Nine Favorite Things.

Hey everyone! How are you all? I can’t believe we’re already in mid-November—Thanksgiving is SO close. Honestly, I can’t wait. I’ve been home this week, and there’s nothing cozier than this time of year here. It’s chilly, and the second the sun slips behind the mountain, it suddenly feels like the holidays.

We’ve had mostly sunny but cold days. Not much snow yet, which is unusual. But I know once it comes, it’ll instantly turn into Christmas-town around here.

This really is my favorite time. I’m trying to convince my cousins to come for Thanksgiving—I want everyone here! (It’s an off year for some.) It’s always so much fun. What are your holiday plans?

I’m off to New York today to shoot something for the website that might be my favorite holiday post yet. I have this magical vision in my head, and I’m so excited to bring it to life. I’ve been planning nonstop and cooking all week. Adjusting to the new light and workflow this time of year has been tough, though. The sun setting so early is no fun.

But I’m happy. Really trying to give myself some grace and not be such a perfectionist—so much easier said than done. As I get older, I’ve become so aware of who I am…my good traits and the little personal hang-ups that can slow me down.

Change is hard, you guys. And honestly, I don’t think anything is harder than looking inward—at all of it, the good and the bad. But I also love reflection, and personal growth really fuels me to work smarter. So in that way, I’m grateful for it.

It’s nice having this space to share everything with all of you who show up here daily. I love our big, wonderful community. It feels like journaling and chatting with friends, and I know so many of you relate to how I’m feeling.

Whenever we do community events, hearing your stories in person completely melts my heart. It means everything.

We also have some exciting events coming up. I can’t share details quite yet, but soon—so keep an eye out!

And—big one this week—we launched the Christmas candle: Merry Mint Mocha! I’ve been burning it every single night this month. It’s my absolute favorite. I even packed it for New York. This scent brings me so much comfort and reminds me of my Nonnie, who I miss more and more every year. It feels so nostalgic—sweet, minty, and chocolatey, just like her kitchen at Christmastime.

Make sure you order soon! Our Christmas candles go fast. Gingerbread is usually the top seller, but I have a feeling the peppermint mocha might take the lead this year. Which scent is your favorite?

This season is such a special time. I feel really lucky to have these opportunities and to be able to share everything with you.

That’s all for this week—so much holiday excitement in the air and a lot of candle excitement too. It’s a big week!

1. Things I’m Loving.

gifting…I found the perfect gift for my sister, Asher. She loves to sew (so did I! And my mom too). I’m ordering her this Singer sewing machine. It looks just like the sewing machine my mom had growing up! She is going to be so excited!

loving…the idea of “hosting as a hobby”. Yes! I think hosting is my hobby. I love it and I love sharing how I host even more!

wanting…all the Christmas pajamas/socks. So many cute ones this season. Skims are top of my list.

everything in my cart (low)…for my sister, she’s into supper puffy slippers. Adding these Lounge Mules to her Christmas list (I tend to spoil her). And then for me and maybe my mom, I found this Fleece Quarter Zip Jacket from Halfdays, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I like the glazed cherry and alpine colors. The full zip jacket is nice too. I’m loving everyday jackets.

If you want a good holiday coat, this Short Faux Fur Coat is cute!

From Zara, for sure, this Heeled Riding Boot. These certainly look like Burberry boots!

Zara has the best chic coats. I’d get this Belted Faux Fur Coat or Wool Blend Coat for dinner party nights. Style with these fur gloves (my mom used to have a Prada pair).

And finally, a Limited Edition Cut Out Short Dress. Again, holiday parties!

listening to…9 Hidden Root Causes of Anxiety You Haven’t Heard About & the 3 Step Path to Healing with Dr. Nicole Cain.

play this for your first holiday dinner…Cozy Christmas Jazz.

travel…a Mountain View Suite in Hudson Valley.

loving…15 Winter Getaways. New York in December is certainly my favorite!

when you don’t know what to gift…try these finds that are good for everyone who loves to travel. I want that pretty Beis bag!

for those who actually have everything and would much prefer to make a positive impact on the world. Perfect for my Grandpa!

everything in my cart (beauty)…May Lindstrom products. The entire lineup is great!

watching…something mindless and easily distracting… our thoughts, Kim Kardashian, Teyana Taylor, and Naomi Watts Talk Group Texts, Guilty Pleasures, and Great Premiere Outfits in the Latest Off the Cuff. Also, The Beauty Secrets Dua Lipa Learned Working at A Club.

wanting…this pretty warm and cozy wool-blend vest. My mom would love this too. We Norwegians has a few great winter pieces, especially jackets. Also, these Cashmere Blend Tights. Warm, but chic is the name of the game right now.

everything in my cart (high)… practical winter boots from Varley.

2. Last Minute Appetizers.

Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce

Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls

Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives

Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists

5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey

3. Skims Holiday.

4. Perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pairings.

You all know I love a good holiday cocktail moment, but honestly? When it comes to hosting, simple always wins. And nothing is easier (or prettier!) than greeting guests with a few great bottles of wine already set out on the table. It feels welcoming, effortless, and instantly festive.

And this year, choosing wine is extra easy because…

We finally launched The HBH Wine Shop!

We worked with a team of sommeliers to put together the Thanksgiving Harvest Collection. And the best part— it’s super affordable and ships free for the holidays. Perfect for stocking up, gifting, or just making hosting feel way less stressful.

Quick reminder:
The last day to order for Thanksgiving delivery (free shipping) is November 21.
If you want wine on the table next Thursday, don’t wait!

Here are a few favorites for Thanksgiving:

To Welcome Guests
• Sparkling Brut (California): Crisp green apple + a creamy little finish. This wine pairs beautifully with appetizers, like my go-to Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board.

• Sauvignon Blanc: If you don’t love a bubbly, try the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s bright, light, and citrusy, and perfectly pairs with a variety of appetizers.

For Dinner
• Bruno Lafon Pinot Noir: My family’s pick! Light enough for turkey but full of warm red-berry flavors that pair beautifully with herbs, stuffing, and cranberries.

For Dessert
• Sparkling Moscato (Italy): Sweet honey notes and tiny bubbles — such a fun pairing with pumpkin pie. My brothers love this one.

A Few More Good Ones
• Redland Ranch Reserve Zinfandel: A California wine with blackberry jam, warm spice, and vanilla. Wonderful for richer, heartier dishes.
• La Calice Rosé: This Provence-style, dry wine pairs well with everything from roasted vegetables to fish courses. It’s pretty in the glass, which honestly matters when you’re setting a beautiful table.

Holiday Packs to Make It Easy
• The Intimate Gathering: 6-Pack — 6 bottles for $97.99
• The Big Feast: 12-Pack — 12 bottles for $167.99 (was $195.98!)

Between the curated flavors, the reasonable pricing, and the free shipping, this is truly the easiest way to get your holiday wine handled with zero stress. One order and you’re set for Thanksgiving — and probably a few cozy nights after.

Let me know which bottles you’re excited to try!

5. Community Stories.

6. A Little Home Chef Reminder!

More Thanksgiving talk! I just want to make sure no one misses the cutoff to order our Home Chef Thanksgiving side dish. We’re getting really close to the deadline, and I know how easy it is for the days to slip by this time of year. So consider this your friendly reminder!

So many of you have already ordered it, and I can’t wait to see how you share and serve the potatoes this year. It has been so fun seeing the excitement!

And if everything goes smoothly, we’re hoping to launch a full Thanksgiving menu with Home Chef next year — the whole spread! Fingers crossed we can bring it to life.

7. Favorite Links.

Trader Joe’s Has a Bunch of New Items for Thanksgiving

A “Favorite Things” White Elephant Party

56 Editor-Backed, Actually-Worth-It Black Friday Deals

The “5/7” Decluttering Trick Is So Smart, I Can’t Wait to Use It Again

The 8 Best Ways to Care for Your Vintage Clothing, According to an Expert

Don’t Just Think It, Do It

8. Cyber Monday.

Faux Fur Coats

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: French Onion Soup Mini Pies

Tuesday: Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup

Tuesday: White Wine Braised Pot Roast

     serve with Mashed Potato Casserole

Wednesday: Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

Thursday: Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

Friday: Sweet Potato Cheddar Pierogi with Bacon Bits

Saturday: Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Sunday: Gooey Salted Brown Sugar Maple Pecan Cookie Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a warming soup: 32 Cozy Soups to Make All Fall/ Winter