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This time of year brings with it a certain tension: we want to soak up every last moment of the waning warmer weather, while also preparing to turn inward for the colder, shorter days, and longer, cozy nights ahead. How can we ease that inner conflict to get what we need out of this liminal season while readying ourselves for the long, dark winter ahead?

In this month’s Journal - exclusively for paying members of The Kettle - I’m reflecting on the tasks and treats that are helping me feel more prepared for the colder months ahead so I’ll be happy to retreat when it’s really time. From a sampling of cozy books and warming recipes to establishing indoor movement practices, this episode is all about readying our spaces and routines for a slower, quieter winter’s pace.

Upgrade your subscription now to hear the full episode and find those helpful links, as well as links to community events like our weekly Co-Create sessions on Zoom, our private Discord chat, and more.

Click below to listen to the full episode and join our peaceful, creative little haven!

episode links:

* Holiday Baking & Books episode with CJ | A Well-Read Tart

* Vera Wong’s Guide To Snooping (On A Dead Man) by Jesse Sutanto. Laugh-out-loud funny, poignant and a little bit tense! Definitely read the first one, too.

* The Dove Pond series by Karen Hawkins. I recommend starting with The Book Charmer, but I first read (and loved) A Cup of Silver Linings.

* The Proper Place by O. Douglas. Published in 1926 and set in early 20th century Scotland, this book features class tension, cozy village scenes and characters, and a cast of lovable, spunky, and quirky characters. It somehow manages to remind me of Jane Austen’s books, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables all at once.

* The Herbal Year by Christina Hart-Davies. More than a simple reference guide, this book’s lovely illustrations, season-by-season structure, and storytelling offer an accessible and inspiring entry point into the world of herbal medicine. This would be a lovely gift for someone who’s interested in herbs, folklore, and the natural world.

* The carrot cake I made for Will’s birthday (as I shared in the episode, I’ve upgraded my baking game over the years - but my cake-decorating skills are still stuck in 1998.)

* The warm grain salad recipe Sarah Powers turned me on to. (And, everyone, please do share your favorite warm salad/grain bowl recipes for an upcoming episode of Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits!)

* My YouTube channel (new videos every Tuesday - the next video will be all about creating a meditative tea ritual, wherever you are.)

interested in a custom tea blend + virtual tasting workshop?

Fill out this sign-up questionnaire and I’ll be in touch. (If you want to give this as a gift or set up a group session, just email me for details.)

community events and links:

* Mark your calendars! We’ve got something in the works for December 5-7: a weekend-long community baking bee. Get ahead of your holiday baking, try out some new recipes, or just enjoy a cozy weekend in the kitchen, in the company of other members of The Kettle. This will be a lightly-guided, interactive, choose-your-own adventure experience that you can shape to suit your own goals and schedule. Keep an eye out for more information soon.

* Join The Kettle community for our weekly Co-Create Sessions on Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10:15 EST. Work on your creative project of choice in a supportive, encouraging environment! We regularly have members working on projects as diverse as scrapbooking, writing, art journaling, needlework, organizing photos, baking - but sitting and waiting for an idea to come is A-okay, too. The Zoom link is always the same, so get it on your calendar now.

* And don’t forget to check out the new Discord server, where we’re talking about upping our sourdough game, delicious N/A beverages, getting into genealogy, and more. Join us there!

Wondering how to access these exclusive Journal episodes in your favorite podcast app? Your private RSS feed is here. If you aren’t sure what to do with it, this tutorial should help. Feel free to reach out with questions!