Mimi Takes Five - #369

ONE // Decorated for Fall

As soon as September first comes around, I get the itch to decorate for fall! I always make a deal with myself to do a deep clean of our main floor living room area before decorating. It always feels nice to start with a clean slate! I tidy up and remove any lingering seasonal décor so that I can work with a blank canvas. I usually put on some autumnal music and film content for a reel as I decorate, but I was feeling more low-key this year. I decorated slowly and in quiet. I really took my time and enjoyed placing every tidbit where it felt right. Some things have a dedicated spot while other decorations can vary from year to year. I loved the process and enjoyed every minute of it. My favourite part is when evening comes and I get to light my candles, turn on the fireplace and cozy up under my leaf blanket. It's cozy evenings from here on out!

TWO // Crochet Raccoon

I've been hanging onto this little guy for months now! Our dear friends were expecting this year, so as tradition would have it, we had planned to gift them (and the baby) a custom crochet animal. We always put great thought into picking just the right animal. Seeing as we met these friends on a trip to Mexico, the koati seemed like the perfect pick. The trouble is, it's not exactly a popular animal here. So, we settled on the closet thing, the racoon! I reached out to my go-to Etsy creator and she sent over the cutest little racoon I ever saw! This one has got to be one of the top crochet animals we've ever commissioned - he's perfect! After months of keeping me company in my home office, we finally got to gift it to the little family last weekend. This is the third such crochet creation we've gifted this year. It's been a bit of a baby boom among our friends and family. 

THREE // Cognac Flats

I was in desperate need of replacing my beloved cognac flats. I had a cheap pair from Old Navy dating back to 2013... I've literally worn them out! They were so comfortable because they had been very broken in and they were the perfect neutral for many, many looks. When I noticed the sides cracking, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Seeing as I knew this was a shoe style and colour that I wear a lot, I felt more comfortable investing in a quality replacement pair. I wanted a classic round toe flat with cute bow detail so I searched every store to see what was out there. Luckily for me, I found the perfect pair at Simons! They are leather and have a very cushioned foot bed, making them the most comfortable shoes. I'm so happy I was able to replace a beloved pair of shoes with a newer model. A classic wardrobe is meant to last. I find myself replacing much-loved (and used) pieces more regularly as I've honed my personal style.

FOUR // Comfort Food

One of the things I look forward to the most with the arrival of fall is spending more time in the kitchen, whipping up comfort foods of all kinds. I find myself baking more often and making soups every week. It's the perfect season to batch cook and stock up your freezer with all the vegetable intense meals! As I was decorating, I was making a sourdough bread and a big batch of carrot soup. Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread baking and a soup simmering away on the stove. It instantly makes the home feel comforting and inviting. I got creative with my bread and attempted to score a maple leaf design on the top. It actually turned out somewhat recognizable! We had the most delicious meal of soup and bread. We even made garlic and smoked paprika toast to go along with the soup. Big croutons, if you will. It was our first quintessentially fall meal of the season and it won't be our last!

FIVE // Fresh Hair

I don't know what came over me, but I was brave the other day at the hair salon when I decided it was time for more of a cut than a trim. My hair had gotten very long and I hadn't had a true cut in years. I was getting maintenance trims every twelve weeks or so, but I felt it was time to take off a good 4 inches. My stylist got excited at the thought and did a rough cut while my hair was dry, before dying my roots. I suspect the total removed was more like 5 or six inches... Either way, I needed a good cut! My hair feels so much lighter and bouncier, as it would because the length was weighing it down. It's still plenty long and I can tie it up - which is a requirement for me. I do a lot with my hair and being able to braid it, put it in a bun or any hair clip is necessary. I'm starting to get used to seeing my shorter hair when I look in the mirror. I'm proud of myself for taking a leap and opting for change. Baby steps!