Fall’s Here But the AC Is Still On!

Technically, fall won’t arrive here in the Texas Hill Country until Monday, September 22, 2025, at 1:19 pm Central Time. But let’s be honest—after a long, hot summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the first day of September feels like a finish line we’ve been racing toward. Relief is (eventually!) in sight, and even if the thermometer doesn’t agree with us just yet, in our hearts, we’re already in fall mode.

Cheerful Mix of Home Decor

Now, I’ll admit, I don’t change my home decor much from season to season. My style is a cheerful mix of cottagecore, forestcore, and maybe even a bit of dark academia—after all, we’re surrounded by thousands of books! Add in a dash of Ralph Lauren-inspired plaid here and there, and it’s a combination that works for our family all year long. Still, once fall is “here,” more throws and quilts seem to migrate into every room.

Do You Love Vintage Cookbooks?

Check out my Vintage Cookbook Haul videos:

• Haul #1 – Half Price Books in Dallas, Texas
• Haul #2 – Recycled Reads in Austin, Texas
• Haul #3 – A Very Special Children’s Cookbook
• Haul #4 – And a Special Treat for Dog Lovers

Note: Sadly, it looks like Recycled Reads will be closing at the end of 2025. Alas. It was a wonderful place to find inexpensive vintage books and keep them from being tossed into landfills.

Autumn Is On Its Way

Yes, the AC is still humming along (and probably will be for quite a while yet!), but something shifts in the evenings. When my sweet pup Indy and I step outside, I can feel it: the nights are a few degrees cooler than August’s peak, and now and then a breeze sweeps through our backyard, bringing just a hint of cool comfort to remind me that autumn really is on its way.

So while we may be waiting a little longer for the true crisp weather of the fall season, why not lean into the feeling now? That means cozy teatime treats in the kitchen, shared with family, or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon with a good book. Because sometimes, fall begins not on the calendar, but in the heart.

A Knight in Shining Armor

And speaking of a good book…and the heart, I’ve just finished reading A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. It’s a time travel romance—one of my favorite genres!

There’s something magical about stories that bridge centuries, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. They remind me that the desire for love, having hope that you’ll find it, and the courage to pursue the search for it are timeless.

Which Version of the Book Did I choose?

If you’d also like to read A Knight in Shining Armor, what version should you get?

• Paperback: You can get a new paperback version, but if you’re like me, you’ll find the print a bit small.
• Hardback: For larger print, you can get a hardback copy with a larger font. Plus, it’s nice to have a printed copy of the book to place on your bookshelf or as a refuge from always looking at a computer screen. (Although you’re likely to find only used hardback versions of this book, they are usually cheaper than their newer paperback versions.)
• Kindle: I like Kindle editions where you can control the font size to your liking, but note that you’ll have to have an Amazon Kindle reader or a Kindle app to access the Kindle version of your book.
• Audible: If you’d rather listen to your books, especially while you’re resting or working on other tasks around the home (or driving into town), you’ll want to go with an audio version of the book that’s read by a trained reader’s voice, rather than computer-generated. And the best human-read audiobooks I’ve found have been with Amazon’s Audible service.

What did I choose? I picked a hardback version of the book that I could keep on my reading bookshelf, and I also obtained the audiobook version of the novel that I’ve been enjoying while working in the kitchen or resting on the couch next to Indy. You may find the combination of printed and audio versions to your liking too!

The 1989 Version or the 2002 Version?

I do want to share a little background with you. When this book first came out in 1989, it was such a runaway favorite that readers begged the author for more clarity about what happened to the characters. In response, she actually rewrote the ending! I’ve read both versions, and my personal recommendation is to look for the 2002 revised edition, which is the one that offers the most satisfying conclusion. That edition is referred to as the “author’s preferred edition”. If you listen on Audible, that’s the version you’ll hear.

Note: Whichever version you read, please note that this is not a 100% closed-door romance. There are two very brief PG-13 scenes. If you prefer a completely closed-door romance, you can skip over those pages. They are not pivotal to the story, but the book in its entirety is truly unforgettable.

Why I Love These Stories

If we’ve been friends for a while, you probably already know why I love stories like this. And if we’re just getting to know each other now, I’ll share more in a future newsletter.

But here’s a little glimpse: Years ago, I gave up everything—I quit my job on the East Coast, sold my home, packed up my furniture, and drove cross-country to Texas to start a brand-new life. It wasn’t time travel, but it certainly felt like it! And in that leap of faith, I was blessed with a fresh start: a wonderful husband, a sweet son, and an old—but oh so charming and cozy—stone house in the Texas Hill Country.

Fall-Inspired Recipes

And speaking of cozy…let’s start baking some of those fall-inspired tea time (or coffee klatch) treats!

• How to Make a Warm and Crumbly Coffee Cake: Ready to try your hand at baking with the ancient grain Spelt? If so, this will become your go-to recipe for a scrumptious coffee cake that is not only delicious—it’s nutritious too!
• How to Make Whole Grain Einkorn Date Nut Bread: And when you are ready to try your hand at baking with fresh-milled flour, this Einkorn Date Nut Bread is a must-bake!

Has Autumn Arrived For You Too?

How about you, my sweet friend? Do you have a certain moment that tells you fall has truly arrived where you live—whether it’s a cool breeze, a favorite meal, or even the way the light shifts in the late afternoon? I’d love to hear about it! Just hit reply and share your story with me. 😊

Start Your Traditional Foods Journey

Sharing my passion for traditional cooking goes beyond my YouTube cooking school—it also comes to life in the pages of my cookbooks. Both of my books, The Modern Pioneer Cookbook and The Modern Pioneer Pantry, are proudly published by Penguin Random House.

The first is filled with time-honored recipes to help you create a traditional foods kitchen, while the second is your complete guide to home food preservation. Order both books today to start or continue your traditional foods journey.

Download Your Free 36-Page Pantry List

For an extensive list of the traditional foods you can make and purchase to stock your pantry, be sure to download my free 36-page Traditional Foods Pantry List. This comprehensive eBook is full of links to recipe videos, helpful articles, and more!

Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy

Are you looking for more traditional foods videos? If so, I invite you to join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy. Members of this optional paid YouTube community get access to exclusive videos and other members-only perks. Plus, your YouTube comments include a special members-only badge.

Kitchen Academy Videos

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The Only Traditional Recipes You’ll Ever Need!

Focus on traditional recipes with real food. Don’t chase trends.

Let’s Talk Akkermansia: A Tiny Helper for Big Gut Health

Discover how Akkermansia muciniphila supports gut and immune health—and how traditional foods help this mighty microbe thrive.

How to Eat a Mediterranean Diet with a Keto Twist

Explore a Mediterranean-Keto twist with a full sample menu focused on healthy fats, quality proteins, and low-carb veggies.

Stay in Touch with Mary’s Nest

1. Subscribe to My YouTube Channel for Traditional Foods Videos (Free) - When you subscribe, be sure to click on the notification bell that will let you know each time I upload a new video.
2. Subscribe to Mary’s Traditional Foods Newsletter (Free) - Get a free 36-page eBook for signing up: How to Stock Your Essential Traditional Foods Four-Corners Pantry.
3. Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy - For more detailed videos and exclusive members-only perks, join my YouTube membership community.
4. Order The Modern Pioneer Cookbook - Get a hardcover book of Mary's nourishing recipes from a Traditional Foods Kitchen. This bestselling cookbook is published by Penguin Random House with their DK imprint.
5. Order The Modern Pioneer Pantry - Get Mary's latest hardcover cookbook about preserving food and making delicious meals from your Four Corners Pantry. Mary's second cookbook is also published by Penguin Random House.

I look forward to having you join me in my Texas Hill Country Kitchen!

Shop for My Favorite Items

Favorite Kitchen Supplies

• Favorite Aprons
• Spice Grinder
• Countertop Burner (On my kitchen island in many recipe videos.)
• Handheld Vacuum Sealing System
• Vacuum Lids
• Whisk
• Silica Gel Packets (Helps keep moisture from building up in your mix)
• Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• 8-Quart Slow-Cooker
• Fat Separator (Clever kitchen device to help you decant bone broth)
• Flour Sack Towels
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Recommended Reading

• The Modern Pioneer Cookbook
• The Modern Pioneer Pantry
• Nourishing Traditions