419: 9 Favourite Issues. – Half Baked Harvest

December 15, 2025

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419: 9 Favourite Issues. – Half Baked Harvest

Writing from New York, however already feeling so excited to be heading residence quickly. That is my final work journey of the 12 months, and whereas I’ve really liked touring—particularly in the course of the vacation season—I’m greater than able to settle in, maintain my household, and have fun Christmas at residence.

This 12 months, greater than ever, I really feel such a powerful need to make the season really feel particular and enjoyable for everybody. I’m dreaming up cozy dinners, trying to find just-right items, and crossing my fingers for a white Christmas. I’ve such a transparent image in my thoughts of what I would like this Christmas to appear and feel like, and for no matter cause, the pull to carry all of it to life feels stronger than ever.

I’m unsure why, however I’m very a lot in a nurturing mindset proper now. Some folks would possibly say it’s old style and even “an excessive amount of,” however caring for the folks I really like genuinely fills me up. It’s how I present love, and actually, it’s what makes me the happiest. After all, I do know the significance of caring for myself too—however creating consolation for others is the place I discover probably the most pleasure.

So this season, I’m actually leaning into that a part of myself.

And this week…

I used to be capable of do precisely that. We introduced collectively over 100 members of our neighborhood for probably the most stunning, festive dinner in Chicago—our very first HBH Neighborhood vacation social gathering. And I do know it gained’t be the final.

It was such a magical evening, and I actually assume everybody who joined felt it. What made it much more significant was realizing that the entire ticket proceeds are being donated to ACF+, one of many adoption businesses our household labored with when adopting my youngest brother, Oslo (extra particulars and methods to donate are under).

I walked away from that dinner feeling extremely full and grateful. It meant a lot to be collectively in that method. I barely had my cellphone out all evening, so I’m nonetheless ready on pictures and movies from the photographers—however I can’t wait to share them with you.

The subsequent morning, I flew from Chicago to New York for this remaining journey of the 12 months. And now, I’m formally counting down the hours till I’m residence.

I really feel so fortunate to have so a lot of you exhibiting up and supporting Half Baked Harvest each single day—it really is the best present.

This week will likely be spent at residence doing all issues CHRISTMAS CHEER! It truly is probably the most magical and particular time of the 12 months. I hope you’re all soaking it in too!

Get pleasure from one of many final Favorites posts of the 12 months!

1. Issues I’m Loving.

enjoying…vacation puzzles and video games! Quickly it is going to be time to close the screens and luxuriate in this particular vacation with household and pals. I really like a festive puzzle and located some cute ones this 12 months. Ordered this Snowfall on Predominant Avenue Foil Puzzle and Snowfall Over New York Metropolis, love all of the vacation puzzles they promote. Tremendous cute!

wanting…every bit from the Polo Ralph Lauren Workforce USA assortment. Most items are utterly bought out already! However their web site says they are going to be obtainable once more in early January. On my to buy listing, the Workforce USA Full-Zip Excessive-Pile Fleece. You’d assume my youthful brother, Crimson, would have particular entry, however nope. No such luck! We’ll have to attend until January!

much more stocking stuffers…including this Bourbon Pecan Pie Chocolate Bar from Compartés.

purchasing…Christmas present wrap! Aspen and Arlo has the CUTEST wrapping.

gifting…Zadro Towel Hotter. One thing I personally would love, however wouldn’t purchase for myself. The perfect present to be given.

every little thing in my cart (low)…an exquisite Wool Mix Quick Coat With Scarf. These cozy sweaters: the Jacket Cardigan, Brushed Jacquard Knit Jumper, and Alpaca Jacquard Jumper (from the Ski Assortment).

plus these Tall Boots With Topstitching. All from Zara!

additionally, from Zara, enjoyable winter equipment. Love this Ribbed Knit Hood, Excessive Collar Knit Scarf, and Tall Wool Mix Socks.

Plus, a reasonably Leather-based Metropolis Bag too!

listening to…Cash, Energy & Confidence: A New Playbook for Ladies ft. Maggie Sellers Reum.

and…our Christmas playlist.

gifting…the Restricted Version: The Skinny Confidential x Heaven Mayhem.

gifting…With Coronary heart: St. Jude – recent rose and lily bouquet. All through December, $10 of every of those bouquets will go towards St. Jude’s. Ensure you order by December twenty third if you would like these to reach on Christmas Eve.

The perfect vacation pajamas…

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>stocking undergo for mother and Asher…the RAKxa Wellness Spa at St Regis Aspen. Excellent for weekends spent in Aspen this winter. I want to leap in on this too!

additionally for mother’s stocking…these HEATTECH Extremely Heat Leggings. Cozy!

every little thing in my cart (magnificence)…the Maybelinne SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick (in Pioneer). Used this for a vacation Friday evening in New York and it stayed on all evening!

gifting everybody Rhode this Christmas, the Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence, Barrier Restore Cream Comforting Every day Moisturizer, or I would do the Mini Rhode Package Glazed Skincare Necessities, which incorporates all my favorites!

every little thing in my cart (excessive)…this festive Checked Teddy Jacket from Miu Miu. And a Cotton Canvas Fur Jacket from Supply Unknown.

sharing…34 of the Greatest Christmas Cookie Recipes and 36 Festive Dinners to Prepare dinner This Vacation Season.

2. Vacation Recipes for Entertaining.

Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Most Widespread: Cranberry Brie Pull Aside Bread

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey | halfbakedharvest.com #dates #goatcheese #thanksgiving #appetizer

Runner-up: Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders | halfbakedharvest.com

Even have to say: Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

Christmas Tree Cheese Board | halfbakedharvest.com

The Cheeseboard: Christmas Tree Cheese Board

For Snacking: Tacky Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists

Whipped Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip | halfbakedharvest.com

The Greatest Dip: Whipped Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip

See Extra: Our Most Widespread Vacation Appetizers

3. Final Minute Presents.

4. The Most Significant Present of the Season.

I needed to take a second to share one thing extremely particular to our household.

ACF+ is a corporation we linked with via the adoption of my little brother, Oslo. They assist medically advanced youngsters and assist them discover everlasting, loving houses. Their work is really life-changing, and it means a lot to all of us.

On Tuesday evening in Chicago, we hosted an HBH Neighborhood occasion, and Raptive generously lined the entire prices in order that the total $30 ticket donation may go on to ACF+. Thanks to everybody who joined us—you helped make such a significant influence.

Should you weren’t capable of be there however would nonetheless prefer to assist ACF+, you need to use the hyperlink right here or scan the QR code under. Even a small donation really helps.

Thanks a lot for listening and for at all times supporting the causes which can be near our hearts.

5. Ultimate Journey of the Yr – Chicago to New York.

the communities shared Instagram tales

6. Selfmade Holidays.

For years, I shared a Selfmade Holidays sequence each December—posting selfmade vacation crafts and present concepts every Sunday earlier than 9 Favourite Issues. I actually liked creating that content material, and currently I’ve discovered myself actually desirous to carry a few of it again.

Beneath, I’m sharing a couple of of my favourite Selfmade Vacation concepts from years previous. I nonetheless love these a lot—and actually, I believe I must do an up to date gift-wrapping publish quickly!

Enjoyable reality: the Christmas Potpourri publish is one in all my most-viewed posts of all time. So loopy! I first shared it again in 2014, and it’s nonetheless one in all my favorites to this present day.

How to Host A Christmas Cookie Swap | halfbakedharvest.com