September Swoons
Fresh season starts, fall reading, cozy sweaters, chicken marsala, and a thought on apologies
New Season/School Year Fresh Start – While it may not be a new school year per se in our household, I am a huge proponent for the same start of school refresh. I use the list below to guide me into a little refresh of home, routines, and wardrobe! My refresh has spilled into more of a fall/seasonal refresh but nonetheless it feels so good to clean, re-organize and re-vamp our space and schedule. And of course had to put out a little seasonal fall decor out since it is now officially autumn.
Go through clothes – I like to make a pile of what I haven’t worn, what no longer fits, or anything I just don’t love anymore. Then, I let it sit in the closet for a week, revisit and donate/sell whatever is no longer fabulous for me!
Fridge clean out – Check those expiration dates and get rid of any sauces/condiments/produce that may be icky or expired. Wipe out each shelf and re-organize the remaining items.
Routine refresh – I love to use this time as a way to look at what my daily routines are and what is and isn’t working? What can be revamped? What can I eliminate and what do I need to add? What passions deserve more prioritizing and what goals need more tending to?
Office Organizing – It feels so good to go through and organize files, papers, emails, office supplies and more! Plus adding in some pretty new notepads and fun pens makes it even better.
Decor - What is seasonal and needs to be swapped out? Any new refreshes to add to your cart for some house joy?
Recipes:
With all the travel I have sadly not been spending as much time as I would have liked in the kitchen these past two weeks. However, I have two recipes to share with you that are absolutely delicious!
Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala Recipe this is so decadent and such a rich and delicious dinner. My mom made it for me when I was home visiting and it was phenomenal! Pro tip: make sure you pound the chicken so it is tender and juicy.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry - So easy to plop in the slow cooker and it’s one of the faster crockpot recipes I have made. Pairs deliciously with some naan and a side of roasted broccoli.
Recently Read:
The Nature of Fragile Things - I really enjoyed this story! I listened to it on Libby and just fell in love with the readers and their accents. I loved the mix of narrative with interview prose and the beautiful ways the characters crossed paths throughout the book.
House of Eve - Wow this was utterly heart wrenching to read but still beautifully written. It was a dual story line where you know the character’s paths are destined to cross. It was hard to put down once I was halfway through as I sought the connection between the two storylines. After the ending I am dying for a sequel. If you read, beware there are some hard pregnancy triggers.
Among the Bros – This book is all about the drug ring that was going on with some students and fraternity members at the College of Charleston and throughout the south. This was an especially fascinating read for me, as this all occurred while I was at school there. It was a unique research exposé, I’d recommend if you went to CofC, but otherwise found it just an ok read.
Favorite Four (five this week):
Brooke Ring floral painting quiz. Brooke is an artist I have loved for a while and I even have a fun floral painting of hers in my office. I absolutely love the happiness and cheer that comes with her florals and the calm colors of her low country paintings. She recently came out with a “Which floral painting are you?” quiz and it is just too cute not to share!
Macro Bars – I am behind on the Macro bar train, but what a delicious and filling protein filled snack. I am obsessed with the Dark Chocolate Almond and could easily eat it as dessert. Also if you happen to leave it in your car and it gets a little melty it is ever more delicious!
These cafe cereal bowls are everything. I just ordered more because I love them so much and never want to eat out of any other bowl again.
Fall Clothing Order – I placed an order at one of my favorite online boutiques, Poppy & Pink, and am so excited about this dress and sweater! The dress is such a stunning green and y’all… this sweater is so cozy soft! They couldn’t be more perfect for fall!
The way Post Malone says, “Ballin” in all his songs but especially Nosedive. Also, I heard the song, “Love you for A Long Time” by Maggie Rogers, at my best friends wedding and its just the sweetest and makes me so happy!
Thought for the week: Apologies
I heard this on a podcast recently and found it so interesting. When someone (child, friend…) apologizes to you instead of saying “it’s ok” saying “I forgive you.” On the podcast, the woman said she was teaching her child this language and practicing this within her own community. The thought is that that hurting others isn’t ever ok but developing the practice of forgiveness is important. I have given it a lot of thought. As someone who absolutely hates confrontation I think when hearing or saying “I forgive you” it carries so much more weight and importance than a simple “it’s ok”. Especially being a people pleaser I lean towards the “ok” all the time but I believe being intentional with our words is important for clarity and conveying our truths. Would love to know your thoughts on this!
With all my love,
Tate