September was packed with little shifts — back-to-school routines, the first hint of fall mornings, and plenty of family moments in between. We read new books, tried cozy recipes, tested fun products, and snuck in a few early autumn adventures. Here’s a look at our life lately for September 2025 before the full swing of fall sets in.
Books I’ve Read
- The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith– When a dismembered body is found hidden in a silver shop vault, Strike and Robin must untangle a web of murder, missing persons, and Freemasonry to find the truth. This was incredible and I can’t wait to read the next one. 5/5
- Where the Grass Grows Blue by Hope Gibbs– After her grandmother’s death forces her return to her hometown, Penny must face past wounds, reconnect with friends, and decide if she can risk love again. I like this, but there were a few parts I didn’t love. 3.5/5
- Summer at Hideaway Key by Barbara Davis– Lily inherits a mysterious beach cottage on Florida’s gulf coast and unearths family secrets, old journals, and unexpected romance. Interesting but entirely implausible. 3/5
- The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis– Rare book dealer Ashlyn Greer, gifted with sensing past emotions in books, stumbles upon two connected manuscripts and becomes obsessed with uncovering the hidden love and heartbreak behind them. I loved the back and forth storyline. 4/5
- The Last of the Moon Girls by Barbara Davis– Lizzy Moon returns to her ancestral Moon Girl Farm after her grandmother’s death, where she must confront her family’s magical legacy and an unsolved pair of murders. Interesting story about what is important . 4/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Pumpkin Tiramisu– I can’t believe I’ve never made tiramisu before. It came together in about 20 minutes. Matt had some coffee concentrate for cold brew and I made some up for this. I also used all of the can of pumpkin and sprinkles cinnamon on top instead of cocoa. It makes a lot and tastes better the next day! Bring to your next potluck if you are short on time and need some compliments.
- Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake– I ended up making this in a 9×13. It was so good! I love the cinnamon and sugar on top.
- Bang Bang Chicken Sliders– These were amazing! The chicken was so good. The leftovers didn’t last long.
- Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet– This was so quick and easy! I added fresh spinach for extra veggies.
- Icelandic Fish Stew– We enjoyed this a few times on our trip so I wanted to try it on my own. This went well and wasn’t too hard to make! I topped with a bit of cheese and chives.
- Crockpot French Onion Meatballs– These were easy and tasty, but I wish the sauce thickened up better.
- Icelandic Rye Bread– We loved the rye bread in Iceland. I made my version in the slow cooker. It was in a bread pan that fit inside my slow cooker with water on the bottom of the slow cooker. It worked really well!
- Thai Peanut Tofu Bowls– Finally made these! I skipped the kale because my family is not a fan. But added cucumber and diced jalapeños. They were so filling and good!
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Pie– This was work intensive. To cut down on time I used store bought jam and graham cracker crust. There was enough leftover filling, jam, and PB crumbs to make a little dish. It was delicious! I bet you could cut down on calories by using far free cool whip, too.
Products I’ve Tried
- OSL Tiramisu Protein powder- I tried the Old School Labs Tiramisu Protein Powder and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and dessert-like it tastes — it’s a fun change from the usual chocolate or vanilla. It mixes easily with milk or water. Overall, I love having a protein option that feels like a treat and still fits my nutrition goals. Between the great taste and good macros, I’d definitely buy it again, especially for post-workout shakes or healthy sweet cravings.
After 1 week of wear
- Dashing Diva Chromemagic– I tried the Dashing Diva ChromeMagic nails and was really impressed with how easy they were to apply — truly a beginner-friendly option with gorgeous results. The chrome effect looks amazing and gives that salon-level shine at home for a fraction of the cost, which I love. That said, I found the finish can feel a little delicate. I’d recommend applying 2–3 layers of top coat right after application to build extra strength and help the tips last longer. Adding another quick top coat every few days helps keep the ends from showing wear. Even with that small extra step, I love the overall effect and how affordable they are compared to salon chrome. I’ll definitely be using them again!
Currently
- Loving- Even though the weather doesn’t quite feel like fall during the day, I’m loving the cooler mornings!
- Beginning- Matt and I are beginning the second season of High Potential. We just love that show!
- Ending- I just finished The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith. It was phenomenal, but now I have to wait 1-2 years before the next book comes out!
- Picking- We are hoping to go apple picking soon. That will be so fun!
- Buying- I’m actually trying to avoid buying Halloween candy. If I buy it too soon, I will just have to get more-IKYK!
- Family Update
- Avie- Avie has been working hard in soccer and swimming. She loves to play goalie and is tough on the field. She’s already decided she wants to be Molly McIntire (American Doll) for Halloween.
Claire did the Color Run at her middle school last week
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- Claire- Claire has been loving cross country! She only has 2 more meets left in the season, but she met her goal of an under 8 minute pace.
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- Me- Work has been pretty busy for me this past month with some reevaluations for students and some other challenges. I still love it though and by early November it should be much smoother sailing. I’m so glad I was able to go to the Laura Geller dinner in Chicago. It was fun seeing everyone!
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- Matt- Football season is well underway so needless to say, Matt is in heaven. I am not.
Avie and Claire met their 3rd Olympian!
September Goals Recap
- Sign up for fall races- I’ve signed up for 2 so far. The first one is this weekend!
- Plan dates for Girl Scout meetings through end of year- Halfway done. I have dates for Daisy’s, but still need to do Cadette’s.
- Get house painting scheduled- Done! And completed, too.
- Get a massage– I didn’t get a chance to do this.
October Goals
- Go apple picking– I love going apple picking with the family!
- Figure out Halloween plans– Claire is still deciding what she wants to dress up as and making plans. I would love to walk around with some of Avie’s friends and their parents.
- Finish Cadette meeting dates- I’d love to get some dates on the calendar including one for our trip to Eagle Cave again.
- Schedule haircut and massage- It’s time to take care of myself.
Favorite September Posts
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
