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Nine Favorite Things
Is it just me or does it feel like this year more than ever Thanksgiving is a huge afterthought and all anyone can focus on is Christmas? Maybe it’s just me because both my mom and Asher have moved on from Thanksgiving and are in full force watching holiday movies. A movie at night and Christmas music during the day, especially if it’s been snowing, which it has been.
Asher has her room decorated (it’s so cute, I will share photos once she says it’s fully complete) and they’re planning their Christmas trip to Europe. They’re definitely excited! I have to say, I’m kind of excited for the holidays to really kick into high gear. Which for me will not be until they get back from Europe.
I have two more work trips left on my calendar for this year. One of them small and one of them big. Unfortunately, these trips won’t allow me the time to go to Europe. Which is honestly fine with me, I’m excited for both of my upcoming trips. And if there’s one time I really want to be here in Colorado, it’s during the months of November and December. Our coziest two months of the year! I swear it’s magical here once the snow really starts to stick. I just love the holidays. Are you into them too? I feel like if you’re reading this, you have to be!
Anyway, speaking of the holidays, I finally shared our 2022 Thanksgiving menu on Friday. Did you see it yet? It’s one of my favorite menus yet, mostly because I picked all my tried and true favorite recipes. So it’s traditional, but with small twists that keep the menu fun. I pulled all the pieces I used for my tablescape and will link them below for you guys! I had fun with this year’s tablescape, it was all inspired by our pumpkin smash candle, which is officially shipping out in time for Thanksgiving!
Also, are you hosting Thanksgiving or attending? What are your plans for this year’s feast?
Let’s see, what else. It was one of my first full weeks at home without any travel. I used the time to try and catch up with work. I’m loving traveling so much, but it sure does make keeping up with everything just a little tricker than usual. Still worth it though. It’s been really fun having so much travel on my calendar. A nice change of pace! Any guess where my next trip is to?
I think that’s all the rambling I have for you today. Not much new, but I have a fun favorites post below!! Hope you enjoy, and Happy Sunday!
1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…cozy socks. I want every single cashmere pair. You need need need at least one or two! Oh, and they are fun stocking stuffers too!
enjoying…Chamberlain Coffee beans. Hands down my favorite coffee. It’s all USDA organic, which I love. But most importantly, the beans are so good. I’m so excited for their holiday blends and want to get the Peppermint Mocha Blend, Night Owl Blend, and then their new release, First Class.
everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, love this leather jacket. Also, this leather double faced coat is incredible. So pretty. While on the topic of leather, this faux leather maxi skirt is great. It would be cute with this sheer knit top.
How cozy is this wool dress? I am obsessed. And then, this black strapless dress is perfect for your next holiday party. Same with this long sleeve maxi dress from Lioness.
And I think I have to order this black denim maxi skirt from Nordstrom. It’s perfect.
watching…The new Santa Clauses movie on Disney+. My mom just told me about this! OH MY GOSH. A new Santa Clause movie! I could not be more excited. It looks so cute! I had to watch the trailer twice!
loving…the Dansk Købenstyle Baker. This is my go-to baking dish, especially during the holidays. I have 4 of them!
shopping…affordable cashmere. Nordstrom, J-Crew, and all have great options. My mom and I would both love this cashmere turtleneck, and their cashmere socks are on sale! Also, the J-Crew cardigan sweater. And cashmere socks!
burning…well, I’m currently burning the 4-wick pumpkin smash candle, which is my favorite candle of all time. But I did just buy the Byredo Chai that I love. Plus, I could not resists the Diptyque holiday collection. I ordered all 3 scents, Étincelles, Neige, and Sapin. There is nothing better to me than Christmas candles – nothing. I look forward to these every night.
thinking about…getting my brother an Oura Ring Gen3 for Christmas. Do you have one? Do you love it?
everything beauty…would love to try the new Kosas GrowPotion Fluffy Brow + Lash Boosting Serum.
loving…For the Home. Such cute holiday decor ideas.
following…Charli and Dixie D’amelio. I’m late to the game, but finding them so fun!
ordered…large black matches. I’ve been looking for long matches. Excited to get these.
everything in my cart (high)…I’m in love with this cozy ALAÏA Beige Travel Coat. I also love this puffer from ACNE Studios. This Ganni Brushed mohair-blend cardigan looks so cozy. Same with these flare cashmere pants from Cholè
These Oscar de la Renta pearl earrings would be so pretty paired with a holiday dress. But, these Stuart Weitzman Slouch Boots would absolutely steal the show. Oh, and I love these Alexandre Vauthier D’orsay Pumps. They would be cute with this Ribbed cotton-blend mini skirt from Wardrobe NYC.
And lastly, this leather shoulder bag from Bottega Veneta is the prettiest. I love the dark brown color too. And I want these Brushed-leather and Re-Nylon boots from Prada. Speaking of Prada, I want everything from their just-released holiday collection.
following…Gregory Blake Dams Events. The prettiest events. So much inspiration for planning any kind of event.
shopping…Gwyneth Paltrow’s holiday gift guide. I mean, kind of. I’m really just browsing because half of the items are over 1k. It’s a pretty high-end gift guide.
thinking about ordering…this phone stand. I wonder if it really works.
shopping…Boll & Branch. Use code TIEGHAN25 for 25 % off (: Their plush bathrobe is a new favorite!
2. Popular holiday appetizers.
5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic
Easy White Chicken Chili Corn Dip
Easy Cheesy Soft Pretzel Bites
3. Baking supplies + holiday gift wrap.
baking supplies
holiday gift wrap
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: how do you make your coffee?
a: Loving Chamberlain Coffee whole beans. I do a double espresso, then I grind fresh beans again and top the espresso off with an americano ☕️ no cream/milk, no sugar…always brewed with my Breville.
q: Is an espresso machine worth it?
a: Absolutely LOVE the Breville espresso machine. So much so that I’ve given them to multiple family members as gifts. And I love to include them in our holiday giveaways too. I couldn’t live without mine. Haha. I really love it.
q: what can I use in place of red wine?
a: I always use pomegranate juice.
q: how do you relieve stress?
a: Honestly legs up the wall every night really helps me. I do it more to drain excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation from being on my feet all day long. But I find it really is a stress reliever too. I always do this at night, so I think it symbolizes wind-down time for me.
q: what has been your worst accident in the kitchen?
a: Almost burned my eyebrows off making caramel. Because of this, I don’t make caramel anymore. Instead, I do a “cheaters” version of caramel 👻
q: does Oslo go on hikes?
a: Yep, my parents take him almost every day.
q: favorite store-bought ingredients to use?
a: pumpkin purée, marinara sauce, puff pastry, enchilada sauce, salsa verde.
q: do you bite your nails?
a: No, never. But I keep them incredibly short. I don’t like having them long, it’s weird but it really bugs me. And I hate feeling like I have something under a fingernail. It grosses me out. So I just keep them super short
q: can you make mocktail recipes:
a: All of this year’s drinks have the directions to also make them as a mocktail (:
q: what was the last recipe you tried to make and did not enjoy?
a: Made enchiladas today and they were a complete disaster 🫣 they had potential, but did not live up.
q: so the question is, can you share more about your grandmother?
a: Yes!! I miss her so much. I wish she knew what a huge huge impact she had on me. Without even knowing it, she really shaped who I am today and what I’m doing today. She passed her love of beautiful things to me, taught me to host a party, style a table, appreciate beautiful flowers, pick out a designer handbag, wear stilettos 👠 , shop till you drop, be creative, shop designer, shop affordable, give the best gifts, make good SIMPLE food, celebrate holidays, the importance of family, always give back to others, and so much more. I just can’t express how much she really meant to me, I realize it more with every day that passes. I always think, “hmm, what would Nonnie do?”. She was such a cool lady!!
5. Unique Holiday Decor + My Thanksgiving Table.
my Thanksgiving table
6. Thanksgiving tips of the week.
sharing my favorites from YOU ALL and 1 of mine
Tip from you: Batched cocktails! Last year I brought your maple bourbon fizz and cranberry sour.
Me: No one should be playing bartender all night. Make pitcher drinks to share!
Tip from you: my dad makes an excel sheet with the plan + cooking times & it really keeps us organized!
Me: Everyone needs a thanksgiving excel sheet!!! Love this.
Tip from me: Tablescape idea, use a heating pad! Someone gave me this tip last year, style the table with a table runner that’s also a hot pad!!! So smart. I just take a heating pad and place it/ them underneath the table runner. Just don’t forget it’s there! Find one that’s wireless. Keeps dishes warm all night.
Tip from you: Place your utensils & napkins at the end of the buffet, then people don’t have to juggle them with a plate.
Me: Sometimes it’s the simplest tips that are the most useful! Love this one!! Convenience and ease is key over the holidays.
Tip from you: Lower my expectations! It doesn’t have to be Instaperfect. Focus on the purpose.
Me: Yesss! This is amazing, bowing down to this. Nothing is Instaperfect. What you see online is everyone’s highlight reels. In real life, nothing is that perfect. You should never expect your Thanksgiving dinner to be perfect either. Besides, perfect is boring. Embrace the imperfections, they will make the night fun!! And at the end of the night either eat all the leftover pie or pour yourself a drink. You did Thanksgiving the best you could!!!
Tip from you: A cute little gift at each seat.
Me: I love something special at each place setting. Sometimes I bake cookies or cupcakes, but a small gift is such a cute idea!! It could even be a donation to their favorite charity too.
7. Favorite links I’m loving.
We Tried All of The Starbucks Holiday Drinks—here is how they ranked. What’s your favorite?! I’m curious!
The Best Winter Getaways Around the U.S. This Season…where are you headed?
15 Charities to Give Back to This Holiday Season…we love these.
23 Amazon Black Friday Deals Your Home Needs ASAP
27 Walk-In Closet Ideas From the AD Archive
Exclusive Look Inside the World’s Skinniest Skyscraper
31 Best Target Black Friday Deals 2022
7 Trader Joe’s Items That Make Hosting a Party So Much Easier…always embrace good store-bought items.
43 Thoughts I Had Watching Lindsay Lohan’s New Holiday Movie, ‘Falling for Christmas’
20 Best Black Friday Deals to Shop in Advance of the Big Day
The Best Beauty Product Dupes…affordable finds.
Target’s Holiday Decor Is So Good…here is what to buy before it sells out.
A Beginner’s Guide to Retinol…everything you need to know.
Why You Should Be Creating Holiday Traditions With Friends…loved reading this.
A 1875 Home on the Best Block in Charleston…such a pretty home.
An Aesthetician Shares the Best Fragrance-Free Body Lotions…I’m all about fragrance-free.
60 Gifts for the Home That Spark Joy This Season…fun.
Holiday Small Talk Tips…that don’t involve work, babies, or politics.
8. All the cozy sweaters you need.
more winter coats
under $300
$300 and up + SPLURGE
more holiday dresses
under $300
$300 and up + SPLURGE
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: Roasted Herb Butter Chicken and Orzo
Tuesday: Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana
Wednesday: Kale Bacon Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts
Thursday: Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms
Friday: One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni
Saturday: Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule
Sunday: Easy Gruyère Croissants
Hi Tieghan!
I have so much catching up to do! 😀
I’m super excited about Christmas, but will absolutely revel in Thanksgiving first. It’s a bit special for me because I live overseas, and Thanksgiving is not “a thing” in Europe – but I brought it with me when I moved, and introduced it to my husband and his family and friends, and now we have been celebrating for years. It’s really fun, because it’s a new holiday for them, it breaks up the monotony of an otherwise cold and dark November, and who doesn’t love all that delicious food and cocktails?!
I host every year, and my mother in law helps with the prep and cooking. We’ll do your herb roasted turkey (of course!) wild mushroom gravy (a local special) green bean casserole, cranberry sauce with orange zest, an autumn kale and apple salad, (inspired by one of yours) a small cheese board (also inspired by one of yours) some soft rolls (my own recipe) potatoes au gratin, (MIL’s special) and a vanilla and caramel pannacotta (because it’s the fastest and easiest recipe ever, and a nice respite after all that cooking and prepping.) We’ll have 14 people at the table this year, so it will be a fun and busy time. I’ll do a table-scape with autumn colors, lots of candles, and things foraged from outside like pine branches, chestnuts, pine cones, etc. Thanks for all the inspiration and great recipe and decor guides – makes it all that much more fun. 🙂
Hey Aline,
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a comment! Awe, love that you have shared a new tradition with your family and friends in Europe! Lol yes, who doesn’t love a good reason to celebrate?! Wow, sounds like you are going to have an amazing spread and how generous of you to host! I hope you love all of the recipes that you make and have a wonderful time! Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
I always do batched cocktails for holidays. I love to bake, but it seems like everybody brings dessert and sometimes great desserts end up barely eaten. Last year, I made a big batch of your Pumpkin Head Punch and Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. What a hit!
Hey Megan,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts on Thanksgiving!! Batch cocktails are definitely the way to go! Thanks for trying the recipes:) xT
I was a relatively early adopter of the Oura ring and have to say that it is fantastic- looks beautiful and more important it helps me to understand and listen to my body way more than I did before using it. The sleep tracker is especially helpful. It would be a great gift!
Thanks so much for sharing Stacee! They seem pretty awesome, it’s great to hear that you enjoy yours! xT
I’ve had my Oura ring for 1.5 years and upgraded to the Gen 3 as soon as it came out. I am OBSESSED. I gave one to a friend who was struggling with her sleep/exercise tracking and she loves it as well. I’m also obsessed with the Apollo Neuro, which is a wearable touch therapy device for stress relief. I wear it every night to wind down before bed as well as to help me sleep.
Hey Kim,
Thanks so much for reading and sharing about your Oura ring! That’s so great to hear you have enjoyed yours for so long! Happy Monday! xT
Hi Teagan, I love this post so many great ideas I loved everybody’s tips that was such a cool thing to inject in the post.
For the past few years I’ve dry brined my turkey, putting it in the fridge for a while and dry brining it in the fridge and it’s always come out phenomenal, so juicy. But I think I’m gonna try your herb and butter roasted turkey it sounds like a different way to do it may be a little easier not so much time in the refrigerator. I’m not very good at stuffing or dressing and I saw something online about using brioche or challah bread for a bread pudding so I think I’m gonna try the savory bread pudding with kale and mushrooms instead. I was trying to find some sort of a green salad that might go with the meal and I discovered a nice apple pecan salad with lemon dressing and the pecans are candied so that might add a nice little twist. Of course I always make cranberry sauce and I found a nice recipe with adding orange so I like that. I think I’m gonna try to make your Gruyere rolls because they look easy but super delicious. And I always make the jiffy corn casserole I started that a few years ago and everybody loves that. In looking at your appetizers I think I’m going to try the whipped goat cheese it looks so delicious with the bacon and dates and some crusty bread. And your cranberry Paloma’s are spectacular so I’m gonna make a big batch of those for the night. And for dessert I love chocolate pecan pie with some vanilla ice cream. Not sure about any other dessert. My two boys will be home along with the one girlfriend so it’s really a small gathering but we really like to make all the dishes. I’m excited to have them home. Just got a 15 lb turkey today. Enough for leftovers. Thanks for so many ideas, I hope you have the best Thanksgiving! ❤️
Hey Evangelina,
Happy Monday and thanks for reading, so glad you enjoyed the reader’s tips section:) I never brine my turkey, so I hope you love the recipe, it’s a family fave! I hope you love the stuffing recipe, it’s easy and no fuss! Your whole meal sounds like it’s going to be great! Let me know what you make for dessert, my family always loves a good pie! xx
No matter what kind of day I’m having, your posts always give me a boost. Thanks for all the time you put into everything you do!
My Oura 3 ring was just delivered yesterday so I can’t give a personal review yet, but several of my co-workers have them and think they are great – particularly in conjunction with another fitness tracker/watch. I bet your brother would appreciate the gift. One caveat, sizing can be an issue if he has large hands 🙂
Cheers!
Hey Barbara,
Thanks so much for your kind message and reading along! Good to know about the Oura ring, thanks for sharing your feedback! Hope you’re off to a great Monday! xTieghan
Happy Sunday!
Winter arrives here today in Mont -Tremblant…skiing starts on Nov 24/25. We’re really exceited about that as we won’t be celebrating Thanksgiving that weekend here in Canada. Really exceited for the holidays on our side, starting to handwrite my 48 Christmas cards this week 🙂 posting them on Dec 1st every year for lovedones to enjoy during December month !
Adding your mushroom/chicken/rice soup to this week’s menu for sure !
Have a great week !
Hey Virginie,
Thanks for reading as always:) So exciting that you can go skiing soon! Wow, that’s pretty amazing that you handwrite so many Christmas cards! Hope you’re off to a great week! xTieghan
Hey Teighan, 👋
Glad that you are enjoying life so much but seems like you’re missing so much family time and holidays with your amazing family!
Super nosy but we weren’t introduced to the guy in your last post, was that man your boyfriend?
Thanks again for all your work and effort providing for the HBH community.
Hi Jillie,
Thanks for reading along:) I will have plenty of family time over Christmas when everyone comes into town! Also, no, not my boyfriend, Phil is married and the co-owner of Snif. Happy Monday! xT
I have jumped onto the bandwagon of watching Christmas movies, literally starting the day after Halloween. I used to wait til Thanksgiving was over, but then the Christmas season just seemed too short. Now I love soaking it up for as long as I can. Lately I have been hosting Thanksgiving dinner (with a lot of help from my mom because even though I love food and try super hard, I’m not the best in the kitchen). However, this year I have a 3 month old who is having surgery 2 days before Thanksgiving (he was born with a cleft lip and palate – this is the first of what will be many surgeries) so I decided we would just have a super simple dinner. But my brother and sister-in-law just reached out and invited us to celebrate with them, and I’m so excited about it.
Just as a side note, I thought I’d share that my Thanksgiving dinner is still mostly based on the recipes my great grandma and grandma came up with decades ago. They were both brilliant in the kitchen.
I love your blog so much!
Hey Megan,
Happy Monday! Love that you have been watching Christmas movies:) I totally feel the shortness of the Christmas season, it all just goes by way too fast! That is so nice you will be able to have Thanksgiving with your brother and sister in law and sending all of the good vibes for your little one’s surgery! Thanks so much for reading! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! So I am originally from South Texas though I’ve moved away now (even lived in Silverthorne for awhile!). South Texas enchiladas are an extremely special thing, you can’t get them anywhere else, even in Texas once you pass San Antonio the enchiladas change – Austin enchiladas are their own thing. It’s so very regional and South Texas is a very special part of Texas with its own distinct culture. Anyway back in the 70s a South Texas Mexican restaurant owner taught my dad how to make his enchiladas and it’s been a thing in my family ever since. I thought I’d share with you since you might be interested and I would be thrilled if you put your own spin on it. I don’t have measurements, it’s just an eyeball thing.
The sauce is a brown roux with probably about equal parts crisco and flour (obviously originally it’s lard but this is the slightly healthier version). You add water to thin it out to desired texture. The seasoning is chili powder, cumin and salt, taste it until it tastes like you want to eat it with a spoon … or a tortilla.
Meanwhile sauté or fry or whatever the right term is your ground beef and onion, salt and pepper for flavor.
Ideally you lightly fry the tortillas in oil to make them pliable but I find it works as well to wrap them in a damp towel and briefly microwave. Then roll your tortillas up with your cheddar cheese and place them in the pan.
Over the top of of the enchiladas pour the sauce, then the beef, then top with a can of pinto beans. You can then sprinkle chopped onions on top before baking or I prefer to wait and put them on afterwards.
Bake at 350 for like 15 minutes probably. Then when it’s out put the chopped onion if you like and finish with chopped cilantro.
Absolutely amazing, so simple, and very authentic! For south Texas!
Sarah, I grew up in south Texas and love Tex-Mex. I am going to try to make your recipe. Sounds amazing!
Howdy! 🙂 How fun to share it with a fellow Texan! Hope you enjoy!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for reading along and your kind message!! This enchilada recipe sounds fantastic, thanks for sharing! I’ll have to give it a try soon:) Happy Monday! xT
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I moved from the US to Europe in 2015, and one of the things I miss most, and recreate often, is real Tex-Mex and Mexican food. I’m going to try your recipe too. 🙂
Just wanted to say that I’m so grateful that you keep your nails short. Watching someone cook and eat food with long nails just doesn’t present a (I know this is so weird, but hand hygiene is something I have to be mindful of every minute of the day as a nurse in a hospital) peaceful, comforting eating experience to me. I used to follow this darling girl who would shop at Trader Joe’s and share her favorite finds. She then started to get her nails done with very long tips that were shaped like daggers and it just didn’t look hygienic and took away any appetite I had for her great suggestions! Anywho, I always try to share positive comments and I think this has now sounded like I’m slamming someone else…not my intention, just wanted to say I agree that nails should be kept short. 🙂
Agree! And thank you Sara for keeping yours short and hygienic. I recently spent a couple years as caregiver to my late husband who had cancer, and was around medical personnel a lot, and it surprised and grossed me out how many medical professionals wore long manicured nails. Eww.
Hey Sara,
Lol thanks so much for sharing:) I can barely keep nail polish on my nails let alone having long nails! Sounds like a disaster for me personally:) Thanks for reading and following along! Hope you’re off to a great week! xTieghan
This was GREAT! Thank you for the articles on retinols & fragrance free items: with dry, reactive & super sensitive skin, I sometimes feel like the whole world believes that more scent is better. Trust me, it’s so NOT. Personally, the Cera Vie products always work best for me & thanks for including them.
This year, my brother-in-law is not coming for the holidays, so Thanksgiving will just be the two of us. And that’s fine. We always do the Thanksgiving morning “ThanksKitten” walk-a fund raiser for our local TNR organization. We leash up the dog, bring over a huge donation of needed supplies & do a .75 mile walk around a local pond.
I keep a Holiday Book for this season which includes timelines for cooking & gifts. Keeping organized keeps me from stressing! Have wonderful holidays and thank you for all that you do!
Hey Dale,
Thank you so much for your kind message and reading along! Sounds nice to have a quiet Thanksgiving, nothing wrong with that right?! Sounds like a great morning walk to start you holiday on a positive note! Thanks for sharing:) Have a great week! xT
Great post, as always.
Have a lovely week. Xx
Thanks so much Kelly-Jane!! I appreciate you reading each week:) Happy Sunday! xx
I totally agree Christmas has seemed FORCED on me this year. Like wait wait wait hold the phone we’re not there yet! I look forward to my low key Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house in Cleveland thank you very much, let’s not overlook that.
Hey Emily,
Lol I feel that way too! Thanks so much for reading along! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving in Cleveland:) xT