Nine Favorite Things.

25 days until Christmas!! Happy December! I can’t tell you how much happiness and joy I feel this season. I’m always the most excited for this time of year, but with every passing season, this time feels more and more special.

It’s a time for so many things, but family and friends are really at the top of my list—and celebrating, of course! The older I get, the more I see how fast time really goes. I need to remember that while I love what I do so much, I have to prioritize family time, too!

I was so thankful to be able to be home for Thanksgiving, even if it was a small group! It ended up just being myself, Mom, Dad, Asher, and Oslo. We were missing almost everyone this year. But with travel to Europe coming up in December, everyone decided it was best to stay put for Thanksgiving. We’ll all be together at Christmas!

Our small holiday was still special. Like always, my parents got the family Christmas tree. Asher and I made hot chocolate and listened to Christmas music, and we all enjoyed a very low-key dinner together. I loved every minute of time I had with them!

Today, I’m in Houston, then Dallas tomorrow. I decided to take a late-night flight home tomorrow night just so I could spend a couple of nights at home before I head back to New York! It’s a lot of ups and downs, but I love these book events so much! It’s so special and surreal to meet you all in person, hear your wonderful stories, and see your genuine excitement for the recipes and content I share every single day! Exhausting but SO FUN, and I’m grateful for you all!

AND some news: We officially hit the New York Times best-seller list at #2! Wahoo! You never know how a book is going to perform, but making the list is always the most shocking/exciting/wonderful thing! Thank you all for your continued support, and to everyone who has ordered the cookbook, I truly hope you love it as much as I do!

We are looking forward to so much this month, and we have some really fun recipes and holiday traditions to share! It’s the best time of year!

Today’s post is heavily dedicated to these crazy Cyber Week sales! Honestly, there are so many, it’s overwhelming! I pulled my favorite fashion pieces, beauty products, and home items. It’s shopping time!!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!! What’s everyone looking forward to the most this season?

1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try.

shopping…the HigherDose Cyber Week sales! I look forward to getting in my sauna blanket every single night when I’m home. It’s what I look forward to the most. Especially on these cold -8-degree winter nights. The benefits of using an infrared blanket are just an added bonus. Infrared blankets are said to reduce stress, boost mood, increase blood flow and circulation, plus promote glowing skin. You can use the code HALFBAKED for 20% off. Or shop their bundles and take 30% off at checkout. 

gifting…Ticket To Ride Board Game. This sounds like a fun game! My family loves to play board games over Christmas vacation. It’s such a fun activity after a day in the snow. We usually play some kind of card game or Monopoly, but it’s time to switch things up! Oh, and look what I found: Hallmark Christmas Monopoly. I am such a dork.

for mom…ok, I have a lot I want to share with my mom. First up, this Sherpa-Trimmed Quilted Down Coat. I know she would live in this. My mom loves a cozy/cute coat. Like LOVES a coat. But you know what she also really loves? A great cashmere sweater. I know she would love the snowflakes on this beautiful cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater. I’m pretty sure she would also enjoy this long cashmere cardigan. And I already ordered three pairs of these two-tone ribbed cashmere socks from Guest in Residence. One for mom, one for Asher, and one for me. I am a sucker for the holiday colors. Tis the season!

for the family…my little brother, Oslo, is obsessed with Mr. Grinch. I mean, so much so that he has watched The Grinch almost every day this year! He’s so cute. He kind of has a love-hate relationship with him, though; he’s afraid Mr.Grinch is going to still the Christmas tree. Obviously, I need to get the Dr. Suess Grinch x Naadam holiday collection. How freaking cute!

everything in my cart (low)…a cute knit wrap top from Zara. Loving this wavy bow for my hair from Anthropologie. Very into bows this season! And then this is the perfect suede slouchy tote bag from Gap.

listening to…A Martha Stewart Christmas, it’s so good.

Christmas travel fun…15 Festive Hotels in the U.S. That Make the Holiday Season Even More Magical, The Best Places to go For Christmas, and The Best Ski Resorts in Canada.

listening to…Tieghan Gerard on Internet Fame, Online Hate and Her Recipe for Success. This was such a fun conversation. I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak on Arielle’s podcast.

gifting…holiday jewelry! I found these BaubleBar holiday tree drop earrings and couldn’t help but get them for Asher. I also got her the ornament drop earrings and reindeer drop earrings, I just couldn’t resist! These would be a cute hostess gift or stocking stuffer. BaubleBar also has a lot of cute earrings on Anthro or via their BaubleBar website which has A LOT of fun jewels.

shopping…Staub pieces are on sale for Cyber Week! Staub cookware is my favorite and really all I use. Their collection is so good. Shop the sale pieces here. I love this oval pot for boiling long-cut pasta. My go to Round Cocotte and Mixed Baking Dish Set.

eating at…Coqodaq. Apparently they have the best fried chicken in New York. It’s David Beckham’s favorite!

everything in my cart (beauty)…restocking my YSE Exfoliating Pads while they’re one sale. Loving these Tata Harper gift sets. And the brand’s body balm is one of my top five favorites.

watching…It’s Timeee! Get Into the Holiday Spirit by Watching Mariah Carey Bake Christmas Cookies.

winter travel…a Guide to Toronto: 12 Essential Spots – if you’re planning a trip!

everything in my cart (high)…adore this sweet Cassandre Mini matelassé leather bag from YSL. I feel like Asher would love this!

shopping…Boll & Branch sheets. I love their Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, Signature Hemmed Duvet Set, Waffle Bed Blanket, and their Plush Bath Towel Set. I use their sheets and towels daily, they’re perfect, and I love knowing they’re ethically sourced and organic.

2. The most popular recipes of November.

Most Popular: Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Runner-up: Brown Sugar Maple Pecan Cookie Pie

Also have to Mention: White Wine Miso Braised Pot Roast

Popular Dessert: Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

Favorite Soup: Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup

Also, I just have to note a few more that were in the top 5 this month. Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy. And our 2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide. And just like last year, the Creamy White Chicken Chili.

3. Cyber Week Sales – holiday decor/home/ beauty.

holiday decor 

home 

beauty

4. Christmas Surprise! The Christmas Candle is here!

It’s here! It’s here! A new Christmas candle for you all to enjoy this December. I LOVE this time of year more than anything. It’s so special to me and holds the most magical memories and fantasies. And I LOVE all the Christmas movies too. I am such a cheeseball.

I couldn’t let the season go by without sharing in a new Christmas candle. It’s a tradition now. The Snif team and I developed my favorite vanilla-scented holiday candle. It’s what Christmas time is to me!!

The candle notes

• Vanilla
• Brown Sugar
• Forest Pepper
• Mistletoe
• Frosted Fir
• Tonka Bean

It’s festive with the pine, and I know it will bring warmth to your home all Winter long.

Unlike other candle drops, there is no preorder. This candle is available to shop TODAY! We wanted to share the product and have it ready for shipping so you can burn it all December long!

I’ve loved bringing this candle with me while traveling. I’ve been on the move so much this past year that I really miss home, especially now that it’s December. This candle brings a sense of comfort and home for the holidays. I know so many of us especially feel this as the holidays approach, we’re juggling a million things at once. And that’s why we named this candle Winter Wander. Whether you’re hosting, visiting, or exploring this season, we hope Winter Wander brings a sense of wonder to your home, and a sense of home to your wanders.

Grab the candle here! It’s such a great gift to give this holiday season!

5. My December list and holiday traditions.

Here is a list of nine things I’d love to do over the next couple of weeks. Last year my family was traveling for some of December. This year, we’ll have a little more time at home before leaving for Christmas. I’m looking forward to trying to do all of the holiday things listed here.

• Decorating gingerbread houses is my favorite tradition. I’m going to order this before it sells out, but I also love this candy cane house and this more traditional house.

• • A Christmas puzzle!

• Decorate my house! More than ever, it needs some holiday cheer! My tree is up and waiting for me to decorate when I get home.
• Watch all the Christmas movies possible. Of course, if you have any favorites, please send them my way! On my list so far: Our Little Secret (Netflix), Nutcracker (Hulu), Hot Frosty (Netflix), and The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix). My mom and I will share our annual Christmas movie list next week. I know she has SO MANY on her list.
• Hot chocolate for Asher every day. Sharing a new recipe this week and I’m SO excited. I think I’ve discovered the secret to the best mug of cocoa. 
• A walk down 5th Avenue plus a Christmas light-filled walk through the Park. And if there’s snow, I would be the happiest. Put me in a Hallmark movie.
• Remember to do something kind for others every single day. We can’t forget the real magic behind the holiday season. A simple “Happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas” and a smile can brighten anyone’s day, including yours. Don’t be a Scrooge!
• Simmer my Christmas potpourri all December long with candles burning all around.
• Order everyone Christmas pajamas. I love holiday PJs so much. I felt like the pajamas needed their own favorite number. So many cute and festive options this season.

6. Inspiring Me – Christmas Cheer.

(the happiest time of the year)

(Terrain has the best faux trees)

(the most beautiful Christmas tree)

(a magical Christmas village)

(getting ideas for my wrapping this year!)

7. Favorite links I’m Loving.

What Is Après Ski? And Where to Enjoy It

Four Holiday Crafts (for the Hopelessly Uncrafty)

20 Completely Free Ways to Romanticize the Holiday Season

11 Christmas Living Room Ideas for a Chic and Festive Holiday Season

40 Gifts We Love That Are On Sale for Black Friday

The Best Gifts on Sale, From Shearling Slippers to Silk-Filled Pillows

The Holiday Hack That Saves Me $$$ Every Gifting Season

Shop The McGee Holiday Home

Did ‘Wicked’ Live Up to My Insanely High Standards?

8. Cyber Week Sales – fashion/accessories.

Abercrombie

Free people

Nordstrom

Reformation

Revolve

all the sweaters on sale this week

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Monday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Tuesday: Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

Wednesday: Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Thursday: Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi

Friday: Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Saturday: The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail

Sunday: Chewy Frosted Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodles