Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things – Martha!

Writing from New York, but hopefully in LA today! I’m almost headed home, just a quick two-day stop in LA, then flying home tomorrow night! It’s been a great week of work and travel. New York this time of year is so special. It’s been a very back-to-back busy trip. I was hoping to have more downtime, but somehow managed to pack my days pretty full. But that’s ok, I do love being busy too!

I’m excited that I’ll be back in New York again the first week of December! It’s going to be magical at that time. They’ve been hanging lights on the trees here all week and I can’t wait to see them!

And wow, this past week was a whirlwind! I kicked things off with a birthday party for a friend on Saturday night. Sunday was spent mostly working on the computer but was capped with a pre-CFDA Awards dinner at the very famous Carlyle Hotel in uptown. It’s a stunning hotel and the bar is famous. It was a mellow night but fun to meet the Amazon team, who invited me to the city to attend the CFDA Fashion Awards.

The actual CFDAs were held on Monday night and wow, I felt so lucky to have been invited. I’m told they’re kind of the Oscars of fashion, and they certainly were something! This was a very star-studded event, Kim K was there, along with Serena Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow, who were both being honored. Demi Moore, Martha Stewart, and so many more attended. I can only dream of attending again in coming years. It’s such an honor to have been invited.

The CFDAs kicked off the week on a very positive note. I feel like the rest of the week was amazing because that energy really flowed through.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I was in back-to-back meetings with events on both nights. Wednesday we had the Snif Ulta Beauty event. This was so fun, I loved sharing the candles (they really are my favorite) and meeting with you all. On Thursday I attempted to work from my hotel, but I’ve been pulled in a lot of directions. Unfortunately, checking things off my to-do list has been tricky this week. But we’re trying hard to make it all work.

On Thursday night, we had the Short Hills, NJ Williams-Sonoma signing and this one was my favorite signing yet. I had the opportunity to really connect with everyone in line and it was so fun! We have the sweetest community. Meeting you all in person fills me with so much happiness! It was so awesome to see so many of you gifting HBH cookbooks this holiday season. Woohoo!

Ok. OK. Onto Friday! As you may have seen, I was able to connect with Martha Stewart while at the CFDA Awards. She is kinder and cooler than I could have ever imagined. I had no idea she knew who I was, but to my surprise, she knew all about me! Within 5 minutes of talking, she had invited me to be on her podcast. The following morning I was in touch with her team. By noon, everything was set to record with Martha herself at Rockefeller Center on Friday. I could not believe it and was so excited.

We chatted for over an hour. We touched on the, very talked about New York Times piece, running a business, building a business, Thanksgiving and so much more. It was an incredible experience. I cannot wait for you all to hear it.

That night I had dinner at the Polo Bar to round out my trip. Then on Saturday I flew to LA. I have a couple days of filming before heading back tomorrow night. I’m excited to get back to cooking this week, there are so many fun holiday recipes to make! Feeling so happy and excited to continue to share more with you all! I’m sharing photos below!

And now, here are all my favorites from this week. It’s such a good time of year, so many gift guides and new holiday links are below! Enjoy another November Sunday!

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

loving…Amazon stocking stuffers. Some of these are so fun. I love these pens. Use them every day. And for travel/purse essentials, this hydrating daily rescue facial spray from Tower 28. And a portable phone charger is always appreciated

Also, not really a stocking stuffer, but I’ve always been curious to try a towel warmer. Are they worth it? It does make a fun gift!

wanting…everything Zara home holiday decor. Here is everything I ordered and or currently have in my carts. So many cute things.

Christmas gift led light, Christmas bell ornaments, Christmas postcard, holiday wreath, gold Christmas wrapping paper, glittery Christmas pineapple (looks like a pinecone to me), Christmas village snow globe, glittery Christmas snowflake, paper snowman, velvet ribbon, Christmas balloon decoration, candy cane ornaments, and candy cane Christmas forks and spoons. Christmas silicone baking mold, paper cupcake molds, borosilicat glass tumbler with Christmas candy cane, Christmas tartan cotton kitchen towel, Christmas boot salt and pepper shaker set

everything in my cart (low)…Zara has such cute holiday pieces. This velvet midi dress is very festive.

Ok, now here is every single Zara sweater you need this season. This High Collar Knit Sweater is a great basic. Comes in a more bold red shade too. This Basic 100% Wool Caridigan gives off a Miu Miu vibe with a much better price point. I adore this 100% Wool Knit Polo as well as their pretty Faux Fur Sweater (the color is so good) and Knit Cropped Jacket (super cute). I know my mom will order this Belted Cropped Knit Coat.

listening to…The Blonde Files. Arielle shared two episodes this week that I’m looking forward to listening to on the plane. How Protein Changed My life, My Annual Beauty Schedule, Hormones and Acne and more. I too am focusing more on protein, and trying to incorporate more red meat and eggs in my diet. Very curious/excited to listen this. Also, How to Make Wellness Work for You, Be More Flexible and Manifest What You Want with Siff Haider. I love Siff’s approach to health. It is very balanced and attainable, I know there will be so many takeaways from this interview.

loving…easy gifting from Revolve. Some fun selects below! Tis the season.

gifting…warm cashmere accessories. Cashmere is such a luxury this time of year and so worth the splurge. My mom wears cozy socks, hats, gloves, scarves and even a neck warmer…pretty much all the time. Ordering the following for her for Christmas stockings/gifts. She’s going to be OBSESSED with this Brunello Cucinelli ribbed padded cashmere snood. She might live in this cashmere balaclava from Guest in Residence. And last, this cashmere neckwarmer from Alex Mill. She will live in that all winter long.

everything in my cart (beauty)…winter perfume’s are on my Christmas list. The Tom Ford Santal Blush scent is my top pick. It has cinnamon and vanilla, my two favorite scents this time of year. A few others that would make amazing gifts, the Gucci Guilty Elixir Eau de Parfum, and then the Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum. Hello cute gifts to wrap up, use as stocking stuffers, or also as a hostess gifts. 

And now, here is every single beauty advent calendar you could order. Try one of these, so fun for December!

and for neck care, this Intensive Firming Neck Creme is on my list. It sound very luxurious and I always forget to take care of the skin on my neck.

watching…the Louis Vuitton holiday video over and over. What a magical scene.

wanting…these cute Turkey Surprise Balls. These are so cute and fun! Each turkey holds a little note for each guest to read at the table. I would put these on everyone’s plate and use as a part to my Thanksgiving tablescape.

everything in my cart (high)…loving this pretty hoodie puffer jacket from Ganni. Or equally love this ACNE Studios puffer. If you need a pair of holiday heels, Valentino Nite-Out Bow-Detailed Satin Pumps are perfect.

shopping…holiday gift wrap and planning my designs for the year. Using these Easy Gift-Wrapping Tricks to help spur some new ideas!

2. Popular holiday appetizers.

Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic

Everything Ranch Crackers and Pretzels

Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie in Pastry

Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board

Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls

Easy White Chicken Chili Corn Dip

Roasted Garlic Caprese Dip

3. A few things for Thanksgiving.

4. Williams Sonoma, Columbus Circle – December 8th.

Excited to share that we have our last Williams-Sonoma store event here in New York City on Friday December 8th at 6 pm EST at the magical Columbus Circle location. Since this is a December event, the Williams-Sonoma team and I have come up with some incredibly fun and special things for this signing. It’s not going to be like any other.

We’ll be hosting yet another giveaway for 3 winners. I’m keeping the prize secret for now, but I promise, it’s going to be good. Santa and helpers may or may not be attending, there will be yummy cocktails and appetizers, and all around it’s going to be a festive, cozy night of fun, photos, signing and more. I’m truly looking forward to this event and can not wait to see many of you there!

Because this is a special event, tickets are super limited, you can snag yours here. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

5. Pumpkin Smash is 20% off + November in New York.

With Thanksgiving so close (less than 2 weeks to go!), everyone has been asking me for a discount code for the Pumpkin Smash candle. Well, I’m so excited to tell you that I finally have one!! The candle is the perfect hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or addition to your holiday tables. If you can order by November 15th (this Wednesday) your candles will ship out in time to arrive by Thanksgiving Day!

Use the code PUMPKIN20 on snif.co and order by November 15th for delivery before Thanksgiving!

A little Thanksgiving Day dip for you. Light your candles an hour or so before guests begin to arrive. This will make your house feel special, warm, and inviting. There’s nothing more inviting than the Pumpkin Smash candle burning away. It will automatically set the mood for the night!

The reviews on this candle do not lie…

November in New York

All the photos from my trip – this week has been so full of goodness!

(birthday parties in New York are fancy you all)

(New York is golden)

(CFDA meeting with Amazon team)

(The Carlyle)

(CFDA night)

(pot pies for dinner)

(nightly skincare is essential)

(I thrive in a cozy setting)

(on our way to Ulta)

(happy and extcited)

(ready for Christmas)

(River Fund Gala with Mellissa Wood Tepperberg)

(Polo Bar)

(New York nights)

6. Thanksgiving tip of the week.

Test Your Recipes and Make an Oven/Food Schedule

If you’re trying new recipes, make sure you test them out before Thanksgiving Day. Certainly, no one wants to be disappointed on Thanksgiving with a bad batch of mashed potatoes. Test your recipes out this weekend, write down the timing, and make any notes you have now. Keep the notes on your photo or your favorite notepad for easy access.

Then, sit down sometime this week and build out an oven schedule. This is essential for staying on track on Thanksgiving Day, especially if you’re working with limited oven space.

7. Favorite links i’m loving.

It’s the Busiest Time of Year to Travel: Here Are 8 Tips to Keep You Calm

7 Trader Joe’s Items That Make Hosting a Party So Much Easier

The 30 Best Carry-Ons That Exist

Everything You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of A Sauna Sessions

The Easiest Way to Add Texture to Your Look…with a Suede Boot. So cute!

8. Winter Style Fits.

cute + warm coats

Abercrombie coats 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: One Hour One Pot Coq au Vin

Tuesday: Quick Pumpkin Rigatoni with Candied Prosciutto

Wednesday: Creamy White Chicken Chili

Thursday: Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

Friday: Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo

Saturday: Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Sunday: Chocolate Covered Espresso Spiced Pretzels