It sure has been a year so far! I’ve moved states and switched jobs, not to mention I bought my first mattress on my own. Fall is by far my favorite season, and I really didn’t get to experience it like I normally do — I didn’t go apple picking, or go to the pumpkin patch, no hayrides, no long hikes or walks in the woods. Instead I stayed in, packing and unpacking, calling utility companies, and organizing my kitchen drawers. That being said, I still had some adventures of my own. Here are the things that have gotten me through the fall thus far:
Stuffed Pepper Soup — I’ve been into homemade soups recently and had to try this one out. I think on the next go around I’ll use less rice, but overall you can’t go wrong with a sauteed-pepper-based soup and a side of buttery french bread. Here’s the recipe I used. I didn’t go by the amounts of each ingredient, I just kind of winged it — I also swapped the beef for turkey and it was just as delicious.
The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan — I don’t want to be dramatic, but this book is changing my life. I’m not finished with it yet, but it’s really changing my outlook on life in general. In the last few days of me reading it, I’ve noticed I’m more fulfilled, present, and in a good mood. If you’re feeling stuck or in a rut, I recommend at least reading the first few chapters.
SMOOTHIES — I’m in a bit of a smoothie phase. I’m not sure what brought me here, but I’m glad I’m here — it’s really been helping me get my fruit + veggie intake up. In the move, I purchased a Magic Bullet and I highly recommend it to anyone making dips or single serving smoothies. My favorite smoothie thus far has been a vanilla blueberry matcha smoothie. I just use a few tsp of matcha powder, a handful or two of frozen wild blueberries, a lot of unsweetened vanilla oat milk, a banana, and a splash of vanilla extract. If I’m feeling extra spicy, I’ll throw in a handful of spinach, too, but it does change the taste a bit.
Midnight Mass — This is a show on Netflix and it has given me a lot to think about the last few days. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it’s a pretty juicy watch for anyone who has any thoughts on religions and cults.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller — I believe this is the first book I’ve given a 5 star review for this year. Maybe I’m a sucker for gay romance and Greek myths, but this is the greatest love story I’ve ever read. Even if you know the ending of the myth, it’s worth a read!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies — These have been a fall staple of mine since my friend made these for me in high school. I’d been trying for years to find the recipe that’ll make the perfect cookies, and I think this year, I finally found it. Here’s the recipe — they make for more chewy cookies as opposed to cakey. Delicious!
Dead Man’s Bones — This band has always been on my fall + Halloween playlists. From “Pa Pa Power” to “Buried in Water,” I’ve always hummed along when it came on shuffle. This year, the song “My Body’s A Zombie For You” caught my attention with its haunting children’s choir vocals and I started researching the band… how did I not know this was Ryan Gosling’s rock duo? I had no idea he had a band! Granted, they only have one album and it was released in 2019. Their entire album is absolute art and I will be listening to every song on repeat until it starts to snow.
Andrew Bird — I normally don’t listen to male musicians but I have two on this list, so things can change! I got into Andrew Bird by listening to the song Sisyphus, which, yes, we’ve already covered that I’m a sucker for Greek myths. But his entire discography is captivating and definitely worth a listen to. If you’re just going to listen to one song by him, have it be Pulaski at Night. And close your eyes while you listen.
There are so many other things in general that didn’t make the list, but these are what stood out to me when looking back at September, October, and the little bit of November we’ve lived through in 2021. Let me know if you have any thoughts on these — I’m definitely looking for more smoothie recipes and for someone to talk to about Song of Achilles!