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15 days until Christmas!! How did we get here? I think I’ve said this for the past few weeks, but I’m really not ready for this month to be over. The fact that there are only 15 days until Christmas just makes me sad. Of course, I’m still the happiest girl at the same time. I’m loving all the festive decor and doing my very best to live in the moment and take everything day by day. Being the true Virgo that I am, I can ask for and want A LOT, but I get very overwhelmed at the same time. It’s a whole thing.
Something I LOVE that I’ve been doing at night is listening to Christmas music while editing photos with Hallmark movies on in the background. I’ve also been traveling with our holiday candles. I have Winter Wander and Gingerbread Smash here with me now. I’ve even been making a nightly “girl’s phone date” with my little sister, Asher, to catch up and talk about all things Christmas. It’s helped me not to miss home quite as much! It makes nights in a hotel room feel special, too.
Last week, I was in Texas, this week, I spent some time in New York, and on Monday, I’m heading to Nashville! It’s been back-to-back, but everything has been so amazing. Meeting you all really is my favorite. Hearing all your stories, learning your favorite recipes, and snapping photos together is always so special!
I’ll be wrapping things up before Christmas in Chicago. I’ll then be home for a bit with my family, which I’m so excited about! I love our snowy mountain town this time of year.
I’m sharing so many merry-holiday things below. This time of year is SO FUN, and I always have the most to share. I hope you’re all having a magical snowy weekend (if you’re like me and love snow this time of year). Either way, enjoy this special season!
1. Things I’m Loving, wanting, and Excited to Try.
hosting…Half-Baked Harvest at Home: How Tieghan Gerard Hosts a Dinner Party.
everything in my cart (low)…basically all things Zara. This Knit Mini Skirt with the matching Fitted Waist Plain Knit Cardigan is too cute. This is a great Wool Blend Coat and a very pretty Peplum Blazer, especially great for the holiday season. I adore this cute Strapless Peplum Top, too! These Kitten Heel Buckled Leather Boots are on my wish list. Lastly, their contrasting faux fur top and/or the long faux fur coat are very cute!
stocking stuffer ideas…
stocking stuffers lux…
shopping gifts for Mom…definitely this cozy reversible ribbed brushed-cashmere beanie, I think I’d stuff this in her stocking! To go with the beanie, she’d love this classic J.Crew brushed cashmere fitted cardigan sweater (in heather grey). This quilt/fleece combo jacket would be cute on her too. Lastly, moms always needs a new pair of slippers. Asher and I love these tazz villa knit slippers. They’re so cozy!
something fun…Books, Hot Sauce, and Tangled Headphones: Inside Dua Lipa’s “Chaotic” Birkin Bag. I love the Vogue “What’s In My Bag” series. They’re always fun to watch!
everything in my cart (beauty)…adding this Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask to my stocking stuffers list.
These are some of my favorite body butters and creams for dry winter skin. You can never go wrong with the Mutha Body Butter. I’ve emptied this and the Tata Harper Body Balm more times than I can count. I think they’re my favorites. Oh, and the Josie Maran Whipped Firming Body Butter Jar. I also love the Augustinus Bader The Body Cream. None of these are cheap, but they really do help with dry winter skin.
Something more affordable that I LOVE – the La Roche-Posay Face and Body Lotion For Eczema and Sensitive Dry Skin Moisturizer.
reading…”A Winter Wish”: A Novel by Emily Stone. My mom always reads a Christmas book in December, so I’m going to give it a shot.
Around the Table…with Shea McGee and the Studio McGee family. Remember when I traveled to Utah? While our holiday dinner is finally live. Shea and I prepared a Holiday Cheese Board for guests and my simple Cider-Braised Beef Brisket from the Quick & Cozy cookbook.
everything in my cart (high)…this Cashmere Long Sleeve Crew from Enza Costa is a winter staple. So cozy and warm to layer under sweaters and jackets.
listening to…A holiday playlist for your dinner parties.
Holiday parties are not complete without the perfect holiday playlist. Here is my favorite playlist for a fun and festive night! I love the classics most and I’ll always find comfort in a Frank Sinatra Christmas song.
2. Our Favorite Cozy Winter Soups.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
3. Everything Festive Holiday.
Crate and Barrel Entertaining/Decor
Crate and Barrel Gifting
4. New York in Photos.
5. Mom and Tieghan’s List of Holiday Movies.
My mom put this list together, and now all I want to do is spend a cozy snow day by the fire watching them all! I’m wishing for a snow-filled Colorado Christmas with my family more than anything this year!
What are your favorite holiday movies?
Everything New:
Our Little Secret – Netflix (2024) After discovering their significant others are siblings, two resentful exes must spend Christmas under one roof while hiding their romantic history.
A Reason for the Season – Hallmark (2024) In order to earn her trust fund and with the help of a handsome local attorney, Evie is tasked with granting Christmas wishes to the people who saved her life on the night of her birth.
Meet Me Next Christmas – Netflix (2024) In pursuit of a fairytale romance, Layla (Christina Milian) must race through New York City with the help of a handsome and friendly ticket concierge (Devale Ellis) to get her hands on the hottest ticket in town: the sold out Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.
My Sweet Austrian Holiday – Hallmark (2024) Charlotte inherits a chocolate shop from her grandparents but soon finds herself in a battle with a large developer who wants to buy the building to turn it into an exclusive shopping boutique.
The Merry Gentlemen – Netflix (2024) To save her parents’ small-town performing venue, a former big-city dancer decides to stage an all-male, Christmas-themed revue.
A Christmas Less Traveled – Hallmark (2024) An old audio cassette of her dad’s voice sends a woman on a journey to retrace her family’s most memorable moments. Along the way, she meets a man who offers her a generous payment in exchange for a ride to close the most important deal of his life.
Hot Frosty – Netflix (2024) When a young widow’s magic scarf brings a dashing snowman to life, can he help her rediscover romance, laughter, and holiday cheer before he melts away?
All I Need For Christmas – Hallmark (2024) Looking for inspiration, singer-songwriter Maggie travels home and finds a spark with app developer Archer, who’s trying to repair his relationship with his sister.
Home Sweet Christmas – Hallmark (2024) Sparks fly between a successful attorney and her childhood friend after they both inherit her late great-uncle’s sprawling patch of sugar maple forest.
Home Sweet Christmas – (2024) Sparks fly between a successful attorney and her childhood friend after they both inherit her late great-uncle’s sprawling patch of sugar maple forest.
New-ish
A Paris Christmas Waltz – Hallmark (2023)Emma encounters a professional dancer Leo, whose enthusiasm for competitive dancing is diminishing. However, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself for the novice to join the pro.
The Christmas Doctor – Hallmark (2020)A doctor encounters a man from her past who brings with him a revelation that could change her life forever.
Just In Time For Christmas – Hallmark (2015) marrying her longtime beau or accepting a once-in-a-lifetime job. To help her make a decision, a magical messenger lets her see both possible futures so she’ll be able to make the right decision.
Kids
That Christmas – Netflix (2024) It’s an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone’s plans, including Santa’s.
An Almost Christmas Story – Disney+ (2024) An Almost Christmas Story” follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.
The Classics
The Grinch – Oslo’s favorite
The Santa Clause Series – a personal favorite
Elf
Home Alone 1 & 2
Christmas Vacation – we love this one, who doesn’t?
The Polar Express – make the Polar Express Hot Chocolate!
Eloise at Christmastime – another personal favorite
It Happened One Christmas – Mom’s favorite
A Christmas Carol – not really for me, but of course, a classic
Christmas of Many Colors – another Mom favorite
Miracle on 34th Street – I watch this every Thanksgiving
It’s a Wonderful Life – everyone’s favorite
Other’s We Love
The Holiday
Christmas with the Kranks
Noelle
While You Were Sleeping
Jingle All the Way
Klaus
The Family Stone
Love Actually
The Princess Switch
Holidate – my dad actually likes this one
Last Christmas
A Christmas Prince
6. Spreading Christmas Cheer – a giveaway.
(source)
I am the girl in the airport walking by everyone and saying “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas.” No matter how tired or cranky I am, these words always bring me a sense of happiness and calm. I’ve said it 20 times over already, but this is the best season!
Don’t forget the magic of the season. It’s not about the gifts but the joy and happiness we can share with others. Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures, not a fancy gift, that people remember the most.
90 Holiday Quotes to Spread Some Serious Cheer All Season Long
the giveaway
The holidays are here, and we’re spreading a little extra cheer with a giveaway! I am so excited to share this with you all! The new Half Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy Cookbook makes the perfect holiday gift, and to celebrate the wonderful season, I’m giving you a chance to win a few of my very favorite things that any home cook will LOVE!
You can enter to win all items shown below here. For an extra entry, make sure to pick up a copy of the cookbook! Happiest holidays everyone! Thank you for your continued love and support!
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.
Your Winter Reading List: 20 Books for Your Cozy Night In
The Best Ski Resorts in Canada
10 DIY Holiday Decorations You Can Make at Home for Cheap
Vogue’s Guide to the Very Best Christmas Nail Designs
Here’s Everything Coming to Netflix in December 2024
The Most Successful People Make “Pre-Resolutions” in December
These Are the Christmas Party Games Every Guest Will Love
8. December Fashion/Sales and Gifting.
Long Winter Coats
Coats under $300
Reformation Winter
9. This week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Tuesday: Pot Roast Sunday Sauce With Rigatoni
Wednesday: 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
Thursday: Garlic Butter Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Friday: Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce
Saturday: The Christmas White Russian
