As I sip on my favorite pumpkin spiced coffee (at Trader Joe’s – go get some!), I cannot help but feel wildly inspired by the autumn season. It’s such a wonderful time of year to experience one’s favorite Fall traditions, make a few changes within the home & heart, decorate the front porch and get outside in the crisp air.
Today I thought I would share a small list of what I am loving lately – experiences, places, moments & things that bring me joy & inspire my days.
1. Smoky Mountains of Tennessee – I just arrived home from a quick trip to Tennessee with extended family. Goodness, it’s such a beautiful part of the country! We made a quick trip through the Smoky Mountain National Park & were amazed by the beauty of Cades Cove. I cannot wait to bring Luke to this gem of a place!
2. Weekly baking – As most of you know, I have been prioritizing my health & working hard to lose weight. I am down 30 pounds, yay! At first I gave up baking as to avoid temptation, but most recently I have been baking simple muffins each week. I love Skinnytaste & @trackingisthenewblack’s recipes – so far I have made pumpkin spiced & pineapple coconut muffins.
3. Self-care – Yesterday morning before the work of the day began, I grabbed a coffee & headed to the local nursery. It was such a wonderful way to clear my head & soak up a bit of inspiration to continue the creative work that my career so often requires. I am slowly learning just how important these self-care moments are.
4. Homemade Bread Candle – Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Pumpkin Spiced everything fan. But I have fallen in LOVE with the Homemade Bread candle available in our online shop. In the evenings, after the house has been picked up for the day, I light my candle and enjoy a few quiet moments with Luke & a book or an ongoing project. It’s such a delicious addition to our home.
5. Podcast Interview – I recently had the honor of being interviewed for the Style Matters podcast with the amazing gals from Little Yellow Couch. Click here to listen – it’s about 30 minutes long & full of the ups, downs & in-betweens of living on the farm, owning a small business & being a creative.
6. Fall Wreath Making – Over the weekend I made my way through the Delta & stopped by the cotton fields my grandpa once farmed. I picked a bundle & brought it home for a bit of wreath making. It’s such a sweet, simple gift to hang this wreath on my mantel.
7. Pickling Workshop – Just in time for the final harvest of the season, I am teaching a Pickling workshop in Fayetteville on October 4th. Click here to register, friends! It’s just $35 & will include detailed instruction, hands-on experience & recipes! You will also walk away with two jars of pickled dilly beans and my favorite bread & butter pickles. Join me for an evening of fun!
What are you loving right now? Please share your list in the comments below!
love,
natalie
on sunday we snuck away for a day at the buffalo river. we packed up our swimsuits, snacks, reading material, chairs & blankets. the weather was so beautiful!
the buffalo river is an absolute gem & we consider it such a gift to live so close! we spent time at steel creek, a perfect family-friendly spot with access to the water and nice bathrooms.
we hiked the nearby trails and then spent several hours by the water. we read, snacked, napped & savored every minute together.
this summer we hope to be very intentional with our weekends. we want to ride our bikes more & sneak away for more one-day adventures. we want to eat outside on the patio & spend the last hours of sunlight in the garden together. we hope to soak up the sun & spend many afternoons in our backyard pool.
what are your wishes for the season ahead? i’d love to read your summer fun ideas!
love,
natalie
sweet friends, do you celebrate may day? it’s a special day our family has been uniquely celebrating on-and-off for years.
it’s traditionally celebrated on may 1st with a spring festival of dancing & good food. and while we do love both of those immensely, we often celebrate with a surprise hanging basket of flowers on our neighbors’ doors!
today i am sharing a simple DIY for making your own may day baskets! head on over to shindig paperie’s blog for the tutorial!
—
do you celebrate may day? i’d love to read about your traditions & celebrations! please share!
love,
natalie