Today you get Hailey's favorite things! I adore Hailey and she is just the warmest, instantly makes you feel comfortable, most genuine person you will ever meet AND she makes the best food. Her white chocolate dipped gingerbread cookies that she brings in pink bakery boxes?! Legendary. I love her Favorites because they aren't the typical Amazon or Target finds — she values quality over quanitity and knows the good stuff from local and family stores that are always new to me. And we love their whole family but I'll stop gushing and let her share!
I’m so excited to be part of Melissa’s Favorite Things this year! And truly, favorite things of any kind are my favorite things. It’s probably the ADD in me; I’m a total sucker for seeing what everyone else is loving and trying them myself. Instant dopamine hit!
So let’s get to it — here are some of my favorite things this year!
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These oversized Post-It pads save my brain. I’m an “out of sight, out of mind” person, so having a giant sticky note on my kitchen wall keeps me sane. I use them for everything: to-do lists, trip prep, birthday planning — you name it.
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If you need a calendar that can handle real family life, this one is it. Huge spaces, simple layout, and the best part: stickers for holidays, vacations, and special events. It’s beautiful, functional, and keeps our whole house organized.
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The culinary-school version of me still lives for a great apron, and these are the absolute best. High quality, tons of styles, and they last forever. I even have their toddler apron my kids wore in the kitchen 10 years ago — and now my youngest fits it!
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Cranberry Almond Scone Recipe
A favorite from my pastry-chef days at “The Town Club.” The scones had to be heart-shaped, exactly two bites, and made just so — but the recipe is simple and delicious. They make the perfect brunch treat or gift.
Cran-Almond Scones Recipe
Makes 1 dozen
1 C flour
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 C butter
1/3 C craisins
1/4 C sliced almonds
1/2 C cream
1/4-1/2 tsp Almond extract
1/4-1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookies sheet with parchment or spray lightly.
In a food processor grind craisins and almonds together, just until there are broken down a bit. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or with your hands. Toss in the craisin and almond mixture, mix just to combine. Fold in wet ingredients—cream, almond extract, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt—with your hands. Put dough on floured surface and pat out with hands to about 1/2-1/4 inch thick. Cut out with a small cookie cutter of whatever shape you want, a heart worked well and was a small 2 inch cutter. You should have around 12 scones cut out. You can re-pat out the dough to cut a few more but their consistency will be a bit more dense.
Bake on the middle rack in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
(Note: the almond and vanilla extract were always eyeballed so its a bit of a guess how much I put in.)
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A cleaner snack we all love. These mango-based fruit gummies taste like soft fruit leather bites. They’re not cheap (healthy food rarely is), but they are so good. The mango/strawberry flavor is extra soft and my kids love them, too.
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This brush surprised me. Sturdy, great for detangling, easy to clean, and it feels amazing on your scalp. The metal bristles gently exfoliate and supposedly promote hair growth. My 17-year-old and I are both obsessed.
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I’m usually a chapstick person, but this lip oil converted me. It’s smooth, hydrating, non-sticky, and adds the perfect tint. Rose Bud is my favorite. A close second in the gloss category is the Tower 28 Milky Lip Jelly in Pistachio.
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For those of us who can’t (or won’t) do lash extensions, this mascara is a gem. It gives great length and volume, doesn’t clump or flake, and the jet black shade makes my lashes pop. My daughter loves the softer brown shade.
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A hilarious, interactive card game that works for families, teens, groups, and even my blind brother (we just whispered his number to him). It’s become a go-to for gatherings, game nights, and even dance date activities. Trust me — it’s a blast.
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Aerie Cloud Fleece Sweatshirt and Cloud Fleece Pants
I cannot quit sweat sets. Even after COVID, they’re all I want to wear. This one is cozy, simple, and perfectly oversized. There are hoodie and wide-leg options too. I live in mine all winter.
Runner-ups:
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A small business I fell in love with at a farmers market in Washington. The scents are incredible and the ingredients are clean. Plum & Cashmere hooked me instantly, and I wait all year for her holiday collection. The Frasier Fir and Balsam candles feel like Christmas in a box.
Runner-up: AmberVale Home “Camping Trip” — warm, cozy campfire vibes.
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Wild Bear Market Car Fresheners
A Mapleton-based small business making nontoxic car fresheners. Their Fraser Fir scent has taken over every car in our family. Perfect stocking stuffer!
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Table No. 6 Wipeable Tablecloths
Beautiful and practical — my love language. No ironing required (maybe a quick steam), spills bead right off, and the classic patterns work for any season. I now own three and just added their placemats for Christmas dinner.
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We use these instead of night lights, and I love the soft, warm glow. They’re calming, dimmable, and ours have lasted over 10 years. Whether or not the “negative ions” claims are real, the ambiance absolutely is.
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Bone Broth Protein (Just Ingredients)
My winter hot-chocolate upgrade. The Chocolate Peppermint broth protein is delicious and warm without feeling too indulgent. When smoothies feel too cold, this is my cozy protein go-to. (It sells out fast — Ballerina Farm also makes one I want to try!)
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Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants
If you know, you know. These are so underrated. You let them rise overnight on a baking sheet and bake in the morning — voilà , flaky croissants! Perfect for Christmas breakfast or literally any morning.
For a fancy option, the frozen croissants from Ballerina Farm are luxurious and worth having on hand for special occasions.
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Isn't she the best? Thank you for stopping by! You can catch Favorite Things from my sisters here and we'll be back tomorrow with more ♥
* Cakes Nipple Covers (Kerri) One of my most worn items this year! They are incredible quality. Even after wearing them in the hot tub, ocean, and working out in them daily they look the same as the day I received them. I have removed all those annoying swim and workout top bra pads and use these instead. I love that they adhere with your body heat preventing them from moving (super important for me while teaching group fitness classes).
* Tarte tartelette tubing mascara: I've tried them all. Tubing is where it's at! Unless you are deathly afraid of spiders — then it looks like their legs when you take it off. (Kristine)
* Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-in Spray: love, love this for my color treated hair! It moisturizes, protects and smooths. (Kristine)
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* Christmas Tree nightlight: this is just the coziest touch of Christmas to put in any hallway. It’s very nostalgic and reminds me of growing up. (Kelsey)
* Spa Headband + Wrist Towels: I love these! I didn't even realize how annoying soggy sleeves were. No more soggy sleeves at bedtime! (Natalie)
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* Floral Tissue Paper: just so cute and makes any gift feel a little bit more custom and special. Pair with these bags and you are set (Kelsey)
* Cheirosa 40: this perfume is such a good light scent that if you want to put something on, but you don’t want it to be too heavy, it’s perfect. One of my favorite things this year. (Kelsey)
* Green Plaid Tablecloth: Melissa and I saw a similar tablecloth in a boutique for $100. This is the dupe that I found and I love it. Comes in multiple colors. I have the green and navy blue and have been very happy with them. They wash well. (Kelsey)
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