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!

Just before these babies hit the oven! You better believe cream cheese frosting was added afterwards, I'm no monster.

• 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.

Recent headline from The Times (UK) reads: The Devil Wears Sambas

• 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.

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Lauren’s List Vol. 4