It’s been a behind-the-scenes kind of life here lately. A little bit less action on the blog usually means lots of big stuff happening in the kitchen and tons of new ideas coming soon. While I’m working behind the curtain on lots and lots of festive fall and holiday ideas to share, I’ve got a few links and updates in this week’s download to keep you in the loop! 
Cookbook Anniversary. Last week, my cookbook New England Invite celebrated a milestone! It’s been one year since the book came out and I can’t believe it. What a wild year it was, and a totally awesome experience getting to meet lots of readers at book events around New England. I’m excited to be revisiting some of the fall recipes now that the seasons have come full circle, and will definitely be planning some more fun events for the holiday season – stay tuned!
Reading List. I have lost my quick reading pace over the last few weeks after I finished the playful book, American Royals. All of my favorite TV shows are back after their summer hiatus and I’ve been falling back into that couch-zombie mode in the evenings. BUT I’m on book 28 of my 30 books in 2019 goal so I’m giving myself some grace. I actually picked up The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore last night and made a good dent in it — I am a big fan of the fact that it’s set on Block Island, one of my very favorite places!
Recent Finds. I just updated my SHOP page with a few recent favorite finds (and all of my most-asked about items). A few of them are so good they’re worth calling out though – like the blow dryer brush that my mom lent me. Let’s just say she’s not getting it back, ha! I was a skeptic, because I have really thin hair and it usually get tangled or frizzy with specialty tools, but it lived up to the hype and gave me so much volume and bounce. I’ve been blow-drying my hair with my regular dryer until it’s 99% dry, and then finishing it with the blow dryer brush for a more styled look, it’s a game changer! I also went on an LL Bean spree last week and ordered Jane and I both cozy fall jackets, a quilted toddler jacket for her and a cozy Sherpa fleece zip-up for me. I’m going to be living in mine! Another kid-favorite of late, is this playful equestrian tunic I found for Jane on Amazon – the pattern is so darling.
Chili Recipes. As soon as the temperature dropped into that cool autumn range last week I knew I had to make a big pot of chili for dinner. I tested an easy pumpkin turkey chili recipe and shared the results on the blog; the recipe is a little bit sweeter than my traditional chili recipe so I felt like it was a bit more kid-friendly option. (If you’re looking for other chili ideas, try my Instant Pot Turkey Chili or this Chicken Enchilada Chili Recipe). If you’re feeling extra festive try serving your chili in some seasonal pumpkin cocottes, they look so darn cute!
I can’t believe it’s been a year!! Happy cookbook birthday! Also, American Royals was so.so.good!
Thanks Monica! And yes, I loved it — I had no idea it was going to have a sequel so I can’t wait for the next one to come out! Such a fun concept.
You are rocking your reading goal! Love that, Kate! Also need to check out the hair dryer brush- I feel like I’ve seen it everywhere and keep wanting to get it.
xoxo, Jenna
Bostonchicparty.com
I was a skeptic about the hair dryer brush but after I tried my moms I was convinced — it took a try or two to get the technique down but it’s a game changer, definitely recommend it!