Life Lately / September 2024

Sharing a little life lately update with what we have been doing and what will be up to during September in 2024 on Caitlin Houston Blog.

The first -ber month of the year has been very productive, which is always expected with school back in session. From two trips to New York City to three first days of dance, from multiple birthday celebrations to one very memorable farewell ceremony, I have a lot to be thankful for. I share a lot of my favorite snippets of life on social media, but in case you missed it – here is a recap of September 2024.

Life Lately – September 2024

New York City: We met our friends from Arizona and Las Vegas for a weekend of good food and quality time in the city. It should be no surprise that Brandon and I (self-proclaimed pizza lovers) went to the One Bite Pizza Fest on Randall’s Island. The Pizza Fest was an incredible experience as we were able to try some of the best pizza in the country. It is hard to not be biased as to who makes the BEST pizza when you’re wearing a shirt representing the pizza kings. It’s also impossible to eat 39 different slices of cheesy pizza when you don’t normally eat dairy. But I did it, tried them all, and walked away with a few new winners.

We stayed at the JW Marriott across from Central Park – I highly recommend this beautiful hotel in NYC for not just it’s service, but the location! Dinner Friday night was at a do-not-skip Michelin star restaurant hidden in a Columbus Circle called Bad Roman. Every dish was insanely delicious (make sure you try the marinara that comes with the side of bread). I didn’t partake in the liquor shots ordered for the table – but they arrived on top of tiny cars you could actually ‘drive!’ Saturday night’s dinner was another unique stop hidden inside a West Village Mobile gas station. At first I was skeptical, but Smacking Burger had a long line for a reason – their ‘smashburgers’ are outstanding.

New York City x Meta – I still can’t believe I was invited to the Meta Office in NYC to celebrate the launch of Instagram Teen Accounts. I learned so much about how Meta is protecting our children while allowing teens to be inspired and find connections safely in social media.

September 2024 Life Lately continued…

There is always so much I want to do in September (see my bucket list here) but never enough time to do it. We went apple picking as planned, but have yet to put those apples to good use. I’ll be baking a dairy free apple cake today or tomorrow. With that being said, I think it is absolutely acceptable to carry over any September traditions into October.

Speaking of traditions, on September 24 I turned 39. I have a lot of feelings about entering the 39th year of life and it being the last chapter of my thirties. I am so fortunate to be alive and able to reflect on this milestone – and very thankful for all of the people who joined me in ringing in the new year.

Remembering Aunt Kate

I can’t believe it’s been nine years since I wrote about my grief following the sudden passing of my Aunt Kate. She lived in Idaho, I lived in Georgia, and the rest of our family resided in Connecticut. It was a lot at the the time to comprehend and process, especially since I was secretly newly pregnant with Ailey. Our family planned with reunite with my Uncle at some point on the East Coast to spread her ashes. As life goes though, multiple unfortunate events occurred before my Uncle passed away too. This weekend we finally gathered to honor and say goodbye to my Aunt by one of her favorite things – the ocean.

Her celebration of life continued at another special spot called The Place in Guilford. We couldn’t think of anywhere else to honor my Aunt’s love of family dinner, great conversation and delicious seafood.

What I’m Reading, Watching, Buying in September 2024

Books

• Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas – This book came highly recommended by fellow ACOTAR fans, not just because it’s by the same author but also for its similar setting in a magical world. There are Fae, wolves, suspense, deception, and murder. I’ve been trying to read this book since August but the first few chapters were very slow. Now that I’ve finished it I can say I am happy I pushed through because WOW did the story take off. I can’t wait to start the second book!
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – It took me awhile, but I finally finished the first book in the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros. I was in a slump after ACOTAR took my breath away, but Fourth Wing revived me. It’s an adventure fantasy series with dragons, magic, and love that is so good it’s going to be turned into a television series. I listened to the book on Graphic Audio and HIGHLY recommend this option if you can’t access the actual book (but beware of the steamy scenes being very steamy).
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros – Book 2 in the Fourth Wing series is just as thrilling as book 1, possibly more fast paced and suspenseful though. I’m only on part 2 with about 8 hours of listening to go and so intrigued. The author is working on Book 3, so I should take it slow but also want to know what happens!
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness – Slowly reading this incredible book describing the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood.

Television

• Nobody Wants This – A++++ ! I was blown away by this series – it’s hilarious and the chemistry between Adam Brody and Kristen Bell was so realistic. I hate binge watching really good t.v., but I couldn’t stop watching this rom-com once I started.
• Emily in Paris – I was happy with the change of scenery and storyline deviations in part two of the new season. I had become bored with the fake pregnancy and Mindy’s song career! Another cliffhanger episode in the season finale though and no timeline on a new season has me impatient to know what happens next.

In My Shopping Cart

A few more peeks at September 2024