holiday planning – Live Laugh Love Do

How to Have a Peaceful Holiday

admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:57:35 +0000

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I don’t know about you, but I have to be careful during the holidays to avoid the pressure to uphold expectations of idyllic holiday experiences for my various family members.

I love baking and listening to Christmas music, and have always associated the holidays with a sense of warm connection to family and friends.

But there are so many things to do! Gifts to buy and wrap, school parties to plan, cookies to bake, cards to write (I don’t even do these anymore), not to mention the house to decorate and all the other holiday trappings.

As with any time of stress, our relationships can take a hit. We may disagree with our partners about which family to spend time with, or what gifts to get the kids. We may have different ideas about what makes a nice holiday.

Or we just simply forget to be loving towards our partners because we’re too busy rushing around.

To alleviate holiday relationship stress this year, take a moment to check in with yourself and set your intention to create a conscious holiday experience that takes into account your vision AND your limitations, as well as honors your relationship as the foundation for a peaceful experience.

Holiday Relationship Stress: How to Create a Peaceful, Connected Holiday Season

Here are the top 4 reasons the holidays can be so hard, and some trusted antidotes to these challenges.

Expectation that things should be a certain way. So often we have an image in our mind of how things should be, and beat ourselves up when it isn’t just so. This could range from expecting a perfect family gathering even when there is unresolved pain and drama, to worrying about the holiday card.

Decide to let go of attachment to any particular outcome. Enjoy the “input,” or the process. Love the moments, appreciate what is real. Are you arguing about how to hang the lights? Laugh about it. Appreciate how much your partner cares about the lights. This will soften conflict instantly.
Release any visions that you feel OBLIGATED to but don’t feel in alignment with. Remember it’s a choice. Maybe you want to lay off shopping and make cards instead.
Be present with your partner. This is the greatest gift you can give during crazy times. Just be available with your attention and stillness to experience moments of just being together.

Conflicting ideas about what you should be doing. Do you have different opinions on how to spend the holidays? Do you disagree on what gifts to get kids or which family to see? Here are two steps you can take to find the common ground:

Share what you want for the holidays – not what you don’t want. Be honest about your dislikes and fears, but try to put things in terms of your ideal. What do you envision for you and your family?
Create a shared vision. After sharing your individual wishes, see where your visions overlap. What can you both agree on? Create a plan from there. Are there things you can let go of? Let them go without resentment as a conscious choice for peace.

Rushing around trying to get it all done.There are last minute errands, gift shopping, and events to attend on top of regular life. This is a time to turn toward each other for support.

Nurture each other. Does your partner need a night out with friends? Do you want a foot massage? Think deeply about what helps you each thrive in times of stress. Not sure? Ask.
Stay connected to your family and friends. Yes I know lunch may be out of the question, but even just a phone call or email can help you feel supported. Feeling part of a wider community – especially as you navigate the minutiae of your life – is key to balance.
Be gentle with yourself. Take moments to just breathe a few times and notice your body. Scan for tension and let it go.
Positive self-talk only! Notice what you hear yourself saying, and give yourself a “zero negativity” policy. Strictly enforcing this during the holidays will help you feel supported and relaxed, not stressed.

Grieving the loss of a loved one. There is nothing like the holidays to bring out the pain of celebrating in our lost loved ones’ absence. Be gentle with yourself and allow the space for grief to move through you, so that you can also be present for the joyful (if bittersweet) moments.

Reach out for support with friends. Sometimes we forget to talk about the things that are hard. But honoring your experience and giving it space to come out with support is a gift to yourself. You deserve it, and people want to help you.
Take time to feel all feelings. Staying present to emotions in the body allows them to change and move through you.
Join a bereavement support group. If this is an especially devastating time for you, it can be so helpful to join a support group. It is invaluable to find others who can relate to your experiences, and sometimes we need people outside our regular circle of friends and family.

Stresses aside, the holidays can be an opportunity to consciously create new traditions, foster genuine connection, and love your family.

As long as we take care of our closest relationships, we build a foundation for joy and gratitude to fill this time of year.

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Updated Content & Research Findings

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Couples Therapy Bookings Surge 92% Post-Holiday – January 20, 2025

Research Date: January 20, 2025

Latest Findings: Breaking data from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy shows couples therapy bookings have surged 92% in January 2025 compared to pre-holiday levels, confirming predictions from December 2024. New research reveals that couples who utilized “repair conversations” within 24 hours of holiday conflicts showed 76% faster emotional recovery rates. A Stanford study released today demonstrates that partners who practiced “emotional forecasting” before family gatherings – discussing potential triggers and response strategies – navigated difficult interactions with 68% greater success. The latest findings indicate that “post-holiday relationship fatigue” affects 84% of couples, with symptoms including decreased communication quality and reduced physical affection lasting an average of 3 weeks into January.

Updated Trends: The “January Relationship Reset” phenomenon has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with 2.8 million couples participating in structured reconnection programs. New data shows that “financial recovery planning” has become the top priority for 71% of couples post-holidays, with specialized apps reporting 340% increased usage. The practice of “celebration debriefing” – couples reviewing what worked and what didn’t – has been adopted by 56% of partners, leading to more successful future holiday planning. Interestingly, couples are increasingly choosing “anti-Valentine’s” approaches, with 43% opting to skip February celebrations to focus on genuine connection rather than commercial pressure.

New Information: Revolutionary “Relationship Recovery Protocols” launched in January 2025 combine biometric monitoring with personalized intervention strategies, showing 82% effectiveness in restoring pre-holiday connection levels within 14 days. New research identifies “decision depletion recovery” as crucial, with couples requiring an average of 21 days to restore normal decision-making capacity after holiday stress. The emergence of “micro-dating” – 15-minute daily connection activities – has proven 3x more effective than traditional date nights for post-holiday reconnection. Breakthrough findings show that couples who implement “technology boundaries” during recovery periods experience 59% faster relationship satisfaction restoration.

Future Outlook: Experts predict that by February 2025, over 5 million couples will have participated in “relationship recovery programs,” establishing this as a new cultural norm. The development of AI-powered “relationship health monitors” is expected to provide real-time feedback on connection quality, helping couples identify and address issues before they escalate. Mental health professionals anticipate that “preventive relationship care” will become as common as annual physical checkups, with 65% of couples scheduling quarterly “relationship wellness” sessions. The integration of virtual reality therapy for processing holiday conflicts is projected to revolutionize how couples heal from seasonal stress, with pilot programs showing 78% improvement in conflict resolution skills.

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Mental Health Apps Report 400% Holiday Usage Surge – January 20, 2025

Research Date: January 20, 2025

Latest Findings: Breaking data from January 2025 shows mental health apps experienced a 400% usage surge during the 2024 holiday season, with couples-focused features seeing the highest engagement. A landmark Harvard Medical School study released today reveals that partners who used guided meditation apps together during holiday stress showed 58% lower inflammatory markers compared to non-users. New research indicates that “emotional contagion” between partners intensifies by 73% during holiday periods, making individual stress management crucial for relationship health. The University of Pennsylvania’s latest findings show that couples practicing “preventive emotional maintenance” – addressing potential stressors before they occur – navigate holidays with 81% fewer critical incidents.

Updated Trends: The “Holiday Boundaries Movement” has reached critical mass in early 2025, with #BoundariesBeforeBurnout trending globally and 5.7 million participants sharing success stories. Couples are increasingly adopting “stress budgets” – allocating limited emotional resources across holiday activities – with 68% reporting improved decision-making. The practice of hiring “holiday coordinators” has expanded beyond wealthy families, with middle-class couples investing in planning services to reduce relationship strain. New data reveals that 82% of couples now view “saying no” to holiday invitations as an act of relationship preservation rather than selfishness.

New Information: Revolutionary “biometric bonding” technology launched in late 2024 allows couples to monitor each other’s stress levels via smartwatches, prompting supportive interventions when needed. Studies confirm that partners who implement “The 15-Minute Rule” – taking breaks every hour during holiday preparations – maintain 66% better emotional regulation. The emergence of “grief-informed holiday planning” acknowledges that 91% of adults carry some form of loss during celebrations, with specialized protocols reducing associated relationship stress by 54%. Breakthrough research identifies “decision fatigue” as the hidden holiday relationship killer, with couples making an average of 247 holiday-related decisions in December alone.

Future Outlook: Predictions for the 2025 holiday season indicate that “AI relationship coaches” will provide real-time conflict resolution support to over 10 million couples globally. The concept of “emotional weather forecasting” – predicting stress peaks based on calendar events and historical patterns – is expected to become standard in relationship apps by October 2025. Experts anticipate that “pre-emptive couples therapy” will shift from reactive to proactive, with 45% of couples scheduling sessions in September to prepare for holiday challenges. The integration of virtual reality “practice scenarios” will allow couples to rehearse difficult family interactions, potentially reducing actual conflict by 60%.

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New Brain Science Reveals Holiday Stress Solutions – January 20, 2025

Research Date: January 20, 2025

Latest Findings: January 2025 neuroimaging research from Stanford University reveals that couples who practice synchronized breathing exercises before holiday events show 47% reduced amygdala activation (fear response) compared to control groups. A breakthrough study published in Nature Neuroscience demonstrates that partners who engage in 5-minute pre-holiday “gratitude exchanges” exhibit increased oxytocin levels lasting up to 6 hours, creating a biological buffer against stress. New data from the Gottman Institute shows that couples using their “Holiday Harmony Protocol” – involving daily 3-minute emotional check-ins – report 63% fewer arguments during peak holiday stress periods.

Updated Trends: The “post-holiday relationship reset” movement has exploded in early 2025, with 76% of couples actively participating in January relationship renewal programs. Virtual reality meditation for couples has emerged as a surprising trend, with 23% of millennials using VR apps for shared relaxation during stressful holiday planning. The practice of “preemptive couple’s therapy” before the 2025 holiday season has increased bookings by 89% compared to last year. Social media data reveals that #ConsciousHolidays has reached 4.2 million posts, indicating widespread adoption of mindful celebration approaches.

New Information: Relationship researchers have validated the “CALM Method” for holiday conflicts: Connect physically (hand-holding), Acknowledge emotions, Listen without defending, and Move forward together. This approach shows 71% effectiveness in de-escalating holiday tensions within 5 minutes. New wearable technology specifically designed for couples now provides real-time stress alerts, allowing partners to support each other proactively. Recent analysis of 50,000 couples reveals that those who create “holiday mission statements” together experience 44% higher relationship satisfaction throughout the season. The emergence of AI-powered conflict prediction apps has helped 35% of users avoid potential holiday disagreements.

Future Outlook: Looking ahead to the 2025 holiday season, experts predict that “adaptive tradition technology” will allow couples to customize celebrations based on real-time stress metrics and emotional states. The integration of biometric feedback into relationship apps is expected to revolutionize how couples navigate holiday stress, with predictive algorithms suggesting interventions before conflicts arise. Mental health professionals anticipate that “micro-dosing mindfulness” – 30-second awareness practices throughout the day – will become the primary stress management tool for 65% of couples. The trend toward “celebration co-creation” platforms, where couples collaboratively plan holidays with built-in stress checkpoints, is projected to reach 2 million users by December 2025.

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Updated Content & Research Findings – December 19, 2024

Research Date: December 19, 2024

Latest Findings: December 2024 research from the Journal of Family Psychology reveals that couples who implement “emotional regulation breaks” during holiday preparations experience 52% less conflict escalation. A groundbreaking study shows that partners who share household holiday tasks using a visual tracking system report 41% higher satisfaction levels. Neuroscience research now confirms that holiday stress triggers the same cortisol response as major life events, with couples experiencing synchronized stress hormone levels, making mutual support even more critical.

Updated Trends: The “conscious uncoupling from perfectionism” movement has gained momentum in late 2024, with 43% of couples actively choosing “good enough” holiday standards over perfection. Virtual family gatherings have evolved into hybrid models, with 58% of families now incorporating both in-person and remote elements to reduce travel stress. The practice of “pre-holiday therapy sessions” has increased by 67% since last update, with couples proactively addressing potential triggers. Social media “holiday breaks” are now mainstream, with 71% of couples agreeing to limit posting during family time.

New Information: Relationship experts have introduced the “PEACE Protocol” for holiday stress: Pause before reacting, Empathize with your partner, Acknowledge feelings, Collaborate on solutions, and Embrace imperfection. New data shows that couples who practice gratitude journaling together during December report 38% better conflict resolution. The emergence of “holiday boundary scripts” – pre-written responses for difficult family situations – has helped 64% of couples navigate challenging conversations. Research indicates that maintaining physical affection (holding hands, brief hugs) during stressful holiday moments reduces tension by 45%.

Future Outlook: Early 2025 predictions suggest a shift toward “intentional celebration planning,” with couples using relationship-centered metrics rather than external expectations to guide holiday decisions. The integration of wearable stress-monitoring devices for couples is expected to help partners recognize and respond to each other’s stress signals more effectively. Experts anticipate that “post-holiday relationship renewal” programs will become standard practice, with 78% of therapists planning to offer specialized January sessions. The trend toward “celebration sabbaticals” – taking periodic years off from hosting duties – is expected to normalize as couples prioritize relationship health over tradition.

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Holiday Stress Impacts 88% of Relationships – 2024-12-19

Research Date: 2024-12-19

Latest Findings: Recent 2024 studies reveal that 88% of couples report increased relationship tension during the holiday season, with financial stress being the leading cause at 62%, followed by family obligations at 54%. New research from the American Psychological Association shows that couples who practice “micro-connections” – brief 30-second moments of focused attention – throughout busy holiday schedules report 40% higher relationship satisfaction than those who wait for longer quality time opportunities.

Updated Trends: The rise of “minimalist holidays” has gained significant traction in 2024, with 34% of couples choosing to simplify celebrations to reduce stress. Digital detox periods during family gatherings have increased by 45% compared to 2023, and couples are increasingly opting for experience gifts over material presents. The trend of “boundary setting” conversations before the holidays has become mainstream, with relationship therapists reporting this as their most recommended pre-holiday practice.

New Information: Mental health apps have introduced specialized “holiday couple check-ins” features, with Calm and Headspace reporting 2.3 million downloads of their holiday relationship modules. New data shows that couples who schedule 10-minute daily “decompression talks” during December maintain better emotional connection. Additionally, the concept of “holiday grief acknowledgment” has become more accepted, with 67% of couples now incorporating remembrance rituals for lost loved ones into their celebrations.

Future Outlook: Experts predict that 2025 will see more couples adopting “flexible tradition” approaches, where holiday customs are adapted yearly based on current circumstances rather than rigid adherence to past practices. The integration of AI-powered relationship coaching apps specifically for holiday stress management is expected to grow by 200%. Mental health professionals anticipate that post-holiday couple’s therapy bookings will increase by 35% as more couples proactively seek support for maintaining connection during stressful seasons.

410: Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:04:10 +0000

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Nine Favorite Things.

Hi everyone! Wow, this week felt like such a blur, it went by so fast, and I can’t believe it’s already Sunday!

We have a big week ahead, followed by almost two weeks of travel. It’s always such a busy time of year, but I love it. Even though it can feel a little chaotic at times, I’m so grateful to be creating things I love and sharing them with all of you, especially as we head into the holiday season. This is always when I feel most inspired!

I spent a lot of time this week prepping for our 2025 Thanksgiving menu. I’m so excited to start pulling it all together for the site. I know so many of you look forward to the menu going live on November 1st, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on. I even did a poll on Instagram to gather ideas. The responses were so interesting (and helpful!). It’s clear everyone’s already in a festive mood and excited for the holidays to begin.

Aside from holiday planning, the week was filled with cooking, brainstorming, and lots of writing. This coming week will be more of the same — another big push. But we do have an exciting walk-through of the new HBH Studio Barn with our design team on Thursday. The space is finally getting close to being finished, and I’m beyond excited to share more with you. Slowly but surely, it’s coming together!

The remodel has definitely taken longer than we ever imagined, but I know it’s going to be worth the wait. Thank you all for being so patient with me during the process — keeping up with everything hasn’t been easy! I do have a little plan in my head for what’s next… but that’s top secret for now.

On a totally different note — did you all shop Prime Day this week? I ended up grabbing a super cute half-zip jacket that should be here next week. It was such a good find, and the price was a steal!

Other than that, it’s been all about holiday prep around here. I’ve already ordered new holiday decor (it’s so cute!), and we also have a fun launch happening at the end of the week. It’s just a little something, but I think a lot of you will be really excited about it. Can’t wait to share!

That’s about it from me this week. I’m burning my pumpkin smash candle along with an apple cider candle (I say this often, but I think the real secret is burning them together). Make your Sunday cozy: bake something sweet (pumpkin cookies are my Halloween favorite), sip hot chocolate if it’s chilly, and maybe make a cozy pot roast for dinner.

And now I’m rambling — have the best Sunday!

1. Things I’m Loving.

loving…The Chanel Spring 2026 Ready to Wear collection. Wow, this show was beautiful. Everyone who follows fashion was taken aback by it. Stunning.

everything in my cart (low)…a really pretty Reversible Jacket from Zara. This will be cute not through November. Style it over this Oversized Knit Sweater and these low rise wide leg jeans. Pair with these Split Leather Stiletto Heel Boots – or these kitten ankle boots are pretty too.

This is a pretty Fur-Effect Coat from Mango.

I’ve been ordering different cozy pieces for upcoming travel days. This Amazon hoodie is perfect. Also, this Alo Scholar Hooded Sweater and Straight Leg Sweatpant. Plus these Airbrush Bootcut Leggings. I’ll let you know my favorites.

sharing…my podcast with Dr.Will Cole is live! Cozy Cooking, Delicious Recipes & Real Talk – listen to it here.

listening to…Love, Family and Business: How To Work With a Partner with Jens Grede. This is great. I especially enjoyed the conversation around anxiety.

shopping…advent calendars. Eek, I’m so excited. I’m going to spend a little more than usual and get this 24 Day Advent Calendar in Silver. A new jewelry piece all December long! Or this gorgeous Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest 12 Door Advent Calendar. I love a fun Advent calendar! Personally, I would love the Diptyque Paris Advent Calendar – 25 scented treasures.

Some other ideas below!

ordering..holiday PJs. I found these cute gingerbread PJ pants, and I think I need to get them for the girls in the family. You can get the matching top too. And they come in kids’ sizes and baby sizes, both made using 100% organic cotton.

Or I love these Softest Flannel PJ Pants in the color trucks. These also come in kids’ sizes. So many crazy, cute holiday PJs for kids! I love all the patterns.

All would be cute with these Cozy Wool Xmas Socks.

everything in my cart (beauty)…Haley Bieber is all about this Body Contour Set, so naturally, I’m curious to try it. I dry brush every night, but maybe I need to try using this lymphatic drainage oil + body gua sha tool that comes in the set.

Love the sound of this YSL Beauty Libre Vanille Couture Eau de Parfum.

I emptied one of my favorite serums again this week, Eighth Day Serum. It’s made with 24 bioidentical peptides, amino acids, and growth factors that mimic the skin’s own ability to renew, restore, and regenerate. My skin always glows after using this in the morning. It’s a splurge, but it lasts a long time – I love the results!

I love this Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask. And lastly, Mutha Body Butter and Body Butter Melt, my favorites.

Something I really related to this week…The Everygirl published a piece about the new Taylor Swift album that touched on something bigger than music. The writer pointed out how “In 2025, we’re still doing this to women: demanding they pick a lane, stay in a box, and make themselves easy to define and label.” I feel that deeply. I often feel pressure to stay at home, stay in the kitchen, and just keep cooking and creating recipes the way I always have. But of course, as a woman, I want to grow. I want to try new things, share new ideas, change my mind, and probably mess up along the way — and that should be okay.

Being judged online can make that tricky (I touched on this a bit last week), but I think this article had such a thoughtful perspective on the topic. I related to so much of it, and I think it’s something worth reflecting on. If that resonates with you too, spend a little time reading the article — it’s a good one.

everything in my cart (high)…I think my mom would die over this quilted shearling-trimmed wool down jacket. Though she’d probably say she wish is was hooded. Also, both my mom and younger sister, Asher, would look so cute in these Burberry shearling earmuffs.

Loving this pretty Miu Miu shearling fur stole and this fun leopard print shearling calf jacket.

This Reformation Lucine Dress will be really cute for upcoming holiday parties.

reading…14 Witchy Books to Add to Your TBR This Fall.

ordering…my holiday wreaths!

2. September’s Most Popular Recipes.

I skipped this last week, so sharing this week instead! Apologies!

Most popular: Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread

Runner-up: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Also have to mention: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Mom’s Favorite: Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Casserole

Best for Fall: 25 Easy Fall Apple Recipes

And lastly: The Most Popular Fall Recipes of 2025

3. Fall Baking – for holiday entertaining.

4. Halloween Is LIVE!

I don’t want anyone to miss this because it’s so fun! I finally created something I’ve dreamed of sharing for a while — a Halloween-themed dinner party. And it was such a blast! I got to turn my vision into a simple, cozy, spooktacular Halloween gathering. Check out my menu and details here, A Bewitchingly Halloween Chili Dinner.

And My Halloween Look for Less

get the whitchy looks

5. Thanksgiving 2025 is almost here!

It’s that time of year again — I’m building my Thanksgiving 2025 menu and table, and I’m so excited about it! I’ve been working on this a lot lately, and I already have a pretty good idea of what I’ll be sharing with you all.

But I’d love to hear your ideas too! What does your Thanksgiving look like this year? Are there any recipes or traditions you’re especially excited about?

Some additional questions…

Thanksgiving recipe request – tell me what you need this season!

I would love to hear the recipes you’re hoping for, plus any other Thanksgiving-related tasks I can help with. Tell me everything – from recipes to tips you’re hoping to see, planning, decor, all of it! I want to help you and your family have the best Thanksgiving!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving cocktail, food, and dessert?

I’m just so curious about this one! For me, I always love a good Thanksgiving punch — something festive and fun to sip on all day. When it comes to food, the salad and sweet potatoes are always my favorites (and I can never resist a really good roll… or popovers!). And for dessert, it’s all about Mom’s chocolate chip cookie pie or her classic pecan pie for me.

6. Inspiring Me.

My comfort fall show

The Fall/Holiday Tour Updates!

Tour updates (we’ve added a stop in the Boston area)! I’m so excited to see everyone soon. The nights are filling up, get tickets here!

Williams Sonoma Stanford Shopping Center

Palo Alto, California
Tuesday, October 28th at 6 pm

Williams Sonoma South Coast Plaza

Costa Mesa, California
Wednesday, October 29th at 6 pm

Williams Sonoma Hill Center

Nashville, Tennessee
Wednesday, November 5 at 6 pm

Williams Sonoma SouthPark Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, November 6 at 6 pm

Williams Sonoma Columbus Circle

New York, New York
Tuesday, December 2 at 6 pm

Williams Sonoma Tuscan Village

Salem, New Hampshire
Thursday, December 4 at 6 pm

7. Favorite Links.

12 Really Good Small Online Decor Shops To Make Your Home Unique

Starbucks Holiday Drinks Are Coming Soon: What’s on the Menu This Year

10 Great Reader Comments on Food

The Exercise That Takes Off 20 Years

Hermès Spring 2026 Delivers Utility With a Sophisticated Edge

How I Finally Stopped Measuring Myself Against Everyone Else

21 of the Best Movie Set Kitchens of All Time

Feeling blocked? Play with blocks!

8. Coats for Fall/Winter.

under $500

splurge $500 and up

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Chili Cornbread Casserole

Tuesday: Thai Red Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Wednesday: Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken

Thursday: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli

Friday: One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Saturday: The 33 Most Popular Fall Drinks

Sunday: Brown Sugar Maple Pumpkin Butter Cookies

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408: Nine Favorite Things. – Half Baked Harvest

admin — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:19:45 +0000

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It is so fall here in the mountains. I just got back from New York, where it was sunny and 82 degrees when I left, to chilly mountain temps, snow-capped peaks, and four straight days of rain and darkness. My mom and I joked that it felt like late November back in Cleveland.

I can’t say I hated it — it was cozy and immediately put me in full fall mode — but it made photography and video nearly impossible. Making the most of it seemed like the best approach. I ended up spending a few days catching up on a long list of admin work instead. I tried cooking one day and…well, it didn’t go so well.

Thankfully, the sun is back now, and the trees are glowing with deep shades of orange and yellow. Soon the leaves will fall and winter will set in — early for most places, but totally normal up here. We embrace it! My mom is already eager to start Christmas music (and movies). I can’t say I’m not excited too.

How about you? Did you enjoy the first week of autumn? Has anyone cracked open a can of pumpkin yet? Shockingly, I’m still baking with apples, but pumpkin is definitely happening this week.

And yes…spooky season! I mentioned this last week, but I shot something very fun in New York that I get to share with you soon — it’s Halloween-focused and I think you’ll love it. This week I also started planning Thanksgiving (I have to think about the holidays early so I can get you everything you need in time!). I’m so excited about what we’re brewing up this fall — it’s all so fun, and you don’t have long to wait.

Speaking of holidays, I’m curious — what do you love most about Halloween? Are you dressing up this year? And for Thanksgiving, what kind of menu are you dreaming of? I always mix old favorites with new recipes, but I’d love to know how I can help you have the best holiday yet, whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish.

That’s it for my weekly update! Lots of fun things below — including the last bits of New York photos, with a few from our Halloween shoot too.

Have a wonderful Sunday, and welcome to cozy season!

P.S. In case you missed it, check out my roundup of The Most Popular Fall Recipes of 2025 — so many cozy, delicious autumn recipes!

1. Things I’m Loving.

home tour of the week…a renovated Log Cabin Was Full of Design Crimes – Now It’s All About The Rustic-Luxe Details. This home is so pretty! I love every detail. Did you see that bathroom? That’s my dream. And I love the kitchen too!

everything in my cart (low)…love this Brooklyn Blazer that I found on Revolve. It’s so pretty. Also, I’ve been living in this Hawley Half-Zip Sweatshirt from Varley.

And this week from Zara, this Extra-Fine Knit Top is going to be the perfect layering piece this fall/winter. And I’m so into this cute ZW Collection Minimal Wool Bomber Jacket. So easy to throw on and head out the door. It matches/works with every outfit. Plus, it’s timeless. You could easily layer this cozy Argyle Off-the-Shoulder Knit Sweater underneath. Love the off-the-shoulder cut.

Another great coat from Zara, the 100% Leather Short Jacket + this Split Leather Bowling Bag.

And this Ruched Midi Dress is the “little brown dress” of the season.

listening to…Martha Stewart Is Forever Young. Martha is on Vogue! I love learning from her, and this is a cute interview. Her new skincare line, Elm Biosciences, is also really great. I attended the launch in New York. Have both products and can attest to how lovely they are. They’re sold both as a set or separately. The A3O Elemental Serum and Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement set is currently on sale. The A3O Elemental Serum is my personal favorite (also on sale).

plus…Martha Stewart Unfiltered: Ageless Beauty, Confidence, and the Myth Behind the Mogul. I just found this podcast and am excited to listen to it tonight.

and if you are more of a reader…Martha Stewart on Skin-Care, Protein, Trad Wives, and What’s in Her Pocketbook.

dreaming of going to…Adare Manor in Ireland. Emily, who books all of our best trips, sent this hotel and it looks so charming!

order…the Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Raglan Hoodie and Boyfriend Wide Sweatpant in vintage black. My good friend has these and sent them to me! Planning to wear these as a travel set. Honestly, I’m excited!

testing…the Neuro Magnesi-Om from Moon Juice. The formula is designed to enhance instant focus and support long-term brain health, as well as improve short-term memory, cognitive speed, alertness, and cognitive ability during aging. I’m not a fan of matcha, but I do have trouble focusing. I tend to jump from task to task, so I’m curious to test this out!

into…Bed Nooks. My cozy obsession this fall. Such cute ideas!

everything in my cart (beauty)…I’ve mentioned the Violette_FR Sheer Matte Lipstick to you before. I take it with me everywhere I go. I love their rich fall shades. So pretty and easy to use.

I want the Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum. The description makes it sound like the perfect warm fall scent with vanilla notes.

gifting…The Summer Friday’s The Lip Butter Balm Minis Limited Edition. Their holiday minis just launched, and I am fully obsessed with them. I’m ordering a bunch to bring with me to upcoming holiday parties. I’ll also be stuffing them into both Asher’s and my mom’s stockings this Christmas too. So cute and super pretty colors! Summer Fridays always launches the cutest holiday sets that make really wonderful gifts.

something to do…18 Fall Weekend Ideas That Are (Almost) Completely Free. I want to throw a dinner party, go apple picking, watch Halloween movies, have a chili cook-off (yumm), carve pumpkins, find all the pretty leaves, and do a good amount of fall baking. What’s on your list?

styling…with Ralph Lauren’s AI Stylist. Okay, this is so cool! AI is becoming huge in so many areas. It’s exciting!

everything in my cart (high)… love this Prada Leather midi-skirt. And I still love these Exposed Seam Kitten Heel Pumps too!

Even more Prada, this cute Bonded nappa leather jacket + Nappa leather mini skirt.

following…Hendricks Churchill Architecture. For interior inspiration.

reading…Guided: The Secret Path to an Illuminated Life. Pre-order!

shopping…NikeSKIMS. I’m so into this new Nike collab. SKIMS is always doing it right. I ordered the Slim Flared Leggings in NSKM Dark Sepia.

2. Our Favorite Chili Recipes.

Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow cooker Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili

3. Early Holiday Shopping – it’s here!

4. Pumpkin Smash – PUMPKIN is back!

You all…it’s finally time! Pumpkin Smash, our original and most loved Snif candle is back and fully restocked. In the past 3 years since the candle launched, it’s sold out every single season. The love for this candle is strong, there are so many pumpkin loyalists out there. Everyone agrees, this is the best pumpkin candle.

And it’s so special to me. It was the very first candle of my collaboration with Snif, and it’s still my top favorite of them all!

So, of course, I’m excited to share that our Snif team has officially brought the OG Pumpkin Smash candle back for another season.

It’s fully restocked and ready for you all to burn! And it now comes in three new sizes. The 2-wick is my personal favorite.

Also, the PUMPKIN SMASH scent is now in a body butter. It’s creamy, sweet, and leaves the skin baby soft. Everyone is LOVING this body butter. It’s my favorite, and my mom’s too. We’ve been secretly lathering it on all summer. It’s so good!

Lastly, just out, a new Pumpkin Smash laundry detergent. It’s launched and ready for shipping!

You can shop here! All products are now live.

And don’t forget Apple Cider Smash! It’s sweet and everyone’s top pick when it comes to an apple candle. I know I said Pumpkin Smash is my favorite, and it is, but honestly, Apple Cider Smash is too. It’s really nice to switch them up!

The real secret? Burn them both together (we have a bundle).

Autumn magic.