Hi, Sweet Friend!

October always feels like the gentle exhale between back-to-school busyness and full-on holiday hustle. It’s cozy, crisp, and just the right time to start thinking ahead — especially if you want Thanksgiving to feel calm instead of chaotic.

This week I’m sharing:

🥘 Your New Recipe to Try:​
​Chopped Autumn Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes — this one is great! You can roast the sweet potatoes the day before, chop all the ingredients, and prepare the dressing. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just plop it all into a giant bowl and toss. I love serving this with grilled pork chops that have been marinated in the same dressing!

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🍁 What I’m Loving Lately:

• Prep Ahead Thanksgiving Tip: Start clearing freezer space now! Casseroles, breads, and even some desserts freeze beautifully — you’ll thank yourself in November. This week, I’m preparing a couple of the side dishes for Thanksgiving. (If you're curious: I'll be making these Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes and the filling for Sweet Potato Casserole.)
• ​Cozy Candle: I’ve been lighting a roasted chestnut candle in the late afternoons. It instantly starts to wind down my workday and transitions into my evening routine at home.
• Simple Swap: Replace your summer table linens with richer tones (think burgundy, olive, or amber). It transforms the entire mood with minimal effort.

It's Amazon's Big Deal days (or whatever they call it!), and while I'm not the biggest fan of these sales, I have rounded up some of my favorites that are included! These are the things I use every day and LOVE. ((You'll recognize the majority!))

As we look toward November, I’ll be sharing more ways to get ahead for Thanksgiving — from what to freeze now, to how to plan if you only have one oven. Consider this your cozy guide to a stress-free holiday season.

If you want even more recipes and tips, you’ll find me over on Instagram — come hang out with me there, too!

Here’s to savoring fall and staying one step ahead,
Ashley
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P.S. What’s one thing you always wish you had done earlier for Thanksgiving? Hit reply and tell me — I might feature your answer in an upcoming email!