Happy Sunday!

How’s your holiday gift-making coming along?

This is usually the week when I start to realize I *may* have bitten off more than I could chew, gift-making-wise. Maybe you’re feeling that, too?

So it seems like a good week for a “favorite things” list. These are some of the things I’ve been into lately, yarn and otherwise. I did one of these earlier this year, and to my surprise, it was one of our most-loved newsletters.

My hope is this might help you out with some fun gift ideas that don’t require last-minute making…or maybe you will treat yourself. Which is totally important to remember this time of year, too. 😍

A few are affiliate links, but most aren’t. They’re all just things that really spark joy for me, so I hope they might do the same for you.

Favorite #1: “Winterfell 2.0 Beanie” by Smeeny Made Wild.
This came across my feed this week, and is quite possibly the cutest hat I’ve seen all year.

The designer, Chereen, was one of our Rising Stars in the Yarniverse this year, and I just love her adventurous, can-do spirit. The pattern is made with super-bulky yarn, but doesn’t have that overly bulky look that some last-minute hat patterns can have, if ya know what I mean. And one of the recommended yarns is Malabrigo Rasta, which I bet lots of our readers have in your stash. Download the pattern on Ravelry here.

PSA: This month our Yarniverse LIVE is public and open to all! Come hang out with special guests Chantal Miyagishima (from Knit Stars Season 9) and Rising Star of the Month, Sarah Schira of Imagined Landscapes! Register for the free event here.

Favorite #2: Joyride pup stuff

I got my first Joyride Harness years ago when we were having trouble with our lab pulling on the leash (ok let’s be honest, the lab was dragging me through every walk so much that my hip was starting to hurt!). They have this special design that encourages your pup not to pull.

Well now, Charlie’s not a puller but boy does he look cute in his new Joyride set! I love that you can get matching leashes and attachable poop bags. His harness is so comfortable, he doesn’t mind hanging out in it between walks. And even though he’s got major Houdini skills, he can’t wriggle out of this one. We call it his “uniform” and he can’t wait to put it on, every time!

Favorite #5: Ratio yogurt

For years, I’ve been trying to get more high-protein yogurt into my diet, which is keto most of the time. I’d make these beautiful little yogurt bowls in the morning, with nuts and berries and dark chocolate chips. But I could never make myself finish the yogurt part. 😋

I worked my way through all the yogurts at the store and then I found Ratio. Now I eat the yogurt first (well maybe along with the chocolate). It is sooooo yummy. The best way I can describe the taste is kind of like Cool Whip. Give it a try and see what you think!

Favorite #6: Nest New York home fragrances

Ever wonder what my house smells like? Well, probably not! 😂But I’ll tell you anyway…

I’ve been using the wall diffusers from Nest New York for years. Think glade plug-in, but really elevated. Most of the year, I use the Ocean Mist + Sea Salt (because ocean…duh 🙂 but I wanted a warmer, cozier vibe for winter and went with the Moroccan Amber for a switch-up. My house smells so delicious! These make great hostess gifts, too.

Bonus: They support an organization called Next for Autism. ❤️

Favorite #7: Kut from the Kloth

Slowly but surely, this brand has taken over the jeans section of my closet. They’re more affordable than other premium brands and for me, better fitting and more comfortable. When you see a selfie of me in a handknit, this is usually what’s on the bottom.

My favorite pair came from an Evereve store but you can find them lots of places online.

Favorite #8: Clinton Hill Cashmere

It wouldn’t be Christmastime without a mention of my favorite cashmere yarn.

Love the way they gently “full” the yarn to minimize pilling. Love the softness. Love the colors. Love how their patterns are free with yarn purchase.

I’m currently making their “Hatch Hat” with Bespoke Cashmere. Won’t say who it’s for…it’s a surprise! I always make at least one gift a year that won’t be expected by the recipient.

Check out Clinton Hill’s new melange colors too, so elegant.

Awhile back, I ordered a new phone case with a sort of knit vibe, and was so excited to find they had matching earbud cases, too. (Refer to my love of matching in Favorite #2 above). Turns out, you can take the matching even further with water bottles, tablet sleeves and charging packs. Who knew?

Here’s a link to the cases I use (but they have TONS of cute patterns too!)

Favorite #9: 🎶and 📺

Just for fun, here’s what I’m listening to and watching right now…

I’d never heard “My Church” by Maren Morris until I heard Mary Sarah perform it on the Voice. I may or may not have been singing it far too loudly while walking C.B. on the beach this morning.

And have you watched “The Lioness” yet? Luke and I can watch it together because there’s special ops battle-type stuff for him but great characters for me! On Prime/Paramount. Be sure to start with Season 1.

Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread

This past weekend, Charlie and I flew to Washington, DC to meet my daughter Mallory (and meet her boyfriend’s parents!). On the flight, I discovered the most charming series called “Be My Guest with Ina Garten.” In it, the barefoot contessa herself invites famous people to her barn to cook and chat together. I was really inspired by the way she made them each feel so welcomed and cared for.

This “Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread” is the recipe Ina made to welcome Jennifer Garner to her barn. I’ll be breaking keto to try this one out this week!

Ingredients:

• ½ pound (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
• 2¼ cups whole milk

• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup (fine) yellow cornmeal, such as Quaker
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) round cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Continue to heat the butter until it’s browned but not burnt (watch it very carefully!). Pour the butter and any brown bits into a medium bowl. Don’t wipe out the skillet; just set it aside.
3. Whisk the milk into the butter, then whisk in the egg until combined. (Don’t add the eggs directly to the hot butter.)
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and kosher salt. Make a well in the middle, pour the butter and milk mixture into the well, and stir with a rubber spatula just until combined. (Don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy.) Set the batter aside for 15 minutes to rest.
5. Stir the batter, transfer it to the skillet, and smooth the top. Sprinkle generously with flaked sea salt and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center just comes out clean. The top may crack. Cut in wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.