456: Nine Favorite Things.

Hey everyone! It’s been such an incredible week. I’m still in New York, and somehow it went from summer to fall almost overnight. I am thriving. The shift in weather has me craving more comfort, more cozy, and honestly, a real sense of home again.

It’s been such a wonderful year of travel and discovery, but I know myself. I thrive with routine, and soon enough, it will be time for another adjustment and figuring out what home looks like next.

For a little while longer, though, I’m in New York, and I’m really enjoying being here. I love this fall weather and getting to explore the city a little in between meetings, normal everyday work, and life. It’s been great.

I’ve done a few dinners out, but no overly exciting restaurant to share yet, so please send me your favorites! We did have a celebratory afternoon tea at The Carlyle, which was so fun. It’s such a classic uptown New York hotel. Cozy, fancy, and very old-school New York, which I love.

Mostly, I’m just feeling really happy and content. Grateful to have this time here for a little while longer, excited that fall is officially here, and more than anything, SO HAPPY that the cookbook news is finally out!

The response to last week’s book announcement has been overwhelming in the most magical way. After four books, I’ll admit, I was nervous that maybe the excitement for a fifth just wouldn’t be there in the same way.

But, like you always do, you all showed up for me.

My heart feels SO FULL. The preorders, the messages, the emails, the videos you’ve shared on social—all of it. I don’t think words can really say thank you enough. Your kindness and support mean so much to me, and I am so excited to finally share Half Baked Harvest at Home with you!

We’re already working on holiday event dates and cookbook tour plans as we speak, which is actually a big reason I’ve been in New York!

There is so much more to come. I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes photos, little glimpses into the making of the cookbook, more about the recipes and stories inside, and everything leading up to launch.

That’s it for my weekly update! Lots of fun things below, including little bits of New York, a cookbook “ask me anything,” and some fun fall finds too.

Have a wonderful Sunday, and welcome to cozy season!

And in case you missed it, check out my roundup of The Most Popular Fall Recipes of 2026. So many cozy, delicious autumn recipes to make right now!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

First up, slippers, of course! I am usually an UGG-devoted girl, but my cousin Maggie told me I HAVE to try the Plush Sunday Slippers. Maggie is very similar to my mom and me. We love anything cozy and comfortable, so I trust her on this one.

I just got these flare leggings from Vuori, so the slippers will be the perfect fit!

Maggie also has three kids and sent me the Christmas PJs she got for them. Of course, I am obsessed. We’re now plotting with my mom and secretly trying to get everyone’s sizes for Christmas 2026. I love this kind of thing way too much.

Now boots. I love these riding boots from Zara. Wear them with jeans, a leather skirt, or even a pair of longer shorts. They’re so chic and remind me of something from Ralph Lauren.

Sidenote: I actually stopped into a Zara store here in New York because I needed something warmer to wear out and about and found this zip-up. Easy, cozy, and great for layering.

And while we’re on boots, these are a pretty cute pair from Sam Edelman if you’re looking for something with a heel.

My splurge of the week is actually an idea for my sweet mom. She will pretty much wear anything cozy, so this Wool-Cashmere Knit Fringe Midi Dress feels meant for her. She would look so cute in it paired with a boot. Personally, I love these embroidered leather boots from Miu Miu. She’d LOVE these.

Wait! Something else my mom needs—this Varley Sherpa Jacket. Clearly, I could shop for my mom all day long! But this is exactly what she wants to wear all December. Cozy, warm, and easy.

Last piece, I promise! This stunning suede coat from Dôen. So beautiful.

Listening to

It’s funny, I’m realizing that a lot of the people I love to listen to, learn from, and follow are also Virgos, with birthdays just days away from my own. I don’t know what that means, but regardless, it was Emma Grede’s birthday last week, and I really enjoyed listening to her share everything she knows at forty-four.

She shares forty-four rules for life, business, and success—basically, her personal operating system for nearly everything. I love hearing how successful people think, what they’ve learned, and the rules they actually live by.

Similarly, I loved her podcast with Diane von Furstenberg. Two powerhouse women in business, and I always enjoy learning more about Diane—her story, her confidence, and how she’s built such an iconic brand and life.

Around My Home

Well. I should probably be embarrassed to admit this, but I have already started ordering for Christmas. I’ll share my carts and purchases soon, but seeing as it’s not even October yet, I think I need to hold off for at least a few more weeks.

It’s OK, though, because I have something much more seasonally appropriate to share: Apple Cider Smash and Pumpkin Smash! I have both candles with me in New York right now, and they make everything feel so cozy. Truly fall magic when you burn them together.

I also sent my sister this Diptyque Ambre Candle. It’s one of my favorites and feels so warm and cozy for fall.

And I thought this Minnesota home was SO cute. Cozy, charming, and filled with so many pretty details. I loved looking through this one.

Beauty

Being in New York a little longer than expected, I ran out of my MUTHA Body Butter and quickly overnighted not only that, but my favorite OSEA body butter too. Not that I need to sing their praises any more than I already do, but I thought I would share!

I really miss having my nails all done up! Last year, when I was traveling a lot and we had all those events throughout the holidays—which was so fun and I hope to do again soon—I was actually taking the time to have my nails done too. I’m trying to take care of my hands a little more these days, and I miss having a cute color on my nails.

I love this pretty taupe shade for fall. It feels so cozy. But then there is a part of me that wants a classic burgundy. OR maybe something muted orange for Halloween? I can’t decide.

And another Maggie recommendation! My cousin told me to try the Salt & Stone Body Mist. It’s infused with glycerin and red algae, so it leaves your skin soft with just a really light scent. She said she knows I’ll like it because it’s much lighter than wearing perfume.

I ordered the Santal & Vetiver scent. It sounds warm and grounding, which I think I’ll love, especially going into fall.

Watching

Again, I should probably be embarrassed, but sometimes you just need the things you love. For me, during the fall, that’s Harry Potter. Always.

And no shame, I’ll admit I am currently in the middle of a Hallmark Christmas movie and very much looking forward to watching a few more minutes before bed tonight. It just makes me happy!

Hallmark Christmas in September? I say yes! And I KNOW so many of you are just like me. You love the holidays too!

A Dream Fall

I need to work on my fall bucket list! I’m stealing a few ideas from this list. I love the idea of making the most of these next couple of months and actually doing all the cozy fall things instead of just saying I want to.

What’s Happening in the Kitchen

I have actually enjoyed a little break from cooking after making SO many recipes in Austin, but now I’m ready to get back into the kitchen. Soon, soon, soon I will have one again, and I simply cannot wait!

While in New York, I’ve been doing a mix of dinners out and cozy dinners in with friends, which is so up my alley and feels a little more like home.

But with this cooler weather, all I want are warming, comforting fall recipes. On my personal menu list is a very classic bowl of chicken noodle soup. I’m also craving roasted carrots, my absolute favorite, and these Roasted Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Salted Honey.

And I really want to make my Cinnamon Spice Apple Cobbler Cake, which I feel like has not gotten enough love! It is SO GOOD and such a fun one for all the apple-picking families this weekend. Bring home those apples and bake this up!

What are you most excited to cook and bake this fall?

Made Me Smile

FaceTiming with my sister, who starts school very soon! It was so fun getting to see her apartment and hear all about everything. I still cannot believe she is eighteen and off to college. It feels crazy! I’m so excited for her and this whole new chapter, but of course, I miss her already.

Looking Ahead

Just excitedly over here planning for the HBH at Home book launch in February! I am SO excited!

But first, I am in full-on Thanksgiving planning mode.

2. October Pumpkin Recipes.

There are so many…if you want them all, CLICK HERE

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Pecan Latte

Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Icing

3. The 40% Off Fall Décor I love.

Candles

4. A Cookbook “ask me anything”.

What inspires you to continue to come up with new amazing recipes?

That is easy! It’s you guys! It’s so special to me that I’m able to connect with so many of you around the world.

I mean, it’s HUGE.

Meeting you in person is one of my greatest joys. I get to hear your stories, learn your favorite recipes, and hear how those recipes have become part of your lives with family and friends. That will never not be special to me.

I want to be the girl who is there for you in the kitchen and throughout your home, helping you create a lifestyle that feels beautiful, but still approachable and doable.

And really, it all starts in the kitchen with that dreaded question: what’s for dinner?

I’m here to help answer that question and hopefully make everyday life just a little easier—and more delicious. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do this and share my gift with you all!

5. My Week in Photos.

The best facial with Cynthia before she heads to Paris fashion week!

A celebratory meeting at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle.

Serena Kerrigan just launched her first book, Let’s F*cking Date: Become the Prize, Enjoy the Ride, and Never Settle Again! It’s all about confidence, self-worth, and really owning who you are. I loved listening to Serena talk about the book and the lessons behind it. She’s inspiring! I can’t wait to dive in and, of course, read all the fun stories too.

The cutest fall cake my mom sent me!!

New York showing off a beautiful sky!

6. Inspiring Me.

7. Favorite Links.

Turmeric’s Unexpected Benefits

Friends of Vogue Share Their Favorite Restaurants in Milan

At Richard Christiansen’s Flamingo Estate, Pleasure Is a Verb

How to Spend a Day Experiencing the Real Milan

How to Live the Real La Dolce Vita, According to Italy’s “Pasta Grannies”

25 of the Coziest, Most Autumnal Movies to Watch This Fall

12 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow

The 2026 Harvest Moon in Aries – Here’s What It Means for Every Star Sign

8. Fall Suede, Coats, plus Under $100 Nordstrom Styles.

Fall Suede

Coats

Under $100 Nordstrom Styles

Norstrom Boots

9. This Week’s Dinners.

Monday: Roasted Butternut Squash Alfredo with Candied Bacon

Tuesday: Creamy White Chicken Chili

Wednesday: Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

Thursday: Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Friday: Chipotle Beef Sweet Potato Skins

Saturday: Dilly Ranch and Cheese Chex Mix

Sunday: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread