Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

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It’s been a very snowy weekend here and it’s finally starting to feel like the holidays. We’ve had very little snow the last 10 days or so, which is really odd for us seeing as we typically have a heavy coat of snow this time of year. Thankfully, the snow is here and it’s so magical to watch the pretty snowflakes falling. Picture a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie.

It’s a true winter wonderland. It’s cheesy to say, I know, but it’s the truth.

Now that the snow has arrived, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. With only eleven days left until Christmas Eve, it’s already full-on holiday craziness. And the honest truth? I’m so behind on my shopping. I have my secret Santa all taken care of, but still have many items on my list to order for my mom and Asher. I know Christmas is about so much more than the gifts, but I can’t tell you how much I really love to gift a GOOD gift. It’s just so fun for me. The search, the ordering, and then, of course, the wrapping. I really love it all. Time is just the issue, as always. But I’m setting aside time tonight to hopefully get everything ordered before it’s too late.

Is anyone else in the same situation? I’m always a little last minute with my shopping…I must get that from my mom!

Anyway, I’m looking forward to a Sunday night of shopping. Of course, with Christmas movies playing in the background and my two favorite holiday candles burning…Tis’ the season.

In other news, things around here are the usual December craziness. I’ve been jumping around from project to project. And while I’m excited about everything I’m doing, it’s can be just a smidge overwhelming at times. The good news is that I’m finally making headway on a few big projects we have coming up. Very happy about that!

Coming up this week on HBH, we have so many new and delicious recipes! First off, the simplest pasta that I’ve been working on for weeks and finally got just right. A sweet holiday cookie on Tuesday that’s a classic, but of course, with a twist. A warming Indian dinner, the coziest soup, and a sweet holiday breakfast come Friday. For Saturday’s cocktail…it’s extra special because it’s the last Christmas drink of the season!

Oh and?! I will also be sharing my 2020 cookie box too. Cannot wait!

Hoping you all have been enjoying the weekend and have a very relaxing Sunday planned. Hopefully, you’re baking up a fresh batch of The Santa Clause Cookies or making some Spicy Alla Vodka Pasta because really, is there anything better this time of year?

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

watching…Midnight at the Magnolia. My mom told me I have to watch this. Have you guys seen it? She also said The Christmas Chronicles II was really good! Oh, and Asher said that she really liked Elliott the Littlest Reindeer.

loving…our family stockings. We’ve had these Pottery Barn Kids stockings for years, and yet I still love seeing them all hung on my parent’s mantel. They are the cutest…and we only keep adding more to our growing collection! They’re on sale today if you are looking for new stockings! My mom just got the dog for Oslo.

loving…my Dirty Gingerbread Candle. I mentioned I wanted to try this candle last week. Well, I’ve now been burning it for the last four days and it’s basically Christmas in a candle. I love it.

listening to…Second Life with Jen Atkin. Loved this episode. Jen is such a powerhouse entrepreneur and I found her story so inspiring. I’m excited for her new book, Blowing My Way To the Top!

loving…the Augustinus Bader Cleansing Balm. I just got this and already love it. My skin has been so dry, but is so gentle on my skin and removes all makeup.

excited to try…the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask. My cousin says she loves this! My lips have been so dry, so I’m ordering it!

ordered…these Jolly Santa Lidded Mugs. I 100% don’t need these, but they’re so cute and a fun idea for them!

loving….my Beis Bags. I just got this backpack, work tote, and makeup bag and love each one. They’re so cute, but yet so functional.

drinking…The Grinch Cocktail. One of my Christmas favorites. Excited to make this for my family soon!

watching….Willow by Taylor Swift. Just like everyone else, I was sucked in. Does her creativity ever stop? Incredible.

wanting, but thinking this is beyond my price range…this Louis Vuitton Capucines Mini Bag. So pretty…maybe someday! Also, since we’re on the topic of dream designer handbags, this Channel Flap Bag. Classic and always stunning.

loving…these Crock Print Leather Boots. My cousin, Abby hinted she might want these for Christmas! They’re on sale, so I might just grab her a pair! Also, everything on the Dolce Vita site is 30% off today! She loves their shoes!

baking…Holy Jolly Santa Cookies. My brothers girlfriend, Hailey, baked these over the weekend and I’m just so excited she did! I LOVED seeing the two of them in the kitchen together baking away. It was so sweet.

2. My Favorite Christmas Drinks…

The North Pole Cocktail

Pomegranate Champagne Mule

Vanilla Espresso Martini

The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail

White Christmas Mojito

Holiday Cheermeister Bourbon Punch

Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Gingerbread White Russian

Buddy the Elf Cocktail

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

3. Beauty Gift Sets I am Love…

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: Favorite Christmas tradition?
a: My little sister (Asher) and I have a Christmas Day every single year. It’s just the two of us. We make gingerbread houses, bake cookies, wrap gifts, make hot chocolate, and watch her favorite Christmas movies ?

5. 25 Days of Christmas…

21. Homemade Simple Syrups

Homemade cocktail syrups make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to enjoy a good drink…but without the effort 😉

Also, I love mixing up a good cocktail. That’s no secret. But things are busy during the holidays, so I try to have these simple syrups on hand. You can make a drink in 5 minutes start to finish with these easy homemade Simple Syrups!

20. Find The Best Stocking Stuffers

I LOVE a GOOD stocking stuffer. Ever since I can remember I’ve been in charge of stuffing my mom’s stocking on Christmas Eve. My dad is great and all, but he’s literally the real-life version of the Grinch.

I always make an effort to fill her stocking with things she’ll use. Jewelry, lotions, scarves, make-up, and any other items I can stuff in there. I can sometimes go a little overboard, but I have fun doing it.

Here are some of my picks for this year!

19. An Easy Holiday Table

I grab a few bundles of eucalyptus greens for $5 each at the grocery store. I also pick up a bunch of pomegranates. Then I simply arrange the pomegranates around the edges of the greens. I then throw in a few ornaments for an extra festive touch…and done. Takes me about 10 minutes and always turns out so pretty. The major bonus in using eucalyptus?

It smells incredible, just like Christmas actually. Perfection!

Read the full blog post on my tablescape here. 

18. An Easy Holiday Table…Continued

Moving on from my holiday centerpiece to the place settings. I love keeping things simple and always add some kind of homemade element to really make my table feel special. Plus, I’m last minute with everything, and sometimes homemade is easier than buying something from the store. It usually turns out way cuter anyway.

So here’s what I do:

I use simple brushed white plates and gold flatware, to add a festive pop of color. Natural linens with velvet ribbon, and then? Homemade gingerbread cookie name tags to give each place setting a special touch. To finish the table off, I use my favorite fancy wine glasses that add an air of elegance.

Read the full blog post on my tablescape here. 

17. Snowy, Sparkly Pine Cone Ornaments

These are some of the first Christmas ornaments I shared with you guys, but I still love these fun and easy DIY ornament! If you’re in need of a fun weekend project, make these extra festive, and oh so sparkly, Pine Cone Ornaments.

16. Christmas Potpourri

I’ve mentioned this idea before, but I LOVE homemade potpourri and if you’re a candle person, you’ll love this.

The best part is, you can really use whatever you have on hand. The must-haves (in my opinion), are cinnamon, citrus, ginger, and vanilla. Nothing makes it feel more like the holidays than those smells. So good.

I just let this simmer all day long, adding more water as needed. It’s maybe even better than a candle!

15. Gingerbread Snow Globe Place Setting

I love a crafty project and these are so easy and super cute! The best part? You can eat your place setting when done! Win. Win.

6. Inspiring Me On Pinterest…the Holiday Mantel.

I just got the prettiest greenery from Gracious Garlands and I am going to be honest, this is my first time really working with so much greenery. I am so excited, but also in need of inspiration. So I scrolled Pinerest and found some really pretty looks. I can’t wait to share with you guys what I’m working on…more to come soon!! And if you are in need of stunning holiday greenery, I highly recommend ordering from Gracious Garlands. Everyone who works is there is so kind and their greens are the prettiest I’ve seen.

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