Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

Last week was one of the best. It was a bit of a blur – exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting – but when I say exhausting, I mean it in the very best way possible. I feel so lucky to have been presented with one of my dream projects, and now that I finally have a second to reflect, I’m just so happy!

I feel so much excitement for everything coming up too! Wahoo!

Backing up a bit, I spent the last week mainly in New York, yet again. This time, I was there to help the cast of It Ends With Us promote their film. It was a crazy few days, and I have so many photos below!

Blake and I have been internet friends for years. A while back, she made the fat Santa cookies, and we’ve been friends ever since. This trip into the city, however, was our first time meeting in person. In case you’re wondering, Blake is, just as she presents herself online, one of the kindest people I’ve met—and so incredibly hardworking.

To keep the story from going on and on – we had some ideas about promoting the film. One of them was remaking Atlas’s hot chocolate cookies. The second was hosting a press dinner together. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity, and within 24 hours, we had everything planned, and I was on a plane to New York.

Blake and I co-hosted a press dinner together on Saturday night at the beautiful Fouquet’s Hotel (my favorite). I helped to curate the menu, provided a signature cocktail – the Peach Thyme Smash (as both a cocktail and mocktail), and we had both Atlas’s Hot Chocolate Cookies and Lily’s Lavender Cookies to round the menu out. Everything came together in less than 72 hours, but it was perfect. We had gift baskets full of goodies for everyone to take home, the most stunning florals, and a great guest list too! The entire cast was able to come, including Colleen (Hoover) and her husband, as well as media personnel. It was such a magical night.

A huge shout out to my mom, Jen, who worked so hard with myself and Blake’s teams to make the night as perfect as could be in 72 hours. Everyone really stepped up and helped create the best night to celebrate an amazing movie and cast!

The following night, we filmed something so cute that should be out this week or next. Then, I spent one day in full meetings, and the following night was the movie premiere.

YOU MUST go see the movie. I know the book is so well-loved, but I promise the movie will not disappoint either. The cast was incredible, I know you’ll love the way this came together! The movie is now in theaters, so make sure you see it!

It was one of my best trips into the city. I’m back home now, but off in the morning, again back to New York. I know, a lot of back-and-forth. But we have a big Snif photoshoot happening that’s been planned for months. Even though it’s a lot of travel, I kind of love the fast-paced energy! I’m having so much fun, all while working a ton. To me, that’s the perfect life.

It will be a quick trip, and I’ll be back on Thursday. Then, the family will be home for a week before traveling again! I’m squeezing in everything I can before summer ends!

That’s the quick update from last week. There’s so much happening, and even more to come. In just over three months, we will launch our newest cookbook, Quick and Cozy, which is becoming our main focus. I can’t believe it is almost here! The book will be out on November 19th, but as we know, November will be here before we know it.

I think that’s really all my updates. I’m excited for so much to come, including the recipes I’ll be sharing. They’re very back-to-school focused and so delicious!

Enjoy my Favorites, and have the best Sunday!

1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to try.

news of the week…Starbucks’ Fall Menu Just Leaked Online: Here’s What’s New This Year. The drinks are back; which one is going to be your favorite? Personally, I’m excited by the raccoon cake pop (so fun), ice pecan crunch oatmeal latte (whole milk for me), and the mummy cookie (obsessed with this, so cute).

shopping…the cutest Halloween tabletop decor for kids’ parties. I’m so excited for Halloween! Maybe we can do a Halloween-themed party for Oslo’s birthday!

everything in my cart (low)…investing in these cute Ralph Lauren cropped poplin short pajamas. They’re on the expensive side for PJs, but they’re so cute I kind of think they’re worth the investment.

Wanting this Leset cropped cardigan. So cute, and I see this yellow color going into fall. I love it.

From Zara, how cute is their long textured knot dress? I’m ordering this for fall before it sells out. It would be pretty cute styled with these animal print heeled sandals. This is the perfect fall basket bag. It’s so pretty! I love this knit top with gold buttons. I’d wear it with these jeans. Oh, or this basic sleeve knit cardigan is so good. And here’s a cute suede leather blazer.

This J. Crew cashmere cropped sweater is on sale.

Okay, and lastly, I love this ribbed one-piece from Daily Drills. I’m stocking up on end-of-summer swim sales!

listening to…Transforming Challenges into Growth: Building Self-Help Strategies, Mental Resilience, and Self-Compassion. I’m excited to listen. I love the idea of taking personal challenges and using them as our best strengths. And I’m in the middle of listening to Jennie Garth on How To Be Happy, Fulfilled, & Focused By Choosing Yourself.

dreaming of going to…Folegandros, Greece. This Little-known Greek Island Has Near-empty Beaches, Rugged Hiking Trails, and a Postcard-perfect Town — and It’s Less Than an Hour From Santorini. A complete travel guide!

I can’t stop thinking about…the fact that Blake Lively wore Britney Spears’s 2002 Versace dress. You guys, you guys! She looks so pretty. This dress is stunning and how iconic that it was first Britney’s? Blake wore it so well. I was obsessed the second I saw it! So beautiful and fun!

shopping…barn jackets. I love these styles for fall, and some are great summer-to-fall transitional jackets, too!

ordering…a new phone case. I love this blue color! Also, this glazed puffer case is fun too, the red is very on-trend. Unfortunately, it’s not my size.

reading…Blake Lively on Fame, Family, Good Fortune—And Becoming a Glamorous Jewel Thief for Baz Luhrmann. I mean, it’s the September issue cover story! No big deal. And with Hugh Jackman too. Wow!

everything in my cart (beauty)…wanting the Lyma Laser Starter Kit. I heard this is the new, better red light mask? Its reviews are so good.

watching…Blake Lively Makes Her Signature Key Lime Pie—And Talks Playing Lily Bloom in It Ends With Us. This is so cute, and now I suddenly want to make key lime pie.

ordering…a water flosser. I will try anything to get me in the habit of flossing daily. I hate to admit it, but I’m the worst when it comes to flossing – I know, I know. It’s so important! Have you tried a water flosser? Apparently, they’re way more effective than traditional flossing. I added this one to my Amazon cart.

everything in my cart (high)…

traveling…2024 Hotel Awards: 20 Stunning New Hotels for Global Exploration. I love a GOOD hotel. Like LOVE! These all look lovely.

2. Favorite Back to School – 7 Recipes.

Blender Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken

Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Brea

3. The Anthropologie Sale + New For Fall.

 for fall decor 

July favorites 

4. New York Photos.

(dinner event at Fouqets for It Ends With Us)

(New York at night)

(the girls that give me confidence, Jack & Micol)

(such a beautiful night – florals by Kelsey) 

(our peach thyme smash)

(the invite)

(gift baskets – Blake Brown Beauty is SO GOOD – love the shampoo)

(details – Blake’s dress, Oscar de la Renta, my dress, YSL (similar here + here) 

(the It Ends With Us cast) 

(Lily’s Lavender Cookies)

(so stunning at Fouqets) 

(what a night) 

(casual for filming cookies!) 

(excited to see these stoops lined with pumpkins soon)

(dinner at The Polo Bar) 

(premiere night)

(photo by Guy Aroch)

(red carpet fun with Phil) 

(how pretty is Blake in that dress?!)

(movie and a dinner)

(cookies to end the night)

(the sweetest card to end the trip from the United team)

5. HBH x Home Chef Round 2!

I am so excited to announce that, for the second year in a row, Half Baked Harvest recipes are coming back to the Home Chef menu! Wahoo! I couldn’t be happier to share this with you all. We’ve been working all year on this partnership to make it even better this time around.

For a limited time, we’re offering two recipes per week for the next six weeks. We’re bringing back some of the favorites from last year, along with six brand-new recipes! Pre-order for delivery next week with promo code HBH and get 18 Free Meals + Free Shipping.

6. We have NEW candles too.

Some of you definitely predicted this one, probably because I’ve been teasing about it for months, but I’m excited to share the relaunch of everyone’s favorite candle, Pumpkin SMASH. The classic HBH x Snif candle is coming back but with a whole new look!

The re-launch is this Wednesday, August 14th. Get on the waitlist here. This candle sells out every single season, so jump on that waitlist NOW.

Pumpkin season is coming! It’s early, but I’m excited!

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

How Breathwork Helps Olympians and Taylor Swift

15 Highly Underrated Trader Joe’s Products You Need to Try ASAP

How To Dry Brush – I’ve Been Dry Brushing Twice a Week

An Expert Guide to Picking the Best Protein Powder for You

Blake Lively’s Best Red Carpet Fashion Moments

The 11 Best Book Club Reads of the Year So Far

9 Fashion Rental Services to Consider for a Stylish Year

Fall 2024’s Top Makeup Trends

10 Easy Hacks I Use to Save Money at the Grocery Store

4 Labor Day Weekend Getaways, the Perfect Send-Off to Summer

What is ‘Cortisol Face’ – and is it Real?

10 Minutes to a Clutter-Free Morning

The 100 Best Grocery Shortcuts to Buy Right Now

8. Favorite Affordable Fall Looks.

new from Reformation

tennis looks

9. This Week’s Dinners + Favorite Weekend eats.

Monday: Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Parmesan Zucchini

Tuesday: Sheet Pan Steak and Chipotle Corn Tacos

Wednesday: Open Face Tomato Bacon Sandwich

Thursday: One Pan Herb Butter Chicken and Zucchini Rice Pilaf

Friday: Zucchini Ricotta Pesto Tart

Saturday: Caramel Peach Dump Cake

Sunday: Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies