Posts filed in Living

Living

The Featured Table: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen

There is something deeply grounding about a kitchen that feels calm, open, and thoughtfully composed. It is the heart of the home, yes, but it is also a place we move through many times a day. When it feels cluttered or visually noisy, that energy seeps into everything else. When it feels intentional, even the smallest moments feel more beautiful.

This week’s Featured Table is a little different. Instead of a recipe, we’re focusing on simple, attainable ways to refresh your kitchen and reconnect with the joy of being in the space.

Before adding anything new, the most important first step is subtraction.

Clear the countertops as much as you can. Put things back where they belong. Let go of the extras that no longer serve you. Simplicity and a touch of minimalism create an immediate sense of calm and openness. From there, keep only what you truly love to see and use. This is not about emptiness. It is about intention. The goal is to create moments of joy every time you step into the room.

Once the foundation feels clear, small changes can make a surprisingly big impact.

August Table Wallpaper in Premium Matte or Peel and Stick

One of our favorite ways to refresh a kitchen is with peel and stick wallpaper. It is approachable, flexible, and endlessly creative. You might cover an entire wall, choose just one area for impact, or use it as a backdrop inside open shelving or glass front cabinets. Even a small section can shift the entire mood of the space, adding pattern, warmth, and personality without a full renovation.

Luxe B Co. Dish Soap Brush

Another simple upgrade is changing out your faucet. This is one of those details that you touch every day, yet often overlook. A new faucet can instantly elevate the room. Brass and copper tones bring warmth and character, while chrome and silver feel timeless and clean. Many of the newer shapes are sculptural and elegant, functioning as a design element all on their own.

We love the shape of this vase by Luxe B Co.

Think, too, about the pieces that live beside your stove. A beautiful crock or vessel for utensils can be both functional and grounding. A vase or urn, even when empty, can act as a quiet piece of art. These objects anchor the space and add visual rhythm without clutter.

Bringing life into the kitchen changes everything. A pot of fresh herbs near a window, a simple bundle of flowers on the counter, or even greenery clipped from the yard adds softness and movement. These living elements remind us to slow down and be present.

Wood is another wonderful way to introduce warmth. Consider a collection of cutting boards in varying shapes and heights, leaned casually against the backsplash. They are practical, sculptural, and timeless, and they add a natural layer that balances stone and metal surfaces beautifully.

August Table Here Comes the Sun Napkins in Tern Gray

Textiles matter more than we think. A fresh set of dish towels can introduce a pop of color or pattern with very little effort. Napkins and playful bowls do the same, especially when left out where they can be enjoyed daily rather than saved for special occasions.

Small functional luxuries also deserve a place. A good quality olive oil kept near your utensil crock, especially one housed in a beautiful bottle, brings together ease, usefulness, and good design. The same goes for salt and pepper shakers. There are so many thoughtful, sculptural options available now that turn everyday tools into something worth displaying.

At the heart of all of this is a simple idea. Form and function should live together. Your kitchen should work well, yes, but it should also make your heart sing.

When the space feels calm and considered, it invites you to slow down. To brew your favorite cup of tea. To pause at the counter and take in the light. To enjoy the beauty of the everyday.

That, in many ways, is what August Table is always about. Creating spaces and moments that feel intentional, nourishing, and quietly joyful.

Tags:
, , ,
Living

A Quiet Beginning: Looking Ahead to 2026 with Intention

The days just after the New Year are some of my favorite of the entire year.

The pace softens. The light feels gentler. Winter invites us inward, offering space to reflect before the rush of what’s next begins again. These quieter days feel like a threshold, a moment to pause and ask what we truly want to carry forward and what we’re ready to leave behind.

In a world that moves quickly and asks so much of our attention, intention feels more important than ever. Without it, the days can easily fill themselves. The busyness grows louder. Focus drifts. But when we choose, even gently, what matters most, something shifts. We begin to make time for what we hope to build, nurture, and become.

Below, the image you see is August Table’s vision board for 2026. It reflects the values, rhythms, and intentions guiding both my personal life and the work we share here.

At the heart of it is a simple belief:
A life well lived, one table at a time.

Health and Wellness, Gently and Sustainably

Health remains a guiding focus as we move into 2026. Not in a rigid or prescriptive way, but through nourishment, awareness, and respect for the body.

We will continue sharing recipes that are blood sugar friendly, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Food that feels comforting and celebratory while also supporting long-term well-being. Alongside this, we are creating more space for slowing down, listening to the body, and choosing what truly supports health, both at and beyond the table.

Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

August Table has always been about elevating the everyday. In the year ahead, we are leaning even more deeply into the idea that ordinary moments can be extraordinary when approached with intention.

Design, food, and presence have the power to transform a simple meal into a meaningful ritual. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a quiet breakfast alone, or a table set for friends, we hope to continue encouraging gathering in all its forms.

Creativity as a Daily Practice

Creativity is not reserved for grand moments. It lives in layers, textures, and the small choices made each day.

In 2026, we will continue designing prints that feel collected, storied, and rooted in nature and tradition. The table remains our canvas, layered with linens, ceramics, food, and florals, each element contributing to a sense of warmth and belonging.

Protecting time and space for creative work is essential. It allows ideas to unfold naturally and keeps the work grounded, intentional, and honest.

Personal Development and Alignment

As August Table grows, so does the responsibility to lead from a place of alignment, clarity, and gratitude. This means being thoughtful about where energy is spent and making room for what matters most.

Growth does not have to be loud or rushed. Often, it happens quietly through consistency, reflection, and intention.

Creating Your Own Vision

A vision board is not about perfection or prediction. It’s about direction. It gives shape to what you are moving toward and serves as a reminder of your values when the days feel busy or distracting.

If you feel inspired to create your own, you’ll find a simple template linked here that you can use as a starting point. Whether your focus is health, creativity, rest, or connection, the act of naming what you want to cultivate can be powerful.

As we step into this new year, my hope is that you find moments of quiet, clarity, and intention. Moments to set the table thoughtfully, to nourish yourself well, and to create space for what you truly want to grow.

Thank you for being here and for sharing this season with us. Happy New Year!

With warmth,
Carrie

Tags:
, , , , ,
Living

Fresh Looks for Your Summer Table: Three New Tablecloths Have Arrived

We’re welcoming June with three beautiful new tablecloths—each one designed to make your summer gatherings feel a little more effortless, a little more elegant.

First up: our beloved Garden print is now available in not one but two new colorways, both featuring a soft gray background that grounds the lush floral pattern with just the right amount of sophistication. Whether you’re setting the table for brunch on the porch or dinner in the dining room, these new tablecloths pair perfectly with our Garden napkins for a collected, layered look.

And then, something truly special: for the first time ever, our Seraphim Athena print—long a favorite among our napkin collection—has been reimagined as a tablecloth. Rendered in the most delicate, whisper-soft blue, this design brings an airy calm to any tablescape. It’s a study in grace and quiet beauty.

We can’t wait for you to see these new arrivals. Check them out here and let your table bloom.

Tags:
Living

Savoring the Simple Moments

In a world where our phones have become our constant companions and social media offers a steady stream of updates, it can be hard to recall life before technology took center stage. There was a time, not so long ago, when the rhythm of life wasn’t dictated by the buzz of notifications or the pressure to keep up with the latest trends. Conversations happened face-to-face, and time felt less fragmented, more whole.

Technology has propelled us forward in countless ways. We can connect with loved ones across the globe in an instant, work remotely, and access the world’s knowledge from a small device in our hands. Yet, as we rush from one task to the next, we often forget the beauty that lies in slowing down.

Think back to a time when keepsakes were crafted by hand—perhaps a hand-sewn quilt passed down through generations or a set of napkins block-printed with care. These objects carried stories, embodying the love and patience poured into their creation. The same could be said for meals: before fast food and quick fixes, meals were often born from the ground up, quite literally. A family’s garden would provide the vegetables for a home-cooked dinner, and the preparation of a meal was an act of love, of slowing down to nourish both body and soul.

For us at August Table, this means taking time to enjoy a simple meal outside in the garden. Meals don’t need to be elaborate to create a welcoming and wonderful setting. A few fresh ingredients, a thoughtfully set table with soft linens, and the joy of being surrounded by nature are enough to remind us that some of life’s most fulfilling moments are the ones that embrace simplicity.

Slowing down doesn’t mean retreating from progress. It means finding balance. It means recognizing that while technology has brought us convenience, innovation, and connection, some of life’s greatest joys remain in the simple, timeless moments. Savoring a homemade meal, sharing a story with a loved one, or simply being present in the quiet of a morning are reminders that happiness doesn’t always come from moving faster, but from being still.

As we continue forward in this fast-paced, ever-evolving world, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the things that truly matter. To savor those small, seemingly insignificant moments that, in reality, are the very essence of what makes life full. The beauty of hand-crafted keepsakes, the nourishment from a garden meal, and the depth of face-to-face conversations—all remind us that sometimes, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the permission to slow down.

Tags:
, ,
Living

5 Spring Decorating Ideas For Your Living Space

Bouquet of rose flowers near window with curtain – Adding a few flowers can brighten up any room!

When spring rolls in, it’s time to lighten and brighten your home decor. Hopefully, you’ve had time to do some deep spring cleaning and now have all the possibilities spread out before you.

Can you imagine your home as a canvas? You are the artist that makes your space the cozy charmer it is and can be.

And now, as the earth renews itself, there is something in the riot of flowers and greenery that makes us want to put our living space through its own renewal, too.

Let’s look at a few ideas of what can be done to freshen up and beautify your home.

Artwork

Take a look at your walls. If they’re leaning towards darker, deeper colors you might consider rotating some of your artwork with the season. 

To draw from the powerful rejuvenation of spring and to be “so much sunshine to the square inch,” to quote Walt Whitman, bring Nature inside and slather it on your walls. 

Look over a room you want to change. Do you want a space that sings with color? Or do you want a room that makes you feel calm and peaceful with the softness of spring pastels? Perhaps it’s a touch of coastal beauty that you long for.

Expand your horizons and check out the appeal of some abstract nature artists. They bring the outside into your home. Some do so with more of the emotion of a natural setting rather than with the rigidity of realism.

Capital Reef Abstract by Tate Fairbanks

To get an idea of abstract nature paintings, check out new artist Tate Fairbanks at the TSC Gallery or the available collections at Saatchi Art. 

Small Changes with Color

If you’re up to painting a room or an accent wall, yes–that will dramatically change your living space and brighten your environment. Luxe paint company Farrow & Ball have an eco-friendly product and employ consultants to help you pick the right colors for your home. At the very least, their online galleries are a great place to get some inspiration.

However, if you don’t have the time or inclination for a painting project, add pops of color with new lampshades, pillows, and maybe a cheerfully painted cabinet.

Embroidered Cockatoo Lamp Shade by Anthropologie

Blush seems to be the choice of the current season. We’re seeing a lot of layering with different shades of this soft color. Our blushy rosefinch is a perfect neutral pink to add that won’t clash with other hues, but be sure to check all of the pinks if you want to add this trend to your home.

However, just because this popular color is in vogue, doesn’t mean it’s right for you if it isn’t your style. Find some throws, table linens, and pillows in spring colors that thrill you!

Windows

Take down any heavy draperies and replace with lighter, brighter fabric. Perhaps replace with sheers, or really let the light in by letting your windows go nude in rooms where you don’t need more privacy at night. Especially if the windows or the views are particularly pretty.

Sheer Curtains

Greenery

Flower cuttings are a gorgeous addition to any room. And, consider some permanent plant fixtures for your home, too. Green is the color of spring, and when it’s in our homes it tends to raise our contentment levels to blissful, new levels.

According to The Sill, “indoor plants don’t just look good – they can make us feel good, too. Studies have shown that indoor plants…

  • Boost your mood, productivity, concentration and creativity
  • Reduce your stress, fatigue, sore throats and colds
  • Help clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity & producing oxygen
  • Add life to a sterile space, give privacy and reduce noise levels
  • Are therapeutic to care for (it’s true when we say Plants Make People Happy)” 
The Sill

Light Fixtures

Rather than lots of tiny changes, perhaps choose one big one. Update a light fixture in your home with something that’s a bit of a show off. You could look at fixtures made from a lighter material or pick pendant lights made with colored glass, like these modern Nordic fixtures from Lampswell.

We’d love to see your design choices. Send pictures of your favorite spring changes. Good luck!

Tags:
, , , , , ,
Living

How to: Keeping Linens Fresh

After a long day, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as slipping into your cozy bed with its fresh, clean sheets and a blanket that’s the perfect weight and density. 

Whether you choose a pillowy, cloudy comforter or a cozy cotton quilt, you should feel your bed is designed perfectly for you. A sacred space where you can lay down the burdens of the day and just rest. 

If your bed isn’t what it should be, perhaps it’s time to invest in some crisp, organic cotton sheets and find a covering that makes your heart happy.

You’ll want to make sure your guests’ experience is comfortable and luxurious. 

This quotation from Nikos Kazantzakis is about perfect. “I knew that no matter what door you knock on in a Cretan village, it will be opened for you. A meal will be served in your honor, and you will sleep between the best sheets in the house. In Crete, the stranger is still the unknown god. Before him, all doors and all hearts are opened.”

Whatever linens create the ultimate sleeping spaces for you, your guest, and your family, they all need proper care to be at their lovely, fresh best.

Quilt on etsy

Baking Soda

Soak your linens with a sprinkling of baking soda before you start the wash cycle. You can also put a small box of slightly opened baking soda in the back of your linen closet to suck up offending odors. 

When you remove your sheets from the dryer or the clothesline, make sure they’re completely dry before you put them away. Any dampness at all can turn your linen closet into a mildewing mess.

Lavender Sachets by Belle River Boutique

Make Your Own Sachets

If you have lavender or rosemary on hand, you can make sachets to tuck in between sheets and blankets. 

These no-sewing-required ones from treehugger.com are a breeze to make:

“Cut thin white cotton fabric into a 4-inch square. Place dried lavender in the center of the square. Pick up the edges of the square and twist them. Tie a white ribbon tightly around the top to make a lavender sachet. Place the lavender sachet in with the blankets and comforters when storing them.”

You could also twist both ends and tie for a slimmer version of the sachet. Just make sure the twist ensures there is no gapping. 

Many people love lavender, but if it’s a little too flowery for you, use rosemary instead. Strip the greenery off its  branches and let dry before use. A nice combination would be to make sachets with cedar chips for blankets and rosemary for sheets.

Another alternative is to wrap a few bars of your favorite soap in fabric and tuck that in the closet with your linens. If you’ve discovered a divinely scented soap, this might be the best option for you.

Make sure to rotate your linens so each set gets equal use and is aired out properly, rather than being stuck in the back of the closet. 

Linen Spray

Freshen Between Washes

Before you make your bed in the morning, spray the air over your sleeping area with a natural linen spray. Stick to scents that are light and fresh, and that both you and your partner enjoy. 

Some people prefer to use perfume for their personal space. If so, make sure to spray the air above your bed and let the micro drops disperse evenly over your linens. Don’t heavily spray, and avoid strong scents. One spray should do it for a refreshing touch-up. Warm scents with notes of ginger, citrus, and soft florals work particularly well.

Rest easy and sleep well, friends.

“The most luxurious item is a beautiful bed and beautiful, simple sheets.”  –Andre Leon Talley

Tags:
, , , , ,
Living

3 Ways to Make Life More Beautiful in the New Year

There’s very little to be said about 2020 that hasn’t already been said. At its best, the year was a surprise and a challenge. At its worst, for those who’ve battled illness or lost loved ones, 2020  was absolutely devastating. 

In difficult times, choosing joy despite the challenges we face can be an act of bravery. 

Now, we have a new year before us. One we can fill however we like. We may not be able to control all the events in our lives, but we can choose how to respond. No doubt, the time ahead will bring its own challenges and joys, and we can choose to add as much light and beauty in the new year, come what may.

Make and Enjoy Good Art

In a stirring graduation speech, author Neil Gaiman said:

“Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do. Make good art.”

He didn’t say it had to be perfect or Mozart-level genius art. But we can channel our experiences into art and be better for it.

Swannannoa [Oil on Canvas] by Carrie Allen

For some reason, we don’t think we have to be professionals to play tennis or sing in the shower. We think there’s something shameful in writing a poem if we’re not Lorca or painting a landscape if we’re not Monet.

However, we are made up of how we spend our time. The act of creation shapes us into something better.

According to oilpixel.com, “Art in any form, whether while creating or observing, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. It also releases the feel-good hormones called endorphins which helps you combat stress and pain. By letting you enjoy a sense of fulfillment, it transforms you into a more positive, well-rounded human being.”

To make your life more beautiful, consider adding more art to your life. Dust off those paintbrushes, get your piano tuned, take up the ukulele. Create, and you’ll reduce your stress and invite more happiness into your life. 

Sometimes people don’t realize that beautifying their home or making an exquisite dinner are forms of art too. But they are. A salad can be a poem. Especially if there are strawberries involved.

Artistry in nature can be breathtaking. Bring elegant, natural elements into your home to reflect the beauty and colors we find in the outdoors. Different textures are an essential detail to frame the smoother, softer palettes you have probably already chosen in your decorating. 

In the end, decorating, baking, writing, painting, sculpting, and all other forms of creation make life more glorious.

Besides, if you devote your time and effort, maybe you will make Beauty. Maybe you’ll get better at it.  Maybe you’ll find you’re even good at it.

Help Others

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: … the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ― Albert Schweitzer

Over the years, we’ve learned that “Scientific research provides compelling data to support the anecdotal evidence that giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness.” 

As we mature, we realize that giving is more satisfying than receiving. Giving doesn’t have to be a financial gift. Volunteering our time to worthy causes boosts our happiness and leads to a better quality of life. Find something you’re passionate about and champion that cause.

In the spirit of giving, one great way to give back is to:

Support Artists

In a world that uses art to survive, but undervalues its artists, support those who make life more beautiful with their creations.

Buy books from Indie publishers so the author will get the standard royalty from the purchase. Go to local galleries and shows, and buy the artist’s work when a piece of art stirs something in you. Promote authors and their work on social media and invite your friends to their events.

Filling your life with beauty, and helping others, might be the best ways to increase your hope and happiness. 

You’ll find combining the two can be miraculous.

Living

How to Create the Perfect Tablescape For Your Next Dinner Party

Throwing a dinner party is an art form all on its own. It’s an act of creation that can fill the hearts of your guests with warmth and memories for years to come. This kind of hosting takes finesse, taste and generosity.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

In fact, if you’re at ease and comfortable during the party, your guests will also be relaxed. A few simple touches create a beautiful space that you and your guests can enjoy together. This kind of artistry promotes conversation and makes your delectable meal taste even better. 

The Lighting

The time and the season should greatly influence your dinner plans. If you’re throwing your get-together during the summer, there should be an abundance of natural lighting you can use to your advantage. If you’re inside, keep the curtains open and let the light pour in to reflect off the elements on the table. Consider using shimmering glassware or perhaps deeper, colored glass like cobalt blue or lemon yellow.

Have candles nearby that you can light when the sunlight fades to create an atmosphere of intimacy.

If your party is during colder months, adjust your lighting to suit the mood your striving for. You can use lower lighting from electrical sources and light candles, or keep the chandelier cheerfully blazing. 

For Starters: Food That Decorates

When your guests begin to gather, consider having a platter with fruit and cheese available while they wait for the rest of the guests or for dinner to be served. 

Nothing creates a more lovely tablescape than dusky grapes spilling over themselves, surrounded by pears, apples and berries. Leave the cheese in wedges with small knives so guests can cut their own portions. Small plates your guests can hold while mingling with each other is a necessity!

Even if it’s nothing more than water, make sure to have drinks available for thirsty guests. 

Linens

For Boho chic and charm, mix and match our hand block print linen tablecloths and napkins. You can achieve a softer, more subdued table with colors like pewter or sparrow, or use one of our more neutral tablecloths to mix with any of our napkins in more vivid colors.

A festive, vibrant look is easily achieved with a “Here Comes the Sun” tablecloth in cardinal red or tanager yellow. Match with napkins in a complementary color

Decorative Touches

Heaps of blossoms or an interesting arrangement of greenery is a lovely focal point. Think less centerpiece and more of a natural touch to bring out the beauty of your table. If you’re using the fruit platter as the decor idea, you can leave that front and center with a few blossoms tucked here and there for contrast. 

However, if the appetizer proved popular and was decimated by your hungry guests, remove the platter.

A runner of flowers or greenery that curves down the center of the table is a lovely style. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve this look. You can also use accents from the seasons like pine, mini pumpkins, or small eucalyptus branches interwoven with simple white blooms. 

The benefit of a runner is you can easily place food around the decoration, or arrange the runners around serving dishes, and no one’s view is blocked from anyone they want to talk to—which is a common problem with tall centerpieces.

The Art of the Dinner Party

As life gets busier and we tend to be more isolated from each other, throwing a dinner party is an act of love. In addition to your beautiful tablescape, have some soft music playing that doesn’t interfere with the conversation but does promote a mood of friendship and serenity. 

Consider choosing a menu that can be made in advance as much as possible. This way you can mingle with your guests and make them feel welcome and relaxed. 

Be sure to find out any food allergies your guests may have or any expectations. They may think you know they’re vegan. They may be wrong.

Nothing spoils a dinner faster than not being able to serve one or more guests, so be prepared. If people can’t eat, the tablescape won’t make up the difference, no matter how elegant or charming. 

Best wishes for a fabulous party!

Tags:
Living

Seeing the Goodness

 

shutterstock_248708416

Shutterstock is offering free backgrounds for your virtual calls!

How are you doing?  I can imagine your days are filled with highs and lows, anxiety, coupled with feelings of joy, love, fear and worry, perhaps with moments of boredom in the mix, as you adapt to a new and different normal.

Uncertainty is stressful.  The world is facing an economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic is the deadliest threat to ordinary life that we have experienced in modern history.  BUT we are experiencing this adversity collectively. We cannot let fear consume us.  We will get through this.  We will beat the virus.  The economy will bounce back.  We need to shift our fear into hope, faith and courage.

Be present.  Dig Deep.  Make choices with love, practice kindness, to yourself and others.  Be grateful.  We owe so much to the healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, truck drivers, grocery store clerks and everyone on the front lines who are working on our behalf.

This global pandemic is shifting us, shifting our daily lives, shifting our priorities and shifting the way we work, live and interact.  This is an unprecedented time for us globally.  Focus on your health, both physical and mental.  If you are experiencing anxiety, address it.  Self-care is essential during this time. Everything is upside down with most of the world forced to stay home.

These are dark days indeed, but I am seeing the goodness that is rising up around us.  We may be forced to be apart but we are coming together as one in so many new ways.

When the school systems closed down, their first concern was to make sure the children that relied on school lunches for food did not go hungry. (If you are able, consider making a gift to #nokidhungry.)  Only after local school systems figured out how to bag breakfasts and lunches and disseminate them safely did they focus on the learning.  Once they did, they offered chrome books for loan to the families that did not have computers at home, and internet providers were offering free wifi.

I worked for a decade trying to make change in the education system with the ArtScience Prize and it’s difficult.  We did a lot of good but shifting schools and systems to make big changes is very, very hard.  Yet in a matter of weeks, across the globe, education systems quickly shifted to remote learning almost overnight.  This will no doubt help us conceive new ways to educate equitably going forward.

Across the US people of all ages are banding together to make face masks for our doctors, nurses, emergency care workers, truck drivers and grocery store workers.  People are gathering together in new ways both virtually and in person.  There are online social cocktail hours.  There are gatherings of neighborhoods from their balconies, windows and driveways in order to interact.

In Arlington, MA the community has launched 6 Feet at 6PM to connect as a community, visually and virtually, each evening at 6pm.  They are asking everyone to come out of their homes or look out their windows to wave to neighbors in an effort to check in with each other at a safe distance to make sure “we are all OK as a community.” #Arlington6At6

In Italy people are coming together for song from their windows and balconies, here is one hauntingly beautiful video.  One of the people who sang wrote “Imagine the whole world singing like this from their houses. No hate, no nothing. Just unified for once. Love this so much,”

Remember during this time filled with anxiety, it’s important to move your body, practice self care and eat healthy.   Yogaworks is offering free virtual yoga classes with teachers from across the US.  This morning I took a virtual class from an instructor in Atlanta and had others participating from India, Norway, Sweden, Texas and more.  86 people turned on their computers and practiced yoga at the same time.  Amazing.  You should try it.  If you are new to yoga, it’s ok there are classes for everyone.

This is also a time to try something new, alone or with your family.  Faer is painting every day and taking online piano lessons.  Ellie has taken up embroidery  and is creating beautiful things.  Alexander is learning new skateboard tricks.

Get creative.  Grab a book and read.  Listen to music.  Pull out your mixer and bake something.  Embrace this time with your immediate family and friends, whoever you are with during this time.  Connections are important.  Conversations are important, especially with our children to help them process this historic time with all of the ambiguity and unknowns.

It’s also important to get out in nature if you can safely do this.  Look at the clouds.  Watch the wind in the trees. Take a deep breath.  Listen to the birds.  Be happy that you are alive.

I’ll close with the same words the yoga instructor said this morning as she ended class:

May you be happy.  May you be healthy.  May you prosper in ways that bring you joy.  May we all be free.  I love you. Namaste.

33D3287D-7494-4CBE-894B-A02DF7A5768D
Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

Tags:
, , , , , , , , ,
Living

Reboot, Refresh

greensmoothies_nadiadamaso 

Green juices by Nadia Damaso

 

It’s been a minute since you’ve heard from me, for which I am very sorry; however, I made a conscious decision in late November to unplug over the holidays and spend quality time with the family.  We had a fun family vacation in Vermont, and amazing meals  rich with connections and conversations throughout the holiday season with loved ones from Vermont to Virginia, and many tables and cities in between.

jessannkirby 

Photo by Jess Ann Kirby

 

The holidays quickly turned into 2020 and here we are in March already!  During February Krister and I participated in the NY Now Winter Show, our first ever trade show and I am delighted to share that our linens are now sold in boutiques across the US in 15 states.

NYNowbooth 

August Table at NY Now Winter Show 2020

 

But what’s this reboot, refresh about any way?  During the holidays I spent a lot of time journaling and creating vision books to help me get crystal clear on what I want for myself, for my family, for August Table and how I want to engage with you.

Ultimately, this blog is about passion with the intention of bringing more joy, more love and more laughter to you, my friends. You will find posts about mindfulness, healthy eating, my favorite recipes, food photography, paintings, design, coffee shops and more.  I will also be curating more content from friends and inspiring things that catch my eye, which can be on any topic.

What would you like to see?  Do you want to share a story or a passion? Truly anything goes so please reach out or drop a comment below.

thyme_and_emerald_greens 

Maple Broccolini Salad with Cashew Cream by Thyme & Emerald

 

So let’s refresh.

Today you cannot go anywhere without hearing about the coronavirus, the flu and germs.  I think this is a great time for everyone to think about what’s on your plate, what are you putting in your bodies, as well as making sure you wash your hands as much as possible.  For most people, 55% of daily calories come from processed foods.  This is not healthy – the more calories that come from processed foods high in salt, preservatives, sugar and saturated fats the worse it is for your body.  Try to substitute processed foods for more fresh fruit and veggies.  Please.  It’s good for you.

greensmoothie_myberryforest 

Green Smoothie by My Berry Forest

 

One way to do this is to make smoothies and juices as well as adding in more greens to each meal.  The more nutrition you put in your body the stronger your immune system will be to help you fight off viruses and germs.  I’ve pulled a few favorite recipes and photos to inspire you here.

thyme_and_emerald_giantradish 

Kale and Pink Beet Salad with Turmeric Tahini Recipe by Thyme and Emerald

 

Over the last few months I have been talking about the benefits of drinking celery juice to just about everyone who will listen.  We start our mornings with 16 oz of freshly juiced celery juice on an empty stomach – before coffee, I know…  The results have been transformative! Why not give it a try?  Celery juice helps clean out toxins, viruses and heavy metals from your body.

celery_juice_offset_comp_517872-1-1024x780 

The Medical Medium on the Virtues of Celery Juice by Anthony William on Goop

 

In addition to the celery juice I’ve focused on what’s on our plates, trying to ensure we have as many colors as possible on the plate and that our meals are loaded with nutrition.  One of my favorite go to any time meals is eggs with greens – not to be confused with green eggs and ham.  The recipe below of Turkish fried eggs coupled with garlicky greens and avocado is delish.

turkishfriedeggs_garlickygreens_halfbakedharvest 

Turkish Eggs with chile butter and whipped feta by Half Baked Harvest

 

I hear you – sometimes it feels like a lot of work to pull together a healthy meal.  I know what it feels like after a long day when you want to put your feet up and relax but have hungry faces looking at you.  The more you plan your weekly meals out and shop on the weekends the easier it is.  Also you need to simplify.  And guess what, if you get the rest of the house to help you prep it becomes a fun activity.   I look for things to have on hand that put a delicious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes, like the Saucy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Coconut and Rice Noodles below from Half Baked Harvest.

 

shrimp_noodles_halfbakedharvest 

Saucy garlic butter shrimp w/ coconut milk and rice noodles recipe

 

On the weekends I like to make big pots of soups, chilis and stews and put extra in the freezer to pull out on those extra hectic nights.  I’d love to hear what you have on your table.

Stay healthy and be well.

33D3287D-7494-4CBE-894B-A02DF7A5768D
Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

 

Tags:
, , , , , , , , , ,
Living

Autumn Ballad

Undoubtedly Autumn is one of my favorite times of year.  The air is cooler and crisp, the lighting stirs something inside me and then there are the colors… the magical golden hues of the leaves everywhere you turn.  Pulling on more layers before heading out for a walk, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of wood burning in the air as folks start their nightly fires to warm the body and soul, pumpkins, cider, apples – just a few things  I love about Autumn.  During the fall I also find that I tend to look inward and crave mental stimulation with books, poetry and learning.  I thought it would be fun to share a few poems about Autumn here for you too.  Enjoy!

lukasz-_fallscene_farm

When I Am Among The Trees

Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks, and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,”
they say, “and you, too, have come
into the world to do this, to go easy,
to be filled with light, and to shine.”


chris-lawtoncolorfulleaves

Fall, Leaves, Fall

Emily Brontë

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night’s decay
Ushers in a drearier day.

fall_water

To Autumn

John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.

 Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap’d furrow sound asleep,
Drows’d with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

apples_picnic_basket

33D3287D-7494-4CBE-894B-A02DF7A5768D

Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

Tags:
, , , , , , ,
Living

Getting back into the Groove…

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

You may find that after the slow, lazy days of summer it’s hard to get back into the fall groove of schedules, routines, meal planning, earlier bedtimes, homework and more.  With all of the transition, stress can sometimes creep in and you may feel like there is no extra time, especially for a fun, healthy meal around the dinner table.

I have a few tips here to help you move past stress and allow space for you and your loved ones.

First, it really helps to write everything down on your calendar or planner for weekly events, practices, appointments, meals and more. My friend Mia created a gorgeous planner called FLOW planner and I love it. (You should check it out!)  The Flow planner has sections for you to map out your daily events, work, weekly meals as well as special quiet time for you and fun times with the family.

With all the busyness it’s really important that you take care of yourself.  If you do not care for yourself, you cannot care for others or be fully present and live the life of your dreams. I often speak of mindfulness – I’m constantly striving to be more mindful in each moment myself.  Remember to pause and respond with intention when you are in a given moment – often our minds react to something in the present which raises our stress levels.  If you pause and take a deep breath and picture something you love, it will raise your vibration and push the stress away.

To help you get back into your routine and ward off stress you should schedule time for yourself each week to unplug, exercise, drink loads of water, meditate and make good choices around snack time.  And of course, connect with loved ones as much as you can.

Sending you love and light during this fall transition.

33D3287D-7494-4CBE-894B-A02DF7A5768D

Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags:
, , ,