A Friday Buffet
No. 002 The best parts of fall begin with the letter 'F.'
Welcome! I’m so glad that you’re here. Topics will vary each week, but there will always be the signature: great [gluten free] food options, fashion that’s fun (and comfortable), and a positive tone throughout.
Hello!
It’s a wonderfully crisp morning here in New England. I’ve been watching the leaves begin to change color and the need to grab a jacket when heading out is not going unnoticed. I love this time of year.
When I set out to write this week, I had a variety of topics in mind and not an entirely precise way of how to tie them all together. I think that’s called brainstorming. However, it is also just how my mind flows throughout the day. A little of everything all at once. How fun!
No, seriously, I was debating how to frame this for you and I finally centered on a theme: the letter ‘F.’ No joke. As an English major (long ago) who is also a forever-fan of alliteration (not sorry about that), I was amused that the theme I chose was random and very specific all at the same time. And now that I’ve run on too long about how I decided on today’s topic, we should probably get to it!
PS: A teacher once told me that beginning a sentence with the word “And” was incredibly cool and very “in the know.” I have kept that in mind for over twenty years. And that’s a fact.
Fall. The most wonderful time of year (after spring and summer) for many reasons, but for me, a specific four come to mind.
FOOD
If you learn nothing from me other than my passion for all things edible (always gluten free, of course), then let me say this: Fall food is the most fabulous. Now begins the “cozy meal season” which lasts until April here in the Northeast so we can now settle in for months of the best flavors ever. A little dramatic? Sure. But I love food!
My appreciation for flavorful fall meals has grown even more since my celiac disease diagnosis (way back in 2013) as I’m able to feel great from nutritious, but still delicious dishes. My health is under control and I am proudly confident in all food situations (just don’t tell me I can only have salad. Yikes.)
This time of year there is no shortage of flavors that land squarely in the “comfort food” category (sorry folks, this isn’t a health-food-discussion). I don’t dabble in the pumpkin spice playground, but I do love the ever-expanding options within “football food.”
We went to Tavern in the Square recently and man, their fried pickles (and chicken tenders and tots and the whole left side of the menu) are so good! I consider this spot a go-to when the comfort food cravings are major, which tends to mostly be during the fall - football season!
Foods of Fall are not just the ones best eaten during a sporting event. I will always support brisk-weather dinners that are made at home including risotto (one of my favorite foods, ever), a piping-hot curry filled with protein and veggies, or an elaborate baked pasta that’s bubbling over with cheese as it’s pulled from the oven. It’s nowhere near dinner time and I am craving all of those right now.
Hungry yet? Foods of Fall are some of the best out there; I’d love to know some of your favorite flavors. Drop a comment below if you would like to share!
FOOTWEAR
I was going to say Fashion, but it’s too broad. Fall footwear is so spectacular because it’s finally the time of year when one can wear a variety of shoe choices without the weather messing with the decision! Can you tell I think about this too much? I definitely do.
From sneakers, to slip-ons, to clogs, to boots, and everything in between, the joy of this season is that the options are endless for what is appropriate to wear on your feet since the weather is rarely a limiting factor. As someone who thrives with options (surprise, surprise), I find that fall is when I feel most “free” when it comes to my daily footwear choice.
Just a reminder: I work from home. Who is seeing my shoes besides me? No one! It doesn’t actually matter which pair I wear for the day, but it matters to me! If you are also a mostly-remote worker, then you know what I’m talking about. Gone are my daily office treks and the required “commuter shoe,” a phrase that I still find jarring and unappealing. If you think of a better phrase, please tell me!
Morning walks always calls for sneakers - the Nike Daybreak is comfy and classic - and the rest of the day tends to be a mix of Birkenstocks (Arizona or Boston style pending the temperature), slip-on Vince sneakers, or a number of other comfortable, casual options (Freda Salvador makes great sneaks, too).
What can I say? Sneakers reign supreme, especially because comfort is key. Fall footwear options are endless and it’s up to you to find the pair(s) that are best for your day (which is also part of the fun).
FOLIAGE
Growing up in New England and going to college in VT, I am no stranger to the joys of fall foliage. I just love it! The colors changing and the crunch of leaves underfoot is one of the best feelings - and visuals - of the season. I find that the “look” of fall is one of the most appealing aspects of it (in addition to the food and footwear).
As a nature fan, and self-proclaimed shutterbug (do we still say that?), I’m anticipating that my phone will be overflowing with foliage photos. You will be the lucky recipient! All photos you see here are my own. :)
I freaking love flowers, too, so fair-warning there will be a lot of those images as well. Enjoy!
FOCUS
Finally, the most serious of the fall themes is Focus. Fall is definitely symbolic of the “beginning” for many whether it’s the start of a new school year, a new activity, or even a new job, the fall season tends to be the beginning of something which is why Focus is so important and so apparent.
For me, I am not starting anything particularly new this season - oh, wait, I started this newsletter - but September is often when my focus on personal goals is the strongest.
I focused in regard to this letter. I wanted to change my newsletter platform, re-start my writing, and I made it happen. It took a lot of planning, a fair amount of debate, and some good old-fashioned effort, But look at it now! Here you are reading it! Thank you. :)
I have also re-focused in regard to fitness. I am an encourager of movement (is this a thing?) in that I think it’s the best way to keep your cool throughout the day. I make sure that no matter how hectic work is (or life for that matter), I make the time for movement every single day. It keeps me focused. ;)
My goal is two walks (for fresh air) and a strength or spin workout daily, but that doesn’t always happen. A focus on fitness has allowed me to feel my best, feel stronger than ever, and be more joyful overall. I know it sounds ridiculous, and believe me, I actually feel silly for typing this statement, but this whole “self care” mantra we see (and read about) everywhere isn’t a joke. It actually is important.
Even if it’s the shortest workout available (I love the 5-minute options on the Peloton app), I know that getting it done is important for my personal strength, mental health, and general feeling of joy. My personal focus on fitness is one that I’ve worked hard to improve upon for years and I’m really proud of that fact. It took focus. ;)
Food. Footwear. Foliage. Focus. Fall is the best.
Let’s close this out with a Buffet, shall we? A little of everything, plus my new favorite TV show, right this way…
Definitely would like to see Billy Eichner’s movie, ‘Bros’, which premieres today!
Speaking of comedy, I’d highly recommend watching Nick Kroll’s new Netflix special, ‘Little Big Boy.’ I saw him perform back in June and he was hilarious.
My most-recent TV discovery? ‘Reboot’ on Hulu. It’s so good! A half-hour comedy about the “reboot” of an early-2000s sitcom (with its original cast) is full of smart jokes and plenty of entertainment. Created by Steven Levitan (‘Modern Family’), I was not-too-surprised how quickly I was won over by the premise and cast.
Next spring’s Met Gala theme will be Karl Lagerfeld’s career. Awesome. Can’t wait!
Saks’ Friends and Family Sale is still happening so I’d recommend perusing the options. Some good pre-winter finds are still out there!
Someone will need this roundup of the best water bottles. You’re welcome
Fluffy Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes - I’d try them!
We were just talking about making Chicken Milanese and this recipe will do it. Added to menu!
I love this very thorough guide for how to make wontons. Don’t worry, I would use GF flour.
And I’d still love to make this Moo Shu Chicken - looks perfect for a weeknight.
Who doesn’t love a snacking cake? The name alone makes me happy.
I recently watched Mindy Kaling prepare a dish from Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook, Cravings, this week and it reminded me that it’s actually a great title in our collection. Highly recommend!
I love the buttercream color of this J.Crew cashmere oversized crewneck sweater.
Oh, this is fun, all of the looks from the new Chanel Fall-Winter collection.
Last, but not least…
Just for fun luxury: I love this Teen Jodie Hobo Bag in denim(!) from Bottega Veneta. Too good!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
