Well, here we find ourselves at Friday again already. Halfway through September. Beautiful (much needed) rain and cooler temperatures have settled in the last couple of days. Although I know it won’t last, it seems a nice preview of the autumn days to come. This week’s list of bits & pieces is an eclectic mix of what I’ve been enjoying these last couple of weeks. As always, I hope you’ll share a few of your own…
Two weeks ago, I ran my fifth half marathon. I’m excited to share it was my best time yet. There are a few things I contribute to having a good race day; having a good friend that ran the same race (nothing like girlfriend support) and Another Mother Runner. Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell are the duo that began Another Mother Runner. I found them after the birth of my third child and have been following them ever since. Their books, blog posts and active facebook page are full of great information for all levels and ages of runners. The week leading up to my race I listened to their Another Mother Runner podcasts (can be downloaded on iTunes) in my car. Not only do they share great information, but in a way that feels like you are sitting at Starbucks, chatting with old friends over coffee.
I know this has been out for a couple of weeks already, if you haven’t checked out yet, you really should. Sara and Hugh Forte have put together a beautiful collection of recipes and images that speak to the idea that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Real food is simple and beautiful. I’ve spent many evenings curled up on the sofa, reading this book.
3. My favorite kind of supper
It’s a funny time of year. The end of summer brings the last push from the tomato plants as well as cool weather produce like potatoes and greens. One of my favorite meals lately has included all of them. Local, scrambled eggs with herbs and cream cheese, mixed greens/arugula salad with heirloom tomatoes and roasted fingerling or Desiree potatoes. The color and comfort of this meal alone fills me up. One evening, sitting down to this supper, I realized everything on my plate was grown/raised locally and by someone I know. It left me feeling very blessed to be able to enjoy and feed our family, such wonderful food.
4. Solar
Thanks to my friend Shawna, over at styleberry BLOG, I now have this fun weather app on my iPhone. The colors change as the day moves, showing the temperature where you live. The other night, during a thunderstorm, it even flashed and vibrated with the thunder and lightening as raindrops poured across the screen.
5. Chai Tea
Cooler, fall days bring out the need for the cozy, warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves. I’ve found myself craving a warm cup of this Chai Tea already. Of course, I’ll need to treat myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte one of these days too.
So, what are you enjoying these days?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi there! I just found your blog today and it’s beautiful! That salad you posted looks incredible. I live in Portland, OR and we are having very abnormally hot weather at the moment. I am so ready for it to feel like Fall so I can start making soups out of roasted vegetables – one of my favorite Fall pastimes.
Jocelyn, glad to have you here. I love making soup out of roasted veggies too. So much warm, comforting flavor. Hopefully fall will find Portland soon!
Beautiful Post as always!
I have been enjoying cooler mornings outside with a cup of tea, fall produce & the fusion of later summer and early fall flavors