october collection

Fall Recipes ~ Weekend in Bar Harbor, ME ~ Cold Weather Wellness Essentials ~ Entering "Cozy Season"

How easy is it to enter in month after month, wondering where the time has gone. The days all mush together into a blur. Somehow, the extraordinary mercy of God becomes ordinary to us. How quietly the wonder of His provision slips past our distracted hearts. Yet, every breath and every sunrise, is evidence of His steady hand.

I’m learning to pause at the turn of each month. To trace God’s hand in the small things, and step into the new month with a heart that’s thankful ~ not hurried. In these monthly collections, you’ll find a glimpse of my heart ~ the quiet reflections, small joys, and bits of life that made my cup overflow. Whether that’s recipes, health & wellness tips, books, passages of Scripture, or whatever else is on my mind ~ this is my cozy corner of the internet to journal and reflect on the past month.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~ “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (ESV)

Fall Recipes: My Husband’s Favorite Soup, Artisan Bread, Harvest Muffins, and the Best Apple Crisp

1. My husband said this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup was the best soup he’s ever had (🤯)

2. I also made this Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe ~ it was tasty and super easy. I am not married to this recipe though ~ I want to try other beef stew recipes this winter and compare!

3. If you are looking for a super-easy, no-knead bread ~ this Artisan No Knead Bread recipe is delicious! I had it toasted with raspberry jam the next morning ~ chef’s kiss.

4. I did not grow up with oats on my apple crisp, however, my husband did. To him ~ oats belong on apple crisp. So, I have searched for a recipe that compromises both of our wishes ~ an apple crisp that has oats, but isn’t overwhelming for me. This apple crisp recipe was incredible! It made very tasty leftovers over the next few days as well.

5. Here is my recipe for the Harvest Muffins! These are so yummy for breakfast, or even a healthy afternoon snack. I cannot accept credit for this recipe, however, I found the recipe for these “bran flax muffins” off a bag of flaxseed meal from Natural Wellness Corner!

Cold Weather Wellness Essentials: How I’m Prepping My Body & My Home for Winter

1. There is something so cozy about a lit candle in the fall. After learning about all the chemicals found in most scented candles, I was appalled! I have always burned scented candles and had no idea that they were filled with things like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic dyes. These chemicals have been linked to symptoms of respiratory irritation/infection, headaches/migraines, dizziness, nausea, eye and nose irritation, and even result in the risk of cancer. The phthalates and parabens (preservatives used to make fragrances last longer) in these candles are also linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, breast cancer, and birth defects. Once I learned this, all of my paraffin wax/synthetic fragrance candles went bye-bye. I then learned about all of the benefits from burning natural beeswax candles. Not only do these candles provide such a wonderful, cozy glow ~ but they actually PURIFY your air! They emit negative ions into the air which bind to things like dust, pollen, and mold. And guys, beeswax is cheaper than your normal store bought candle AND it burns longer since beeswax has a higher melting point! Have I convinced you yet? If I have, here is a link to my favorite natural beeswax candles!

2. Cold weather doesn’t have to mean dry skin. I have recently started to use coconut oil as moisturizer for my body ~ especially on my legs after shaving. The results have been phenomenal! My skin is always super soft and hydrated.

3. My husband and I love our Thrive Market subscription, and I have been loving this lavender body lotion from their f.a.e. brand.

4. For my face, I have been using this organic Jojoba oil from the same brand. Honestly, my skin has never been clearer! I am convinced that the simpler your skin care and make up routine, the clearer your skin.

5. You can’t say the words “cold weather” and not think “sweater”. These organic cotton sweaters from Quince have become a staple in my wardrobe. I have three different colors now, and they’re basically all I wear. If I could wear one thing for the rest of my life, it would be this sweater.

6. I never used to be a tea girl. But I have been forcing myself to drink herbal tea at least once a day because of the numerous health benefits. I’ve also started to make my own “soothing” tea with 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp of ground ginger, and 1 tsp of lemon juice into a mug of hot water.

7. Lastly, I’ve never been a supplement girl. I always forget to take pills and honestly, I’ve never had a “reason” to take them. Until, I learned about BodyBio’s PC ~ liposomal phospholipid complex. I follow Audrey Coats - “Healthy Honey” -on Instagram, and she highly recommended it. After doing some research and realizing that I always struggle with brain fog and fatigue - I decided to give it a try. I have been taking it for two weeks and have already noticed a difference in my clarity and sharpness!

8. I have also started taking this Magnesium Glycinate with Ashwagandha supplement, as my mother-in-law recommended it to me. I have been struggling with tension headaches/migraines (I wonder if it was from the candles??), and I wanted to give this a shot. I have definitely noticed a difference in my tension and relaxation. I am not married to this brand, however, and once I finish this bottle I want to try a different kind to compare. Also, if you struggle with anxiety - like I do - definitely try a magnesium supplement. Ashwagandha helps as well, so I was excited to see a supplement that combines the two.

*DISCLAIMER: I am not a health coach or provider of any kind - I am simply sharing what I have learned and what has worked for me. Take my advice with a grain of salt, and do with it what you please. I enjoy learning about holistic health, and sharing with you!

Bar Harbor, ME: Acadia National Park, Camping, and Coffee Shops

My family and I have vacationed to Bar Harbor since I was 3 years old. From long weekends, to 10 day trips ~ we have always enjoyed our time spent here. The recent social media craze over Bar Harbor ~ and just Maine in general ~ has been crazy for me to think about. But, I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise to me ~ I love it here as well. I understand the hype.

We have stayed at multiple campgrounds on the island, but Narrows Too Campground is the one we continuously go back to nearly year after year. It has access to the ocean, an outdoor pool, and a peaceful family-friendly atmosphere.

During our time in Acadia National Park, we hiked the Gorham Mountain Trail. This is my absolute favorite hike in the park. From the gorgeous views of the ocean, to the foliage, to the rock paths ~ it is truly the hike that has it all. Not to mention, the hike is family friendly, with a gradual incline ~ making it enjoyable, not strenuous.

On Sunday morning, we ventured into the park at the early hours of the day to catch the sunrise. Man, oh man ~ was it worth it. We parked at Sand Beach, and walked along the Ocean Path ~ before coming to a stop on the ledge of some rocks over the ocean. The view was breathtaking. Here, we did a devotional as a family and it was the most beautiful spot for Bible study and reflection.

Of course, we had to take time to walk around Downtown and go into the cutest coastal shops. We tried Graffiti Donuts for the first time, and it was a hit! Cinnamon sugar, chocolate glazed, and vanilla sprinkled were our favorites.

Who would we be if we didn’t try a new coffee shop? We stopped by the Choco-Latte Cafe after our hike, and I ordered their brown sugar cinnamon hot latte ~ Chef’s. Kiss. The brown sugar cinnamon syrup is homemade, and it was superb. My husband got the maple hot latte, and my sister got an iced white chocolate latte ~ all tremendous. Their bagels are also homemade, so I tried their plain bagel, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich ~ again, chef’s kiss.

October in Bar Harbor is beautiful. From the foliage, to the ocean, to the crisp air ~ it was just the kind of refresh my soul and mind needed.

Entering Cozy Season: Books, Movies, and Games ~ Oh My!

1. Books - This month, I read “The Fruit of Her Hands” by Nancy Wilson. Such a great read on respect and the Christian woman. I learned so much about how to steward my responsibility of being a Christian wife, and what it means to respect my husband. It’s on Kindle Unlimited right now!

2. Movies - My husband and I have watched several movies this month, but my favorite was “Guess Who”, starring Ashton Kutcher. I had never seen it before, and it kept us laughing the whole time! This is a great rom-com movie to watch if you like “Meet the Fockers”, “Father of the Bride”, or “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

3. Games - We are big card/board game people over here! At-home date nights usually consist of dessert, a TV show on in the background, and a game on the coffee table. We have been loving Five Crowns, Scrabble, and Yahtzee!

October ~ how I hate to bid you farewell. Saying goodbye to October means saying goodbye to the beautiful fall foliage and the last few warm days ~ and saying hello to 4:00PM sunsets and crisp 40º temperatures. But, before we know it ~ Mariah Carey will be defrosting once again, Elf will be on the TV, and we will be sitting under the glow of twinkling Christmas lights. Oh, how I love this season. Thank you Jesus ~ for teaching me that with the change of each season, you provide new grace, fresh perspective, and purpose perfectly suited for the moment I’m in. You remind me that nothing is wasted in Your timing, and that every season ~ whether pruning or blooming ~ carries Your faithful hand of provision. Thank you Jesus, for this time to slow down, reflect, and pursue a heart that is grateful.