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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

I’m heading to the airport today feeling equal parts nervous and excited. I flew to New York last night, spent the night here, and now I’m off to Milan to meet up with my family and watch my younger brother, Red, compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

He actually competed last night (CET time) in men’s snowboard Big Air qualifiers. He rarely competes in this event, but Olympic snowboarders automatically qualify for both big air and slopestyle competitions once they make the team. Even though it’s not his specialty, he competed incredibly well. I was so sad not to be there, I honestly almost cried. I am SO proud of him. He’s working so hard and handling the pressure like a true pro. Watching him grow into such an amazing human has been one of the greatest gifts, and I cannot wait to hug him soon.

I definitely won’t be missing his main event—men’s snowboard Slopestyle qualifiers—on February 16th in Livigno, Italy.

We are all beyond excited for him. As crazy as it is to even write this, this is Red’s third Winter Olympics. He won gold in South Korea (which we were all there to watch!) and got 4th in China four years ago. It still doesn’t feel real.

My mom and I are keeping today’s post short, but I wanted to pop in with a quick update and share our menu for the week. We’re both deep in travel mode, and we have a big couple of weeks ahead.

I’m also sharing a few photos from Sun Valley, Idaho, below, and I’ll have more updates from Milan soon. I’m nervous, excited, and so ready to see Red. I keep watching his videos and feeling like the proudest sister in the world.

That’s all my rambling for today. I hope you enjoy this shorter Favorites post, and happy Sunday.

In case you missed it, 26 Most Popular Super Bowl Recipes.

1. Things I’m Loving.

everything in my cart (low)…a cozy sweater from Nordstrom. 

listening to…The Athlete’s Mindset: How to Cultivate Mental and Physical Strength, Discipline + Performance without Burnout with Gabby Reece. And also, How To Activate Your Future Self, Rewire Your Brain, & Build Habits That Actually Stick.

everything in my cart (beauty)…I want to try this Nourishing Nail Pen from Manucurist after so many good reviews. My nails are pretty healthy, but my skin is always so dry! 

burning…ordered this DÔEN & Bernard Candle. Looking forward to burning this when I return home! I’m also planning to pick up a candle to burn while I’m here in Italy.

Also ordered the Nette Valentine’s Day candles. I LOVE Nette candles. I got the Chai Milk (new to me and very much looking forward to burning), Gallica Rose (excited for this), Another LifeMidnight StrikeDream Land (the Barbie collab!), and Sunday Chess (love this one, so cozy).

reading…15 Heartwarming Books That Will Thaw Your Cold, Dead Heart.

everything in my cart (high)…the prettiest Pony Hair Trench Coat from NOUR HAMMOUR. I may need the matching skirt too. 

2. The 5+ Recipes I Have On Repeat.

Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch | halfbakedharvest.com

Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Ranch (I typically make these with beef)

Creamy White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy White Chicken Chili (with double the salsa verde)

Sheet Pan Chili Ginger Orange Chicken and Broccoli | halfbakedharvest.com

Sheet Pan Chili Ginger Orange Chicken and Broccoli

Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili or Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

3. Valentine’s Day cuteness. 




4. Sun Valley, Idaho.

Sun Valley was a breath of fresh air and exactly what I needed after so much time spent at home after the holidays. I love this little ski town. It’s full of the cutest health food stores and markets, a small but incredibly cute main street, and the nicest community of people. 

I loved my time there and am thankful for such a wonderful experience with Sun Valley Food and Wine. I hope to be back soon! 

My first night at the Limelight Hotel, Sun Valley. 

Exploring the cute town of Ketchum. I really loved this place.

Spotted the coolest hotel shuttle on our morning walk.

My first cooking class! 

Very passionate, I guess. I hope I did ok! 

This was so fun! Thank you to everyone who attended. Full house! 

Dinner at Fiamma | Sun Valley

You must order the meatballs. 

The menu is incredible! Get all the pastas. 

Hosted a very cozy dinner the following night.

This night was so special!

Our menu was so yummy. It included my fried goat cheese, Parmesan sesame salad, creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, and Tiramisu. And the wine pairings were superb. 

Everyone was so sweet and welcoming!

I found raw goat milk at Idaho Rose Farms!! So delicious. This made me so happy!

5. Everything You Need about The Olympics.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, are taking place in northern Italy from February 6–22, marking the fourth time Italy has hosted the Olympic Games. What makes these Games especially special is how spread out they are, blending major cities with the most beautiful alpine towns. Events are held across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, and Val di Fiemme, with 15 venues stretching from the city of Milan all the way to the Dolomites. Milan hosted the Opening Ceremony and is home to indoor events like ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating, while Livigno Snow Park will host all snowboarding events, including big air and slopestyle.

Nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 90 countries are competing across 16 sports and a record 116 medal events. Snowboarding runs February 5–18 in Livigno. I honestly still can’t believe I get to be there cheering on my younger brother, Red, as he competes for Team USA at his third Winter Olympics. Watching him live out his dream on this stage never gets old, and I’m so proud of him. The Games wrap up with the Closing Ceremony on February 22 at the historic Verona Arena, and I already know this is going to be a trip and an experience we’ll never forget.

Fun Things

The Best Olympic 2026 Uniforms to Look For at the Winter Games

The Dolomites for the Winter Olympics? Here’s Where to Eat and Drink

6. Inspiring Me.

Shared by Emma Grede

7. Favorite Links.

no-spend Valentine’s Day ideas you’ll love

a cozy winter drink — citron chaud

everyday rituals for happiness

the best-known food in every state, according to a survey

Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards 2026

how Sweethearts candy changed its motto

simplify your life and schedule

11 decor trends for 2026

a low-travel year: what it taught me

8 coolest yoga mats that will make you want to practice every day

nail health: what to know

longevity supplements and anti-aging

Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC

8. New February Style Finds.

Winter Dresses


Black Dresses


Nordstrom Sale

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls

White Chicken Poblano Enchiladas | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: White Chicken Poblano Enchiladas

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: 25 Minute Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls

Garlic Butter Pasta alla Vodka with Melty Burrata | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Garlic Butter Pasta alla Vodka with Melty Burrata

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings

This post was originally published on February 8, 2026

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Comments

  1. Hi! I’m pretty sure that totally cool forest green hotel shuttle vehicle is an International Trav-l-All
    A true American Classic

  2. Hey Girl Hey!

    Really nice, concise NFT today! So happy to hear you had a great time in Sun Valley – Ketchum really is such a cute town, right?! I’ve stayed at the Limelight and eaten at Fiamma, so fun to see pix of these little gems from your lens! One of these days, we’re going to cross paths in real life (I mean, we live in the same state – Lol!) and I’m going to give you the biggest high-five!

    If I may, I’d love to see more Indian and Middle Eastern-style recipes in the upcoming months? Your Indian curries and your Persian Inspired Herb and Beef Stew are some of my all-time HBH favorites. Maybe your take on Ayurvedic Kitchari (AWESOME immune support porridge), Korma or Biryani? Everything you touch, turns into magic!

    Live your best life in Italy, good luck, Red & Keep being awesome!

    1. Hey Nancie,
      Thanks so much for taking the time to read and your kind message! Ketchum really was so cute, I would love to go back! Lol if you ever see me out, please say hi!

      Yes, I love these recipe suggestions, thank you so much for sharing and I will definitely have to do some recipe testing!

      Hope you are having a great week!

  3. Oh my gosh how exciting you did a live demo!! It looks like you made guacamole, would you mind sharing the recipe?!