Happy Autumn! I absolutely love this time of year. The weather here in Massachusetts has been incredible lately… the highs have been in the 60s and it’s been sunny most days. There’s nothing better than sitting out in the sun and actually feeling rejuvenated, I always miss that feeling during the hot summers. I also get excited when it starts to get dark out earlier (controversial, I know) and I’ve been trying to embrace all the cozy vibes!

Back in the spring and summer I shared a couple of homestead articles, and at this point it’s safe to say this will be a recurring series. I love sharing updates from my little farm with you all! :)

Part one — Garden

The garden is definitely slowing down this time of year. I’ve still been getting a few tomatoes here and there (I planted them extremely late this year), but even those are waning at this point. We still have an abundance of apples from the apple trees, though, which has been amazing! Back in the spring I mentioned how we haven’t had the best luck with our fruit trees, but this year things turned out surprisingly good. The apples from our trees have a bit more of a tarter taste than the store-bought ones, but I personally love them.

Part two — Animals

This time of year, the chickens start to lose and regrow their feathers for winter, so they have been looking quite ridiculous lately, haha. The chickens and ducks are all enjoying the last bits of fruit and grass that we have in the yard. Pretty soon it will be time for them to move to their winter residence—a more insulated coop in the backyard. For now, the only ones occupying the backyard space are the chicks. I say chicks, but at this point they’re pretty much full grown. They’ve been loving the grapes in our yard, and have been starting to let me feed them from my hands, which is so cute and fun. It’s so nice to spend time with them and see them start to trust me more.

As for the goats, they’ve been LOVING eating apples lately. Anytime we bring them out to the field to graze, they have to stop under the apple trees for a snack. One of them, Wendell, will literally stand under the trees for as long as we let him, and just eat fruit. He’d much rather eat apples than grass, and it makes it a lot harder to get them all to the field. Bribing them with apples and other treats seems to be the only way! Haha.

Part three — In the Kitchen

As always, I’ve been testing out new recipes in the kitchen. I’m a huge fan of pumpkin, and have been loving all the delicious fall recipes. Some of the things on rotation lately have been apple bread, pumpkin bread, pumpkin chocolate muffins, and pumpkin breakfast cookies. I also made a really yummy pumpkin pasta sauce a couple of weeks ago (yes lots of pumpkin, I know). I feel like I should share another post soon including all my favorite fall recipes! For now I thought I’d share this recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, inspired by my grandmother’s banana bread recipe. These are a great fall staple, and I’ve been trying to make them on a weekly basis!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe:

(Makes about 12)

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup neutral oil

• 1 cup yogurt (dairy free works, too)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or just cinnamon)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup sugar (I mostly use coconut, but cane sugar works too)

• 2 cups flour

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F

2. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, except for the flour.

3. Add in 1 cup of flour and stir well. Then add the rest.

4. Lastly, stir in the chocolate chips.

5. Add the batter to muffin cups, making sure to fill them to the top.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let cool, then enjoy!

Part four — Seasonal Reflections

While it’s still autumn, November feels like the start of the Christmas season for me. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I love how nostalgic things feel this time of year. I want to slow down and really take in the final months of the year. (I can’t believe how fast 2027 is approaching 🤯)

Something that’s been on my mind lately is the importance of enjoying where I’m at right now, while thinking ahead to the future. In last month’s post, I shared how I’ve been feeling pulled towards more new things in my life lately, and how hard it can be to feel at peace with things while desiring more. Those feelings are absolutely still relevant to me, but I’ve also started to feel more grateful for where I’m at, too. Instead of getting caught up in what could be different, and how that might make me happier, I want to find more contentment with where I’m at right now. Because it won’t last forever, and I have a feeling that someday I’ll look back on these days and wish I appreciated everything a little bit more.

TO READ: This Substack post about fear of loss and everything being temporary. This really resonated with me. I often get caught up in overthinking the future, and contemplating the way things may or may not happen. Sometimes it feels like a good thing, but other times it can be really hard. This post articulated the feeling so well.

TO LISTEN TO: Draw You Out By Noah Kahan. This is from the soundtrack to the new Hunger Games movie coming out later this month, which I’m so excited for! There’s just an underlying feeling to this song that I can’t quite explain, but something about it feels really nostalgic and comforting. Although the lyrics are like a punch to the gut (lol). Noah’s music is always fantastic, and I’ve been enjoying this one a lot lately.

TO WATCH: Taylor Swift's Patient Zero music video. This is a masterpiece, imo! I know there are many critics of her new album, which I hear, but I personally like the songs and love seeing her happy. Even if you’re not a Taylor fan, I hope you can appreciate this video. I love how she’s able to take a 3 minute song and turn it into a whole mini film with a plot, and the ending of the video has a fun twist. (Not sure if fun is the word but I loved it!)

TO DO: Download the Alexandrio app! This app was created by Tyler, and it’s honestly the perfect app for any reader. You can find whatever book you’re reading and add it to your library, then take notes and add definitions. You can also include the page number in each note which I find super helpful. I’ve been having so much fun using it as I read lately. I highly recommend trying it out!!

TO KEEP IN MIND: “The leaves are changing; I feel poetry in the air.” —Laura Jaworski

Thank you so much for reading! I love autumn so much, and it’s been really fun to take some time to reflect on and share mine with you all. I’d love to know in the comments, what’s your favorite thing about this season?

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Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

Dear Reader,

I want to start this by saying I love my life. I am endlessly grateful for all the things I have and all the amazing people I get to know. I feel really blessed. Despite everything, though, lately I’ve been feeling stuck. Like my life is too small for the person I am now.

I want to experience new things and go on new adventures and meet new people. I don’t want to just do school online every day and go babysit like I have been for years. I want to actually try something new and feel something new.

I don’t know what that looks like at this point. It's hard when you’re living a life that you do love and that feels so comfortable and normal. How can I just sit here and say I feel stuck when I have such a happy, placid existence? I never want to take what I have for granted, but lately I’ve found that the normalcy of my days feels almost too predictable, like I don’t have enough newness in my life.

I have also been finding myself internalizing my feelings more than I used to. As a kid, I was always very open with my parents when I was going through something. Whether that be an anxious moment or an anxious week, my internal dialogue was theirs, and there would be no question as to how I was feeling.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to notice that I share less of that internal dialogue with those around me. It’s not because I think people won’t listen or care, because I know that’s not true, but more so because of the picture of me in their minds. I feel like a lot of people in my life see me as someone who knows what she wants and has a lot of her shit together. And to be honest, part of me likes their illusion of my put-togetherness. But at the same time, I don’t feel like it’s the whole picture, and it can sometimes leave me feeling like people don’t know me as well as they think, and make me feel like I have to face what I’m feeling on my own.

At the end of the day, I know I’m lucky and I do have a lot of great days where I feel genuinely happy. I’ve just been feeling somewhat existential as of late, and asking myself questions that have left me feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed. If you’re feeling similar, please know you’re not alone, and I have faith we will figure it out. Life isn’t going to feel light and happy every single day, and that’s okay. Feelings come and feelings go, and sometimes the best thing to do is just write it out. I know I feel better having done so.

for always,

Hannah

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Today is my 20th birthday! I thought it would be fun to sit down and write out a little list of lessons that have stuck with me. I feel like it can be easy to get caught up in the things in life that aren’t going the way we want, or focus on the things we don’t have yet, which is why I wanted to take a moment to recognize all of the things I’ve learned and how far I’ve come.

1. Sometimes the right thing and the hard thing are the same thing

2. The in between can be fun

3. Change doesn’t always have to be scary

4. Sometimes when something doesn’t go the way I want, it’s actually a blessing in disguise

   Sometimes we just can’t understand why things happen the way they do. I really believe that what’s meant for me will find me, though, and sometimes things not going according to plan is for the best.

5. Sometimes staying home and making a healthy dinner in my pajamas is the best form of fun

6. It’s important to be gentle with myself, but also know when to push myself out of my comfort zone

7. It’s okay to not always have an answer to people’s questions

8. No feeling lasts forever

   I remember a few years ago I used to feel really down when I would be anxious or sad. I would just worry the negative feeling wouldn’t go away (even if I logically knew that wasn’t true). I’ve come to realize that no feeling sticks around, whether that be positive or negative. There’s some peace in knowing that whatever I’m going through, it won’t last forever.

9. It’s better to fail trying than to not try at all

10. Outgrowing places and things hurts, but it’s not always a negative thing

11. A small win is still a win

12. I can’t overthink my way to clarity

    This is something I’m honestly still working on. I tend to overthink situations to the point where I just confuse myself more. What I’ve started to realize these past couple of months is that clarity doesn’t always come from thinking more about something. Sometimes the best thing I can do is to let go of the need to control and plan for everything, and just trust that things will work out.

13. Awkward moments are a part of life, and I don’t need to be on guard all the time

14. When it comes to friends, it’s more about quality than quantity

15. There’s nothing better than watching a good movie or show that changes my perspective on things

16. It’s only embarrassing if I’m embarrassed

    Okay, now I know this might not be applicable to everything, but I think there’s truth in this. There are going to be awkward situations in life, but I’m learning that it’s important not to dwell on them, and sometimes part of growing socially is allowing myself to have embarrassing moments.

17. Always having a book on hand is essential for me

18. Life is more enjoyable when I’m living in the present moment

19. It’s okay to not know exactly what my life is going to look like yet

20. Loving life and feeling things deeply is a privilege

    At the end of the day, I’m someone who has big feelings towards life, and while it can be hard to feel so deeply sometimes, it’s also something that makes me me, and I’m grateful for it.

Thank you so much for reading! As always, I would love to hear from you: What is one lesson that you’ve learned lately?

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Before I sign off, I wanted to share one more lesson that’s been on my mind lately…

I’ve always been someone who’s really in tune with my emotions, but I’ve also often struggled to speak up for myself and trust my own voice. Around this time last year I discovered Substack, and while I was initially excited by the idea of creating my own, it took me a bit to actually take the plunge. I wasn’t sure if people would be interested in hearing my thoughts, and I wasn’t even sure I knew what I wanted to say. I knew that the idea excited me though, so after giving it some thought I decided to commit to writing here once a month. I never could have imagined there’d be this many people who are curious about my little world, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every single one of you.

So, the final lesson I want to share (and perhaps the most relevant to me right now) is that it’s important to bet on myself and allow myself to follow my dreams. If something sounds fun, try it. I don’t have to be one hundred percent perfect right away. Sometimes the best thing to do is just start and figure it out as you go. And I hope to remember that as I enter this new decade of my life.

for always,

Hannah

Happy September!! I am so excited that fall is finally on its way. This is my absolute favorite time of year.

While I wasn’t planning on sharing another post so soon, I started to see so many people sharing their September guides and things they were looking forward to, and I felt inspired to write, too. So in honor of cozy season, I thought it would be fun to share a list of things I’m excited about this September and this fall. Let’s dive in! (Sorry in advance for all the times I say “fall” and “cozy” HAHA).

Things on my watchlist:

I am a sucker for a good cozy movie or tv show! I'm honestly so excited to sit down on a cool night and watch some of these things…

• You’ve Got Mail— I’ve never seen this before, and from what I’ve heard it’s an excellent fall movie!

• Gilmore Girls— I watch this pretty much all year, but fall is its true time to shine. Apparently, if you start watching it on September 22nd and watch four episodes a week, each episode will line up with the season it’s set in. So fun!

• When Harry Met Sally— I watched this for the first time last year and really enjoyed it! It’s such a classic, and I’m planning to make it a yearly re-watch each fall.

• Little Women— It’s been a few years since I’ve seen this movie, which makes me kind of sad. I loved it when I saw it previously, and I feel like fall is the perfect time to see it. It’s set in Concord, Massachusetts, so I feel like it’s got great autumn vibes.

• Baby Boom— I just recently discovered this movie after watching this Hannah Adkins vlog on YouTube. She mentions how cozy and autumnal this movie was, so I added it to my list!

• Sense & Sensibility— I’ve actually only seen this movie once before, and it was a few years ago now. I really enjoyed it though, and Jane Austen feels like the perfect thing to be watching in the fall.

• Pride & Prejudice— Again, Jane Austen just feels like the perfect fall companion, so this one is definitely on my list to re-watch!

Rituals & Routines:

These are things that I want to prioritize as the cozy seasons arrive. I want to focus on spending less time on my phone, and allowing myself to actually slow down more. I really want to romanticize fall to the fullest this year, and be as present as possible.

• No scrolling after dinner

• Opening my windows every morning and letting the fresh air wake me up

• Baking something new at least once a week

• Taking at least one 20-minute walk a day

• Journaling every morning and night, even if it’s just a line or two

• Giving myself some time to sit outside each day, either to read or just to observe what’s around me

Things I’m looking forward to:

• Football season!

• Apple picking! I also have two apple trees on the homestead, which is exciting.

• Going on a day trip to Nantucket with my friend!

• My birthday (September 26th). I just found out that the harvest moon happens to fall on my b-day this year, which I find so cool

• Girls shopping trip to Newport for my birthday… it’s a yearly tradition at this point, and I always look forward to it :)

• The evenings getting darker earlier. I know this is controversial, and most people I know do not agree with me on this lol. I just love the coziness of it being dark right after dinner.

That’s it for now! I appreciate you listening to me rant about fall, I’m truly so excited and felt the need to share it haha. You never know when something will spark your excitement, and a goal of mine is to allow myself to follow my creative whims more, even if I don’t know where they will lead.

I hope this month is a good one for you! I’d love to hear from you in the comments… What is something about fall that you’re excited for?

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Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

Dear Reader,

At the start of this week, I decided I should finally sit down and write my August article. At first, I planned on writing about growing up and the challenges that come with that. I wrote a good amount, and it is saved in my drafts for the future, but I started to feel less inspired than I had originally felt and I didn’t want to force anything. So I decided to instead write a list of things I’ve been enjoying lately. That one was fun to draft, but I started to feel like I was doing it simply to have something to publish in August, rather than because I truly wanted to share it.

This evening, I sat down to fold laundry and decided to put a video on in the background. I went on YouTube and this Taylor Swift video popped up. As I watched it, I felt this sense of inspiration and creativity, which I often feel when listening to Taylor talk about her work. You can always tell how passionate she is about songwriting, and how much she cares about what she puts out into the world. Hearing about her writing process always motivates me to continue developing my own voice and sense of storytelling.

After watching the video, I decided that instead of writing an essay about growing up or a list of things I’m enjoying, I would write about the very thing I feel I’ve been lacking lately: inspiration. Overall, I’d say I’ve felt quite inspired since starting my Substack. After seven months of writing here, though, I’ve started to think more about how I can maintain my voice while also pushing myself to share new sides of myself and my writing.

My point in writing this is to remind you (and myself) that inspiration ebbs and flows. We’re not always going to be able to show up with all we have, and that’s okay. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to not know exactly what you want to say next. I think the important part is staying true to yourself and continuing to write about things that feel important and valuable to you. I certainly wouldn’t say I’ve lost that; I’d just say that things have been busy, and I haven’t felt the desire to write anything new lately.

I want there to be inspiration in what I’m writing. I want to inspire myself. I want to inspire others. I want to write about things that are universally human, things that are a part of life and connect us to the world around us. I want to feel like I’ve shared a piece of myself in what I do, even if that’s just writing about what’s happening on my homestead.

I never want to sit down and write something just to say I got it done. I’d rather take a break to find fresh inspiration and perspective than to force myself to write something that I don’t truly align with or connect to.

So, at the end of the day, I am feeling inspired right now. I don’t know what I’m going to write about next, but I am very excited to continue this journey here. It has truly been so much fun. Thank you for being here.

for always,

Hannah

P.S. I’d love to hear from you… what’s something that has made you feel more inspired latelty?

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I genuinely can’t believe we’re already halfway through 2026. Time is flying!

Back in the spring, I shared a post about life on the homestead, and a lot of you seemed to really enjoy it. I thought it would be fun to give you an update on what’s been going on here lately. As usual, I’ve been spending time with the animals, tending to the garden, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Part one — Garden

A few months ago I mentioned how this is my first year caring for a garden. So far it’s actually been going pretty well! I had one plant fall victim to a bunny, but besides that everything seems to be thriving. I've been really enjoying going out to my garden first thing every morning and watering all the plants. There’s something so grounding about watering plants as the sun rises.

We don’t have any vegetables yet, but hopefully there will be some soon. I’ve planted tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin, arugula, kale, basil, and dill. I also have a strawberry patch, which didn’t produce this year but should in year two. Right now I’m eagerly awaiting the tomatoes! We’ve also had an abundance of blueberries lately, which has been wonderful. I’ve been trying to go out to the blueberry patch and pick at least a couple of days a week. The only struggle is getting out there before the birds beat me to them! Haha.

Part two — Animals

My favorite part of the homestead will always be my animals. Right now we have 3 goats, 3 ducks, and 19 chickens—including 6 adorable little chicks!

The chicks have been such a fun addition to the homestead! Getting to watch little animals grow is such a highlight for me. Their feathers have just come in, I can’t believe how fast they are growing up. 🥺 It’s been so cute watching them explore the yard and discover new things. I’m excited for the day I can tell them apart and give them all names!

I have had to deal with the grief that comes with losing animals a lot lately (we’ve lost several chickens over the past couple months, including my favorite a few weeks ago). Spending time with the babies reminds me that while death is inevitable, there is also so much to be grateful for in life.

As for the goats, they have been doing well. Our newest goat, Clover, is a little escape artist and tends to jump fences if he’s left alone for too long, haha. They’ve all been enjoying the green pasture, although the heat lately has been a little hard on everybody!

Part three — In the kitchen

My grandmother is known in our family for her banana bread… she makes it most holidays and gives it as a gift on birthdays. A few years ago she wrote down the recipe for me, and I’ve been making it a lot lately. It really is the best banana bread! I typically substitute the sour cream for coconut yogurt (I’m sensitive to dairy), and it totally works. I also often cut the sugar in half for a healthier version. It is still surprisingly sweet and just as delicious!

Another thing I made recently was pesto! Now, I must warn you, this pesto is not for the faint of heart because it is extremely garlicky (lol!). My whole family loves garlic though, and after my dad grew a ton of garlic scapes I thought this would be the perfect way to use some.

Basil & Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 - 3 cups fresh basil

• ½ cup chopped garlic scapes

• ¼ cup cashews

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2–3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, but adds a cheesy, savory flavor)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  Instructions:

  1. If using raw cashews and pumpkin seeds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Let cool.

  2. Chop the garlic scapes then add them to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

  3. Add the basil, cashews, pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and pepper. Pulse everything until it’s finely chopped.

  4. Slowly add in the olive oil until the pesto gets creamier. Scrape down the sides as needed.

  5. Stir in the lemon juice and taste.

  6. Scoop pesto into jar and place in the fridge. Enjoy!

Part four — Living in the Moment

Something that I’ve been trying to embrace more this summer is living in the moment. I talked about this a bit in my post last month. I feel like the world tells us that we have to constantly be maximizing our lives and being as productive as possible, but I find that this causes us to lose sight of what’s really important. Instead of getting caught up in doing more all the time, I’ve been trying to slow down and appreciate the ordinary days more. As mentioned in the animal section, I recently lost my favorite chicken. Her death has reminded me how fleeting life is, and how important it is to not take any day, person, or moment for granted. It’s easy to imagine that life will always be the way it is now, but in reality things are always changing. Losing animals has taught me that nothing stays the same forever, which can be hard to accept, but it’s also a reminder to appreciate each season while it’s happening, and to embrace life as it is right now.

TO READ: This Substack post from Caroline Cherry. This was a really vulnerable, lovely post on growing up and the struggle of fitting in and knowing your place in the world. This post reminded me how important it is for people to respect each other, even when you come from different backgrounds and make different life decisions.

TO LISTEN TO: Daughter from Hell by Gracie Abrams. She’s done it again! Her last album was honestly one of my favorite albums ever, but she somehow managed to make another one that is at least as good. I love this album so much, the songwriting is absolutely incredible (and devastating, as usual). My favorite songs at the moment are Death Wish, Mews, and The Knife. I love them all though!

TO WATCH: Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix. My friend recommended this to me, and I finally watched it the other day. It did not disappoint! It was one of those movies that had me both laughing and sobbing by the end... it was so heartbreaking yet so wholesome all at the same time. If you’re looking for a new movie to watch, I highly recommend this one. I’ll be daydreaming about Wes for the foreseeable future. ;)

TO DO: Go on a 10 minute walk without your phone. This is something I’ve been trying to do more lately, and I find that leaving my phone behind and just observing what’s around me instantly shifts my mood.

TO KEEP IN MIND: “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” — Charles Bowden

Thank you so much for reading… I hope you enjoyed this one!

As always, I would love to hear from you. What has been the highlight of your summer so far?

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Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

Dear Reader,

I’m going to be honest… for the past few weeks I’ve been struggling with what to write about for my June post. I absolutely love this community and space here, but sometimes I go through phases where I just don’t have that much inspiration. It’s not that life hasn’t been good though, because truthfully I’m having the best summer I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been spending lots of time with friends and family, reading, writing, spending time outdoors, baking and cooking, gardening, as well as spending time with my animals (of course).

Lately I’ve been reflecting on past summers and how they used to feel. When I was young, I loved summer. Spending time at my aunt’s pool, playing with my brother outside, being with my animals… it was all so fun for me. But as time went on I lost some of that joy that I used to feel during the summers. I blame it on losing some of my youthful perspective on life, and allowing the expectations of the world to weigh heavier on me. Of course that just comes with growing up, though, and maybe it was inevitable. Instead of seeing summer as a time to be free and have fun, I began putting pressure on myself to do more, take advantage of the long days, and constantly be productive, which honestly took the fun out of things. I feel like this can be applied to a lot of things in our culture. We are constantly being told to do more and optimize everything. One of the social media trends that I’ve seen everywhere lately is “maxxing.” People keep talking about doing the most, which I’m honestly just so tired of. It feels like so many things that were once carefree and fun have now become pressure filled. Even summertime began to feel that way for me.

Somewhere along the way, summers became more stressful. Warm weather meant it was time for me to do more and be more. It felt overwhelming. I remember the past couple of summers I would feel mildly anxious after dinner, which I think was due to the fact that it was still light out, so I felt I should be doing more instead of just sitting down and putting on a show as I do in the winter. At my core I’m a girl who loves to be cozy, and I honestly feel like winter is more my time of year than summer. But I also think there are parts of summer I haven’t been appreciating enough.

Now, let’s talk about this summer… I’ve been feeling way more at peace and way less pressure to do more, which I’m so grateful for. I’ve actually been enjoying the warm weather and sunny days much more than I expected to. I think this stems from the fact that I’ve put significantly less pressure on myself to be busy this summer, and just really embraced slowing down and taking each day as it comes. Ironically, I’ve actually had more things filling my day than previous summers. As a chronic overthinker, it’s always been hard for me to just go with the flow, but I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress in this area lately, which I’m proud of myself for.

If you’ve felt similar pressure to be busy and do more each summer, take this as your sign that it’s okay to release some of those belief systems. It’s okay to slow down, and it’s okay to take things as they come. Not everything is meant to be rushed, and doing so rarely brings peace anyway.

I’m now seeing summer as a time to let loose, have fun, and be free. It doesn’t have to be full of pressure and performance, it can feel easy and soft instead. I want to live more spontaneously and really embrace my life each day, without feeling the burden of maximizing every little thing. I think there is a way for all of these things to coexist; you can have plans and things to do while still moving slowly and intentionally. I definitely don’t have it all figured out and I’m not perfect, but the thing is, I’m not expecting myself to be anymore. Who I am and where I’m at this summer is enough, and I hope you know the same goes for you.

for always,

Hannah

P.S. I’d love to hear how you’ve been feeling this summer. What is one thing that has been bringing you joy lately?

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Welcome… I’m so glad you’re here. I recently noticed that there are now about 400 people subscribed to for always, and I feel really grateful for all of you. It’s been so special to watch this space grow, and to know my words are resonating with others.

This month, I thought it would be fun to do an issue dedicated to the senses of spring… all the things I’ve been loving from touch, sight, taste, smell, sound, movement, and intuition. Think of this as a soft list sharing a glimpse into things bringing me joy. I was inspired to write this after reading Mary Mondanaro’s newsletter, The Sixth Sense. Hope you enjoy!

Touch—

• Primally Pure’s blue tansy body butter. I had heard great things about Primally Pure’s body butter and had been wanting to try it for a while. I finally decided to purchase their latest scent, blue tansy, and it is amazing! The ingredients are so clean and the smell is so relaxing. The only trouble I’ve had with it is that it’s hard to use when left in a cold environment. Luckily it’s getting very warm here in Massachusetts though, so it’s been perfect. :)

• This book. I’ve heard June Baby being called the book of the summer and after reading the description, I decided to purchase it. I love romance novels (classic Libra, haha) and can’t wait to start this one! I’m curious, what’s on your TBR list this summer?

Sight—

• Flowers! There have been so many beautiful blooms around my house and yard lately, it’s been making me so happy. We’re finally to that time of year when everything looks so green and alive. It’s the best! I particularly love the lilacs in front of my barn, they’re my absolute favorite flower.

• My garden seedlings. One thing that has been so nice this spring has been starting seeds for the first time and watching them grow. I’ll be honest, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but most of them are doing pretty well. We do have a raccoon that has been snooping around our house though, and sadly she ate some of the herbs I planted (rude!). Thankfully, I managed to replant most of the basil, and luckily she has stayed away from the vegetables so far.

  Right now I have tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, onions, basil, dill, kale, lettuce, arugula, and strawberries growing. It’s been so rewarding to watch everything slowly sprout. I’m looking forward to planting everything in the garden beds soon and continuing to care for them throughout the summer.

• Quince’s overall shorts. I recently purchased these and I love them already! I’ve always wanted a pair of overalls, and I feel like they match my summer aesthetic so well (anyone else obsessed with the 90s butter mom vibe?!). These are also 100% organic denim which I LOVE plus they’re so comfy. I’ve been trying to purchase higher quality items for my closet that are more sustainable for the environment and better for my health.

• The Legend of Bagger Vance. I watched this for the first time the other day and really liked it. I’ve also fallen down a bit of a young Matt Damon rabbit hole (haha), and now I want to go back and watch more of his movies. Good Will Hunting is next on my list… a classic I still haven’t seen!

Taste—

• Raspberry Jam. A couple of months ago I decided to try making my own jam, and it turned out so good that it’s now become a staple in my house. I make it every couple of weeks and it’s honestly so easy!

  Raspberry Jam Recipe:

  • 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)

  • 1/2 cup cane sugar

  • 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest

  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

  Method:

  In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar and lemon juice. If using fresh berries, let sit for 15-20 minutes. If using frozen, it’s fine to start the cooking process right away.

  Place the pan over medium-low heat. Once it starts to bubble, turn to simmer and stir often, for 15-25 minutes until slightly thickened.

  Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract and simmer for 1-2 more minutes.

  Let the jam sit for 5-10 minutes before spooning it into a jar. Let it sit in the jar to cool completely, then refrigerate.

• Homemade peanut butter. One thing about me is I’m a peanut butter connoisseur… I’ve had to reign myself in, a couple of years ago I was putting a ton on everything and it got to be ridiculous HAHA. After getting a food processor (thank you Mom), I finally made my own. And now… I will never be buying peanut butter again. It’s so easy to make (even easier than the jam), is done within 15 minutes, and is so customizable and delicious!

  Peanut Butter Recipe:

  • 2 cups of salted, roasted peanuts

  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  Method:

  Place peanuts in food processor. Turn on purée setting and blend. Make sure to check on and stir the peanuts every few minutes. Continue until it starts to get creamy, about 5-10 minutes total. Once it starts to get creamy, add in the vanilla extract and cinnamon and purée once more. Place peanut butter into a jar. Enjoy!

  Note: If using unsalted peanuts, add about 1/4 tsp of salt to the peanut butter recipe. Vanilla extract and cinnamon are totally optional, I just experimented with adding them and found that they boosted the flavor.

Smell—

• LILACS!! As I mentioned, Lilacs are my favorite flower, and lucky for me I have a ton spread throughout my yard. One of them is right outside my bedroom window; every morning I’ve been opening up the windows in my room first thing and taking in the smell. It’s wonderful, I wish lilac season lasted longer; although there is something to be said for just appreciating the short time frame that they last.

• Flamingo Estate’s Peppermint Soap Brick. I purchased this soap for the first time last year and I love it! It lasted from June of last year until now (I just re-purchased). It also smells amazing and is super natural. It genuinely makes me look forward to my showers so much… it really is the little things! Lol.

Sound—

• This Taylor Swift video (courtesy of The New York Times) came out a couple of weeks ago, and I absolutely loved it. As a creative, Taylor Swift is one of my biggest inspirations, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her speak so in depth about her creative process. I found it really interesting to listen to. She’s also so thoughtful and well-spoken, I really enjoy listening to her speak. I’d definitely recommend checking it out, whether you’re a Swiftie or a creative.

• Hit the Wall by Gracie Abrams. This girl can write. Every single song of hers is perfection, I’ve been a fan for a couple of years now and she’s honestly one of my favorite songwriters ever. Her lyrics stop me in my tracks every time. She has a way of articulating things that are so relatable and that many of us feel deeply. This song has been on repeat since it dropped, and I can’t wait for the album July 17th!

Movement—

• Pilates. I’ve been doing Pilates for years now, and it’s just my absolute favorite way to move! I discovered a few new instructors on YouTube which has been fun to experiment with, and I’m also a big fan of the ALIGN app by Bailey Brown. I just love the way a Pilates class makes me feel; it’s so grounding and peaceful but can also really incorporate strength which I love.

• Walking. The weather has been incredible here lately, so getting outside and moving has been the highlight of my days. Now that I’m out of school I have even more time to walk, and I always enjoy doing laps around my yard. Walking has also been really beneficial for my mental health, it’s such a good way to get out of my head and into my body. I’m a chronic over-thinker, so spending time in nature and prioritizing movement really helps me.

• Honorable mention: Tennis and golf. These are two things I’ve been wanting to try for a while, and I’m hoping to make some time for them this summer. To be honest, I find it hard to stay motivated when I’m trying something completely new for the first time. If I could jump straight onto a golf course and be good at it, I would absolutely start now, but having to go to the driving range and practice just doesn’t sound that fun, lol.

Intuition—

• Spending as much time outside as possible! I’m realizing how good it feels to spend hours outside every day. Since finishing my spring semester of college, I’ve really focused on spending less time on screens and more time outside. As I mentioned, I’ve been going on lots of walks, but I’ve also really been enjoying just sitting outside in the sunshine. It’s reminded me how beneficial outdoor time is for both my mental and physical health. I feel so much better when I spend my days in the sunshine, and I’ve noticed how much it impacts my overall sense of well-being.

That’s it for today!

Thank you so much for reading, your support means the world to me. ☺️

Feel free to leave me a comment, I always love hearing from you.

I’d love to know, what’s something that has been bringing you joy this season?

Leave a comment

Hope you are doing well and making the most of spring!

Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

I wanted to share a bit more of my life with you today—something I’ve mentioned before, but haven’t fully let you into yet.

I live on a small homestead in Massachusetts, called Little Brook Farm. It’s where I’ve lived my whole life, and I’m a proud farm girl. I live here with my parents and my younger brother, along with our animals: three goats, sixteen chickens, and three ducks. We used to have dogs and barn cats too, though they’ve sadly passed away. It feels a little emptier without them, but I’m sure we will have another farm dog someday.

On our homestead, we have both flower and vegetable gardens, and a small line of fruit trees, as well as a blueberry patch. My dad is the one who spends the most time tending to the garden, although I am excited to become more involved this year. (I planted some strawberries the other day!)

Now that spring is beginning to settle in, things are slowly beginning to shift, both outdoors and indoors. The days are getting longer, the temperature is slowly getting warmer, and there’s a sense of things awakening. Seeing the first daffodils bloom is always such a wonderful moment.

I’ve also been bringing fruit tree clippings inside to liven up the house. They’re so beautiful when in bloom and make such a lovely addition to any (or every) room. Life on the homestead is beginning to pick up, as it does every year at this time, with more to notice and more to care for each day.

Part one — Garden..

As I mentioned, my dad has been the one who takes care of the garden most of the time, but this year I’m going all in on my vegetable garden. I’m planting cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, garlic, onions, arugula, lettuce, peppers, strawberries, and some herbs. This definitely feels ambitious, and to be honest I don’t know if I would be able to follow through with it if it weren’t for my dad’s help.

My favorite from the garden: I absolutely LOVE going out to the garden on a hot summer’s day and snacking on cherry tomatoes. We planted them in the past and they were so good, I’m hoping they’ll be able to thrive again this year! I also love fresh fruit, so I’m very excited to be getting strawberries. We also have blueberry bushes already planted, along with two peach trees, apple trees, and pear trees. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the best luck with the fruit trees, the peaches tend to rot on the tree before they ripen. But who knows, maybe this will be a better year for them! (Fingers crossed.)

Reflections: I love the way the garden always begins again each year. I included a quote in my March post that said “Never yet was a springtime, when the buds forgot to bloom” (Margaret Elizabeth Sangster), and I really feel like that reflects how I’m feeling this spring. This past winter was long and a bit tough for me personally, so I’ve been trying to continuously remind myself that spring is a fresh start, and the garden reflects that so beautifully.

Part two — Animals..

My favorite thing about living on a homestead is that I am constantly surrounded by animals. We’ve had dogs and chickens for as long as I can remember, and we first got goats when I was around eight years old. I love spending time with the animals—they make life so much more enjoyable.

We currently have 16 chickens (all with names inspired by flowers and Lord of the Rings — lol), 3 ducks, and 3 goats.

Our latest additions are the three ducks and one of our goats (the other two we’ve had for years).

How the new animals came to the homestead: Our new goat and ducks all came from a farm in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The ducks were overcrowded and in need of a new home, and the goat was headed to the slaughterhouse (the reality of a farm, but something that never sits right with me), so we decided to bring them all home to live with us, which I am so grateful for. I was unsure about how I’d like the ducks at first, but they are adorable and get along great with our chickens. Our new goat, named Clover, actually lived with us for a few weeks when he was a baby. The goat operation at the farm in Dartmouth is run by family friends, who asked us to bottle feed Clover for the first few weeks of his life. Of course, I jumped on the idea, and when we brought him back to the farm, I made a promise that I would bring him home for good when the time came. It’s been an adjustment having him here, but he’s settling in. We joke that he’s like a puppy—he just wants to be with us all the time. I’m so grateful he’s here, and I hope he has many good years on our little farm.

Part three — In the Kitchen

If you don’t already know, I am a huge fan of spending time in the kitchen. I’m constantly experimenting with new recipes, whether that be baked goods or delicious dinners. My latest undertaking was making raspberry jam! I’ve been wanting to make my own jam since watching With love, Meghan last spring. After watching, I purchased one of Meghan’s jams from her brand As Ever, which was SO good. Since then, I’ve been determined to re-create it at home. I finally did, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I always feel so accomplished when I make a new recipe for the first time and it actually tastes good; whenever I used to try something new it would be an epic fail the first time, haha. I’ll be sharing the jam recipe in one of my upcoming posts, so stay tuned for that!

I also recently experimented with making nut butter. I made both almond and peanut, and they turned out excellent. I was shocked at how easy it is to make! All I did was add the nuts, along with a little salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, to the food processor. The peanut butter was ready in less than 10 minutes. I’m so excited to officially add nut butter to my lineup of homemade goodies!

Part four — Small Rythms

Lately, I’ve been slowing down and focusing on the small rhythms in my days, incorporating soft habits into my spring routine. One of the things I’ve been prioritizing is getting outside first thing every morning. Sunlight before screens has been my motto lately. There are so many benefits to it, and it really helps ground my mind before turning on my phone each day.

As I previously mentioned, this winter was long and tough for me at times. I’m really happy spring is finally here, seeing the land come back to life has been bringing me joy. I also can’t explain how great it feels to spend time gardening; as a chronic over-thinker it brings me so much peace. What is something that has brought more peace to your life this spring?

Pretty soon, the lilacs in our yard will be blooming, which already has me so excited. The smell of them is literal heaven to me, if there was one smell I could capture and carry with me always it would be lilac. They also just add such a soft, gorgeous pop of color to the yard. Purple and blue flowers are my absolute favorites!

Another thing I’ve been incorporating into my spring routine is journaling. The past couple months I’ve fallen off the journal wagon, but lately I’ve been trying to write a little bit each morning and night. In the mornings, I journal three things I’m grateful for. In the evenings, I write three highlights from my day. This helps me focus on the positive and really tune inward at the start and end of my days.

One more thing I want to mention before closing is that I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a soft guide for each season. I love reading this kind of content, and feel like it’s very on brand for for always. Please let me know in the comments if this is something that interests you!

TO READ: This Substack post from the publication boring things. I relate to what she’s talking about here, and I love the reminders included in the post. I recently discovered this publication and love the vibes so much, it’s been so enjoyable and inspiring to read.

TO LISTEN TO: RAYE's new album! I had heard a few of her songs in the past, but after hearing all the buzz on the internet I went and listened to this complete album. It’s so good! She paints such a vivid picture with her songwriting and the cinematic production is top tier. I love listening to music that flows together and feels like it could be a play/movie.

TO WATCH: Instead of recommending a video, I thought it would be fitting to recommend getting outside and watching something in nature. Whether that be the birds, flowers, or a river flowing, take some time to be still and notice the natural world reawakening.

TO DO: Yoga to reduce cortisol. The other day I was feeling so stressed and wanted to move my body but also slow down and relax. I found this amazing video from Yoga with Adrienne! It’s the perfect mix of mindfulness and gentle movement, and if you are feeling stressed (or if you just want to take some time for yourself), I highly recommend putting a half hour aside for this practice. I know you won’t regret it!

TO KEEP IN MIND: “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.” – Luther Burbank

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you so much for reading! If you feel so inclined, I’d love to hear from you. What’s one thing you’re doing this spring to realign with yourself and/or nature?

Leave a comment

Also, please let me know if a seasonal guide is something that interests you.

Hope you are doing well, and HAPPY SPRING!! 🌷🤍

Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

This month’s topic is something I’m so excited to talk about— cooking and baking!
I was actually inspired by one of my lovely subscribers (shoutout to Karolina!) to talk more about this. She commented on my previous post about how much she loved baking in 2025, and it got me thinking how fun it would be to share some of my favorite recipes with you all— hope you enjoy! ☺️

1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oat Breakfast Cookies

   These breakfast cookies are a staple in my house- they’re perfect for a cosy snack or breakfast, and keep me feeling full while being so delicious and nutritious. Highly recommend.

   Ingredients:

   • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

   • 2 eggs

   • 2 tbsp ground flax

   • 1/4 cup maple syrup

   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

   • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

   • 3 1/2 cups rolled oats

   • 1 cup peanut butter

   • 1 tsp baking soda

   • pinch of salt

   • chocolate chips

   Instructions:

   Preheat oven to 350F. Beat eggs, pumpkin puree, flax, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in bowl. Mix in the oats, then add the peanut butter. After stirring well, add in the baking soda and pinch of salt. Lastly, stir in your desired amount of chocolate chips. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until edges of cookies are starting to brown.

2. Bakery Style Lemon Raspberry Muffins

   These are sooo delicious! I’ve been trying to make a good bakery style muffin (where it’s a bit crunchy on top) for so long, and finally got it down. These are the perfect amount of sweet and citrusy, and they’re perfect for spring!

   Ingredients:

   • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or gluten free 1:1)

   • 1/2 cup almond flour

   • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

   • 1/2 tsp baking soda

   • 1/4 tsp salt

   • 2 eggs

   • 1/2 cup maple syrup

   • 1/3 cup oil (any oil should work, I’ve tried it with both olive and coconut)

   • 2-3 tsp lemon zest

   • 1/4 cup lemon juice

   • 1 1/4 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)

   Instructions:

   Preheat oven to 425F. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl mix together the eggs, maple syrup, oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, then add the raspberries last. Fill muffin cups all the way to the top (so you can’t see the muffin liners anymore). Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temp to 350F. Without opening oven, bake for 15-18 more minutes. Let cool, and enjoy!

3. Pasta with Sauce and Turkey Meatballs

   This is my absolute favorite meal, it’s so comforting and hearty. These meatballs are my Dad’s recipe, and they are SO good. If there’s one meal I recommend you make, it’s this. Note: I typically use the Bionature Gluten Free Spaghetti, but you can use any pasta you desire. I use the Rao's Tomato Basil Sauce, but again, the choice is yours when it comes to what kind you use.

   Turkey Meatball Ingredients:

   • 2 lbs ground turkey

   • 1 egg

   • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

   • 1/2 cup of hemp hearts (can sub breadcrumbs or cornmeal)

   • 3 tsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

   • half an onion, diced

   • 2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

   • 1 tsp paprika

   • 1 tsp salt

   • 1/2 - 1 tsp black pepper

   • 1/4 tsp cajun

   • 1/4 tsp chili powder

   • 1 tsp dried parsley

   Instructions:

   Preheat oven to 400F. Add all ingredients to large bowl and mix well. Make sure to beat the egg before combining with everything else. Roll into meatballs, this should make about 20. Bake for 20 minutes, flip meatballs, then bake 15 more minutes.

   Note: I typically boil water for pasta right after putting the meatballs in the oven.

   Once pasta and meatballs are cooked and the sauce is warmed up, add it all to a bowl. I like to add a few more hemp hearts on top, but it’s completely optional. Enjoy!!

4. Lentil Veggie Burgers (with Lemon Garlic Aioli)

   This is my own recipe that I just made for the first time recently and fell in love with! I was super unsure about how the burgers would turn out, but they were TO DIE FOR. And the aioli on top was heaven. :)

   Burger Ingredients:

   • 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)

   • 3/4 cup chopped mushrooms (preferably baby bella or cremini)

   • 1/2 an onion, finely diced

   • 2 cloves garlic, minced

   • 1/2 cup rolled oats or breadcrumbs

   • 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

   • 1 tsp smoked paprika

   • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

   • 1/2 tsp black pepper

   • 1 egg

   • salt to taste

   • olive oil for sautéing

   Instructions:

   BURGERS:

   Cook the lentils: Add lentils to a pot with 3–4 cups water + 1 tsp salt.

   Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes, until just tender (not mushy). Drain well. Spread lentils on a plate or sheet pan for 5–10 minutes to steam-dry.

   Chop and cook the mushrooms, onions, and garlic: After chopping the mushrooms into small pieces, cook them in an oiled pan at medium-high heat, along with the diced onions and pinch of salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, until mushrooms are brown and jammy and the liquid from the pan is gone. Lastly, using a garlic press, add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

   Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, roughly mash the cooked lentils (leave some texture), then add mushroom mixture, oats (or breadcrumbs), coconut aminos, spices, and egg. Mix until it holds together when pressed.

   Form into patties and refrigerate for 25 minutes.

   Cook burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Don’t rush the flip—let the crust form.

   LEMON GARLIC AIOLI:

   Ingredients:

   • 2-3 garlic cloves

   • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral-tasting oil)

   • 3/4 cup mayonnaise

   • 1 tbsp lemon juice

   • 1/4 tsp salt

   • pinch of smoked paprika

   Instructions:

   Thinly slice the garlic cloves, then add to pan with all of the olive oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes over low heat until garlic slices are soft, not browning. Once done, pour garlic and olive oil into a small bowl. Let cool for 1-2 minutes, then mash garlic with the back of a spoon (or cut tiny with a knife if the spoon doesn’t work). Add in the mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pinch of paprika. Stir all the ingredients together and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

5. Matcha Cookies

   I found this recipe on TikTok from Bonnie Weddell. These cookies are so good and I’ve been making them a lot lately! The thought of matcha cookies was always interesting to me, but I was definitely not sold on how they’d turn out. They absolutely delivered though, I’m so glad I decided to try them.

   Ingredients:

   • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (or gluten free 1:1)

   • 1/2 cup coconut sugar

   • 1/2 cup oats

   • 3 tsp matcha powder

   • 1 tsp baking powder

   • 10 tbsp coconut oil

   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

   • 3 tbsp milk of choice

   • chopped chocolate for topping

   Instructions:

   Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the coconut oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Roll the dough into palm-sized balls, and press down slightly on baking sheet. Note: If the cookies aren’t holding together they may need a bit more coconut oil or milk. Lastly, add a few chocolate chips or a slice of a chocolate bar to the top of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the chocolate starts to melt on top. Let cool, then enjoy!

New segment alert!! At the end of each post, I’ll be adding a short list of things that I’m loving right now— things I’m listening to, watching, reading, etc. I always love short sections of newsletters where people share their favorite things, so I think this should be a really fun addition to for always!

TO READ: This Substack post about 100 different hobbies… I’m a believer that people don’t have enough hobbies in our day and age. We tend to get caught up in our day to day lives and our to do lists (which is important and totally understandable of course), but I think it’s also important for us to feed our souls and find more connection— both to ourselves and others. This post has a ton of fun ideas for people who want to broaden their horizons and have fun doing so!

TO LISTEN TO: This podcast episode from The Wellness Scoop. I’ve been loving their podcast lately, it’s super informative and also really fun to listen to. The hosts, Ella Mills and Rhiannon Lambert, are both very knowledgable and have simplistic, obtainable health advice. This particular episode is my favorite, it provides easy and enjoyable tips for everyday health and well-being. Let me know if you listen to it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

TO WATCH: This YouTube video on hosting a spring brunch! I’ve only seen a portion of this so far, but it looks like a super cute spring video, and as someone who wants to host more, I think it’s the perfect source of inspiration. There’s also some cooking content included!

TO DO: GET OUTSIDE! It’s finally feeling like spring here in Massachusetts (thank God!) and I’m trying to spend as much time as possible outside. Even if you only have five minutes, just spending a little time walking or sitting in the sun is so rejuvenating.

TO KEEP IN MIND: “Never yet was a springtime, when the buds forgot to bloom.” —Margaret Elizabeth Sangster. I found this quote the other day and thought it was very fitting for where we’re at right now. This is your reminder to leave whatever baggage and negative energy you’ve been holding on to this winter… it’s spring now, a fresh start, and no matter how dark of a time you’ve had lately, remember that brighter days will always come.

That’s it for today!

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading. Truly. It means more to me than you know. I hope you found this to be enjoyable; personally, this was my favorite post to write so far. As always, please feel free to leave me a comment below, I love connecting with you all and hearing your thoughts!

Leave a comment

Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

Hello! Welcome back, my dear readers.

It’s been a busy month for me, and to be honest I’ve been finding it harder than I thought to come up with things to write about. I have a lot of ideas but not as much time! In honor of February—the month of love—I thought I’d share a list of simple things I’m loving right now. These are things that have made me smile and that I keep coming back to. I’ve been noticing how much the simplest things are grounding me lately. Let’s dive in!

1. Walks outside

   It’s been snowing so much here in Massachusetts lately! We’re having a real winter this year, for the first time in a while. In turn, all the snow has made it hard for me to get outside as often and for as long as I’d like. But the past week I’ve been bundling up and dedicating some time to walk around and get fresh air. It’s been making me feel so good and it’s such a simple joy that benefits both mental and physical health. This is your sign to go get outside if you haven’t lately!

2. Baking and cooking

   I really find nothing more satisfying than cooking a healthy, delicious meal on a cold winter night. Lately I’ve been making lots of pasta (it’s my absolute favorite comfort food), and I recently made Pamela Anderson’s Anti-Inflammatory Moroccan Soup, which was so cosy and to die for! I highly recommend it, it’s also vegetarian for anyone who doesn’t eat meat.

   I’m also a big baker and typically make muffins, breakfast cookies, and granola weekly for myself and my family. Let me know if you’re interested in hearing more about what I’ve been baking, I’d love to share some recipes here! :)

3. Reading on Substack

   This one won’t come as a surprise I’m sure, with me having my own Substack and all. I’m just such a fan of this app and all the people I’ve come across on here.

   I’ve been loving reading Hannah Bay’s work, she’s been a huge inspiration for me. Definitely check her out if you’ve never heard of her! I recently subscribed to her newsletter midnight crumbs, and I’ve been loving it. Her work is perfect for anyone who wants to create a slow, peaceful life, as I do.

4. Watching cosy YouTube videos

   I love when I find someone on YouTube who’s living the life I dream of having, it’s such a source of inspiration and joy for me. Two of my absolute favorites are Hannah Adkins and Josie Irons. They both live in The Cotswolds (my DREAM!), and they just have the cosiest vlogs and lives. I watch their videos all the time.

5. Listening to short stories before bed

   This is something I’ve been doing for the past month, and it’s been making me so happy. I wanted something to listen to that was wholesome and simple, like a children’s story, so I went on YouTube and searched for a Winnie the Pooh bedtime audiobook. I found this one, and have been listening to it on repeat lately. (Not all at once though, haha!) The narrator’s voice is super relaxing, and it’s such a cute story. It makes me feel like a little kid again, it’s been really nice.

6. Coloring

   I recently found one of my old coloring books from when I was a kid. One night when I was bored I decided to pick up some crayons and color. It was actually so enjoyable! I’ve since added it to part of my morning routine, something to do before I look at a screen. I think coloring is so underrated, it can actually really help de-stress, and I’ve found it way more fun than I expected I would.

That’s it for now! I hope you’re able to take some time for yourself this month, and remember to slow down and listen to yourself and what you need. February can be a hard month so remember to be kind to yourself.

What simple thing has made you smile this month? Please feel free to comment below! I’d love to hear from you. ☺️

Leave a comment

Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

Hello there! I’ve been brainstorming some fun posts and thought that this would be a good first topic. I’ve always had a love of health, and the past few years I’ve been striving to find the habits that really stick and make me feel good both mentally and physically. This year, though, I’m trying to take a gentler approach. My goal this year is to soften every aspect of my life, and really come home to who I am and what I want.

People often use January as a time to set goals, but what they rarely think about is that we are still in the middle of winter, and while setting goals is great, this is a time when it’s also important to prioritize rest and slowing down. I’ve been trying to remind myself of this every day of this month so far, and to be honest it’s been the best January yet for me. I’ve been putting WAY less pressure on myself to be “perfect” (because it does not exist!) and I’ve been checking in with myself, my body, my mind, and my energy levels daily. You don’t need to push yourself all the time in order to achieve your goals, rest is an important part of life.

I’ve spent the beginning of this month coming up with new routines and habits to take with me into the New Year. Some of them I’ve already been practicing, others I’m implementing to freshen up my routine. I’ve been really enjoying it, and maybe this will inspire you to create your own!

Keep in mind: these aren’t meant to be rules—just gentle anchors I’m carrying with me into 2026.

My gentle routines for 2026:

1. Start a monthly obsessions page

   Whether in a journal or just in my notes app, I plan on writing out a list of my favorite things each month this year. This can help shift your mindset to the positives in your life, while also being something fun to look back on in the future. It doesn’t need long explanations, think of it as more of a bulleted list of what’s bringing you joy.

2. Read some of a book every single day

   I’m an avid reader, and truly love nothing more than reading a good book. The past few months have been a bit busier for me which prompted me to stop reading as much as I used to, but I recently read the book The Women by Kristen Hannah, and I was reminded of what a good book can do for your inner world. I really feel like people would be happier if they spent more time getting lost in novels. I’m a sucker for a good World War 2 fiction book, so I definitely plan on reading more of those this year. A goal I have is to keep a TBR book list, and make sure I have at least one new book on hand at all times. Even if I can only read a few pages a day, it’s always nice to take a break from the real world and get a little lost in a story.

3. Make home feel like a relaxing spa each evening

   Each night after dinner, I want to make my home feel warm and cosy—like a spa. One habit I started in 2025 and absolutely loved was putting my phone on airplane mode right after dinner. It helps me stay offline and focus on myself, truly unwinding during that part of the day.

   Nothing relaxes me more in the winter than taking a hot shower, followed by slipping into my robe (so cosy, I’m obsessed). After that, I might read some of a book, watch a comfort show, have a warm beverage or a sweet treat, and just let myself be. Sit on the couch, maybe light a candle. Some nights I might do some stretching or breathwork if I feel like it; other nights, I might just watch a show or movie I’m loving (right now I’m hooked on Gilmore Girls). The goal is to make your home feel cosy and warm, while not having any strict plans. Whatever feels right that evening. I want each night to feel like an exhale at the end of my day.

4. Meditate in the mornings

   Meditation is something I’ve been practicing more and more the past few months. I’ve struggled with anxiety and OCD for years, and I really believe meditation can be a game changer when given time and attention. I used to be hard on myself with it, feeling like I had to show up for a certain amount of time every day in order for it to “work.” While meditation does deepen over time, it’s important that it doesn’t feel like another source of pressure or stress.

   Every morning I like to roll out of bed and put my legs up the wall; something that is great for circulation as well as relaxation. I then meditate for either 5 or 10 minutes (nothing crazy). I love the app Boho Beautiful—they have a great selection of meditations and yoga. You can absolutely use YouTube for a free option as well, with Boho Beautiful or any meditation video you enjoy.

5. Write a positive affirmation in my journal every morning

   The past couple months I’ve gotten into affirmation cards. I think a positive mindset first thing in the morning can really change the way your whole day goes. I love these from Intelligent Change, but you could even just search online for some and write them on little note cards for yourself. I like to shuffle the cards each morning and pick a random one, then write it down in my journal. A small routine that can have a big impact.

6. No phone Sundays

   This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but has been a struggle for me. I am on my phone a lot throughout the week, so I think it’s important to take time offline when possible. Sundays are a day when I’m mostly just home and not doing much, making them a great day to shut my phone down and practice being more present. I’m not sure how this is going to go for me, but it’s something I definitely want to work on.

7. Take more rest days

   I’ve been super into Pilates and strength training the past couple years, and while I am definitely hoping to continue that this year, I also want to make sure I’m giving my body (and mind) more rest. It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of working out, and as great as it is, it’s also really important to give your body a break and allow yourself to just be as you are. I want to make sure I take time to nurture my body, giving it days where I just stretch or walk, or days when I rest completely.

8. Cycle-Syncing my life

   This may not be for everyone, but it’s something that is really important to me.

   The past few years I’ve focused on working out in alignment with my cycle—making sure I rest during my period, and move in the ways that help balance my hormones during each phase. I also try to eat foods that best support my hormones during the different phases. Doing this has made me feel so good and really connected to myself and my body, so I plan on continuing this lifestyle in 2026 and beyond.

   Let me know if you’d like to hear more about cycle-syncing, I’ve learned a lot about it the past couple years and would love to share more!

That’s it for now!

Thank you so much for reading, it means the world to me to have you here. I hope you found this interesting, and maybe this inspired you to plan some of your own gentle routines for 2026.

If you’d like, reply in the comments with a routine (or a few) that you are implementing into your life this year.

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Until next time..

for always,

Hannah

I’ve never done anything like this before.

I am both nervous and excited right now! I discovered Substack about a year ago, via Hailee Steinfeld’s newsletter Beau Society (shoutout—I’m a big fan). I subscribed to a few newsletters that caught my eye, but it took me a while to actually download the app. Once I did, there was no turning back. In the past few months I’ve found so many interesting newsletters and connected with some really inspiring people. This app feels like such a breath of fresh air compared to all the busy social media platforms.

I already can’t wait to connect with you here. Starting this feels like a dream come true.

Why wait for someday?

Ever since downloading Substack, I knew I wanted to start my own. I’ve always been a deep thinker who craves a soft, simple life, and I never felt like I had a place online to connect with people — until now. After getting excited about this app, I quickly told myself that someday I would start writing here. Someday, when I had more to share. Someday, when my life felt more interesting.

But then I realized: if I wait, I may never do it. Who knows what may or may not happen, someday. Why wait for all the pieces to fall into place? Why not just start working on the puzzle yourself? I’m done waiting for “someday” to start things. Today is the only day we are guaranteed.

I crave a soft, simple, slow life

For a little background: I grew up on a homestead in Wareham, Massachusetts, and was homeschooled for six years, all the way through high school. I’m now a freshman in college.

For a while, I dreamed about moving to Los Angeles and becoming an actress. I didn’t want the quiet life I was brought up with — but a louder, more ambitious life, full of success.

But slowly over this past year, I’ve realized that maybe what I thought I wanted all this time isn’t actually what I want today.

I’m craving a simpler life — one rooted in slowness, softness, and staying connected to the natural world around me. A life where I lean in and truly embrace my soft side, instead of constantly pushing myself to conform to something that just isn’t me. A life where I reconnect with the little girl inside me who loved the peace a slow life has to offer.

I want this to be a space where you can escape to, where you can see some of yourself in, and where you are able to realize that there is an alternative way of living.

Here, I’ll be talking about how to choose softness in a loud world… navigating growth without losing yourself, and exploring health and wellness in a gentle, kind way. I’ll take you along as I evolve — while staying true to who I am at my core.

If you crave a soft life like I do, then I think you’ll feel at home here.

Behind the name

It didn’t take me long to decide on a name.

“For always” was something I started writing in my diary every day last year. It sounded ethereal to me, and it became my signature way of signing off on things.

This newsletter is rooted in being who you are and loving who you are — staying true to yourself, for always.

Posting schedule

I’m about to begin my second semester of college, and truthfully, I don’t yet know how much free time I’ll have. Writing here is important to me, though, and I plan to show up as consistently as I can.

For now, I plan on posting here once or twice a month — with the possibility of more. I have a feeling I’ll be posting more, as long as my time permits. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as we go along.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much. Truly. It is an honor to have you here.

If you feel inclined, I’d love for you to leave a comment below and introduce yourself! And if this resonated with you, consider subscribing — it’s free, and it helps support my work.

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Stay tuned — I’ll be posting again this week about 8 Gentle Habits for 2026.

Until next time..

for always,

Hannah