Happy Friday, friends!

Welcome to OCTOBER! Is yours slammed, too? It’s like every fun thing that happens in fall takes place in October. I’m pumped about it, and also stocking up on my Earl Grey and refreshing my slow cooker recipe list. So bring on the sports, dances, community gatherings, a quick getaway for David and me, and all the appointments and schoolwork squeezed in between. Wee!

In the spirit of embracing it all, here’s a very October-y collection of things I’m loving lately.

If you read my weekly Substack, then you already know I’m working on refreshing our closets around here with some solid staples and layering pieces. This means I’m ordering a lot, having try on sessions, and then making frequent returns. But a few pieces have been hits!

Cardigans

First up, cardigans, for all us girls. H loves her cozy neutral cardigan (size large) because she likes it oversized instead of fitted like the picture shows. K is into bold colors and this knitted cardigan is so cute on her (size large). And my cardigan is a great neutral (but comes in several colors) with sleeves that can scrunch, making it look cute over jeans or dresses.

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Clothing Wins for Petite Girls

A few more items I’ve been really pleased with include:

• This Cozy Zip-up Fleece – It was hard to choose between color combinations because there are several super cute ones, but ultimately I let the girls choose because… we can all share it! This is a huge perk right now because H, K, and I are all close enough in size that we can share some clothes and shoes. Factor in jewelry and purses and it’s basically a free-for-all when we’re getting dressed around here lately.
• Cropped Workout Top – This one is probably a niche suggestion, but after searching for this fit for so long, I’m very happy to have found it. This cropped work out tank is soft and airy. The arm holes are loose but not to baggy where it shows my entire sports bra. I bought it in two colors.
• Extra Short Jeans – alert alert! American Eagle now offers EXTRA SHORT size in jeans and it’s a game changer for my 5’1″ self. Even getting the short size prior, I’d have to wear heels or hem, but the extra short hits me perfectly for wearing Birkenstocks (which I do 90% of the time). I’m so jazzed up about this and had to share!

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An October Step Challenge

This feels very millennial coded, doesn’t it? But I’m embracing it because I’m actually excited about the extra motivation to get out and move, especially now that the summer bugs and critters are fading away and I can get back out on the trails. Finley is excited about this, too.

A friend organized an October challenge where we all buy in for $20 and whoever totals the most steps at the end of October wins the pot. I actually have low expectations of winning, but prizes and goals work for me, so I’m looking forward to walking more. Maybe I should organize a step challenge through the blog, too? That would be fun!

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Football & Friends

We’ve just reached October and we’ve already had two very enjoyable friends and football hangouts which makes my college football loving heart so happy. Something about open windows, the sound of announcers, and kids running around in the yard just warms my soul.

I always try to keep several snacks on hand for the occasion that are quick grab options like:

• Trader Joe’s Pumpkin cookies
• Trader Joe’s Baton Cookie Sticks (huge hit with the kids)
• Chips and Daisy’s Onion Dip
• Tortilla chips, salsa, and guac
• Boursin cheese

If I have more time to make something, a few of my favorites include:

• David smoking chicken wings
• Deviled eggs
• Buffalo chicken dip (so easy when using canned chicken)
• Spinach artichoke dip

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Pumpkin Bread

Speaking of tasty things, I whipped up the first few loaves of pumpkin bread of the season this week. Toasted with butter as part of breakfast truly hits the spot. Try this recipe!

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Weekly Dazzle Dry

I really can’t tell you what a game changer dazzle dry has been for me ever since I first tried it at Canyon Ranch. I never spent the time to do my nails because all that effort would be for nothing as it chipped off usually the very next day thanks so all the dishes I wash. But not anymore!

I paint them with the Dazzle Dry system and refresh them every 10-14 days when I feel like switching up the color. It last so well and is nontoxic and it is fully dry in 5 minutes after the final coat; I just can’t sing the praises enough. It’s also been fun to get messages from you about how much you love it, too.

If you haven’t tried it yet, start with the mini kit. It has everything you need to try the full system without committing to full-size bottles, and it’s a great way to see what all my fuss is about.

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Spending Time with the Chickens

Now that it’s not hot as Hades out there, I’m enjoying spending more time with the chickens. A couple of them are molting right now, so I’m trying to provide plenty of high protein snacks, like Grubblies (black fly larva). They go CrAzY for those. The internet tells me that they also love to pick the remnants of a rotisserie chicken but even though I know they are mini raptors, something about that just feels too barbaric to me.

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The Nightingale

This book rocked me to my core years ago, but it’s been years since I’ve read it and the details have faded. That’s why I was so tickled when our book club host picked it for our November read. I’ve already started it and its haunting beauty came flooding back to me almost immediately. I’m sure you’ve read it too, but if you haven’t, you must! Especially before its highly anticipated movie release in March.

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OK, that’s a pretty extensive list of things I’ve been loving lately! Now tell me yours. What’s making you smile this October? Anything I need to add to my list?