Hi Reader!
I hope you’re having a great start to the fall season! September is the ultimate month of transition - the air is getting crisp, routines are back, and I’ve officially shifted from Labor Day salads to warm, comforting favorites in the kitchen. Here's my labor day spread (with a little cutie friend excited for my recipes) and me picking 12 pounds of apples at a local orchard!
I had a big professional win and got to see myself on the cover of Women’s World Magazine in their end-of-August issue! It was such an honor! And also so surreal and cool that you all sent me photos whenever you saw it out in the real world. I also hosted my 6th annual Spark Retreat for food bloggers this month. We gathered in a gorgeous house in Palm Springs to talk about our businesses and everything that is changing in the food space, especially with Ai. We also got to eat amazing food spreads every single day, it’s always such a rewarding time filled with great conversations.
My whole family joined the annual Zaman Hope for Humanity 5k run/walk. My son, Adam, definitely kicked my butt, but I did manage to snag a PR, so I’m not complaining. This past weekend we also joined the Grand Rapids community at the first annual Arabian Nights - an evening to celebrate Arab culture with food, music, dancing and fun bizarre. Next year I'm definitely getting myself a traditional Arab dress to wear!
It was a full month of professional excitement and family fun! I can’t wait to share all the cozy, feel-good recipes I’ve been inspired to create.