October felt like the heart of fall — full of color, cozy recipes, and a few too many busy days sprinkled in. Between weekend races, school activities, and all things pumpkin, it was one of those months that flew by in the best way. We tried new books, found some family-favorite dinners, celebrated big wins (and birthdays coming soon!), and started settling into cooler weather routines. Here’s a look at our life lately October 2025 — before the holidays start sneaking up on us.
Books I’ve Read
- The Man Who Fell from the Sky by Anita Frank– During World War II in rural Somerset, a young woman hides a wounded German bomber pilot in her barn — and as their dangerous affair deepens, passion collides with patriotism. It definitely makes you wonder how you would react in a situation like that. 4/5
- Not a Very Good Murderer by Ronan Farrow– This podcast follows the journalist’s investigation into a wealthy, unreliable woman whose tales of love, crime, and possible murder blur the line between truth and delusion. Insane, but also fascinating. 4/5
- The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth by Barbara O’Neal– A recently divorced mother and a young woman grieving her mother embark on a global journey through London, Paris, Morocco, and India to trace the final project of the deceased woman and, in the process, rediscover their identities, friendship, and healing. I liked this journey of self-discovery for both women. 4/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Crunchy Chickpea Salad– I made this for dinner and we all liked it. There are many layers of flavor and texture that are very enjoyable. I served it with naan.
- Root Beer Float Brownies– These are so rich and delicious. I wish the frosting was a bit fluffier instead of an icing consistency. I couldn’t find root beer extract and used vanilla instead. I think the extract would have made the frosting so much better. The brownies have a lovely subtle taste of root beer.
- Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Sage Pumpkin Sauce– I actually doubled the sauce in these to use the entire can of pumpkin. I also wanted extra sauce to serve over orzo. They were easy to make and I liked the sage flavor.
- Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken– These were delicious! We all loved them, but I almost wished they had more heat.
Currently
I didn’t see prompts for this month, so I’m using last month’s prompts.
- Loving- Every year it’s the same- I just love seeing all the gorgeous fall color on the trees. It makes me smile everyday.
- Anticipating- Work has been very busy since we started. I’ve had a lot of meetings and evaluations. There is finally an end (aka slower pace) in sight!
- Looking forward t0– Avie has her birthday celebration in a couple of weeks. We are going to the American Girl Doll store in Chicago. It will be so fun for her!
- Wearing- Lately I think I have been wearing a lot more chocolate brown. I know it was a trending color last year. However, I’m still seeing a lot of it and I love the warm tone.
- Cooking– Personally, I love all the fall flavors like apple, squash, cinnamon, and more. It’s fun to incorporate them into savory recipes so I often try new ones out each fall.
- Family Update
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- Avie- Avie was thrilled to finish her soccer season with a win. She loves playing goalie. She also made it into the Under 20 Club in swimming. That happens when you can swim a 25 yard race in under 20 seconds. It was a goal of hers and she is still excited about it.
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- Claire– Claire finished her cross country season strong with a personal record at the conference meet. She has also run 2 5Ks with me and had best times with each. Although I don’t think she misses having cross country and swim practices on the same day!
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- Me- I didn’t have as strong a 5K race as Claire. I did finish first female, but no best time. However I did get a best time in the 8mile Hot Cider Hustle last weekend. It’s been 6 years and I have wanted to break a 1 hour time (I’ve been less than a second off before). This was my year and I got a 58:50 (7:21 pace)! I finished 4th female, and 1st in my age group. Fingers crossed for my half marathon this weekend.
- Matt- Work has been stressful for Matt lately with the government shut down. Since he is in the food industry, he works with many government organizations so they are either closed or running very slowly. I hope for everyone’s sake it is resolved soon!
October Goals Recap
- Go apple picking– Done!
- Figure out Halloween plans–Done! Both girls have plans for trick or treating with friends, too (parentally supervised for Avie of course).
- Finish Cadette meeting dates- Done! Waiting on parents to get back to me on the Eagle Cave trip.
- Schedule haircut and massage- Haircut is scheduled. I got a massage yesterday.
November Goals
- Have a date night- It’s been a while and it would be so fun!
- Get family photos taken– We always like to have a yearly family photo done in the fall.
- Make annual appointments- Avie and I both need a few annual appointments and I want to get them on the calendar.
- Harvest any basil and rhubarb for freezing- We have a great basil plant this year and I want to make and freeze pesto to use this winter before the weather kills the plant.
Favorite October Posts
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
