Emily's Edit: September Edition

What I read, watched, ate, bought and loved

I don’t know how in the world September is almost over. I think I lived three lifetimes the last thirty days. Between kid stuff and medical stuff and work stuff, September was slam full! Some hard moments, some great moments, but very full! I’m really excited for October to be here… because that means cooler weather is around the corner. It’s blazing hot in Florida, but relief is in sight. Perhaps as soon as this weekend.

In September, we had a big “what’s next for Simplified” meeting and that was fantastic. My team dug through all our thoughts on launches, how we do them, and how things are changing, then created a killer presentation about where we’re headed and how we’d like to actually change our launches moving forward. More on that soon. I’d like to write a whole post on the business side of things. Lots of awesome moving parts! PS: this holiday collection just dropped and it’s all so stinking cute.

I also found out I’m having a hysterectomy October 7. After getting through the initial *FEELINGS* about this, I started prepping our calendars, arranging kiddo rides to school and practices, and stocking up on the supplies I’ll apparently need.

Aside from all of that, I still made time for reading, shopping, and eating. : )

What I Read

Caveat: I’m a voracious reader and listened to each of these on Audible.

Awake by Jen Hatmaker - If you’ve been following Jen’s journey, this book is everything. It’s about waking up to who you really are after years of performing, people-pleasing, and playing it safe. Raw, honest, and so deeply relatable for any woman who’s ever felt like she’s been living someone else’s version of her life. I cried multiple times and finished it in one giant binge in one day. I’m actually leaving this afternoon for Houston with two of my best friends, to go see Jen and Dr. Mary Claire Haver on Jen’s book tour stop!

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham - A juicy mystery set at a prestigious boarding school where secrets run deep and nothing is quite what it seems. Perfect fall reading when you want something compelling that keeps you guessing. (Also, Elin says a sequel, potentially titled The Thoroughbreds, is coming Fall 2026). This was my first EH book, believe it or not. Should I read more? What should I add to my post-surgery TBR stack?

The Making of Jackson Parrish by Liv Constantine - A twisty thriller about ambition, secrets, and the price of reinvention. Liv Constantine always delivers on the suspense and this one had me racing to the end.

No Exit by Taylor Adams - Holy tension, Batman. A college student gets stranded at a rest stop during a blizzard and discovers something terrifying. This one had my heart pounding. Perfect for when you want that edge-of-your-seat reading experience.

The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea - A gripping story about two girls who disappear, but only one comes back. Donlea is a master at weaving together timelines and keeping you hooked.

Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea - Another win from Donlea. A woman survives a massacre that killed her family, but her memory of that night is gone. The unraveling of what really happened is chef’s kiss.

Guess Again by Charlie Donlea - Apparently I’m in my Charlie Donlea era and I’m not mad about it. This one plays with perception and memory in the most delicious way. This was the first of the three of his I read and I DEVOURED it.

What I Watched

Side note: does anyone else have a Frame TV and find that the remote is TERRIBLE!?

The Brady Bunch - Plot twist I didn’t see coming: Tyler and Caroline LOVE The Brady Bunch. We’ve been watching together and honestly? It’s the sweetest kind of nostalgia. They think the drama is hilarious, and I’m over here getting emotional about how wholesome it all is. Who knew a show from the 70s would be our September bonding moment?

Wayward (Netflix) - Holy geez, this is twisty. I just started it so I’m not too far into it, but it keeps my attention for sure.

The Thursday Murder Club (Netflix) - Four retirees in a British retirement village form a murder club to solve cold cases, then find themselves in the middle of a real one. Charming, witty, and exactly what I needed.

What I Fed My People

Chicken and Rice from my cookbook - This is my go-to when I need everyone fed and happy with minimal effort. It’s comfort food that actually delivers. PS: my cookbook is on sale for nearly $11 now!

Nachos because football is back - Chips, cheese, all the toppings. Sometimes the best meals are the ones where nobody’s asking me what’s for dinner because they can see it. Drain black beans and add to a pot with some salsa. Warm that up for toppings. So good.

Grilled ham and cheese on the weekends - Simple, classic, and somehow tastes like childhood. I make them in my cast iron skillet and they’re golden and crispy and the kids demolish them. Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. Sourdough bread > breads.

What I Bought

The new iPhone - I upgraded from the 15 and the 17 Pro Max camera is awesome. Other than that, there isn’t a whole lot different about it.

New sporty fall things from Tuckernuck Sport - I’ve been living in these pieces. They’re that perfect intersection of actually cute and actually functional. The kind of clothes that make you feel put together even when you’re just running errands or sitting at football practice. Full collection here.

This incredible top/jacket - I wore this for a local women’s magazine’s Bold Women edition shoot and it made me feel like the most powerful version of myself. Sometimes one piece can do that. See it here.

Gold and silver watch with hunter green face - I’ve been searching for the perfect watch that could work with everything and this one hit the mark. The hunter green face is so unexpectedly gorgeous and the price point is actually reasonable. Watch here.

Matching cuff from the same brand - Because once you find a brand you love, you commit. This cuff is substantial without being heavy and I’ve worn it almost every day since it arrived. Cuff here.

Random things that made the cut:

This - A restock makeup purchase I wear year round.

This - The most comfy set to wear while lounging around on a weekend. I have 2 colors.

This - Because being in your 40s is fun (but also a few friends swear by these).

And this - Because scary Halloween is out and cute Halloween is in.

Hysterectomy prep things from Amazon - Here’s where we get real. I’m having a hysterectomy soon (more on that later), and I’ve been gathering all the things everyone says you need for recovery. The random assortment of items in my Amazon cart has been quite the journey. Button-up pajamas, a grabber tool, a wedge pillow, and approximately 47 other things I never thought I’d need. If you’ve been through this, tell me what I’m missing.

Substacks I’ve Been Loving

Are we still calling ourselves Christians?

Why America’s Boys are Struggling

7 Affordable Luxuries That Make Life Better

Around the House

I thought this could be a fun section here. It rained one time and every ant in Florida decided to come into my house. So that’s been fun to deal with. Kiddo wise, Tyler has taken up golf (which is so cool because Bryan and Brady both can’t get enough). Caroline is becoming a volleyball star. (Didn’t have this on my 2025 bingo card, but she’s really loving it and her serves are crazy good)! And Brady is working hard at golf too. Look at this kid’s swing. Glow in the dark golfballs bc… of course. Oh and we’re getting ready for homecoming. Brady did the whole poster board proposal thing and it was awesome. Did I mention he also made Student Council? 9th grade is hard y’all. I wouldn’t do it again if you paid me. But he’s thriving and I’m so proud of him.

And that’s a wrap! October promises lots of rest and relaxation (wish me luck, I never do well with those instructions), our Simplified Tent Sale (Oct 18) and our 17 year wedding anniversary (also Oct 18!) Tell me in the comments what you’ve been loving lately. I have a signed copy of AWAKE I’d love to give away! Will select someone from the comment section this week!

xo,

Emily