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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Hey, hi, and welcome to the very last Sunday of October. This time next week marks November 1st and the start of the crazy, but wonderful holiday season. Honestly? I can’t really wrap my head around the fact that we’re entering the final week of October, that Halloween is this coming Saturday, and that we have only two short months left of 2020. I’m excited for all that’s to come, but also just wondering where time is going. It feels like just yesterday that I was getting ready to head to NYC for the release of the HBH Super Simple Cookbook and make my first national live TV appearance on Good Morning America. It was such a fun and exciting time, and as I’ve said, I miss it a little!
Everything that has followed since the book’s release has been truly amazing. I can’t believe it’s been a year and I really, really can’t believe all that’s happened in a year. It’s fun to look back on!! I’m so thankful for all of you guys, your support, and the fact that even though I ramble on daily, you still come back to hang. I know I say this a lot, but you guys feel like family!
Anyway!! This week! It was quite a week, to say the least. It threw us some very major, but very exciting (and happy) curveballs on the family front (more on that next Sunday). There’s also some fun and exciting work stuff ahead. It’s been all over the place and busy. What’s new right?
My family has been in town this week, so per usual when everyone is in Colorado, it’s really just chaos. That said, I love having them around and it’s been especially helpful this week. My parents ended up having to take a last-minute trip to Texas. They couldn’t take Asher with them, so she is being bounced around between my siblings and me. And you know something? She misses my mom and dad, but she’s having the time of her life.
She spent the weekend in Denver with my brothers and sister-in-law, Lynds, but tonight she’s stuck with me. My plan is to get everything checked off my Sunday to-do list during the day so that I can surprise her with that Halloween movie night she’s been begging me to put on my to-do list all month long. That poor girl wants nothing more than a night of spooky movies and time with her sister. It the absolute sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. She even spent Thursday night with me helping me clean the studio kitchen after cooking all day. What twelve year does that? She said, “Tieg I just want to spend time with you, so I’m gonna help you clean”.
I mean? She’s just the cutest and I love her. So, I’m going to make sure that Halloween movie night happens tonight. My dad should be back home tomorrow night, so tonight is the perfect night. Any suggestions for movies? She already has a full list and will be demanding a mocktail pomegranate ginger paloma (aka pomegranate juice with lots of lime and topped off with ginger beer) with a side of popcorn.
So that’s my Sunday for you! It’s going to be busy, but will end in the sweetest best way possible. How about all of you? What are you up to today? Is anyone making a batch of my cider pumpkin waffles this morning?
Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll have lots of fall comfort foods! Monday is a new one pot pasta. Tuesday is all about a new game day appetizer that will also be great for the upcoming holidays. Hoping to share a warming vegetarian soup on Wednesday. Then, a quick dinner on Thursday with an Asian Twist. And for Friday? Jumping ahead a little and sharing something sweet that will be great for the chilly months of November and December. Saturday’s cocktail is a wildcard…I haven’t got a clue what it is yet, but it will be good…my autumn/holiday cocktail list is a mile long.
In addition, if you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our daily newsletters. They’ll help you to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here, as well as fun content you’ll only get via email. If you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list). You can grab the full grocery list for this week’s menu in our special Sunday newsletter.
1. A few favorite questions for you…
I have questions for you! I did one these way back in April and thought it was so much fun. So I’m doing it again, but the fall version! Excited to hear what you’re up to, how you’re doing, and what you’re looking forward to!!
- Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
- What’s making you the happiest this month?
- What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
- Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
- What do you love most about fall?
- What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
- Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Bonus Question: Is there anything you need from me this coming month? Tell me everything you want, I am open ears!
My answers…
1. Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you are excited to travel to soon(ish)?
I am home in Colorado! But very excited for a trip to LA just before Thanksgiving. I’m filming some fun things and can’t wait!
2. What’s making you the happiest this month?
So many things! You know I love this time of year. I love Halloween, the crisp cool fall air, the colors on the trees, and the coziest recipes. But the thing that’s making me the happiest is my special bond with my little sister, Asher. I feel really lucky that even though we’re fifteen years apart, we have the closest relationship. She’s my best little friend!
3. What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Hard to pick only two, but off the top of my head, I love this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup and my Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
4. Name one product or service you’re loving the most this month?
I have a lot, but narrowing it down to three. I LOVE this candle so much. It’s the biggest splurge, but to me, a candle is worth it. Don’t judge, I have a candle obsession. Then, Violet Grey! They are my go-to source for beauty products. I love the Dewy Skin Cream and the Dewy Skin Night Concentrate by Tatcha. I use this essence, and this oil from Vintner’s Daughter, and then the Dewy Skin Cream. My skin has never looked healthier…even though it’s very tired. And lastly, I am still obsessed with this cozy knit sweater, I can’t stop wearing it.
5. What do you love most about fall?
Wearing cozy sweaters, the leaves, pumpkins, apples, crisp weather, burning candles, and the excitement for the upcoming holidays.
6. What are you looking forward to most for the upcoming holidays?
Decorating, cooking, and spending time with my family. And finding my mom’s gifts. I love gift giving!
7. Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
It’s just my siblings and cousins this year. So the normal group. We don’t usually have extended family out to Colorado for the holidays, but we do always have stray friends! We keep it close-knit and I love it so much!
2. Nine favorite fall recipes to bake today.
Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Butter Bread
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Glazed Brown Sugar Maple Cookies
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter
Milk Chocolate Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies
Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze
Bonus: Spiced Pumpkin Maple Latte
Bonus: 6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Question: so what are you baking then?
3. For The November Home…
4. Favorite question of the week…
q: Do you wear an apron over those luscious sweaters when you cook?
a: The truth? I only put my sweater on when I am in front of the camera. When I am really cooking, I am in one of my favorite hoodies. I LOVE my sweaters, but I am a messy cook and I don’t want to ruin them. That said I’ve started to wear an apron ever since our aprons launched on Etsy this month.
5. It’s snowing today sooo…
Cozying up to my Boll & Branch sheets. I switched to these in early September and I am obsessed with them now. They’re the softest, and I love knowing that the sheets are made with 100% organic cotton and are free of chemicals. The knit blanket I got is perfect for our frigid cold Colorado nights!
I shared this on Instagram, but not yet with you guys! If you use the code 20HALFBAKED you’ll get 20% off your order. The code is valid until November 1st! Perfect for holiday gifts too! The next items on my to-try list are their bath linens. They look so soft!
PS. while I did work with Boll & Branch this past month on Instagram, this is not sponsored. I’m just sharing because I really do love these sheets. I want you all to be able to use the discount while I’ve still got it!!
6. A few photos from the week.
Asher…and all her animals.
Bren and Lynds, dropping off my new surfaces.
Our neighbor’s horses.
Asher and her camel…just a normal father-daughter outing.
New wallpaper in our kitchen cabinet.
7. Favorite links i’m loving…
How To Make a Haunted Cookie House for Halloween…oh my gosh. I have to make this with Asher today.
Finished Binge Watching Emily in Paris…here’s what to stream next. I’m watching Gossip Girl yet again.
How to Determine the Right Foundation Shade Every Time…this is so helpful. I never know how to pick my shade.
Monique Gibson’s New York City Home Is a Live-Work Dream…I love this space and never would have guessed it’s in the city.
Plan a Greenhouse Wedding in 7 Weeks? No Problem…this would be my ideal wedding. Small and cozy.
Cameron Diaz Takes AD Into Her Kitchen, Wine in Hand…loved this interview and am excited to try her new brand of wine, Avaline.
7 Chef-Approved Jarred Pasta Sauces to Keep in Your Pantry at All Times…Raos Homemade is my favorite sauce.
Look Inside This Eclectic English Countryside Escape…
Shop Madewell’s Black Friday Sale This Weekend…love this cozy cardigan and crewneck sweatshirt.
How Jennifer Garner Keeps Her Spirits Up at Home While Navigating 2020…fun Sunday read. Also the “Pretend Cooking Show” is a must-watch.
What’s The Most Charming Thing Someone’s Ever Done For You…love this post. So many sweet notes.
Inside Supermodel Elsa Hosk’s Vintage-Filled SoHo Loft…such a fun open floor plan. I love the loft bedroom.
8 Facts You Need to Know About Immune Health…always good to know.
A Surreal New Bookstore Has Just Opened in China…wow. That’s a serious bookstore.
12 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Single Self…if you’re struggling with being single, read this.
6 Items at the Grocery Store with the Biggest Markups…and what to get instead.
8. Cozy and Affordable finds from H&M…
9. this week’s favorite dinners…
Monday: Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
Wednesday (breakfast for dinner): Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter
Thursday: Skillet Chicken Broccoli Pot Pie with Garlic Butter Phyllo Crust
Friday: Herby French Shallot Soup
Saturday: Ginger Apple Moscow Mule
Sunday: Brown Sugar Maple Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
1. I am currently in the suburbs of Chicago, where I live. I’m super excited for my one and only trip of the year to Portland, Oregon to visit friends in November!
2. October is my favorite month (not only cause it’s birthday month), but like you, I am obsessed with all things fall/Halloween. The happiest thing for me is to drive down streets with lots of color changed leaves!
3. My favorite savory recipe right now is soup, super excited to try your tortellini soup. Sweet would likely be apple cider donuts — made my first batch this year!
4. To be honest, Spotify has been keeping me going with all the great playlists when stuck working from home.
5. EVERYTHING! Colors changing, crisp air, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, donuts, cider, baking, Hallmark fall movies, and getting cozy with throws, sweaters, and candles.
6. Spending more time with my newborn nephew.
7. This one hits hard — we’ve had a tradition for several years with seven families that get together for all the holidays. But too many people, so doing a smaller gathering for these holidays. Hoping to make the most of it.
I hope your holidays are great too!
Hi Aayushi! I am glad you are excited to visit your friends soon! I hope you have an amazing trip and stay safe traveling! I love that you love fall as well and are excited for all of the things! YES! Thank you so much for sharing! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m excited to book a vacation – next trip will be Portugal!
What’s making you the happiest this month?
I love boots and sweaters. I also love soup season.
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
African Spice Lentil Soup and Apple Crisp
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia’s Harvest Candle – it smells like fall!
What do you love most about fall?
I love when the leaves are changing and going for a long drive with good conversation and/or great music.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
I love decorating for the holidays and finding special gifts for family and friends.
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
I am entertaining onThanksgiving for my family. Looking forward to putting together the menu – I want to make it different from last year’s.
Hi Nell! I love that you are going to Portugal! Do you already have the trip booked or are you holding off? Also, love that you are hosting this Thanksgiving, I hope it goes amazing for you! Have an amazing rest of your week! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! For some reason my browser doesn’t allow me to reply to your posts.
Since you asked about glögg after my comment, (and I love talking about it!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gl%C3%B6gg
Everything you ever wanted to know about this delicious winter beverage.
It is often sold in the liquor shops in Scandinavia ready-made, and can be VERY sweet. It’s delicious, but I like a little less sugar, so I make my own by choosing a red wine base – now here’s where it gets interesting. The mulling spices do the talking so it’s actually ok to use a less bold wine, maybe even a rather insipid one…like a Merlot that’s not something you’d serve with a fancy dinner, but you can use for this purpose. If you have a “cheap” wine laying around that isn’t the best in your collection, it works great here, because it gets a makeover when being made into glögg.
You heat the wine on medium/low heat, but do not allow it to boil. Steep some spices in a tea ball, like cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, whole nutmeg and dried or candied ginger. Other common ingredients can include dried citrus peel from oranges or lemons. Just fill that tea ball with whatever seasonal spices you have on hand, or even dried currants and such. Once heated just below boiling, remove from heat and drink in a mug or tumbler made for hot cocktails. I like to give mine an extra kick by adding two shots of Cointreau per bottle of wine used – poured into the pot at the very end before serving. This adds a little sweetness, and an orange kick. In Sweden, we drop a few blanched almonds with some raisins into the mug and eat at the end of the drink. This is optional. I also like to use dried cranberry here as well.
Here in Sweden we typically start off the winter holiday or “jultid” with a “first advent glögg” normally at the beginning of December, when the glögg season starts. What’s not to love about that! It’s fun to have a small party with seasonal finger foods and appetizers and of course – glögg. My birthday falls at this time, so I look forward to it with childish enthusiasm starting in….oh…September. 😉 https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/advent/ There are also non alcohol varieties for kids or people who do not consume alcohol, but still like mulled wine.
If you google “homemade glögg” you will find a lot of fun ways to make your own. Would LOVE to see your twist on this either in the Saturday cocktail post, or some of your holiday posts… 😀
Wow that sounds so awesome! Thank you for sharing with me, Aline! Ill check out all of the links haha! xTieghan
I know it’s late but I don’t care cos I LOVE Q&A’s
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)? I’m in Poland….and T-38 hours I FLY BACK TO CALIFORNIA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS <33333333
What’s making you the happiest this month? autumn, and the perspective of being so positively set on realising some old/overdue dreams back in the Bay
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!! sweet I just recently have done snickerdoodles sans cinnamon (not a fan) and savory idk…also just made fettucine alfredo with broccoli ? i love anything apple and hate pumpkin, soooo, much more on the sweet side 😛
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month? KLM AIRLINES FOR TAKING ME HOME SOON
What do you love most about fall? besides everything 😀 ? weather (i know, call me crazy) colours for sure, overall vibes
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays? living life to the fullest honestly
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller? probably small or (forgive my blasphemy) not at all…honestly contemplated blowing off to Mexico and never returning xD
Bonus Question: Is there anything you need from me this coming month? Tell me everything you want, I am open ears! I wanna meet you but let's be realistic 😀 if you're in Lake Tahoe tho….HMU <3
Hi Natala! Haha you’re definitely not too late! That is exciting you are going home! Do you live in California or Poland? Either way, super cool! And Mexico.. yes please! I would love to go there right now.. if it was safe haha! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with me, I hope you have an amazing week and safe trip home! xTieghan
I’ve never written a comment on here before, but here goes!
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)? I’m in the UK – to be honest we’re hoping to go away somewhere in Europe during Easter, but trying not to get too excited just in case. The real plans are for next summer!
What’s making you the happiest this month? I’ve started working in paediatrics in the hospital, and it’s been absolutely wonderful. I’m really starting to think this might be the specialty for me.
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!! Savoury – a nice ramen or soup! Sweet – japanese cheescake – fluffy but filling 🙂
What do you love most about fall? I like the cosy weather, meaning we can all cover up in cosy jumpers and blankets.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays? Cosy evenings inside with warm food and friends. We’ve been doing some
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller? Probably keeping things smaller, but we’ll make the most of seeing who we can 🙂
Hi Laura! First, thank you so much for answering and sharing with me! I hope you are able to travel somewhere close, safely of course! And Japanese cheesecake… should I make this?! Sounds so cool! Have an amazing week full of cozy sweaters and warm food! xTieghan
We got a new kitten who is a bit of a teen kitten actually. Looking forward to attempting any or all of these recipes in my lifetime or to keep the apartment warm and cozy. Those maple cookies sound amazing. Maybe I can make some and ship them out of state or to everyone on my “list”…hmmm
Thank you so much Beth! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
I live in St. Louis, Missouri! I’m going to Nashville, TN in November for my birthday and I’m SO excited. I love Nashville and hope to go to Vanderbilt for college so I can live in my favorite city 🙂
What’s making you the happiest this month?
The weather and fall baking!! Nothing is better than pretty leaves, crisp fall air, and pumpkin everything.
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
Speaking of fall baking, YOUR CINNAMON SWIRL PUMPKIN BREAD. Oh my word. My family demolished it within three days, it was AMAZING! I’m also currently in love with your apple prosciutto chicken with cider pan sauce. I make it with homemade mashed potatoes. Yum!
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
My giant Sherpa jacket from Express… it is the coziest jacket I own and is sooo cozy for the chilly Missouri weather!
What do you love most about fall?
Everything ahh! It’s my absolute favorite season; my birthday is in November, I love all of the holidays and gatherings, the gorgeous weather and scenery, the delicious comfort food, cute fall fashion, just everything about it!
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as always. I hope that the holiday season will bring back that sense of normalcy I think we’ve all missed out on a bit this year with COVID. We can all set aside the stress and tension and just enjoy family time, good food, and amazing tradition!
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
My family and I are keeping the same traditions we’ve always had for holidays… Family time is so important to us and we decided we aren’t going to sacrifice the joy and memories made in fear of COVID. I’m so happy we’re still going to have a holiday season!
Hi Sarah! Aw I am so glad you are getting to celebrate your birthday there! I hope you have an amazing time and stay safe!! Also Happy Birthday!! Have an amazing week and holiday season! xTieghan
These posts always make me so happy!
1. I’m in Maryland, just on the DC border. My husband is an airline pilot and we usually travel overseas a few times a year so it’s been hard not being able to travel! We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon but if I could, I’d go back to London (I lived there for a bit) and up to the English countryside or Portugal for at least a month!
2. Making me happiest – we’re in the middle of a kitchen renovation and my new range comes today!
3. Your apple butter blondies were phenomenal! When we finished them, my 2-year-old told me to “go blondie store RIGHT NOW” for more! Savory…potato leek soup!
4. I’m really loving Hello Fresh. Cooking 21 meals/week has been so hard while balancing work and childcare at home. The subscription service has helped eliminate some of my decision fatigue and gotten me to enjoy cooking and meal planning for the other days of the week again!
5. Fall is actually my least favorite season but I do love fall cooking and baking!
6. I’m looking forward to our first Christmas in our new home with our little girl who is just old enough, I think, to really enjoy Christmas morning! Christmas will be very quiet without family or travel this season but we’re hoping to make the most of it!
From you, I would love Thanksgiving ideas that are for a very small crowd (like 4 people small!)
Oh wow yes, those places both sound amazing! Also, so fun that you are redoing your kitchen! I hope everything goes just the way you imagined it!! Have the most amazing week, Christy! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
-I’m currently at home in Austin, Texas! In December I’ll actually be heading up your way to Colorado for a bachelorette party, the first plane ride I’ve taken since the start of this pandemic…taking all precautions and the bach party is a private cabin-in-the-woods affair, so I feel more comfortable and excited about it!
What’s making you the happiest this month?
-For some reason, so many people I love were born in October…so I’m loving celebrating them and recognizing how blessed I am by each of them!
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
-I made your gingery sweet potato stew the other night and it was perfect…and as for sweet, my mom sent me a batch of my favorite chocolate chip pecan cookies <3
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
-Trader Joes has surprisingly good candle scents, especially the Honeycrisp Apple which I've been burning constantly this time of year!
What do you love most about fall?
-It finallyyyyy gets cool enough to wear a sweater in Texas! (Or at least…think about the possibility of wearing a sweater without overheating, lol).
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
-My whole (immediate) family being together! My sister lives in Chicago and we don't get to see her as much, but we'll all be home for Thanksgiving!
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
-Smaller, just immediate family + significant others at my parent's house in San Antonio, Texas.
Hi Emily! Aw I love that you are able to get together and are being super safe about it! That will be really fun! I heard that Trader Joes has really good candles.. maybe I will have to go get some! Also, that is so nice that you will all be home for Thanksgiving! I hope you have an amazing week, Emily! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
I am in snowy Colorado too! I am looking forward to a family road trip to Sedona though. I love it there, so pretty and relaxing.
What’s making you the happiest this month?
The pretty colored leaves! We missed them last fall due to an early snowstorm so I am soaking them up this year! Spending time with my family always makes me happy but I am just enjoying them so much.
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
I love cozy comfort food when it starts getting colder! I love your recipe for Coq au Vin Meatballs and so do my boys! A new favorite this year were the Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip cookies! And ALL the soups for me!
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
The Fall Farmhouse candle from Bath and Body Works. It smells SO delicious.
What do you love most about fall?
The cooler weather that allows me to snuggle up and wear ALL the fun boots! Cooking more warming and cozy foods. The smells and sights. And finally ALL the fun anticipatory holiday things!! It is truly my favorite time of year.
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Making special treats for all my friends and family. Christmas music and decorating!
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
It is usually just my small, immediate family and will not change this year. We have so much fun though so I don’t feel like we miss out on anything!
Aw that sounds so amazing! And I am glad you are able to enjoy the leaves this year! It is so chilly though! I am loving all of the fall boots right now as well! What ones are you looking at? I hope you have a great week, Dannell! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, loved your Sunday post this week. In answer to your questions,
1) I am at home in Hampshire in the UK and am happy to stay put until it is safe to travel again.
2) At this time of year I love walking and seeing all the leaves on the trees changing colour. I am also enjoying cooking and baking quite a few of your recipes which both my partner and I love and I am also enjoying an online sugarcraft class where I am currently learning to make 18 different sugar flowers and foliage.
3) Favourite savoury recipe right now is the Brown butter Brussels sprouts and bacon fettuccine Alredo and favourite sweet recipe is the Glazed brown sugar maple cookies.
4) I have a couple of autumnal OPI nail varnishes that I love wearing at this time of year – Deutsch you want me baby and Black cherry chutney.
5) I am loving wearing fluffy socks again and snuggling up in cozy knits and fleece sweaters, as well as scented candles and cozy mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
6) For the holidays I enjoy baking and decorating the annual Christmas cakes, as well as relaxing and spending time with friends and family.
7) We usually keep things small. My partner’s father joins us for a few days over the holidays and his cousin also comes over for a day. It’s great to catch up whilst enjoying some good food and playing board games.
An idea for one of your holiday blog posts, I would love some different ideas for table centre pieces / decorations please.
And finally I have a question for you. What is your favourite holiday decoration theme (i.e. winter wonderland, traditional red and green, etc.,)?
Hi Colleen! I am really glad you enjoyed this post! Ok so cool that you are doing an online sugarcraft class! I love that you are taking this time to learn some new skills! Also, the black cherry chutney color is so cute.. I may just have to get that one! I have also been into kind of a dark green this season! I hope you have an amazing week and an amazing holiday season, Colleen! If you do any cool cakes with the new skills I would love to see them! xTieghan
1) Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
We’re in Minnesota, where it seems to have jumped from October to December overnight! We’re not planning on traveling anywhere soon, but once things clear up on the pandemic front, we’re hoping to visit my sister-in-law and her husband, who are currently living/working in London.
2) What’s making you the happiest this month?
Scented candles! Our house is mid-remodel (I mean, it has been for 10 years, but that doesn’t make it less stressful!) so it’s all about little things. 🙂
3) What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
I busted out all of my fall/ recipes lately – I was really tired of all my summer ones and needed something new! The most recent was chicken and dumplings, and a giant (and I MEAN giant) apple pie from the recipe in Smitten Kitchen’s first cookbook.
4) Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?
My new Hydrow rower! I’ve always hated workout videos at home, but the rower is a whole different thing. I used to do Orangetheory, but of course the pandemic turned everything on its head, so I haven’t been able to get there with any regularity. So we invested in a Hydrow, because I prefer rowing to spinning/running, and I’m so glad we did.
5) What do you love most about fall?
Autumn is my favorite time. Its the way the light changes, and the colors, and that subtle bonfirey scent on the wind. Plus sweaters! It’s just the best.
6) What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
Honestly, I still don’t know what the holidays are going to look like. I would say it’s the Christmas tree. I love waking up and coming upstairs to a dark house with a lit-up tree. It’s so magical.
7) Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
Not a clue. I expect it will be much smaller, but it’s hard to figure things out lately, you know?
These were fun to answer on a Monday – thanks Tieghan! I really enjoy your Nine Things posts every week. <3
Hi Monica! Aw that will be such a treat when you are finally able to visit your sister in law! Hopefully you are able to soon! Also, the hydrorow sounds super cool, I am glad you are able to have it at home to enjoy! Thank you so much for sharing, I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
1- Portland,OR. No travel plans for the foreseeable future but really looking forward to the day Broadway reopens.
2-I’m loving working from home, seeing my yard transition to fall and all the apple and pumpkin recipes I’m finally finding time to try out this year.
3-A variation of your veggie chili but made with ancho, and I Loved making your Apple butter (so many cocktails have been made with) and those Apple blondies. Next up want to make those coffee apple fritters and the pumpkin coffee cake muffins.
4-Warm spices, cozy layers and seeing the Street lights glow red and gold in the fall trees at night.
5-I am in love with the Jcrew cloud fleece sweatpants. I mean, cloud fleece? Yes please! And the Anthropologie Silvana tumblers make having a glass of water feel special! As for services I love all the grocery/food/ delivery services, Instacart, Whole Foods, Shipt for Target and Grubhub. I just need Trader Joe’s and the liquor store to deliver and My life will be complete!
6-I’m looking forward to to being home, holiday baking, holiday movies, warm cocktails and a long winters nap;)
7- We have a big family with too much risk to get everyone together. So will just be my husband, daughter, doggie and I at home this year. I’m actually really looking forward to a low key holiday!
Love all your amazing recipes, inspiring food styling and fun stories. Would love More pics of Colorado landscape… snow! and your moms Christmas Eve Death By Chocolate recipe please:)
Hi Ames! Ok wait… cloud fleece? What is that? I think I may need to get some haha! I love that you are enjoying all of the fall things! And I am glad you are looking forward to a low key holiday! I am sure it will be amazing with your daughter and husband! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
Where are you currently at in the world? Anywhere you’re excited to travel to…soon(ish)?
Arlington, Virginia…..nothing planned….but would love to try a trip to Ireland….a weekend at the beach would be fabulous
What’s making you the happiest this month?
apple picking, pumpkin patches and fall festivals
What fall recipes are you loving most right now? Tell me one savory and one sweet!!
anything pumpkin…..pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin soup
Name one product or service you’re loving most this month?’
instacart….extremely busy at work and can’t get to the store – can either bake or meal plan on the weekend thanks to this service.
What do you love most about fall?
college football and hoodies
What are you looking forward to the most for the upcoming holidays?
traditions…wreath making day with family, making holiday centerpieces with my bff…and holiday baking for giving
Are you going to be entertaining this holiday season or keeping things much smaller?
keeping it small….immediate family only
Hi Sandi! I love that you are enjoying all of the fall things, especially the foods! I have heard instacart is great, but unfortunately we don’t have it where I am at! Oh well! I hope you have an amazing week! xTieghan
I’ve been following for more than a year now, and really enjoy you posts, recipes and always your Nine fav. Things! Thanks for a great site ?
I’ve got to ask, you guys have a camel?! I love camels, may be slightly obsessed. You need to do some camel cookie cutter cookies for little Asher! Xx
Haha no, we do not have a camel! It was just a trip my sister and dad took to see one! But maybe we need one…? Lol! Thank you so much Kelly! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and recipes! xTieghan