Not a carefully curated collection of interiors, DIYs, beauty hacks, or seasonal inspiration today, kittens. Just me. In the desert. A little weary in the wee hours. Imperfectly moving through autumn’s perfection and November goodness with familiar pains, fresh questions, joy, and random reflections.
Secrets, November Goodness & Random Lovely Finds
Emily Lex’s Joyful Nutcracker Collection!
Just TRY not to be charmed by her illustrations, collections, and gifts!
I’m cuckoo for her Nutcracker collection, but the loveliness certainly doesn’t stop there. There is delight within every corner of her shop!
Isn’t it darling how she captures some of the most nostalgic and cozy elements of the season?
Are her watercolor workbooks maybe the perfect gift for girls to guys to grandparents?
Let me know what you think about her glorious work!
Scandi Modern Comfy Chic Chairs from Wayfair
I have been keeping a secret for months! Last spring we bought a small snowbird home with mountain views in the San Tan Valley (Arizona). We have been making trips from Northern Illinois, furnishing and zhushing the interiors with extra furniture we have owned for years.
But I was a few dining chairs short and wanted to try some smaller scaled comfy new ones…when the opportunity to review these from Wayfair arrived? Perfect timing. We love them paired with a vintage, traditional table in the dining room. I also ordered the coordinating counter stools since it’s an open floorplan…
Just perfect with the color story happening in here which we only tweaked slightly. While we aren’t in love with beige ceramic squares and the plethora of dizzying grout lines, we’re not yet ready for demo. I painted the cabinets and vanities a greige color back in July. So much quieter and us. I’ll share more before/afters soon.
What if You Had a Private Pub for Entertaining in Your Backyard?
Even if you find yourself without a pub, there may be an inspiration or two inside this delightful fall dinner party how-to:
Snowbird Life & Health Stuff
Wish I could say my health improved after escaping wild temperature and barometric swings in the Midwest. Neuropathy, GI illness, Raynaud’s and foot spasms (Long Covid?) joined me in the sunshine. It is disappointing, but it provides more data. When I felt homesick in October, we roadtripped back to our Georgian home in the heartland to enjoy the turning leaves, our kids, and apple picking season. I suppose I knew our snowbird home was not likely to feel as homey as home, but I am surprised by the strong pull I feel toward the sights and sounds of the Northern Illinois prairie and its seasons even when snow and ice are in the forecast.
As a snowbird, I love being able to exercise outdoors everyday and walk to the gym. While I don’t look forward to exercise, it is as helpful as anything for my mental health and early awakening. Believe it or not, I typically sleep only four hours and can’t seem to nap unless I get plenty of exercise.
Physical exercise is a far better option than strong sedation and potential check-ins at Betty Ford. (Psst. Yes. Someone pushing 60 strategizes about exhausting their body…I’ll continue to blame hormones and a wacky immune system.) More at-home yoga and pilates is also joining the mix, and I just learned Australia-based BAHE products will be available at CVS. So cool!
Since my husband is far more athletic, we walk together to the gym to lift weights before I read at the pool and he swims laps. I highly recommend anything written by Annie Dillard. Holy the Firm is a quick read but utterly profound.
I also loved this imaginative story and felt an ache at the end for more chapters:
Since it is gift-giving season, remember too that Audible membership makes an amazing gift for book lovers. Use my link HERE to support this small business.
What else am I reading? Daily posts in my inbox from Substack. While I don’t yet post on Substack, I can imagine jumping on that bandwagon soon. If you need suggestions, subscribe (for free!) to:
Fall Baking
Feeling balmy and beachy in the Southwest does not mean the familiar itch to bake disappears…
Fall aint fall unless a buttery crisp is browning atop tender slices of Granny Smiths or Crimson Crisps in the oven. And I’m still perfecting my g-free sourdough. My now off-limits sourdough cinnamon rolls (cooling, above) smell heavenly while baking, and I gift them to friends. They’re made from my 33-year old still bubblin’ sourdough starter, and you can find info HERE.
Protein for You, Music for Them
This week at the doctor, I learned I need more protein. If you need an idea for sources of yummy plant protein, peek at the goodness of JAMBAR organic artisan energy bars. I am partial to Chocolate Cha Cha, but all varieities boast 10g of plant protein, no gluten, and ancient wholegrains.
I couldn’t resist styling them on my Midcentury Modern piano since the company is so involved with community programs supporting music and active living. It is truly music to our ears that JAMBAR donates 50% of their profits to those programs!
This stuff is in my online cart this minute because I’m nearly out and have no plans to quit it since my gut loves it.
I Needed This DIY!
It seems many of us are busy painting over wood finishes and stain, but what about when you’re after a particular scrubbed, raw, light oak finish and are working with an existing solid painted color?
I hope your hands are busy crafting and creating and your hearts are full of love for this sacred season. I pray we will see with fresh eyes that hope is very much alive and breathing even when contradicting messages arise everywhere.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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