4 Things that I've Loved in September

September is one of my all time favorite months. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it’s also my birthday month (I unashamedly LOVE my birthday) or that I always loved the new start of back to school growing up—whatever the reason, it’s one of my favorites. It always feels like a softer start to the new year, a time to reflect and gather before winter comes. With that in mind, I thought I’d share 4 things that I’ve been absolutely loving this month in the hopes that maybe you’ll love them too.

illumine. Magazine

Created by Gina Luker (@theshabbycreekcottage on insta), this magazine was everything I wanted and more going into September. It was beautiful, cozy, thoughtful and full of self care. I ADORED it and am still doing some of the journal prompts and rituals. It was so fun to get a tangible magazine in the mail (she offers digital too if you prefer)! The October Issue is out early and I already grabbed a copy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

The Enchanted Greenhouse

Written by Sarah Beth Durst, the Enchanted Greenhouse is the second in a series (the first is The Spellshop). If you’re looking for a cozy read, this IS IT. I love the world that Durst has created and how much hope and connection is woven into her books. But this book, honestly the thing I loved most was the food descriptions! It had me drooling and breaking out my baking supplies. It’s a perfect fall or winter read.

Passion Planner

I’ve been a passion planner customer for many years now and I always get so excited to order my new planner (see September = back to school giddiness). There designs are always so stunning and the 2026 designs are no exception. Mine is the “Cosmic Charm” design and it makes me excited to start dreaming up next year.

My Nuuly Order

I’m trying Nuuly out for the first time and am so excited about my first order. Nuuly is a clothing rental company where you can rent designs for a month and then choose to buy or send back. You get 6 items a month and can pause at any time. I’ve got several travel events this month and didn’t really want to purchase specific outfits for those events. So, I’m super excited about the ability to rent them.

I hope you find something you also enjoy and that can offer you a little joy, a little hope, a little refresh this September.

Disclaimer: I do not receive commissions for purchases made through links, however I do receive rewards via Nuuly through the referral link.

Miss Lily is One!

That's right, I know you've seen the party but you don't think we could let this little girl turn the big O-N-E without a proper photo shoot do you?  Get out your awww's and oooo's because this is about to be a whole lot of cute!

First of all a big shout out to The Cup in Bearden for letting us do the first half of the photo shoot there.  It was perfect for Lily's intimate birthday celebration and I can't say enough how awesome the staff was (and the cupcakes!). 

We met early and a very very cold Saturday to do the photo shoot.  I was so glad we were inside and sipping coffee when we got started. As previously stated, we met at The Cup and got out the balloons and party hats.

And what's a birthday without  cake?  Especially a yummy cupcake?

After we had our fill of cupcake and balloons, we headed over to the L&N for a few more shots of the beautiful birthday girl.

Thank you to Freddie and Lindsey for letting me be apart of this exciting time in your family's life.  I have enjoyed getting to know you two better and you beautiful daughter.  I think you would both agree that its been an exciting and wonderful first year for Lily!  Happy birthday Lily!

Joy and Thanks

First my apologies for being away from the blog some this week.  It was quite the week, I started a different part time job, had a lot of meetings for photography, and it was my birthday...whew.  So it was quite busy.  But I warned you it was going to be that way for awhile, so hang in there, I promise I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.Now that apologies are out front and center, I want to say thank you to everyone for making my birthday such a wonderful day.  Thank you for all the facebook well wishes, for my husband for spoiling me like always, and all my friends and family that took the time to call.  It was a wonderful day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So, speaking of spoiling, two of my presents that I got COMPLETELY spoiled with are shown in the above picture.  My parents got a 10 piece cooking set, which I was totally surprised by.  We never got one for our wedding and had been using a set from Speed Racer's bachelor days, and although that set was very nice too, it's nice to have a complete set.

The other really cool present I got was from my friend T-shirt.  She ordered these spices from Penzeys Spices, with a cute note that said "Hope this inspires a Dish-o-the-Week!"  I can't wait to try them out, and I'll have to think of a new dish and call it the T-shirt :)

So there you go, I've officially been spoiled.  There's no going back.  I love birthdays, not just because of gifts, but when I get down to the heart of the matter it's because I love any excuse to celebrate whether it's for me or someone else.  Thanks again to everyone for such a wonderful day, and keep your eye on the blog for some new cooking recipes now that I am armed and ready to go!