Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – cocktails with Katie 

Realizing now that we are officially one week out from Christmas. Oh, how it sneaks up on us every year. How are you all celebrating the holidays and what are you celebrating? Hanukkah? Christmas? Both? 

I’m waiting at my gate in the airport, headed back home to my family. All of my brothers, Creighton, Trevor, Brendan (he’s actually not here just yet), Malachi, Red, and of course Oslo, are already home. I’m pretty excited to see everyone. It’s a big crew this year with brothers, cousins, spouses, nieces, and nephews.

We’ll be missing my two younger brothers, Kai and Red, on Christmas day this year, which makes me pretty sad. But they’ll be rejoining us after Christmas. They’re spending Christmas with their girlfriend’s families, one in Cleveland and the other in Hawaii. We’re really going to miss those guys, and Cait and Hailey too (their girlfriends). As we all get older, it’s getting trickier and trickier to have everyone together all at once, so I cherish the time we do have. I will get to see Kai and Red when I get home though. And then everyone will be together for New Year’s Eve.

And in other family news, my parents are back from Europe! I haven’t had a chance to hear about their trip, but I know they really enjoyed their time over there. They had a rough travel day heading back, but isn’t that just how travel goes. My mom and Asher are very happy to be back in our snowy Christmassy town!

In other news, I am very behind with my Christmas gifts. So my goal for tonight is to get everyone on my list crossed off. I LOVE to give gifts, thus tonight should be fun. But I must say, I’m feeling the pressure with all of these shipping deadlines. Yikes!

I had an amazing week in New York. I gave a full recap of my week here in the city below!

Beyond that, I’ve just got a whole lot of holiday things to do. Which doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m that annoying person that really does love all things holiday. It makes me so happy to get to say happy holidays to everyone I encounter. I love it so much, and hope it brings whomever I run into a little holiday cheer!

I think that’s about it. Only six more nights until Christmas Eve! Hope you’re all slowly starting to settle into the season. Enjoy this week’s favorites! Sharing a lot of last-minute gift ideas!

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

loving…the idea of a snowy white Christmas with my family. A spa day with all the girls, the family sleigh ride dinner, bowling in Vail, and walking on Main Street. Thankful it is so festive where I live.

excited to…make hot chocolate, bake cookies, and listen to Christmas music with Asher. We’ll make it happen this week. Sister time is so important.

gifting…Variety Box Coffee Bundle. My favorite coffee beans.

last minute gift wrap…top picks are this pretty red candy cane paper, Santa Clause paper (in pink) and in white, and then these Nutcracker trees are adorable too. This is my favorite ribbon, and I love these handmade gift tags. All of these are on Etsy, so order soon – like today. And please double check they’ll ship in time for you to receive before Christmas. It’s cutting it close.

everything in my cart (low)…From Nordstrom, I love this long oversized coat. Super cozy for a great price.

listening to…Jackie Schimmel: Confident Girls > Mean Girls on Call Her Daddy.

dreaming of going…The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach and eating at Fig and Ginger. The hotel looks beautiful and the menu at Fig and Ginger menu looks delish. This would be the perfect winter vacation! Already, ready to plan!

gifting…festive holiday puzzles. These will be fun to do with the family while sitting around a warm nighttime fire.

everything beauty…I love the Merit 5 minute morning set. It’s a wonderful clean-beauty gift. I personally hope to see this smooth callus stone from Amazon in my stocking. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a winter feet essential. Also, the Dieux Skin eye mask. If you’re looking for something that feels luxurious, I love the Eighth Day resurfacing tonic.

supporting…TheraSurf. They put on events to support the health and well-being of children with special needs. Providing the opportunity for kids to experience the power of the ocean and surfing as a form of therapy

thinking of ordering…this stunning tall martini glass. But it is worth the price?

watching…Something from Tiffany’s with Asher tonight.

hostess gift idea…a gorgeous brass match striker. This is something I would never buy for myself, but would appreciate it as a gift.

everything in my cart (high)…possibly splurging on a classic Gucci black leather shoulder bag for a friend on my wish list. You can never go wrong with classic Gucci. I’d love pretty much anything from Kinn, their jewelry is unique yet timeless. Alright, and then, some long coats that I love. This Saint Laurent long wool blend coat. And I adore this pretty The Row wool blend coat. Also from The Row, these woven sandals and small leather shoulder bag. Both are timeless pieces. This is a fun airport tote bag. For shoes, I want these ANCE studios leather ankle boots or these tall leather croc boots. And lastly, this Prada leather bag is classic, just like that Gucci.

drinking…this week’s Whoville’s Spiced Up Christmas Margarita. SO EXCITED to mix this up for my family.

stocking stuffer ideas…for anyone who enjoys cooking, baking, or sweet breakfasts, splurge on Farmhouse Pottery’s Vermont maple syrup. Definitely stuff the beauty lovers stocking with the Rhode lip balm. It is always sold out (I love the caramel). Asher has “the puffer” iPhone case and loves it, perfect stocking stuffer. And then, I am personally ordering Sheertex rip-resist tights. Every time I put tights on they tear. This ANCE studios wool mohair scarf is so warm (I have it) and it would be a great stocking filler. Oh, and my cousin mentioned she wanted dinner reservations for Sushi. Such a good stocking idea!

reading…The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

if you’re in New York…splurge and gift your best friend (or yourself) a facial from Cynthia Rivas. I went to see her this week and she is the queen of skin. The facial was amazing and I walked away glowing and ready for GMA the following morning. Her gift cards start at $100 or you can do a custom amount.

thinking about…getting my mom this organic cotton weighted blanket. I think she would really enjoy it.

2. My top 12 most popular holiday recipes.

Basically, you must make these over the next 2 weeks

30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen

Creamy White Chicken Chili

One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch

Christmas Monster Cookies

White Christmas Mojito

Frosted Mistletoe Margarita

The North Pole Cocktail

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Holidays: Let’s Make the House Smell Like Christmas

3. Games to play over the holidays.

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: how are the studio renovations going?
a: The renovations are currently on pause. Trying to find the right designer to really help finish the two spaces. It’s hard!!

q: favorite Christmas movies?
a: The Santa Clause movies, The Grinch, Eloise at Christmastime, any Hallmark movie, Miracle on 34th street, Home Alone. Basically all the classics. 

q: does your brother still help with videos?
a: Yes!! He edits all the clips for me and puts them together to make full video edits. I do all the filming. 

q: favorite places to shop for holiday decor?
a: Anthropologie, Terrain, Zara Home, Food52, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Cb2, West Elm, Paper Source, Rifle Paper Co, and Burkedecor.

q: do you have any daily habits/rituals?
a:

– so much water, always warm or hot
– hiking in the am
– good skincare
– drying brush every single night 

q: what do you recommend for a great, homemade holiday gift? 
a: a cookie box.

q: can you do a Colorado book signing?
a: You missed it! I just did one back in October! I am soooo sorry! 

q: how do you prepare Thanksgiving and holiday leftovers?
a: Just eat them as is. I’ve never understood the obsession with turning them into new recipes. Unless it’s using leftover mashed potatoes for potato pierogis, which I think are delicious.

q: do you read comments/things about you on the internet?
a: No never. That’s the worst thing I could probably ever do. Yikes. The internet can be scary, you know? 

q: if you could take 24 hours off of work, what would you do?
a: I’d take Asher shopping in New York and spend the day with her.

q: can you make a better version of the Pillsbury orange rolls?
a: I’m not familiar, but should I make these for this week?

5. New York.

Where to start? This was probably my longest stay in New York yet. Let’s start with my hotel, which I could not rave more about. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. I stayed at the Park Hyatt New York, which is right around the corner from Central Park and just a 5-minute walk from 5th Avenue. It’s the ideal location for a December stay in the city. * Sidenote, my parents stayed at the Park Hyatt Vienna at the same time – it was their favorite hotel of the trip. They highly recommend it.

From the moment I arrived, they made every detail of my stay special. When you walk into the hotel you’re greeted with classic holiday decor. Checking in was quick and seamless and every staff member that I encountered was helpful and overly kind. But it was my room that was really special. I walked in and immediately felt so at home. My room had been decorated with my own mini Christmas tree, fresh flowers, and two beautiful bouquets of poinsettias. And then the most special piece was the sweetest handmade gingerbread tree that smelled INCREDIBLE. Coming back to my room every night felt so cozy and nice, it was perfectly Christmassy, and I loved it.

Aside from my room, I also did a nighttime massage at the hotel. And well, how could I not love that? I’ve been so tense, so this was very much needed.

And if you enjoy any dining while you stay here, the food and pastries are all wonderful. I still cannot get over the chocolates and cookies. Incredible. They really made every second of my stay perfect. The hotel felt like home for the week. So cozy in the New York cold.

Aside from the wonderful hotel stay, my time in the city really was perfect. I spent time with work friends at a fancy holiday party. It was so much fun getting dressed up for once. I really loved the red Valentino dress I wore and the splurge-worthy St.Laurent shoes. I felt so festive!

Then I was lucky enough to get to host an amazing, sold-out book signing at the Crate and Barrel in Soho. It’s such a pretty store and I had forgotten how fun these signings are. You all are the sweetest to meet! Thank, thank you for being the kindest, most supportive community.

Moving on from the signing, I had a nice dinner at the Polo Bar, which is so cute and festive. If you go, get the burger or pasta, and an espresso martini. And oh my gosh, get a popover too. So yummy.

I was up bright and early on Wednesday to film a live segment on Kelly and Ryan. We baked my Holly Jolly Santa Cookies. Love those cookies! From there I was off to film some Christmas cocktails with Katie Couric, who believe it or not, is even more lovable in person. I finished the night with a wonderful holiday dinner at Sona with my friend Antoni. Brook Shields was in attendance and wow, she is truly beautiful and so kind.

Moving along I rounded out the trip with a big interview, a quick drink at the Standard hotel with our Snif family, and a facial with Cynthia Rivas.

And today, Friday, I was up early to bake cookies on GMA. Did you watch? Ginger Zee and I baked my ginger cookies. Twas’ a perfectly sweet way to end my trip. I’m quickly typing this up before shortly heading to the airport. Back home to snowy Colorado and all the fam for Christmas!

6. Inspiring me – Christmas cheer.

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

Vogue’s Top Gifts of 2022 to Give This Holiday Season…love this list.

What To Read This Holiday Season…no matter what you’re in the mood for.

The Best Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s…found these to be true.

This Spicy Note Is All I Look for in a Perfume...love the cinnamon.

Why Does No One Talk About This Easy Way to Save Money…a smart read.

Beat The Bloat…how to boost digestion.

5 Easy Gift-Wrapping Tricks for the Prettiest Presents Under the Tree.

We Found the Perfect Book To Read Before 2022 Is Over/

Lilly Collins Is In The Driver’s Seat…A cute read if you watch Emily in Paris.

8. Winter jackets.

$300 and under

$300 and up

other wintery finds

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen

Tuesday: One Pot Creamy French Onion Pasta Bake

Wednesday: Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Thursday: Winter Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Friday: Creamy Bacon Tortellini with Charred Broccoli

Saturday: Whoville’s Spiced Up Christmas Margarita (with mocktail)

Sunday: Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread