The Sisterhood of the Traveling Suitcase

It’s like Mary Poppins’ Bag.

A group of my friends have a suitcase that they pass amongst themselves. It’s full of clothes— retired maternity shirts, a favorite dress that doesn’t quite fit, pants that have shrunk. They take what they like, donate what they don’t, and pass it on to a friend.

I hope Mrs6am is like that for you—take what you like, give (ideas of) what you’d like, and pass it on to a friend. 👜

Think of it as a feast.

With that, here’s the menu for today’s newsletter:

• Womanly Pursuits: Letting Yourself Go

• Gift giving guide: for the women in your life

• Fall Fashion: Enter your Shacket Era

• Prayer: Do you hear God’s voice?

• Winter Prep: Advice from Mrs6am readers

GIFT GIVING: 🚫 Present Procrastinator, no more! Stock up now, so you have something to give your MIL or hostess. It takes a special eye to give a thoughtful gift. But what’s always thoughtful? Beauty. Nothing says ‘sweet’ like a honey pot 😍 (beware- they sell out fast!). Candles are perfect for a hostess or new homeowners. This planner is breathtaking. And, it gets me. (Use code MRS6AM to get an extra discount.) This dainty bracelet would suit any taste. Don’t forget humor! My mom bought me this card set- witty and classy. Beauty never smelled this good- perfect for the prayer warrior in your life (Use code MRS6AM).

Speaking of prayer…

PRAYER: Do it without ceasing. But how, exactly? St. Alphonsus gives us a taste of the answer in the above quotation. Just like any fine art, practice makes perfect. Whether you’re a newbie, make prayer a daily habit, or spend your extra time levitating, it’s always advantageous to have a refresher. Father Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine monk, author, and dear friend, gives practical tips on how to discern God’s voice that you won’t want to miss.

FASHION: Think of it as the love-child between the jacket and shirt—The Shacket—is still going strong this fall. It’s versatile and fits whatever style makes you swoon: monochromatic chic, cozy casual, floral retro, sustainable feminine, or budget-friendly classic. Not sure how to style? Don’t be afraid to pair with a hat, go monochromatic, highlight the waist with a great belt, button up all the way, or style it open with a dress and boots. Heck, dress up a monochromatic sweat suit! 👇🏼

The best news? You can layer it under a coat for winter, and pop it into a spring outfit next year. It’s the perfect combo: practical and pretty.

• Questions to ask your grandparents while you still have time

• CNN doesn’t want to give kids this hormone

• A Thrifted Ghost Painting Trend 👻

• The Pieta- The Womanly Art of Losing Yourself

• How to Make a Dip out of Anything

Here’s what a few Mrs6am readers had to say about coping with winter:

• “Winter may or may not have been a primary influence in our family moving to the South. No regrets! -Gabrielle, Fly South

• “I head to SC January -April. Every day is a Saturday when you are retired! ” -Babette, Fly South

• “All the cozy things will get me through!” -Shawn, Hygge All the Way

• “I love winter, because with it comes life! Advent is my favorite season and the colder weather cocooning us in warm, cozy homes is like being in a mother’s womb. Then Spring comes and we’re invited outside into a season of new life and rapid growth - childhood and adolescent years. Summer brings longer, busy, unpredictable days - middle life (my current stage with a husband, 4 kids under five and a full time job). Fall comes along with all its reflection time and resetting (later year in life). And then we are back to winter again - a season of anticipation and preparation. Ever ancient, ever new. ” -Jera, Survive? I thrive!

Thank you for all your responses. I think Jera can give us all something to chew on this winter…😘

So, big favor to ask: we’re almost to 4K subscribers! Can you help us get there? Send this link along to a friend in a text, tell your barista, or forward it to your neighbor. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 💞

Until next week,