August 2026
Popsicles, Intentions, and the Last Bit of Summer
If you're anything like us, this month carries two feelings at once: the pull to soak up whatever's left of summer and a quiet awareness that September, with all its schedules and structure, is right around the corner. We've been sitting with that feeling ourselves, and it's led us to a phrase that's shaped a lot of our own check-ins this summer: living by design, not by default.
It's a simple idea with a lot of depth to it and it's the heart of this month's feature article. We share our perspective on what it means to notice the parts of life running on autopilot and how a few small, intentional choices now can carry you into the fall feeling more grounded than caught off guard.
And because no summer send-off is complete without something cold and a little playful, we're also sharing one of our favorite warm-weather treats: blueberry coconut basil ice pops.
Here's to enjoying the rest of the summer season!
Living by Design, Not Default: A Late-Summer Check-In
Oh, August. The days are still long and golden, there's a little more give in the schedule, and if you're lucky, a vacation or two is still tucked into the calendar. And yet, if we're paying attention, we can feel something else stirring underneath: the faint hum of an impending shift. With or without kids in the house, most of us feel September is coming, and with it, a return to schedules, structure, and a faster pace.
By Design, Not Default
Blueberry Coconut Basil Popsicles
We couldn't resist pairing something playful with this month's theme. Blueberries bring natural sweetness and a healthy dose of antioxidants, creamy coconut milk lends a gut-friendly base, and a surprise hit of fresh basil keeps things from getting too sweet (and gives you something to talk about at your next cookout). It's a small, delicious reminder that "by design, not by default" doesn't have to mean serious. Sometimes it just means choosing a popsicle on purpose.
Popsicle Recipe
Your Health Starts Here
Talk with a certified functional medicine expert and start your journey today
Schedule a Discovery Call