Coffee, doughnuts, and confidence.

No. 60 October is a superior month.

Good morning!

Shortly before writing to all of you, I opened the kitchen window and a flood of crisp, cool air flowed through. Perfection! It is not lost on me that today’s 60th issue(!) lands on October 6 (10/6) which in my mind makes it a special edition. What makes it special? Well, fall is in full swing: the foliage has begun to pop, Pepper’s fluff matches every leaf on the ground, the crisp air is perfect for layers and light jackets, and the dahlias are giving us one final burst of amazing before it’s time to pack them up for winter. Ahh, October! It’s such a beautiful month.

Also, while typing away, Seth and I have had a very official ‘doughnut taste test’ with a box of gluten free selections from Kane’s. He tried each one with a hot latte, I tried mine with a day-old iced espresso. Did the beverage matter? I don’t think so! Please see our very formal results, below. Number one is the winner in terms of flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness.

Note: This taste test featured 3 options, but Kane's has way more than three GF flavors.

Kane’s Gluten Free Doughnuts

1. Plain Chocolate Frosted

2. Plain Glazed

3. Cinnamon Sugar

Moving right along, October is quickly becoming my new favorite month because I’m just feeling really good. It is a glorious thing to feel confident and while I’m often wary to spread that confidence through the screen via these newsletters, I’m just going to own it. As should you! Big win, small win, any form of goodness in your day, own it and be confident about that success.

Friends, I am feeling so good about continuing to do my 5:03AM workouts all week. It is difficult! But I have not given up. Even with Seth traveling for work last week, I still did the workout first thing (after feeding and walking Pepper).

My actual work is incredibly busy with 203894 moving parts every day, but I am doing it. And it feels really great. I am also trying to reach out to friends far more because if we only do the repeats (workout, work, eat, sleep), then life will start to feel far more difficult than necessary.

Yes, there are plenty of non-negotiable elements of the week, but making time for an extra or two - something out of the ordinary special - can turn those “repeat” weeks into something far more fun and enjoyable. My team at work recently went together to Miniluxe for manicures on a weeknight and while I was tentative (I never get manicures - who has time?), it turned out to be the exact thing I needed to make a packed week far more enjoyable. And my nails still look great! :)

I suppose today’s issue is less-focused on a theme and instead a general tone: positive energy. I get such a kick out of the smallest thing these days (always?) and that is something I do not take for granted. I live for a tree turning bright orange and the need to wear a jacket out the door. I briefly stop on my walk to work to take photos in the Public Garden because the light is hitting just right. I have taken countless pictures of the dahlias in anticipation of not having them fresh on the kitchen table for several months. I try to help family and friends as often as possible even if it’s the smallest gesture.

Being positive and looking at the basics in a positive light has always helped life be better. It’s not always the easiest; however, I have found that by focusing on general moments and actions that can bring out the good, then even the toughest stuff can be more manageable. My perspective may not be the same as yours, but I hope this letter is helpful in some way, shape, or form each week.

As I continue to nibble on those doughnuts, I’ll say one more thing about this slew of confidence October is hosting: Enjoy food!

While navigating a food allergy can be tricky, I have found it far more nerve-wracking to wrestle the debate of eating “healthy” versus eating well and living life. My body and weight has changed a fair amount ever since my celiac diagnosis in 2013 and that has been both easy and frustrating to deal with ever since.

These days, I am constantly working on balance. No one should skip the doughnuts! Sure, no one should live on fried food, but like, avoiding it forever will probably make you unhappy and then you have to deal with that. I’d rather be happy!

Daily exercise is key to my mental health, but it sure is great for my physical state as well. I love to feel strong and capable. I know that exercise is essential for a healthy life. And while it wouldn’t be the worst to eat more vegetables — salads are actually pretty good - I’m doing my best to balance eating filling, nutritious foods with meals that make my soul feel stellar. Most of the time all of those things are rolled into one. :)

This week’s edition seems to have twists and turns - just like life! I tend not to prep far in advance because I like chatting with you about exactly what’s on my mind right now (today). Today’s topics literally came about as we opened the box of doughnuts. I like to keep it real as they say. ;) I hope you enjoyed it.

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The Sunday Six

1. If you’re into a matching set, I’m trying to get into that vibe, then I’d strongly recommend the DoubleSoft collection from Varley. The softest! And I love the variety of color.

2. Do you have a pup in your home? Pepper is loving these chicken treats from Polka Dog Bakery. She loves to visit the shop, too!

3. Please do yourself a favor, go to Verveine Cafe, and order the crispy jasmine rice salad. It’s so delicious.

   

   Verveine Cafe crispy jasmine rice salad.

   Ready for the rest?