Nine Favorite Things

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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.

2. September’s most popular recipes.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole | halfbakedharvest.com

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