For me, each season is a time of personal renewal. Something about the way the light looks, longer and more brilliant at an angle in the fall and high in the sky in the summer. Something in my personal history of relationships and knowing all that lasts. This is one of the gifts of fall for me, and my personal favorite.

For people who celebrate a Jewish life, fall brings many New Year and renewal celebrations. With this spirit, I am contemplating that urge to re-establish priorities, and making sure my daily rhythms reflect this. I always appreciate the chance to check that I am living in line with my values.

I’ve been inspired by a number of friends making subtle but profound lifestyle changes. Many of these are around eating habits. Single people and families alike are reporting huge benefits to being more mindful of what and how they eat. We are learning so much as a culture, around the importance of food and eating habits.

While the days are still pleasant, I see an opportunity to structure our homes in a way that reflect our values. If I strive to have a daily stretching and meditation practice, my bedroom or nearby space would need to support that. If I want to breathe in the natural world as much as possible while I work, my office space would need to be arranged so I am near an open window and my view enhances my line of sight all day.

Bringing food from home can be reinforced by a shelf of glass to-go containers (beautifully arranged) by the exit door and hooks with enjoyable bags to carry these goodies in with us. For every conscious act we make to improve our lives - in line with what we most value - there is an equivalent adjustment or addition we can make in our homes to support it. What’s on your list?

Paloma Pottery offers a variety of ceramic dinnerware and platters that are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Please note that the recycled glass dinnerware are not made to use in the oven. They are more delicate and can not withstand the same stress as the traditional wares.

When cooking with ceramic cookware, you must always start with a COLD oven. Pottery can not endure the stress of immediate heat and must be warmed up with the oven. This also means that no direct flames may be used when cooking with ceramics. Start with a cold oven and then use as you would any other vessel for cooking.

Paloma Pottery’s Salmon Platter is a perfect piece to use for serving. Need something larger? We offer custom dinnerware, cookware and other kitchenware.