Sunday Sustenance
Welcome to August!
I’m savoring the last true month of summer - the hot, slow days, the cotton candy sunsets, the warmest ocean all year - before the air inevitably turns a little cooler as we slide into September. Although to be honest, September is great for running and apple muffins so I’m looking forward to it too. In honor of riding the crest until it breaks, I give you my picks for August:
Garden Plans. I moved recently to a home with a garden, which has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I’ve been making progress - after a couple of initial hiccups, I built a raised bed and planted it with veggies that can tolerate (and even love) the Florida summer heat. I also started a little food forest that’s really taken off with cranberry hibiscus, Bele tree, Florida broadleaf mustard, edible spinach, an avocado tree and my (now thriving!) sapodilla tree. My next plan is to convert a large circular area beyond the driveway to a potager garden - with mostly herbs and vegetables, and some flowers. I’ve been looking at garden design plans for inspiration and thought I’d share a few here. So far the plan is to do an arched trellis at the entry way and then several raised beds around a centerpiece. So many possibilities!
These vegan chipotle black bean burgers. I’m not vegan but my boyfriend is, so we eat a lot of plant-based meals. I’ve found it easier than I expected to eat vegan and enjoy the process of finding new things to make that we’ll both like. We make a lot of lentil pasta, fajitas, Indian, tempeh, and salad, but I love a veggie burger and I can’t wait to try these. Sweet potato fries on the side are definitely the move. World of Vegan has lots of other fabulous vegan recipes too.
Breaking Bad. How am I just watching this show for the first time? It’s so good.
Wellness habits. I thought I’d share one of the many wellness practices I’ve integrated into my daily life. When I think about all the little things that add up to make my days great, there are lots of small habits, rituals and routines I’ve developed. One is that every night before I go to bed, I try to do at least one thing for my future self. I think about my plans and goals for the morning and how I can set myself up for success. I try to remove as many potential obstacles as possible. I always set my coffee cup and coffee out in the kitchen. If I’m going to yoga, I’ll put my bag and yoga mat by the door so I can just grab them on my way out. If I’m going for a walk in the morning, I’ll put my clothes and shoes out so I don’t have to think - I can just get dressed and get out the door. Sometimes I prep a good, healthy breakfast for myself if I know I’m going to have a busy morning.
That habit of thinking ahead and anticipating what my future self will need or want is functional, but it also ingrains in me a habit of self love and self consideration. I’m treating myself the way I would a loved one - thinking of them and trying to make their life a little better. What’s one thing that your present self could do to help your future self tomorrow?
Have a great week and enjoy the lead up to the full moon!