The Studio Edit 06: Cozying Up To a New Season
Why do big life shifts always seem to coincide with the change of seasons? 🍂
Welcome to The Studio Edit, a biweekly digest with favorite things and thoughts that I hope add levity to the latter half of your week and help inspire the weekend ahead 🤍
Happy Friday –
It’s a cozy early afternoon here in St. Louis, and as a matter of fact, it’s the first day that feels truly autumnal in the weary, wistful ways that only fall can emanate.
These last four weeks have held more significant life change for me than even whole years prior have held.
When I reflect on my adult years thus far, it seems like these big shifts have always coincided with the change in seasons – namely, fall.
So today, I’d like to honor and really honor the weight of all of this change, even in the midst of it feeling overwhelming, like just-too-much and being the source of many tears (both happy and sad) in the process.
Honoring the life shifts that the change of seasons has brought in…
We moved into a new home – the forever home.
…said home was being sold as-is and was in need of a lot of repairs, which required significant work before moving in.
My husband’s sweet grandmother passed away at the age of 92, a loss that we continue to honor and process.
We listed our first, darling home for sale (showings start today!).
I’m transitioning back into taking on studio client work this month and beyond.
Part-time childcare starts for my daughter next week, which I’m grateful for but also feeling so nervous about.
I’m planning a one-year-old’s birthday party and admittedly have no idea what I’m doing.
The perfectionist in me says that I’m not doing enough, I could handle more (always more, more, more).
The realist in me says that it’s ok to feel disoriented by the shifts, and fall is ushering in a renewed sense of equilibrium.
I think I’ll believe the realist this time.
Thanks, I Got It At Goodwill!
I hail from a long lineage of bargain hunters.
Growing up, I often accompanied my grandmother or my mother to estate sales, vintage shops, thrift markets and more, ever on the hunt for a unique find or deal.
When I entered college in the early 2010s as a journalism major and aspiring fashion writer, thrifting was one of the very cool things to do – so, of course, I had to partake.
If you know me, you know that Saturday morning trips to Goodwill are basically a part of my wellness routine. More on what I’ve found for fall and some of my favorite-ever secondhand pieces is all here!
(P.S. I’m considering making ‘Thanks, I Got It At Goodwill!’ a series to share my secondhand finds and shopping tips – we’ll see if it comes to fruition).
Welcome to my must-shares: the weekly things that have brought little bits and pieces of joy into my day-to-day and might just do the same for you, too.
Pre-prepped jar salads…
I’ve never been much of a meal prep person, however, these salads are so easy to put together on a Sunday afternoon and last all week in the fridge in jars! I’ve been adding some market lettuce, grilled chicken, tomatoes and bell pepper to each and top it with fresh vinaigrette for a quick and easy lunch all week long.
Figs from the garden…
I know, I know – these aren’t at all close to being ripe. But! When we moved into our new home I thought I spotted some small fig trees in the backyard and I was right. How cool is it that one day I’ll have sweet, fresh figs growing here to savor as snacks and use to make jams? I feel so grateful.
Here’s what I’ve enjoyed plugging into recently –
• Song: “Bless The Telephone” by Labi Siffre
There’s nothing like a short and sweet tune from the past – this one came up on a playlist recently and instantly caught my attention. I’d really love to learn how to play it on guitar one day soon.
• Playlist: Jazz for Cooking
Jazz and cooking just go hand in hand, and this playlist is one that I’ve returned to while cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner lately. It’s so warm and fun with a lot of variety!
• Podcast: Practically Happy #298: What Perfectionism Sounds Like
I’ve loved listening to Miranda Anderson of Practically Happy for years, and this recent episode touching on perfectionism really resonated. In high-stress seasons my perfectionism tends to make an appearance, so this was a timely listen and gut check.
Thanks so much for reading – how have these cooler days been treating you? Let’s talk about it 🤍
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