Hello, dearest of the dearhearts! Do you ever think of September as the bridge between summer and fall? I sure do. Fall officially started this past Tuesday, and I like to picture September as “Outro to spring/intro to fall.”
So, in the spirit of transition, I’ve picked some favorite things this month that I think are helpful for anyone finding themselves in a season of transition–or anyone trying to stay healthy and happy during transition.
Alrighty, off we go with this edition of “These are a Few of My Favorite Things!”
These are a Few of My Favorite Things
Strawberry Feta Salad with Maple Candied Pecans: I made this for two different dinners during the same week, and it received rave reviews. DELISH! Fair warning: you may want to make extra roasted pecans cuz they are SO GOOD to snack on! Also, I think you could “fall-ify” the recipe by swapping out strawberries for apples.
Plaid Flannel Fall Pillow Covers: In need of some new fall pillows for my covered porch, I stumbled upon these and immediately fell in love with them. They aren’t my usual fall color combo (this one and this one are). BUT when I realized they hold all 3 of my family’s alma mater colors (orange+green+maroon), I found them immediately to be a win-win-win! Also, I bought these pillow inserts to use with them, and they work beautifully.
Pretty table runner: I love the texture and look of this. It’s SO pretty, substantive, and it comes in lotsa colors! I bought the green, but there’s some great colors that would work for fall, too, depending on which size you order.
Spanx Air Essentials Half Zip: I’m a relic from the 1900’s who likes to travel looking like she didn’t just roll out of bed before getting there. BUT ALSO I want to be comfy! Enter Spanx’s Air Essentials. Jessica Turner introduced me to this line years ago, and she also alerted me to this top that’s on big time sale. I ordered it in the chocolate brown color, but there’s several other colors, too. It’s SO buttery soft and cozy! I’ll say, too, that though I purchased them years ago, my other Air Essentials items have all washed beautifully and look as good today as the day I bought them!
Daily Examen card: My friend Angie Tingle is an amazing artist. In fact, her work was recently featured in Terminal A at Denver International! Recently, we attended the same dinner party, and she kindly handed out these beautifully painted cards as a little gift to all in attendance. I thought they were so beautiful that I bought a few extra ones for gifts. They’d make great stocking stuffers, too! I keep mine on my desk and read it as I look over my schedule for the next day.
Mrs. Meyers Fall Scents: No matter the season, I love to use Mrs. Meyers’ hand soap, dish soap, and countertop spray to add a seasonal scent into my home. Acorn Spice and Fall Leaves are two of my favorite fall MM scents. (Although I’d love to try this new scent of Sugared Pumpkin).
Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You Through Life’s Transitions by yours truly: My first traditionally published book had its 11th birthday this month, so I’ve been a bit reflective about it. I still find this book to be a beautifully valuable resource that meets you at the crossroads of your own sense of anxiety over change and God’s sense of purpose found in it. We can receive change as a blessing from a God who works through it, not in spite of it.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry: This historical fiction book is by the same author of The Story She Left Behind, a book I raved about at the beginning of the year. I’m not finished with this book, but as usual I adore Patti’s way of turning a phrase and her ability to build a solid narrative arc. This one takes place across two different timelines in England: the 1960’s and the late 1930’s at the start of WWII. Fair warning: I’ve already come across one slightly spicy scene in the book which surprised me as none of her other books had those (at least not that I remember).
Ratio Yogurt: My husband discovered this yogurt that has more protein than other kinds and tastes really good. Lime is my favorite flavor, but walk in freedom towards your own favorite cuz there’s several of them! (I also love this flavor, but it has a little less protein in it.)
Makeup remover: Transition from daytime to nighttime with this product that works well to remove eye makeup.
Queen Tape: This helps me sleep more like royalty than a roughneck by keeping my mouth shut for most of the night. No dry throat or (gasp!) snoring!
Boden Clothing: Boden clothing, especially their dresses, are some of my favorite. And right now they’re having a big sale on their website! Their clothing is so well made and stands up to the washing machine beautifully! Because I love a top and jeans combo that looks comfortable but nice, I’m eyeing this shirt.
As a side note, one time I had to call Boden about a return because they sent me a dress in a color I didn’t order (and the problem couldn’t be addressed online). Since Boden is a British retailer, the person I talked to was in England. During our call, she asked, for example, “When did you place the order?” And after I gave her the date, she responded, “Brilliant.” Then she asked, “And what color did you intend to get?” After relaying the correct color, she said, “Brilliant.” This went on for several more questions. Never in my life have I been told I’m “brilliant” that often in one conversation!
That’s all for today, dearheart! May God bless and keep you this early fall season and always!
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