This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
This week came and went just as September did. I was not prepared for the end of the month and the start of a new one, hence my note:
This week was a blur, as I spent a portion of this week trying to catch up on writing and household tasks while planning fall activities and my son and I’s upcoming birthdays (our birthdays are a day a part ☺️), and visiting with friends in town because of the storm.
I’m working on wrapping up September’s reading recap and my monthly roundup, so this week, I am keeping the (Joy)Cap light.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Listening to this Snoopy jazz playlist with the kids. Mornings with the kids can be kind of chaotic, dealing with tantrums and hangriness. The kids were having quite a morning one of the days this week, and I hopped over to YouTube to turn on a fall ambience playlist in attempts to calm them down, and to my surprise, it worked! They ate their breakfast and played quietly when they were done. I’ve been playing it a few mornings this week, and I have noticed a difference in their demeanors in the morning. If you’re also dealing with cranky toddlers in the morning, it may be worth giving it a try!
A Trader Joe’s fall haul. On Tuesday, my brother-in-law was kind enough to come over and watch the kids, so I could take a solo trip to Trader Joe’s. Their Everyday and 21 Seasoning are some of my staples, and I’ve been out for months. Plus everyone knows that fall and Christmas is when Trader Joe’s is at its best, so I was excited to snag some of their fall products while they were still in stock. This is what I ended up picking up. Let me know your favorites, if you have any!
Hurricane Helene visits with friends. The only good thing about Hurricane Helene is that it brought a few friends of mine into town to seek reprieve from the storm. The other day my good friend and her kids came over, and it was so nice to catch up and watch the kids play.
Swinging with the kids at the park. Normally, I am fielding children and facilitating play at the park, but this week I joined in on the fun and hopped on the swings while we were at the park. I found it nice to be present in this way, and remind myself of what it felt like to be a care-free kid.
Making the viral TikTok Pumpkin Layered Cookies. I’m actually not on TikTok, but one of the YouTubers I watched shared them in her fall vlog, and I thought it would be fun to try them out for the kids. They turned out decent, but I think I made them too big. I’m going to make another batch, but smaller so the sugar cookie can bake better all the way through.
Abide shared this autumn-themed devotional in one of their newsletters, and it’s free on Kindle Unlimited. The devotionals are short and are a great pair with your morning coffee.
By now you have probably sensed the theme in my non-fiction reads. I’m in my parenting/motherhood books era. I started listening to Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by
and immediately had to buy a copy to go back and annotate and do all the highlights. I can already tell that this is a book I will be revisiting in the different seasons and stages of motherhood.
I finished reading The Pumpkin Spice Cafe a few weeks ago, and The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is next in the series. I bought a physical copy in addition to my Kindle copy, and the copper foil leaves on the cover are stunning.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
The culture of your home is critical to the foundation and fabric of your family, affecting how you love, disciple, train, and parent your kids. In this episode, DawnCheré’s parents share the challenges and blessings of shaping the culture of your home. This episode was so rich and filled with so much wisdom that I saved it and plan on re-listening to take notes. If you’re a parent or primary caregiver, please don’t skip this episode!
With all the fall decor and activities at your disposal, it can be so easy to indulge in the season’s trimmings. In this episode, Desirae shares how you can avoid falling prey to consumerism while still enjoying the season’s pleasures.
Currently Loving 💕
International Delight’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Cold Foam Creamer. I believe someone I watch on YouTube shared about this fall delight. I saw that it was available at my local Kroger and I had to try it. When I’m in the mood for a morning treat, I’ll top off my coffee with this creamy cold foam.
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
The Life Designer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Can’t afford a paid subscription to The Life Designer but still want to support my work? Here are some ways to consider:
☕️ Buy me a coffee to receive a one-time one-month comp. ❤️ Comment, like, or restack this post here on Substack. 🔄 Restack or share your favorite part of this post to your Substack Notes. 📧 Forward this email to a friend. 📲 Connect with me on IG @janelleaking and LinkedIn
You know I just thought it would be good to indulge in some fall scented candles and cozy up for movie night! Plus we love candle shopping and bonding over our favorites. Definitely checking out the Grumpy Mom
You know I just thought it would be good to indulge in some fall scented candles and cozy up for movie night! Plus we love candle shopping and bonding over our favorites. Definitely checking out the Grumpy Mom
book.
LOVE the TJ's haul! I tried those cookies - so goooood! Today we are doing a fall winery drive and it's cool enough I can wear my 'fall' clothes.