Now that September and the school year is in full swing, I’ve got big plans for myself - in some ways, fall feels more like the New Year for me than January 1. It’s my favorite time for goal setting, getting organized, starting anew and recommitting to healthy habits.
I also find that when it gets darker earlier and the air gets cooler, it really feeds my introspective soul; it’s only natural to go inward this time of year and reflect on what is and isn’t working, and commit to practices to help you feel more centered and aligned.
For me, this means:
Getting into a regular exercise routine (full disclosure: it’s the one area of my health that I routinely neglect - “no time” is my forever excuse). Hikes and walks are what make me feel best these days, along with the occasional Melissa Wood Health flow.
Getting back into meal planning - this summer, I found myself way too often in the “It’s 5 PM and I have no idea what we’re eating” conundrum and it has to stop now that we’re back in a routine.
Continuing to make daily meditation and journaling a top priority.
Making traction on some exciting work projects that I’ve had on my mind forever!
I’m feeling refreshed and invigorated. I want to savor this season, soak in all of its beauty and coziness and really enjoy the opportunity to make some meaningful changes.
I’m also into a few new things that I thought I’d share with you here!
What I’m Reading: I am very much into Lisa Olivera’s exquisite newsletter, Human Stuff. I relate to so much of what she writes (this one is really good); it’s heartbreaking and beautiful at once, and the very title of the newsletter reminds me that this isn’t just my stuff, it’s human stuff. We’re all in it together.
What I’m Listening To: When I’m working on my computer, I love listening to this YouTube channel in the background - it sets such a nice vibe when you’re writing. My favorite right now is the Cozy Fall Coffee Shop Ambience, of course.
What I’m Watching: I just started the new season of Chef’s Table: Pizza and now I need to plan a pilgrimage to Phoenix to get my hands on Chris Bianco’s pies. Until then, red onion, rosemary and pistachios are definitely on my toppings list for my next home pizza night.
What I’m Eating: Bandit Barn Cat vegan blue cheese. I have been vegan a long time (9.5 years!) and I have to say, the only animal product that I occasionally miss is blue cheese/gorgonzola cheese. It’s so hard to make a plant based dupe, and it packs such a unique flavor punch. I had given up on ever having it again, until I found this vegan variety and, holy mother, is it good. Even better that the ingredient list is SHORT and recognizable. I can not stress enough how good it is; run, don’t walk, to get some.
What I’m Coveting: When I went vegan, I also gave up wearing things like leather, wool and down, which can make finding a warm, sophisticated winter coat fairly challenging. I just came across this one from Noize and it’s perfect - and on sale, too!
What I’m Using: I’ve been using this leave-on Overnight Resurfacing Peel regularly and seeing such great results; for an all natural, safe product, it really does make a noticeable difference in skin smoothness and radiance. I have re-ordered it a bunch of times now because it’s earned mainstay status in my skincare routine.
Best to you Lauren, but when I subscribed I thought I would get access to your recipes and was hoping for maybe even recipe videos. Where can I find that? Thank you.
Wow, - great links! Thank you so much!