A Note on Fall, Lately 

Fall is a fun transition, like any other season, but it’s one that invites us to “slow down,” or really, to focus on what’s a priority. It’s back-to-school season, and it’s also a hearty cooking season compared to the fresh, cold dishes we enjoyed in the summer. For some parents, they get some of their time back with their children going to school.

I’m really enjoying taking this season one day at a time, and it’s a personal favorite because I get to sit with myself before the gatherings of the holidays start.

I’ve unpacked some crafts I got on my trip to Japan this spring, so you’ll probably start hearing about my color prints soon. Having time for my art is feeling like a privilege these days. I’m also enjoying the time my person, Esteban, and I are making to visit our closest friends. Our friends have been growing their families, so you know we’ve been meeting the coolest humans.

Fall has been good to us. This season is really moving at a pace I’m enjoying, and I’m humbly saying this <3

Gennesis Alexandra

From Our Neighbors: A Fall Recipe 

Fall can be a wonderful time of year. The end of summer heat brings the changing
leaves, and the harvest brings squashes and pumpkins back into our worlds. Be sure to
counteract the shorter days by leaving sunglasses off in the morning to get natural
sunlight and make the most of your circadian cycles. Get in some restorative sleep and
head outside for a weekend hike. Here is a healthful protein-packed Pumpkin/Squash
soup to enjoy after your fall hike, farmer’s market or apple picking. Enjoy!

Ingredients
Pumpkin/Squash soup:
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin and 1 butternut squash
70 oz bone broth
4 cups low-fat coconut milk
Salt
Cinnamon
Olive oil
Pepper
Pumpkin seeds for sprinkling on top (optional)

Method
1) Preheat oven to 400 F
2) Cut pumpkins and squash and scoop out seeds and drizzle inside with olive oil and
salt
3) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and place your pumpkin and squash open
side down on the cookie sheet
4) Roast until slightly golden-brown spots start appearing on the skin and the inside is
soft and mushy
5) Once done, allow to cool slightly, then scoop out all the puree from the skins
6) Add Bone broth to a large pot
7) Heat until hot, then add the pumpkin/squash puree, coconut milk and spices

Wendy Slater, RD, CDN
Nutrigreene, LLC Westport

Notes from the Studio

As the seasons change, so do we.

As the air gets cooler and humidity begins to drop, you may notice your skin feeling a little different. More dryness, tightness, sensitivity, or even unexpected congestion can show up as our skin adjusts to the season.

Fall is a good time to pay attention rather than completely overhaul your routine. You may need a little more hydration, a richer moisturizer, gentler exfoliation, or simply more consistency. And yes, SPF still matters even as the days get cooler.

In the treatment room, the team and I are also adjusting how we care for skin this time of year. Every facial is personalized to what your skin is showing us that day.

Lindsey, one of our estheticians, has been working on introducing peels this season and reminding clients that fall and winter can be a great time to start addressing certain skin concerns. She has such an intentional touch. You can book a 30- or 60-minute facial with her. She also just trained in lash tinting, brow tinting and shaping.

Wandaely, our studio apprentice, has been offering more YUMI Keratin Lash Lifts as clients look for ways to simplify their routines. I personally love a lash lift. YUMI is a French system, and I love the approach and results. Her calm touch always puts me into rest-and-digest mode (aka a nap). You can book a lash lift, 30-minute facial, lash tint, brow tint and shaping, or nails with her this season.

Esmeralda, our nail technician, is also coming back on the schedule after taking some time away to care for her 9-year-old grandson after he broke his leg. She has such a gentle approach, and she makes our signature non-toxic manicures and pedicures feel like the best kind of self-care. We’re happy to have her back in the studio.

Sara is offering Yin and Hatha yoga, along with Spanish classes online through private and group sessions. She’s our virtual person and has already been praised for her way of teaching. We’re so happy she’s able to be part of our community from a distance, especially since she’s usually somewhere in the world. Ask her where she is next :)

Alexa, from Saltwater Yoga, is bringing yoga and sound into the studio. Her foundation is in Vinyasa yoga, and she’s offering small Sunday Sound Bath 6pm, along with intimate sessions, private 1:1 experience combining yoga and sound healing. You can join a small group session or book the experience for yourself or with a loved one. It’s been so fun connecting with her. She’s currently in residency here at Cima.

My personal note? I’m warming up my herbal steamer because it’s officially herbal poultice season. Similar to my love for Gua Sha, herbal compresses are one of those holistic modalities that make me love my practice and my job. I’ve been certified and offering this modality for the last six years.

I just did my first herbal poultice add-on of the season and invite you to try it. It’s calming and warm, with invigorating scents from the herbs while I gently massage and encourage lymphatic movement. It feels especially good this time of year.

The wellness in Cima is in the community and the different modalities that support our mission. It’s not just about beauty, but about creating different ways to care for yourself and support your overall well-being. That continues to evolve as we do.

Education in the studio is always evolving too. The team has been practicing, learning and continuing their education with me, so if you’d like to support this season as they continue to grow in their craft, I encourage you to book with them. And to those of you who have already supported our team and my practice, thank you. It means a lot to us.

If you want to talk more about seasonal skin, treatments, classes, or what might make sense for you, my email is always open for notes and questions at info@cimawellness.com, or leave a note below on the blog.