Fall Menu Flashcards

A Personal Design Project for Food, Makeup, and General Whimsy!

This week I was inspired by Jenna O'Brien of Feeling! Magazine.

I really love what she’s putting into the world in terms of positivity and whimsy. Her posts center on colors and (obviously) feelings! Especially the ones we get from favorite songs, tasty meals with friends, and cozy spaces.

Jenna’s recent project to turn her kitchen into a personal restaurant was a great motivator to pick up my old habits. Once upon a time, making album art, designing personal logos, and making random things (like checklists) more aesthetically pleasing was a common pastime of mine. But it’s one I haven’t been prioritizing.

So, for this week’s Sunday Randoms, we’re perusing some digital flashcards¹ I created for my Fall Menu.

Reminder about Menus

Menus offer a variety of selections allowing more flexibility and choice than rote routines.

First, I Created a Fall Beverage Menu.

I drink Americanos every day, so those were a given. Around midday, I switch to non-caffeinated beverages, usually of the sparkly variety, but those felt summery and light. For this time of year, I wanted drinks with more “body” during the day, fading to a calm, cozy favorite in the evening.

What are your favorite tea brands?

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Then, I Picked a Seasonal Coffee Roast.

My mom got me a fun advent calendar from Door County Coffee last year. I’m not a big flavored coffee drinker (I think good coffee beans stand on their own), but I was pleasantly surprised by this flavor in specific. So, when fall rolled around again, I had to pick up a full-sized bag and add it to my coffee bean rotation.

Bonus: I’m supporting a small business in the community of a dear friend.

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Third, I Selected Breakfast Favorites.

When I say breakfast, I mean brunch, as my first meal of the day usually falls around 11am. Buttered toast is another mainstay, but I usually put something on top (salami, smoked salmon, avocado, etc.) With bold, full-bodied lattes taking over my beverage menu, I decided plain, buttered toast was the nicest match. I also found that pumpkin donuts paired nicely with an unsweetened chamomile — for the days when I saved my sweet treat for the evening!

Looking for some recipes? Look no further!

1. Egg Squares

2. Chia Pudding

3. Keto Pumpkin Donuts

Then I Designed My Lipstick Menu

I’m known amongst coworkers and friends for my bold lip choices. Keep It Red is a must for every season. But fall work busy-ness demands additional bold colors like Break the Ceiling and Hustle in Heels. Or, if I’m channeling Devil Wears Prada vibes, it’s time to whip out Smashbox’s Bawse.

Many people treat make-up like armor, but I also subscribe to the idea that color names hold weight and influence your day.² Activate Bawse mode 🏋🏻‍♀️💪🏻 👠.

Me, in Bawse Mode

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Lastly I Made an Activity Menu

This menu is great for times when you aren’t sure how you want to spend your time. I use it as a fallback when I am feeling indecisive and want to keep the kids occupied. My youngest (4 yrs old) has been doing amazing at kids puzzles, so I decided we could work on a few 1000 piece puzzles together. We started with Mondo’s Classic Frankenstein poster³. We also love making collages, drawing, and baking; all great activities that don’t involve any screen time (unless we want them to!)

That was fun! Would you ever consider making a Seasonal Menu? Or Flashcards for it?

This week we’ve got pop, a hidden gem, and a Norwegian newbie.

1. Buzzcut Season by Lorde (2013)

   So timely for another trip to Los Angeles. I’ll never go home again.

2. Mrs. Lennon by Yoko Ono with Peter Bjorn & John (2016)

   I literally don’t understand how this doesn’t have more plays on Spotify.

3. Southbound by The Quiet North (2025)

   You guys know I love a good, mellow song for an open road.

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1. My artwork isn’t as nice or fancy as Jenna’s, but she does this for a living and I’m just a hobbyist, so I’ll give myself a pass!

2. Another reason I love Jenna’s color-naming habits!

3. Observant readers will note the Frankenstein pillow in the background of my photo. Our house certainly has a theme….