457: Nine Favorite Things.

Happy Spooktacular October!

My candles are lit, cocktails are on call, and in my mind, we are officially entering the holiday season. It might be too early for some of you, but I am ready. This is when the magic begins!

I was chatting with my mom recently, and we both agreed it’s crazy how quickly we can switch our mindset from summer to holiday mode. It’s almost like flipping a light switch for us. All we need is that first touch of cool air and one email in our inbox filled with holiday decor, and we’re there. We have way too much fun this time of year!

Being in New York has made me even more excited for the months ahead. I’m already looking forward to returning later this month and, if all works out, again in December too. Let’s all envision a world of holiday cheese boards, maybe a community dinner or two, and lots of festive New York moments. I can’t wait!

Looking back on this week, it’s been such a blessing to be in New York. I really love it here right now. I’ve spent my time wandering through the city, connecting with friends and my 2nd cousin who lives here, trying a few new restaurants, and having planning meetings centered around the upcoming cookbook launch!

It almost feels like it’s here. After more than three years of working on this book, it’s so exciting to finally feel the energy building around its release. This is only my second cookbook to launch after the holidays, and it’s a totally different experience. I’m looking forward to having so much excitement leading into the holidays, throughout the holidays, and then carrying right into the new year.

January and February are usually the hardest months of the year for me, but not this coming year. There is going to be so much fullness, excitement, and joy during that time. I feel incredibly lucky for that. Definitely having a pinch-me moment!

Until then, it’s heads down planning mode. And I would really love to hear from you all. What would be fun for you to experience as we plan the holiday season and the book launch?

After sharing a long “Ask Me Anything” on Instagram, one thing became very clear to me:

More events. More in-person experiences. Book signings, intimate dinners, and long conversations where we can actually connect.

That feels so special to me. I heard you, and we’re working to see what we can make happen!

That’s it for our weekly catch-up! I’ll be burning a Pumpkin Smash candle mixed with an Apple Cider candle. The secret is burning them together! And I’ll be baking my first batch of chocolate chip pumpkin cookies today.

And don’t miss The Best Recipes to Cook in October 2026 and A Bewitchingly Halloween Chili Dinner.

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

With the weather shift, I’ve been loving cozier pieces. I’ve been wearing these cuffed jeans with these Reformation boots and this sweater. I’ve also been loving this jacket. Such an easy fall piece.

Éterne, one of my favorite brands, just launched an entire new fall collection with jeans, jackets, sweaters, and the most beautiful cashmere pieces. Honestly, there isn’t one piece I don’t love.

I’ve been wearing this coat in the mornings when it’s chillier. It’s such a good fall coat and an easy layer to throw on with everything.

I love this 14K Gold Pavé Diamond Tiny Huggie Earring Set from Quince too (and it’s on sale too!). I wear these all the time and always get compliments. They’re so pretty and perfect for every day.

My suggested splurge of the week is actually two items. First, this pencil skirt in the most beautiful lightweight suede leather. It’s giving me Thanksgiving vibes when styled with a great heel or – my second splurge – these sleek Malone Souliers tall leather boots. Clearly, I am already getting excited for Thanksgiving!

And then, of course, something for my mom. Yet another cozy piece: this fun and very warm shell-trimmed shearling ski jacket from Bogner. This would be so cute on her, especially with the matching gloves.

Also, this sweater from Old Navy is really cute. My mom loves a turtleneck, and she looks so pretty in these colors.

For my sister, I want to get her this top and skirt set from With Jéan. Saving this as a Christmas idea (yes, I’m already Christmas shopping).

If you need rain boots, try these really cute short rain boots from Coach. I might order them!

Listening to

I just finished listening to Lauryn Bosstick’s conversation with Bryony Deery, and it’s such a beautiful episode. If you have kids or are becoming a first-time mom, I would definitely listen to this one. I sent it to my cousin, who is due any day now with her first baby. I know she’ll really love it!

I’m actually listening for a second time, especially to the second half. So much of the conversation really hits home for me and gave me a lot to think about.

Also, if you’re becoming a new mom, I think you’ll enjoy this solo episode with Siff Haider, host of The Dream Bigger Podcast. She shares her postpartum playbook and walks through the first month after having her daughter, Reign. I thought it was really interesting to hear such an open, detailed look at her experience and everything she did to prepare and care for herself.

Around My Home

I’ve been thinking a lot about the holidays and what we can do to make this season even more fun and meaningful. Mostly, I want more quality time together and less screen time. My family has always had so much fun playing games, and the kids love puzzles. I do too!

This Autumn in the Neighborhood 1000 Piece Puzzle is currently in my Amazon cart. It feels like such a fun one to have out on the table throughout the fall. I’m going to keep shopping around too because Amazon Prime Day is Tuesday. It’s basically Amazon’s own Black Friday, and this year the deals are really good.

Also, ALL of the past HBH cookbooks are part of Amazon’s “Early Prime Big Deal” sale right now (between 58 to 69% off!). I’ve never seen them priced this low!

And advent calendars have officially launched, which of course I love. A few favorites so far are the Compartés Chocolate Advent Calendar, Papier 24 Day Advent Calendar, and the Pottery Barn x Chris Loves Julia 3D Advent Calendar. I love the idea of having little traditions like these throughout December. It gives everyone something small to look forward to each day and makes home feel a little more special.

For right now, this Williams Sonoma Pheasant Feather Wreath is so beautiful for fall and Thanksgiving. I love the colors and how warm it feels.

Last, last thing. I’m already looking at Christmas gift wrap from Paper Source. They always have the cutest papers and ribbons. I love a beautifully wrapped gift, so this is one of those little holiday things I get way too excited about.

Beauty

Three of my favorite body care products for fall and winter. First, the Nécessaire The Body Retinol. This is my go-to body retinol, and I use it even more once the weather gets cold.

And you already know the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter is a favorite, but I will ALWAYS equally love the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. I love them both so much that I never go without backups.

I am officially stocked and ready for all the cold, dry fall and winter weather ahead!

And now for the holiday beauty splurges. The Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader advent set is such a splurge, but so beautiful. And the Vogue Festive Calendar 2026 is SO cute. Like, oh, I wish I could get this one!

For something a little more affordable, the Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is such a great buy. Gift it to yourself or to a friend. So fun!

And of course, Charlotte’s Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar. I’ve loved this one every year they launch it. Their holiday sets are always so pretty and fun to open.

Watching

I’ve been leaning into all the cozy fall movies on Amazon. I started Falling for Vermont the other night, and now it’s making me want to visit Vermont in the fall. It’s so pretty and has all the cozy fall scenery I love.

And Autumn at Apple Hill looks just cheesy enough to be cute. Exactly the kind of easy fall movie I want on at night right now!

This Week’s Little Joy

Seeing New York slowly decorate for fall. The pumpkins lining all the West Village stoops get me every season. I love wandering around and seeing how everyone decorates. It’s an immediate smile and makes the city feel so special this time of year.

Looking Ahead

My mom and I just finished chatting about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Clearly, you can see where our heads are at! We’re already dreaming up menus, little traditions, and ways to make the holidays feel extra special this year. I know it’s early, but this is half the fun for us. The planning and anticipation might be my favorite part!

Something Fun

Half Baked Harvest at Home is part of Target’s Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale starting today! The offer is available to all Target Circle members (free to join) and includes pre-orders.

2. Cozy Soups.

Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup

Creamy White Lasagna Soup

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup with Rice

30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili

3. You all, it’s Prime Day!

Home

Beauty

Clothes

4. A long overdue Q&A.

Did you move to Florida?
The big question! No, I have not moved to Florida. I love my time in Miami and will definitely be spending much more time there, especially during the winter and spring.

Right now, I’m taking some time to explore different places and figure out where I want to spend those seasons. It’s a lot of feeling things out, experiencing different locations, and understanding what feels most aligned for me.

So right now, home looks a little different. I’m giving myself the space to figure out what that means and where I feel happiest. I am very grateful to be able to do this freely.

Is your home in Colorado almost finished?
Yes. It will be done before the end of the year, but right now it’s still under construction. The studio space is complete, though, and you’ll get the very first look inside in the pages of my new cookbook, Half Baked Harvest at Home!

Anyone who has ever built or renovated anything knows the finish line is rarely what you expect it to be. Our completion date has been pushed back many times, and that’s just the reality of the process. But the finish line is finally near, and I am SO excited to see everything come together.

Is your new cookbook about simpler recipes / fewer ingredients?
Yes and no! The new cookbook isn’t technically focused on simple, minimal-ingredient recipes, but so many of the recipes in the book are exactly that.

I’ve learned that the way I love to cook most is very simple and efficient. I use mostly whole food ingredients, try to keep ingredient lists manageable, and never use anything fancy or difficult to find.

What I DO use a lot of are spices and dried herbs. I really believe in cooking from your spice cabinet and pantry. Having those basics stocked makes getting dinner on the table so much easier.

So yes, you’ll find a lot of simple, lower-ingredient recipes in this book. Just don’t count the dried spices and herbs! Those are my secret to making even the simplest recipes really flavorful.

That coat is 1000/10!
Thank you! It’s from Nour Hammour from last season…but I was still able to find the exact coat for you!

Congrats on the new cookbook! Just bought my 1st one last week!
Thank you!! And now you can (preorder the new cookbook) too! I’m so excited for you to have both!

Seems like you stopped doing TV spots and live appearances/collabs. Did you get burnt out?
I wouldn’t say I’ve stopped! I’ve just been taking more time to explore, experience new places, and find a little more balance between work and life. I’m also being more intentional about saying yes to the things that I’m genuinely excited about.

I LOVE sharing my life with you all and opening up in vulnerable ways, but I’ve also learned how important it is to have some boundaries. I’ll always share pieces of my family life because my family is such a big part of my world, but I’m more intentional now about how much I share. Social media has been such a blessing and has created so much for my business and my life, but keeping certain pieces of life close feels really good too.

And I definitely still love live events and getting to meet you all! I’m really hoping we can do something fun for the holidays because those events are truly some of my favorite things to do.

And then, of course, book tour when Half Baked Harvest at Home comes out in February. I cannot wait for that!

Will you be hosting any more dinners with the release of your next cookbook? I missed Oakbrook.
I really, really hope to! We are planning now, and that’s my dream!

How do you deal with the pressure of social media and all the trolls?
I still struggle with this. I don’t think it’s something I’ve totally figured out.

Social media can be such a beautiful space, and I LOVE connecting with you all here. Truly, it’s been the heart and soul of my brand. For forever and ever, I’ve tried to respond to every DM and comment. Of course, some fall through the cracks, but that connection has always been really important to me.

But with growth and a larger following comes a lot more opinions, negativity, and trolls. And unfortunately, those voices can feel like the loudest ones in the room.

I’m only human. Things people say can hurt, and pretending they don’t affect me at all wouldn’t be truthful.

I’ve had to learn to be really intentional about what I allow into my space. I don’t scroll. I try not to read the mean comments, and I don’t engage with hateful messages. I’m learning that I don’t need to know everything everyone is saying about me.

I want to keep sharing what I love, connecting with you all, and putting my energy into the people who actually want to be here. There are SO many more kind, supportive people than there are hateful ones. I try to remember that and focus my energy there.

I think social media is something you constantly have to learn how to navigate while also protecting yourself.

Do you have a favorite duffle bag for travel?
The Lululemon duffle is super nice! It’s a backpack and duffle in one!

Favorite carry-on luggage?
The Cuyana tote is a great bag for your computer and plane essentials.

Are you doing a book tour in Europe in 2027?
That would be incredible!! We’re actually working on something super special for the website in Europe right now. We LOVE our time spent in Italy, and I’m so excited to share more when I can!

Can we expect a new scent drop from you this year?!
No new scent this year, but Apple Cider, Pumpkin Smash, the bundle, and the Pumpkin Smash Body Whip, have all been restocked and are available now!

Will you do another Blue Apron collab?
It was actually with Home Chef, and we loved working together! You can still order past HBH meals, but nothing new has been planned for this year…maybe soon!

Wow, your hair! Tell us which brands you use to wash and care for it?
In full disclosure, this is beautifully styled and definitely not by me! I really don’t do much of anything to my hair.

I’ve always kept things pretty simple when it comes to my hair. I’ve never treated or dyed mine, I rarely use heat, and when I’m home, I almost always let it air dry.

I have also loved taking Nutrafol this year, and the Act+Acre products have been wonderful too.

Currently on the hunt for a more natural shampoo and conditioner, so send me your favorites!

What’s the best recipe for hosting a dinner party of 6?
I love dishes you can prepare ahead of time. The biggest thing for me when entertaining, even if it’s only six people, is making it as stress-free as possible. No one needs a stressed host!

This Sunday Night Dinner post has some great suggestions.

I love a pot roast, slow-cooked chili, lasagna, or really any baked pasta or casserole. Something easy and simple, but still delicious and beautiful on the table.

I’ll always make a big salad too. If I’m serving chili, there HAS to be beer bread. And if time allows, dessert.

Brownies are always a go-to, or my molten chocolate pie.

My biggest advice is to make as much ahead as you can so that when everyone arrives, you can actually enjoy having them.

I love your coat! Do you like fashion as much as cooking?
Yes, definitely! If I wasn’t cooking, I’d work in the fashion space. It’s what I grew up around and something I’ve always loved so much. I try really hard now to bring my love of fashion into my cooking and entertaining too.

Building outfits around menus, dinners, and different occasions is SO fun for me. I love how the two can come together! Plus, I get to work with my good friend Caitlin on this, and we have so much fun!

I love your Nine Favorite Things posts. Great style!
Thank you!

What’s your favorite breakfast for a rainy day?
This time of year, my apple Dutch Baby.

Is Columbus, Ohio ever a place you plan to visit for signings/events?
I would be so excited to get to Columbus!!

What do you do with the leftover food from all your yummy meals??
Anything leftover goes to my family, neighbors, or we take it to our local church.

Thoughts on Caraway products? Worth it or overpriced?
I love Caraway Home, especially all their food storage sets.

Love your coat! Are you doing any book signings?
Soon! Soon! Can’t wait to share the new cookbook!

Biggest time-saving tips when cooking dinner?
Utilize the store! Buy pre-chopped veggies to save time. Always have spices on hand, and don’t be afraid to take shortcuts! Make cooking work best for you and your lifestyle!

5. The Week in Photos.

love Radhi Devlukia-Shetty’s approach to cooking and learning about Ayurvedic practices. I connect so much with her recipes and the way she thinks about food, nourishment, and everyday life. Every word, recipe, and photo in her cookbook, Joyfull, is beautiful.

Tried Romy on opening night with a friend!

The salted tops on these rolls make them so delicious!

Get the lobster, the burger – definitely the fries – and the sea bass was amazing too. You really can’t go wrong!

New York is spooky season. I love it here right now.

A rainy afternoon uptown with Dr. Barbara Sturm.

Used up every ounce. I love all the Osea Malibu products, this is their hyaluronic sea serum. It leaves the skin looking instantly hydrated.

6. Inspiring Me – October.

7. Favorite Links.

The Vogue Editors Guide to Paris

What I Wish I Knew About Money Before I Got Married

What is Lymphatic Walking

50+ Spooky Movies to Stream This Fall

Mouth Microbiome Health Is the Next Big Wellness Trend

The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide

The Best Places to Buy Rugs Online

14 Tasks to Tackle Now to Make the Holidays Easier Later

12 Gratitude Journal Prompts to Practice Daily

8. Affordable Everyday Fall Pieces.

Sweaters

More Everyday

Burgundy

Designer at Old Navy

9. This Week’s Dinners.

Monday: Shredded Beef and Cheese Burritos

Tuesday: Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Wednesday: Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken

Thursday: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli

Friday: Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Saturday: Haunted Pumpkin Patch Margarita

Sunday: Halloween Monster Mash Cookies