I remembered every minute of this game
Hi friend,
SWEATER WEATHER!!!!
I spent the weekend at Mizzou—the birthplace of homecoming—with my daughters, and it delivered on every fall promise. The best weather. That college energy. Parades, people everywhere, and a big upset win over the Florida Gators!
Once upon a time, a college football weekend and a drink in my hand went together without question. I actually hated going to the games because it slowed my drinking time. This time I remembered every minute, from the parade to the final whistle, with my girls right beside me. That's the kind of fun I'm chasing now.
I wanted to know how everyone else is welcoming fall, so I asked my Insider members. Their answers made me want to light a candle and put on a pot of chili. Here's what's happening in their homes right now:
- Mornings start with a fire in the wood-burning stove—and by afternoon, every window is open to let in the fresh, warm air.
- A counter overflowing with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers from the garden. (With a short growing season, harvest happens in September and October, "pending an early frost!")
- Soup and stew season is back. Warm, hearty dinners.
- Understated white felt pumpkins that carry the house all the way to December 1st.
- An old vegetable garden that's now home to apple and pear trees, with the fall harvest coming from a local organic farm stand. The pumpkins and squash become decor… until they're eaten.
- No Halloween anymore (no kids, no trick-or-treaters), but creative, cool pumpkins come out—and not a day before October officially hits.
- Not ready for pumpkin candles yet. Bath & Body Works Cinnamon vanilla is the early-fall pick.
- First rainy, cooler day = the heated blankets come out… for the dog.
- New candles (one member swears by "Witchy Sh*t" from Effin Candle Co. in Kansas City), lit any time it's dark outside, morning or night.
- A fire in the backyard.
- Watching for the first bright yellow ginkgo leaf to fall in the front yard.
- Fall leaves, berries, and little accent pieces all around the house. "It feels warm and cozy!"
- Football, chili, fall smells, and crisp air.
And of course, the chili debate. One member's recipe has pepperoni, Italian sausage, and her own canned tomatoes—she gets raves on it and says it "always speaks of fall." Another says her husband's chili is complicated and awesome, while hers is an easy black bean chili (a WW recipe).
Reading these, I noticed something. Not one of them comes in a glass. We used to think the drink was the ritual. Turns out the ritual was the pause—the candle, the fire, the blanket, the slow dinner.
Celebrating our community
Last week, one of our members celebrated one year alcohol-free, and another celebrated eight years. Whether you're on day one or decade two, there's a seat for you here.
Two more wins I want to name: one member signed up for 1:1 coaching for extra support through the holidays, and another reached out asking for a buddy for peer support.
Those count. Asking for support isn't a sign you're slipping. It's a sign you're paying attention.
Sober October workshop recap
Thank you to everyone who joined the Sober October workshop—it was such a good night. The replay link has expired, but the Sober October workbook lives inside Insider. Your first week is free → HERE
One spot left for Nashville
Our fall retreat has one spot left. Fall foliage, a lake, kayaks, a fire, good food, special guests at Draper & James, swag bags that dreams are made of, and real connection with women who get it. If you've been on the fence, this is your sign → Grab your spot HERE
What I'm working on this October
My own Sober October is about taking care of the basics. I'm working on my sleep hygiene, getting more steps outside in my favorite weather, and making room for my writing projects.
Not glamorous. Just mine.
What's your fall ritual? Hit reply and tell me—I read everyone (and I'll take the chili recipes, too).
XO!
Heather
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