11 years ago, I married my college sweetheart.

For someone who writes romance-themed books, it’s funny to think of our courtship outlined in plot points: The meet-cute, getting to know each other, falling in love, the obstacles we overcame to get to our happy ending.

But getting married is only the beginning. Google anything about staying married and you'll get a mishmash of advice involving dinner reservations and gift ideas (usually accompanied with an affiliate link).

That's not to say those things aren't important—we've certainly done our fair share. But lately, what I admire most about my husband is his commitment to health and fitness. Any minute he’s not playing with our daughter, he spends exercising and meal prepping—usually a (boring-to-me) medley of ground turkey, broccoli, and brown rice.

There are good reasons wellness is so important to him: A family history of drug abuse and obesity; a cancer diagnosis before the age of 30; a desire to witness our daughter's eventual transition into adulthood. Except this is how he tackles everything in life—with laser-like focus. By the time he turned 27, he was running a six-figure business, getting his master’s degree, AND writing a commercially published book. Yes, all at the same time 😮

So today’s newsletter is dedicated to Matt. Even if I wasn’t married to you, I’d still be in awe of your work ethic. Thank you for loving me, and showing our daughter what it means to be a man of accountability and integrity. Here’s to the next 11 (hopefully more!) years 🥂

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Three Things I ❤️ For September

What I’m reading 📚 Bronze Drum by Phong Nguyen. I’ve been lusting after this historical fiction novel for months and finally, pub day arrived! Now I’m mad my parents never told me anything about the Trung sisters, who led an all-female army against the Han Chinese in 40 A.D. and gave Vietnam its first taste of independence. I mean, just read the first line and tell me you’re not intrigued:

What I’m streaming ⏯ My husband reminded me that we have a wedding trailer! (Password is: sophia) If you watch the full 17 minutes, see if you can spot the Easter eggs:

1. A naughty rug that refused to stay in place.
2. Guy taking photos with iPad. (Yup, it was brand new technology then.)
3. The best man and maid of honor falling in love 😍 (If you've read parts of the book, they are the inspiration behind Thuy & Simon.)
4. One of my flower girls, busting a move on a dance floor, falling, and getting right back up. She just turned 12 😭

What I’m cooking 👩🏻‍🍳 My daughter is obsessed with the Sesame Street cooking tutorials, and these cauliflower mac & cheese bites caught my eye—super easy to swap for dairy-free milk and cheeses and as long as the stove is on low, she was able to stir the pot. Too bad I'm the only one who liked them 🤣 Considering my husband is on a cut diet again (See above), I can use all the carbs I can get.

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Happy (almost) Fall Reader,

Sophia :)