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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Just took a peak at my calendar and realized we are exactly two weeks from Christmas Day!! That’s so exciting. I’m really looking forward to seeing my family and being forced to slow down a little during those days leading up to Christmas. It’s the one time of year that everyone is out of the office. I just get to focus on all of you and sharing what I love most, my fun holiday content!! 

And then, my family!! They all be starting to arrive sometime next week. I’m looking forward to cooking for both my brothers and my cousins. It’s always fun making the dishes they love the most. And then of course the cocktails, which we all know are really my favorite. 

And even though I’ve only bought a total of one Christmas gift thus far, I’m excited to to shop. Gifting is my favorite, I want to spoil my mom and Asher for sure!! Have you completed your holiday shopping? Or are you like me and barely even started? 

I’m hoping to do some shopping during my downtime in New York this week. Speaking of which, surprise! I’m in New York! I flew in on Friday for a Christmas party and will be here all week for work. Really looking forward to a full week in the city in December! Maybe it will even snow! If there are any must-do December outings I really need to do/see, please let me know! 

And then there’s the other side of me, that like every year is sad to see the season flying by. I have not had enough Christmas! 

What else, my family is still in Europe enjoying the Christmas markets and exploring new cities. They’re enjoying their trip a lot! It’s so fun seeing photos. 

I shared our 2022 Christmas Cookie Box on Friday! This one was my favorite to put together. I wish I had more time to play around with it, but I still love the way it turned out! What’s your favorite Christmas cookie this year? 

I think that’s really it for this week! I have some fun links and holiday ideas today! Hope you enjoy them! Have a festive December Sunday! 

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

gifting…Chamberlain coffee. It’s my absolute favorite and would be as a gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who enjoy coffee.

loving…Christmas pajamas. I’m such a sucker for a cozy pair of cheesy PJs. Just found all of these festive pairs and think they’re so cute. Also, love J Crew’s PJs too.

everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, this is a great pencil skirt. Here is a 100% cashmere sweater (and it’s affordable). A cozy knit vest that would be nice for layering. A great leather jacket and the perfect pair of knee high boots.

The new Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker. Get these before they sell out, they’re a great gift.

listening to…3 Ways to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Challenge Yourself This Week. This is so important, but it’s hard. The only way you can grow is by stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s one of the hardest things for me to do for sure.

dreaming of going…home. I love New York, but as I said, I’m excited for Christmas with my family.

holiday shopping…everything White + Warren. I ordered a wonderful box of cashmere pieces for both my mom and myself. Everyone, these are some of the coziest cashmere knits. I especially love their socks, they’re my all-time favorite luxury splurge. And all of their cashmere sweaters and pants are perfect. Oh, and their waffle mittens. I didn’t get these, but I need to…nothing cozier. You can use the code,  Tieghan20 for 20%of your holiday orders.

 


supporting…StyleGiving. A new non-profit company with virtual pop-up shops that give back to charities. They create Style Boxes for the holidays for women, men, and even teenagers. All proceeds of your style box help to fund research for childhood cancer through CureSearch.org. Check out the gift boxes, for her, for him, and for teens. They’re cute, thoughtful, easy gifts.

A few stocking stuffers…I love and would personally be excited about these cashmere knee high socks. Might just get them for all the girls in the family. This Christmas wish candle. I am realizing now that it’s a 3-wick candle (too big for a stocking). So maybe for stockings, I would try this ember candle with cloves and vanilla. And then this matcha chocolate bar would be nice for anyone who enjoys matcha.


eating at…Sona. I have a holiday dinner here this week. I’ve very excited their menu looks incredible.

gifting…the Beast Blender. I’ve read such good reviews on this.

watching… The Noel Diary. My mom and Asher both watched this one and really loved it. It’s the story of a man who returns home on Christmas to settle his estranged mother’s estate. He discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past, and of a beautiful young woman on a mysterious journey of her own. Sounds cute.

everything in my cart (high)…if this cashmere belted coat from Khaite wasn’t so pricy, I’d splurge and get it for my mom. She would love it. The margeaux sweater from Janessa Leone is also splurge-worthy, but a cozy winter find for sure.

holiday shopping…Tatcha. If you’re struggling with dry winter skin, Tatcha has some of my favorite skincare products. Their hand cream is an essential for me, but I’m currently using and loving their eye cream and Indigo Overnight Repair. You can use HARVEST20 at checkout to save 20% off sitewide (includes sets + single products) + grab a free Mini Indigo Overnight Repair with orders of $100+.

 


drinking…this week’s Christmas punch. So fun for holiday parties.

loving…these gingerbread house ideas. Oh my goodness, so cute. Some are a bit too fancy for my style, but I think #18 and #20 are my favorites.

2. A few cozy soups.

Cozy Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Cozy Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup

Creamy White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Lighter Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Lighter Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Spicy Lasagna Soup | halfbaedharvest.com

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Coconut Curry Chicken Meatball Soup with Rice | halfbakedharvest.com

Coconut Curry Chicken Meatball Soup with Rice

Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili

3. Everything you need to create the best cookie boxes.

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: What’s in your bag? 
a: I don’t bring a lot. My wallet, my phone, maybe hand cream, Rhode Peptide lip treatment (love the salted caramel shade), a microfiber cloth to clean my camera lens (so important), phone, maybe headphones, and hand sanitizer.

q: Fashion trend you don’t love?
a: Ballet flats

q: How do you handle negative reviews? Some people can be unnecessarily mean.
a: I always take into consideration what they are saying, then decide if it’s valid or not. If it’s constructive criticism I don’t mind. I actually like to know how I might be able to be better at something I”m doing.

So if it’s valid, I listen and adjust. If it’s just mean and stupid I try my best to brush it off and not think about it. I used to always respond but lately, I just haven’t even been giving it any energy.

q: Have you ever been offered a TV/Netflix show? Would you do one? 
a: Nothing has been a good fit/the right offer. Yea, I would definitely do one if the fit, platform, and timing were right.

q: Favorite store for clothing basics?
Mostly Shopbop. I also love Abercrombie, Amazon, and Aritzia too. Zara is always great as well. Nordstrom has good basics, both high and low!

q: Do you have any tips for meringue?
a: I wish but I can’t make meringue either 🫣🤷🏻‍♀️

q: do you listen to music while you hike?
a: No never. I go super early in the morning and it’s my time to just let my brain wander.

q: cooking spray recommendation that doesn’t taste artificial?
a: I never use cooking spray. I always grease with butter, olive oil, or coconut oil.

I always travel with Beis bags. There isn’t a better bag, they are my favorite. I NEED this pretty new maple color!!

q: Would you ever go on Selena + Chef?
a: Ummmm yes!! I would loveee that so much!

q: If you could have one pan?
a: Staub 11 inch skillet (:

q: Drink you are enjoying? 
a: Right now I’m loving espresso martinis.

5. December list and new holiday traditions.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Some of the things I’d love to do over the next couple of weeks and a few new holiday traditions I’d love to establish! 

  1. Decorate gingerbread houses, I have 2 kits waiting for Asher and me. 
  2. Do a Christmas puzzle! So fun! I want to do this Christmas Eve and make it a new tradition. 
  3. Decorate my house! It needs holiday cheer! 
  4. Watch all the Christmas movies possible. 
  5. Once I get home, hot chocolate for Asher every day. 
  6. Walk through snowy central park and see all the lights. Not sure it’s going to be snowy but fingers crossed. 
  7. Do something thoughtful for someone every day…love this idea! 
  8. Simmer my Christmas potpourri the week leading up to Christmas. 
  9. Order everyone Christmas Pajamas.

6. My mom’s photos (and details) from Paris and Prague.

Their trip looks so wonderful. I finally got to talk with my dad today (really missing everyone to be very honest). It sounds like they’re having such a nice time exploring! The photos are all so pretty too. Some details of their trip from mom are below.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
Paris
 
Hotel: Pavillon De La Reine – a really nice boutique hotel in the Marais district of Paris, which was a great location. The staff was awesome!
 
We were absolutely awed that the entire city was comprised of old buildings built from the 1100s and on. They were so beautiful and yet, they still function! Our tour guide for our Lights Tour, Rafelle, was so informative, and yet still fun!
 
Prague 
 
Hotel: Augustine – We stayed in their Christmas suite. The first pic here is the suite we stayed in, their Christmas suite. The hotel is a converted monastery and was very cool. The staff was awesome here as well. And again, a great location.
 
We really loved this city. I would describe it as old-world romantic with a gothic flair. Just so different. Much more open than Paris which is very tight and more crowded. The Charles Bridge is a walking bridge that crosses the River Vitava and was built in 1357 – it was so cool! The whole town was very Christmassy too!
 
Vienna
 
Hotel: Park Hyatt Vienna – A restored bank headquarters, this building is very grand. The buffet breakfast that’s included with the stay is beyond amazing. The most incredible spread I’ve ever seen. The hotel’s location is also excellent. There’s actually a Christmas Market right in front of this magnificent building, and shops and restaurants are all right nearby. The hotel staff is so accommodating and friendly. We were assigned a hotel manager, Marie, who checked in regularly to see if we had any questions or if there was anything we needed. We had such a nice conversation with Marie, she took the time to give us a local’s perspective on Austria!
 
We also had dinner here at the hotel on our third night at The Bank Brasserie & Bar – it was delicious.
 
Vienna is beautiful but more modern. There are Christmas markets all over the city. We kind of scored on dinner on Friday night thanks to Gregor, our waiter at the Neue Hoheit Bar. We had drinks here and were hoping that a table might free up at their restaurant, the Neue Hoheit Brasserie. Gregor was so knowledgeable and kind. He also told us that he could get us a reservation, and he did! We had such a nice dinner. Both the bar and restaurant are located in the Rosewood Vienna hotel.
 
Lastly, I just have to mention Emily (Lutz), from Beyond Travel Company. Emily booked all of our accommodations and tours, as well as our transportation to Vienna and Munich. She really did pick the most perfect hotels for us in the best locations. It was so nice having her experience and expertise in these unfamiliar locations. I just didn’t have the time to research this trip so I relied heavily on Emily. And so far, I couldn’t ask for anything better…she even found the best prices too!
 
On to Munich on Monday – home on Thursday!
 
Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
 
 
Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
 
Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
 
Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
 
 
 

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

The Best Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season…ideas.

17 Best Flatware Sets for Dinner Parties…’tis the season.

Gifting the Perfect Fragrance Is Practically an Art…these 25 sets make it easy.

Best Holiday Movies To Watch This Year…more Christmas movies!

9 All-Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth…need to try.

We Tried All the Trader Joe’s Holiday Items We Could Find…here’s how they ranked.

The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare Products

I Have Social Anxiety–These Tips Help Me Get Through Holiday Parties with Ease

Hosting Advice From the Best Party Throwers We Know

How to Make Your Wardrobe Cozy and Presentable, According to Gigi Hadid

23 Ideas Gift-Wrapping Ideas…very creative and cute.

Tour a Serene Hawaiian Retreat on the Island of Kauai…winter vacation?

Lea Michele’s ‘Funny Girl’ Skin-Care and Makeup Routine…cute.

8. December Amazon style edit.

 

9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.

Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup

Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili Tacos | halfbakedharvest.com

Tuesday: Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili Tacos

Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup.| halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup

30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken

One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo | halfbakedharvest.com #skilletdinner #chicken #orzo

Friday: One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo

Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail (with mocktail) | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail (with mocktail)

2022 Christmas Cookie Box | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: 2022 Christmas Cookie Box

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Comments

  1. As I type, I’ve got your homestyle chicken noodle soup in the crock… just 30 minutes out from adding noodles! I can’t believe you’ve barely started shopping! I’d never make it if I started this late, LOL… this year being an exception, I’m typically done shopping by October! But I finished shopping last week and will get most of my wrapping done in a day or two. Then it’ll just be a couple of stragglers coming in the mail. Now, get on that shopping, sister! Have a great week!

    1. Hey Kristie,
      Thanks for reading and making the chicken noodle soup!! Lol I’m definitely way behind on the shopping, that’s amazing you are able to think ahead and get done so early!! Hope you’re having a great week! xT

  2. I’m so exited for Christmas! Where has the time gone?! Wasn’t yesterday the first day of fall? I’ll never understand how time flies. I’ll be making your gingerbread bundt cake for Christmas day, and your snickerdoodles and sugar cookies for family and friends. Thank you for inspiring me to cook and bake! Abigail
    P.S. My all time favorite recipe of yours would be the apple cider doughnut cake. SO GOOD.:)

    1. Hi Abigail,
      Thanks so much for reading and your comment! Yes, the Christmas season always goes by too fast! I hope you love the bundt cake and the cookies too! Happy Holidays! xT

  3. Have the BEST time in NYC- it’s magical at Christmas. Long walks in Central Park are my fav. A champagne cocktail at the bar at Le Bernadin makes you forget the crush of humanity you just experienced at the Rock the tree (which you should do, it’s just… a lot IMHO). If you haven’t seen it yet, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway! Mix some Hogwarts magic with the magic of the season.

    1. Thank you so much Leigh! It really is so pretty here with all of the Christmas decorations! Love the Harry Potter suggestions! Happy Holidays! xT

  4. Hi and Happy Holidays! I baked the Christmas Monster Cookies earlier today. They are easy to make and excellent warm or cooled off. Next up are the Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies. Thanks for providing the accessible to non-bakers (me) yet yummy recipes.

    1. Hey Lisa,
      Happy Monday!! Thanks so much for trying the monster cookies, they’re a family fave! I hope you love the wreath cookies! Happy Holidays! xx

  5. For New York — see the tree at Rockerfeller but be wary of rush-hour crowds!, Bryant Park shops are my favorite, but seasonal Gingerbread chocolate flavor from local company Raaka, walk the highline, and honestly just walk the main streets like 5th ave and such to see the window displays 🙂 …Christmas in New York is magical, enjoy it!

    1. Hi Deb,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing these awesome NYC suggestions!! I’ll let you know what I end up doing! Happy Holidays! xx

  6. We love to see the Christmas Spectacular every year! Definitely shop some NYC Christmas markets, Rolf’s for a fun Christmas scene , St Patricks cathedral and ice skating!

    1. Hey Amanda,
      Awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing these recommendations, I’ll have to see if I’m able to check any of my list! Happy Holidays! xx

  7. Can’t believe it’s two weeks to Christmas Day! It’s really going too fast this year.

    Glad your family are having fun and home soon! Just in time for Christmassy times.

    Love your new cookie box!

    Have a great week! 🎄⛄️Xx

  8. My daughter has been raving about you for a few years now… and I have now folllowed suit. You are amazing and such an inspiration!! You keep being you!! I honestly can’t get enough!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄

  9. It looks like your family is having a wonderful time in Europe, the pics are gorgeous!

    I’m on mission to try all the soups. The spicy lasagna soup, buffalo chicken chili, and chicken wild rice orzo are all delicious! Next up is the creamy veggie tortellini or spicy baked potato. Thank you so much for these recipes, they are the best! 🙂

    1. Hey Amber,
      Happy Monday!! Right?! I’m jealous, but I know they are having the best time! Who doesn’t love a good soup recipe this time of year?! Let me know which ones you try! xx

  10. Love the pix from your family’s trip. I have been in Paris and London during the Christmas holidays and they are magical. I hope you get to go sometime if you haven’t been already during that time period. I was in New York yesterday- you may get some snow there this week! Have fun!

    1. Hey Cathryn,
      Thanks so much for reading!! Happy to share the photos, it looks amazing! Yes, looks like the snow could be coming here soon! I hope you have a great week! xT

  11. RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Go. Do not pause. No NYC Christmas trip is complete without going. Just get the ticket, VIP if you can. 90 minutes of pure Christmas joy. Seriously T, figure out a way to fit it in and then you can thank me for the rest of your life. I promise you will come home and check the website every day until tickets go on sale for next year and take Oslo and Asher. Mind blowing. I will go so far as to speculate it will become an annual Half Baked Harvest holiday tradition.

    1. Hey Cari,
      Thanks so much for reading!! I will look into the radio city Christmas spectacular, thanks for the suggestion!! Lol sounds like I really need to go! Hope you’re off to a great Monday! xT

  12. Making your Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs later today for a dinner party. They look so good. Can you share your go-to travel outfit—what you like to wear and bring with you on the plane? Thanks!

    1. Hey Emily,
      Thanks so much, I hope you love the recipe!! For travel, I always love to wear something comfy, like a sweat outfit and sneakers! I always have my laptop, water, and some snacks for the plane! Happy Holidays! xx

    1. This is THE recipe you need for perfect meringue everytime!

      https://meringuegirls.co.uk/meringue-girls-best-meringue-recipe/

      No extra faffy ingredients just egg white and sugar, they taste amazing crisp on the outside, mallowy in the middle, & always stay white
      I struggled with meringue too until I found this! Go meringue girls!💖

      & thank u Tieghan love your post as always x

      How about topping one of your cookies with a meringue!!!😘

    2. Hey Lori,
      Thanks so much for making the soup, I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipe!! Hope you’re off to a great Monday! xT

  13. Happy Holidays to all! This comment is for the person who wanted tips on making meringue- I’ve found a couple things really help. First, never try to make meringue on a rainy or humid day. Second, have your egg whites at room temperature. Third, put your bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before making the meringue, and make sure there is no oily residue on them (sounds weird but true) Fourth, make sure you use a stabilizer like cream of tartar. This will ensure your meringue comes together and holds its shape. Lastly, beat till there are stiff peaks when you stop and raise the beaters. I use the meringue recipe in Joy of Cooking. Although that recipe is to make individual baked meringues, I find it works fine for putting on top of pies. Good luck!

    1. Linda, I live on the beach on the Gulf Coast and it’s always humid. My trick is to run the ac or heater, and don’t have open windows. My kitchen aid does a fantastic job, and I make pavlova frequently, as I’m gluten free. Right now I’m looking at meringue cookie recipes.

      1. You’re absolutely right, Dot! I should have made clear that you could just keep windows closed and AC on so humidity would not be an issue when making meringue. Good catch, thanks!