October Favorites

I’m usually pretty underwhelmed by Fall, and see no issue with how quickly the months pass by because it gets me that much closer to snow, and more sunlight, and, eventually, summer, when the days are long and life is gloriously slow.

Yet this October was, in a word, beautiful.

I even decorated the fern on the front porch. #spooky

We spent ample time this month soaking up the brisk-yet-sunny fall days, going for long walks in the woods, eating outside at our neighborhood cafe, picking pumpkins and then carving them with my whole family, visiting fall festivals, dying over how cute Peanut looks in her fall sweater and fighting the very strong temptation to buy her a halloween costume (seriously- I have no problem passing on impulse purchases for myself, but for the dog? IT’S A STRUGGLE), and admiring the beauty of the multicolored leaves all around us.

So, before we dive headfirst into all things Thanksgiving, here are a few of the things that got me excited this month.

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Zero Waste Highlighter

I’m super minimalist when it comes to makeup (like, if I put on more than mascara or tinted lip balm it probably means I’m going to a wedding), but lately I’ve been looking to expand my otherwise empty makeup bag to include some sustainable options for times that I want to do a little more than swipe on some mascara and call it a day.

My latest purchase? This gold shimmer highlighter stick, which I love swiping above my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, on the inner corners of my eyes, etc. It’s a very subtle shimmer specifically designed for highlighting a bare face, which I love, and is handmade with gentle, all-natural ingredients and packaged in a recyclable/compostable paper tube.

Moon Mug

The last time we moved, I got rid of all my mugs. All of them. They were ones that had come with dish sets, been gifted to us over the years, and had otherwise just accumulated with no intention behind them whatsoever. Since then, I’ve been mindfully searching out mugs that I want to use for the rest of my life. There are so many gorgeous handmade mugs out there, but I really try to make sure I would love it forever before I buy it. My latest love-it-forever mug?

The moon mug from 2232 Ceramics.

I already own their teal pine tree mug and literally use it on a daily basis. So, when I saw this simple, white speckled mug with a black crescent moon, I knew it was the next forever mug for my collection. It’s slightly taller and skinnier than the pine tree mug, and I love how it feels in my hands!

FYI- 2232 Ceramics is closing up their Etsy shop on November 1st to ensure everyone’s orders make it out for the holidays, so if you’re looking to snag a mug for yourself or a loved one before Christmas, now’s the time!

Honeynut Squash

Have you tried them yet? They’re like a tiny baby butternut squash that has a slightly denser texture and rich, sweet flavor. We legit bought a case of them from Trader Joe’s at the beginning of the month and are already out. I use them to make my all-time favorite pumpkin pie (yup, I think honeynut squash makes a better pumpkin pie than actual pumpkin!), cut them in half and roast with salt, pepper, olive oil, and eat as a side with dinner, roast with cinnamon and maple syrup to use as a breakfast bowl with yogurt and granola…there really is no limit to what the honeynut can do. If you see these tiny butternut look-alikes at the store this month, be sure to grab a few!

Smoky Jalapeño Bean Dip

This month I made an outrageous amount of bean dip. The first few times I was testing the recipe to get it perfect, but after that? I just. kept. making. it.

I found leftover bean dip to be the answer to many of my hunger-related questions: it’s great reheated and eaten with chips, but also slathered onto tortillas, dolloped on rice bowls with leftover roasted veggies, and makes for the perfect snack to bring to a friend’s house when you’re invited over to watch football.

Seriously, I can’t get enough.

BAGGU Canvas Tote

Along with all the mugs that got heaped in the ‘donate’ pile when we moved last was an excessive collection of tote bags, most of which were gifts from random events and not actually designed in a way that made them functional for…you know, toting things around.

This month I discovered the BAGGU tote bag and fell deep in love. They’re made from recycled cotton, are THICK, durable, have a little zipper pouch on the inside, and have handles and a long shoulder strap, so you can vary how you hold it based on how heavy it gets. It comes in lots of fun colors and patterns- though I kind of just love the natural canvas or denim colors- and while it fits a laptop and is great for everyday use, I really, really love using it as both my purse and shopping bag at the farmer’s market or quick runs to the grocery store. If you’ve been searching for a tote bag that doesn’t rip when you stuff an ungodly number of honeynut squash into it, look no further.

Goodbye Golden October, it’s been nice. See you again next year.

#chelsea's favorites, #Currently Crushing on, #fall favorites, #Favorite Things, #mugs, #October favoirtes, #things I'm loving lately