Month in Moments: September
I'm coming to you late with this September wrap-up because I've spent the last week on VACATION! Or rather, on STAYCATION! It's been a long time since I've taken time off work with no plans, and it has been restorative.
I had planned to do some blogging, but ended up just doing nothing. It was glorious.
On to the highlights from last month. Overall, it was extremely busy because I was planning my move to Michigan. That's right - remember this post where I lamented that Azim and I would be resigned to another year of long distance? Well, the universe was on my side. Plans changed, and now I'm living in Ypsilanti :) More on that below.
Despite planning a huge life move and a particularly busy cycle at work, I still managed to find some time for fun...
End of summer s'mores
I had been craving s'mores all summer long (probably because I had incredible burnt marshmallow ice cream at Slickers in Prince Edward County in June), but with no fireplace/fire pit/means of building a fire at home, I didn't think it would happen.
Until my cousin came to the rescue with a genius idea - we ended up wrapping our s'mores in tin foil and toasting them with her torch :D We sat on my front stoop, blasted some summer tunes, and got marshmallow and melted chocolate everywhere. It was the perfect end to my summer.
September outfit challenge
With an international move to plan, and new projects piling on at work, I decided to add an unnecessary obligation to my list in true Jocelyn fashion, and created a 30-day outfit challenge on Instagram :D
I joke about it being an obligation because it really was a lot of fun, and a wonderful way to get the creative side of my brain working again. It was also a good break from the endless loungewear I've been wearing on repeat since COVID started - if you're stuck in a style rut, I definitely recommend a challenge like this!
All the credit for pulling this off successfully has to go to my amazing mom, who was my photographer for this entire challenge! I think she did an awesome job, and was even directing my poses by the end :)
If you'd like to follow along on style posts like this, I'd love to have you @jocelyncaithness :)
Apple picking
September = autumn = apple picking.
My cousin planned a fun day of apple picking at Albion Orchards in Caledon for us and my SIL, and we have the pictures to prove it! What's an apple picking outing without a photoshoot?!
We all wore super cute fall outfits - I was especially fond of the scarf I wore as a sash because my mom knitted it. It's gorgeous!
Autumn Foliage
One of my favourite ways to watch the leaves changing colour is driving down the DVP. At first there are only a few trees that dare to stand out in red or brown against the green, and then a few more, and a few more, until all at once they become a perfect backdrop of rich fiery orange and golden yellow.
Another wonderful way to experience this is to go for walks through the ravine by my parents' house. I went as often as possible before leaving, because I knew I would miss the familiar sight so much.
Moving to Michigan
Here's the short story: I was able to make a plan with work that enabled me to move to Michigan and live with Azim. We're going to be here until he finishes grad school in 2021 :)
I love Ypsilanti, the small town we're living in near Ann Arbor. It's about 30 min outside of Detroit. It's got a cute, historic downtown area, and is surrounded by beautiful old houses. It kind of reminds me of Hamilton in Ontario.
I'm not going to lie, I was kind of nervous about moving to the U.S., but I really love Ypsi. It's a cool, artsy community. There are pride flags, black lives matter flags, and Biden/Harris/Bernie Sanders signs everywhere. There are lots of neighbourhood pantries (free, fresh produce for those in need) around, and everyone is really friendly. I'm happy to be here.
I can't wait to share more of this next chapter with you! Thank you so much for reading!! Xoxo