September’s Whirlwind: A Journey Through Milestones, Moments, and Memories

Oh, September, what a blur you were! It feels like just yesterday we were kicking off the month, and now we’re already welcoming October with open arms and a hopeful chill in the air. This past month truly flew by, packed to the brim with exciting projects, heartfelt moments, and significant personal developments. Despite its notoriously unpredictable nature, September weather, with its delightful mix of lingering summer warmth and crisp autumnal breezes, might just be my favorite time of year. One day calls for shorts, the next for cozy jeans and a cardigan – it’s the best of both worlds! And speaking of autumn, I’m eagerly anticipating October’s arrival, which will provide the perfect excuse to finally break out my new fall booties. But before we fully embrace pumpkin spice and spooky season, let’s take a moment to reflect on all the memorable happenings of September.

Global Connections and Heartfelt Reflections: Our Puerto Rico Story

1. An Unforeseen Connection to Puerto Rico

As many of you know, this September brought a profound shift in our annual tradition: Miguel and I did not make our usual trip to Puerto Rico. Our journey with this beautiful island began quite spontaneously in 2013, when we decided on a whim to vacation there. We fell head over heels for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of its people. We never imagined then that it would become an annual pilgrimage. The following year, Miguel’s job began sending him to Puerto Rico every September for work, transforming a spontaneous vacation into a cherished yearly visit for me. Each trip deepened our connection to the island, forging lasting memories and a profound appreciation for its unique spirit.

This year, however, was starkly different. My heart aches for Puerto Rico, especially in light of the challenges it has faced. The island holds an incredibly special place in my heart, a repository of countless happy memories and a beacon of resilience. While we couldn’t be there physically, our thoughts and support were with the island and its incredible community. We eagerly look forward to the day we can return, to once again walk its sunny beaches, explore its historic streets, and reconnect with the people who make it so extraordinary. The island’s enduring strength and spirit continue to inspire us, and our hope for its swift and complete recovery remains unwavering.

Family Milestones and the Joys of Motherhood

2. Layla Turns Three: A Bittersweet Celebration

The beginning of September marked a significant milestone for our family: Layla celebrated her third birthday! And yes, I shed more than a few tears. It’s a classic parental lament, but truly, why do they have to grow up so fast? It feels like just yesterday she was a tiny newborn, and now she’s a spirited, articulate three-year-old, full of personality and boundless energy. Every new word, every new skill, every little leap in her independence brings immense joy, yet also a pang of nostalgia for the fleeting moments of babyhood. Perhaps the more pressing question is, why am I so utterly obsessed with her? It’s probably unhealthy, but when you witness such pure joy and curiosity daily, it’s hard not to be completely captivated. Her infectious laughter, her imaginative play, and her ever-growing understanding of the world fill our home with an unparalleled warmth. Watching her explore, learn, and express herself is the greatest privilege, and each birthday reminds me to cherish every precious moment of this incredible journey of motherhood.

Navigating the Health and Wellness Journey

3. My Ongoing Battle with Headaches: Seeking Solutions

On a more personal note, I’m cautiously optimistic that we might finally be making some progress with my persistent headaches. About a month ago, I started seeing a new chiropractor, and overall, I’ve noticed a decrease in their frequency and intensity. They haven’t vanished entirely, and frankly, I don’t expect them to just disappear overnight. However, I’m now down to about one “bad” headache a week, and my daily, low-grade headaches have become less severe and less common. This positive shift has brought a much-needed glimmer of hope, and I’m crossing my fingers that by the end of 2017, these debilitating headaches might finally be a thing of the past.

The long story short, and what my chiropractor has identified as a strong potential culprit, is my posture – specifically, the way I hold my head and neck. It’s a frustrating realization to think that a habit as simple as how I carry myself could be the root cause of so much discomfort. Ugh! It requires a conscious effort to correct, but if it leads to lasting relief, it’s a change I’m more than willing to embrace. However, this past week brought a slight setback, with three particularly bad headaches, which has admittedly caused some hope to waver. The journey to relief is rarely linear, and these fluctuations can be disheartening. Thankfully, I have an appointment scheduled with a headache specialist in November, and I’m incredibly curious to hear their insights and potential new strategies. This ongoing quest for wellness is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m committed to finding a sustainable solution to improve my quality of life.

Professional Growth and Creative Collaborations

4. Discovering Innovation at Natural Products Expo East

In much better news, September was a fantastic month for professional development and networking! I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago. It was an absolute blast getting to meet so many innovative brands in person, discovering exciting new products, and catching up with fellow bloggers. Trade shows like these are invaluable for content creators, offering a chance to explore emerging trends, sample the latest offerings, and build genuine connections within the industry. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and dedication behind so many natural and sustainable brands.

And by “bloggers,” of course, I mean my wonderful friends Ashley and Jess! There’s something truly special about connecting with peers who understand the unique world of blogging, sharing insights, and simply enjoying each other’s company. We had such a great time together, from exploring the expo floor to catching up over meals, that we’ve already started planning another trip so we can all hang out again – woohoo! These friendships and collaborations are a huge part of what makes this profession so rewarding, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with such talented and supportive women.

5. Featured on The Kitchn: A Culinary Honor

Speaking of exciting collaborations, I mentioned it a few days ago, but The Kitchn, a renowned online food publication, has launched a fantastic dinner series, and they kicked it off by featuring the incredible How Sweet Eats! It was an absolute honor to have my photos included in such a prestigious project. The Kitchn is a trusted source for home cooks and food enthusiasts, and to be recognized for my work in contributing to their content is incredibly fulfilling. If you’re curious to see the captivating photos I took for this special feature, you can view them directly on The Kitchn’s website here. It’s always a thrill to see my photography bring recipes and culinary stories to life on such a widely-read platform.

6. Behind the Scenes: Styling Holiday Content

My creative collaborations continued this month as I spent some time at Jessica’s house, helping her style some truly gorgeous holiday content. The process of conceptualizing, arranging, and photographing festive scenes is one of my favorite aspects of this job. We delved deep into crafting visuals that evoke warmth, celebration, and culinary delight. I honestly can’t wait for you all to see the magic we created! Think: a truly exquisite Thanksgiving tablescape, meticulously designed with autumnal colors and textures, creating an inviting atmosphere for a memorable feast. And, of course, an extravagant cheese board, brimming with an array of delectable cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and nuts – a true work of art that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. These projects are a testament to the power of teamwork and creativity, and I’m so excited for you to experience the festive inspiration we’ve brewed up for the upcoming holiday season.

7. Local Recognition: Featured in Pittsburgh Magazine

Another highlight of September was seeing a few of my interior photos featured on none other than Pittsburgh Magazine’s website! It’s always incredibly gratifying to have your work recognized, especially by a publication that celebrates the local community and its vibrant talent. Seeing my photography showcased in this context provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment and further fuels my passion for capturing the beauty of spaces and design. It’s a proud moment to contribute to the visual storytelling of our city’s unique homes and aesthetics.

Leisure and Entertainment: Our TV Binge-Watching Adventures

8. From Comedy Classics to Gripping Dramas

Now, shifting gears to our downtime, Miguel and I have been deeply entrenched in our TV viewing habits this month. We’re almost finished binging the entire “Friends” series, which has been quite the commitment, but also surprisingly easy given how short and endlessly rewatchable the episodes are on Netflix. It’s been a wonderful dose of nostalgia and comfort, revisiting the iconic gang and their hilarious escapades. There’s something timeless about the humor and the relationships in “Friends” that makes it the perfect show for winding down after a busy day.

Beyond the Central Perk crew, we also dove headfirst into “Narcos” season 3. This series always delivers intense storytelling, complex characters, and a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a stark contrast to the lightheartedness of “Friends,” but equally compelling in its own right, offering a fascinating, albeit dark, look into a pivotal period of history.

And finally, we just watched the first episode of the new season of “This Is Us.” True to form, the ending delivered a powerful emotional punch that gave me immediate flashbacks to “Manchester By The Sea,” which I still contend is one of the most depressing movies ever made. “This Is Us” has a way of tugging at your heartstrings and leaving you pondering deep existential questions, and this episode was no exception. The cliffhanger left us with so many questions, and I’m really looking forward to next week’s episode for some much-needed clarification and, hopefully, a dose of resolution. These shows offer such a diverse range of entertainment, from laugh-out-loud moments to profound emotional experiences, making our evenings truly engaging.

Embracing the Journey: A Look Back at September

And just like that, September has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories, significant achievements, and invaluable lessons. It was a month defined by growth—both personal and professional—resilience in the face of challenges, and the undeniable warmth of human connection. From the bittersweet joy of a child’s birthday to the excitement of industry events, from the frustrating setbacks of a health journey to the creative fulfillment of collaborations, September truly offered a little bit of everything. As we step into October, we carry these experiences with us, grateful for the journey and eager for whatever new adventures the next month holds. What about you? What TV shows have you been watching that have captivated your attention or offered a much-needed escape? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!