Happy Hump Day, y’all! It’s been a super busy last few days over here and I’ve got loads of new content coming your way. In the meantime, I wanted to share a few of my current obsessions, links I’m reading, and things I’m looking forward with y’all, so here’s a mid-week version of weekend links!
Last weekend, we made the trek down to watch my Hubby’s team play. While they didn’t end up winning, our orange tailgate spread was a hit. More on that later this week! We ended our long weekend with a relaxing trip to the Homestead with some of our best friends. It’s one of my favorite spots and the leaves were changing, so I’m really feeling fall now. Oh, and of course we had to stop by our favorite apple orchard, Hartland Orchard, in Markham, Virginia. We go every year for apples, pumpkins, pumpkin butter, and caramel-dipped apples.
We’re getting so close to Halloween, Gold Cup, and loads of fun events in between. Fall is upon us! I’ve made a few updates on the blog, too. You can now hover over the “entertain” tab for seasonal parties, decor, and so much more.
It’s also the season of new little ones! We always try to drop off healthy dinners for new moms and dads, and this recipe from Food and Wine magazine is one of our go-to’s for those weeknight meals. Speaking of easy weeknight meals, this acorn squash egg bake is a favorite in our house.
Here’s what’s on the blog lately:
How to start your own book club
I’ve been focusing so hard on health and wellness – “self-care” is the trendier phrase. I’m tackling it one big bite at a time and have been working on clocking in at least seven hours of sleep every night. With the exception of a travel day or two, it’s going really well! This week, it’s been all about eating right – especially after this weekend. I’m trying to get cleaner bites and more water every day.
I’m also focusing on moving every day. I love my gym, but sometimes it’s hard to get there if work is nuts or the evening piles on. I’ve started supplementing my monthly gym membership with classes I can do at home and I’m loving Obe so far. It’s $27 a month and gives you access to live and on-demand classes. I’m planning on doing one tonight in fact! Not sponsored – just mildly obsessed. Next on my list is getting up earlier to plan my day and add in a little time for myself, prayer and devotional time, and relaxation.
Here’s what we’re reading this week:
1. Why all apple products are photographed at 9:41 a.m.
2. We went hiking while we were at the Homestead and now I’ve been bitten by the bug. The Shenandoah is on my list now.
3. Important news for those of y’all living in Old Town Alexandria: Warby Parker is now open!
4. These fall dishes are now on my list since it’s going to start cooling down here.
5. Speaking of dishes, I’ve never tried to make a souffle, but that’s the next challenge. There’s just something about a cheese souffle that’s sounding great right now.
6. It’s too early, but I’m marking my calendar anyway for when the new Hallmark Christmas movies come out.
7. Ever wonder what’s behind the legendary Van Cleef Alhambra?
8. This is on my YouTube watch list: notable historians go over every hidden detail of the New York Public Library.
9. Glad to know my shopping list is basically done for the next two weeks.
10. And dinner is, too.
11. For my New York readers, this special edition candle is available in Diptyque boutiques in NYC.
12. Getting your home on this rental guide is harder than getting into Harvard, according to Arch Digest.
13. This home is everything on my wish list – I just love how the bright greens in the study lifts and brightens the room up (slide 9).
Here’s what we’re loving:
I’ve been buying up all the stripes recently and I love, love, love these Saint James tops. They’re terrific basics, good layering pieces, and are great quality. I wear a size small in them since I’d rather them be a little on the looser side so I can tuck them into a pair of skinny jeans. If you’re looking for more colorful stripes, check out the sailor shirts at Peter Beaton.
This post contains affiliate links, but all are tried and true Magnolia Stripes favorites.
