What I bought and used and coveted and loved throughout the month of September:
R.
Reading: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Two story lines dance around each other, the modern search for information about the quietly famous but mysterious bookshop owner and antiquarian Opaline and Opaline’s own harrowing life story at the turn of the 19th century when women were expected to do as they were told for family and country (very “seen and not heard”). A story of independant women rising above their circumstances to live life on their own terms woven throughout with just a thread of magical realism. The ideal novel as we transition into the cozier ‘ber months when all you want to do is hunker down with tea and a good book (about books).
E.
Eating: Nicoise Salad
It might technically be fall (hello and goodbye autumn equinox) but in Texas it’s still in the 90s. As much as I want it to be soup weather, this isn’t the time to be simmering things on the stove for hours. So whats in a nicoise? Oh, only all my favorite things: brightly blanched green beans, perfectly boiled baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, black olives, hard boiled eggs, very good canned tuna in oil, all over a bed of crispy romaine with a light vinaigrette. It’s all I want to eat.
P.
Playing: I QUIT by HAIM (the whole album!)
I lucked into last minute tickets to see Haim at the end of September. I’ll be honest, I knew next to nothing, but seeing them live was an experience I won’t be missing ever again. They are so energetic, talented, and entertaining. Best llive show I’ve seen so far in 2025. Rock out with me on Spotify.
O.
Obsessed with: DENIM ON DENIM ALL FALL
Ask any of the ladies in my office, there is a 94.7% change I will be wearing denim on any given day and I cannot wait to be in a full Canadian tuxedo all of fall. Some of my favorite pieces for now and then: The MAYE Montana Shirt Dress, The AYR Chambray Deep End Button Down, Madewell Darted Barrel Jeans, the Old Navy Oversized Boyfriend Jean Shirt
R.
Recommending: COURSES WITH CREATE ACADEMY
I’ve been a member of Create Academy for two years now and I have loved ever single course I’ve taken. Think of it like Masterminds for Creatives with the most beautiful imagery. A few of my favorite courses so far have been: A Guide to Pigments, Paints and Palettes by Edward Bulmer, And Introduction to Decorative Painting with Tess Newall, and Small Garden Design with Butter Wakefield. You can join with an annual subscription and get access to all the courses or you can sign up for courses individually that interest you! Highly Recommend.
T.
Treated Myself: CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Specifically these 68% Cacao Single Origin Dark Chocolate Chips from Naked Chocolate. My brought me back a jar the last time they were on the east coast and now I’m not sure I can live without a jar on my desk in my office.