Weekly Speaking: October 21st

{images by James Newman}

This last week I ...

• realized that being a gluten-free & refined sugar-free gal as the seasons change and holidays approach is harder than anticipated! I'm about to hit the 9-month mark, and have far less migraines to prove it. However, not being able to partake in homemade pumpkin bread and chicken pot pie is definitely a bore to my taste buds.
• couldn't resist making this recipe again. But now I've simplified it to just the chicken, stock, and green salsa ... and it is so beyond amazing.
• had an incredible appointment at Devachan - and my curls are grateful! Have you embraced your inner Curly Girl?
• participated in a live chat with Nate Berkus about his new book, The Things That Matter. I cannot wait to share more about it with you.
• saw the leaves really begin to turn ... and that magic never ceases to amaze me!
• watched one friend move away to start a new chapter in her life, and another one suffer the loss of a grandparent. Someone else lost a parent, another announced her pregnancy. One is dealing with divorce, another one celebrated an anniversary ... just like the seasons, our lives change. How do you deal with change?

I'm sending you so much love & light as we start another week!

xx JN

Weekly Speaking: October 14th

This last week I ...

• overhauled our apartment. It started with a mere desire to put out some family pictures, and snowballed into an extensive project! (Have I mentioned I'm a Virgo?) So worth it, so inspiring, and such an accomplishment! I expanded the gallery wall in our bedroom, and changed up our living room in many fun ways.
• discovered that my two sweethearts are obsessed with my new adaptation of this recipe! 
• found out I have to have foot surgery in December. I've been dealing with this for the last three years, and am actually super excited to start the road to healing - that's the real Christmas present, right?! I'm also grateful to have been introduced to my new podiatrist, Dr. Gregg Rock, who will be performing my surgery.
• was often reminded that my girl is growing up, and how much I love being a parent with my hubby.
• continued to laugh out loud at how my girl has taken on my "gift" for making up alternative lyrics to classic tunes ... for example, "O Christmas Tree" makes for a great tune to her new re-write entitled "O Public School."
• scheduled an appointment at Devachan for my semi-annual haircut. These curls are so ready for some love this Tuesday!
• determined that essie's Aperitif is my new signature nail color - and goes beautifully with my new signature lip color, Cherry Lush, by Tom Ford.

Now, let's make it a beautiful new week!

xx JN