Welcome to the September 2026 edition of RPL at Home, where I share what I’m up to when I’m not in the kitchen or in front of the camera.
Every few months, I give you a glimpse into what I’m working on, habits I’m cultivating, things bringing me joy, books/TV shows/podcasts I’m enjoying, and more. Think of it as stream-of-consciousness blabbering meets a semi-curated list of recommendations meets life update.
📝💡What I’m working on in life
For most of my life, I have been a clear Type A. Extremely organized, self-driven, hard worker, the kind of person who excels in a structured environment like law school, etc.
And a workaholic.
Even in high school, I’d spend what I now understand to be highly unnecessary hours studying for classes that came easily to me (e.g., in my senior year, after I had already been accepted into college, I still wrote out 300 study flashcards for art history class).
For a long time, I simply believed this is how my brain is wired. My dad was famously a workaholic, working 16-to-18-hour days for decades.
I just have his genes and that’s that, I told myself.
But over the last few years, I’ve been able to witness my personality mellow, my desire for control weakening, my identification as a workaholic dissipating.
And while I’m not sure I’ll ever qualify as a clear “Type B,” I have enjoyed allowing myself to embrace uncertainty, to react with patience instead of stress, and to, dare I say it…”go with the flow.”
Recently, on the two-year anniversary of Big Vegan Flavor, I sent an email to my newsletter reflecting on what’s next. I talked about how I haven’t been able to start writing a new cookbook because my allocation of time looks much different now than it did when I wrote BVF (long story short: I spend a lot more time living and focusing on my health instead of working).
I received so many supportive, kind responses along the lines of—”don’t worry about another cookbook, your priorities are perfect.”
And that got me thinking about how I want to continue to be open to rewriting narratives I’ve had about myself. There’s so much talk about anti-aging and preserving youth in our society, but I have to say that getting older has been such a treat in the realms of self-discovery and self-love, and I wish more people talked about those clear advantages.
👩🏽🍳What I’m working on in the biz
For years, I’ve been getting questions about where I get the aprons I wear in my videos. And I’m very excited to say that we officially have a Rainbow Plant Life apron!
I designed this apron with Hedley & Bennett, who makes all the aprons I’ve been wearing for years, and I’m so jazzed with how it came out. It’s a reflection of how I think cooking should feel: joyful, playful, and full of colorful produce.
And when you look at it from afar, you can see the 🌈 pattern because, of course, Rainbow Plant Life 😉
And it’s not just a cute apron. It’s also professionally made here in the U.S., durable, and functional, like all of their aprons. I’ve had Hedley & Bennett aprons since 2020/2021, have washed them many times, and they still hold up great.
Grab your RPL apron!
Get 20% off your RPL apron when you order before October 17, 2026. Use code NISHA20 at checkout!
What I’m loving right now
📺 TV/Movies
Hacks (HBO). I’ve had this show on my list for a few years because I love Hannah Einbinder, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite series.
Things to love: it’s hilarious, the writing is edgy and smart, it’s a show about female friendship and intergenerational friendship, Jean Smart is brilliant in her role as a legendary standup comic, and unlike many shows, all of the secondary and even occasional characters are genuinely funny.
Ride or Die (Amazon Prime). Another show about female friendship starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, this Thelma & Louise-style action-comedy is silly, very fun, charming, and feel-good. And in this chaotic world, it’s nice to cozy up to a show like this.
📚 Books
Some favorites from the last few months!
The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine. It’s hard to do this National Book Award-winning novel justice in a few lines, but it combines dark comedy with great storytelling. The narrator—a 63-year-old gay teacher living in Beirut with his 85-year old mother—manages to tackle dark topics (and minor grievances) while simultaneously making you laugh out loud. Buy it here.
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. Every so often, I’ll read a novel that opens my eyes to a historical era I need to know more about. Past examples include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun (Nigerian Civil War) and Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy (the plight of North Koreans), both of which set me down rabbit holes to learn more.
This year, it was the HIV/AIDS crisis after reading The Great Believers, which tells the story of a group of friends, mostly gay men in Chicago in the 1980s. Of course, I knew about AIDS, but I was shocked by how much I didn’t know.
It’s a wonderfully written novel with achingly beautiful narratives, complex character development, and memorable reminders about the power of love and belonging. Buy it here.
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton. The sweetest book about the unlikely bond formed between a London woman who retreats to the English countryside during the Covid pandemic and a newborn wild hare who shows up at her cottage. Expect lots of awws and cozy feelings in this one. Buy it here.
I Am on the Hit List: A Journalist’s Murder and the Rise of Autocracy in India by Rollo Romig. My friends joke that I’m a magnet for depressing books, so if that’s not your jam, you may want to skip this one. But as an Indian American, I felt almost obligated to read this account of the rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism in India explored through the 2017 murder of Gauri Lankesh, a female journalist. Buy it here.
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. Chances are you’ve heard of this ultra-popular recent novel so I won’t say much except it went smooth and easy like a milkshake, the plot keeps you hooked, and I didn’t want to put it down! Buy it here.
Currently reading 📖 Koolaids: The Art of War by Rabih Alameddine. After falling in love with Alameddine’s writing and looking for more novels that touch on the AIDS crisis, I knew I wanted to read his first novel, which alternates between the sites of two different “wars”: the Lebanese Civil War and the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco. Buy it here.
🎧 Podcasts
NPR Fresh Air’s 2001 interview with Dolly Parton. Like every person with a pulse, I was very sad to hear about Dolly Parton’s passing. If you don’t already love this multifaceted, funny, and compassionate woman, this interview will surely make you a fan.
NPR Fresh Air’s interview with Colin Kaepernick. 10 years after being blackballed by the NFL for peacefully protesting police brutality against Black people, Kaepernick finally gets to tell his story. There was one quote that really stuck with me: “Why would that be an issue for anybody? To say, we want police to stop killing Black people.”
👗 Fashion
“On the loose work pants” from Ruti. I’ve been on a lifelong quest to find flattering yet comfortable pants, and these are the ones! I wear them on date nights, when I want to look fancy yet relaxed, and pretty much any time I can’t wear athleisure.
Bamboo Stretch Knit Sleep Dress from Cozy Earth. Last year, I upgraded my mismatched pajama sets from 2012, and I finally feel like an adult (also SO comfortable).
🇨🇦 Fun Things
I spent Labor Day weekend in Montreal with my closest girlfriends, and it was a wonderful reminder of a few things.
- You can really slow down the passage of time by doing different things out of your ordinary routine. We were there for a weekend, but it felt like a 2-week long trip because we did something new multiple times a day.
- The power of close female friendships. I used to feel guilty that I’m not an extrovert who has a huge group of friends that I’m always socializing with. But, over time, I’ve come to appreciate that I prefer what I have–a handful of very close friendships with women I admire, adore, and cherish.
A few highlights from our trip:
- Sushi Momo: Thank you for all the recs—this place exceeded our expectations! My non-vegan friends were shook.
- Damas: A beautiful Syrian restaurant with several vegan options. Excellent fattoush salad and service!
- Grand Staircase of Mount Royal: A nice way to get in a workout (~400 stairs!) and a beautiful view of the city skyline awaits you!
- Quiz Room: You rent a room that looks like a DIY version of “Who wants to be a millionaire” and play trivia against your pals. More fun than we expected!
That’s it for this month! Let me know in the comments what you’re reading, watching, or working on in your life!
PS: I have something exciting that I REALLY want to share, but it’s not quite finalized… so stay tuned until the next RPL at Home for the update !
Hi Nisha,
I am your devoted fan from Poland. Thank you for the RPL at home update. Truly enjoy reading it and will add the books to my reading list. BTW I discovered and tremendously enjoyed “American Short stories” after your previous RPL at home. Can totally relate to one of the comments here – have found you at COVID times and have been following ever since. Made my first curry from your recipe. The Korean style nudlles, ramen are frequent guests on our tables. And my husband loves baked tomatoes with zaatar. Can continue the list endlessly:)))
You are so smart, creative and talented that I am sure you will succeed in implementing of “embracing the uncertainty” and “taking it easier” life style 😀 without difficulty!
Looking forward to hearing your exciting news in the next RPL at home.
With Love and Gratitude,
Natalia
Almost quit this one bc of all the pop-ups I couldn’t get rid of that blocked my reading. Glad I didn’t. Found a way to keep hitting “page down” and “page up” several times so read the text. Then copied a tv show and podcast I’d like to check out later. The fashion choices were crazy out of my price range (nearly $300 for a pair of pants!!!??”) but that’s just me on my retiremet income when my first truck cost $100.
Thanks for your work
I bought your cookbook for my kids. And like you, am hard-wired for Too Much Work.
Next cookbook:
Soy Curls to the Rescue
When we lived in Montreal, Damas was our favourite restaurant, the food and atmosphere was delicious, I agree.
Such a lovely place, and the service was amazing!
Love these updates, keep them coming! Especially like to see what you’re reading and listening to. Congrats on the apron collab- looks beautiful.
Hi Sruthi, I’m so happy you enjoyed reading these posts—thanks for letting me know! And for the lovely wishes on the apron!
Hi Nisha,
Thanks for sharing bits of your behind the scenes life. I go to Montréal quite often and there is many hidden gems. My favorites vegan places are: Aux Vivres , Lola Rosa and Resto Végo. Other places that are fun to discovers are Marché Jean Talon and the surrounding restaurants, Spa Bota Bota.
By the way I love your recipe and I am looking forward to your new one.
Bonne journée!
Joëlle
Hi Joëlle, it’s lovely to hear from you! Thank you for sharing your recommendations for Montréal. I hope to go back with Max in the future and explore more. We did go to the Bota Bota Spa! That was a fun experience! Though a bit difficult for my friends who love to chat (we didn’t know it was a quiet space until we arrived 😅).
I live in Montreal! Happy you enjoyed your visit.
What a fabulous city you live in! I hope to return in the future to be able to explore more.
You are my favorite influencer! Finding you during COVID and making your recipes ever since has been a life changer. I enjoy your recommendations… keep RPL at home coming!
Hi Chava, you are too kind. I am so very honored that you think my recipes have changed your life. That truly makes me day 🥹
Thanks so much for the book recommendations Nisha! I’ve just put holds on a bunch of them at my library. As a Canadian I am happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time in Montreal. Do come back to Canada soon! 🙂
I would love to come back to Canada! I have Vancouver and Banff next on my list 🤞🏽I’m delighted to hear you enjoy the book recommendations!
I love your newsletters and you. I follow different vegan people on You Tube, etc. I am always singing your praises and tell everyone that will listen that if you are only going to follow one vegan, follow Nisha. I also recently purchased your apron. Continued success and taking things slow.
Hi Lyn! Aren’t you sweet? 🥹 I’m so honored that you trust my recipes and recommend them with others. That’s the best feedback I can ask for. And of course, even more thanks for supporting my work. I hope you will love the apron!
Ack! I can’t read! “The Disappearers” is already on your stack!
I always enjoy RPL “At Home,” but this one DELIVERED 🙂 Because I’m now in my dotage/third act, I do my best to embrace aging with all its wonders, wisdom and pains-in-the-butt. Fantastic book recommendations, as usual, and thanks for the book links with more where to buy options. “The Great Believers” reminded me of Marlon James’ latest novel, “The Disappearers,” set in Jamaica in the 1980s. I haven’t read it yet, but man: that guy’s writing is amazing. He wrote the BBC/HBO series “Get Millie Black,” which criminally had only one season. Loved the Colin Kapernick shout out 🥰 Lastly, your girl gang is GORGEOUS.
Haha, thank you Denise! It’s nice to hear that you are doing your best to embrace aging–I aspire to that.
I’m only 70 pages or so into The Disappearers, but wow you are so right about his writing. I find myself pausing every other page to underline a phrase or sentence that really makes me think or makes me laugh. It feels like it will be a forever classic book. I will look into that tv series you mentioned!
Nisha, it’s inspiring to see you answer all these comments ❤ but not surprising to see all the connection, community and affection here.
Haven’t read Raising Hare but just wanted to say, rabbits are the best pets for vegans (and ours actually turned our family vegan)! Free roam them like a cat with a litterbox and you can put them in a puppy playpen (exercise pen layered with soft blankets on the floor) at night or when you’re out. They are very particular little guys and they have tons of personality and love for a calm, patient owner who is ready to meet an animal on their own (evolutionary) terms– which strikes me as being something vegans would be good at. r/rabbits on Reddit is a great resource.
Hi Kay, it’s so sweet to hear that a pet rabbit turned your family vegan 🥹 Thank you for sharing your insight and experience. I will definitely be checking out the Reddit thread because every time I see a rabbit (there are a few in our neighborhood, including two that lived in my yard this spring), I get all the sweet, happy, cozy feelings.
Always such a joy to read these updates, Nisha. It’s so nice to read about how you’re thinking about leading an intentional life — very inspiring! And I love the book and tv/movie recs, too. The apron is gorgeous!
Hi Sara, I appreciate you reading these posts! I feel like it’s very easy to live autopilot, so I try to slow down from time to time to think about what I really want to do, feel, experience, and accomplish. Not always easy but always worth it!
A book recommendation 4 book series by Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend
Currently reading book three
Thanks, Lorrie. It’s been on my wish list for a while!
Bienvenue a Montreal! Grew up on the South Shore and although have moved, still one of the best cities especially in summer. Sushi Momo is great…you should have tried Chocolat Favoris…an ice cream place. Drroooll (yes they do vegan).
How do you get the time to read so many books! That’s wonderful…but you’re putting many of us to shame…need to up our reading game. 🙂
Hi Mike, Montreal was indeed lovely! And we had perfect weather in the low 70s. I would definitely like to visit again next time with Max, so I will keep that ice cream place in mind.
As for reading, it’s my favorite hobby 🙂 I spend a lot less time on my phone than I used to, so whenever I want to take a break from work, I often pick up a book. And always devote at least 10 minutes before bed to reading, sometimes closer to 30 minutes or an hour.
So you came to Montréal ? I live in Laval the other island just on the other side of the river north.
Yes, Damas is an awssome restaurant for the decor, service, as well as the food, even if quite expensive. And Sushi Momo makes the best sushis in the world vegan or not.
Also, for me Colson Whitehead is the best actual english speaking writer of his generation… I read most of his books.
XOX Chantal
Hi Chantal, you live in a lovely city! We were blown away by the food at Sushi Momo (my non-vegan friends were astounded by the flavors, the variety, and the uncanny “salmon”!). I too love Colson Whitehead. The Underground Railroad and Nickel Boys are two of my favorite-ever books.
I am reading The Intuitionist right now and it is very well written, I agree. I’m just at the end of the first chapter and it’s very challenging (not technically in terms of prose, but in that one doesn’t know what it’s “about” yet aside from the blurbs on the book which I try not to read).
Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Keep being you. that’s what makes it all work so beautifully.
That’s so sweet of you to say, Lisa. Thank you for being here!
You came to Canada! Montreal is a lovely city, I try to get there as much as I can, and they have some fabulous vegan restaurants. Sushi Momo is FANTASTIC!
I did! I hope to be back again soon! For another visit to Montreal, as well as Vancouver and Banff! Where do you live?
I just love your content and I love RPL at Home. This particular post is inspiring me to commit to taking a deep dive into changing things about myself. I pray it brings me as much peace as you seem to have! Thank you!
Hi Renee, thank you for reading these posts. Wishing you lots of love and best wishes as you embark on this beautiful journey of self-discovery and growth.