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Nine Favorite Things
The countdown to Christmas is officially on. Somehow we are less than a week away from Christmas. Even crazier is that this is the last favorites post before Christmas! I know we all say this every single year, but this month more than ever has gone so fast. I looked at the calendar this week and I was really thinking I had more time. But as of Friday, it’s full-on Christmas. Most of the emails I’ve recently sent have all bounced back saying “out of office until January 2nd”. And with Dew Tour this weekend, some of my family are already here, and the others will be trickling in.
And speaking of Dew Tour…I am so proud of my brother Red’s win yesterday. Dew Tour is his favorite event and another win here means so much to him. It’s also his last big comp before the Beijing Olympics in a little over a month. Go Red!
My brother and sister-in-law are on their way here from LA, and my cousins are coming up on the 23rd. My parents are about to have a very full house and I have a lot of food to make. But I’m excited. It might be complete chaos, but that’s just Christmas with my family.
Food-wise, I also have some work ahead of me. Having so many people and for such a long period of time can be hard to manage with work. I usually try to try work recipes into the family dinner. But most of the time, what I’m making for the blog is not quite enough food for everyone. I try to do things like chili, lots of pasta, tacos, short ribs, and french onion soup…my sister-in-law’s favorite. I also always end up making butter chicken and usually a big pot of gumbo too. So many people. So much food! Hopefully, I’ll get some new recipe inspiration from everyone too, that’s always fun!
Asher has planned our annual “Christmas Day” (our day together doing Christmassy things), to a T. Sharing her ideas below, she has some really cute ones this year.
This feels weird, but to everyone who celebrates, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and the coming days are filled with celebrations, family, friends, and good food! My only wish is for some Christmas Eve snow!
loving…The Nécassaire Holiday Body Collection. Use my code HBH10 for an additional 10% off the set. It’s our favorite body set
watching…The New Sex and The City, well, kind of. I want to watch all the previous seasons first, but I’ll get to the new one eventually.
loving…Boy Smells Broken Rosary candle. I LOVE this candle. I was lucky enough to snag a larger 3 wick candle, but they still have some smaller ones on Nordstrom.
listening to…honestly just Christmas music. But I did listen to 6 Strategies To Gain More Focus and Get Better Results in your Life on The Skinny Confidential podcast. It’s perfect for anyone setting life goals in the new year.
ordered…the entire Zitsticka line. Asher had this on her Christmas list. I read about it and it’s highly recommended and well-loved for anyone struggling with acne. You can use the VIOLETCHEER for 25% off.
watching…A Boy Called Christmas on Netflix. Asher and my mom watched it and really enjoyed it.
gifting…Baby Foot For Men to my dad. I tried a knock-off last year and the little booties worked pretty good. But this year I’m trying the real deal. I got my dad a pair too because…what else do I get him? He’ll love this.
loving…Mate The Label Thermal Wide Leg Pant. A recommendation from my (pregnant) sister-in-law, Lynd’s. She loves these and says she’s living in them right now.
ordered…Winc Wine. I have to stock up for the family.
loving…this Kitchen. Wow, that spiral staircase is so pretty.
gifting…Otherland candles. They have the cutest gift boxes, personalized not and you can customize each box with whatever candles you want!
ordered….this Faux Fur Jacket from Alo. it looks so soft and warm. The fridged temperatures we’ve been having lately made me do it. Also, Asher would love this faux fur checkered coat.
following…Pestana Jewelry. Such pretty handcrafted pieces. My mom loves turquoise, so I got a few things for Christmas. Shop Carle’s holiday collection here.
watching…
…honestly, I was impressed. And the pasta he made looks unreal. Delicious!watching…Bill Gates Holiday Books 2021. I’ve never seen an Instagram video so well edited and put together. He created a magical Christmas scene.
cooking…with Camille Styles. Her team put together a couple of cooking videos and they turned out so cute.
(you can see all the holiday drinks here and holiday appetizers here)
Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie
Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Mom’s Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
How to Make an Easy Holiday Cheese Board
q: Christmas candle recommendations please?
a: I love the Boy Smells Broken Rosary Candle, the Trudon Gloria scent is incredible. The entire holiday line from Otherland is perfection too.
q: what helped you move through your anxiety?
a: when I started HBH I put all my anxious energy into building it. It was the best thing I could have done. I suddenly had a purpose and a huge focus that wasn’t just school (what made me most anxious). Finding something I loved and was able to put all my energy into helped me sooo much.
q: what are you thankful for? thank you for sharing your recipes with us.
a: I’m so thankful for you all. Honestly, you guys really blew me away this past week with your response to the cookbook announcement. I said this on Instagram a few days ago, but I truly wasn’t expecting all the excitement. I’d been dragging my feet on announcing HBH Every Day for a good week. I had so many people from our team bugging me to announce the book, but I was just so nervous. So I pushed it back as long as I could. But wow, I was so, so, so presently surprised.
And then, my family and our health. I know everyone says this but I really am so thankful for my HUGE and growing family. I love that we all actually enjoy each other’s company. And that we want to spend holidays and vacations together. I love how chaotic we are, and I love how not perfect we are. But more than anything I’m super thankful for our health. We’re all happy, healthy, and together…so thankful that!!
q: best stocking stuffer for someone who likes to cook?
a: a mini whisk + a spatula (my favorite is the St. Jude spatula from Willams-Sonoma). I use the mini whisk every day, I feel like it’s so underrated.
q: favorite Christmas movie?
a: could never pick just one. But I’ve always loved The Santa Clause (all of them ), The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, and Eloise at Christmas Time. Oh, plus Elf, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation…I literally could go on and on.
q: must have cocktail accessories?
a: I’m so basic, but this works for me…I really just like to use a mason jar to mix/shake everything. The only thing I’ve bought for cocktails that are pretty funare different shapes of ice cube molds (like spheres, diamonds and giant cubes). The one time I tried to use a cocktail shaker, it ended up all over the kitchen…simple is best for me.
q: do you enjoy Christmas music?
a: I love everything Christmas…so yes of course, but I love the classics. I’m not really into the pop stuff.
q: favorite Christmas Eve recipe?
a: my mom’s Christmas Eve Chex mix.
Every year since we’ve lived in Colorado, Asher and I have had a “Christmas Day”. It’s something we both look forward to every year. Back when I had a little more time, we’d usually do them for a full day sometime in mid-December. Now that things are busy, we’ve started having our day on Christmas Eve.
Asher makes a list of to-do’s and we try to check off as many as possible. It’s such a fun thing for just the two of us to do. So I’m sharing her list in case you guys need any ideas for Christmas week activities with kids and adults.
– make cookie boxes
– homemade simple syrups for gifts or your holiday cocktails
– do something nice for someone, just something small
– make the house smell like Christmas with homemade potpourri
– decorate a gingerbread house…we’re going to make a cinnamon stick log cabin style house this year
– Christmas movie marathon
– wrap Christmas gifts
– make ornaments
– bake some Christmas cookies…we love these monster cookies.
– make some last-minute DIY gifts…my favorite is a cozy hot chocolate mug (my directions are below)
– games after dinner…any favorites you recommend??
– sleigh rides to dinner
what fun things do you all do Christmas week?
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mugs
(so cute and a fun, easy last-minute gift too)
What You Need: cute mugs, a roll of cellophane, ribbon, gift tags, and homemade cocoa mix.
Dry Cocoa Mix (makes about 4 cups)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon flaky salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
To Complete the Mugs: cut the cellophane into large squares, then fit the square of cellophane inside each mug. Fill the mugs up with cocoa mix, top with marshmallows or candies, and then tie a cute ribbon at the top to seal the mix inside. Decorate as desired!
Be sure to include a note on how to mix up the perfect mug of hot chocolate. I simply write out the directions on a notecard and gift it alongside the mug.
For One Mug of Cocoa: combine 1 1/2 cups warm milk and 1/3 cup cocoa mix together until steaming. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Book Tour:
We are planning the book tour for HBH Every Day and I’m curious what cities you all live in and what major cities you’d be able to travel to for an event. We can’t stop at every city, so I want to try and pick the best ones!
Also, anything you’d love to see me do with this newest book once it is released? I’d love to hear your guy’s ideas!
Five Mary’s Farms:
We love Five Mary’s Farms based in Fort Jone’s, California. They reached out on Instagram a couple of years ago and we’ve really loved their meats ever since. Not only is the quality and taste of the meat the best there is, but what I love even more is how they treat their animals. The animals roam freely and graze their California grasses. Brian and Mary’s ranching methods and beliefs help to preserve and protect the land and respect the animals.
Creighton is particularly obsessed, so much so that he actually requested Five Mary’s ribeyes for Christmas Eve dinner. You can order their meats online and they’re shipped frozen to your door, which is honestly so convenient. Less to worry about at the store!
Charity: B4BC – Boarding for Breast Cancer
B4BC’s mission is triple-focused. 1. to prepare young people with education on early detection. 2. to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. And 3. to provide survivor support for those affected by breast cancer.
You can donate here.
…absolutely love the design and styling of this house, simple, but cozy.
What To Read This Holiday Season…if you love a good holiday book.
…would love to vacation here.
….such a cozy and perfect mountain home. The knitting room is magical too.
…I need all the secrets.
…love these creative DIY projects.
…all are beautiful, but the Telluride home is stunning.
…so pretty.
…it’s Christmas vacation, break out the sleds.
…I have to agree, I love her style.
…Romania and Okavango Delta, Botswana would be amazing.
…writing my day out is a must.
Monday: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Tuesday:
Wednesday: Pesto Tortellini Zuppa Toscana
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread
We would love for you to come to Milwaukee. The historic third ward could make for an beautiful stop. If Milwaukee isn’t an option, we would try out best to make a girls trip to Chicago! I tried to go to Chicago for the last book, but it was cancelled due to COVID. I was so disappointed and will do anything to go to this one!
Hi Julia,
Thanks so much for the Milwaukee recommendation! I know, I was so sad that we had to cancel Chicago. Merry Christmas! xTieghan
I hope you and your family have a wonderful time celebrating the holiday !
Please stop in Chicago, I missed you last time.
Thanks so much Maxwell! Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Another vote for Nashville
Some game ideas what do you meme, guess the logo, double ditto, and taco goat cat cheese pizza
Thanks so much Adriana!
Merry Christmas! Hoping you can come to Atlanta for your book tour!!
Love this idea Laura! xTieghan
Come to Baltimore please! We have so many cute, local bookstores that would be perfect. I just went to a new bookstore here that opened last month and they had your cookbooks! It’s called Snug Books.
Hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas. Enjoy your Christmas Day activities with Asher!
Hi Mariah,
Thanks for much for the recommendation for Baltimore, will definitely have to look into this! Have a very Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I look forward to your weekly posts each Sunday, they are full of great recipes and inspiring lifestyle ideas. Also looking forward to your new book, perhaps you’ll consider a visit to South Florida as part of the tour??
Thanks so much for reading along Lisa! I would love to come to Florida! Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Please come to Mohegan Sun in CT please!!!
Thanks so much for the recommendation Natalia! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I’d love to see you promote your book at The Boulder Bookstore on Pearl Street, Boulder!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Love the tradition you and Asher started together. Some of our favorite games are otrio and ticket to ride. I heard about otrio from Mary of 5 Mary’s on her Instagram a year or two ago. It’s great for a variety of ages and ticket to ride is something we’ve been playing for years. It’s such a fun strategy family game.
Merry Christmas! Enjoy being with your family. It sounds like it’s going to be such a fun time!
Hi Regina,
Thanks so much for reading along! My traditions with Asher are my fave:) I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Thanks for the suggestion Holly!
Please come to FT. WORTH, TEXAS on your HBH Every Day Book Tour! Try to spend a day or so here if you can!
Hey Bec,
Love this idea! Thanks! xTieghan
Book tour in nashville pleaseeeee!!!!
Sounds like fun Chloe! xx
Would love to see you in San Francisco for your book tour!
Merry Christmas!
I would love that Kimberly! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Can I borrow Asher for a day? Dang. What a surreal tradition you have. The memories you are making. . . My comments today feel a little more end of the year in spirit but I am just going to put them out there. My delight in having discovered you, your blog, your photography and your Nine Favorite Things has been the highlight of my year. You are wise well beyond your years, like an old shoe (that is a compliment by the way in case it isn’t clear). Your balance in these weekly posts is so much more than expected, capturing so much ground! Enjoy the next two weeks and try and keep most of the time for you and your family. You deserve it. But hey, before you sign off for the holiday can we see that big tree all decorated in the studio? Final thought just have fun planning your book tour! Any city you go to will welcome you with open arms.
Hi Cari,
Awe, thanks so much, right Asher really is the best and I love that I can make traditions like this with her. I truly appreciate your kind message and you being here. I am so glad you enjoy all of the recipes and Sunday posts as much as I do! Of course, will definitely have to share the tree. Have a very Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Happy Holidays to you and your family too!
Where did you find those awesome cute hot chocolate mugs?? They are perfect.
Hi Christina,
So sorry, I no longer have a link for those, they are from Pottery Barn last year. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Please come to Boston on your book tour!
Thanks so much Jessica! Merry Christmas! xTieghan
Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
As fat as cities, I live in the small city of Greensboro, but what makes it ideal is that it’s equidistant from Charlotte and Raleigh which are our major NC cities. (It’s about 1.5 hours to each). And I love our sweet little city and we have a couple of amazing small independent businesses that would be fabulous- Scuppernong Books or The Extra Ingredient!
* As far as cities . . .
Hey Cassie,
Thanks for reading as always:) Thanks for the recommendation in Greensboro! Have a Merry Christmas! xTieghan