The September Edit
Seasonal living tips for fall, a French heirloom, Luca Guadagnino, and a plumber named Fran.
The Monthly Edits are a round-up of what made this month memorable: eats, reads, finds, listens, experiences, etc. They also include Lauren’s Lists - a collection of links from around the web that got me thinking or captured my attention. Buon appetito!
September was hearty, wholesome, and productive. A fresh change of pace after the luxuriously slow month of August. It seems the fall equinox stirred up a creative and focused energy that was collectively spent finding one’s groove while navigating personal pursuits. We spent time with family, the house got a deep clean, I baked up a bunch of goodies, and started a new position at work. September always seems to bring a juxtaposition of boldness and formality that I quite enjoy.
I made my very first batch of cinnamon buns using this recipe and they turned out surprisingly good! I’m not much of a baker so I always forget how much time and effort goes into something like a simple cinnamon bun. Let me just say, if somebody out there has made you a batch of sweet spiral delights, send them a Christmas card this year because that sh*t takes dedication. Both sides of the family shared immediate interest in this recent pursuit, so I ended up making several batches and now consider myself an expert… hah!
We stopped by Victoria Cider Co. to pick up a gift and discovered it’s a really cute spot. Their tasting room extends onto a lovely fenced yard with Adirondack chairs neatly tucked under storybook trees, all overlooking a beautiful valley. I’m envisioning a cozy fall date with a few friends as the leaves change colour - especially since they informed us about a limited edition winter flavour coming out soon.
With my recent promotion, I’ve decided to start working in the office a few days a week. I’m wearing black jeans and slacks more often (business casual), so the situation called for a celebratory new belt! This classic black leather with gold buckle from Sézane was the perfect find.
Fall offers seasonal living at it’s finest! As we transition into the autumn months, it’s a good time to start incorporating foods and practices to support your well-being during the shorter days. Here’s a list of fall treasures to enjoy:
Food: apples, arugula, blackberries, broths, butternut squash, cauliflower, chicken, citrus, garlic, ginger, golden beets, halibut, kale, leeks, miso, navy beans, parsnips, pears, reishi, rice, sunflower/sesame seeds, sourdough bread, tomatoes, turkey, & yogurt.
Practices: light beeswax candles and palo santo, walk in nature, have uninterrupted conversations, cook for pleasure (I’m planning a soup making weekend), do something artistic (colour, take photos, press flowers), join a book club, make use of what you have without looking for ‘more’, learn something new, move your body mindfully, and drink lots of tea.
My favourite everyday tea blend: 2 tbsp nettle leaf, 2 tbsp oat straw, 1 tbsp peppermint, 1 tbsp goji berry. Steep in a 1 litre glass jar before bed, strain in the morning, and enjoy throughout the day. This replenishing and nourishing blend is super soothing and packed like a multi-vitamin.
A few months back, I started seeing a trichologist who recommended using a boar bristle hair brush. I got this one (made in France and advertised as an heirloom) and I’ve used it every single day. The boar bristles condition your hair by pulling your body’s natural oil from roots to ends while exfoliating and massaging your scalp. After two months of regular use, I can report that my hair looks and feels softer.
My bio on Instagram now reads: “I've decided to write a newsletter instead of updating this app.” So I guess it’s official, we broke up. What started as an experiment has quickly become a cherished hobby. The ritual of writing, especially about one’s life, causes an inner reflection to happen naturally. Although these monthly edits contain dream-shopping lists and funny articles, they also get me to take an inventory of how I’m feeling, what I’m grateful for, and where I can make improvements. Thank you for being here and if you’re curious about what’s to come on You’ve Got Lauren, be sure to check out the footnotes.
Lauren’s List Vol. 4
An oddly addicting story about plumbing.
This renovated chapel in Wiltshire.
Made me LOL (via Cup of Jo).
Pistachios are quiet luxury.
This french striped flatware fills my tablescape dreams.
Listening to Taylor Swift in prison.
These adaptogenic ginger chews.
It’s the best time of year to get dressed.
During a family trip to Quadra Island with the in-laws, we all ended up at James Pottery and were graciously given a tour of their ceramic and screen printing studios. Each set of hands left with a carefully wrapped parcel by the time we said our goodbyes, mostly cozy mugs and other lovely vessels. I ended up with an art print that I’m going to have framed for our first wedding anniversary (the year of paper). If you find yourself on Quadra Island, I recommend a visit.
This month in reading:
The Dutch House - “A dark fairy tale about two intelligent siblings who cannot overcome their past.” After reading Tom Lake last month, I needed another Ann Patchett novel and she does not disappoint. I love stories that incorporate the house almost as another character (CMBYN, Parasite, The Royal Tenenbaums), I’ll actually be sharing about the home from I Am Love next month.
Pineapple Street - “The indulgent pleasures of life among New York’s one-percenters, Pineapple Street is an addictive, escapist novel that sparkles with wit.” I think the cover art was better than the actual plot line. It was an enjoyable read, but nothing to write home about.
The writer’s strike postponed the movie I was looking forward to watching during the US Open: Challengers. Luca Guadagnino is one of my answers to the fictitious “dinner party invites” question. Pair that man’s artistic brilliance with a movie about tennis and there is no explanation necessary, I’m there. Now scheduled for April 2024 - mark your calendar.
I’ve been enjoying a couple podcasts with nice short episodes lately (25-35 mins). The Run-Through has been fun to follow along with fashion week stuff and The Daily, put on by the NY Times, has been fantastic for learning about world news without feeling overwhelmed.
I hope you’ve had a hearty September. Thank you so much for reading and as always, I would love to hear from you!
What’s the most complicated thing you’ve ever baked?
Canadian Thanksgiving is next weekend! Any plans?
How was your month, did September stir up any new ideas for you?
Stay Tuned! 📣 Here’s what’s coming up on You’ve Got Lauren:
What Trichologists Wish You Knew About Hair Care
Inside the Villa Necchi Campiglio
The October Edit
The 20+ Best IKEA Finds For Your Home
Pistachios are delicious especially pistachio crusted salmon, A Bonnie Neufeld recipe. I've had a boar hair brush for about 10 years now, good stuff.
The Dutch House has been sitting on my shelf, unread for a long time...you've convinced me that I need to dive into it soon! Speaking of books where the house is incorporated like another character, have you heard Banyan Moon? Ironically, I actually put it down part way because I wasn't enjoying it, but it seems that many people liked this book! Maybe you will too :)
I'm not much of a baker either, although I've tried making cardamom buns and I love them so much! Kind of like cinnamon buns, but maybe a less intense, light sweet flavour that's lovely in its own way - though I love cinnamon buns too! I think it was actually a recipe shared by Leslie Stephens (I am so influenced by her lol).