Nine Favorite Things.

November 3, 2024

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Nine Favorite Things: Happiest November! It’s cookbook launch month! I feel so much excitement and have so many nerves. It’s crazy that after over two years of work on the Quick & Cozy cookbook, it is finally time to share it with you all!

Coming up this month, I’ll start sharing a handful of recipes from the book on Instagram. I filmed a few with my good friend Benny while in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Before I head out on the book tour, I’ll also share a couple of recipes filmed from home. I thought it would be fun to give you all a sneak peek inside the book. So make sure you’re following me on Instagram! It will be fun!

Aside from all of the book excitement, which has pretty much become my life at this point, it’s been a great week! I spent the first part of this week in New York, and I can’t tell you how much I love the city during these late fall days. The colors are so rich, and I was lucky to have almost perfect weather most days I was in town.

I was in New York for the CFDA awards. Just like last year, I was there with Amazon. It was such an honor to be invited back, and this year was even better! I felt a little more comfortable, knew a few more of the people attending, and all in all, it was a beautiful night. Plus, I got to play dress up for a night and loved every minute! It’s been amazing working with the Amazon team, we have some big things coming up!

This was a pretty quick in-and-out trip, but I squeezed in a day of filming, a few meetings, and then spent hours in my hotel room working on The 2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide, which is now live! I’m so happy and excited to share this menu. I think it’s one of my favorites. I’m also sharing more details on my tablescape below! Let me know what would be helpful to share ahead of Thanksgiving this year. We have just over three weeks to prepare! What are your plans this Thanksgiving?

Between the cookbook and the holidays, we have so many things to be excited about. But a lot of it can feel overwhelming, too. The thing I’ve been doing a lot of lately, is remembering back to the girl who wanted all of this. We may not be at that picture-perfect idealistic vision I first had, but every day, we inch closer.

When things start to feel like a lot, I just think to myself, “How cool is it that I get to do this? I’m traveling to New York for events as big as the CFDAs, working with Amazon and other super creative people. I’m creating and sharing content I love, and most importantly – I am so fortunate to have built out the most wonderful community of people who choose to spend time with me every day. Whether you watch on social, read the website, or are coming to the book tour. I’m the luckiest! I try to think those thoughts, and it always helps because, really, I am so fortunate! I’m so excited for these next two months!

That’s all I have for today! Enjoy another Sunday Favorites, and Happy November!

1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

burning…our Gingerbread Smash candle. It’s finally back in stock, and it has a pretty new fluted vessel, too! It’s truly the essence of Christmas! Like fresh gingerbread cookies baking away all day long.

also burning…the new Smash Collection Votive Set!! How fun is this? We launched a set of 3 votive candles in the scents: apple cider smash, pumpkin smash, and gingerbread smash. It’s the perfect gift set for the holidays! If you’re looking for larger sizes, you can order all 3 candles here.

ordering…this Temple des Mousses (Moss Temple) – Matchbox. So curious how this smells!

everything in my cart (low)…these Essential Sunday Wide Leg Sweatpants and then how about these Wide Leg Sweatpants with Pockets too! Both look so cozy!

listening to…Kelsea Ballerini: Divorced at 29.

dreaming of going…Wildflower Farms, in New York’s Hudson Valley. Check out their Instagram account, the leaves are so pretty right now! And if we’re dreaming really big, Castelfalfi in the heart of Tuscany.

loving…the Oura Ring. Yes, I’ve mentioned this before, but I need to get back to using this and tracking my sleep. My worst habit is my sleep! My cousin, Abby just texted me. She is loving the Oura ring I gave her and inspiring me to give this a try again!

wanting…holiday mugs! I found this Christmas mug on Pinterest and need to figure out who is making them. So cute! Also, this Scok Christmas Mug and then these cute Christmas mugs too! Ok last set, these holiday mugs are adorable!

loving… the Louis Vuitton holiday collection – so sweet. These pieces would make fun holiday gifts.

everything in my cart (beauty)…the Sephora sale is happening now through November 11th, so I’m sharing some of my selects here! I adore these Universal Daily Peel Pads from Dr. Dennis Gross. And I have to mention their DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro read light mask because I use this every single night. It’s changed my skin. Definitely stocking up on the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo. And trying the Dieux Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream with Ceramides for sure.

Love, love, love these Cinnamon Velvet nails. So pretty for fall. Definitely asking for this mix of OPI Cliffside Karaoke with OPI Brown To Earth, and then using the OPI Nail Lacquer Base Coat on top. It’s the perfect November nail color.

Oh, and I love the new Skinny Confidential Brow Peptide Serum if you’re looking for growth in your brows. I love a thick brow!

watching…On Tour With Indie Pop Star—And New Chanel Ambassador—Gracie Abrams. Such a cute video. I love Gracie!

traveling…my cousin Abby just finished a trip up the coast: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, and Carmel by the Sea. Sounds amazing and I bet it’s really pretty in the fall!

everything in my cart (high)…the Loro Piana silk satin wrap coat. It’s stunning, but whoa, that’s a lot for a coat. Instead, I would get this Favorite Daughter, the Juniper Satin Duster. It’s still a higher price point, but the red color is so festive! I kind of love it!

ordering…this Red Big Bow Garland. Time to start thinking about my Christmas decor!

shopping…Nuuly! My cousin is using this clothing rental service and talked me into trying it for myself. Shopping their site now! Any clothing rental services you love?

2. October’s Most Popular Recipes.

Most popular: Creamy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Runner-up: Red Wine Braised Pot Roast

Also have to mention: Maple Chai Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Everyone’s favorite pumpkin recipe: Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Our favorite drink: Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

3. Gifts Everyone Will Want to Steal.

4. My Thanksgiving Table – the details.

On Friday, we shared the 2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide. I realized I never took the time to share details about my actual tablescape setup, so I’m doing so here today! I’ve also added this info to the menu post. I just loved this table—it’s my favorite table I’ve styled yet!

As with most years, I kept the table down to the basics using pieces I have at home: ribbons, simple white dishes, silverware, linen napkins, and then mixed in fresh florals lined down the table in place of a runner or tablecloth.

For the florals, I used smaller bud vases throughout. I used one larger arrangement that I removed for dinner and set on a side table. The turkey then replaced the larger arrangement. This allows guests to easily talk while enjoying the meal!

I used glassware I already own and muted yellow linen napkins tied simply with a ribbon and single-stem flower. They turned out so pretty!

The final detail was a pretty holiday ornament hung on each chair. I thought it would get everyone in the holiday spirit and ready to celebrate Christmas. Plus, it was so cute!

shop everything below!

5. New York – In Photos.

New York is the prettiest this time of year

back to back meetings in full hair and makeup

CFDAs time

the end of a great night

dinner at Torrisi

night time skincare

always legs up the wall, every night

6. A Holiday Dinner with Camille Styles.

This is so fun! Camille, who I’ve known for the longest time, asked me to join her on the cover of her new online magazine, Camille Styles EDIT. We shot the cutest holiday dinner in Austin using recipes from the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook.

It was one of the best days, and our dinner was so special. You can browse Camille’s new magazine here (her first issue is free). She has so many great articles, designs, and holiday tips. You can also read Camille’s piece on me and the new cookbook here (page 60). As well as view four Quick and Cozy book recipes: Baked Honeyed Brie, Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet, Winter Salad with Maple Walnuts, and Classic Tiramisu – all ahead of the cookbook launch!