Nine Favorite Things.

Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.

{my favorite way to make the house smell like the holidays}

Hey, hi! Happy to be back home in Colorado today and getting back into the groove of “normal” life. I loved being in New York, but after a week long trip, it’s always nice to come home. Not much on the agenda for today other than catching up and getting in a little rest. NYC was great, but we were basically running around the entire time. And even though I didn’t really realize it, running around the city left my body just a little on the tired side, so rest is needed for today.

Mom and I returned home very late on Friday night/early Saturday morning to much cooler temperatures and a place that looked as little more like winter than fall. It’s OK though because I do love this time of year here and we’re headed to Cleveland next week for Thanksgiving and I am trying to soak it all up while I am home.

Coming up this week on the blog, I have a new sweet potatoes recipe that I cannot wait to share, a couple easy appetizers for Thanksgiving, some fun sweets, and a delicious, healthy dinner for all to enjoy. And then of course…there will be drinks on Saturday!

Hope you are all having a great weekend thus far. Enjoy my favorites for the week!

1. My Trip to NYC.

My time in New York was so much fun. It was a mix of work and play. I had my mom with me the entire time, running around the city with me. We had a blast together and it was nice spending a whole week with just her. Being one of seven kids that pretty much never happens. We arrived late Monday afternoon, so we didn’t do much other than shower, have a quick over the phone meeting, and then head to dinner. We stayed at the Soho Grand, which we thought was nice, but we didn’t love it. It is in a great location though, and the rooms are small but nice.

Tuesday we had a little time in the morning to explore the city a bit so we walked down 5th Avenue to Central Park, went through the Plaza Hotel, did a little shopping, and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for my event with the Feed Feed in their new studio in Brooklyn. We put together a book signing and cheese board demonstration. It was such a fun event. I loved talking about the cookbook and all things cheese, and Julie and Dan are amazing.

Wednesday I had a couple of meetings so we grabbed a quick (salted and lightly peppered…mmm) bagel at Sadelle’s and then spent most of the day walking around the city to and from meetings. We had lunch at the Bouchon Bakery at the Shops at Columbus Circle. The Croque Madame there was so good! And we ended our afternoon walking tour at the Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street with a delicious slice of mocha chocolate cake with buttercream frosting…my mom was in heaven!

On Thursday I did an interview with Radio Cherry Bombe, filmed a fun video with BuzzFeed Tasty (can’t wait till this comes out!). And then had dinner with my publishing team at Clarkson Potter. They took us to Momofuku Ssam Bar and it was incredible! We had multiple items on their menu, but the steamed pork buns and roasted duck were my two favorites. And then of course we went for dessert…the skillet cornbread was SO unexpectedly good! We all had such a fun night. As if that wasn’t quite enough, we walked out of the restaurant and saw the Milk Bar. I’ve never had any treats from there so the girls insisted we get a few items. We got the chocolate malt cake and b-day truffles, plus a delicious chocolate chocolate cookie…wow! Still dreaming of this meal. I might just need to attempt to recreate it.

Friday I had a meeting at Time Inc. and then it was off to the airport for a late night flight home to Colorado. We didn’t get home until midnight, so still a little on the tired side today. I loved this trip so much and can’t wait to come back to NYC very soon…as mentioned, already planning my next trip!

2. My Three favorite Friendsgiving Recipes:

Cranberry Thyme Spritz

Pomegranate Avocado Salad with Candied Walnuts

Butternut Squash and Sun-Dried Tomato White Lasagna

Chai Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream

3. Favorite Christmas Ornaments…

this Reindeer | this Santa | this Snowman | this Branch Ornament

this Peppermint | this Tea Creature | this Woodland | this Iced Ornament Set

4. Book Signing in CO.

I will be at The Bookworm of Edwards this Tuesday, November 14th and I’d love to meet some of you Colorado readers! The signing starts 6pm and there will be plenty of good food from the cookbook. It’s going to be a fun night, so come hang out!

5. New Videos:

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese…the perfect Monday dinner (hint, hint).

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twist…my go-to Thanksgiving appetizer.

Crockpot Three Cheese Potatoes…favorite mashed potatoes. Ever.

French Onion Gnocchi Soup…gnocchi + french onion soup = the best. End of story.

5 Ingredient Crockpot Chocolate Bars…easy homemade chocolate bars and so good.

6. Three Candles I Love…

these Capri Blue Jar Candles (I have Cinnamon & Fur + Spiced Cider)

these Retro Ornament Candles (I have Creme Brûlée + Ice Spiced Cake)

this Snow Capped Candle

7. A Few Links I am Loving…

7 easy Thanksgiving desserts…who else is excited for all the pie and cookies?

Oprah’s holiday list…oh my gosh. Overwhelmed.

24 fall date night ideas…loving the cooking class.

turmeric roasted kabocha squash salad…yummmm

fall table runners…loving the natural vibe.

8. Five Coats I Love…

the Bowie (in taupe) | the Davis | the Joe | the Bowie (in red) | the Lio

9. This Weeks Dinners:

Monday: Maple Glazed Baked Salmon

Tuesday: Baked Squash Mac and Cheese

Wednesday: Cream of Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Thursday: Thai Veggie Curry with Crispy Chickpeas and Pomegranate (from the cookbook)

Friday: Brussels Sprout Carbonara with Roasted Winter Squash

Check out all the past Favorites posts here.