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.
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.
Yes to the Table book. And homemade bread. And apple crisp w vanilla ice cream that your neighbor makes
Speaking of, your focaccia was a huge hit with all four Stuckeys last night! <3
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. 😘🍂☕️
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
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!
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!
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!
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