Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Happy Sunday before Thanksgiving! As always, this month flew by. It’s so crazy to believe that Thanksgiving week is here. This Thanksgiving will be different for my family than most, so it feels kind of weird. As I type this I’m home in Colorado, but today is a travel day for me and my family. I’m heading to Austin for the quickest overnight trip. My mom, dad, Asher, and Oslo are on their way to southern California. They are doing Thanksgiving with the fam there before they embark on their big European Christmas Vacation trip!

Since I’m not heading to Europe, I opted out of the southern California portion of the trip. With Austin today and tomorrow, then another big work trip in December. Honestly, I’m kind of just looking forward to being home and decorating for Christmas. It’s been busy, so a day to chill, decorate, and do some online Christmas shopping will be nice – and needed. But everyone will be together here for Christmas!

And as always, I’ll be kicking my Christmas movies off on Thursday with Miracle on 34th street. It’s my Thanksgiving night tradition.

What are your plans for this week? Always so curious to know how everyone spends their holidays! What I’m loving about this holiday versus previous years is that it seems so many of us are switching things up. Both our menus AND where we are spending the week! Some of you are doing a Friendsgiving. And many of you are going all out for your family Thanksgiving. What’s even cooler to see is that a lot of you are switching up your menus and doing more of an untraditional Thanksgiving!

I think that is so fun! I’m really excited to see what you all make. If you cook any HBH recipes please tag me on your IG stories this week! I LOVE to see the photos/videos. It’s so fun for me!

Oh, and if you’re still needing to plan your menus, I shared out 2022 Thanksgiving menu last week! It’s the quick and easy menu we all need this year!

I think that’s it for this week. Just lots of holiday excitement, talk, and decorating…all while waiting for more snow to show up!

Have the best Thanksgiving you guys!

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

wanting…holiday lights. These stargazer lights from Terrain are so fun.

everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, this knit sweater is cute and different. But this knit cardigan is classic and would be pretty over an evening dress. As would the pompom knit jacket. This draped velvet dress is really pretty. And lastly, these biker boots look just like my triple-the-price Frye boots. They would be cute with the Zara oversized wool coat.

And for some affordable holiday looks, I love the velvet skirt from Reformation. Or this sequin skirt from J.Crew. Both would be cute with these suede boots. And lastly, a pretty long sleeve dress. I would put this maxi coat from Favorite Daughter over it.

listening to…Miranda Kerr on diet, wellness, Victoria’s Secret, skincare, and motherhood on The Skinny Confidential. I really loved this episode with Miranda and enjoyed learning about her up bring and how she has formulated her Kora Organic skincare line. She is a wealth of knowledge and seems so kind!

excited…for my trip to Austin! It’s quick, but I’m staying at The Austin Proper, which is such a pretty hotel. I’ve stayed there once before and I can’t wait to go back! Any guesses as to why I am in Austin?

loving…ugly holiday sweaters. This one is cute, I love the Christmas tree design! But where can I find more?!

reading…The First Louis Vuitton Hotel Is Coming to Paris—And the Views Will Be Stunning. When I get to Paris, this is where I will be staying. No questions.

shopping…for the perfect gift for my brother. I’m very much considering the Oura ring, which I shared last week. I love these men’s slippers from UGG. I actually think he’d be really into them. He’s not a big cook, but I could definitely see him using and loving this seasoning bundle set. I kind of love the catchy names of each blend and they sound pretty good too, Bull Shit for Steak, Good Shit Sweet N’ Salty, and Chicken Shit. And last, but not least I know he’d be very into this foot massager. He’d be so excited! Also, I shared this last week too, but this phone stand iPhone case makes for a great guy’s gift too. 

loving…these Gilded Ridge Sparkling Wine Flutes, these Gilded Ridge Coupe glasses, the set of Waterfall Stemless Wine Glasses, and then Gleaming Primrose Vanity Tray.

everything beauty…the Charlotte Tilbury mini pillow talk lipstick & liner set is the perfect stocking stuffer. Speaking of stocking stuffers, this pretty hand cream set from L’Occitane would be great too.

And lastly, have you heard of Londontown USA? Apparently, their illuminating nail concealer is a game changer for the perfect at-home nails. Speaking of, this nail look from Amy Le Nails is so pretty for Thanksgiving this week. I love it.

I’m excited to try the new Hourglass Hydrating Eye Balm. It sounds like a wonderful product. And after reading reviews, I’m ordering the La Creme from Chanel Beauty. A luxurious hand cream, but it sounds like it’s worth it!

And for quickly styling cut hair, I always love the clips from Machete. The midi heirloom claw in sea shell is cute for December. These would be fun in your stockings too! And these starburst barrettes are so pretty!

shopping…Nordstrom’s beauty sale. Stocking stuffers and good finds for myself! The even skin tone cream from RéVive and Caudalie pore minimizing mask are currently in my cart (with the Chanel hand cream).

loving…Chamberlain Coffee beans. They launched their holiday blend this week and I immediately ordered. It sounds so perfect! I didn’t see their new release, but I am ordering the vanilla blend they just launched too. Sounds so good! If you need a good staple coffee bean though, their fancy mouse espresso blend is my favorite.

gifting…some desk essentials to my mom. She works so hard, she needs these functional pieces. Thinking about this standing desk, which I think she could come to really enjoy. This laptop stand to help her with the neck issues she sometimes has. And then last, but most importantly, noise-canceling headphones. See NEEDS these. Should I go with the Sony headphones or the Beats headphones?

everything in my cart (high)…so I adore this red Khaite suede tote. So cute for holiday. The Prada re-edition 1995 is currently my favorite bag, it’s so classic. Also, I think this Louis Vuitton lambskin bag in black is pretty cute too.

Moving onto sweaters, this alpaca knit sweater from Toteme looks so cozy. And I’m dying to try the new line of Alo cashmere. It looks so cute and comfortable. I want every piece, but the winter dream pant and winter dream hoodie as a is a must. And then the puffer skirt and puffer jacket are really cute as a set.

For Thanksgiving, this Staud portrait dress is perfection with its rich chocolate color

listening to…does living in LA help your career? On Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlian. This is something I’ve always wondered about and have even asked myself. I haven’t listened, but I’m looking forward to listening on the plane today

watching…well, a lot. Going to for sure watch Lindsay Lohan’s new Christmas movie on Netflix, Falling for Christmas! My mom said it was kind of goofy but cute! And then, The new Netflix movie The Santa Clauses. And then on Disney+, the Santa Clauses, which Asher said is actually a series? Oh, and of course, Miracle on 34th Street. And lastly, every single Hallmark and Netflix Christmas movie I can fit in from now to New Year’s Eve. I will share my big list of Christmas movies to watch next week! What do you love to watch every year and then what new ones are you excited for?! PLEASE SHARE!

gifting…from Amazon. So many incredible finds for family and friends, my picks below.

2. My Favorite Thanksgiving drinks.

Thanksgiving Cider Punch

Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Chai Espresso Martini

Pumpkin Patch Margarita

Ginger Apple Moscow Mule

Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned

Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

Vanilla Espresso Martini

Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita

3. The best gingerbread house kits + more.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: can you please share a breakdown of your skincare routine?
a: Morning: rinse face with cold water. Spritz with Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence, then apply IS Clinical Pro Heal Advance Serum with vitamin C. Then layer with Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C serum + eye cream. I’ve been finishing with Sunday Riley Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream. And then, since I have super dry skin, I usually do a layer of Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum to lock in moisture. 

Finish with their anti-aging face cream and/or Augustinus Bader Rich Cream.

Not sure how many, but it’s a lot! I try to only answer the ones that have not been asked before or are fun! Love fun, new questions!! I try to avoid the questions that get asked over and over that I’ve already answered. 

q: will you be launching more candles with Snif?
a: Let’s see how this one goes over!!! But I wouldn’t say no. I think we all know how much I love a good candle. 

q: what are your favorite affordable clothing stores?
a: Zara, Mango, Abercrombie, J-Crew, H&M, and Nordstrom.

q: I’m thinking of starting my own cooking YouTube platform! Do you recommend just going for it?
a: Yes!!!! It’s the only way to know. Just start, then learn and adjust as you go!! This is precisely what I did (: 

q: do you purposefully do ASMR stuff for your videos? 
a: I’m honestly not sure what that is or how you do it. But no I don’t do it purposely. My only goal is to make the videos informative/helpful. I want you all to learn the recipe and to be able to make the food look just as good as it tastes! 

q: do you ever shop at Trader Joe’s?
a: I would if we had one close by but sadly we don’t.

q: any update on your studio and home renovations? 
a: Hit some roadblocks 🙁 renovations and building are so hard!!. The process has greatly slowed down. Currently looking for an interior designer to help get the process moving again!! And hopefully moving quickly.

q: please make some nonalcoholic drinks!
a: All of the cocktails in my Cocktail Saturday series this year have mocktail variations. Just look in the notes section of the recipe.

q: do you break dishes or glasses often? 
a: Shockingly not as much as you would think. An unknown fact about me is that I actually have pretty decent hand-eye coordination. And while I do drop a lot, I catch a lot with my hands, body, and my feet! Lol. It’s a skill 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ But I mean, yes I do break things too! 

5. Our Pumpkin Smash candle is back!

I am so excited! The pumpkin smash candle is finally back in stock and ready to ship in time for Thanksgiving! You all know I love this candle the most. It beats out any Christmas candle. And even though it is orange, and called pumpkin smash, it’s the perfect Christmas candle too. It might even be more perfect for Christmas than for fall.

With the scents of cinnamon sticks • cardamom • whiskey • brûléed orange • salted maple • roasted chocolate? It really is the perfect Christmas candle as well.

This candle would be the perfect hostess gift or warming scent to burn this season!

Order here. They sold out so fast the first time, and stock is already low…sooo get at it!

6. Thanksgiving tips of the week.

Tip from you: tape your recipes on your kitchen cabinets.
Me: I love this because I’m constantly spilling everything and making messes as I cook. Plus, you’ll never lose the recipe on the counter!

Tip from you: some items are better store-bought, don’t stress it.
Me: Yuppppp. I buy puff pastry, pumpkin purée, and broth. Sometimes I’ll even cave and just grab the Pillsbury pie crusts my mom would use growing up. Do what you have to make Thanksgiving less stressful, and fun!

Tip from you: Trader Joe’s spiced cider in the crockpot with orange slices.
Me: Sounds so yummy! I just published my Thanksgiving Punch, which is similar. If you wanted to make that TJ’s cider into a cocktail, add bourbon and you’ll have the perfect hot toddy!

Tip from you: play music and make the kitchen fun for cooking all day long.
Me: I love this! I play Christmas music all day long while cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

Tip from me: rent plates and glassware if dishes stress you out.
A reader suggested this last year and I think it’s so smart. Especially for big groups! Rental companies usually deliver clean dishes and pick up dirty dishes, which means a lot less work on your part. I certainly love not having dirty dishes!

Tip from you: your Make Ahead Gravy
Me: I do love that recipe too, so I can’t argue this! 

Tip from you: we get together with friends the day before Thanksgiving to make pies together – pie day!
Me: such a cute idea! 

Tip from you: When I host I tell people to bring whatever makes it Thanksgiving for them.
Me: this is so smart!! Takes so much pressure off of you to make everyone happy!! Plus you’ll get to try new dishes each year. So that’s always fun!

Tip from me: take time out of your day to sit and think about all u have to be thankful for, it will brighten your day.
Sounds a little cheesy but it’s actually so true. Remember all that you have to be thankful for. And don’t sweat the small stuff like making dinner perfect or having the perfect table.

Tip from you: board games and good food.
Me: we LOVE board games too. What are your favorite games to play over the holidays? 

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

Trader Joe’s Has You Covered: 24 Items to Make Your Thanksgiving Easier

The Hailey Bieber’s Blush Hack

Inside Hilary Swank’s Private Colorado World

40 Best Gifts for Men That Won’t Disappoint

Etsy Black Friday Sale: Here Are the Deals to Shop Right Now

How to Have a Spectacular Thanksgiving for Two

8 Tips For Meeting Your Partner’s Family During the Holidays

Anthropologie’s $1,600 Mirror Reached Cult Status…$130 alternatives

22 Early Black Friday Beauty Deals to Shop Now

24 Best Subscription Boxes to Give and Receive—From Coffee to Flowers to Wine

Shop Dreamy Fashion (and Accessories!) From the Early Black Friday Sales

Miranda’s Holiday Gift Guide

Step Inside a Super-Chic Home on Central Park That’s Surprisingly Modern

21 Stocking Decorating Ideas You Can DIY in 1 Hour

10 Minutes at Home With Eva Longoria

12 Highly-Entertaining Fictional Podcasts for When the World Is Simply Too Much

 The Best Black Friday Mattress Deals and Bedding Sales

8. Cozy Christmas PJs. Tis’ the season.

everything cozy for winter under $170

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

Tuesday: Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch

Wednesday: French Onion Dumplings

Thursday: Thanksgiving Menu and Guide – the Quick and Cozy Pumpkin Menu

Friday: Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Saturday: Chai Espresso Martini

Sunday: Chewy Brown Butter Pretzel Pecan Cookies