Issue #52: Cozy Season is Here
Have you heard of Strega Nona fall? I want to stop these TikTok trends, but I just cannot.
We are now a few weeks into fall, and the pile-up of leaves on my sidewalk definitely has me feeling the season. There is an overabundance of fall content floating around the internet, but I’m here for it. I want all the lists of books, movies, TV shows, recipes, and more for this beautiful transition season.
Fall celebrates loss as the leaves fall from the trees and get swept away in the wind or stuffed into compost bins. I like to think of it as the closure of the year. You have three months to finish anything you want to accomplish this year and celebrate with loved ones before the winter sets in and it’s hibernation time. It’s not about rushing, but being aware of the time and making some cuts where necessary.
It’s essential to use this time of year to let go.
Do you have some resolutions you made that don’t make sense now? Let them go.
Are you holding onto guilt from small things you wish you had done differently this year? Let it go.
Have you been trying to fix a relationship that is not healthy? Take a step back. Dealing with unrealistic expectations for yourself?
It might be time just to accept that it won’t happen and use that energy towards something that will benefit you in the long term.
Are there emotions you’ve buried somewhere deep inside? Go to a quiet room and just let it out (or a rage room if you need that kind of release).
These are reminders that I’m giving myself, but I am writing them here in case you need them, too.
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My Strega Nona Fall
Here is the original Strega Nona bucket list from TikTok. Half of the time, I’m annoyed that TikTok is naming all these stupid trends, but then I see one of my favorite childhood book characters, and I jump on board. And do I find these on TikTok? No, I’m a geriatric millennial who finds TikToks reshared as Reels on Instagram.
Strega Nona is a wonderful children’s book by Tomie dePaola. It features animals, a wonderful woman, pasta, community, and a little witchiness. I highly recommend it if you need some inspiration, but here is my Strega Nona list.
Try At Least Three New (to me) Italian Restaurants in Seattle
You don’t have to ask me twice to eat pasta and make it a whole activity. Moving to Seattle during COVID and then adopting a dog who could not be left alone for the first few months, we didn’t explore too many restaurants in the city. I’m taking this as a sign to make some dinner reservations. I want wine and pasta and dessert over a long dinner.
Here is my brainstorm list, but please let me know if you have other Seattle favorites: The Pink Door, Spinasse, Lioness, Nolita Italian, Cafe Lago, Bar del Corso, and Il Nido.
Make a Sourdough Decision
Last winter, my sister-in-law sent me a sourdough starter, and I cared for it and made things with the discard. When the time came to make an actual loaf, I got so overwhelmed by the internet. The starter went into the fridge, and now I have to figure out how long it can stay there. Will I attempt a loaf this year, or will all those bread accessories I purchased on a whim last year go to waste?
I love sourdough, but do I love it so much that I would keep an eye on the clock, knead, and whatever else you do during this process? Is this the gateway into tradwifing? Why is it so intimidating?
Embrace Seasonal Cocktails
We have some liquor in our kitchen that rarely gets used. I’d like to use it this fall and mix it up with some seasonal flavors. I turned to Reddit and already have a long list of potential options.
United We Drink is a great cocktail book with a recipe for each president. Grab a copy for Election Day and learn something while enjoying your cocktails.
Consider a Colorful Coat
Strega Nona wears a bright red coat in the book and it has me contemplating a colorful option this year to add to the rotation. I love this green one, but that’s also my comfort color when I want something bright. This coat feels very autumnal but also colorful. I’ll likely end up with something like this, more neutral but still very different from my usual.
Enjoy Witchy Things
TBD on exactly what this means, but I’m definitely going to watch Practical Magic.
My Regular Fall List with All the Cozy Things
Childhood story characters aside, I’m also sharing a few of my fall goals. It works well for me when I document them somewhere. It’s my accountability partner. Plus, I think everyone should do the first one.
Clean out our space
I think there are two times of the year when everyone should do a super deep clean (or hire a company to do it)—the beginning of spring and the beginning of fall. This means dropping off decent-sized donations of clothes, unused kitchen items, and honest looks at outdoor gear.
Everything will be washed, dusted, vacuumed, and organized. It just feels so good to hibernate in a deep-cleaned space. I just restocked our Blueland cleaning supplies, so this process will likely start this weekend.
Read More Books
I am a little behind if I want to hit my 2024 reading challenge, but we are also going into the time of year when I tend to read a lot more on weekends and weeknights. I hit the jackpot with a recent library pick-up, so this is what’s on deck:
Currently reading: God of the Woods by Liz Moore (Amazon)
The Woman in the Cabin by Becca Day (not published until later October)
Our book club finished The Secret History, and our next book is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I always read book club books with a notebook next to me so I can write things that stand out. It’s different than my normal reading routine, but it makes it a little more special for me and takes me back to my AP English class in high school.
If you want to start your own book club, here are my suggestions:
Fall Hiking and Outside Time
As a chronic sweater and squinter, I’m not always super gung ho on hot, sunny days on the trail. Give me a misty mountain morning with extra layers and a warm drink in a thermos, and I feel like I’m in my element. Plus, once the rain starts, I become an inside monster.
Help Save Democracy
My hand is cramping a bit, but I’ve committed to mailing 300 postcards to swing states on Tuesday, October 15th. Thanks to some fantastic volunteers, I’m about halfway through, but I’ve got some serious work to do this weekend to get them all done.
The election is less than a month away. Every little bit can help. Talk to your loved ones, help them make a plan to vote, offer to call a few strangers, or help at the polling booths. At least take your time to read through your ballot and learn about what you’re voting for this year. It’s so much more than just the presidential election.
So make sure you’re registered to vote (ASAP before the deadline) and assemble your voting plan. I’m happy to help if you need resources or have questions.
Wear Pajamas More Often
I could put this on every list for the rest of my days. What I really mean is more pajama nights with friends. Instead of spending all our social time on patios, I want to transition to more game nights, movie nights, and cozy nights by the fire in pajamas.
Get Ski Trips on the Calendar
We plan skiing at Whistler this winter and purchased our discounted passes already. If we plan it right, we will have time for one more ski trip. Should we go to Montana? Alaska? Stick somewhere local? I’m excited to plan it out.
Take a Walk Down Memory Lane
For more fall things, read last year’s post, in which I covered the autumnal stuff I stand behind year after year, including the best destinations to visit and my stance on pumpkin-flavored items.
This podcast covers all the fall things, and how they describe a Sunday Fall Evening felt perfect.
Why do I feel like I should own this for my coffee?
Keep an eye on the skies for the next 48 hours. I use an app that alerts me when there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights, but you should also bookmark this forecasting site.
It’s World Mental Health Day, so take a second and learn something new about mental health and do something good for yourself.
A fun fact about me is that I share a birthday (and a home state) with Bob Dylan. I saw the trailer for the movie A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalamet, and I’m pleasantly surprised to hear him sing and see this transformation.
The Gen Z online community is raving about winter arcs. If you’ve gotten this far in the newsletter, it’s clear that I can't entirely agree with this.
Take a few minutes and read this entire article about breast self-exams. If you haven’t been doing these, start today. It’s not too hard, and I just set a reminder on my phone to go off monthly.
One of my favorite photographers will be in New England, capturing fall colors. Follow her on Instagram - you will not be disappointed.
Are you planning a Strega Nona season? Did you love that book as a child? I’m heading back outside for one more peak at the Northern Lights. I cannot believe this is my real life.
Cheers and happy fall!
Steph
I’m about to start reading “God of the Woods”! How was it?! Also. I highly suggest Sun Peaks as a ski option for this or future years!