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The first full week of November was many things: cold, snowy, very cozy, busy, and exciting. I’ve been cooking nonstop, working on book tour details, and preparing for a lot of travel over the next two months. Aside from the weekend before Thanksgiving, this is my last weekend at home through the end of the year. Thinking about that stresses me out! But I’m also so excited—I guess I can be both!
The homebody that I am is like, “what?!”, but the other side of me is just excited. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to meet so many of the wonderful people who follow along with us daily! When I think about it that way, it’s really such a pinch-me moment. No one ever thought this would be my life, but here we are! It can be overwhelming, but mostly just exciting!
Does that make sense? Whenever I write these posts and share my life, I never want to sugarcoat things. No one’s life is perfect. I don’t want to lead you to believe it’s all smiles and happiness. Because that’s certainly not the case—usually far from it. But I also don’t want you to think that because I share my stresses/worries, that I’m unhappy or not grateful for what I have.
I can feel many things at once. I just want to share what’s really up, you know?
I’m hoping that makes sense because, my gosh, in general, I really am the happiest. And aside from my excitement for work things, this is the most special time of year. We have Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up! This week, I was able to really jump into holiday mode, creating recipes I can’t wait to share! I’m already working on my cookie box – this year’s box will be so good. I’m getting a head start on the planning, and it’s been fun!
Also, my mom definitely mentioned to me that she snuck in a Christmas movie or two this week, and I don’t blame her. Plus, it’s been so snowy all week. I have a rule that I can’t start until Thanksgiving, but for whatever reason, I feel ready to celebrate early this year! I think a lot of us feel that same way. I’m seeing Christmas cheer everywhere, and I love it! I’m the girl who’s saying happy holidays to everyone I encounter – I’m here for the holiday cheer!
Have you started watching holiday movies yet? Netflix has so many right now! Mom and I will get to work on our annual Christmas movie list, which we share every year. Keep an eye out for that soon!
Okay, here are all my favorites from this week. It’s such a fun time of year—so many gift guides and new holiday links are below! Enjoy another November Sunday!
1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try.
wanting…Amazon holiday ornaments. Order these Flocked Christmas Tree Ball Ornaments and Velvet Christmas Ball Ornaments before they sell out. I’m scrolling other Amazon holiday decor, too!
Also, these Gingerbread House Ornaments and Santa with Sweets Ornaments from Studio McGee are cute!
everything in my cart (low)…this free peopler Cuddle Me Set is top of my list for a cute Thanksgiving look that’s super cozy! These wide-leg corduroy trousers from J.Crew are in my cart. Great colors and super cute! I very much love this Annalise Suede Jacket from Free People.
planning…the Thanksgiving menu! Make sure to check out my 2024 menu and guide!
listening to…The Ultimate Guide To Business Success From A Multi-Million Dollar Founder -Morgan Zanotti Of Primal Kitchen.
burning…all the HBH candles. You can order all 3 candles, Pumpkin Smash, Gingerbread Smash, and Apple Cider, here or try the new minis!
shopping…these beautiful jewelry advent calendars. Not the cheapest, but really cute! Love the idea of a jewelry gift a day!
sipping…Starbucks’ Holiday Drinks Are Back: What’s New This Year. Also, We Tried All the Starbucks Holiday Drinks—Here’s How They Ranked. What’s your favorite? Honestly so curious. I think I would say the Caramel Brûlée Latte or Chestnut Praline Latte. Tell me yours!
shopping for Mom again…she needs these cashmere gloves because they are cute and cozy (they come in a blush shade too)! Then, for sure, a new cashmere hat – I love this Fair Isle cashmere beanie. Keeping with the cozy items, she would love this 30-anniversary Parka from The North Face. She could layer it with these cashmere track pants and the classic Tasmin Slipper from UGG. And then lastly, I know she would wear this ribbed cashmere snood both inside and out. She’d probably never take it off knowing her.
ordered…these over priced, but so cute Holiday Wonders Matchbox.
everything in my cart (beauty)…a few from the drugstore. Ordering the L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion. Love the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil for a thick brow look. And then from Maybelline, their Lifter Lip Gloss and Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara.
and the Sephora sale. My selects are all below! This Lip Sleeping Mask is so cute!
planning on watching…The Merry Gentlemen and Our Little Secret on Netflix. I wish they were coming out sooner!
gifting…the Popsmith Popcorn Popper to my mom. She loves to pop her own popcorn and this looks SO good!
travel…The 10 Best Destinations for a Winter Getaway.
everything in my cart (high)…these ribbed wool-trimmed suede boots look really warm! Great for mountain town winters.
dreaming…of a magical Christmas bedroom like this.
2. Popular Holiday Appetizers.
Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce
Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie Rolls
Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey
Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic
Everything Ranch Crackers and Pretzels
Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie in Pastry
Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board
Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls
3. A Few things for Thanksgiving.
4. Thanksgiving Candle Sale!
One of the many cool things that I get to work on is our candle collection with Snif. These bring me SO MUCH JOY. I just love them!
So far, we have Pumpkin Smash, the OG that has become a cult favorite classic. Then, Gingerbread Smash, which is being named the best Christmas candle by so many (HOW FREAKING COOL). Lastly, we launched Apple Cider Smash just this past September and it’s been a loved my so many already!
I’m excited to share that we have a Thanksgiving sale for you all!
Get 20% off apple cider and pumpkin smash ahead of Thanksgiving with the code TURKEY20. The sale starts today!
Gingerbread Smash is back, too! Make sure you get one soon, in case they sell out like last season!
5. A Thanksgiving Tip.
When planning your menu, avoid including a dish that stresses you out. If you don’t like making pie, pick one up from the store, or make it easier and use a store-bought crust. Just keep it simple so you don’t stress. No one has to know what you made or didn’t make! Just make the night fun, and always have a great cocktail or bottle of wine to share!
Also, have a holiday simmer pot on the stove! Yes, my favorite!
6. Cute Christmas Mugs.
Last week, I linked to a cute holiday mug I found on Pinterest. Now, every time I open Pinterest, which is every day, I’m shown all the holiday mugs. I can’t stop pinning them to my Christmas board!
I’ll have to share my favorites with you guys. And if you have any mugs you love, please send me the links! In November and December, I make mugs of hot chocolate almost every day. We need holiday mugs!
(source from Pinterest)
(source from Pinterest)
(source from Pinterest)
(source from Pinterest)
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.
Starbucks’ Holiday Drinks Are Back: What’s New This Year
The Only New Christmas Movies Worth Watching This Year
Embrace the Joy—50 Holiday Rituals to Romanticize the Season
10 Hosting Hacks for a Low-Effort Friendsgiving That Feels Extra Special
Get The Look | Four Christmas Trees
Bridal Accessories Are Just as Important as the Wedding Gown—34 Beautiful Pieces Worth Bookmarking
The Biggest Bathroom Trend for 2025 Is Having a Room Within a Room
I Tried 8 of Abercrombie’s Most Popular Jeans–Here’s How They Ranked
Disney Channel Original Movie You Should Rewatch, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
8. Holiday Styles.
Thanksgiving Looks
Nordstrom Early Cyber Week Shopping
Winter Sweaters
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili
Tuesday: Skillet Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Thursday: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Friday: Brown Sugar Roasted Honeynut Squash
Saturday: The 28 Most Popular Thanksgiving Drinks
