Fall Favorites 2019
My favorite time of the year has arrived! I’m a sucker for those chilly, grey days. Autumn is the season where I feel my brain, body and energy kick into gear. Lately, I have been channeling my creativity into reading and cooking, rather than digging in to my writing.
Last week, I had the exciting privilege of hear Samin Nosrat speak at the Chicago Theatre. This new update section is inspired by Samin’s old blog, and her list of favorite things. Right now, I’m setting the goal of posting my seasonal obsessions.
So here goes, what I’m obsessed with this fall.
Salt Lamps
Ok, I might be late to the salt lamp game, and this may have to do with my 4th seasonal obsession, but here I am— a salt lamp convert. I recently purchased two small lamps. I looked for lamps with a dimmer setting to set the right lighting. It has brought a warm glow to my to a dimly lit corner and an aura around favorite thing in my apartment, my wall-length bookshelf.
Dolly Parton’s America
My love of Dolly Parton is not seasonal — let me just make that clear. For all of us Dolly fans out there, this month brought us the premiere of the new podcast “Dolly Parton’s America” by Jad Abumrad (host) and Shima Oliaee (producer). This nine-episode series features interviews with the goddess, Dolly Parton herself, and goes further to put her music the context of the America today and how we arrived here during Dolly’s career. Give it a listen here: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly-partons-america/the-team
Cacti
Another BASIC guilty pleasure hits the list this season— Cacti. My younger sister recently got married in Arizona and created her own table centerpieces, full of different sizes, shapes and varietals of Cacti. I was able to transport my four “prickly boys” home to Chicago safely, where I am praying I do not kill them.
Coziness
An absolute favorite fall ritual of mine is bringing out the cozy sweaters, socks, and slippers. Once I put on all of my layers, i curled up with my new favorite picture book “Dwell, Gather, Be” by Alexandra Gove. The book, based on the tenants of Hygge, sets an intentionality for home design to bring you maximum coziness. Spoiler, every room requires sheepskin throws and candles. Even if you do not share the same style of decor, this book provides tips on making your home your sanctuary. Read more about the book here: https://www.bookcellarinc.com/book/9781944515607 Support your local bookstores!
Tarte Tatin
And last but not least, my final fall obsession — Tarte Tatin! If you are a fan of the Great British Baking Show, you will recognize this tasty dish. Traditionally made with apples, it is also the most elusive dish on my favorite Parisian restaurant’s menu (if you have ever had a Tarte Tatin at Les Philosophes, please reach out— I am doubting its true existence). Inspired by the flavors of fall, i created my own tarte with butternut squash, caramelized onions, and sage, topped with walnuts and goat cheese. This fall and winter will bring many tartes to come!
I am working on updating my Pinterest page to better organize my favorites, past and present. I hope this fall gets your creative juices flowing, or a cozy spot to curl up.