Nine Favorite Things.

Nine Favorite Things

Happy Halloween! Or happy almost Halloween! I am so excited! Of course, it’s full-on winter here. It looks more like November 30th and nothing like what October 30th should look like. We currently have a fresh blanket of bitter-cold snow. And while it is pretty, I am not quite ready for this kind of weather.

I was supposed to fly to LA on Thursday for a very quick in-and-out trip, but the weather had some other plans. I had to pull out at the very last minute, which was a bummer but ended up being for the best. The extra time at home has allowed me to catch up on things before a last-minute trip this week. Or catch up at least a little. It really has been non-stop lately, and I’m loving every minute of it. I feel happier, more energized, and more excited than ever before. So many things to come, it’s been a lot, but amazing!

I got home from New York Sunday night, then dove right into things on Monday morning, knowing I only had a couple of days in the kitchen before I was scheduled to leave again. You would think that having to cancel my quick trip to LA would be a relief, but I’m honestly a little bummed I had to miss out! As I said, it was for the best though, I buckled down and have been getting a lot done. I’m off for another trip on Wednesday and looking forward to that.

Where do you think I’m heading this time?

Let’s see, what else. The remainder of my New York trip was amazing. I will say I love being in the city. The energy there is like no other. When I got back to work on Monday, I felt so energized and excited. Even though I probably should have been dead tired. I hope to be back soon!

Moving on – the holidays! And more specifically Thanksgiving! I spent some time working on our menu for this year and I can not wait to share. Unfortunately, I can’t manage to get it up this week, due to this last-minute trip. But I promise to have it posted by early next week! I’m still working on all the menu details, so please share any and all requests. After reading last Sunday’s comments, you all seem to need easy, make-ahead side dishes, simple desserts, and fun cocktails! Plus a few new vegetarian main offerings as well.

My parents, Asher, and Oslo all flew to Cleveland for the weekend to spend Halloween with my grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Asher has never experienced trick-or-treating the way most kids have. Where we live, the homes are too spaced out to really do any kind of door-to-door trick-or-treating. The town offers trick-or-treating on Main street, but it’s always so cold, oftentimes snowing! So she’s going to have fun finally being able to go door-to-door collecting candy, and of course, dressing up. She’s going to be Marlyn Monroe. Oslo is going to either be Max, from the book Where the Wild Things Are, or the abominable snowman. They will have so much fun! I can’t wait to see the photos tomorrow.

Aside from that, not much else to report! The family is still planning a trip to Europe right after Thanksgiving, so that’s fun and exciting! And I think we’re all looking forward to the holiday season. My mom and Asher definitely played Christmas music this week! I’m sure the Hallmark movies will be playing soon!

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

everything in my cart (low)…From Zara, I’d wear this velvet mini dress to holiday parties. You can dress it down with these lug sole loafers or try the Chelsea boot. This cropped denim jacket is the perfect style. And I love this long blazer look.

from the Kaia Gerber collection, the leather boots are perfection. They would be cute with her poplin shirt and midi leather skirt. Stay bundled with her cashmere sweater and knit scarf.

from Nordstrom, this bell sleeve sweater is very cozy. Same with this long cardigan from Mango. Also from Mango, I am obsessed with this shearling lined leather jacket. But I love, this fleece lined jacket from H&M too. And their puffer is great too.

listening to…Jenna Lyons on Friend of a Friend. I loved this conversation. It speaks to so many of the reasons I personally love fashion.

dreaming of going…Hôtel Madame Rêve in Paris. What a stunning Paris hotel.

traveling…to Austin in November – recommendations for a nice hotel?

loving…the UGG boot guards. A genius idea for UGG to offer these. The guards can go over any UGG boot for added protection and support in the winter.

shopping…the Zara Home holiday collection. I ordered many of their ornaments but especially love this gold drop Christmas ornament and bicycle. While you’re there, grab a Christmas garland and decorative lights. And this Christmas print mug is so cute.

Asher would love their advent calendar and Christmas snowglobe. And I can’t wait for the North Pole ornament to become available. Same with the fleece blanket. Oslo needs his own!

thinking of ordering…this Ergonomic Chair. But really, would you spend this much on a desk chair? I’m not sure I can do it, but everything I’ve read highly recommends this chair!

loving everything beauty… the Sephora sale.

wanting…Sticky Glass glassware. These are so fun. I’d love the bubble cups.

everything in my cart (high)…I love this Saint Laurent floor-length wool-blend coat. The style is stunning. This black leather Khaite jacket is also incredible. Both pieces are lifetime pieces. Speaking of leather, these pants are very cute. Another closet forever piece.

This cashmere dress from Reformation is great for cold nights. And I think this Khaite quilted tote in caramel suede is so pretty.

And lastly, I never wear a watch, but I would wear this Chanel watch every day.

shopping…Mine & Yours. I spent some time scrolling the designer retail items on this site. You have to do some searching, but you can find incredible deals on lightly pre-owned designer pieces. A good way to shop for your favorite designers!

gifting…Soft Services buffing bar. This could be a fun stocking stuffer.

ordered…all the cutest wrapping paper from Paper Source. I went a little overboard, but such cute holiday wrapping!

watching…honestly, I am ready for Christmas movies. Hallmark sucker over here. What are your favorites?

listening to…On Purpose with Jay Settler. Just discovered his podcast. What episodes do you recommend most?

2. the most popular recipe of October.

Most Popular: Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo

Runner Up: Spicy Buffalo White Chicken Chili

Also have to mention: Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

My personal favorite: Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting

Ok, last one: Halloween Monster Mash Cookies

3. Hostess gifts for the entertaining season.

Lulu and Georgia’s holiday decor 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: bakers sugar? Yay or nay?
a: Not a clue what baker’s sugar is so I say Nah! You don’t need fancy ingredients to cook/bake. Simple works just as well! 

q: I love your fashion/home style! Can you offer affordable dupes? 
a: I definitely have a pricer taste, BUT also get that we need more realistic price points. If I didn’t link out the affordable options already via stories (I’ve been trying to give both), then I most likely have it here on the site. Check the Sunday post! I share my wants and then affordable pieces to match, under $200, under $100, etc. everything is always in the Sunday Nine Favorite Things post! 

q: what are your skincare steps for morning and evening? 
a: When I get back from hiking, I rinse my face with cold water. I don’t usually use a cleaner unless I’ve been wearing a hat or been around cars. So when I travel, I’ll usually wash in the morning with IS Clinical cleansing complex. Then I follow with Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence.

I always apply a Vitamin C serum. First, IS Clinical Pro Heal Serum, then Dr. Barbara Sturm vitamin c serum. I layer that with her calming serum most days and then lather on her anti-aging eye cream. 

I’ve been finishing with Sunday Riley vitamin C cream or I’ll use Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. Sometimes both since my skin is dry.

When I’m wearing any kind of makeup, I always double cleanse at night. I’ll use Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm and then IS Clinical cleansing complex. I love using the Resore Body Towels.

When my face is clean, I layer on Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum, then her Night Serum, and follow with her eye cream and anti-aging face cream. I use Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Cream as well, just depends on the day/night.

And lastly, I always finish with the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream to really help moisturize my skin overnight. But I’ve also been loving Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream.

I’ll switch up products here and there, but always use the vitamin c in the morning and hyaluronic at night. Oh, and I always cleanse!! 

Ok and for body, all Necessaire products, and then I’ve been loving Tata Harper Body Balm, it’s incredible. 

q: Any recommendation for good quality towels? In crimson?
a: Ok, so crimson is a tricky color 😬 but I will say that I love Boll and Branch towels. The quality is hard to beat and you can use my code tieghan20 for 20% off. 

q: favorite thing about fall?
a: The excitement for all that is to come – colors changing, new fall clothes, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So many fun things to look forward to and partake in throughout the next 3 months. Best time of year!

q: did you buy the $100 candle?
a: No, but I will say I love Snif.co candles the most (burning our HBH Pumpkin Smash scent now). I recently burned a Nette candle (try the chai milk). Both were great with really affordable price points (: 

q: best store/website to buy designer at a discount.
a: Recently discovered Fashionphile and have been loving it.

q: favorite sweatpants/PJs?
a: I love Èterne pieces. The softest material. I’m in something of theirs almost every day. Currently wearing these pants.

q: favorite fall soup? 
a: I have two favorites and can’t decide between them. Either a homestyle chicken noodle soup or broccoli cheddar soup. Both of my recipes are my take on Panera’s soups. I loved both soups growing up! 

q: Halloween party recipe ideas? 
a: I love Halloween! We have a Halloween page on the site full of recipe ideas 🎃 👻 

5. Thanksgiving questions, tips, and solutions.

It’s almost time! Every November I answer your Thanksgiving questions and share my entertaining tips on Instagram. I love this series so much. It’s fun to share my ideas and I love to hear the tips you all have too! Each year, I put a call out for new questions, and now is the time!

What Thanksgiving and entertaining questions do you have? 

What are your family’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions? 

Thanksgiving tips, what are your best ones? 

6. Mindset shift + gift giving

Recently I’ve really worked on shifting my mindset. I’ve talked about this in the past, but this time I’ve already made the shift to positivity. And I’ve truly and honestly seen the biggest difference. Not only in myself, my happiness, and my energy level, but the people around me too. When you are happy, it’s contagious.

I realized how important this way of thinking really is. Even more this week. I was able to help my mom snap out of a funk and see things in a different light. With so much going on, it can get overwhelming and she was just simply overwhelmed. It felt amazing to be able to help her and be her positivity for the morning. Because we really are so lucky. We mostly only have GOOD things happening.

Encouraging everyone to be someone’s energy this week. Build them up, be their hype team, SMILE MORE. It’s only going to make you happier, and life in general better.

November (and December) are all about giving. I thought I’d share some favorite gifts to send out randomly or sweet things to do for a friend. These can be products. Or just doing something nice to help them out throughout the day, which is totally free! On Instagram, I’ll often give out Starbucks gift cards. And I love to send off my favorite candles to any friends or family who’d enjoy them.

1. Email over a Starbucks gift card to anyone feeling under the weather…I love their fun seasonal cards too.
2. Do a chore that you normally don’t do for your partner…such a nice surprise.
3. Send a care package to a friend that just had a baby…this is such a sweet surprise.
4. Send someone flowers or a candle for no reason. My go-to easy gifts.
5. Cook someone their favorite dinner.
6. Send someone a handwritten letter in the mail. It’s always fun to get a handwritten note.
7. Say hello to everyone you cross paths with, give them a big smile.
8. Babysit someone’s kids for free. They’ll appreciate you forever.

What gifts do you love to send? 

7. Favorite links I’m loving.

10 New Holiday Traditions To Try This Year…I am so excited.

9 Incredible Underwater Architecture Projects Around the World…so cool.

37 Stocking Stuffers and Gift Add-Ons That’ll Delight Everyone on Your List

38 Gifts for Food Lovers

72 Best Gifts for Women (and Everyone Else in Your Life)

40 Best Gifts for Men That Won’t Disappoint

Old-Yet-New Beverly Hills Home of One Young Family…certainly stunning + unique.

Condé Nast Has the Ultimate Fashion Closet…my dream.

We’ve Been Listening to Taylor Swift’s Midnights Nonstop…do you love it too?

The Best Food Gifts for People Who Just Love to Eat…some good ideas,

10 Ways To Save Money During the Holidays…without missing out.

8 Hacks You Need to Know If You Throw Away Produce…easy solutions.

3 Shows to See On (and Off) Broadway This Fall…if you are in New York.

30 On-Trend Fashion Finds…shopping smarter.

5 Ways To Set Boundaries With Your Family Over the Holidays…all the tips.

Vogue’s Ultimate Edit of the Sephora Holiday Savings Event…everything you need.

Amazon’s Holiday Beauty Haul Is Here…17 things worth adding to your cart.

8. Puffers, hats, gloves, and winter outerwear.

coats $250 and under

coats $250 and splurge

hats, gloves, and socks

9. this week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Crockpot Sunday Sauce

Tuesday: Creamy Tortellini French Onion Soup

Wednesday: Gingery Coconut Sweet Potato and Rice Stew

Thursday: One Pot Stove-Top Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Friday: Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili

Saturday: Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

Sunday: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Coffee Cake