Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Wow, only one Sunday left before Christmas, how crazy is that! This month has felt so short and rushed, it really is the busy season! You’d think that with all the gift guides we’ve been sharing, my holiday shopping would be complete. But in reality, I’ve bought some stocking stuffers…and that’s about it. I’m definitely feeling the pressure to get things ordered. Especially with all the shipping delays this year.

Have you guys started your holiday shopping? If you’ve finished all your shopping, wow, good for you – so organized! I’m planning a Sunday night of shopping, which I am looking forward to. Candles, online shopping, and a little Christmas music. Cheesy but my ideal December night.

Even though this month is crazed, it’s still the best time of the year! It’s even nicer this year because a lot of my siblings are already in town. Which is earlier than most years and I love that. I think I mentioned last week, but Creighton, Kai, Red (and Hail’s Red’s girlfriend) are all here through the holidays. To be honest, I think Creighton is here simply because he misses Oslo so much when he’s in California. It’s really cute!

Kai, Red, and Hailey are here for competitions this month. Last weekend they had a Big Air in Steamboat, and this coming week it’s Dew Tour. I made them copycat Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches the other night. It’s fun when they request dishes. The reason I enjoy cooking most began all the way back when I was in high school. I’d make my brothers food after they’d come in from snowboarding. It was always so fun seeing them enjoy something I made!

Aside from family being home, and the busyness of the season, there isn’t much else going on. As annoying as this is, it’s really just a whole lot of holiday stuff! Which doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m that annoying person that really does love all things holiday. I’ve spent the weekend working on this year’s cookie box, which I’ll be sharing very soon. I’d hoped to share the box last week, but I just didn’t have time to get it all together. This week though, it’s coming!

I think that’s about it. Just 12 more nights until Christmas Eve! Hope you’re all slowly starting to settle into the season. Enjoy this week’s favorites!

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

loving…this Lulu and Georgia Fresh Handmade Wreath. so pretty!

gifting…everything Aritzia. love this duvet puffer, this sweater is really cozy, I’d love this shirt jacket, and this scarf too.

loving…the Alo Yoga new arrivals. especially the espresso color. this puffer, these sweatpants, and cozy socks are in my cart (I’m still adding to it!).

listening to…Brooke Shields on Armchair Expert. ok, haven’t listened yet, but plan to this week.

ordered…this Cropped Wool Knit Cardigan from & Other Stories. looks super cute and a nice staple piece.

reading…Chris Loves Julia. they have a really cute site and awesome content if you’re into homes and interiors.

loving…Merit Beauty. their day glow is my favorite highlighter. dying to try the Brow 1980 volumizing pomade and blending brush.

ordered…some APL shoes. I got a few pairs for some of my siblings. they are offering gift wrapping now too!

ordered…the Chel Gua Sha. excited to try this, I’ve read it’s amazing for your face.

shopping…the Senreve sale. you can save up to 25% off through the 15th site-wide. this is my favorite travel bag and I love their new line of alunna bags too. so cute.

loving…these fun Machete Earrings and 90’s Claw Cip. cute stocking stuffers and we love the Machete claw clips.

drinking…White Christmas Mojitos! a fun Christmas time favorite.

loving…my Stuart Weitzman Charlie Zip boots. So cute and comfy + they’re 40% off.

watching…The Claus Family. Asher really liked this. And I just found out there is a Claus Family 2 set to be released any day now on Netflix.

surprised…by making the NYT bestseller list this week for HBH Super Simple!

2. Homemade Holiday Gifts.

Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas (my favorite way to wrap gifts)

Glittered Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments (I love these)

Homemade Holidays: Let’s Make the House Smell Like Christmas

Holiday Gifting: Homemade Simple Syrups

Coziest Homemade Hot Toddy Kit

3. Grab 25% off Violet Grey + Boll & Branch

Violet Grey is offering all HBH readers 25% off using the code VIOLETCHEER at checkout. Sharing all of my favorites below! 

Boll & Branch is also offering 25% off my favorite Boll & Branch bedding + bath items using the code TIEGHAN25. All my favorites below!

Down Duvet Insert – hands down my favorite product of theirs. I have 2 and they keep me SO warm during these sub-zero temperature nights.

Signature Hemmed Sheet Set – the softest, nicest sheets. I gave these to parents for Christmas last year and they agree, the best. 

Signature Hemmed Duvet Set – simple and cute. I love all the color options too.

Oversized Throw Blanket – LOVE their throw blankets. They make every bed cuter and cozier. 

Plush Bath Sheet Set – my favorite to wrap up in after getting out of the shower. Really soft, warm, and big. 

shop all my favorites here

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: #1 go-to cocktail?
a: I have soooo many I love. this frosted mistletoe margarita has been a go-to for years. love an old fashion too. and a Moscow mule is a holiday must. I make these ALL the time for my fam.

q: are you going to do a book tour?
a: not positive on how big or what cities we’re going to hit, but yes I do think so!! so excited to do this in person again!

q: does your sister ever get bummed out she can’t taste your fancy drinks?
a: yup! I make her what we call a “Christmas drink”, but it’s just the virgin version of whatever drink I made.

q: what are your favorite cleaning products for the kitchen? 
a: I’m not big on cleaning products and usually just use water for most things. obviously, dish soap when needed, and hand soap too, of course. I love Grown Alchemist.

q: where did you get those martini glasses in your last story? they are to die for!
a: they are from cb2.

q: good mocktails?
a: for mocktails, just leave the alcohol out of a recipe and replace it with a splash of whatever citrus or fruit juice is being used, then top with sparkling water or ginger beer to give it a little excitement. we love Betty Buzz!

q: do all of your family members come home for the holidays?
a: yes, usually, but this year we have one brother and one cousin with their girlfriends/wife’s families. next year I think we will have EVERYONE 😉 

q: do you spend a lot of time bartending at family gatherings?
a: yes. my family is all about a cocktail. it’s why I got into making them. when they walk in the door, it’s drinks and a cheese board all December long over here. or at least once everyone arrives for Christmas (Thanksgiving too). but I don’t mind. I actually making them.

q: how many siblings and what is the age range?
a: 8 kids including me, 6 brothers, 1 sister, and me. Creighton, Trevor, Brendan, Tieghan, Malachi (Kai), Red, Asher, Oslo. ages 32 (I think) to 1.

q: do you make a ton of recipes one day and none the next? what’s your cooking schedule?
a: I wish I could do it that way, but I can’t test more than 3 recipes a day. right now with the sun setting so early, it’s usually only 1-2 recipes per day depending on the recipe. I only shoot in natural light which greatly limits what I can get done in the winter. by the time I test, photograph, and then film a recipe, the sun is setting before I know it. I often have to pick it up again the next day. in the winter months, I usually cook 6, sometimes 7, days a week (December is always a lot).

q: are you an aunt yet? wasn’t there a baby boy on the way? 
a: not yet but soon! In February little Bud is coming! But, I’ve mentioned before that 3 of my cousins are pretty much siblings. My cousin Maggie and her husband Tom had Baby Walker on October 10th – he’s so cute! They will be staying here for two months this winter so you’ll be seeing a lot more of him soon!

5. A Christmas list.

1. make homemade gingerbread houses – I need to find a cute one for Asher and I. Or, we might just attempt this on our own.

2. build a snowman – we actually could use some more snow for this.

3. decorate! – mostly done, my house is so cozy right now!

4. watch a Christmas movie with Asher – what’s your favorite?

5. make hot cocoa and sip by the fire – we’ve already made multiple batches of this.

6. support the charities most important to us – we do this year-round, but make an effort to do a little more around the holidays.

7. walk to see all the lights – I’ve done this around our neighborhood, but I need to go see Main Street. 

8. do one thoughtful thing for someone every day all December long – love, love love this. December is really the time for giving. I realize more and more, that’s what makes me happiest. Simple things like sending a candle, sending someone a kind text, making them a meal, or baking cookies for a friend can really brighten someone’s day.

9. make homemade holiday candles – I’ve always wanted to do this.
10. find a fun gift for my secret Santa – this is complete. I got a little something extra too.

Question: what is your favorite thing to do in December?

6. Inspiring me – December snow…plus this week’s charity.

(magical – photo via here)

(love a red truck – via here)

(so festive – photo via here)

This weeks Charity – Chill Foundation:

Burton snowboard founder Jake Burton Carpenter and his wife Donna began 
Chill in 1995 as a way to help troubled youths find another path. Chill has since grown to expand to 24 cities in 10 countries. They work with social service agencies, mental health agencies, foster care programs, juvenile justice programs, and schools to select youth participants – approximately 3000 annually. Everything is provided to the youth at no cost. 

The foundation helps participants to reach their full potential and see that there is a path out of their current circumstances. Their current situation doesn’t have to define them or determine their path in life. Chill helps them to realize alternatives beyond the struggles they face. Donate to Chill here.

7. Favorite links i’m loving…

20 Best Subscription Boxes to Give…we love Winc.

10 Fresh Renovation Ideas That Deserve a Spot on Your 2022 Mood Board…love the idea of bringing more of the outdoors in.

All of the Trader Joe’s Holiday Items…here’s how they ranked.

Inside Kelly Wearstler’s Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel…such a fun design.

The Best ‘Sex and the City’ Episodes To Rewatch Before the New Show…what’s your favorite? I’ve never seen any of them.

50 Holiday Nail Ideas To Show Your Nail Artist…I never have my nails done, but I just think these are so cute (and festive).

Of All the Black Friday Deals…this was shopped most if you still need ideas.

Our Complete Guide to the Best Holiday Candles…you can never have too many.

28 Gifts under $25…you can never go wrong with cozy socks.

8. Bundle up…winter accessories.

9. this week’s dinners + weekend eats…

Monday: My Family’s Favorite Pesto Pasta Bolognese

Tuesday: Shredded Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Salad

Wednesday: Crispy Sesame Ginger Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Thursday: Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Friday: Creamy Bacon Tortellini with Charred Broccoli

Saturday: Bad Santa White Russian

Sunday: Brown Sugar Maple Ginger Cookies