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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?!â€, 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! Â
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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. Â
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planning…the Thanksgiving menu! Make sure to check out my 2024 menu and guide!Â
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!Â
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.Â
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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.
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and the Sephora sale. My selects are all below! This Lip Sleeping Mask is so cute!Â
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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. Â
dreaming…of a magical Christmas bedroom like this.Â
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.
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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!Â
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!Â
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!Â
Also, have a holiday simmer pot on the stove! Yes, my favorite!Â
6. Cute Christmas Mugs.Â
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!Â
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!
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(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.Â
Thanksgiving Looks
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Nordstrom Early Cyber Week Shopping
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Winter Sweaters
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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
How was your best friend Kristen’s baby shower? Everything looked amazing! I didn’t see you in any photos, but maybe that’s because you were busy helping with the dinner and decorations? Happy Remembrance Day Eve! (I just love veterans, don’t you?) <3
Hey Sharon!! Kristen lives in Texas! Sadly I wasn’t able to travel for her shower but yes she was glowing and it looked so fun!!! Totally bummed to have missed it! Have a great week! Xx
Love the Starbucks holiday drinks, peppermint mocha is my fave! I thought your go to Starbucks order was a hot water? Nice to see that you’re enjoying a fun drink for once, chestnut praline lattes are great.
Hey Maureen,
It’s always fun to try their holiday drinks while they are available! Have the best week! xT
I get that readers come to your blog for recipes, not politics. But, when you mention that you’re stressed out with planning for the holidays it seems tone deaf not to acknowledge many are stressed about the election.
I disagree. I don’t want every aspect of life dominated by politics so am grateful for that here
Joan, I totally agree. Stressed about travel does not compare to the stress many Americans are feeling post-election. Tieghan, please choose your words more carefully. Read the room. There are significantly bigger issues than your travel plans.
I agree. Many Americans are not just “the happiest†right now. Many of us are not seeing holiday cheer everywhere. I question what kind of bubble you live in. Your opening commentary is insane.
I hear you, Mariann. Actually – for the very same reasons Nancy and Sarita state, I have deliberately removed all apps, social media and websites that are even touching on politics in any way shape or form. I have never owned a television, so that’s covered. Are Nancy and Sarita wrong about the state of things? No. Do I want to see another second of it? Hell no. I’ve seen enough.
Tieghan, thank you. Please continue to focus on anything BUT politics. Any kind of safe haven will probably be the only thing that allows many people to even choose to continue on.
Hey Joan, I hear you! But I do not speak to politics and never have. That’s not the platform I have or the words I want to put out into the world. I hope this space can be a safe and happy space for people to come and find enjoyable content. There is enough political talk around. This is not the space for that. Hoping that makes sense! Have a great week! Xx
Thank you Tieghan. Not every website on earth needs to be a political firing range, and some places are a completely inappropriate for for that anyway. There is enough bickering that goes on here at HBH that is totally unnecessary, so why add more fuel to the fire? Thank you for staying out of the fray at least in this regard. If I wanted to torture myself with the current state of the world, there are plenty of places to go for that. Sometimes one just needs a break in order to cling to their last vestiges of sanity.
Tieghan, you seem to have missed the point Joan was making. You weren’t being asked to share your political opinions. Joan’s point was the importance of self-awareness, it’s not all about you.
It’s not about you either, Trish. Or Joan for that matter. Please give it a rest.
The cranberry Brie cinnamon puff pastry swirls look yummy. Also easy to make.
The turkey charcuterie board is so cute.😊
Thanks so much, Rachel! Let me know if you give the brie puff pastry a try! I hope you had a nice weekend! xT
Hi all, love all the recipes I’ve made so far from the HBH website. Wondering if you would do some budget friendly recipes. Thank you and have a great week!
Hi Mary,
Thanks so much for your kind message! I appreciate you sharing this feedback and suggestion! Have a nice week! xT
I would love to see that too. Not every day of course but once in a while- especially budget friendly entertaining recipes. Great idea!
Love the $425 cardigan! It’ll pair well with my food stamps this Holiday season!
Fantastic selection of recipes today! Love all of the apps plus using puff pastry makes it so easy. Looking to try some of the cocktails as well, thanks for the link! Keep being you Tieghan!
Thank you so much, Sue!! I hope you will give some of the recipes a try, let me know if you do! Have the best week! xT
Happy travels, good looks yummy!
How is renovation going? Progress pics would be fun to see…
*food
Thanks so much, Kate!! The renovation is coming along…I will definitely share updates:) Happy Sunday! xx
For months you’ve been saying you’ll share updates. What’s going on?
Just nothing too exciting to share yet:) Dealing with the nitty gritty details.
A huge thank you for keeping any hint of politics out of what you post. I was so disappointed this week with a couple of the people I follow who had to veer into the political lane. I am not here to be politically influenced. I am here to enjoy your content, which is top notch!
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback, Kim:) So glad to hear you have been enjoying the regularly scheduled content! Have the best Sunday! xxT
Or her silence was because she was scared of seeing a huge drop in followers. She could have at least used her platform to encourage people to vote.
I personally appreciate silence anymore. The internet is such a loud place with everyone blasting their opinion and it’s nice to get an escape from it from at least one person. Plus whomever you vote for you get demonized from one side or the other since there is zero tolerance for people being different from you.
Agree, the last time she posted anything remotely political (and it was not expressly partisan) was in 2020, and she was torn to shreds by her already ruthless attackers. No thanks. There is almost nowhere one can go to escape political bickering right now. Even one respite that focuses on something neutral and non-political is a port in the storm. Please no politics here. People already argue about the dumbest sh!t here already. Don’t give them more cannon fodder.
We should not be attempting to escape politics as its affects the livelihood and well being of so many Americans. If you have the luxury of ignoring politics you should consider yourself lucky
AMEN~!!!
That’s a bit of black and white thinking, Kara, and not entirely fair. Yes, the political landscape affects people. Choosing to take some time to focus on other activities of daily life, like perusing a non-political cooking blog, taking a walk in nature, reading a book about gardening – whatever works – is both necessary and healthy. To suggest that someone who wants a respite from stress to decompress and take in other types of stimuli has “the luxury of ignoring politics” is judgemental and presumptive. FYI, I do not consider myself lucky. At all. There is nothing luxurious about the polarization and lack of unity in the world right now. However, I am still alive, (though perhaps hanging by a thread) I have a family to provide for, and I have to try, for their sake, if not my own, to stay sane and carry on – even in tough times. If that means I want to read a single webpage without having to see negativity and angst, I should hope that’s not too much to ask.
Happy Sunday, Tieghan! I’m also TOO excited for cooler weather, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! (As a knitter, this is my “show off†season 🤠and I am here for it.) I plan to be camped on GAC watching Christmas movies, but one of my fave is “A Castle for Christmas†on Netflix because a knit group is one of the main characters! Have fun!
Hey Kerita,
Happy Sunday and thanks for reading today! How cool that you knit, I am sure you have some really awesome pieces! Love this, I hope you enjoy your Christmas movies! XxT
Love the Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board, I could never come up with something like that. It looks so good I would eat it before company got to see it! Awesome vision and execution!
Aww, thanks so much, Jim! It’s a super fun and cute board to make for Thanksgiving! Have a nice Sunday! XxT
I’d love to see some healthy, clean, vegetarian recipes occasionally. You used to do more of these! Thank you! ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Thanks so much for sharing this feedback, Stephanie!! Noted:) I hope you are having a nice weekend! XxT
Just purchased your three votive candle collection. Perfect little sampler for everyone on my gift list! Thanks for doing that so we can sample all!
Thanks so much! I hope you love the candles, they are the perfect little sample sizes! Happy Sunday! xx
Happy Sunday, Tieghan, Gerard fam, and HBH team! I love your openness and honesty about your stresses and anxiety. It truly connects with me. I also love the holiday season, but the fact is there will always be at least a little bit of stress there. It’s a lot of work! But making time for my family and myself is paramount. This year we are heading out of the country for Christmas and New Year’s, so that will bring travel stress…but hopefully as we’re soaking up the rays that stress will melt away. Have a wonderful week ahead, and I hope your book tour is amazing! I’m excited to see pics.
Hey Jen! Thanks a lot for reading today:) Happy to share about how I am feeling with my readers, I think it helps me in a way. Yup, I totally agree, the holiday season is the best, but stress can always creep in. I hope you and your family have the best Christmas and New Years, I am sure the trip will make up for the travel stress, it’s always worth it! Have a wonderful Sunday! XxT