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Nine Favorite Things
What a fun week! We launched our Pumpkin Smash candle with Snif and it has honestly been so much fun. As with everything I’ve ever launched, I was nervous. Not as nervous as a cookbook launch, I spend years on those and there’s more to them, but still nervous. Most importantly, I want you all to LOVE this candle as much as I do. It is quite honestly my favorite thing right now. And one of the most special projects I’ve been able to work on.
I’m so thankful to Bryan and Phil, the founders of Snif, for giving me this opportunity. I’ve spent the last few years searching out candle brands that use only clean, non-toxic ingredients and it’s been tricky. Snif candles are like no other. They’re 100% non-toxic with cotton wicks and they burn down beautifully. And most importantly, they really smell so incredible.
I burn candles every single night, just as my Nonnie used to. It’s the nightly ritual I look forward to the most when I’m at home. Creating my own fall-scented candle has been a dream of mine for the last few years. I was never able to find a candle that really embodied the coziness of fall. So that’s the candle we created.
I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Anyway, I know how much I’ve been gushing about this candle for the last month. So I will end this rant here. But before I do I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported and already ordered the candle. The response has been crazy. You all continue to blow my mind with your love, kindness, and support. Thank you for being the best supporters. You all are the best and you feel like family to us!!
OK. But what else is going on? So much, and so many really good things. It’s such an exciting time for me and HBH as our brand continues to grow. We have a big/fun week ahead as I’ll be out of town for work. Per usual, I’m going to leave most of my travel plans as a surprise. I’m hoping you’ll all follow along with this week. I just love a good surprise, and you all seem to have fun with it! So more to come this week and then, of course, a full recap next Sunday!
Where do you think I’m headed? What am I doing? It’s a hodge-podge of items, so take your guess!
Moving along, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary on Wednesday! Well, we didn’t really celebrate, but it’s crazy that my mom and I have been working on HBH for 10 years now. You guys have really watched me grow up. I was such a baby when I wrote that very first post. I’m hoping to steal my mom away for a little bit tonight, I have something for her! And to you guys! I did a cookbook bundle giveaway on Instagram. If you missed it, keep your eyes peeled for more giveaways soon – for both the book and now the candle!
Tuesday was Oslo’s 2nd birthday, so we celebrated that too! Lots of celebration and excitement this week. We kept his birthday very simple, but he had fun! And he loved his birthday cake, which apparently was a group effort by my mom, dad, and Asher! I guess they all helped!
Jumping ahead a couple of days to Thursday night. I had a fun book signing in our town. It was small and easy, but fun to do something close to home.
And now I’m here, working through this post. I have lots of packing to do this weekend, but Asher has been majorly helping me to keep everything organized! I have so much fun traveling (never thought I would say that) and being able to put together cute looks. Tapping into the side of me that loves fashion is so much fun.
And lastly, I just have to say that we’ve had the nicest fall weather the last few days. So happy no big snow has come yet. I’m soaking up every minute of the beautiful orange/yellow trees. Fall came so much later this year and it’s lasted longer too!
Have such a nice Sunday! If any of you have gotten your Pumpkin Smash candle, have the coziest day burning it away! I recommend baking up some cinnamon crunch knots to go along with it, oh so cozy. Or if you’re like me, and saving it for a Sunday night slow burn, a cider margarita is super cozy too.
Enjoy! And happy Sunday!
1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
wanting…to go to Onda Beauty for a facial. This clinic in New York sounds wonderful. Has anyone been?
everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, love their satin effect midi skirt. It would be cute with these buckled leather biker boots, which totally remind me of my Frye boots. And from Free People, I’m loving this laid-back mock neck sweater. And I’ve been wanting this hit the slopes fleece for months. Also, this cable knit sweater. So cozy!
obsessed with this faux shearling lined jacket from mango. And these high boots too. Lastly, from H&M, I would wear their knee high riding boot on a weekly basis. Love this oversized turtleneck too.
And finally, this puffer vest from Abercrombie is perfect, I’d get the brown. And I love this Varley long jones coat.
listening to…All About the Home and Building a House from the Ground Up with design experts Dan Scotti and Mmi Brown.
dreaming of going…Chateau Royal Berlin. Oh wow, what a stunning hotel. And traveling to Berlin has always been a must-see/experience location on my list.
reading…Strategic Starters for a Dinner Party. Possibly one of the best hostess pieces of advice.
everything beauty…curious to test out a few new to me finds. In the skincare department, this probiotic spray-on serum, helps hydrates, soothes, and visibly firms, lifts, and plumps the skin. And then, Skin Ceutical phyto correct gel, which I actually just started using. So far, it’s great! Also, how wonderful does this Love, Pumpkin Oil Butter from Crate + Jane sound? I am a sucker for anything pumpkin right now.
sounds like it works like magic. And then the new KosasI’m currently loving the Phlur somebody wood eau de parfum fragrance. It’s cozy for fall.
Everyone is talking about lymphatic drainage. I’d love to try doing it at home with this body tool, which is free this weekend with every Nécessaire purchase. Speaking of the body, I’ve been loving the Kate McLeod body stones. I have the daily stone and would like to order the grounding stone. I’ve been using the stone nightly and it has kept my skin so moisturized. And lastly, I need to order the GOOP dry brush already.
wanting…this bundle of long, fancy matches from McGee and co.
everything in my cart (high)…this Jonathan Simkhai faux fur & faux leather jacket and this Stella McCartney altermat belted coat are both very cute. Asher would love them both. Also, from Stella McCartney, this quilted down coat. And I could live in this Trefe quilted down coat from Max Mara. My mom would love this one!
Still obsessed with long skirts, loving this Khaite denim maxi skirt and this Prada denim midi skirt.
How cozy does this funnel neck bell sleeve oversize sweater from Maje look? And speaking of cozy, the Tibi oversized fleece sweatershirt is in my Net-A-Porter cart. Also from Net-A-Porter, if I want to splurge big time, I’d go for this Gucci 1955 textured-leather shoulder bag. What a pretty bag.
shopping…Christmas 2022 advent calendars. I am obsessed with finding the perfect one to surprise Asher with. Do you have a favorite? My top 3 right now…Asher wants this George and Viv Grand Hotel from Anthropologie. Their Hansel Village is super cute too. And for something more kid friendly, my parents have this cute Santa.
cooking…Roasted Squash with Brown Butter and Hazelnut. This sounds sooo delicious. I have to make it!
2. October baking with pumpkin.
Fluffy Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes
White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes
Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Butter Bread
Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
3. Trim the tree with Terrain.
Ordered before they all sell out!
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: are you excited for soup season?
a: Very excited for soup season! Any requests?
q: favorite NYC hotels? Where do you love to stay?
a: So I usually stay in NoHo and I love it because it’s pretty much in the middle of the city. But I stayed close to Central Park on this last trip and also loved it. Partly because the Park Hyatt New York was so amazing.
But they’re different vibes and both have a lot to offer. it’s hard to say and really depends on the trip I think!
q: Favorite NY restaurants?
a: For restaurants, Via Carota is so good, I love it. I finally went to Russ and Daughters for bagels (thanks to Monica Padman for telling me to go here). Everything was awesome. And then Bemelmans Bar inside The Carlyle is fun. I also love the pizza at Gemma the restaurant attached to The Bowery Hotel. And the RW Guild is kind of a must-see restaurant, it’s really pretty. Loved Saint Theos too. There are so many good spots! I honestly have not been to nearly enough.
q: what was it like being in the city on September 11th?
a: Very special, emotional, and cool to see everyone’s love and respect for this city.
q: would you ever move to New York?
a: I love coming here so much, but no I don’t think I could be here full time. I love the quietness of where I live and the space.
q: do you really not season your cast iron?
a: No. Staub cast iron is enamel coated, so you don’t need to season it. And yes! Don’t wash cast iron unless you really have to. Just rinse it out and wipe it dry, or dry it on the stove over an open flame (what I do). Not washing cast iron just continues to keep the iron seasoned and preserved. I don’t have separate skillets for things like fish, but some people definitely do that.
q: favorite apple recipe to bake?
a: These are a favorite with everyone – Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
q: which bag did you get Asher for her birthday?
a: The Staud Alec Bag in cream.
q: favorite designer shoes you own?
a: So many questions about my shoes today?! I love these Jimmy Choo boots more than anything right now. But I have a pair of Christian Louboutin that are classics. And then my grandma’s Gucci slide kitten heels will always be extra special (and also they’re incredible).
q: were you and your siblings homeschooled?
a: We all went to public school growing up. Asher did too until covid. Now she does an online program.
5. Happy 10 years!
As I mentioned above, Wednesday marked 10 years of Half Baked Harvest. I was so young when I wrote that very first recipe for butternut squash soup with ghost croutons. It’s crazy to look back and see how much the website, the brand, and myself have grown. I thought I would share the highlights from past years, starting back in 2012 and ending with 2022!!
2012
The very first year! We started late into the year, in October, but wow, have I come far photography-wise. My favorite post for this year was definitely the first, this butternut squash soup with ghost croutons.
I mean, pretty freaking cute.
2013
Our first full year of HBH. I was 19 you guys!! This was the year I realized I could really do this and do this as a career. We saw growth within this first year and after working on it non-stop, my mom and I slowly and organically started to call this blogging thing “work”.
I think my favorite recipe for 2013 has to be my homemade naan. To this day it’s still in the top 5 most popular recipes of all time. I make a fresh batch pretty much weekly.
Ohhh. Wait scratch that. This was also the year I shared my 5 ingredient honey butter beer bread. This is my favorite recipe. Possibly ever.
2014
This was the year we moved to the property where we live now. I lived at home for most of this year, until we were able to renovate the horse barn on the property to be my home and workspace.
This was also the year I shared my mom’s famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. To this day, that recipe remains one of the top 20 most popular recipes on HBH of all time. I need to edit that recipe however, it’s written so poorly!
Oh, also this, Homemade Holidays: Let’s Make the House Smell Like Christmas. My FAVORITE and yet another top 20 blog post.
2015
My first year in my own house!! Oh, I loved this special time. It was nice to be so close to my family, but also on my own and away from them. This was a great year. And I slowly started to see more improvements in my photography too!
This was also the year I shared my butter-roasted turkey. Another recipe in the top 20 ever on HBH. I make this turkey every single Thanksgiving. It’s a tried and true staple for so many of you, which feels so special to me. Also, I shared my first Thanksgiving menu this year too!
2016
We made our first hire in 2016! Granted it didn’t last long, but if I remember correctly I was just starting to work on the HBH cookbook and feeling overwhelmed. We tried someone over the summer, but ultimately it did not work out. It’s OK though! We’ve come so far since then.
The go-to recipe for the year has to be the crockpot cider braised short ribs.
2017
The very first Half Baked Harvest cookbook!! Oh my gosh, yes I have come so far! But this is a special book, the very first, and it’s a cookbook that I know many of you still love!! This was a crazy, exciting year.
I shared my first Christmas cookie box in December of 2017 and it’s been one of my favorite traditions on the site ever since. I loved this box.
And for a recipe, my favorite was my vanilla chai white Russian.
2018
The year Red took home a gold medal in the 2018 winter Olympics in South Korea. Obviously, this was the highlight of the year. Read all the highlights from the trip here and here. They’re fun to look back on!
We also moved into the studio in September of 2018! I was able to separate my home from my work and it was/is the greatest luxury.
Recipe-wise, I think my 2 favorites are the Thai peanut chicken ramen and pumpkin coffee cake muffins.
2019
SUPER SIMPLE came out in October 2019!! This was a fun release because it was the first book I got to travel for. And I had so much fun! This was also the first book to make the New York Times bestseller list. So all-in-all, a pretty GOOD year.
My favorite recipe, for sure is my Holy Joly Santa cookies and then the ever-so-popular creamy sun-dried tomato chicken and orzo.
2020
2020. The year that shook everyone. Ehhh, I hate to even touch on this year too much because I know it was so difficult for so many. That being said, this was a huge year of growth for us. While others were struggling, the online communities thrived. I think we doubled in size. So while this was an awful time, it was exciting and very busy for us.
This was also the year sweet Oslo welcomed himself into our family. He’s brought more joy and happiness to us than I could ever explain. So for us 2020 was an incredible year and one we will happily never forget.
I cranked out a lot of recipes. My favorites: slow cooker tortellini vegetable soup, sheet pan sticky ginger sesame chicken and crispy brussels sprouts, molten chocolate crackle pie, and my Santa Clause cookies.
2021
I shared so my good recipes this year, but my personal highlights were the apple cinnamon rolls with brown butter maple icing, homestyle chicken noodle soup, and my easy vanilla bean Christmas tree light cookies.
2022
With 2022 came the release of the Half Baked Harvest Every Day cookbook! Oh, this cookbook. It was a hard one to create, but watching its success has been incredible. 20+ weeks on the New York time best seller list, 5 stars on Amazon, and the most incredible feedback and support from you all! It’s been such a fun book to share with you guys and there is only more to come!
And here we are! 2022 and still cranking away!
6. Inspiring me – moody, spooky October.
(all above photos from Pinterest)
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
50 Halloween Nail Ideas That Aren’t Cheesy…love all of these.
6 Real-Life Places You Can Visit Inspired By Your Favorite Fall Movies…so fun.
What to Eat in Paris Right Now…time to book that fall trip.
…do you have a favorite?
…wow, so incredible.
…such pretty locations
…who knew a bathroom could be so pretty.
…some ideas for you.
The Best Spooky Podcasts to Listen to This Month…it’s spooky season.
…such a fun, spooky idea.
The Best Natural Body Lotions…personally, I love and use the Nécessaire body balm and the Tata Harper body balm.
…I’ve always wanted a La Cornue range.
9 Sneaky Ways to Save Money During the Week…if you need some new tips.
…cozy.
…upgrade time.
8. Cozy for fall.
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Congratulations on your 10yr anniversary! I’ve enjoyed every year and look forward to many more. So many good recipes and I especially like to bake so those special holiday creations are so much fun. Keep dreaming….
Hey Nancy,
Thanks so much for your kind message and reading along! We appreciate you following and making so many recipes:) Have a great week! xT
Sweet ladie you haven’t changed a bit. Still filled with wonder and exciting and wonderful moment’s .thanks for inviting me and everyone else into your life. Chrissy
Thanks so much for your kind message Chrissy! And thanks for being here! 🤍 xx
Reading these are a part of my Sunday morning ritual, and I love it! Thank you for sharing the throwbacks to where you first started- how crazy to see how far you’ve come! Love the old photos haha!
Hey Maura,
Thanks so much for reading each Sunday! Right?! It’s always fun to go down memory lane, lol and those old photos🫣 Hope you’re off to a great Monday!! xT
Congratulations on your ten years and cheers to the next ten🥂
I had my annual Fall Party last night and the brown butter apple blondies were a HUGE hit! I LOVE that recipe!
Hey Jen,
Thanks so much for your congratulations:) So glad to hear that the apple blondies were enjoyed, thanks for making them and sharing!! Happy Monday! xTieghan
Hi,
Congrats on the 10 years ! Im probably one follower from the 2020 wave 🙂
I asked Santa for your latest cookbook this year 😉
Also, my favourite advent calendar is this tea calendar from Davids tea, I really enjoy one special edition christmas tea in the afternoon in this cozy season: https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/tea/24-days-of-tea-advent-calendar/962104US01VAR0078184.html
Wishing you the best Sunday and a great traveling week to come.
From Tremblant
Hey Virginie,
Thanks so much for reading and your message! I hope you get the new cookbook:) Thanks for sharing your fave advent calendar! Hope you have a great week! xT
Will you be sharing your favorite Advent calendars?
Hi Dina,
Yes, all of the advent calendars are linked above:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
It has been a long time since I brewed a pot of coffee at home to sip along with reading my favorite weekly post. Like you my feet hit the floor and I am out the door on a 10 mile walk. Like you I love fall more than anything. The crisp cool air, the colors, it all invigorates me. But dang if I didn’t wake up to a lightish dusting of snow two days ago and I was not ready for that even though winter is close second favorite of mine. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS on so many things, so so many things. I’ve been reading along for two years now and have seen tremendous growth but it is fun to look back over your 10 years. What tremendous accomplishments. I am equally drawn to pumpkin in the fall, probably not as a candle scent to be honest. I prefer a woody, hearth scent. Cooking with pumpkin – I am all in. I love hosting fall inspired dinners. Think pork, squash, pumpkin inspired desserts and sending people home with a seasonal treat for the next morning. Your apple cider maple glazed donuts are a big hit on that front. Anyway, long story short about pumpkin. I read a brilliant idea over at “The Loopy Whisk” a devoted gluten-free blog/blogger. She suggest a technique for pan roasting canned pumpkin to enhance the flavor, elevate the color and take out some of the moisture. I made a pumpkin cheesecake this weekend using the technique and frankly it was a game changer. Obviously you have to consider if removing the moisture is appropriate for the recipe but I am all in. Last thoughts. I too love advent calendars, can you add the links to your favorites? I think we have a great deal of nerve asking you to do anymore than you already have especially when all this content is free for the taking but I have one more absurd ask. Can you consider doing specific tutorials/videos on your plating techniques, garnishing (especially cocktail/mocktails) I am a total copycat and would love to know more about all the little embellishments going on in everything Half Baked. Oh thanks too for the link a few days ago for the noodles. Making them next week.
Hi Cari,
Thanks so much for reading and your thoughtful message! It’s so nice that you enjoy your mornings on a long walk. Thanks for the congratulations and following along for awhile, we appreciate you being here! Thanks for sharing your story about pumpkin, I enjoyed reading it! All of the advent calendars are linked above, just click on the photo of the one you want to view. I can definitely try to do some more “how to” videos! I hope you’re off to a great week! xT
I think you forgot the links to the advent calendars? I’d love to see them as my daughter is about the same age as Asher! And happy anniversary to HBH!
Hi Allison,
All of the advent calendars are linked above, simply click on any photo of the one you want to view:) Please let me know if I can help in any other way! Thanks for reading! xT
Tiegan-You always glow with such warmth and beauty but just wanted to say how much even prettier you look when you wear lipstick. As my mom always said, it just brightens everyone’s face. Thanks for all your breadth of info. 🥰
Thanks so much Brenda! Hope you’re off to a great week! xT
So fun to see a quick timeline of your last 10 years! And congrats on your candle launch! Could you post your top advent calendars? There are so many options out there.
Hi Hilary,
Thanks so much for reading along! All of the advent calendars that I think are great are linked above:) Please let me know if you need help finding them! Have a great Monday! xT
I’ve only recently found you, but my favorite thing is waking Sunday morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and reading through your 9 favorite things! Thank you!
That’s exactly what I do!!!!
Hey Kimberly,
Awe thank you so much! I’m so glad you have been enjoying the Sunday posts, they are my fave!! Have a great Sunday! xT
always look forward to this post on sundays
Thanks so much for reading each Sunday, Lily! We appreciate you following along:) Have a great week! xx
Always so many great ideas! Happy anniversary!
Thanks so much Jan and thanks for reading!! Happy Sunday!! xTieghan
Congratulations on 10 years of lots of hard work. Love your brand and all of your amazing recipes. ❤️
Thanks so much Alaina!! We appreciate you being here, make the recipes, and following along! Hope you’re off to a great Sunday! xT
Loved your walk down your blog memory lane! You were super talented and such a delight from the very beginning.
Awe thanks so much for your kind message Lori and reading today! So glad you enjoyed the post today! Happy Sunday!🎃