A Soulful Reflection on the Autumn Equinox

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Embracing Balance: A Soulful Reflection on the Autumn Equinox

As the wheel of the year turns, the autumn equinox arrives, inviting us to pause and honor a sacred threshold. On this day, light and darkness share the sky in perfect balance, reminding us of the delicate dance between opposites — endings and beginnings, release and renewal, work and rest.

The equinox is not just a seasonal marker but a gentle teacher. Nature whispers her wisdom: leaves surrender their grip, colors soften into gold and crimson, and the air carries a crispness that signals change. In this surrender, we are reminded that letting go is not loss but a natural part of the cycle — making space for what is next.

A Time for Reflection

The equinox is an invitation to look inward. Where in your life are you holding on tightly? What is ready to be released like the falling leaves? And where might balance be calling you back home?
It is a beautiful time for journaling, lighting a candle, or walking among the trees while noticing what stirs within you.

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Honoring the Harvest

Traditionally, this is also a time of gratitude for the harvest — both literal and symbolic. We can give thanks not only for food that nourishes us but also for the unseen harvests: lessons learned, friendships deepened, resilience discovered. By pausing to notice our abundance, we plant seeds of contentment that carry us into the darker months with warmth and trust.

A Gentle Practice

Try this simple equinox ritual:

  • Step outside, even briefly, and feel the ground beneath your feet.
  • Inhale deeply, imagining you are drawing in light.
  • Exhale slowly, releasing something you no longer need to carry.
  • Whisper an affirmation: I honor the balance of light and dark, within and around me.

As we cross this threshold together, may we find comfort in the rhythm of the seasons, remembering that balance is not a fixed point but a living, breathing practice.

The equinox reminds us that every ending carries the seed of a beginning. Let us walk forward with gratitude, courage, and an open heart — ready for the beauty of what lies ahead.

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The Beauty of Letting Go: Lessons from the Autumn Trees

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Every year as autumn arrives, I am reminded of one of life’s most beautiful lessons: the art of letting go. The trees, in their quiet wisdom, show us how to release what no longer serves us. Their leaves turn radiant shades of amber, gold, and crimson before they loosen their grip and drift softly to the earth. There’s such grace in this cycle. No struggle. No resistance. Only trust.

One of my favorite quotes says, “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” Every time I hear these words, I feel a nudge in my own heart to pause and ask: What am I still holding onto?

Letting Go

In my personal journey, letting go has been a constant practice. After multiple surgeries, unexpected changes in my teaching path, and seasons of deep uncertainty, I have found myself clinging to the old ways—habits, identities, and expectations of how I thought life should look. But the more I tried to hold on, the heavier it felt. The more I resisted change, the more stuck I became.

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The trees remind us there’s another way. They release with beauty. They trust that even though the branches look bare for a time, spring will come. Life will renew. And so will we.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or discarding. It means honoring what has been, blessing it with gratitude, and then gently setting it down. Just as fallen leaves enrich the soil, the things we release continue to nourish our growth in unseen ways.

A Mindful Practice for Letting Go

Find a quiet moment today to sit comfortably, either indoors or outside where you can see the sky or feel the breeze. Close your eyes and take a few slow, steady breaths. With each exhale, imagine releasing a leaf into the air—each leaf carrying something you are ready to let go of. Watch it float gently down, landing softly, without force. Allow yourself to trust in this natural rhythm of release.

A Gratitude Meditation

Place one hand on your heart and whisper a quiet thank you for all the lessons the past has given you. Then, breathe in deeply and say silently: “I am grateful for the strength to release.” On your exhale, say: “I create space for new beginnings.” Repeat this simple mantra for a few breaths, letting gratitude and trust fill your heart.

As the trees show us, there is beauty in release. In the space we create, new life will always find its way.

Closing Reflection:
This season, may we learn from nature’s wisdom. May we loosen our grip, soften into trust, and embrace the quiet beauty of letting go.

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Living in Alignment: Discovering Your True Values Through Mindfulness

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Living in Alignment: Discovering Your True Values Through Mindfulness

In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Yet deep within each of us lives a set of guiding values—compassion, honesty, kindness, presence—that serve as an inner compass. When we pause long enough to listen, mindfulness helps us reconnect with these truths and live with greater intention. I like to think of these values as the roots of ourselves, much like a tree.

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Tuning Inward

Through mindfulness, we begin to notice the subtle ways our actions either align with or drift away from our deepest values. This gentle awareness isn’t about judgment, but about clarity. It allows us to ask: Am I living in a way that reflects what I truly believe?

Living Authentically

When our daily choices reflect our values, life feels less scattered and more grounded. Instead of moving through the world on autopilot, we experience a sense of balance, authenticity, and peace. Mindfulness becomes not just a practice on the cushion, but a way of walking through life.

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An Invitation to Pause

Take a few moments today to pause and reflect:

• What values are most important to me?

• Where in my life am I living in alignment with them?

• Where might I gently realign?

These reflections are simple yet powerful steps toward living with authenticity and purpose.

Living in alignment with your values is not only empowering—it is the foundation of a mindful, intentional life.

Stay Connected

If this reflection resonates with you, I invite you to like, share, and subscribe for more mindfulness practices, reflections, and guided meditations. Subscribe here for gentle yoga, chronic pain support, and mindful movement.

Take a listen as I walk you through discovering your roots.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

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Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew: A Cozy Fall Recipe Full of Flavor

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There’s something magical about fall — the crisp air, golden leaves, and the scent of warm spices filling the kitchen. For me, autumn means slowing down, savoring comfort foods, and nourishing both body and spirit.

This Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. Packed with root vegetables, earthy herbs, and a hint of sweetness from butternut squash and apple, it’s the perfect blend of savory and soul-warming. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening with crusty bread or meal-prepping for the week, this stew will wrap you in comfort and flavor.

Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew

Ingredients:

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  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 1 large sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or splash of apple cider vinegar before serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the butternut squash, sweet potato, and apple. Stir in thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to release the flavors.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in the kale or Swiss chard and cook another 5 minutes, until wilted.
  5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
  6. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

Closing Reflection:

This fall-flavored stew is more than just a meal — it’s a reminder of how food can bring comfort, warmth, and connection to the season. As the days grow shorter and evenings cooler, take time to nourish yourself with wholesome ingredients and a little kitchen magic.

What’s your favorite cozy fall recipe? Share in the comments below — I’d love to hear!

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Daily Drop of Gratitude: 3–5 Minute Daily Gratitude Meditations for Mindful Living

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A Simple Daily Practice for Mindful Living

Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective, calm our nervous system, and bring us back to what truly matters. That’s why I’m so excited to share my new Daily Drop of Gratitude series — short 3–5 minute guided meditations now available on the Insight Timer app.

This series was created to help you pause each day and reconnect with gratitude in a simple, approachable way. No matter how busy life feels, you can take just a few mindful minutes to cultivate appreciation — and let that ripple out into the rest of your day.

Why Gratitude?

Science shows that practicing gratitude regularly can:

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  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve sleep and overall well-being
  • Strengthen relationships and connection
  • Foster resilience, even in challenging times

A daily gratitude practice doesn’t need to be long or complicated. Even just a few mindful breaths of appreciation can change the tone of your entire day.

What to Expect in the Daily Drop of Gratitude

Each day, you’ll be guided through a short practice centered around a theme of gratitude — for your breath, your body, nature, connection, lessons learned, the present moment, and for life itself. These meditations are designed to be approachable, whether you’re brand-new to meditation or already have a practice.

Each session includes:

  • A gentle moment to settle in
  • A focused reflection on gratitude
  • A short closing to carry gratitude into your day

The beauty of this series is in its simplicity: just 3–5 minutes a day is enough.

How to Begin

All you need is a quiet space and a few minutes. Open the Insight Timer app, search for Daily Drop of Gratitude, and choose a session that calls to you. You can listen in the morning to set the tone for your day, or at night as a gentle reflection before sleep.

Join Me in Gratitude

My hope is that this practice helps you build a habit of gratitude that feels supportive and nourishing. When we pause to notice and appreciate the good — big or small — we align ourselves with joy, peace, and presence.

I’d love for you to join me for this series and make gratitude a daily ritual. Sometimes, the smallest moments have the biggest impact.

? Ready to begin? Subscribe to me on the Insight Timer app and take your first mindful step into gratitude today. The Daily Drop of Gratitude will be uploaded soon!

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

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Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

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Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Cinnamon Maple Syrup

Fall mornings call for something warm, cozy, and a little bit indulgent. These sourdough pumpkin spice pancakes are the perfect way to use your sourdough starter while enjoying the flavors of the season. Light, fluffy, and full of pumpkin spice goodness, this recipe combines the tang of sourdough with the comforting taste of pumpkin.

Whether you are cooking for your family or simply want to treat yourself to a homemade fall breakfast, these sourdough pumpkin pancakes will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A delicious way to use sourdough discard or active starter
  • Perfect balance of pumpkin spice and sourdough tang
  • Freezer-friendly for quick breakfasts throughout the week
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Maple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
    In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sourdough starter, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  4. Cook the Pancakes
    Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes until golden brown.
  5. Make the Cinnamon Maple Syrup
    In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over low heat and stir in the cinnamon. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Serve and Enjoy
    Stack the pancakes, drizzle with warm cinnamon maple syrup, and enjoy immediately.

Tips and Variations

  • Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra flavor.
  • Make a double batch and freeze leftovers. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
  • Use sourdough discard for a mild tang, or active starter for extra rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute non-dairy milk and coconut oil for butter.

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Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.

What type of sourdough starter works best?
Both discard and active starter work well. Discard will give a denser texture, while active starter makes the pancakes fluffier.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough pumpkin spice pancakes are a delicious way to enjoy fall flavors while putting your sourdough starter to good use. With their warm spices, fluffy texture, and sweet cinnamon maple syrup, they are sure to become a breakfast tradition in your kitchen.

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

How to Embrace the Space Between Summer and Fall: Mindful Tips for the Transition Season

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Leaning Into the Space Between Seasons

There’s something magical about this time of year — when a single leaf can hold two seasons in its veins. One half is still lush green, clinging to summer, while the other half has turned a deep, fiery red, signaling the approach of fall.

This leaf feels like a mirror for life right now. We’re caught between what has been and what is coming — still holding onto the warmth of summer while quietly sensing the cool edge of fall creeping in.

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It can be tempting to either look back with longing — wishing for just a few more golden summer days — or to rush forward, already dreaming about cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and autumn flavors.

But there is a gift in today, right here in this transitional season. When we slow down enough to notice, this time between summer and fall invites us to be fully present. To breathe in the crisp morning air. To feel the last warm rays of summer sun on our skin. To delight in the contrast between them.

Practical Mindful Tips for Enjoying the Transition Season

  • Wake up a little earlier. Step outside before the day begins and notice the cool morning air, the shifting light, and the quiet.
  • Spend a few moments barefoot. Let your feet connect with the earth — on the grass, deck, or kitchen floor — and feel grounded in the present moment.
  • Eat seasonally. Enjoy the last fresh tomatoes, berries, and herbs while welcoming early apples, squash, and root vegetables. Notice how the flavors reflect this transitional season.
  • Practice mindful movement outdoors. Gentle stretches, a slow walk, or standing in Mountain Pose while breathing deeply helps anchor you in the present.
  • Pause at sunset. The days are shortening — take a few minutes to watch the changing sky and let that mark the shift in your own day.

This season is fleeting. The green will fade. The red will deepen. But right now, both exist together — and that is a reminder to hold space for this moment, too.

When we embrace the “space between” summer and fall, we discover that life slows down. We find joy not just in the heat of summer or the glory of autumn, but in the simple act of being here — right now — exactly as we are.

Journal Prompt:

Take a few quiet moments to reflect on this in-between season:

  • What are you holding onto from the past summer?
  • What are you noticing as fall begins to emerge?
  • How can you fully embrace the present day, letting go of longing for what was or worry about what’s to come?

Write freely and notice any sensations, thoughts, or gratitude that arise as you explore this mindful transition.

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Letting Go to Embrace New Beginnings: How Releasing What Holds You Back Creates Space for Growth

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There’s a quiet magic in letting go. Life often teaches us that holding on—whether to people, habits, expectations, or old stories—can feel safe, familiar, even comforting. Yet, in that very holding on, we may unknowingly close the door to something new, something richer, something that our heart has been quietly waiting for.

“When you let go, you make space for something else.”

Letting go is like the rhythm of the seasons. Consider the tree: in autumn, it releases its leaves—not as a loss, but as a necessary step to conserve energy, grow stronger roots, and prepare for the new life that spring will bring. When we release what no longer serves us—old habits, limiting beliefs, toxic relationships—we lighten our load, create space for clarity, and allow ourselves to grow in ways we couldn’t while holding on.

The benefits of letting go are profound:

  • Emotional freedom: Lightening the weight of what holds you back can reduce stress and open your heart to joy.
  • Mental clarity: Releasing mental clutter helps you focus on what truly matters.
  • New opportunities: Letting go creates space for growth, creativity, and connections that align with your highest self.
  • Deeper self-trust: Each act of release is an exercise in courage, intuition, and faith in life’s unfolding.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up and doesn’t mean you failed. It’s an act of courage, a soulful acknowledgment that what’s meant for you cannot thrive while your hands are full of what no longer serves you.

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So today, take a moment to notice: what in your life is asking to be released? What can you gently set down to allow room for growth, love, and new beginnings? And remember, the space you create is sacred. It is a canvas for the beautiful, unexpected, and transformative possibilities waiting to enter your life.

Mindful Practice:

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, imagine releasing one thing you’ve been holding onto—fear, doubt, old pain. Feel the lightness that follows. Open your heart to what might come next.

Affirmation:


I release what no longer serves me and welcome the blessings waiting for me.

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Pumpkin Spice Scones: Cozy Fall Baking at Home

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Pumpkin Spice Scones: Cozy Fall Baking at Home

There’s something about fall baking that just feels like a hug — the warm aroma of spices, the touch of pumpkin, and the crisp air outside. These pumpkin spice scones are soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for savoring with a cup of tea or coffee. Best of all, they’re simple enough to make any morning feel special.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup milk (or cream for richer scones)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Glaze with Pumpkin:

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  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tsp milk (or more as needed for consistency)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tsp pumpkin puree (adjust for desired color and flavor)

Instructions for Glaze:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
  2. Adjust consistency by adding a tiny bit more milk if needed — you want it thick enough to drizzle but not runny.
  3. Drizzle over warm scones for a lightly orange, autumn-inspired glaze.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Cut in butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and vanilla.
  5. Mix dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using. The dough will be slightly sticky.
  6. Shape scones: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges (or use a cookie cutter for rounds).
  7. Bake: Place scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Glaze (optional): When cool, drizzle with glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Cozy Fall Flavor:

  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for a sweet, sparkling crust.
  • Serve slightly warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • Pair with your favorite fall beverage — pumpkin spice latte, cold brew, or a comforting herbal tea.

These pumpkin spice scones are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall and create a mindful, delicious moment in your morning routine.

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Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Sourdough Apple Muffins with Crumble: Cozy Autumn Treats Made Easy

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There’s something so comforting about the smell of warm muffins baking in the oven, especially when they carry the gentle tang of sourdough and the sweet, cozy flavor of fresh apples. These Sourdough Discord Apple Muffins with Crumble are the perfect treat for autumn mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you need a little homemade magic. With a tender, slightly tangy crumb and a sweet, buttery topping, these muffins are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, they’re a fun way to use your sourdough starter beyond bread!

Sourdough Discord Apple Muffins with Crumble

Ingredients (makes 10–12 muffins):

For the Muffins:

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  • 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • ? cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced (or 2 small apples)

For the Crumble Topping:

  • ¼ cup (30g) flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cold butter, diced
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10–12 cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Combine: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
  5. Make Crumble: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter with your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs.
  6. Assemble: Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Sprinkle crumble generously on top of each muffin.
  7. Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool & Enjoy: Let muffins cool for 5–10 minutes before digging in (if you can wait!).

Tips & Fun Notes:

  • Toss apple pieces in cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
  • Muffins freeze beautifully for a quick grab-and-go snack.
  • Serve warm with butter or nut butter for maximum cozy vibes.


Baking is about more than ingredients—it’s about creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection. These Sourdough Discord Apple Muffins with Crumble invite you to slow down, enjoy the warm aromas, and savor each bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or treating yourself, these muffins are little reminders that the simplest ingredients can bring the sweetest moments.

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Team Apple vs. Team Pumpkin: Best Fall Recipes and Seasonal Favorites

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Team Apple vs. Team Pumpkin: Which Fall Flavor Wins Your Heart?

Every year as the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, one of the great debates of fall returns: Are you Team Apple or Team Pumpkin?

Pumpkin often takes center stage this season, showing up in lattes, pies, breads, and candles everywhere you turn. But apples have been a fall favorite for centuries—whether you’re picking them fresh from an orchard, baking them into a crisp, or simply enjoying them raw, they carry a comforting sweetness that feels like home.

So which side are you on? Let’s take a closer look at why apples deserve just as much love as pumpkin this fall.

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Why Apples Deserve the Spotlight

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits of the season. Their natural balance of sweet and tart makes them perfect for both savory and sweet recipes. Beyond taste, they’re also packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to fall meals and snacks.

Best of all, apples carry that nostalgic sense of fall—think apple-picking at the orchard, the smell of warm cider simmering on the stove, or the crunch of a fresh apple enjoyed on a chilly afternoon.

Simple Apple Recipes to Try This Season

If you’re on Team Apple (or maybe just curious to explore beyond pumpkin spice), here are a few cozy ideas to bring more apples into your fall kitchen:

  • Warm Cinnamon Baked Apples – A simple dessert where apples are cored, filled with oats, nuts, cinnamon, and a touch of honey, then baked until tender.
  • Homemade Apple Butter – Slow-cooked apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or stirred into oatmeal.
  • Classic Apple Crisp – A timeless comfort food with tender baked apples topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble.
  • Apple and Cheddar Snack Plate – The perfect combination of sweet and savory. Crisp apple slices paired with sharp cheddar make a quick, satisfying snack.
  • Mulled Apple Cider – A warming drink infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel that fills the house with the scent of autumn.

The Case for Pumpkin

Of course, pumpkin has its own charm. It’s rich, earthy, and pairs beautifully with warm spices. Pumpkin pies, muffins, soups, and, of course, the famous pumpkin spice latte all have their place in the fall kitchen.

But perhaps the joy of fall isn’t about choosing just one—it’s about celebrating the abundance and variety the season brings. Apples and pumpkins both connect us to the rhythms of the harvest, offering nourishment, comfort, and tradition.

So, Which Team Are You?

Whether you’re sipping on spiced cider or stirring pumpkin puree into your morning oats, fall is about savoring the flavors that bring you joy. I’d love to know—are you Team Apple, Team Pumpkin, or maybe a little of both? Share your favorite fall recipes and traditions in the comments below.

Here’s to cozy kitchens, comforting flavors, and a season filled with abundance. Subscribe and follow for some fun fall recipes to come!

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on my digital storefront!

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

The Foundation of Yoga

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The Foundation of Yoga: Returning to What Sustains

September has always felt like a month of renewal. The air shifts, the light changes, and there’s a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and come back to what sustains us.

In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get swept away from our roots — the practices that ground us, steady us, and remind us of who we are beneath the noise. Yoga, at its heart, is not just movement. It’s a way of returning home.

I created The Foundation of Yoga — a 3-part digital series designed to guide you back to your roots with practices that nourish both body and spirit.

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What’s Inside the Program

  • Yoga Practice: Gentle yet powerful practices to reconnect with breath, alignment, and awareness.
  • Discussion: Reflections on the deeper meaning of yoga, beyond the poses.
  • Mindfulness: Simple practices to weave presence and grounding into daily life.

This program is perfect for anyone feeling the call to reset — whether you’re beginning your yoga journey, returning after time away, or simply longing to reconnect with the essence of your practice.

The beauty of this series is that it’s completely self-paced. As a digital download, you can begin anytime, anywhere — letting the practices meet you right where you are.

September is the perfect moment to return to your foundation, to breathe deeply, and to remember what truly sustains you.

 Begin your journey today! Download this program HERE!

 Come back to your roots, your breath, to yourself. 

Mindful Practice: Returning to Your Foundation

1. Ground Through Breath
Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor or crossed on a cushion. Close your eyes and take 5 slow, deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine drawing nourishment from the earth. With each exhale, release what no longer serves you.

2. Root into the Present
Place your hands over your heart and gently whisper to yourself: “I am here. I am rooted. I am sustained.”

3. Carry It With You
Throughout the day, notice the moments when you feel scattered or pulled away. Pause, breathe, and silently repeat your affirmation to anchor back into your foundation.


“I return to my roots. I am grounded, sustained, and whole.”

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.