current obsessions - late fall + early winter 2023

Nov 3

my late fall + early winter obsessions

In TCM, we are just winding down with fall and moving towards the beginning of winter in the next week or so. And clearly, we are seeing that in Minnesota :) Of course.

We’re moving away from Lung/Large Intestine + Metal season and with that, the energetics of grief and sadness, letting go, clear thinking, being open to new ideas. And we’re moving into Kidney/Urinary Bladder, Water season, and the energetics of fear, low motivation, will power, overcoming obstacles, and supporting long term goals. I’ll do a separate post on winter in TCM, but there’s your little intro.

I wanted to share a few of my late fall/early winter obsessions this year.

I’m hyper fixating on Half Baked Harvest Italian Wedding Soup- I make this at least once a month October-April. I’ve already made it twice this fall, and the second time I played with serving it over rice instead of pasta. Amazing. Very Spleen / TCM digestive health friendly. An amazing Wei Qi (immunity) and Spleen/Stomach boosting recipe! Highly recommend. I swap the chicken broth for chicken bone broth in the soup and cook white rice in bone broth.

Would you want to see the TCM food therapy of this recipe broken down?

Can’t get enough 1989 (Taylor’s Version, duh)- Is it Over Now, Say Don’t Go, and You are In Love on repeat. Like all the girlies, my Spotify Wrapped 2023 is going to be Taylor heavy, lol.
My morning cinnamon + lemon water. I’ve been religious about my morning lemon water for years now.. like probably 10 years. But this past month I’ve been adding a dash of cinnamon to it and omg. So good.

My patients know this- we love room temp or warm water in TCM. Cold water can be very taxing on our digestive system and cause bloating and other unwatered digestive issues.
Your TCM food therapy:

lemon- cold, sour, alkaline. promotes Qi and Blood circulation, clears heat, removes toxins, transforms phlegm. supports Gallbladder, Liver, Kidney, Lung, Spleen.
cinnamon- warm, acrid/sweet. Tonifys Qi and Yang, warms cold, drains damp, promotes Qi and Blood circulation. supports Heart, Small Intestine, Kidney, Lung, Spleen.

and dare I say it… natural nails. I have obsessive about getting my nails done just about every two weeks since probably 2009... I love having freshly painted nails. But I needed a break. Trying to make natural nails a thing, at least for a little bit. Channeling Carrie Bradshaw (although, she expertly accessorized in every other way, whereas I’m pairing my natural nails look with ~scrubs~). My nails grow so fast and are so healthy/strong from being so consistent with my Root & Bones collagen powder so its fun to see them without nail polish. But, when I get back into it, I am loyal to Shaela at Nail Ninja! She’s the best.

What’s grounding or energizing you this late fall / early winter? Would love to hear how you’re staying cozy!

*we capitalized when referring to the organ in terms of TCM, not western medicine.

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