GRATEFUL HEARTS a healthier pecan pie
Can you believe we’re already here?! I just LOVE the fresh fall air, there is something so comforting about getting cozy, the smell of a fire, and breathing in the cooler air.
INGREDIENTS: Spring forward now time to, Fall Back and turn your clocks back an hour this weekend!
1 CUP PURE MAPLE SYRUP OR LOCAL HONEY
3 LARGE PASTURE-RAISED EGGS
1/3 CUP MELTED COCONUT OIL OR BUTTER
1 TSP PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
1 ½ CUPS PECANS (ROUGHLY CHOPPED)
1 PRE-BAKED PIE CRUST (HOMEMADE OR STORE-BOUGHT)
PINCH OF SEA SALT
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350°F.
2. WHISK TOGETHER SYRUP, EGGS, OIL, VANILLA, AND SALT.
3. STIR IN PECANS AND POUR INTO CRUST.
4. BAKE 40–45 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE CENTER IS SET.
5. LET IT COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE SLICING — AND IF YOU WANT TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH, SPRINKLE A LITTLE FLAKY SEA SALT ON TOP.
You can’t have a proper Southern November without pecan pie! But this year, let’s make it a little cleaner without losing that rich, gooey goodness.
WHAT’S IN SEASON best months for ground foods
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MONTHS FOR EARTHY, GROUNDING FOODS THAT TRULY NOURISH. LOOK FOR:
Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, and Beets
Kale, Collards, and Cabbage
Carrots and Winter Squash
Apples, Pears, and Cranberries
OUR BODIES WERE MADE TO EAT SEASONALLY AND FALL PRODUCE IS FULL OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS TO HELP US STAY HEALTHY AS THE DAYS SHORTEN.
PUMPKIN
DISPOSAL instead of tossing them do this...
If your pumpkins are still sitting out front from Halloween (I keep mine from the harvest season decorations), don’t toss them! Here are a few better ideas:
K Feed them to wildlife. Deer, goats, and chickens all love pumpkins — they’re full of nutrients and help with digestion.
K Compost them. Pumpkins break down beautifully and add rich organic matter to your soil.
K Donate to local farms. Many small farms are happy to take leftover pumpkins for their animals.
Around here, our boujee chickens get the royal treatment, fresh watermelon in summer, and pumpkin treats in fall.
THE HOUSTON FLOCK update on our ladies
This time of year, our girls start to slow down on egg production, not because of the cold, but because of shorter daylight hours. Chickens need about 14–16 hours of daylight to lay regularly. We don’t use artificial light in our coop, we honor their natural cycles and let them rest. Their little bodies need that break, and forcing extra laying can shorten their overall laying lifespan.
HEARTFELT GIFTS homemade intentional giving
The holidays are right around the corner, and I’ve been thinking a lot about intentional giving. Instead of loading up on big-box gifts, try giving something made with love and purpose.
IN OUR FAMILY, WE’VE GIVEN:
�� Fresh Eggs (always a hit!)
�� Local Honey: last year my aunt bottled some from a neighbor, and my dad and stepmom have given jars of honey from their own bees.
�� Elderberry Syrup: I made this one year and it was a HUGE hit!
Other ideas: handmade candles, herbal bath soaks, infused olive oils, or homemade cleaning sprays with pine and citrus. The point is, gifts that are useful, thoughtful, and personal.
HOME HEALTH & FRESH AIR
crack a window and enjoy the cool air
One of my favorite things about cooler weather is cracking open the windows for that crisp fall air. But did you know that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air? Between VOCs from furniture and paints, synthetic fabrics, cleaning products, mold, and even pet dander, our homes can hold onto a lot.
NOURISHING THROUGH THE COOLER MONTHS
Our ancestors knew cooler months call for warm, nutrient-dense meals. Slow-cooked meats, bone broths, hearty stews… they’re not just cozy, they’re deeply restorative. When we simmer bones and tougher cuts, we draw out minerals and collagen that support gut health and immunity. And just like nature slows down, we’re meant to as well. These shorter, darker days are for resting more, restoring, and reflecting. Still, don’t forget your morning sunlight, even 10 minutes on your face can help regulate your circadian rhythm, boost mood, and support vitamin D levels.
This month always reminds me to pause and reflect. I’m so grateful for the community we’ve built, the trust you place in me, and the simple joy of getting to do what I love. Whether you’re prepping your home for winter, gearing up for PCS season, or just trying to stay warm with your favorite blanket and a cup of soup, I hope this month finds you grounded, nourished, and thankful.
