I’m not quite ready to let go of summer weather yet. Over Labor Day Weekend, I treated myself to one long, extended Sunday filled with little indulgences: topping pancakes with a healthy strawberry compote, trying out a monkfruit face mask, and flipping through a fashion magazine (yes, I still love a good glossy read).
It was the perfect way to wrap up summer, and reset before heading into fall.
What I Made: Healthy Strawberry Compote
When strawberries start turning too quickly, a homemade strawberry compote is the perfect way to save them. It feels indulgent but is naturally sweetened with maple syrup. I generously slathered over pancakes, but it would also be delicious on oatmeal, yogurt, or even ice cream.
Simple Strawberry Compote Recipe
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (stems removed and quartered)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions:
- Heat a small pan over medium heat.
- Add all ingredients and stir well.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened but still slightly chunky.
Healthy, cozy, and the perfect weekend kitchen win.
A Reset Moment: Three Ships Monkfruit Exfoliating Mask
For my weekend self-care ritual, I reached for the Three Ships Monkfruit Mask. This clean beauty pick is a gentle exfoliator that only takes five minutes but leaves skin feeling noticeably smooth and refreshed.
If you’re looking for a natural way to upgrade your skincare routine, Three Ships is one of my favorite clean beauty brands. (Bonus: you can grab 15% off sitewide with code shetakesfive—valid through December.)
What I’m Reading: Pamela Anderson in Harper’s Bazaar
While lounging poolside, I dove into the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar and found myself absorbed in Pamela Anderson’s interview. Her story was surprisingly inspiring.
After the end of her marriage in the 90s, she focused on raising her boys and took on small gigs to get by. Five years ago, with her kids grown, she moved back to her family property on Vancouver Island. There, she replanted her garden, started making pickles and jam, and began rewriting her life.
Her quote stuck with me:
“I wanted to remember who I was, so I went back to where the trees have known me since birth. I rewrote my life and literally replanted my garden to see what would grow. Sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s really the beginning.”
I found her story to be relatable for so many women who have paused their careers, or took a step back to make room for motherhood. Just when you think something it’s over, something better may be coming together.
Sunday Reset Takeaway
This weekend was about small rituals like indulgent but nourishing food, mindful skincare, and finding inspiration in someone else’s story. A little reminder that resets don’t always need to be big, sometimes they’re as simple as a homemade recipe, a face mask, or an inspiring read. Consider them little pick-me-ups to gear up for the week ahead.
