THE ROOT 9: 39.3

With Thanksgiving having just passed, we are encompassed in the idea of gratitude. It’s easy to feel thankful when gathered around a table with loved ones and surrounded by delicious food. But, the true test is how we sustain that feeling once the holiday is over.

As I reflect, I feel lucky that creating and sharing this newsletter has accidentally become a form of that practice. Every week, it forces me to look at my daily life with a heightened sense of awareness, constantly hunting for what to write about, a piece of inspiration, or a recommendation.

The theme of gratitude wouldn’t be complete without extending another “thank you” to all of you who choose to read this. Your willingness to connect with me on what I write, to share your feedback, and to talk to me about the ideas I explore has made me more aware and appreciative of the great people I have in my life. You are the source of so much of my inspiration. It is a constant reminder that those connections (whether we are together to celebrate a holiday or maintaining our relationship long distance) are the real foundation of what matters. Thank you ❤

The Family Recipe

Let’s carry the theme of Thanksgiving… I don’t know about you, but there is always something special about the little twists family members put on traditional holiday meals, or the specialties they bring that offer a deeper warmth to the day for me.

As I was thinking about this, a bittersweet realization hit me: there may come a day where I am craving a beloved dish, but the family member who used to bring it may no longer around, and I don't have the recipe.

That thought quickly led to an idea for a meaningful and heartfelt gift: how perfect would it be to memorialize some of those favorite family traditions? How neat would it be to source and document all of your favorite "secret" family recipes that folks cook and bring to gatherings, and gather them all into one place?

To be honest, it is an idea I am toying with for our family. I would love to memorialize some of my favorite dishes to pass down to future generations and to have them to remember myself. The true fun of the holidays is in the shared rituals, and a collection of recipes is a beautiful way to ensure those rituals continue.

This simple project — whether you make it a Christmas gift, a birthday present, or just a gift for yourself — is a lovely way to turn a moment of holiday nostalgia into a lasting legacy.

Mixing Things Up

Okay, I might break some ‘fashion’ rules that I have historically abided by, but I am ending today with an ode to Thanksgiving based on inspiration I took from our family. One of our family members rocked a chic all-white outfit that felt perfectly winter appropriate, making me want to reconsider how strictly I follow "no white after Labor Day".

To be fair, there are risks with wearing white regardless of the season (I always get scared I will stain white pieces beyond repair) but I’m enticed by the idea of exploring an all white, or largely white and cream, outfit for winter.

There is something about it that almost feels like it fits in perfectly with the backdrop of the snow and the cold air. I love the idea of using light layers and varied textures (think cable knit, wool, and silk) to create a subtle but impactful look.

Here's some inspo that is really appealing to me: Could this be perfect for a brisk walk? A dinner or drinks out? A happy hour? Maybe a New Year's Eve brunch? I dunno… I think it has potential!