals.

The Jayde denim midi skirt from Reformation is the perfect midi denim skirt and very on-trend. Oh, and I think the Emberly Pant and Gia Linen Skirt are super cute too. Both are great spring finds.

listening to…Priyanka Chopra Jonas. I’m halfway through and loving learning more about her story and how she built her incredible career and family.

dreaming of going to…A captivating country garden grown from a few acres of farmland. This garden is a dream.

also dreaming…Soneva. They have resorts located in the Maldives and Thailand. Just check out their Instagram account. A dream destination.

loving…the new Banana Republic home collection.

shopping…LXR.com. A new to me luxury online vintage shop. Such a great, more affordable, way to buy designer pieces.

wanting…the Mila Mirror and Minka Textured Pot both from Anthropologie. I love these 2 pieces together.

everything in my cart (beauty)…I read some awesome reviews on the ZO Skin Growth Factor Serum Plus, it’s meant to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase hydration. Let me know if you’ve tried it. I’m excited to try the Naked Beauty Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Mask after reading the founder’s skincare routine. These sound amazing. Have you tried?

I need to order the SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 an everyday skincare staple. Also a staple from SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex.

Lastly, I would love to try out these ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads. My skin is always on the red side from going to freezing cold air, to warm air inside. These help to reduce clogged pores and soothe irritated skin.

loving…if you need to smile today, click here.

watching…Citadel, Season 1 on Amazon Prime. Ok, so this isn’t out yet. But after listening to Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Armchair export, I am excited to watch.

wanting…the Alo ribbed boyshort in smoky quartz. Perfect for a warm weather vacation.

everything in my cart (high)…This Khaite strapless duchesse cotton-blend satin mini dress is literally the perfect little black dress – wow, so pretty! Speaking of dresses, this Prada jersey dress with embroidered appliqué flowers is a piece of art. The rose detailing is stunning.

This Acne Studios long-sleeve knitted top and midi skirt set is cozy, yet the color screams spring (Asher and my mom saw it in persona and think it has Whoville vibes). And this Cult Gaia Joey top is super fun. Good for a warm-weather vacation.

I love this light green Fendi one piece swimsuit. It also comes in a bikini, which is probably what I would order.

Lastly, the Adidas x Gucci collection. Oh wow, so many cute pieces, but I adore the cotton tank top the most. It’s the red detailing that I love.

following…Friends of Form. For design inspiration.

shopping…Flamingo Estate. They recently launched on Anthropologie, which makes buying their products super easy. My favorites are the Wildflower Honey, Manuka Honey, Persimmon Vinegar, and I want to try their Estate Estate Candle in all 3 scents. I think I would love the muscatel sage, but the Tuscan rosemary and Roma heirloom tomato sound wonderful too.

shopping…the Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel outdoor collection. Spring is here and summer is coming!! Some of my favorites from the newest collection are below.

listening to…Gwyneth Paltrow x Will Cole: Gut Feelings

2. The most popular recipes of March.

Runner-up: Pesto Chicken Tzatziki Salad Wraps

Also have to mention: 25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

My personal favorite: Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts

Ok, last one: Double Strawberry Sugar Cookies

3. Cute for Easter + Spring.

Easter baskets

Easter entreating

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: if you came with a warning label what would it say?
a: spicy and difficult. Because I make a lot of spicy food and I’m not the easiest person to please 🙄🤷🏻‍♀️ I have high expectations.

q: just here to say, LOVE your fashion/lifestyle/food content.
a: Thank you!! I love sharing lifestyle pieces with you all. It keeps things fresh and not boring and repetitive for me!!

q: what bowls do you recommend for the KitchenAid mixer?
a: Honestly the stainless steel bowls are the most durable. I love the look of the ceramic and glass but functionality-wise, I use the stainless steel.

q: I know it’s not your usual but can you give us a house tour?
a: we’re about to start redoing it in a few months so yes!! I’ll do a before and after! It’s going to be a long process but I’m sooo excited!!

q: how do you feel about cheez whiz?
a: It’s not for me.

q: question you hate answering over and over?
a: Are you married? Do you have kids? Who’s Oslo? What do you do with the food? Do you live at home? Is Asher your daughter? How do you stay thin while creating food?

Nope. No. My little brother. We eat it! And nope I don’t. And no she’s my sister. I’m very active and I’m sure genes play a huge role as well. We’re all different and shouldn’t compete or compare our bodies OR judge others’ bodies. Body shaming is hurtful no matter what size you are.

q: do you have your own chickens?
a: We do but they’re not producing eggs right now. I use Vital Farms organic eggs. They’re wonderful.

q: do you switch up your candle scents with the seasons?
a: I try to but I love a cozy fall/winter candle the most. I just ordered way too many new candles, so I’ll let you all know my favorites as I burn through them. Any good spring candle suggestions that are still cozy?

q: favorite New York hotel?
a: If you are looking to stay downtown Fouquet’s hands down is the best.

q: restaurant recs in Miami? Visiting soon!
a: Try Komodo Miami and Papi Steak. I only spent 2 nights in Miami, so I didn’t get to explore the restaurants but I’ll be back soon (:

Oh wait, I have suggestions from my parents, Creighton, Asher, and Abby: Jaya at the Setai for PanAsian and Baires Grill for Argentinean dining.

q: favorite dinner right now?
a: We are obsessed with this 30-minute Pad Thai right now. Creighton has requested it every week since I first made it.

q: can you explain the smoking of the fruits and veggies?
a: This pic below is at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach. Their Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos is really fun. They use the meat on the menu to smoke their vegetables. It smelled so gooood. Now I want to smoke my veggies!!

5. What is the best party snack of all time?

I LOVE this question. So much. Party snacks are truly the best, best. Not going to lie, I want to serve Ruffles potato chips with sour cream and onion dip for our next gathering. BUT, I think we need a healthier update on that retro classic…

What is your go-to favorite party snack?

My top 5, because I can’t pick favorites.