458: Nine Favorite Things.

The time has come. After months away, I am finally home. And when I say home, I mean back in the mountains.

Back to the golden trees, their leaves just waiting to fall with the next storm. Temperatures are dipping into the low thirties at night, and there’s that familiar cozy feeling that comes with being home in the mountains this time of year.

It feels really nice. Sometimes a little time away is exactly what you need.

Fall in the mountains is so special. There’s a coziness here that I love, and it puts me right back into the mindset of wanting to make the next few months as magical as possible.

I want to spend the next few months creating recipes you’ll love, sharing all the holiday magic happening around here, and simply having fun with it all.

Less overthinking, more of what feels exciting and most like me.

A little more like the young, carefree Tieghan who started Half Baked Harvest all those years ago. Just creating, having fun, and sharing what I love!

In a way, it feels like I’m getting back to my roots. Back to where Half Baked Harvest began.

With the new cookbook launching in February, it’s also nice to have some time to settle in before I’m hopefully traveling again, sharing the book, and, in my ideal world, meeting so many of you along the way!

We’re working on putting together a book tour, and as soon as everything is finalized, you’ll be the first to know. I’m really excited about the possibility of bringing this book to life with you all in person.

It’s been a full week of adjusting, though! The elevation and dryness here are no joke. Coming from one of the most humid places in the country, it’s definitely been a change. My skin is feeling it!

Things at home also look a little different for the next couple of weeks.

I haven’t shared too many details about our new studio or the renovations happening at my personal home. The studio is now complete, which is so exciting, but my house still needs a little more time. So, for the next couple of weeks, I’m actually setting up in the studio while we finish everything at home.

And here’s something I’m especially excited about. You’ll be getting the very first peek inside the new studio in the pages of my upcoming cookbook! I love that this space will be part of the book. It feels like such a special way to share it with you all.

Mostly, I’m just excited to be home for the holidays. Well, for the most part anyway! We still have some travel planned, but I’m looking forward to having a home base again, cooking in my own kitchen, and enjoying this season.

And speaking of the holidays, that’s pretty much all we’ve been talking about around here. Holiday recipes, Thanksgiving plans, Christmas ideas, all of it!

I’ve already ordered some new holiday decor, and it’s SO cute. I can’t wait to start decorating and share what I’ve found.

And that’s about it from me this week.

I’m currently burning my Pumpkin Smash candle alongside my Apple Cider Smash candle. I know I say this often, but I really think the secret is burning them together. The combination makes the entire space smell like fall, and I love it so much.

I hope you make your Sunday feel special. Bake a sweet treat, make a cozy pot of soup, or have some fun with a Halloween treat. That’s what my kitchen is looking like these days!

If it’s chilly, sip your favorite latte and maybe make your first big pot of Sunday chili for dinner.

Have the best Sunday!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Style

Fashion month has officially wrapped, and I’ve loved following all the gorgeous runway looks! From New York to Milan and Paris, there’s been so much inspiration for fall and holiday styling. Fashion is such a fun creative outlet for me, and I always love seeing what designers are dreaming up.

I’m especially loving how brands like Reformation, H&M, Gap, and Zara are creating more elevated collections and collaborating with major designers. Beautiful pieces at more approachable prices? Yes, please!

H&M hosted its first runway show, and the pieces are SO cute! I love this Button-Detail Jacket and the cozy Ruffle-Appliquéd Jacket. Sadly, the ruffle jacket is already sold out, but I’m hoping for a restock!

I’ve also been having fun building a jewelry collection, focusing on pieces I truly love and will wear for years. Dorsey has gorgeous stones at more approachable prices, and this sapphire eternity band would make such a special Christmas gift.

Another brand I love is Catori Life. They create beautiful natural stone jewelry and have some lovely pieces under $200. I’m especially drawn to this Black Tourmaline Amulet Ring. Tourmaline is often associated with grounding, and I actually have a stone I love to hold when I’m feeling anxious. Wearing it as a ring? Even better!

Now that I’m back in Colorado, I’m thinking about warmer layers. Renggli has this great nylon bomber, Gap has an amazing Vegan Leather Oversized Bomber, and I LOVE Coach’s new Cropped Blouson. Such a classic shape, and it’s under $600!

So many of you asked about my travel tote last week! My favorite is the Cuyana Easy Voyager Tote. It’s durable, holds everything, and looks really cute, too. If you’re looking to splurge a little more, the Coach Empire Carryall 40 is gorgeous. It’s chic enough for everyday but spacious enough for travel. LOVE this bag.

My dream splurge? This beautiful fitted leather jacket from Chloé. I’d style it with jeans, boots, and this gorgeous evening clutch from Khaite. SO good. What’s your dream splurge right now?

And finally, something for my mom, because you know I love shopping for her! I’m adding this fringe-trimmed cashmere snood to her Christmas list. My mom wears a turtleneck sweater or a scarf pretty much every day in the winter. I’m not exaggerating! She would love this.

I’m already having so much fun thinking about Christmas gifts!

Listening To

Sometimes I just need a fun podcast! Something about fashion, personal style, or home interiors. Those are always favorites of mine.

This week, I really enjoyed tuning everything else out and listening to an episode of Let’s Get Dressed, “How to Master Polished Maximalism: Mixing Prints, Color & Finding Your Style,” featuring Julia Berolzheimer.

I’ve been following Julia since the very, very beginning, and I’ve always loved her unique approach to style. She has such a beautiful way of mixing colors, prints, and special pieces while staying true to her own personal style. It was so fun to hear her talk about her approach to getting dressed and finding a style that feels like you.

Travel

I’ve been creating a Pinterest board for future fall trips, dreaming up all the places I’d love to visit when the leaves are at their peak. Vermont, upstate New York, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Yellowstone are all on my list. How fun would it be to plan a trip around the prettiest fall colors? Many of these spots are at their peak right now, but maybe next year!

And speaking of Pinterest, I make boards for EVERYTHING! Travel, fashion, home interiors, holidays, recipes. It’s one of my favorite ways to gather inspiration and dream up new ideas.

Burning at Home

I’m back to burning my Citrouille (Pumpkin) candle from Diptyque! I stocked up last season, and it’s been so nice to have my candle collection back now that I’m home. I missed all my favorite scents!

And the Diptyque Advent Calendar is here! Oh my goodness, it’s SO beautiful. This year’s calendar features an enchanted forest theme, created with artist Jean-Simon Roch. Inside are twenty-five little scented treasures, including limited-edition candles. The packaging alone is magical!

Such a special holiday find, whether you’re gifting it or treating yourself. I always love seeing what Diptyque dreams up for Christmas, and this year’s collection has me so excited!

I also just ordered this gel pen in the pumpkin shade. I’ve been keeping up with my nightly journaling, and I’m loving it!

Beauty

My skin is SO dry right now. It’s been having the hardest time adjusting to Colorado after spending so much time in humid weather. The dryness here is no joke!

I’ve been reaching for all my favorite body care products, and OSEA has been saving my skin! They just launched their holiday collection, and the new Undaria Algae Body Butter in Vanilla Bean is already on its way to me. I ordered two, one for my mom, too. She’s going to be so excited! Anything vanilla this time of year is magic to us.

For my face, I’ve been using May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon as the last step in my skincare routine, right over my moisturizer. Cynthia Rivas recommended it to me, and I’m so happy she did. It’s such a comforting little ritual at the end of the day.

I’m also loving May Lindstrom’s body oil. I apply it right out of the shower while my skin is still damp, then layer body butter on top. SO nourishing, especially before bed.

And when my skin is really struggling, I always go back to CeraVe. Sometimes the basics are the best! I’ve used it for years.

Nothing new or groundbreaking here, just products I love and keep coming back to. If you’re interested, I’m always happy to share more of my favorite face and body products!

And now for a couple of fun holiday finds!

For stocking stuffers, I’m loving pretty much everything in the new Slip holiday collection. The Noelle Contour Sleep Mask caught my eye, so I ordered one for both my mom and Asher. Neither has tried sleeping with an eye mask, but I have a feeling they’re going to love these. Can’t wait to give them their gifts!

Also on my Christmas shopping list? Three sets of these Ralph Lauren holiday plaid flannel pajamas. They’re so cute! Apparently, I’m fully embracing a magical, slightly over-the-top, cheesy Christmas this year. Matching holiday pajamas and all. And I couldn’t be more excited!

Watching

Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas officially starts on Friday, October 16th. Here is their holiday release guide!

And Us Mag just published their complete Guide to Every Holiday Movie on TV This 2026 Season.

Also on my watchlist: House of Gucci (on Amazon Prime) and others. And Masterplan with Stanley Tucci is also on Prime, premiering October 16th. Something a little different from my usual Hallmark favorites!

From My Kitchen

I can’t tell you how nice it feels to be back in my own kitchen. After so many months of cooking in different spaces, I’ve really missed having a place where I know exactly where everything is.

Being able to spread out, make a mess, photograph my recipes, and have all my favorite tools and ingredients right at my fingertips. It’s something I don’t think I fully appreciated until I spent so much time away.

I’ve been so happy just getting back into my routine, turning on some music, and cooking whatever sounds good. I’ve been baking apple fritters, making big pots of chicken gnocchi soup, and already starting to test recipes for this year’s Thanksgiving menu.

There’s something really comforting about being back in a familiar space, especially this time of year. I’m excited to create again, try new things, and simply have fun with the process. It reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place!

This Week’s Little Joy

Oh, this one’s easy! The golden leaves on the trees surrounding me. The way the afternoon light catches them is so beautiful, and it’s one of those little things that makes fall in the mountains feel so special.

I’m just happy I made it home in time to enjoy the colors before they’re gone!

2. September’s Most Popular Recipes.

Most popular last year: Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread

Most popular this year: Sunday Night Dinner: Menu and Guide

Runner-up: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Easy Korean Bulgogi BBQ Beef Bowls

Also have to mention: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

And: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread

Mom’s Favorite: Roasted Butternut Squash Alfredo with Candied Bacon

Best for Fall: 30 Easy and Delicious Fall Apple Recipes

Crockpot Cooking: 36 Comforting Crockpot Recipes

Game Day: Dilly Ranch and Cheese Chex Mix

And lastly: The Most Popular Fall Recipes of 2026

3. Home Find and 2026 Advent Calendars.

4. A Bewitching Halloween.

I don’t want anyone to miss this because it’s so fun! Last October I created something I’ve dreamed of sharing — a Halloween-themed dinner party. I wish I could have done it again this year! I love a spooktacular Halloween gathering.

Check out my menu and details here: A Bewitchingly Halloween Chili Dinner.

And My Halloween Look for Less

Get the witchy looks

5. Just Three Photos.

6. Inspiring Me.

7. Favorite Links.

Dry Conditioning For Healthier, Shinier Hair

A Wedding Weekend at an Irish Manor

6 Books That Changed Colleen Hoover’s Life

Low Maintenance Friends

Cozy Cardio Workouts

Fall Weekend Outfitting

How To Spot An AI Recipe

Back to Basics: How to Make Really Good Scrambled Eggs

I’m a Nutritionist—These Are the 5 “Healthy” Food Rules I No Longer Follow

8. Style Finds.

Pretty Fall Reformation

9. This Week’s Dinners.

Monday: Thai Yellow Chicken Pumpkin Curry

Tuesday: Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Wednesday: Easy Ginger Chicken and Spinach Ramen

Thursday: Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo

Friday: Chili Cornbread Casserole

Saturday: The Most Popular Fall Drinks 2026

Sunday: Easy Mummy Cookies