How was your Halloween? Did you pass out candy, take your kiddos trick or treating or stay in for a cozy meal and spooky or not so spooky movie?
Here’s how I celebrated the holiday.
I started the morning with an early run
I made a festive taco soup
We had lots of tasty treats!
I even dressed up my dog!
I am in a busy season of life right now with work, but the light is at the end of the tunnel, which is a relief. I’m doing my best to pace myself in the midst of the craziness. Here’s a few things that have kept me grounded and brought me joy as I link up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s edition of Friday Favorites.
Zen with Jen– I have been listening to this new podcast for a few weeks and wanted to share it with you. Zen with Jen is a weekly podcast that drops on Mondays, where Jenni shares bite-size, yoga, mindfulness and mediation techniques. Each episode lasts about five minutes but it’s centered around taking time for yourself through the day. Jenni has been teaching yoga on zoom for the past few years and it’s been so nice to connect with her in a new way with her podcast. This is a great way to start my day and week.
New Raincoat- I have been on the hunt for a raincoat ever since I got caught in a rain storm in September. I was looking for a durable, waterproof coat that would keep me dry and wasn’t too boxy. I hoped to find something that was sporty but still could be worn out and about. I also wanted it to be red. I found all those qualities with this raincoat from Land’s End and as a bonus it was on sale too! I have worn it a few times and can’t wait to get more use out of it in the coming weeks.
Emily Henry New book and Cover Reveal– I am a huge Emily Henry fan and she revealed the cover and plot of her latest book that will be launching next year. You can read about it here, but it sounds soooo good. Very Emily Henry-like, but with some new flavors too. When I saw the news, I immediately texted my fellow book worms to get their thoughts on the details. If you are a fan of Emily Henry, what are your thoughts on the book?
Unfrosted- I know this movie has been out for several months, but I just got around to watching it with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed it. Unfrosted tells the story of how the pop tart was created. The concept was cute, but the all star cast of comedians was even better. There were so many cameos and I loved seeing some of my favorite cereal box characters come to life. Definitely worth the watch if you are looking to laugh.
Fall Weather– My favorite thing about this past week has been the fall weather. The leaves, the sunlight, and the warm temperatures have made me love this time of year. Pictures don’t do it justice. I have been trying to sneak out at any time I can to enjoy the leaves and crisp fall weather. My dogs have also enjoyed the warmer weather and rolling in the leaves. There is truly nothing better than getting outdoors for some fresh air after a long day.
Just look at this beauty
Pictures don’t do it justice
I can’t believe October has come to an end, I always say November is the calm before the storm, so I am going to take these next few weeks to prep. How do you like to spend your November? I would love to hear from you, let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wednesday and may I add, happy Halloween Eve!
Are you all set for the big day? I don’t have too many big plans for the holiday, but I will be enjoying some candy, treats and maybe a Halloween movie to celebrate.
Fall in full effect!
October was all enjoying the beautiful fall weather. We had gorgeous weather, and the leaves and foliage showed off all month long. I tried my best to pack in as much fall fun as I could and I think I did a pretty good job at it. This post is full of fall fun, you have been warned.
What I’ve Been Up To:
This month began by running my furthest distance, 10.5 miles which I was VERY proud of. I had gorgeous weather and more than enough time to pace myself and enjoy the journey.
I’ve really enjoyed finding new places to run in my community and have been discovering hidden gems along the way.
Early morning run
Another new spot to run
I also enjoyed some solo dates to the library and taking the time to browse and read and not rush to another errand.
Snapshot from a recent solo date
I made a few trips to different farmer’s markets to pick out pumpkins and fall decor which is always a fun outing for me.
October also brought seeing the Northern Lights from my backyard which was an incredible experience.
Plus, we got to see a beautiful, full moon.
I got to do one of my favorite fall activities which was apple picking and made some sweet treats from it as well.
What I’m Reading:
I had such a good reading month with lots of different genres of books.
The Plan– I kicked this month by reading The Plan by Kendra Adachi. This is Adachi’s third book and it’s all about planning, organization, and compassionate time management. She lays out ideas and principles for how to plan and organize your life, but the best part is that you can tailor it to your own wants and needs. I found myself taking notes while reading it and have applied so many principles to my own life. If you have read or listened to Adachi’s podcast or books, you can almost hear her voice across the pages. 5 Stars from me!
The Summer Pact– The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin was a heavier read, but I’m glad I read it. I have read other books by Giffin and really enjoyed them. The book follows three friends who lose one of their friends to suicide in college but remain close through the years. When one of the characters go through a major life change, they go on a trip to reconnect and get their lives back in order, but they learn more about each other and all go through major life and growth moments on the trip while remembering their fourth friend. I really loved the themes of friendship, growth and maturity that were found all through the story. I would recommend, but just be warned that suicide is discussed in it.
The Home Edit-The Home Edit by Clea and Joanna was just a fun read for me. I love all things organization and this gave examples with pictures of how to organize different areas in your home. I loved all the scenarios they created for what spots you can streamline in your space, no matter how big or small.
The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard– The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan was a book I picked up on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It follows the story of a rising Hollywood star who leaves the spotlight after a summer in Martha’s Vineyard. What happens that summer that caused her to leave it all behind? I really loved the mystery that came with this book, but it jumps back and forth from the past to present which always keeps my attention. The description of Martha’s Vineyard was dreamy too. This was such a fun read after a heavier book.
Darling Girls– Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth had been on my to be read list for a long time and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it just in time for spooky season. It follows the story of three girls who grew up in foster care and how their past becomes part of their present when a body is found under the home they grew up in. There were so many changes in the plot that I had a hard time keeping up, but this book was so good and worth the wait to read it.
Lies and Weddings– Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings was a fun read but you do have to be plugged in while making your way through it. Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians so I knew I was in for a treat with this one. He was recently on the podcast, Books, Beach and Beyond and I loved learning the behind the scenes scoop. It tells the story of a young man from a healthy family who’s mother wants him married off, but there’s a method to her madness. Throughout the book, lies, secrets and family histories are revealed and not everything is as it seems. The only critique is that there was a lot of characters and it took focus to keep them all in order, otherwise, it was a great read!
My What If Year-My What If Year by Alisha Fernandez Miranda is all about a woman who is a wife, mother and CEO and as she enters hr 40’s she decides to try different jobs and internships for a several months. She tries careers she has always dreamed of and gets a first hand look at what they entail. I loved reading about this woman’s journey and hearing what she took away from the experience.
What I’m Watching:
I have been making my way through Gilmore Girls which has been a fun escape for the fall season.
I also watched the latest season of Outer Banks. It started out slow but they picked up and now I can’t wait for part two to be released next month.
I also made my way through Nobody Wants This which was a hit on Netflix and already got renewed for season 2!
Plus, I have made time for the classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
What I’m Wearing:
My wardrobe hasn’t been too exciting as of late, a lot of layering for when it starts cool and then warms up.
What I’m Cooking:
Here’s been some of my favorite new meals:
I have been busy in the kitchen this month thanks to checking out different cookbooks from the library like Magnolia by Joanna Gaines and some of Ina Garten’s cookbooks.
Roasted Keilbasa, Carrots and Sprouts– This was perfect for fall and was so tasty to heat up the next day.
Snickerdoodles-A fall must have!
Speaking of treats, one of my most recent treats…snickerdoodles!
Homemade gumbo– I found this recipe in Magnolia and was a bit intimated by it, but it wasn’t as tricky as I thought and it tasted so warm, a great late summer or early fall soup!
Apple Cider Donut Cake– I have been baking all things Apple, including this apple cider donut cake which only has a few ingredients that I’m sure you keep around your home!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins– Another welcome to fall and only three ingredients!
Pulled Pork Tacos– I love a good taco night and this was a fun and flavorful twist on this!
Pumpkin Black Bean Chili- I love a good chili and you can cook this in the stove or in the slow cooker and you will have a delicious meal. Not a bad meal idea for Halloween too!
Chicken Cordon Bleu- I was intimated to make this at first, but it was fairly easy and a warm and hearty meal too.
What Inspires Me:
I have been inspired by all the fall weather and changing of the leaves. I’ve really been trying to make it a point to really be present outdoors and take in nature.
Just look at this beauty
So many colors!
Here’s a few quote that have really resonated with me too!
What I accomplished:
I really have made so much headway with my bucket list. Here’s how it started and how it’s going.
My boyfriend and I also had a packed full fall day and did all the festive things which was so fun!
I also got to listen to a presentation by journalist and sports analyst Stephen A Smith. It was fascinating to hear his take on sports, the media, journalism and our currently political climate.
Goals from Last Month:
I got some much fun fall activities in, plus I spent time with friends and although not all together, I got lots of family time in too which is always a treat.
Beautiful fall drives
Goals for this Month:
I’m really going to try to be present and do all the prep work before the craziness of the holidays. I also have a weekend trip planned, some big work projects to tackle and then Thanksgiving! So maybe it won’t be as calm as I hoped? Haha! We will have to see!
Thanks so much for stopping by for a look at life lately and what I’m currently up to.
Have a happy Halloween and I will see you back here on Friday!
We have less than a week to go until Halloween, how is that possible? I feel like the month flew by! I always enjoy all the holidays and this time of year. I know the next few weeks will be busy, so I’m soaking up all the slow days while I can. This month was all about fall fun, seeing friends and spending time with family. The past few weeks were filled with chilly mornings and cozy nights.
Here’s a look into what’s Currently going on in my world.
What I’m Up To: I’ve been crossing all the things off my fall bucket list. I’ve gone to a pumpkin patch and did some fall window shopping and browsing.
Pumpkin patches
Fall window shopping
I went to an apple orchard, picked lots of apples and made lots of tasty recipes including an apple pie and apple oatmeal cookies.
Before
During
Fresh Apple Pie
And a fresh slice
And fresh cookies
I got to see the leaves change through the month by going on lots of fall walks, at home and around the region.
Nothing prettier than leaves on the ground!
New places to hike!
Beautiful fall days!
I also got the chance to see two of my brothers as they came home for breaks over the past month.
What I’m Wearing: After being on the hunt for a fall graphic t-shirt, I got one from Amazon and love it. It fits true to size, the design is too cute and I got it on sale on Amazon Prime Days-wins all across the boards!
Hello Fall!
I also have been transitioning to darker colors as the seasons have changed. I’ve worn this Calvin Klein dress a few times and love the material and style. It’s a runner up for a Thanksgiving dress this year!
Also as much as it pains me, I have started to break out the jackets and sweaters, I tried to hold off for as long as a I could, but Mother Nature forced me to wear all the layers.
What I’m Reading: October was a good reading month for me. I made my way through lots of books that were on my “To Be Read” list. Here’s a breakdown of what I read:
Hello Beautiful-Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitanois a modern day take on Little Women. It follows four sisters and their lives from children to adults and how they grow close and apart, evolve and change. The book is told from four different perspectives and spans across decades. This book was so moving and really leaves you reflecting on the power of family and relationships. It was definitely worth all the hype.
Before I Do– Before I Do by Sophie Cousens. This was a book that drew me in based on the cover. Sometimes, you judge a book by its cover and it’s worth it. The story follows a bride on the days leading up to her wedding day. She’s with the perfect guy and the wedding is expected to be a spectacle. All is right in the world until someone from her past shows up as a plus one. This causes our bride to spiral when everything starts to go wrong and bad omens start appearing. Will the wedding go off without a hitch or is it a love story gone wrong? you will have to read to find out.
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Dillard focuses on Jill’s life, how she’s grown and evolved and her perspective about her family and a lot of the events that transpired in recent years. I really love that I could hear her telling her story through the audiobook. I feel that she really pulls back the curtain on a lot of big moments in her life which I appreciated. She was real and vulnerable throughout the whole book. I learned so much more about her and her family situation. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and finished it in less than a week.
The Layover-The Layover by Lacie Waldon is all about a flight attendant who plans on taking her last trip, but not all goes according to plan. An unexpected layover causes her to re-evaluate her life when she has to work with a co-worker that she doesn’t particularly enjoy. It’s a fun and light read that will have you craving a vacation.
What I’m Watching: I have been making my way through fall tv shows and some binge-watching too. To be honest, life has been so busy I haven’t had as much time to watch tv since other hobbies have been taking up my time. However, I have been enjoying a few shows recently.
I am all caught up on the latest season of Lupin. This was a fast watch for me. There were only seven episodes this season and several cliffhangers spread throughout the season, so I was able to finish it in a week. This season involved heists, even more disguises and learning about Lupin’s past and his family. This is definitely worth the watch if you are on the hunt for a new show.
A great show to binge watch!
I’ve also been watching Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and The Masked Singer on FOX. I give the recruits major props for some of the challenges they have to complete on World’s Toughest Test because I know I couldn’t handle some of them. Plus, it’s fun to see who steps up and rises to the top and who quits.
The Masked Singer has also been a feel-good show to enjoy. I love to guess who’s under the mask and who can sing and who is doing it just for fun!
It was way overdue, but I finally finished Virgin River this month. The finale left me with me and so many others with cliffhangers. I’m glad we have the holiday episode to tide us over. If you watched the show, what did you think of this season?
What Inspires Me: Besides my Pinterest fall boards, I have been inspired by lots of new recipes for fall and winter. It has been a goal to try a new recipe a week and while most have been sweet over savory, it’s been so fun to try new recipes.
Here’s been some of my favorites:
I’ve made Apple Muffins
S’mores Cookies
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut Butter and Chocolate No Bakes
Protien Balls
Pumpkin Roll
I love every opportunity I get to be in the kitchen and try new recipes.
What I Accomplished: This past month I was able to see so many friends which is always good fort the soul. Whether it was on facetime or in person, it’s always good to catch up with your people. I try to talk/ do something with friends once a month and I always feel better after I get some friend time in.
A pumpkin patch and fall fest with friends is always a good idea!
Even as the weather got cooler, I tried to spend as much time as possible since I know the days of warm weather is fleeting. I always feel better after I get fresh air outside, even if it’s just for a quick walk to get the mail or to get some exercise with my dogs, there’s nothing better than time spent outside in the changing seasons.
A beautiful fall morning!
I also had some fun picking leaves to bring indoors for some seasonal decor. We used to collect leaves all the time as kids and do art projects with them, so it’s been fun to continue the tradition as an adult.
Fun fall decor!
Goals From Last Month: My goals from last month were to enjoy all things fall and I certainly did that. I still want to enjoy some Halloween fun and bake some festive treats, so that’s what’s on tap for me this weekend. Plus, even though we don’t get any trick or treaters, I can’t help myself and not buy some Halloween candy to enjoy too. You can never be too old for Halloween candy. This weekend also calls for some Halloween movies too, I’m thinking the classics like Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown.
Beautiful day for a train ride
A trip to the zoo is even fun in the fall.
Goals for this Month: As far as goals for next month, I want to continue to enjoy the fall like weather for however long it lasts. Thanksgiving will be here soon, and I love all the sides and food, plus seeing family. Everyone in my family will be home for a few days, which will be such a treat. The last time we were all together was back in August!
On a more practical note, the holidays will be here soon, so I have to start making up my lists of who to buy for. I like to start shopping around Thanksgiving, but I like to have a game plan going into the shopping season.
That’s a look into life over the past month. All things fall, all things family and friends and of course, festive fun too! As October winds down, how was your month? Cozy? Busy? Packed full? I hope it was everything you hoped for and I hope November brings new adventures and opportunities. Have a spooky rest of your week!
