September's Top 4
Pumpkin treats, books, and cozy vibes
Hi! Welcome to An Unraveling. In this segment, I share the Top 4 things that have brought me joy in the last month.
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Happy fall y’all!
To celebrate the first official day of fall last Sunday, I spent it in fuzzy socks, baking pumpkin bread, sipping tea, and watching Beetlejuice for the first time—all while surrounded by a stack of books. Some might call it the perfect day…
This year in particular, I find myself really leaning into the season and all it has to offer.
As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote,
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
Whether it’s because of the start of school, Rosh Hashana, or the physical changing of seasons, late September always stirs a desire for a shift in pace. Fall, in particular, brings a unique blend of both slowing down and speeding up. As I lean into this season, I'm also accepting the invitation to pause and reassess my rhythms and priorities.
What better way to do that than with a Top 4? By taking the time to reflect on the mini joys of the past month, it also helps me be intentional in the weeks to follow.
With that, let’s get into it!
Pumpkin everything!!!
I recently had my first Starbucks pumpkin spice latte of the season. The first sip? Incredible. Everything after? Nauseating. I’m not exaggerating when I say it put me in a bad mood the rest of the day. Since that heartbreak, I have been trying to re-create a better version at home and found this healthier Jeannie Oliver recipe. Alongside my PSL, this Sweet Laurel pumpkin bread has been on repeat. I ate the whole loaf in two days.
Bringing chairs to sit at a park
A few weeks ago, Jon and I brought our beach chairs to the local park, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. Now we can sit and read for hours on end and not grow weary. Did we look ridiculous hauling chairs and multiple bags across several blocks? Yes. Was it worth it? Also yes. A dreamy afternoon that has been on repeat.
The Cabin 9 Substack
Don’t get me wrong, I love LA, but during the fall I miss the Pacific Northwest a little extra. Thankfully, there are gems like the Cabin 9 newsletter, which is purely dedicated to capturing the cozy PNW aesthetic. While it may be 75 and sunny here, mentally I am in this picture.
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
I’ll admit, this book sat in my pile for a while with little interest. But after picking it up on a whim, it quickly became a favorite. I’ve highlighted whole chapters. Kolber gently introduces readers to tougher topics like trauma and survival mode and gives them both language and practical tools. I would highly recommend.
What four things brought you joy in September? Get specific.
Take a moment to reassess your daily and weekly rhythms. What do you want to prioritize moving forward? Is there anything you can let go of to create more space and slow down?
Take a picture trees changing color and send it to me to make my day.
Comment below or message me with your Top 4.
Housekeeping
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