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Nine Favorite Things

It’s Spooktacular October!

I’m so excited for this month, so many fun things happening, of course, the culmination being Halloween. The overly “cheesy” Tieghan is back for the remainder of the year and I’m filled with excitement for everything to come. It always feels so nice to have so much to look forward to!

I’m starting the month off at home, where things are starting to feel very cozy. I’ll be launching something incredibly special to me on October 13th – more on that below. I can’t wait. I’m working on new holiday content for Halloween (did you see yesterday’s Hocus Pocus inspired cocktail?). I’m thinking ahead to Thanksgiving (it’s going to be here before we know it). And then, I’ll excitedly spend the second half of the month traveling for work.

I’ve already started ordering Christmas decorations, plotting our holiday gift guide, and genuinely getting even more excited in the process. I am truly a holiday-loving freak. Basically, I’m the ultimate Hallmark girl. But I’m ok with that, I have fun with it!

How has everyone been? With October here, I’m curious to hear what’s on your calendar for the month ahead. Any new recipes you’re looking for? How about Halloween treats for upcoming parties? What about simple dinners?

Last year we shared holiday gift guides for the very first time. We had a lot of fun creating them, but I wonder, were they something you all enjoyed? For this year I think instead of doing multiple guides I want to do one master guide. Would that be helpful? What are your budgets for the holiday season? Do you want to see a few options for fun splurges or stick to mostly affordable finds? Was there a gift guide last year that you loved the most? Tell me everything in the comments, please! I want to make this year’s holiday content even better and more valuable to you all!

Let’s see, what else. I don’t really have any fun stories/updates this week. It’s just been normal day-to-day work and family stuff. All fun things, but nothing to note. Our leaves are the prettiest shades of yellow and orange. Some have already fallen to the ground, which is a little sad to see. My fingers are crossed that we don’t see any snow over the next couple of weeks, I am not ready for that. We already received snow on the mountain tops on Friday night. I have to say, it is pretty though.

For those of you wondering about my younger brother Kai, he’s doing much better this week. Last week we found out that he had a staph infection around his hip prosthesis and he had emergency surgery. He’s home this week with IV antibiotics and doing well. We won’t really know if the surgery was successful for a while.

I was able to get him some Cymbotica supplements to help support his immune system and speed up the healing process. Chervin, the founder of Cymbotica recommended he start taking their Liposomal Glutathione, Liposomal Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 + K2 + CoQ10, Probiotic, and Molecular Hydrogen. I’m excited to have Kai taking these and hopeful they’ll boost his immune system. If you’d like to hear more from Chervin and learn about Cymbotica, one of my go-to podcasts, The skinny Confidential, has had him on 3 times now. Listen to the latest episode with Chervin here.

That’s it for our weekly update! I have lots of fun things below, so I hope you enjoy! Have a great Sunday and welcome to cozy season!

1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

new beauty products to try…from Augustinus Bader, I want to test out their eyebrow and lash serum, and then their eye cream too. Both products have such positive reviews. Everyone has been asking me about retinol lately. To be honest, I just ran out of the product I was using and never restocked it. I’d love to try the Skin Ceuticals retinol night cream, if I get it, I’ll let you know what I think. Also, I would love their new Phyto Corrective Essence Mist. For body, I read about the Chanel body serum mist and it has incredible feedback. And lastly, I’ve wanted this forever eye mask for the longest time. I think I need to just order it already.

everything in my cart (low)…from Zara, I love this oversized puffer coat, very cozy. This menswear wool blend coat is a timeless piece to add to your closet. As is the faux leather trench coat. Slip dresses are everywhere right now, this satin effect dress would be cute styled with knee-high boots. I’m obsessed with skirts, eyeing their statin midi skirt and then, their faux leather midi skirt (so gorgeous) too.

For sweaters, this striped knit sweater is a classic piece. You can’t go wrong with the menswear style pant. And this long cable knit coat looks so cozy.

Moving on to a couple of pieces from Mango, I love this pretty shearling jacket. I would pair it with this small leather bag.

And lastly, this might sound weird, but I want to order these silk boxers. They look so comfy for lounging around the house or wearing to bed.

traveling…The 55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America. Fall foliage is about to be in full force.

listening to…How to Change Career Paths & Identify you Strengths and Weaknesses with DEUX, founder Sabeena Ladha. I was happily surprised by this episode. I went into it thinking I might get bored but listened to every minute. Super interesting and informative story. Excited to try their cookie dough now too!

following…Derek Blasberg, the head of fashion and beauty for Youtube. He’s such a fun person to follow on Instagram.

dreaming of going…to “Forever Valentino,” the Theatrical and Sweeping Exhibition Exploring the House’s Codes and Values That Opens in Doha this October. I know I would love this, and it is in Paris! I would try to stay at The Peninsula, it looks like the most stunning hotel.

thinking of ordering…Essential Waffle Dish Towel. We need new kitchen towels, but we’ve had such a hard time finding actual good, absorbent towels. Thinking of trying these. Does anyone have them?

watching…This 2000s Show Is My Favorite Comfort Watch. Do you guys remember Everwood? I used to watch this all the time with my mom, we loved it. And we loved that it was set in a Colorado mountain town (we hadn’t moved to CO yet). Thinking I need to re-watch the series this month!

ordered…Christmas tree stands. This is so random, but if you’re cutting down a real tree, which we always do, you need a good stand. If you want to go the fancy route, this “the root” gold stand is actually beautiful and super festive. For something sturdy, try this cast iron stand, this is what we need for our big trees. And then if you just need an affordable, sturdy stand, try this XL stand from Amazon.

following…our good family friend Cortney on her trip to The Greenbriar in West Virginia. Wow, this place looks amazing!

wanting…the classic ultra mini platform boot from UGG. These look comfy for cold days. Love the platform sole.

loving…all things coffee right now. When the weather gets cooler, I look forward to my morning coffee even more. I love my Breville espresso machine more than anything. It makes the perfect cup every single time. I’ve been enjoying using Chamberlain Coffee. I love their organic beans.

everything in my cart (high)…Adore this JW Anderson balloon sleeve coat in navy. I think I need it. I can see my mom or Asher wearing this puffer coat. Such a unique, but cute style.

from Prada, this double-breasted leather jacket is complete perfection. It’s beyond a big splurge, but I do love it. The Prada pleated crepe de chine skirt is the perfect shade of yellow. Or try their fancier kid mohair and muslin midi-skirt. So pretty.

sticking with skirts, I am in love with the Miu Miu High-Rise Wool Maxi Skirt.

And to finish, I love this Khaite, The Keese Dress in chrome.

drinking…Vital Proteins. I’ve been using their collagen peptides in my morning coffee for a couple of years now. The brand sent me the new marine collagen and I’m looking forward to incorporating that into my daily routine too. I add a scoop right to my coffee cup, then pour my brewed coffee over.

shopping…Alo. They just launched a new cashmere sets collection and I’m so into it for fall/winter.

 


watching…Inside Emma Chamberlain’s Radiant New Home. It’s not my style home, but I still love it, and I love it for her especially.

ordering…fabric softener sheet. I’m really not good at laundry. I just don’t put any time or effort into it and I’ve shrunken way too many sweaters. I’m trying to do better though and going to order some softener sheets. Considering these fabric sheets from Public Goods. Or do I get pods from Dropps.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole

Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions

Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: Crockpot Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread | halfbakedharvest.com

Asher’s and Oslo’s Favorite: Cinnamon Sugar Swirled Apple Butter Bread

Mini Ranch Pretzels with Buffalo Cheese Sauce | halfbakedharvest.com

My Personal Favorite: Mini Ranch Pretzels with Buffalo Cheese Sauce

3. Holiday Advent Calendars and Gift Sets.

advent calendars and decor from Anthropologie

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: does you family get recognized while out in public?
a: Yup! I swear my family gets called out more than I do.

q: favorite New York hotels?
a: I really love The Hyatt New York, The Edition New York, and either 1 hotel location, Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge.

q: favorite body lotions?
a: About to open a new Tata Harper Skincare body balm. Of course, I love Necessaire too. It’s always a go-to for me. I always have their lotion with me both at home and when I travel. The Tatcha body butter is another favorite. I also love Augustinus Bader’s body butter.

q: favorite place to travel to?
a: I haven’t traveled to enough places to really answer this yet, but right now I really want to be heading back to Miami. We had so much fun last time.

q: have you ever broken a bone?
a: I actually have not. But my brothers (mostly Kai and Brendan) have broken quite a few, had many many stitches, and more surgeries than I care to count.

q: What is your most popular fall soup?
a: peanut chicken ramen. A tried and true HBH fall classic. Make it on the stove, in the instant pot, or in the crockpot.

q: best beer to use for your 5 ingredient beer bread?
a: Pumpkin is my favorite without a doubt. BUT any beer will work well. They each change the flavor of the bread slightly but if you like the beer you use, you’ll love the bread.

q: how do you continue to come up with new recipes?
a: Sometimes I wonder how I do it. But then I just do it. I spend a lot of time brainstorming in my head. Overthinking, then re-imagining recipes, then combining recipes, more overthinking, and eventually, I get to an idea I love.

q: when do you feel most inspired to create new recipes? 
a: The start of each season is definitely when I feel the most excited. Fall more so than any other season. It’s my favorite season and my favorite time to create new content. I swear I have my best ideas in the fall.

q: what is your favorite travel bag?
a: My Senreve bag is my go-to. It fits my laptop with extra room, yet it’s still cute. I love that it’s both a backpack and a shoulder bag.

q: who are you most like? Your mom or dad?
a: Definitely my dad, my mom and I are complete opposites.

5. My Snif fall candle is here!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Well almost! I’ve been hinting about this launch for months and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s finally time to share! It’s no secret that I love candles, especially a fall or holiday-scented candle. I just can’t say enough how much pleasure they bring me.

When Snif approached me about creating a scent for them, I said yes immediately. No questions asked, yes, yes, yes! I’ve always wanted to create a candle.

And I finally did! It’s coming on October 13th and I think it’s the thing that I’m most excited about right now. Candles are just so special to me. I light one every single night when I’m home, just like grandma used to do.

We’ve been working on perfecting the scent for months and months. It was quite the process but we finally landed on my ideal fall-scented candle. So what is it? That I can’t share just yet, but soon!

What I love most are these facts: 

– vegan + cruelty-free (no paraffin)
– high-end soy + vegetable wax blend
– 100% pure cotton wicks
– non-toxic, safe, clean
– extended burn times: 8.5 oz = 50+ hours and 50 oz = 200+ hours

You can join the waitlist to get early access to the candle on October 11th. This candle is a limited edition, so if the candles sell out. They’re gone for good.

I cannot wait to share this candle with you all. SO EXCITED!

Who can guess the scent?

a sneak peek of our launch photoshoot

6. What should Oslo be for Halloween? + Inspiring me.

It’s October 1st which means we have 30 days until Halloween. Right now all of Instagram has voted that Oslo be the cookie monster for Halloween, but I thought it would be fun to ask you guys too! So, any ideas for Oslo’s Halloween costume?

inspiring me

31 Spooky Movies to Get You in the Mood for Halloween…so many good ones. What is your favorite?

The Best Reading Chairs and Accent Seats…cozy season is here.

The Hocus Pocus House in Salem, Massachusetts, Is Hitting Airbnb…very fun.

Trader Joe’s Fall Items Are Here…so many new fall foods to try.

the Best Chocolate Cake Mix…a list from least to greatest.

The Vogue Editors’ Guide to Paris…where to stay, eat, and shop in the City of Light.

Our Halloween Decorating Guide…such cute, doable ideas.

13 of the Most Anticipated TV Shows Coming This Fall…what is on your list?

50 Halloween Nail Ideas That Aren’t Cheesy…so cute. I love these spooky ideas.

The Great Try-On (Fall 2022)…every fall fashion piece you need to know about.

Want To Land Your Dream Job…here is just how to do it.

a Serenely Decorated New York Apartment…a very New York apartment.

31 Virtual Gifts Are So Good…perfect for buying last minute.

20 Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget…cute.

The 12 Best Places to Go Glamping in Colorado…featuring luxury bedding, gourmet meals, Wi-Fi, and more

8. Every Fall Coat you could need + style finds under $100.

Fall coats under $200

 


Coats for fall under $500

 


Fall coats $500 and above

 

style finds under $100

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili

Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings in Ginger Soy Broth | halfbakedhavrest.com

Tuesday: Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings in Ginger Soy Broth

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Fall Harvest Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad | halfbakedharvest.com #salad #autumnrecipes #easyrecipes #healthy #butternutsquash

Thursday: Fall Harvest Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Fluffy Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Fluffy Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chai Latte Cupcakes with Caramel Brûlée Frosting | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Chai Latte Cupcakes with Caramel Brulée Frosting

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Comments

  1. Happy Autumn!!!
    More side dish recipes please – tis the season

    Gift ideas- personalized gifts with a touch of DIY. For example- for a friend that likes to read, bake, or exercise

    1. Hi Evelyn,
      Thanks so much for reading! Got it, I will add more side dishes to my list:) Love the DIY gift ideas, thanks for the suggestion! Happy Sunday! xT

  2. I loved your gift guides last year! I know they can’t be easy to create- thank you! Really looking forward to them, and so excited for your Snif candle. You introduced me to try them and they are so worth every penny! Thanks Tieghan!

    1. Thanks so much Lauren!! So glad you enjoyed the gift guides and will definitely try to share some similar ones this year! I am so excited for the Snif candle! xxT

  3. Affordable gift guide please. High priced items highlighted each week are so over the top that I don’t imagine any readers can afford them. It’s not even fun to look at because there is no way we “regular folks” could ever consider purchasing. Not even aspirational

    1. Sue, can I recommend simply not clicking on something that is tagged as ‘high priced?’ Might save you a bit of disappointment.

  4. Thank you Tieghan! I look forward to these every single week – I always read them early in the morning for me (PST over here) with my coffee after my morning devotional/journal time as part of my Sunday routine …love it! Sending Kai healing energy and hope that his hip heals really well. As for your Christmas guides, LOVE them (the only one I actually referred to last year) and I am in need of more budget, less splurge, or even some fun DIY ideas (I sometimes do a big batch of homemade granola or chai mix but I have already given that to many people!) Going to make that squash salad as part of our Canadian Thanksgiving feast I am hosting this week! OH and I swear by the kitchen towels from Costco…I know, but trust…all my Aunties, my mum and I use them…they are super absorbent, dry well, and last decently. I go through towels like there’s no tomorrow (part of my job is to cook/create recipes too – but on a much smaller scale than you!) so I rely on these and I love them! I also don’t feel as bad if I trash one by spilling turmeric or catch it on fire…lol yup, I’ve done it all…Enjoy the cozy weather and thanks for all that you do!

    1. Hi Tia,
      Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and reading along each Sunday:) Thanks for your positive thoughts for Kai! Got it, thanks for sharing your suggestions with the gift guides! I hope you love the squash salad. Lol I have some Costco lovers in the family, we just don’t have one near us, but I will pass this along! Happy Sunday! xT

  5. Like others, I don’t have a lot to spend. A children’s gift section would be lovely as well as gifts to make! I love to give your simmering potpourri in a nice glass jar for gifts.

    1. Thanks so much for sharing these suggestions Laura!! I will definitely have an affordable list and will try to do a children’s section! xxT

  6. The crisp air, football season, and Halloween make hungry for recipes with Fritos. I know you can make something fabulous using Fritos.

    1. Hey Cindy,
      Lol interesting!! I will try to test out a few things with Fritos:) Maybe some chili with Fritos?! xxT

  7. Affordable gifts guide please. Times are hard. I’m guessing that your Snif candle will be orange rosemary. You might look into JUVEN therapeutic drink for KAI. It really helped my speed up my recovery after surgery. Check out the JUVEN website. It has had amazing results on burn patients and radical surgery patients. Thanks!

    1. Hey Bec,
      Thanks for reading! Yes, I will definitely do affordable gift guides, thanks for the suggestion! Orange rosemary would be a great scent! Thanks for sharing about Juven, we will look into this! Happy Sunday! xT

  8. Congrats on your candle! Looking forward to seeing what scent you chose! Love that you’re already thinking of gift guides; I like to do my shopping early. I’d love a gift guide on consumables like fun snacks/fancy food items for “the people who have everything.” I also love getting those kinds of gifts myself because they don’t add to clutter. I’d also looove a candle guide from you since you have so many great recommendations!

    1. Hi Hilary,
      Thank you so much for reading, I am SO excited about the candle! Thanks for your recommendation on the gift guide, love this idea! I can try to share a candle guide as well, you know I love my candles:) Happy Sunday! xx

  9. Your Christmas gift guide would be great if it featured affordable gifts. Your taste is lovely, however way over my budget.

    1. Hey Barb,
      Thanks so much for your feedback! I will absolutely add affordable options to the gift guides! Hope you’re off to a great day! xTieghan

  10. I am a big fan of Vital Proteins collagen. However putting it in your coffee interferes with absorption. Caffeine can decrease synthesis by 92%!!
    http://www.livemomentous.com
    I just discovered this recently and it wrecked my morning routine. Now I take it at lunchtime in decaf tea.
    Love your favorite things! Maybe put some fun affordable gifts in your Christmas shopping list.

    1. Hey Dulany,
      Thanks so much for reading today! Wow, I actually never knew that about Vital Proteins, thanks for sharing! I’ll have to checkout the link you shared! I will definitely add some affordable options to the gift guide! Happy Sunday! xT

  11. I have not tried the towels from Food 52, but love my Williams Sonoma kitchen towels. An important note for absorption is how you wash and dry them. No fabric softener and use wool dryer balls instead. Have a great day!

    1. Hi Vickie,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing about your Williams Sonoma towels! Yes, washing them does make a difference! Hope you are off to a great Sunday! xx

  12. I love your gift giving guides and weekly buying lists. However, there is no way in the world we can afford most of the stuff recommended. I need like a $50 and under or $100 and under ideas.

    1. Hi Stephanie,
      Thank you for your comment on affordable gift guides, we will be sure to incorporate mostly affordable options. This is exactly the feedback I was hoping for. I also love the suggestion on “Consumable Gifts”. Years ago I did a series called Homemade Holidays, maybe I should pick that back up 🤔 Happy Sunday! xT

  13. Although you are blessed and wealthy, a lot of us are not and struggling. Can you add some more budget friendly items?

    1. Hi Pauline, my family has certainly struggled over the years as well, so I get where you’re coming from. My “everything in your cart (high)” suggestions are mostly meant as inspiration. Kind of like a runway show where you wouldn’t actually wear what the models have on, but they are inspiring. Some people really enjoy looking at these. Many others prefer my suggestions in “everything in my cart (low)”. I hope that you enjoy this section better, but if not, feel free to simply skip over this area! xxT