My Monthly Edit

READING
My daughter started high school this fall and it’s been a difficult adjustment, to say the least.  She has always excelled academically, but social interactions don’t come as easily to her (she is an introvert like her dad & much more mature than most of her peers).  We’ve had lots of long talks recently about how to handle difficulties that arise in friendships & I found this article to be a wonderful resource in helping to guide her – particularly the section about listening well: “I believe one of the most courageous things to say in an uncomfortable conversation is, “Tell me more.” Exactly when we want to turn away and change the topic…we also have the opportunity to ask what else we need to know to fully understand the other person’s perspective.”

BUYING
Thankfully, it hasn’t gotten cold enough to require outerwear yet, so my layering garment of choice has been cardigan sweaters.  I just bought this one, which is the prettiest autumn hue – I ordered down one size and plan on layering it over this camisole or this striped tee (paired with high-waisted jeans).  More budget-friendly cardigans I love in different color options: burgundy, cream, camel, olive, mustard & gray.

MAKING
The baking season is upon us and I’m already pulling out all my pumpkin, molasses & cinnamon – nothing puts you in a fall mood like having those scents fill your house!  These chewy cookies are a family favorite that I make every year & my kids always devour them.  Other recipes we love include these pumpkin bars, this coffee cake & these frosted oatmeal bars (not paleo, but they’re a huge crowd-pleaser & I always get asked for the recipe).

WEARING
As most of you know, I’m a little neurotic when it comes to my nails – I always have them painted & I pride myself on doing all my own manicures.  Because of this, my lacquer collection has grown to a quite impressive size over the years, so it’s hard to find a new shade that I don’t already own.  But, I stumbled across this nail polish color last week and found it to be different than any I had in my stash.  It’s the perfect shade for fall – not too brown, not too dark & it goes with everything.  If you’re looking to update your beauty cabinet for the new season, check out my top picks here.

LOVING
Fall is my favorite time of year – not just because of the layering that I get to do with my outfits, but also for the fun home decor updates I get to make.  I’ve been wanting a chunky knit blanket forever, so I was thrilled to find this one at such an incredible price!  It’s unbelievably soft, great quality & it gives our living room a cozy touch for fall.  I love mixing neutral textures together like this woven square pillow & this cable knit lumbar pillow and adding in a dash of color with a plaid throw and a gilded pumpkin.  I’ve also been working on switching over my son’s room to give it a more “grown-up” feel now that he’s 10.  So, I picked up this plaid duvet cover + this leather accent pillow for his bed, industrial style shelves and some wire baskets for holding books.

CRAVING
I love finding pieces that have a one-of-a-kind feel to them.  Whether it’s a vintage treasure from the thrift store or a statement-making accessory, it’s fun to have a couple stand-out items in your closet that truly feel special.  This bucket bag caught my eye & I immediately added it to my birthday wish list – with it’s round wooden handles, suede finish & pom-pom details, it would be great for carrying all season long.  Other examples of unique wardrobe additions that will have people asking “where’d you get that?!”: these tweed slingback shoes, this tortoiseshell shoulder bag, this faux fur coat, these velvet loafers & this plaid clutch.