Next Post
Crockpot Short Rib Bourguignon.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Hello! It’s finally the Christmas holiday season! Whether you celebrate or not, this can be the most magical time of year. I’m so excited to hopefully help bring some of that magic into everyone’s homes. We have lots of festive recipes, decor ideas, holiday menus, and more! I truly cannot wait to share it all with you this month!
This year more than ever I feel so much happiness for the holidays. Things have been up and down for everyone in 2023. But from now through the end of the year, it’s important to prioritize spending time with family and friends. I also love gift-giving, so I’m looking forward to picking out some special gifts for the people I love most!
We’re also supporting a family of seven this holiday season. Asher, my mom, and I are looking forward to finding each child just the right gift. It’s something we look forward to doing every year. I love that no matter how much my mom has on her plate she’s ALWAYS gone above and beyond to support families in need. She is so special in that way.
Before I get too far ahead, I hope everyone has been having a wonderful long Thanksgiving weekend. Our Thanksgiving was very, very low-key this year. We ended up having fewer people than planned, but we all enjoyed our time together. We had the big meal up at my parents. I was happy to have a few minutes to sit by the fire and chat with my mom and younger brother Red. This almost never happens, so the solo time with both of them felt special. It was a really nice way to end the night. And then I went home and started watching one of my favorite Christmas movies, Miracle on 34th Street. It’s kind of a Thanksgiving tradition for me!
I’ve been cooking all weekend. I have a trip to New York this week, so I’m prepping content ahead for the time I’ll be away. I’m looking forward to experiencing all the New York holiday magic! I will for sure be walking down 5th Avenue to see the holiday windows, so fun!
Hoping you’re all settling into these cold, cozy days. Enjoy this week’s favorites, I’m sharing A LOT of Cyber Week sales below. And of course, there’s plenty of Christmas/holiday inspiration too.
1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…the Gingerbread Smash! Been burning this scent nonstop all weekend. The candle is 30% off this week! Uc off both Pumpkin Smash and Gingerbread Smash today through Tuesday, November 28th. Or better yet, buy the Half Baked Smash Bundle (also 30% off with code)!
everything in my cart (low)…this is the perfect wool blend short coat from Zara. I know my mom would love something like this for Christmas.
Loving this Oversized Teddy-fleece-lined Jacket and Double-breasted Jacket, both from H&M. Or try the Oversized Mohair-blend Sweater and Cashmere Balaclava. Super cozy and cute.
listening to…Our holiday baking playlist. This is the BEST playlist. It includes all my favorites. I love the classics!
shopping…Vogue’s Guide to Black Friday. The found the best designer deals.
loving…this cute The River Wallpaper for a kid’s bedroom. So sweet.
everything in my cart (beauty)…the facialist I LOVE to see anytime I’m in New York, Cynthia Rivas just launched her new website. She is offering 25% off on some of my favorite (and rather pricy) products. You have to take advantage of the sale!
My favorites for the morning (in order of use), the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, then Restorsea Pro Firming Eye Serum, followed by the MBR CytoLine Eyecare Cream 100. Next, I use the iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ or iS Clinical GeneXC Serum.
For the night, I use most of the same products, except I swap out the serums for these Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops.
In addition, I also love the iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser, iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish, and iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30.
And then Cynthia said she’d recommend these for any skin type. Either the Restorsea Pro Rebalancing Lotion or iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion as a moisturizer, The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is her go-to cleanser. And her favorite eye is the MBR CytoLine Eyecare Cream 100. For an exfoliator, she recommends the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish. And her sunscreen of choice is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. She also mentioned that the iS Clinical Essentials Kit is a great gift set to try a few products!
Lastly, a few sales from Ulta. The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, Pro Artist 24K Gold Collection Extended Barrel Curling Iron (under $45), and The Curl Party Heated Curling Round Brush.
watching…Christmas movies all season long and nothing else. My mom and I are working on our annual “to watch” list (#5) that we share every year. It’s coming next Sunday! Until then, I rewatched Falling for Christmas (which is so cute) and The Grinch (LOVE – and Oslo is obsessed with Mr. Grinch). And thinking maybe Best. Christmas. Ever. tonight. Not sure about this one, so I will report back!
listening to…The Messiness of Life, Divorce, Addiction & Navigating the Highs and Lows with Alli Webb, founder of Drybar.
everything in my cart (high)…I adore these patent leather slingback pumps and leather mini-pouch from Prada. Cute holiday looks.
This Canadian Goose hooded quilted cotton-shell down jacket is the perfect winter coat. Worth the splurge, you’ll have it for a lifetime. Also, this pretty Bandana Shearling Jacket too. Different style, but cute.
shopping…new Boll & Branch sheets. I love their Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, Signature Hemmed Duvet Set, Waffle Bed Blanket, and their Plush Bath Towel Set. I use their sheets and towels daily, they’re perfect, and I love knowing they’re ethically sourced and organic.
watching…These Are the Best Holiday Movies To Watch Tonight. I need to watch them all – of course!
2. The most popular recipes of November.
Most popular: One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice
Runner-up: Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Also have to mention: The Most Popular Side Dishes
Popular dessert: Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Favorite soup: Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Also, I just have to note a few more that were in the top 5 this month. Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy. And our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide. As was the Creamy White Chicken Chili.
3. Cyber week sales – beauty.
4. December list and new holiday traditions.
Here is a list of nine things I’d love to do over the next couple of weeks. Last year my family was traveling most of December. This year we’ll all be home more. I’m looking forward to trying to do all of the holiday things listed here.
-
- Decorate gingerbread houses. I have 2 kits waiting for Asher and me, a holiday mansion, and a classic house.
- Do a Christmas puzzle! So fun! I want to do this Christmas Eve and make it a new tradition. This was an idea from last year that we didn’t do it.
- Decorate my house! It needs some holiday cheer! Checked this off! Done!
- Watch all the Christmas movies possible. Of course, if you have any favorites please send them my way!
- Hot chocolate for Asher every day. And maybe a gingerbread latte occasionally too. This one will be easy, Asher has already been coming down at night for some hot cocoa while we clean.
- A walk down 5th Avenue in New York. I want to stroll the stores to find Asher something special. I don’t care if I can buy it online, I want to find her something in New York!
- Do something thoughtful for someone every day. I did this last year and loved it. My favorite was sending a random text of good cheer to a friend or family member. Starbucks gift cards are an easy much appreciated gift. And for someone who needs a little more cheer, you can never go wrong with flowers and a candle!
- Simmer my Christmas potpourri the week leading up to Christmas.
- Order everyone Christmas pajamas. I love holiday PJs so much. I felt like the pajamas needed their own favorite number. So many cute and festive options this season.
5. Christmas Cookies to Bake this Week.
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
Chewy Frosted Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodles
Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Easy Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies
Speaking of cookies, I ordered this Edible Gold Glitter Spray and Gold Highlighter Luxury Cake Dust via Amazon today. Not items I would normally purchase, but think they might be fun for cookie decorating!
6. Inspiring me – Christmas everything.
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
The Best Black Friday Home Deals to Shop This Week…time to shop.
Cashmere Guide: the Best Brands to Shop…we love cashmere.
Deck the Halls Like Martha: Holiday Decorations Through the Years…festive.
The Best Holiday Accessory Is a Hair Bow…so cute. Love this holiday trend.
How to Apply Foundation? 11 Expert-Approved Ways…taking notes.
These Winter Nail Trends Will Dominate Our Feeds…fun!
The Best Places to Visit This Winter for a Sun-Soaked Escape…time to plan.
Hailey Bieber’s Winter Outfit Inspiration Is a Glass of Malbec…LOVE.
8. Cyber Week sales – Fashion/accessories.
gifts for her
Shopbop Black Friday Buys
Madewell’s 50%-Off Black Friday Sale
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Spicy Miso Braised Beef Ramen
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli
Wednesday: Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Thursday: Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala
Friday: Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Saturday: Brown Sugar Sage Ginger Paloma (with mocktail)
Sunday: Gingerbread Chai Brûlée Latte
JC give the girl a break! She deserves time with her family. Her blog is not to fill the emptiness of your life but to give Inspiration and ideas.On her time. Hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving Tiegan. I don’t think she signed any contract with each of us to provide content every . Single. Day. Thanksgiving content t has been going all month anyway.. Most bloggers dont do posts every day so I feel lucky to be able read a post every d.
Looking forward to the Christmas blogs and will be ok if there aren’t any personal details of her Christmas.
All that talk about Thanksgiving and not a single picture? A food blogger who doesn’t post about Thanksgiving. Make it make sense! Tieghan, did you actually participate in your family’s Thanksgiving?
Hi Theo,
I’m going to share with you exactly what I shared with Alexandra:
When I am with my family and especially over the holidays, I try to be present with them and not have my phone out the entire time. I share A LOT with the world, so if I miss one meal like Thanksgiving with the family, it’s OK! I want to be considerate of my families comfort as well. Not everyone in my family loves to be on camera. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable or use them as “content”.
Additionally, it is nice for me to have a bit of a break from social media, so I try put my phone way for most holidays. Hope that makes sense and clears things up for you. Happy Holidays!! xx
No one is asking why you didn’t post your family. Granted you do use them for “content” quite often.
Thanksgiving is like a food blogger’s Super Bowl. You talked a lot about recipes and tablescapes leading up to the holiday and then ghosted on the actual day. It’s the most hyped meal of the year, so yes it is weird that you shared nothing.
How come you haven’t been doing favorite questions of the week? Just curious 🙂
Hi Meghan,
I took a little break to share Thanksgiving tips:) Will start to share them again soon! Have a great week! xT
‘Tis the season when you act like Christmas is the only holiday occurring at this time of year. We hate that! It’s called holiday season because there are multiple holidays. Christmas isn’t the only holiday, it’s just the most commercialized.
Christmas is the holiday that Tieghan celebrates which is why she writes about it. She does not need to meet your expectations and write about other holidays. If you’re looking for stories/content about other holidays, go search out other bloggers who celebrate those holidays and post stories about such on their blogs.
So she’s not able to even acknowledge the other holidays of “holiday season” because she only celebrates Christmas? Ridiculous! If that’s your theory then do you also think she shouldn’t make Asian recipes since she isn’t Asian?
Your theory is that she has to be everything for everyone to meet their expectations, which is impossible and unreasonable. This is her website/blog and she writes about what interests her – which is as it should be.
I love hearing about all the fun activities you want to do with Asher! I’m a mom of a 15 year old and I wish she was still interested in gingerbread houses, hot chocolate and all the childlike wonder of Christmas. Asher seems like such a world & well traveled young woman, so enjoy those moments while you can!
Hi Heather,
That’s so much for reading and your kind message!! I think we all just love the magic of the Christmas season over here, it’s great to be able to share all of that with Asher! Have a great week! xx
Your recipes always look amazing. I have tried quite a few over the years and am always happy with the results. I am constantly adding more to my recipe box in hopes to try when I can.
As one of your older followers, I scroll through a lot of the fashion content, but as a mom about the same age as your mom and with kids your age, I do enjoy hearing what you and your family are up to. You are a busy lady! I don’t know how you do it all without being exhausted. Hope you can give yourself some well deserved down time after the busy holidays.
Question that I don’t think I’ve seen asked before… Do you listen to music or podcasts while you work? I just love listening to music when I cook or clean, it makes the process so much more enjoyable and it’s fun to listen to different genres depending on my mood. Occasionally I’ll listen to a podcast while cooking too. Definitely looking forward to hearing your podcast with Martha!
Hi Lynn,
Thanks so much for reading! I’m so glad you have been enjoying some of the newer content:) I actually love listening to music and podcasts while I work, it really just depends what kind of mood I’m in! Hope you have a great week! xT
I’m excited for the Christmas season too! Thanks for sharing all the recipes, cocktails, and Christmas movie recommendations. 🙂
Thanks so much Leah!! Yes, of course, happy to share:) Have a great week! xT
I made you turkey for thanksgiving and it was an absolute hit!! Turned out perfect. Adding the cheese cloth is brilliant. Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Holly,
Happy Sunday!! So glad to hear that the turkey turned out well for you:) Thanks for making it! xT
When will your podcast with Martha Stewart be shared? Thanks!
Hi Lizzie,
So sorry, I am not sure just yet, but will of course share once it has been released! Have a great Sunday! xT
I do not recommend watching Best.Christmas.Ever. It was horrible! Just an fyi 😆
LOL good to know! Thanks for sharing, Jen:) Have a great Sunday! xx
I was going to say the same thing. An hour and a half of my life I cannot get back!
Why haven’t you shared anything from your Thanksgiving? You could have shared the cooking process, the dishes you made, the table decor.
Yes! I’d love to see some details from your Thanksgiving.
Hey Alexandra When I am with my family and especially over the holidays, I try to be present with them and not have my phone out the entire time. I share A LOT with the world, so if I miss one meal like Thanksgiving with the family, it’s OK! I want to be considerate of my family’s comfort as well. Not everyone in my family loves to be on camera. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable or use them as “content”.
Additionally, it is nice for me to have a bit of a break from social media, It is a holiday after all!I try put my phone way for most holidays and take tme away from work. Hope that makes sense and clears things up for you. Happy Holidays!! xx
I fully understand wanting to be present. I certainly don’t expect you to post in real time during a holiday meal. It does seem quite strange though that a food blogger didn’t share a single element of the holiday. The cooking, the decor. No need to post your family, their boundaries should be respected.
Glad you had a great holiday with your family. I would love to see you post stories on IG more often in real time of your own thanksgiving prep, the actual meal your family eats, the table, and your traditions! It would be fun to see a glimpse. Maybe you will do this for Christmas?! Understand if you like to keep your holiday private though!
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m glad you had a nice time with your family. It truly is the best time of year! I’d love to hear about what all you and your family cooked for the big meal?! It’s one of my favorite things, seeing what others enjoy 🙂
Your Christmas monster cookies have become a holiday standard for my family! My daughter’s friend was recently hospitalized, and I asked her what treat I could bring on my next visit. She requested your monster cookies, which I happily baked for her!
Yes the monster cookies are the best, easy for non bakers to make and delicious.
Thanks Lisa!!
Hey Janet,
Oh love to hear this, the monster cookies are great! Sending good vibes to your daughter’s friend:) Have a great Sunday! xT
A great Sunday post and I’m happy that you got to have some well deserved R&R time with your family this Thanksgiving.
Like you I am also excited for the coming weeks, which will be jam packed with lunches out, catching up with friends, baking, cake and house decorating and I also love a pair of festive PJ’s.
I have added Falling for Christmas and Best Christmas Ever to my seasonal movie list, having watched the trailers, they both look good.
Love your festive music playlist, so thank you for sharing this. I will listen whilst decorating cakes and cookies in the coming weeks.
Have a great week and looking forward to seeing your photos from New York. Safe travels.
Hi Colleen,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks for reading and your message today:) So glad to hear you also got to have a relaxing time over Thanksgiving! I hope you have a great holiday season. xT