460: Nine Favorite Things.

Hey everyone! Happy Sunday!

It’s been such a gray, chilly fall week here in the mountains. Lots of cloudy days, and I actually think we might get even more snow today!

I know this might sound crazy, but Mom and I can’t help feeling a little more excited with each passing day as we get closer and closer to the holiday season. I think this year, more than ever, we’re all craving a little extra joy and happiness that the holidays bring.

We’re both just so happy to be spending our favorite time of year at home. There’s something so comforting about being home for the holidays, surrounded by the people you love and enjoying the traditions that make this season so special. I think everyone in our family is looking forward to it. It’s such a wonderful time to appreciate what we have, slow down a little, and simply enjoy being together.

After spending so much of this year away, it feels especially nice to be back. Having all our things, being in our own spaces, and settling into the comforts of home again. I think we really needed it!

And something else that’s exciting? My home is finally getting closer to being finished! Everything is turning out so beautifully, and I’m getting more and more excited to share it all with you.

Throughout this process, there have been so many moments when I’ve felt unsure about certain decisions. But now that everything is finally starting to come together, my excitement is growing. We’re not quite there yet, but I think the new year will finally be the time I can share more of both my home and the studio! After such a long process, that’s going to be so much fun!

Today and tomorrow, I’m working on a big shoot at the studio. I’m a little nervous, but mostly excited! I think it’s going to be great, and we’ll be making lots of yummy food along the way. I can’t wait to share more with you!

Last week, I shared more details about my new cookbook, Half Baked Harvest at Home! The book comes out in February, but I want to start planning our book tour now!

This is always one of my favorite parts of releasing a new cookbook. Getting to travel, meet so many of you in person, and spend time together is incredibly special to me. I feel so lucky that I get to do this!

And this time around, I really want YOU to help us plan the tour!

Where would you love for me to come? What city are you in, or what’s the closest major city to you? Do you have any favorite local bookstores, cute shops, or other venues that would be fun places to host an event?

I know we won’t be able to make it to every city, but the more support we have for the tour, the more opportunities there may be to add additional stops. And that would be so much fun! First, though, we need to start planning, so please let me know where you’d love to see us!

I’m already getting so excited to see so many of you again. It really is one of the most special parts of what I do!

There’s so much to look forward to in the coming months, and somehow, we’re already just a week away from November!

Of course, we have Halloween first, and you know how much I love Halloween! But come next week, Thanksgiving is officially ALL SYSTEMS GO! I have so many delicious recipes and fun things planned to share with you!

That’s all for today! Wishing you all the happiest Sunday and the spookiest, most frightful Halloween week!

Have fun, enjoy the season, and please don’t forget to tell me where we should bring the book tour! I can’t wait to hear from you all!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

To be so honest, I’ve mostly just been adding things to my carts for the holidays! Planning Thanksgiving outfits, finding gifts for my mom and sister, and dreaming about all the prettiest holiday looks. I’ve been having so much fun scrolling through all the new arrivals!

When I’m in Colorado, I’m mostly in leggings while I cook. Jeans here and there, lots of sweaters, and slippers! I recently discovered the cutest slipper brand, Brunch! They have so many cute styles, and when my order arrived, I was genuinely surprised by the quality. I got the Essential Shearling slippers and have been wearing them every day. They’re so warm and comfortable!

I love my UGGs, but these are really good. They’d make a great hostess gift, a gift for Mom, or really anyone! I’m ordering two more pairs for my mom and sister’s stockings this year. They’ll definitely stick out of the top, but I LOVE putting together good Christmas stockings!

Speaking of stocking stuffers, Bombas just released a collection of holiday grippy socks. I’ve actually been wearing grippy socks a lot lately, and I love that these are made for colder weather with warm wool. They’re like a plush blanket for your feet! I also love their Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks in the navy red mix and the Wool Half Calf Socks in the purple red mix.

One last cozy find, I promise! The Parachute Cocoon Robe. Talk about wearing a blanket! This is so cute and unlike any robe I’ve seen. It’s made from soft cotton sateen with lightweight 200-fill cushioning, giving it a plush feel without too much bulk. Both colors are really pretty, too. I think the robe paired with the matching Cocoon Slippers would make the cutest gift!

Splurge picks this week. The Chanel Small Flap Bag in dark burgundy crocodile-embossed calfskin with enamel and gold-tone metal details. So pretty for the holidays! Also, this gorgeous Valentino Cashmere Coat. It’s excessive and a little loud, but I think it’s so much fun. It’s always fun to look!

Now, Thanksgiving outfits!

The new The Row Nobilis Leather Boots are lined in fur and would be so pretty styled with a midi skirt with a slit in the back. I’m picturing tall boots, a midi skirt, and a cashmere sweater for Thanksgiving this year!

Which brings me to my Zara picks for the week! I found a few really pretty looks.

Look one: A beautiful faux leather trench jacket paired with their 100% wool midi skirt. Add tall boots and a simple sweater. I love this combination!

Look two: For something a little more elegant, this jacquard midi coat, leather boots in the prettiest deep burgundy, a high-neck knit sweater, and a leather clutch. I also LOVE these burgundy boots from Free People!

Look three: One more option! This reversible double-faced coat, midi skirt, and metallic thread top layered over this pretty beaded embroidered top. Finish the look with a pretty claw clip.

I love all three looks! I haven’t decided what I’m wearing yet, but I’m leaning toward tall boots and a midi skirt. We’ll see!

Listening to

3 Simple Tools to Get Unstuck & Completely Change Your Life with Mel

Travel

Maybe somewhere close to home! I recently discovered Trinchera Reserve and Lodge in southern Colorado. A stunning 172,000-acre private wilderness tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Previously closed to the public, they now welcome overnight guests in beautiful guest rooms and private homes. I love the idea of escaping into the mountains for a few days, especially somewhere so peaceful and secluded.

Around My Home

You can just call me the candle girl because it’s all I seem to order. I really need to get a candle sponsor!

This week, I lit the Diptyque pumpkin candle, which comes with the SWEETEST ceramic lid with a little pumpkin on top. Aside from how cute it is, the scent is wonderful! Completely different from my own pumpkin candle. This candle has notes of gourds, pumpkin, crackling spices, and vanilla. It has this warm sweetness, almost like pumpkin pie baking in the oven with creamy vanilla. It smells like fall and will be so nice to burn on Thanksgiving. Though the one I have now will definitely be long gone by then!

Next, I need to order their holiday candle, Sapin (pine tree). I really want the extra-large size with five wicks in the pretty green ceramic vessel.

I’m also patiently waiting for the Nette holiday collection to drop. Mostly just curious to see what they come out with!

This next one is boring, but practical. With the studio finishing up and my house getting its final touches, I’ve been in a HUGE purging-and-organizing mode. My goal is to get everything organized before the holiday craziness begins.

Thankfully, I have a lot more storage at my house than before, but I’m always looking for more. IKEA’s PÄRKLA storage case that slides under the bed is my dream. If I can hide the clutter, I’m going to HIDE the clutter! These are great for storing extra sheets, pillows, summer clothes, or whatever you need. No one needs to know what’s under there but you!

Along those lines, we don’t have a washer or dryer at the studio, so I bring dirty towels and my apron home with me every night. IKEA has this great large laundry bag that I’m thinking about ordering. It would actually be so helpful!

I’ve also been making a lot of bowls of ramen lately, so I ordered these pretty enamel soup spoons. They’re just right for a big bowl of noodles and broth!

For anyone traveling with food this holiday season, the OXO Good Grips Insulated Bakeware Carrier is such a good find. Great for keeping casseroles in place and warm while traveling. Especially helpful if you’re bringing a dish to Thanksgiving!

And lastly, Mom and I are ordering our holiday greens! I love the Rejuvenation wreaths with live grevillea and eucalyptus. They’re so pretty, and proceeds from their holiday greens benefit St. Jude. Which is reason enough for me to order from them!

I’m reuniting myself with the Nécessaire Eucalyptus Water. Trying to find anything to help combat this seriously dry skin I have from our Colorado climate! I’ve used this in the past and loved it. It’s a cooling mist that instantly hydrates dry skin and leaves behind a natural eucalyptus scent. So refreshing!

I don’t know where I’ve been because I know this is loved by so many, but the Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum sounds beautiful. I don’t really wear perfume, but I think this would make such a pretty holiday gift.

You know I have my eyes on the Dior Advent Calendar, but there are SO many beautiful beauty advent calendars launching right now!

A few other favorites are the Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures Advent Calendar, Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader, and the Bloomingdale’s 25 Days of Luxury Beauty Advent Calendar. The Bloomingdale’s set is especially good for all the products included!

They’re definitely not cheap, but the collections are beautiful and filled with some really amazing products. Plus, they make the countdown to Christmas that much more fun! Just a few gifting ideas. Of course, there are lots of cute options at lower price points too.

Anthropologie is actually having a sale on theirs! I love this cute 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, but personally, I think I’d get the Holiday in the City 12-Day Advent Calendar. It’s so cute, and I love the products included!

Gifting

A new section for the holiday season! Gifting! I’m going to share all the fun gift ideas I find right here!

This week, fancy chocolate bars! They’re perfect for stockings, hostess gifts, keeping on hand to surprise guests, or even tucking into homemade cookie boxes!

I’m also planning to order some beautiful bars from Casa Bosques. The brand works with small ranches across Mexico, sourcing heirloom cacao and rare varieties directly from farmers. Each bar is then made from bean-to-bar at their factory in New York.

Their chocolates start with just two simple ingredients: fine cacao and organic cane sugar. They use organic ingredients whenever possible, with no unnecessary fillers. I have a few varieties in my cart, including the sea salt bar, roasted cashew, pure dark bar made with 74% heirloom Almendra Blanca cacao, and the coffee bar.

From My Kitchen

Cooking for the website, getting ready for the holidays, and finally settling back into the rhythm of my own kitchen! After spending so much time away and cooking in so many different kitchens, I appreciate my home kitchen more than ever.

I’ve been looking back at past Thanksgiving menus and working on our 2026 menu (coming soon!). I’m bringing back a few older recipes we all love, along with fresh takes on classic sides, yummy desserts, and cocktails too. So much delicious food to look forward to!

And please, please, please, if you have any requests, recipes you’d love to see, or questions about Thanksgiving cooking, let me know now! I’m here to help however I can. I really want to make your holiday season feel special, delicious, and as stress-free as possible!

This Week’s Little Joy

Halloween fun! When you have kids or younger siblings around, Halloween is just so much more fun. My little brother says it’s his favorite holiday!

I’m trying to convince my parents to take him to Cleveland so he can be with his cousins, running up and down the neighborhood streets collecting candy. He just turned six, and I just feel like every kid needs those memories!

In the mountains, trick-or-treating isn’t quite the same. They’ll go to Main Street, but it’s nothing like a good old Cleveland trick-or-treat night!

Some of my favorite childhood memories are running up and down those streets, our local Spooky Saturday, and getting to see the original Ghostbusters car!

Fun little fact! My grandparents are neighbors with the owners of the Ghostbusters car, so that car was a HUGE part of my childhood Halloweens. How fun is that? I still love thinking about those nights!

I really hope Oslo gets to experience some of that same Halloween magic. Those are the memories you hold on to forever!

2. October’s Most Popular Recipes.

Most popular: Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice

Most popular Last Year: Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Runner-up: Homemade Apple Focaccia Fritters

Runner-up Last Year: Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

Also have to mention: Easy Mummy Cookies

And: Quick Thai Chicken and Ginger Carrot Ramen

Everyone’s favorite pumpkin recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cream Cheese Latte Bundt Cake

Our favorite drink: Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

3. Unique Gifts.

4. Where do you shop?

I’m always curious, where do you all love to shop? Are you an Amazon shopper? Do you love Nordstrom, Revolve, or Shopbop? Is Sephora your go-to for beauty? Or do you prefer shopping directly from your favorite brands’ websites?

I know it’s kind of a silly question, but I genuinely want to know where you prefer to shop so I can make sharing my favorite finds as helpful as possible!

Personally, I shop a lot at places like Shopbop, Revolve, and Anthropologie, and not as much directly from individual brands.

Let me know! With the holiday season coming up, I want to make sure I’m sharing things you’re actually interested in, from the places you love to shop, too!

5. What gifts do you love to give?

As we head into gifting season, I’d love to know what gifts you love to give! I’ve never been great at receiving gifts, but one of the things I love most, and I really do mean LOVE, is finding just the right gift for someone.

If I’m gifting to someone I don’t know especially well, my go-to is a wonderful candle paired with a cute kitchen set or a fun custom board game.

For the holidays, I think the Half Baked Smash bundle tucked into a gift basket with a homemade pie or some baking goodies would be so fun! Or you could put together a cocktail basket with all the essentials for mixing up a favorite drink. It really just depends on who I’m gifting to!

I’d love to hear your favorite gifts to give, especially hostess gifts. I’m always looking for new ideas!

And remember, gifting doesn’t have to mean buying something. Some of the most thoughtful gifts don’t cost much, or anything at all.

Volunteer at a charity that’s meaningful to someone you love, in their honor. Cook dinner for a friend or put together a photo album filled with favorite memories. These gifts take time and thought, but that’s what makes them so personal and special.

I also love the idea of random acts of kindness. Buy someone a hot coffee or pumpkin spice latte, just because! Or keep a few pairs of inexpensive winter gloves with you to give to someone who could use them.

Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most.

OK, now tell me! What are your favorite gifts to give? Any fun, unexpected ideas or hostess gifts you always come back to? Share in the comments below. I’d love to hear them!

6. Inspiring Me – a vintage HBH Thanksgiving.

My 2017 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide

7. Favorite Links.

What Ina Garten Buys at Trader Joe’s (and So Much More)

The Goop Guide: Venice

Expert Approved Bedtime Snacks

Ridiculously Easy Pop Culture Couples Halloween Costumes

A Tour Inside LeBron and Savannah James’s Los Angeles Home

What Island Hopping in the Aegean Taught Me About Slowing Down

This Lake Como Hotel Is Less Than a Year Old and Already a Fashion-Person Favorite

Benjamin Moore Color Of The Year 2027

8. Fall Newness from Brands I Love.

Sezane

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Quick Thai Chicken and Ginger Carrot Ramen

Tuesday: Spicy Queso Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

Wednesday: Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday: Baked French Onion Meatballs

Friday: Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

Saturday: BOO! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Sunday: Homemade Apple Focaccia Fritters