Cozy Fall Days, Christmas Shopping & All My Favorite Things

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Latest Cookbook

Half Baked Harvest At Home

20+ new recipes for wholesome comfort food made with everyday ingredients. Pre-order today! HBH At Home will be released on Tuesday, February 23rd!

Pre-Order Today

Pre-Order a Signed Cookbook

I blinked, and suddenly it’s winter!

I got a quick little taste of autumn in the mountains before our first snow of the season. And now, it’s officially cold here! It’s been an adjustment, to say the least. I’m not necessarily unhappy about the snow; I just wasn’t quite prepared for it to arrive so soon.

It certainly is pretty, though! And I’ve already ordered more Christmas decor than anyone could ever need. It’s such a weakness of mine, but I really can’t help it! Christmas is something I look forward to for about nine months out of the year. I love everything about this season—the little details, the traditions, and making the holidays feel special. It’s my favorite!

This week has been all about adjusting to life back in the mountains. Living at such a high altitude, your body really does have to work harder just to get through everyday life. Getting reacclimated has taken a little longer than I expected, but things are going pretty well!

I’ve been doing a bit of Pilates and spending more time focusing on breathwork and posture. It’s been incredible, both mentally and physically, and I’m really enjoying learning more about it all.

Aside from that, being back in my studio kitchen and having my own space again has been the biggest blessing. I’ve been cooking nonstop! Testing recipes for Thanksgiving, working on new recipes for the website, and simply enjoying being back in my kitchen. It makes me so happy.

I haven’t had a chance to start working on my holiday cocktails just yet, but I’m hoping to have those ready for November. Creating those recipes is always so much fun, especially around the holidays!

Last year, I was learning patience with work, with timing, and with allowing things to happen as they’re meant to. This year, work has been wonderful and everything has been humming along, but I’ve found myself learning a different kind of patience.

Patience with myself.

I’m learning that I can’t always give so much of myself to everything and everyone. I need to allow myself time and space, too. Time to slow down, reconnect with the things I really love, and listen to what I need. To be a little kinder to myself and give myself some grace.

It’s something I’m still working on, but I think that’s a good thing. Life is always teaching us something, and I’m trying to be more open to those lessons instead of rushing through them.

I’m learning to enjoy this season of life and appreciate the little things along the way.

And speaking of seasons, we’re heading into my favorite time of year!

Mom and I have been planning for the holidays, brainstorming ideas for the upcoming book tour, and, of course, I’ve been ordering plenty of warm sweaters, coats, and anything else that will keep me bundled up this winter. I really do hate being cold!

We put so much love into making our holiday nights special, and I think that’s what I look forward to most. The little traditions, the food, the decorations, and the time spent together. All those things that make this season feel so magical.

That’s the update for now! A little snow, a lot of cooking, some Christmas shopping, and a reminder to myself to enjoy where I am right now.

I hope you’re all having a really nice October and finding little things to look forward to as we head into the holiday season.

Enjoy this week’s favorites!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Wearing

Being back in the bitter cold, I’ve had to completely rethink what I’m wearing. It’s been a lot of leggings, and yesterday I actually had to pull out my snow pants! Winter really did arrive overnight.

I just ordered these Vuori Retrograde Track Pants to throw on over leggings when it’s a little warmer. I love the look!

I’m also still living in my Agolde cuff jeans. I know I’ve shared these over and over, but they’re just that good. They’re roomy enough to layer leggings underneath, which is a little winter secret when you live in the mountains!

Layers are the name of the game. That means thermal layers, lots of sweaters, and jackets like this cashmere wool zip jacket from Guest in Residence and this cozy Teddy Jacket I found on Shopbop. Living in what feels like the tundra definitely teaches you how to layer!

And speaking of sweaters! I’m still loving my jumper from Sézane, and this funnel neck cardigan is really cute, too. Banana Republic has some great sweaters right now.

One thing I never travel without is my White + Warren cashmere travel wrap. It’s the perfect extra layer, and I bring it on every flight.

New snow boots are also on my list. I usually go with Sorels, but I’m really loving these Varley winter boots. There’s also a fleece-lined version, but I’m holding out to see if they release a new color!

Now, on to the fun pieces!

I’ve officially started making my Christmas lists. And when I say lists, I mean multiple lists! Everyone is starting to release their holiday gift guides, and I LOVE this time of year.

Stocking stuffers are always so much fun for me. I love putting together really GOOD stockings for my mom, sister, friends, and cousins. Candy makes an appearance occasionally, but I much prefer finding little gifts that feel thoughtful and special.

Cashmere socks make an appearance every single year. This year I’m adding these Mongolian Cashmere Slouch Socks. They look incredibly soft and warm!

For my mom and Asher, I want to get them each a pair of these sock shoes. I first discovered them last season but never tried them. They look so comfortable for wearing around the house. Such a cute, easy gift!

For upcoming holiday parties, I have my eye on a Layered Cape Sweater. I think it would look so chic styled simply with leggings and heels. Effortless, but still dressed up enough for a holiday night.

And then there’s my mom. She lives in cashmere year-round, so I already have a pretty good idea of what to get her! She would love these White and Warren cashmere blend track pants and matching top (the top is sold out right now, but I’ll keep watching!).

I’m also ordering her this red button balaclava, or maybe this one from Free People. I will pair it with these mittens and the matching hat. All cozy pieces I know she’ll wear and love.

And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few sweaters in the mix. I’m bookmarking this beautiful cable-knit wool and cashmere sweater for her. I LOVE the detailing on the back. It’s subtle, but so elegant and chic. And another cashmere wool cinched sweater at Anthro.

I can gift my mom SO well. I know exactly what she loves, and finding special pieces for her is genuinely one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.

Listening To

Fashion designer, entrepreneur, and WeWoreWhat founder Danielle Bernstein with Maggie Sellers.

I really loved this conversation. Danielle is incredibly open about building her fashion blog into an eight-figure business, selling her company at just thirty, and navigating the ups and downs of sharing so much of her life online.

She also talks about ending her relationship, the importance of healthy prenups, and what it looks like to start over at thirty-four. Plus, she shares the strategy behind the big WeWoreWhat rebrand.

What I loved most was how honest she was about everything. Building a business around yourself is such an interesting experience. Your personal life and work can become so intertwined, and unless you’ve lived it, I think it’s hard to fully understand. There are so many wonderful things about it, but also challenges that people don’t always see.

I could relate to so much of what she shared, especially the pressure of growing a business while also trying to grow as a person. Learning to protect your peace, make time for yourself, and figure out what you want your life to look like outside of work.

It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot this year, so this conversation really resonated with me.

Very real, very raw, and a great reminder that we’re all constantly learning, changing, and figuring things out, no matter how successful life might look from the outside.

Travel

Anyone dreaming of a trip through California should have Alila Ventana Big Sur on their list.

My family loves Big Sur. Between the mountains, towering redwoods, and stunning coastline, it’s such a special place, especially in the fall.

I’ve been looking at this hotel, and oh my goodness, it’s beautiful! The Big Sur Spa Suites look especially dreamy. I could easily imagine spending a few days here around the holidays, taking in the scenery, relaxing, and enjoying a little time to slow down.

Definitely one for the travel list!

Beauty

Back to stocking stuffers because I LOVE gifting beauty products! They’re some of my favorite little things to tuck into stockings, especially for all the girls in my family.

This year, I’m adding a few pieces from the Dior Cinnamon Glaze Holiday Collection.

I adore the Forever Glow Luminizer Highlighter and the Rouge Dior Sequin Liquid Duo. For gifting, I’d choose the Sweet Nude shade. It’s such a pretty rosy neutral that I think everyone will love.

But if you’re only getting one piece from the holiday collection, make it the Dior Médaillon Lip Balm. Such a beautiful little gift!

For myself, I picked up the Rouge Dior Sequin Liquid Duo in two shades, Candy Cane and Red Velvet.

They’re officially my inspiration for holiday party looks this December. SO FESTIVE! I love them both.

And speaking of Dior, I might be a little crazy and splurge on the Dior Beauty 2026 Advent Calendar. What an absolute dream!

Then there’s the La Malle des Rêves Holiday Gift 2026 Edition. I don’t know who is lucky enough to get their hands on that, but it’s honestly a piece of art. So beautiful!

On the skincare front, I’ve been especially diligent with my routine since getting back to Colorado. The mountain climate can be so harsh on your skin, especially once the temperatures drop.

Dry brushing has become an essential part of my nightly routine. I’ve been using this Copper Body Dry Brush from HigherDOSE, and I really love it. It feels so good on the skin!

Every few nights, I’ll switch things up and use the Goop Dry Brush, too.

I’ve also added the U Beauty SCULPT Neck + Décolleté to my routine. Right now, I’m really focusing on keeping my skin moisturized from head to toe. With the cold, dry air, I feel like every little bit of extra care helps!

Around My Home

First things first, I’m splurging on this Ornament Set.

Please don’t judge me!

I know I don’t need more Christmas ornaments, but I just can’t help myself. Decorating for Christmas brings me so much happiness, and I love collecting special pieces to bring out year after year. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions!

I’ve also been reading The Thought That Counts: A Guide to Gifting for Every Occasion.

An entire book dedicated to the art of gift-giving! How fun is that?

Finding thoughtful gifts is something I genuinely love, so this book is right up my alley. I also think it would be so helpful for anyone who struggles with holiday shopping or never quite knows what to get the people they love.

And now, I have a very important kitchen question for you all.

My brothers Kai and Red, along with Asher, LOVE using a rice cooker. They genuinely cannot believe I don’t own one!

I know, I know. For someone who cooks as much rice as I do, you’d think I would have one by now.

I found this Zojirushi Rice Cooker, and I’m seriously considering ordering it.

But do I really need one? If you use a rice cooker, please tell me what you love about it! I’m so curious whether it’s worth adding another appliance to my kitchen.

This Week’s Little Joy

The birth of my sweet nephew, Xavier.

What a blessing this little boy is to our family! He’s currently spending some time in the NICU, but he’s making encouraging progress every day. We’re so proud of him and can’t wait until he’s healthy and strong enough to come home.

It’s been an emotional week for our family, but also one filled with so much love and gratitude. We’re celebrating every little milestone and feeling incredibly thankful for the wonderful care he’s receiving.

If you could keep sweet Xavier in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to grow stronger, it would mean so much to all of us.

We love him so much already. What a special little blessing he is! ❤️

Looking Ahead

This might seem silly, but Starbucks is launching its holiday menu on Thursday, November 5th!

You guys, the holiday season is almost here! I get so excited about all these little things. The holiday drinks, festive cups, decorations, and Christmas music. I love every bit of it!

Let the holiday magic begin!

Now I have to know: what’s your go-to Starbucks holiday drink?

I’m a Gingerbread Chai and Caramel Brûlée Latte kind of girl. Both are so good, and I look forward to them every year!

Tell me your favorites! I’d love to know what you all order.

2. Boo!! Halloween Recipes.

Easy Mummy Cookies

Spooky Homemade Twix Bars

Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies

Spooky Halloween Pretzels

Halloween Monster Mash Cookies

BOO! Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

3. The Homebody Home.

4. What’s your best tip for a cozy home?

I love setting out my favorite Lola Blankets, lighting a few candles, and having something delicious cooking in the kitchen. There’s nothing better than walking into a home that smells amazing!

Right now, that might mean a pot of chili simmering away, a batch of cinnamon rolls baking, or my favorite Chex Mix and beer bread fresh from the oven.

I also love having little things for everyone to snack on throughout the day. A simple cheeseboard never hurts!

Ideally, there’s a fire crackling, some good music playing in the background, and a fun cocktail to share. Right now, I’d make my Vanilla Espresso Martini. So good for a cozy fall night!

But my easiest tip? Light your favorite candle, get a fire going, and bring out the soft blankets. It’s those simple little touches that make a home feel so warm and inviting.

More than anything, I love creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, can relax, and wants to stay a little longer. Especially during the holidays!

What are your favorite ways to make your home feel extra cozy this time of year?

Half Baked Harvest at Home is part of Target’s Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale starting today! The offer is available to all Target Circle members (free to join) and includes pre-orders.