• Home
  • Start Here
  • Simmer // the book
  • Blog
  • At the Table
    • Together at the Table
    • Food and Such
      • Beverages
      • Bread
      • Breakfast
      • Main Dishes
      • Vegetables & Sides
      • Soups
      • Desserts
  • Writing
  • On Family
  • Featured
  • Connect
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Happy Go Stuckey

Tethering Grace & Togetherness

A Fall Happy List (what I’m loving.)

October 19, 2018 by HappyGoStuckey 8 Comments

This week we finally saw a drop in the temperature. This means that here in the south, long sleeves are no-longer a recipe for heatstroke.  I am over the moon about it and so naturally, I’ve already made two soups this week. It stayed hot for so long this year, that there is no time to waste.

From one season to the next, I find new eyes to appreciate what’s around me, both the familiar and the fresh.

So here’s my current fall list of happy: 

Fun News! 
The book that my brother and I wrote is available in an ebook version. We love hearing how you love the story, so please keep sharing your thoughts!

Also?
If you and I are connected on Instagram, then you may have seen that I was working on a fun new project in collaboration with my favorite local photographer, Leah. There are exciting things coming ’round the bend and I cannot wait to share with you. Hint: there’s a lot of recipe testing going on around the Blue House. If you’d like to be the first to hear, sign up to the right and you’ll also get a free copy of Simmer, an ebook that features 6 soups & the stories that accompany them. If you enjoy a food memoir, or a cookbook with stories– you will love Simmer.

It won’t look like this for about another month– but we know it’s coming and that’s enough for now.

What I’m loving right now:

  • This Pumpkin Pie Spice. We made a simpler version of these pumpkin muffins from Half Baked Harvest and this fall spice mixture was so good. It will be divine in pumpkin pie.
  • Crimson Crisp Apples. I love a good crisp, tart, apple and somehow these seem like the best I’ve ever had. We just returned from Blue Ridge last week and now I want to make all the apple things, forever and ever amen. If you live anywhere near an apple orchard and you ever have the opportunity– definitely go.
  • In music, this brand new album from Ellie Holcomb. The songs are so good, so sweet, and full of truth.

On the BlueHouse Bookshelves: 

Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillin Smith. When someone I respect only publishes two books in four years, I stop and pay attention. There’s something about that blank space in publishing that to me, signals a rich creating space– and Myquillin is just so great at everything she does. Meaning, I’m certain Cozy Minimalist Home is going to be good!! (I pre-ordered this one and it should be here next week!) 

This illustrated classic has been our recent family read aloud; last night we finished it. Introducing our girls to the Hogwarts crew is probably one of my favorite things this year.

The Forgotten Garden. I’m still only about half way through this massive book but it’s really drawing me in. She writes long, luxurious books and I never feel pressured to finish them in a set amount of time. But, wow– the character development is really something special.

The Lifegiving Table. I borrowed this from a friend, and it’s clear I need to find my own copy. So much challenging encouragement. And just like The Life-giving Home, it’s one that you can read about a chapter a month– and slowly digest. If you read at a snail’s pace like I do– that’s a plus. 🙂

Ok my friends. Tell me. What’s brightening your perspective lately? What are you loving about the season we’re suddenly in? What books are you reading? I would truly love to hear from you.

What I Learned & Loved in the Summer
A ‘Truly Beautiful’ Grief.

Comments

  1. 1

    Kim says

    October 20, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Yes to the Table book. And homemade bread. And apple crisp w vanilla ice cream that your neighbor makes

    Reply
    • 2

      HappyGoStuckey says

      October 22, 2018 at 11:36 am

      Speaking of, your focaccia was a huge hit with all four Stuckeys last night! <3

      Reply
  2. 3

    Amy Kerr says

    October 20, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    Oh my word, Cynthia! This list makes me feel all sorts of cozy. I want to light a candle, grab a fuzzy blanket, make some chai, and disappear into a book. Bliss.

    How did I not know Penzey’s made a pumpkin pie spice?? Of course they do. And I bet it’s killer. (I love their Saigon cinnamon) And I can’t wait to try those apples.

    Here’s what I’m loving:
    – Mixing cinnamon and orange essential oils in my diffuser. It smells like a homemade cinnamon broom, and it is wayyyyy cheaper than buying thirty-two Kitchen Spice Yankee Candles. Which I love, but I also enjoy saving money. Like, a lot.

    – Fall hikes! Today was the first hike with turning foliage, reds and yellows and oranges everywhere. Mountain creeks that were bone dry in the summer are bubbling again. Add in a crisp breeze and delicious food before and after said hike, and I’m a happy girl.

    Fall is such a life-giving season, isn’t it? Thanks for the great reminder. 😘🍂☕️

    Reply
    • 4

      HappyGoStuckey says

      October 22, 2018 at 11:38 am

      YES. The saigon cinnamon is SO warm and perfect. I’m going to try that diffuser blend– I just finally added cinnamon to my collection, not sure why I waited so long?

      And absolutely girl. You and I hike very much the same way–bookended with good food! HA.

      Hope you had a fall-tastic weekend friend! Always good to see your name here. 🙂
      –Cynthia

      Reply
  3. 5

    Deb Weaver says

    October 20, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    I get the soup craving! I made French Onion tonight. Savory! Here in Wisconsin, we had snow flurries early this afternoon that melted away. A couple hours later I went for a walk in the cold, breezy air. It was fun to watch the colorful leaves turning cartwheels across my path. I’m still pondering a book I read twice this summer, Present Over Perfect–so timely, so needed! I also recently appreciated a paradigm-challenging book called With by Skye Jethani. I’m in the middle of Fully Alive by Susie Larson & Killing Kryptonite by John Bevere. There are many in my next up stack!

    Reply
    • 6

      HappyGoStuckey says

      October 22, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Oooh Deb. French Onion sounds fabulous. I need to put that back on my meal plan soon! Your recent books sound so good. My to-read list is always WAY taller than it should be– but I guess thats half the fun. 🙂 Happy fall Deb!

      Reply
  4. 7

    Teresa Hardymon says

    October 20, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Fall was a little late to arrive in Ky too. Just now starting to see a bit of color. I too am waiting for Myquillin’s book to arrive. Happy Fall!

    Reply
    • 8

      HappyGoStuckey says

      October 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

      Ooh I bet fall in Kentucky is just gorgeous. It’s been several years since I’ve been there.

      And I just received the amazon alert today that Myquillin’s book should be here tomorrow! Hooray!

      Grateful,
      Cynthia

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Teresa Hardymon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe and receive a Free copy of “Simmer: Six soup recipes and the Stories that Inspired Them.”

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Hey There!

I'm Cynthia and I'm so glad you're here. I am an introvert with an extrovert's love of gathering people together. I love good books and capturing moments. Whether you visit me here or on my own front porch, I'll be the one holding the Iced Coffee for us both.

Instagram

happygostuckey

Instagram post 2191701631330368631_396980240 This year, the 🍋lemon tree🌿 gave fewer lemons than normal. I asked my Dad and he confirmed, just a slow year.

So we picked (still armfuls,) and I’ll love every one.
If you read #feastingandforaging (have I mentioned I wrote a book? Gosh, that is never not awkward.😅) If you read it, then you know how special this tree is to me.

Again this year, I’m reminded all over again that our sweetest gifts are sometimes cloaked in harder things. Often our ‘unexpected ugh’ makes way for what we truly need.

And I just want you to know that if this December is already more than you wanted or less than you hoped, if you’re sitting at the end of a very long year— take courage.
Take peace.
Take hope and as you pass around the gift of the Advent to those beside you, don’t forget to also take some for yourself.

Don’t forget to remember that the Hope of this season (and every other,) cannot be squelched by sickness, pain, or the general ugh of life in a broken world.

We have this Hope and it is one that won’t be diminished by anything that could land in our laps today.
#prepareHimroom
Instagram post 2191016735687527448_396980240 Sometimes I think I could live in New York but I’m low-key afraid I might eat bagels every day. 🥯🍎☕️ (TB to October when @friar_stuck and I took our Pio Bagels to @devocionusa and pretended we were regulars.) ✨What city would you love to live in if it didn’t mean leaving where you are?✨
Instagram post 2189510127085979732_396980240 Home sweet merry little home.🎄This December will be busier than most for our family, so I’m treasuring every single slow moment we are gifted. Starting today with homemade lattes and little white lights.✨ #merrymerrystuckeys
Instagram post 2187513959237917323_396980240 We can all agree the point of the charcuterie platter is to get as many family members into one room at once, right? The cheese is just a bonus. {yes, second charcuterie pic this week. Because holidays. And family. And the sweet full feeling that comes not from eating too much pie, but seeing almost all of your entire family in one day.} ❤️🦃 Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends. 
#feastingandforaging #charcuterieboard #f52byyou #allthecheese #gratefulforhome #savourtheseasonalshift #simplethingsmadebeautiful #merrymerrystuckeys #almondavenuecrew
Instagram post 2185903851697559572_396980240 🍁Maybe she’s born with it.
Maybe it’s Maple Leaves.🍁 I know that when the clock strikes midnight on Thursday, everyone switches to Christmas— but I’m probably going to be here with leaf spam for just a bit longer... 😏
Instagram post 2183058239117455684_396980240 ✨In a world where you can be anything, be the one who volunteers to bring charcuterie. ✨
🧀🥖🍇🌿
Bonus points if your flannel shirt- wearing husband can hold said charcuterie while you take a million photos of cheese in the golden hour.

#feastingandforaging #charcuterieboard #thanksgivingdinner #onthetable #f52byyou #foodie #savourtheseasonalshift #simplethingsmadebeautiful #chasethelight #bluehousekitchen #merrymerrystuckeys #gratefuldays #cheeseboard #gratefulforhome #iwentlookingforbeauty #ofsimplethings
Instagram post 2181659993774021605_396980240 You’re Kale-ing me, smalls.

Listen. Kale is that self-righteous leafy green that everyone feels like they should eat, meanwhile many of us are secretly not enjoying it and I just need to say— yes, but... have you massaged your kale?

No, don’t go. I promise this is not a joke. Kale is packed with vitamins, but it’s kind of bitter and grass-clipping-like. However. 3-5 minutes of prep work and it’s downright tasty. Here’s my three step process—

Remove the stems and rip your kale in large bite sized pieces.
Add it to a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. 
Massage it. Really. With your hands. For 3-4 minutes. The kale will darken in color and will release that bitter smell.

And... you’re done. Now build your kale salad with the total certainty that you won’t get tired of chewing before the end of your meal. 
Pictured: Kale Caesar Salad with Ten Minute Croutons from #feastingandforaging 🥖🌿
Instagram post 2179451951070532163_396980240 Another fall.
Here in this city we love.
Here in this BlueHouse where we’ve learned to mark our days in falling leaves & saturday morning pancakes.

I’m not sure where you are and how you feel about tomorrow, or next month even. But before the weekend wears the clothes of Monday preparation, here is your friendly reminder—

Even if the future is obscured by foggy uncertainty, the present can still be shimmering with lovely. 
#feastingandforaging #hopewriters #hopelenses #simplethingsmadebeautiful #savourtheseasonalshift #daysofsmallthings #ofsimplethings #beallthere #weareplacemakers 
#nothingisordinary #lifegivinghome #learntolovewhatmustbedone #chasinglight #everydayfaithfulness #gratefulforhome
Instagram post 2175841201919747949_396980240 There is nothing like a blustery, drizzly day to remind you of all the reasons why November is lovely in all its getting-dark-early glory. ✨
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Featured Posts

Loving Lately in November

"...all creation's revealing his majesty. We're invited to join with all nature in manifold witness … [ Read More ]

Feasting & Foraging (free for the weekend!) 🍊🌿

I wrote a book, called Feasting & Foraging, and I would like to tell you why. About a year … [ Read More ]

Hello, July.

They say you aren't supposed to make excuses when you take an unexpected blogging break... so this … [ Read More ]

What I Learned & Loved this Fall

"...When pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human … [ Read More ]

A ‘Truly Beautiful’ Grief.

Every week I listen to Emily’s podcast, The Next Right Thing. She’s been an unintentional mentor for … [ Read More ]

Miss Something?

Please be kind and give proper credit if you share! © Cynthia M. Stuckey. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered or sold.

Privacy Policy

Full privacy policy may be found HERE.

Want each post to magically appear in your email box?

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Cynthia@happygostuckey.com
xo Cynthia
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Simmer // the book
  • Blog
  • At the Table
  • Writing
  • On Family
  • Featured
  • Connect

© 2019 · Pretty Creative WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design