FIRST FROST
It’s officially Novent—the waiting time before Advent. I first came across this term in ELLE, describing it as a muted prelude to the holiday season. Cold, clear, and sparkling like a winter morning, yet wrapped in the warm, tender glow that defines this time of year.
For many, November can feel like one of the darker, more stressful months. But this year, I’ve decided to embrace the quiet magic of this in-between season. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and savor the moments that have shaped the year. My Novent ritual begins with an iced cherry vanilla matcha latte in hand, leaving me feeling refreshed, grounded, and aligned with nature. I hope this post inspires you to create space for your own pause—a little pocket of peace amidst the chaos.
Invite a sense of holiday cheer and gild the autumn gloom by enhancing your space with warm, sophisticated scents like pine, cedarwood, maple leaf, and bergamot. I love peppermint. It's fresh, minty, and cool—perfect for evoking the winter chill, while gingerbread and rich vanilla offer a sweet, earthy, and spicy feel. Pair spices with nourishing seasonal foods rich in beauty-boosting nutrients: think sweet potatoes, pomegranates, cranberries, and citrus fruits bursting with vitamin C to support your immune system and a soft, natural glow. Don’t forget to move your body in ways that feel uplifting and restorative—whether it’s a brisk walk through a mist-kissed cedar grove, or gentle pilates. These small, intentional acts bring balance and beauty, reminding you to care for both your body and spirit as the season unfolds.
Even here in Hawai’i, where snow never falls, I’ve found my own version of holiday cheer. It’s not about the weather, and definitely not the plastic pine, but a mindset—a shift toward appreciating the beauty in transitions. This year has taught me the importance of letting go. To embrace what is fleeting. To hold onto gratitude and never take time for granted. Letting go is never easy—it’s a bittersweet process. It’s saying goodbye to something that once meant everything but has since transformed into nothing. And yet, in that release, there’s growth. There’s space for the new, the unexpected, and the truly meaningful. Wherever you are, I hope you’re soaking in this slower season, making room for reflection, joy and frosty fun x
