Good Morning {{first_name}},

This first week of September has stirred up a mix of expectations and pressure. Online, it’s all polished routines, fresh wardrobes, and bold plans—as if the change in season demands a complete reinvention, immediately. But life isn’t lived in curated snapshots, total overhauls or idealised versions of ourselves. It unfolds in the here and now, in imperfect actions and everyday moments.

Instead of judging ourselves by what we think we should be doing, what if we embraced the joy in the lives we're already living? A life where the first stretch of the morning feels good, a walk to the shop counts as fresh air, and a home-cooked meal becomes something to look forward to. 

What if we chased our dreams with self-compassion and patience, rather than radical change? Even if our lives don’t match the ideals we feel we should be living, there’s so much to treasure in the lives we do live.

So this September, let’s push back against the urge to overhaul and overachieve. Instead let's embrace the start of September as a reminder to slow down, take life a step at a time and enjoy the season we’re in. 

All my love,

Grace

Baking: the first crumble of the season. My fella's Nanny gave us apples from her garden, and I couldn’t resist turning them into an apple and blackberry crumble—just in time for bake off’s return. I used Good Food's recipe and would thoroughly recommend. Though I'm no pro baker, it turned out deliciously.

Relishing: the return of candle season. Lighting them daily has become a cherished ritual. The act of striking a match feels almost ceremonial, offering a sense of flow and a warm, beautiful glow on overcast days. My current everyday favourite is Pomegranate Number 3 from Aldi.

Listening: to Cinematic Soundtracks presented by Edith Bowman on BBC Sounds. It's the perfect listen to unwind at the end of the day or start your day off with a lil bit of magic.

Setting: intentions for the months ahead. I’m giving myself permission to dream a little bigger and be kind to myself as I embrace every opportunity 2025 has to offer.

Shopping: at the friday farmers’ market, where i’ve discovered my new favourite indulgence: fowler’s eggs. Leigh sells boxes by the half dozen from a beautifully converted horse box on Stamford high street and they make for the most extravagant breakfast sandwich.

Making: new friends at a quiz night for women in their 20s and 30s in town. It was an evening full of laughs and great fun. Note to self: go to more quizzes!

Celebrating: my eldest cousin’s 50th birthday. I’ve always loved the way family gatherings stitch us back together, weaving stories across generations. this saturday will be one of those days.

Chrysanthemums have arrived, just as other blooms begin to fade. Their petals curl and cluster like tiny suns, defying the shortening days. In Japan they’re called the flower of autumn, a symbol of longevity and joy.

October is for Pumpkins, September is for apples. Crisp, tart, juicy—the kind that crunch when you bite into them. At the moment they’re everywhere, abundant on the market stalls and tumbling from trees. This week I’m doing my best to savour as many as possible, either as a tasty snack or as the basis for bigger dishes.

If you fancy joining me I’ve rounded up a few comforting apple recipes:

Four months after moving in with my fella I have finally joined our new library. And I'm loving it. There’s something incredibly grounding about being part of a library. It feels like an antidote to the noise of online life, a quiet ritual of borrowing, returning, beginning again.

Top-tip: most libraries provide digital access to magazines, ebooks, and audiobooks as well as the classic paperbacks and DVDs. If you haven’t checked yours out recently, let September be your reason to.

Thank you for reading! It means so much to share Saturday mornings with you!