Currently Loving October 2018

We’re skipping the regular Seven on a Saturday post to discuss the things I’m currently loving from the previous month. I love sharing things with you guys, and I’ve got several things that were on my mind to share with y’all from October.

First up is the paint party with Stacey Edwards at Artitude on Main. Stacey is a local artist that has a studio downtown Greenville (in my building). She teaches lessons and has those super fun paint parties where you sign up, have an adult beverage, and paint a pretty picture to take home. This month we painted a beautiful fall tree with a banner that said Give Thanks. I’d like to point out that this lettering on my painting is by yours truly. Stacey can do so much better! If you’re interested in doing a paint party, art lessons, kids’ art classes, birthday parties, or even custom work, follow Stacey’s Facebook and Instagram pages or check out her website here. I’m lucky to call her a friend and always have the most fun with her. She’s stupid talented, y’all. You will learn a lot and never leave with something you’re unhappy with. She won’t let that happen.

Next up is book club. I love to read. I don’t read as much as I’d like, but I do enjoy getting lost in a good story. Because of that, I joined a book club this year. My book club decided to read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine this October. I am so terrible and waited until the last minute to get and read the book, so naturally, I didn’t finish it. I went to book club anyway with this funny and festive dip in tow. I so enjoyed meeting a new friend, eating delicious food, and talking about a book in a way I’ve never discussed books before. I know I didn’t finish it (I’m going to), but hearing everyone’s take on things and learning little bits about everyone is what book club is really all about. I hope it’s always this fun! Next up for us isĀ Crazy Rich Asians, and I’m definitely going to finish this one. It’s good, y’all!

Have y’all ever been to Holiday Market in Montgomery? For my Louisiana friends, it’s a lot like Holly Days but on a smaller scale. Since moving back to Alabama I have gotten to go twice each year. I go on Friday night with my mom (and my brother’s girlfriend this year) and on Saturday with my mother-in-law, nieces, and sister-in-law. This year was no exception, and it did not disappoint. I, like always, bought mostly for myself. But I did get a few Christmas presents, so I’d say it was a huge success. I got myself this cute long cardigan I shared on Instagram a while back.

We celebrated my cousin’s daughter at her baby shower, and I was able to wear my blazer. Not a great pic here, but she’s such a happy and cute pregnant person! Little Kendall is clearly so loved already.

I also got this blazer by the brand Umgee. I’m obsessed with it. It’s a great way to dress up a pair of jeans and heels. It also pairs well with dresses and is going to provide a bit of warmth on these upcoming cooler days. We carry several items from Umgee at Wisteria Cottage. It’s great brand, and you should definitely come see me next Saturday at the Open House and check them out!

I shared a Halloween Home Tour a few weeks ago, and it was definitely one of my favorite things about October. I added Verna May this year and was tempted to just dress her up for each holiday and adopt her as our new roommate. I ultimately decided against it and stored her away until next October. If you missed out on how the Normans do Halloween, you can check it out here.

When decorating for Halloween, I decided I needed a little glam, so I dug out the disco ball ornaments I bought at the end of the Christmas season last year. I laid them in a tray with Lady Mary (my plant), and this magic happened one glorious Sunday morning.

Isn’t it delightful? My face lit up like a 4 year old on Christmas morning. I declared it my favorite day I’ve ever lived in this apartment. And the completion of my guest bathroom was pretty dang hard to top. I squeal a little bit every time it happens. I’m seriously contemplating replacing the current light fixture with a large disco ball and just having lamps for light in the living room. Where do you find a good disco ball?

I got Paul Norman to the movies! This is a pretty incredible feat. He doesn’t love going to the movies and doesn’t support much in the way of Hollywood. However, he’s married to someone who’d jump in head first if she were talented enough, so he obliged the old ball and chain, and we went to see A Star is Born. By now most of you have seen it, and if you haven’t, get to the theater now! I have loved the 70’s Streisand version for a long time and knew this one would be just as good given the cast. Then I started listening to the soundtrack before seeing the movie. Y’all…search it on YouTube or buy it on iTunes. It’s incredible. Yes, the movie is sad. I knew that going in, but it’s so worth it. The next one I’m trying to get him to take me to see is Bohemian Rhapsody. Are y’all excited about that one too?

The last thing is a TV show. An old one. Mad Men has always been on my radar. I tried watching the first episode once and couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t get into it. Then at the paint party with Stacey, she told me to get past the first three episodes. She was so right! It is an amazing show. I get annoyed with the misogyny, but it’s just a TV show. It’s wonderfully entertaining in all the other ways, and Jon Hamm is flipping gorgeous. Also the fashion. And the desk lamps on Don Draper’s desk. YES! He’s a very complicated man, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following this journey of a show. Have y’all watched it? What did you think? I think I’m only in season 2, so I’ve got a long way to go. I’m interested to see how things play out for the characters.

How is it November? I wrote everything down in my calendar for this month, and it’s gonna be a busy one. Hello, holiday season! I texted Paul and told him I was already exhausted and equally excited for everything coming up. I hope y’all had a fabulous October and that you’re ready for the hustle and bustle. I am! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Have a great weekend, y’all!

Author: Elizabeth Norman

I'm a home grown Alabamian who ventured away for a while, but now I'm back! Follow along with me on my journey living the Norman life.