Fall Essentials

a few of my favorite things for the season

While I’m working on my guides to Paris, Florence, and Rome I wanted to share some special things I found while traveling and a few things I’ve got my eye on. 

The change of season always feels like the perfect threshold to take inventory of what I’m calling in this time of year. 

Right now, I’m calling in space to slow down and get quiet, taking time to learn new hand crafts (like basket making!), and creating more intentional space for daily movement. 

There’s so much magic in the air this time of year that I don’t want to miss it. Getting intentional about how I’m spending my time and who I’m spending it with is a practice I’m really trying to work with right now. 

For me, fall is all about pulling out my warm layers, enjoying comfort food, candlelit dinners, focusing on healthy fats, taking extra good care of my nervous system, and shifting spaces in the house to maximize coziness. 

I’m sure you’re doing some (or all) of these things too.

Since the weather has finally started to cool down a bit, I’m looking forward to sharing new recipes for herbal soups, stews, rooty spiced teas, adaptogenic elixirs and all those cozy and comforting meals that fall makes us crave. 

Below, you’ll find a few things that are lighting me up as I set intentions for this season. 

While these are just meant as inspiration for yourself or gifting, I’m all about things that don’t cost much of anything—a long walk with a friend, cooking up a pot of soup to share, making a good cup of tea and sitting in the sunshine, or lighting a candle and curling up with a book. 

Some of my Fall Essentials…

1. I have the clog and mule version on these and can attest they’re the perfect fall shoe. I’ve been eyeing the French Recycled Hemp Rainboots version for treking around in wet winter weather and mushroom hunting. 

2. While in Paris I picked up a pair of these perfect Sabre Butter Spreaders. 

3. We visited Le Grande Épicerie Paris which felt like a dream come true. Imagine all the best specialty food items you can imagine all in one place. Of course I had to pick up the best French butter since they’ll vacuum seal it for the trip home. This seaweed butter caught my eye and I might have to make a version on my own soon. 

4. Dry fall air means drier skin and I’ve been loving this Summer Solace Tallow Balm for my face and hands. Especially, after a long day of cooking this will make your skin so soft and hydrated. 

5. In an effort to reduce single use plastic at the grocery store, I want to get these chic Madre Bulk Bags. I’ve also been eyeing this Crow Canyon Storage Container Set in addition to using glass Pyrex containers. 

6. I was lucky enough to be sent these Alexis Smart First Aid Kit Travel Minis and they’ve been saving me during travel or even stressful car rides. During the fall our nervous systems can become even more taxed, so these feel like an extra support. 

7. Over the past year I’ve been getting monthly facials and my angel of an esthetician uses the Laurel Skin on me. Everything this brand makes is imbued with deep plant wisdom and getting a facial with these products feels more like a healing ceremony than anything else. I can’t say enough good things about them! 

8. One of my favorite places to pop into while in Paris is Maison de Vacances home store. From antique tableware to linen furniture, I get endless inspiration from their design. My mother-in-law gifted me this linen tablecloth perfect for setting a fall table. It was definitely one of my favorite things we brought back from our trip.

9. Spending time in Italy was so special and it inspired me to flip through my Old World Italian cookbook my mom got me a few years ago. It’s a great book to glean inspiration not only for cooking but where to visit on our next trip, which is hopefully sooner than later. 

10. Every fall I like to get a new sweater for that season. I picked up an alpaca sweater I’ve been pining for quite some time from Shop Vestige. It feels so luxurious to put on and a special piece I will have for years to come. 

Happy Fall!

xx - Sarah Kate

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