423: Nine Favorite Things.

Hello everyone! I hope you’ve all had the loveliest week. I’ve been soaking up my time at home in Colorado this month, and it’s honestly been so good for me.

After our shoot last week, I jumped straight into tackling a long-overdue to-do list item, and I have to say—it feels amazing to finally be checking boxes off before the travel season begins.

I’ll be gone for the first third of February, so I’m fully in “let’s get it done” mode over here. I’m also headed to Sun Valley Food & Wine just before Italy, which I’m really excited about. Many of you have been asking—my events are sold out right now, but if you’re attending, please come say hi. I should be around, and I would love to see you.

Right now, I’m just enjoying the quiet, cozy days I still have at home before the chaos of travel kicks in. I’ve been spending long days in the kitchen, using every last bit of sunlight (it disappears so fast this time of year). Winter at home really does hit differently—in the very best way. It’s such a special season to create, and January brought a fresh wave of creativity, especially after last week’s photoshoot.

I am missing the snow, though—we’ve had none!

Overall, I’m embracing the new year with a fresh mindset. I’ve had a couple of “off” days (because that’s real life), but I’ve been focusing on shifting my energy in the best direction. There’s so much overwhelming content floating around this time of year, and I’ve mostly tuned it out. Instead, I’ve been choosing inspiration—only following people who truly lift me up. Very little scrolling. I’m the girl who avoids her phone at all costs.

The past couple of weeks have been full of little pockets of happiness, and those are the moments I’m really holding onto.

First—candles. I know I say this all the time, but candles (and flowers!) bring me such a deep sense of peace. We had the most beautiful florals left over from last week’s shoot, and I’ve been letting them slowly dry out. They’re not fresh anymore, but I actually love the moody, dried winter feel. It’s cozy and pretty in its own way.

And candles—I’ve been trying so many new ones lately. New scents, new brands, and I’ve found some really good favorites. I’ll share a few below.

I’ve also been loving podcasts. I’ll put one on while I do the dishes, and it turns cleanup into my own little moment of calm at the end of the day. I’m sharing a few I really loved this week, too.

Some other small things bringing me joy lately: evening walks with everyone’s holiday lights still shining, nonstop texting with my cousins, reconnecting with new and old friends, and morning workouts that leave me feeling strong and clear-headed. I’ve been doing strength training and then using the Melissa Wood Health platform, which I truly can’t recommend enough.

And this might sound silly, but I am obsessed with my sauna blanket. It’s my cozy little reset every night, and honestly, my safe, happy place.

What are you enjoying most right now?

Lately, I’m loving the simple, cozy stuff:

• Winter mornings with coffee

• An organized pantry and fridge + planning a few really good dinners

• Big fluffy socks

• Something simmering on the stove while it’s cold outside

Now tell me yours!! 

What’s in your bucket of happiness today? 

In case you missed it: 31 Recipes to Cook in January 2026

1. Things I’m Loving.

reading and relating to…Colleen Hoover’s ‘Woman Down’, which tells the story of an author facing major backlash, has me really intrigued. I’m not usually a big reader, but this review has me convinced I need to pick up her new book. It sounds like I could relate to the storyline a lot. Have you read it yet?

everything in my cart (low)…from Zara, the ZW Collection Oversized Trench Coat With Faux Fur, Shearling Puffer Jacket (cozy) Faux Leather Midi Skirt, ZW Collection High-Waist Wide Leg Jeans, and Asymmetric Hem Knit Jumper. All great for winter!

My mom would love this Oversized Merino Wool Sweater with Slit Sleeves.

listening to…25 Million People Can’t be Wrong: This Advice Will Change Your Life (James Clear). The author of Atomic Habits! I didn’t think I would find much interest in this episode, but I really enjoyed it! It’s a nice listen for the new year! 

also…Really Walking the Walk in 2026. Working to embody this! 

living in…these Eterne Oversized Wide Leg Sweatpants and Cropped Half-Zip Sweatshirt. The cutest, easiest, comfiest travel look too! Ordering the set in Espresso to have an extra for traveling next month!

You can use the code HBH10OFFJAN2026 for 10% off the Eterne website for the next 24 hours.

loving…6 Food Trends Fashion Needs to Know About in 2026. I love that fashion is paying a bit more attention to food!

shopping…for the perfect small-but-cute Valentine’s Day gift for my sister, Asher. Growing up, my Nonnie would always send me the cutest Valentine’s Day gift—no matter where she was in the world. One year, she even shipped one all the way from Europe! Now I’m keeping her tradition alive and on the hunt for the perfect little Valentine’s surprise. It’s such a fun way to carry that holiday spirit into January.

I ordered this pretty Recycled Glass Heart and this Love My Valentine wrapping paper (from Aspen & Arlo, they have the cutest wrapping!). Last year, I got this Foil Print Hearts Gift Wrapping Paper and tissue paper from Target. They also have cute Valentine’s Day Hearts Gift Wrapping Paper this year! Also, this Heartfully Painted wrapping from Minted is super cute. Ok, done now, promise! At least I know my gift will be pretty!

Do you gift for Valentine’s Day?

everything in my cart (beauty)…for the body, I’m curious to try this Overnight Hand and Foot Hydration Mask. I’ve read that this brand is really great!

LOVING the new Mutha Body Butter Detox Greens. I didn’t think this brand’s body butter could be improved, but I love the scents of eucalyptus leaf, lilac flower, cardamom, and amber. It’s very soothing and grounding.

For nails, I’ve been loving the Chanel LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour. The 125- MUSE is a pretty winter blue.

also…6 On-the-Rise Nail Polish Colors to Try in 2026. Loving a milk chocolate nail and ground green. The stormy blue too!

packing…the Arrae Fast-Acting Bloating Relief Digestive Enzymes, All Natural Bloat, Gas & Indigestion Relief Capsules. Bringing these with me to Italy. My cousin and I love the Arrae Enzymes. They’re really nice to have when you’re traveling and trying new foods/routines. Been taking enzymes daily for improved digestion.

Also packing the Face Towels from The Skinny Confidential.

everything in my cart (high)…the new MOMBASA large in pony hair leather from Saint Laurent. The pony hair is so good!

This The Fernando Faux fleece jacket from Jacquemus is being added to my Italy wish list.

And lastly, the new Speedy Soft 30 from Louis Vuitton. I’ve been scouring Fashionphile for LV bags lately. I want a Cosmetic Pouch for some odd reason too. My Nonnie had this one.

A cute little Medium Dior Bow Bag. Maybe for a night out!

following…Artichoke. A British kitchen designer. If you need kitchen design inspiration, scroll through all the kitchens they’ve built!

brand love…Rumored. Finding some really cute winter pieces! I wish this Sun Valley Sherpa wasn’t sold out!

2. Winter Soup/Chili Recipes.

Most Popular: Creamy White Chicken Chili

Runner-up: Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Also have to mention: 30 Minute Spicy Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

One Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup

3. Valentine’s Day Finds.

4. The J.Crew US Ski Snowboard Collection.

This is so fun – my brother Red’s girlfriend, Hailey, is front and center in this campaign! I mentioned it last week, but today I’m officially locking in my favorite pieces from the collection. I need to order soon because everything is selling out fast!

5. Winter Candles.

We all know how much I love candles. Lately, I’ve been ordering and trying so many new ones, and I may have gone a little crazy right after Christmas… but honestly, no regrets. Testing out new candles is one of my favorite things—they bring me such a sense of peace and happiness. It really is the little things. Here are a few favorites.

I ordered a lot of new candles straight from Anthropologie. They always have the best selection and rotate it year-round. The Poured New York Floral Cottage Proper Marble Candle and Fruity Negroni Nights Marble Candle are not only really cute, but both scents are lovely. Pick up the Floral Cottage Proper if you want a rosy scent for Valentine’s Day. And the Negroni Nights candle is perfect for cozy winter evenings, with notes of citrus fruit and liquor.

I want to try the Dirty Girl Martini scent next. The notes aren’t usually what I gravitate toward, but I’m really loving this brand.

I loved Auden Lueur holiday candles. So next on my list is their Arlow scent. The citrus fruit, vetiver, and amber sound so cozy for winter. Their autumne scent was really warm and comforting

If you want to splurge, the Sweet Almond medium scented candle from Loewe is a beautiful one and smells amazing!

6. Inspiring Me.

winter vacation dreaming

7. Favorite Links.

A Complete Guide to Fashion’s Biggest Sports Moments in 2026

Our Favorite Storage And Organization Products (Designer-Approved!)

My (Almost Stupidly Simple) 2-Step Method To “Feeling Better”

Where Everyone Will Be Buying Homes in 2026

We’ve Designed Hundreds of Kitchens—These Are Our Storage Solutions

To Manifest What You Want, Passion Will Spark Your Intentions, Not Pressure

These Are The 5 Wellness Trends To Watch In 2026

The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks From Trader Joe’s to Grab During Dry January

20 Crafty Activities to Try for Your Next Girls’ Night

Where You Should Travel This Year, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

8. Winter Snow Style.

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: One Pot Mustard Chicken and Orzo

Tuesday: Crockpot Chipotle Pot Roast Tacos

Wednesday: Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Stacks

Thursday: Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders

Friday: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles

Saturday: Breakfast Quesadilla with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Avocado Salsa

Sunday: Maple Banana Nut Muffins

Nine Favorite Things.