Hello All!
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.
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.
I also enjoyed some solo dates to the library and taking the time to browse and read and not rush to another errand.
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!
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.
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.
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!
