Rooted
September is coming to an end, and I think we're finally beginning to feel that shift toward fall.
The mornings are cooler. The light is changing. Apples are showing up everywhere. And I'm starting to think about cozy things again—warm mugs, good books, and taking a little more time with ordinary rituals.
So for our last Rooted newsletter, I thought we'd do something a little different.
Instead of one long reflection, I've gathered four small things for you: something to sip, something to read, something to make, and something to remember.
🍎 Something to Sip: Apple Cinnamon Tea
If you love apple but aren't particularly interested in joining the pumpkin-spice parade, this one's for you. 😉
For one cozy cup, steep your favorite black tea with a few thin slices of apple and a cinnamon stick. Add a little honey if you'd like, and for an extra autumnal touch, add a splash of apple cider.
Let it steep for a few minutes and enjoy it somewhere comfortable.
You could even use the good mug.
📚 Something to Read
I've joined up with a collection of authors sharing books for readers who love nonfiction reads.
If you're looking for something new to add to your autumn reading pile, take a peek. You might find your next favorite book—or at least something wonderful to curl up with on a cool evening.
Make yourself a cup of tea first. I highly recommend it.
click here or the photo to see books
click here or the photo to see books
🌿 Something to Make: Apple Spice Sugar Scrub
I love making simple skincare recipes from ingredients that feel at home in the kitchen, and this one smells like autumn without requiring an entire cabinet full of ingredients.
Apple Spice Sugar Scrub
You'll need:
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil or sweet almond oil
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla powder, if you have it
1 tablespoon finely ground oats, optional
Mix everything together in a small bowl and spoon it into a clean jar.
Use a small amount on damp skin in the shower, gently massaging it over your hands, arms, legs, or feet. Rinse well and pat your skin dry.
Because this recipe doesn't contain a preservative, make a small batch, keep water out of the jar, and use it fairly quickly.
And remember: cinnamon can be irritating for some skin, so if your skin is sensitive, leave it out or test a small area first.
Simple. Cozy. Smells like you've been baking something, even if you haven't.
📖 Something to Remember
We've been talking about roots all month—about the quiet things that keep us grounded, the people and practices that nourish us, and the growth that happens beneath the surface.
So it seems fitting to return to where we began.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”
— Jeremiah 17:7–8
A little prompt
What is helping you put down roots in this season?
Not what are you accomplishing.
Not what are you trying to fix.
What is quietly nourishing you?
Maybe it's your faith. A friendship. A familiar morning ritual. Time outside. A good book. Taking care of your skin. Sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
Whatever it is, don't overlook it just because it seems small.
Roots are small things doing important work.
And as we move into a new season, I hope you remember that you don't have to be constantly blooming to be growing.
Sometimes the deepest growth happens where no one can see it.
Until next month,
Carrie
The Space Between
Small rituals for the moments in between.