Lately
I can’t believe it’s almost Halloween and the holiday season is right around the corner. A part of me can’t believe we are approaching another holiday season, but another part of me is so excited to get some festive spirit into the house. There is something magical about the holiday season that makes my heart so happy. I know this year it will be different given a lot of our traditions are being adjust due to COVID, but I’m still very much looking forward to putting our tree up, baking cookies, listening to holiday music and supporting this community with their health and wellness throughout the season.
But before we rush into the holiday season, we have had a wonderful fall and October. Besides the rainy and gray weather we have had this week, we were spoiled with a gorgeous fall. It has bene magical watching all the leaves turn to beautiful golds, reds and orange colors. Our daily walks have been so picturesque and like a movie. I truly am so grateful for such a wonderful fall. I haven’t felt like we have had a true fall in years.
It was also my birthday month. I turned 35 and celebrated with sharing my reflections on the past year here. I am really excited for what 35 is going to bring and cannot wait to spend another year with you all. I have big dreams and big plans for this space so stay tuned!
Celebrate my birthday with a few friends at a local wine shop in town.
And last but not least, Ohio State football is back. We were so happy to watch out buckeyes and get back into football season. OSU football truly is a religion in our household, so we are excited to have something to look forward to every Saturday now and not just have to hear about how good the SEC is.
Anyways, let’s get to it! Here are the things happening in life lately.
Gift Guides: I will be posting a few gift guides this season. I kicked off the series with my Gift Guide for Wellness Lovers. Make sure to check it out. Great gifts around mindfulness, fitness, meal prep, clean beauty, non-toxic living and sexual health. Let me know what you think and if you have found it helpful!
Eating: If you read my current cookbook recommendations post, then you know I love The Defined Dish. She has a game-day appetizer that is to die for and a healthier version than the crowd favorite - Jalapeno Bacon Wrapped Poppers. She makes her with Siete Cashew Queso and they are super delicious. Truly a game day favorite and a must try the next time you have to make an appetizer.
Drinking: I am always on the lookout for lighter and healthier cocktails, especially to enjoy during the holiday season. Last year I made mulled wine for our Christmas celebration with the Biltmore Mulled Wine Spice mix and everyone loved it. However, the mix is full of refined sugar, so I found this healthier version that uses natural sugar (i.e. honey) and I’m excited to try it out.
Holiday-ing: All the holiday stuff is coming out and I cannot help myself. I love the festive clothes and home decor. There is just something about gold, glitter and tartan that makes me so happy. Here is what I have found and have loved so far:
Reading: I have been really get back into reading fiction lately. Fiction reading is part of my nightly routine now to help me unwind from the day and stay off my screen. I just finished Where the Crawdad Sing and oh my goodness this was such a great read. I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in two days. it was beautifully written, the story was great and you fell in love with main character. I haven’t read something this great in awhile and I cannot recommend enough. Do you have any fiction recommendations? Comment below!
Wellness: With the holiday’s coming up and I want to make sure you are taking care of yourself, I revamped The (Well)Balanced Woman Mini Course if you are looking to take a small step in the direction of your health goals. This mini course was made to help you feel empowered to take small adjustments in your life that are not overwhelming but super manageable so you can lean into your health and wellness goals. Heck, gift to someone too!
Mindset: Remember to nourish yourself (mind, body, spirit) this holiday season. Don’t punish yourself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the whole season FULLY!