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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Hey everyone! Happy February!

Itโ€™s the start of a busy and exciting week around here. Iโ€™m getting ready to head to Italy, and as always, thereโ€™s so much to do before a tripโ€”especially one like this. Weโ€™ll be gone for a good portion of February with a full schedule planned while weโ€™re in Milan and Livigno, where my brother Red will be competing.

We are so excited for this trip. All of my family is coming along, plus a handful of my aunts and uncles, which makes it feel even more special. Red flew into Milan over the weekend after competing at the X Games in Aspen, and heโ€™s already back on the mountain practicing for his first eventโ€”Big Air.

When we traveled to Korea back in 2018, I shared that experience here on the site in a two-part series. You can still read part one and part two if you want a little recap. I canโ€™t believe how many years ago that wasโ€”it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience weโ€™ll never forget.

This time, Iโ€™ll be flying directly into Milan and staying until Red competes on February 16th and 18th. After that, Iโ€™ll head back home. Iโ€™m a little nervous to be away for so long, but mostly I just feel incredibly grateful that we all get to be there together to watch him compete. Itโ€™s going to be such an experience, and Iโ€™ll be sharing more along the way.

Of course, Iโ€™m nervous too. I keep thinking about my brotherโ€”itโ€™s a lot. But heโ€™s a pro, and Iโ€™m so proud of him.

All that to say, thereโ€™s a lot happening right nowโ€”and even more waiting when I get back. My anxiety has been a little louder than usual this week, but overall, itโ€™s been a really good start to the year.

How has the new year been treating you? Iโ€™m looking forward to a fresh month, Valentineโ€™s Day, and spending such a special time with my family.

Leaving you with that today. Enjoy an easy, fun Sunday readโ€”and donโ€™t forget to check out the post I shared with our 26 Most Popular Super Bowl Recipesย too.

1. Things Iโ€™m Loving.

everything in my cart (low)โ€ฆa perfect pair of leather boots from Reformation that look just like the designer book from The Row.

My ideal โ€œfancyโ€ coat for Italy is the Lamarque x Revolve Tillie coat. I love the fun fur trim around the neck.

listening toโ€ฆParis Hilton: The Truth Behind The Persona โ€” Fame, Trauma, & Reclaiming Her Story.

playingโ€ฆExploding Kittens Poetry for Neanderthals: A Competitive Word Guessing Game. Someone in my family needs to pack this for game night.

burningโ€ฆnew candles from Bellocq Tea Atelier. They finally restocked their candle selection, so I ordered all the ones I want to try! Most excited for the The Atelier Candle, no. 45 The White Wolf which is their cozy winter candle, no. 47 The Queenโ€™s Guard love the sounds of roses paired with pepper, and then The Atelier Candle, no. 12 Le Hammeau. This is the citrus candle and the candle that sounds most like me! So excited to try these all soon.

watchingโ€ฆGlitter & Gold. Oh, this looks so good! Figure skaters work so hard!

everything in my cart โ€“ beautyโ€ฆnew year, new beauty items Iโ€™m excited for. My skin has been so dry this winter! Iโ€™m curious about the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask to help hydrate while I sleep.

And I love theseย eye patches from Chanel. You have to try them!

Order theย Biodance Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask and Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum during the Amazon sale.

And devices, everyone is talking about the Medicube Booster Pro to help firm the skin. And I want to try thisย  LED Advanced Scalp Massager.

The Higher Dose Red Light Therapy Hat for Hair Growth. I canโ€™t believe I donโ€™t have this! I love my Higher Dose sauna blanket and PEMF mat.

lovingโ€ฆthese Effortlessly Romantic French Tip Designs for Valentineโ€™s Day.

giftingโ€ฆfresh flowers! My favorite small, sweet gift to send friends (or candles). I use: The Bouqs Co., Farmgirl Flowers, and UrbanStems.

everything in my cart (high)โ€ฆ a lot of designer launches this week. Not sure how I feel about these Chanel Patent Calfskin slingbacks, but they could be cute! I would love this Prada Shearling collar for our time in Milan. Needing to pack this gorgeous Spotted Wool Cloth Coat from Valentino.

And on the more casual front, these wool and cashmere socks from Miu Miu (I know, pretty insane for socks, but they look so cute and comfy) and cozy sweat Jersey Sweatpant from Tory Burch.

learning aboutโ€ฆand practicing Ear Seeding. I have had ear seeds put in once. I didnโ€™t notice them, but Iโ€™m curious to explore them more.

shoppingโ€ฆ18 Valentineโ€™s Day Items Worth Buying at Trader Joeโ€™s. I need to bake my own raspberry muffins!

2. The most popular recipes of January.

Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce | halfbakedharveest.com

Most Popular:ย Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up:ย Really Good Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Honey Mustard Salmon | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: 20 Minute Honey Mustard Salmon

Mean Green Salad with Tahini Miso Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com

The Salad Everyone Made: Mean Green Salad with Tahini Miso Dressing

The Most Viewed Roundup: 25 Most Popular Recipes of 2025

Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls halfbakedharvest.com

My Favorite:ย Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls

3. Cute Valentineโ€™s Day Gifts and Decor.




4. Winter Hobbies.

Love the idea of these social wellness clubs replacing dinners out and late nights at the bar. It feels like such a healthier, more intentional way to connect.

Studying the place youโ€™re visiting. Iโ€™m currently reading a Milan city guide and already bookmarking restaurantsโ€”weโ€™ll definitely need a table at Sandi Ristorante and Nuova Arena Yum! Yum. Also packing this coat immediately!

Coloring by the fire with warm cocoa, cookies, and a cozy coloring book (hereโ€™s one for the Olympics) + your favorite colored pencils or markers. Simple and relaxing.

Sending snail mail again. There are so many beautiful notecard sets, and it feels extra special to receive a real letter these daysโ€”so thoughtful and personal.

5. February Kitchen Finds.

6. Inspiring Me.

(I have always found this to be true โ€“ even though Iโ€™ve doubted it in the past)

7. Favorite Links.

12 Reader Comments on Rituals

The Best Books of 2026: A Preview

A Pro Organizer Solves Our Editorsโ€™ Most Annoying Dilemmas

How Valentineโ€™s Sweethearts Candy Mottos Have Changed

Trader Joeโ€™s Shoppers Crown Their Favorite Products of the Year

20 Best Valentineโ€™s Day Gift Boxes Of 2026 For The Foodie In Your Life

8. Affordable Winter Style.

Reformation



Long coats

Gap

Shoes

9. This Weekโ€™s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

20 Minute Takeout-Style Sticky Sesame Beef | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday:ย 20 Minute Takeout-Style Sticky Sesame Beef

Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday:ย Quick Chicken Shawarma and Sweet Potato Bowls

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowl | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowl

Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Rice Salad

Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta

Salted Peanut Butter Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday:ย Salted Peanut Butter Cookie

Lemon Chai Cake | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday:ย Lemon Chai Cake

This post was originally published on February 1, 2026

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Comments

    1. Hi Tina,
      We will be in Milan and in the mountains, so packing lots of fun, cute items for the city and then heavy winter gear for the mountains!

      Have a great time in Rome!

  1. Safe travels! Itโ€™s very exciting, to go as a family to see Red compete. Just so special. Good luck to Red. Hope you all have a great time too. Xx

  2. Ohhhh fun!! I bet everyone is so excited, best wishes to Red and I hope you all have a great time!

    I really love the first two long gray coats, the perfect length. And the lemon chai cake ๐Ÿคค

    1. Thanks so much, Heather! We really are SO excited! Thanks for reading today and your kind message!

      Have a great week ahead!

  3. Looking forward to the Winter Olympics and rooting for your brother Red!!! Wishing you safe travels and enjoy Italy! You almost canโ€™t go wrong wherever you decide to dine. Mangia! Mangia!

    1. Thanks so much, Susan! We are all so excited and proud of Red! Thanks for the well wishes:)

      Have a great Sunday!

  4. Tieghan Iโ€™m so bummed you didnโ€™t include any pics from Aspen or Sun Valley! You have an eye for the camera!

  5. Love how you put the prices with the pictures! Thank you!! Have a wonderful time with your family in Italy! Best wishes to your brother โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™

    1. Thanks so much for your feedback, Michelle! We should have a pretty great time, Iโ€™m super excited, thank you:) Have a great Sunday!

  6. Funny story!
    Yesterday I was surfing the TV show for something to watch. I came across the โ€œWestminster Agility Challengeโ€ for dogs.

    Red, one of the dogs ended up being the winner for that size dogโ€ฆ.The owner..from WI said he named his cute dog Red after โ€œRed Gerardโ€..the famous snowboarder!

    You will have to look that up! I thought Iโ€™d message that today to provide some joy!

  7. How was your trip to Sun Valley? I would love to know what you made at your cooking class and a menu from the dinner you prepared as well! Will you be sharing any photos of the events you hosted? I bet it was a lot of fun!

    1. Hey Pam! I will share all details next Sunday! I just didnโ€™t have time to get everything into this weekโ€™s post.

      It was an amazing weekend! Heading home now. More to come!!

      Have a great Sunday and week!

  8. So enjoy reading your blog every week! I love seeing a young gal like you so highly motivated and living her dreamโ€ฆkudos to you Tieghan! Have a wonderful and safe trip to Italy! Fingers crossed for a big win for Red!
    Please add Richmond, Va. to one of your tours!
    Have a wonderful Sundayโค๏ธ

    1. Hey Diane,
      Thanks so much for taking the time to read each week, it truly means so much to me! I appreciate your kind message and good vibes for Red. Would love to come to Richmond:)

      Have a great Sunday!

  9. Happy Sunday! Weโ€™re so excited to see Red compete again this Olympics! Iโ€™m late to the party but really getting into making bowls for our dinners. You have so many great ones listed today that Iโ€™ve pinned. My question is about the rice. Can I just make a big pot of it and store in fridge or do I need to make it fresh each time? And do you have a foolproof way to make it so itโ€™s perfect every time? Thanks!

  10. I always look forward to your Favorite Things posts! Good luck to Red and safe travels to you all. Your comment about โ€œ snail mailโ€ made me want to suggest you read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I highly recommend it !

    1. Hey Tracy,
      Thanks for reading today and the well wishes for Red and our family:) Iโ€™ll have to look into The Correspondent, thanks for the suggestion!

      Have a great Sunday!

  11. I hope you have the best time in Italy! Enjoy every moment. We were in Rome several years ago, and I can relate to the anxiety piece. Soak it all in and eat all the good pasta and pizza! My husband especially loved all the pastries/shops which I unfortunately canโ€™t eat. The markets are equally as fun to walk through, all the fresh fruits and veggies + the flowers! Have the best time ever.

    1. Hey Emily,
      Thanks for taking the time to read today! I am SO excited for the pizza and pasta there. We will definitely have to checkout some markets too, thanks for the suggestion. Have a great Sunday!

  12. Another recommendation for Milan reataurant is Antica Trattoria della Pesa. We ate there in the fall and it was wonderful.

    1. Hey Kay,
      Thanks so much for this suggestion, we will add it to the list!! Thanks for reading today, have a great Sunday!

    1. Hey Lucy,
      It was so much fun, I had such a great time! I didnโ€™t have time to share today, but will share soon!

      Thanks and have a great week ahead!