384: Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

April is here, and spring is springing! I spent the past week in New York, which included a very random 80° day (it was so nice)… followed immediately by a 30° one. Classic. Needless to say, I’ve officially started craving warm weather. Not the most realistic craving, though — I came home to temps in the teens and a full day of snow. The forecast is looking up, but it’s still cold here!

All is OK, though. I’ve got a couple quick trips back and forth to New York coming up, and then I think I’ll manage to sneak in a few days in Miami. Honestly, my plans are a little up in the air at the moment. What I do know is that I won’t be home for the first half of May — I need to be out of the house while we move back into the studio, and then work finally starts on my house! All very exciting… and very nerve-racking.

I know I promised you all an update post on the studio barn renovations, but I’m a little behind. The build is almost finished, but furniture won’t arrive until fall! So while it’s still a ways off from being fully done, it’s really coming along — and I can’t wait to share more soon.

There’s been so much happening behind the scenes! I’m excited to start rolling out some updates to the website, share a new community-focused project we’ve been working on, and reveal a few bigger things we’ve had in the works, too. If you follow along on Instagram, you’ve probably seen a few sneak peeks already!

Before I get into all of that, I have to tell you about my week in New York! I’m starting to feel like a bit of a regular. I love that work has me going in and out so often — I could never live in the city, but I always enjoy my trips!

The highlight of the week was, of course, our event with Benny! First off, huge thanks to Benny for being so generous with his time — we had the best night. I was a little nervous beforehand, but honestly, I had no reason to be. Benny always makes everything fun!

The night kicked off about an hour before Benny arrived, with book signings and time to meet everyone. As always, you all never let me down — so kind, so sweet, and truly, meeting you is so special. I love these nights with you. And Williams-Sonoma was packed! This had to be one of our biggest New York events yet. Such a fun, feel-good crowd.

Once Benny arrived, we headed to the test kitchen to make my pizza pretzels recipe from the book. But there was a mix-up with the recipe, and unfortunately, it wasn’t what I had originally planned. I want to sincerely apologize to everyone who attended — what we made wasn’t one of my recipes, and I’m truly so sorry about that! I was disappointed too, but thankfully, Benny (and his amazing energy!) totally made up for the lack of cooking.

We had the best time chatting, answering questions, signing even more books, and taking tons of photos. All in all, it really turned into such a wonderful night, and everyone seemed to leave happy — which means everything to me. I honestly wish we could do it all over again!

The remainder of the trip was busy, busy with back-to-back meetings. It felt very corporate, and I had to put on my “business” hat, which I didn’t mind. While I love the creative side of this business, I’m really enjoying leaning more into my business role as well!

I had some yummy dinners, a smell session for the next candle, and even got to see my uncle Al, who was in town for work. Couldn’t have asked for a better trip!

We’re all home this week, but my parents are heading out for a month+ of travel to escape the Colorado springtime weather. Lots of adventures to come!

How about you all? Are you traveling this month, or staying put? What’s something that’s making you the happiest right now?

I hope you’re all having the best start to April! Spring is finally here, and I’m so happy about it! Enjoy another fun favorite post — I have lots to share below.

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

baking…Blueberry Muffin Bread on repeat. My favorite – I’m loving this bread!

for fun and home decor…the Gray Malin 1,000-Piece Box Puzzle. Both are so cute, but I’m personally a fan of the Palm Beach puzzle. I love it!

reading…Building Muscle Is Hard—This Supplement Makes It Easier (And It Actually Works!). Huge fan of creatine for women, and this article explains the benefits. Also, What Actually Happens When You Eat Enough Protein. Protein is the name of the game these days. I’ve been using a lot of Greek yogurt in place of cream and cottage cheese. I’ve also been cooking with venison, beef, liver, and even some lamb too. I think for Easter, I’m going to cook lamb ribs! 

wanting…fresh flowers! Craving spring color with this cold, snowy weather! Going to order some fresh roses from my favorite place, Grace Rose Farm. Also, considering house plants from The Sill.

everything in my cart (low)…Zara finds for spring break. I’ve seen this modal top everywhere, it’s the perfect basic. I would pair it with these straight leg jeans and kitten heel sandals. Such a cute easy vacation look. 

If you get chilled like I do, pack this short trench coat for nighttime.

This is the perfect beach suede shopper and a cute night out woven elongated bag. 

maybe I need these?…‘Sonja’ Oiled Leather Clog from Dansko. I’m looking for a more supportive shoe to wear while cooking. All the nurses say these are the best!

dreaming of going…The Landing. What a pretty vineyard in New Zealand around the crown of the Bay of Islands. The property has villas all around for guests to stay in. It’s also mentioned here, The Best Wine Tasting Destinations in New Zealand.

watching…Here’s Everything Coming to Netflix in April 2025. What are you guys watching? I feel like I only ever watch old shows. What’s good these days? My cousin mentioned she’s loving Good American Family and Paradise, both on Hulu. They look a little creepy. Anyone else enjoying either of these?

burning…I need/want new spring candles. I just added this Hotel Lobby Capri Boxed Candle to my list. I’m very into citrus this spring. I’ve also been loving candles from Santa Maria Novella. I’m currently burning the Acqua Della Regina Scented Candle, and have the Melograno Scented Candle up next. 

eating…100% Grass-Fed Beef & Organ Meat Sticks. Again with the protein. 

travel…to the wilderness of Africa we go! The Few & Far Luvhondo. Each suite features a private plunge pool and an expansive viewing deck. Sounds magical.

everything in my cart (beauty)…eager to get my hands on the new line from Patrick Ta for glowing summer skin. Added his Major Glow High Shine Skin Perfecting Body Crème to my Sephora cart. We all know I love a body creme, so I’ll report back soon! Also adding the Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil, Major Glow Balm, and Body Brush. If you’re heading to the tropics soon, these will be perfect. I guarantee Asher will get her hands on them too! 

Reading about how Exosomes Are Taking Over Skincare. Adding the Dr. Barbara Sturm Exoso-Metic Face Serum to my list of products to try. Added to my cart! 

Device-wise, I’m a loyal believer in the red light mask. I’ve used the Dr. Dennis Gross mask for years. It’s the best of the best. But of course, I’m super curious to test Shark’s Cryoglow LED face mask after reading this review. Sounds like it could be perfect, especially for anyone looking to fight off acne. 

listening to…Get Back on Track: 5 Evening Habits to Wake Up Focused, Recharged, and in Control.

something to do…11 Easy Hobbies to Pick Up.

everything in my cart (high)…a pretty striped raffia hat for the beach from Chloe.

something cute…The Love Language Quiz.

2. Cute Easter Baskets and Decor. 

baskets

decor

3. The Most Popular Recipes of March.