So I’d like to know where October went. I feel like it was just October 1st. Wow, what a busy month! I keep a running list of things that I love about each month, and I have to say that this month’s list is quite long. So grab your coffee and settle in.
Food and Recipes
October started off on a high note with a fun surprise at school. If you’ve never had Dady’s Roasted Sweet Corn, you must find a way to get some. They give you a whole ear of corn that’s been dipped in butter and you can sprinkle with any kind of seasoning you want. I chose Parmesan cheese and a spice blend, and it was absolutely delightful. They’re out of Florida, so it was nice that they headed up to Greenville to share with all of us.
Let’s stick to food for a minute. I’ve been looking for an excuse to try a new dessert recipe, so when we were invited to dinner with friends, I decided to make them be the guinea pigs for my new fall fruit pizza. It was delicious, and I’ve got the recipe for you here.
I also revisited a favorite of ours, the Mississippi Pot Roast recipe. I talked about it on Instagram stories, and a former student’s mom reached out and said to try it with chicken thighs. I’m telling you, it is so good! Just follow this recipe but with three pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. And no need to brown the chicken first. Even better!
Social Events
I was able to enjoy a few nights of live music. My father-in-law, brother-in-law, and a family friend, the one and only Rock Killough, sang at the library pavilion. And don’t forget that the Ritz season started this month. If you’re able to support your local arts, no matter where you’re reading from, please support them. The Ritz is always fun. Who knew The Red Clay Strays would be as good as they were? And if you’ve never had the pleasure of listing to Steve and Ben and Rock, well then you better come on with me next time, because it’s a real treat. We also enjoyed a little live music at the Chamber Dinner, also held at the library pavilion. Thanks for the great photo, Alaina!
Every year I go to Holiday Market in Montgomery. I started going with my mom when I was little. Then when I moved to Louisiana I went to Hollydays, which is a good bit bigger but isn’t as big is Christmas Village in Birmingham. I used to take the day off to go to that one. Now that I’m back here and it’s done on a smaller scale, I go Friday night with my mom and Saturday with a lot of the Norman girls. Last year, Anna came with mom and me. This year her mom came, too, and I’m so mad I didn’t get a picture of all four of us. The next day I wake up and head back with Mrs. Robyn, Alaina, Grace, and Alex. This year, Alex met us there, and we had such a fun day! I actually bought a lot of presents and the cutest star sweater for myself. Oh yeah, and a headband. 🙂
I was able to attend one of Stacey’s ceramic Christmas tree painting classes, and it was so much fun. I love how mine turned out. She’s got another class in November. Make sure you’re following along at Artitude on Main on Facebook to know when the official date is.
Beautycounter
October meant I could order and start playing with the new Beautycounter Holiday Sets. Obviously, it’s a little early for holiday, but is it really? Here’s my favorites so far.
Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream
I haven’t been using it for a full month, but I have been loving it. It is the most hydrating moisturizer I’ve ever used, and I absolutely understand all the hype now. And do not let the price tag discourage you. It takes the smallest amount. I’ve barely made a dent in it. I predict it will last me through the new year.
Overnight Resufacing Peel
This is another one I started using about a month ago. It is making a major difference in my skin. It feels better; it’s doing better. I didn’t even have a major hormonal blemish this month like I normally do. It really is magic in a bottle. I use it every other night right before I put on a moisturizer. Please treat yourself this holiday season. You will not regret it!
Books
I rounded out October having read or listened to (I did both) three books. I started The Gifted School in September but ended up finishing it in October. It was an interesting take on how parents will go to great lengths to get their gifted children into special schools and programs. I heard it described as Big Little Lies for smart kids. I’m not sure I’d give it that much credit, but I quite liked the book. It was entertaining.
I listened to October’s book club pick, In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. I love Ruth Ware. She’s got a great style, and it was just the right amount of scary for October. I don’t like scary stuff, but I do love a good suspense novel. It was fast paced, had some really great characters, and I think you should read it. It’s narrated the incredible Imogen Church. If you can listen to anything where she narrates, you will like it even more because she’s amazing at what she does.
The last one I listened to was Lilac Girls. It’s a semi-fictional story about three women during WWII. There are bits of fiction peppered in with real characters and real events. I enjoyed the audiobook version because of the French, Polish, and German that was in the book. I love language, and to hear it spoken correctly is so beautiful. I would never have been able to read it correctly from the page. The story is beautiful, and if you’re at all into that era, I suggest you read it.
I’m currently reading Little Women, which I’ve never read, but I’m loving it so far. I can’t wait to really dive in.
TV
Finally we have our regular cable shows! NCIS, NCIS New Orleans, Single Parents, American Housewife, Bull, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team have been filling up our DVD, and we are so happy about it.
I know I spoke about Succession before, but the finale was a few weeks ago, and I have really enjoyed this whole series. It ended with a bang, and I can’t wait for season 3. It’s on HBO and definitely worth the watch.
On my radar: The Politician on Netflix with Ben Platt and Gwyneth Paltrow, Modern Love on Amazon with Tina Fey, John Slattery, and many others.
Oh wait! We can’t forget the start of Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark! I’m a huge fan and will likely watch them all. No shame either.
Music
I cannot stop listening to Lover by Taylor Swift. I may have a problem as I’m a 33 year old woman and cannot quit it.
Also the Wicked soundtrack. Because I’m going to see it next month!!! It’ll be my first time at The Fox Theater in Atlanta, and I think I’m equally as excited about seeing it there as I am to see the show again.
Fashion Posts
October was the month that people told me that they wanted me to send them links to certain things I’d been wearing or finding alternatives. One person at work got about three boot recommendations from me because she so badly wanted some snakeskin boots that were more brown than grey. It was so fun to look for them! I personally think I’d be a great personal shopper, so if you’re in the market for one, message me and we’ll work out a price! 😉
Anyway, I started sharing my #ootd (outfit of the day) on my Instastories on the regular to show you where I shop. (I wear a lot of Old Navy, Walmart, and Wisteria Cottage.) I hope it’s been helpful and as fun for you. It has been for me. Here’s a few of this month’s outfits.
There were so many little things about October that were great, too. Like my mom and dad got new curtains and a really pretty curtain rod that excites me to no end when I walk in their living room. I got a new phone! No more iPhone 7! I put out two really good episodes of the Adults (By 40) podcast with the girls. We had a delicious and Halloween themed book club. I got my hair cut and colored again, which is always an uplifting experience. I think it was just an overall great month that has set us up for this busy yet delightful holiday season. I’m looking forward to decorating, hopefully this weekend.
Tell me about your October. I hope it was a good one! Here’s to November and the beginning of a happy holiday season.
