We packed a lot of fun into October with pumpkin picking, soccer kicking, and soon-to-be treat or tricking. Haha! Here is our life lately October 2023 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
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The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb
Halcyon was shocked when she received a letter from a lawyer telling her she is heir to an unexpected fortune and an estate. She travels there and learns about the ghastly family history that waits for her there. This is a spooky, but not scary story that held my attention. I liked the psychic aspect. Great for Halloween time! 4/5
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The Coroner by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
When Emily’s estranged father suffers a heart attack, she heads home from her medical residency to help. While home she helps complete the autopsy of a teen daughter and investigate her murder. I loved this story and if any of the sequels end up included with audible membership, I will listen. 4/5
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The Liar’s Girl by Catherine Ryan Howard–
The last thing Alison wants is to be pulled back into the past she’s worked hard to leave behind after finding her college love was a serial killer. But 10 years later another 2 girls have been found dead. Reluctantly, she returns to Dublin to face the man who murdered the woman she was supposed to become. Although there were a few slight changes I would make to the storyline, I loved the ending. 4.5/5
Haunted by the disappearance of his sister over 20 years ago, Joseph Bridgeman’s life has fallen apart. After seeing hypnotherapist Alexia Finch to help with his insomnia, Joseph accidentally discovers he can time travel. He is determined to undo his sister’s disappearance. I loved Joseph’s character growth and personal sacrifice for his family. 5/5
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The Shadow’s of London by Nick Jones
Likable antiques dealer Joseph Bridgeman is blackmailed into accepting a new mission. He is flung back to 1960s London to reverse the death of a murdered woman. These books are an interesting take on how your experiences shape you. I’m curious to see how Joseph rectifies his alternate self in future books. 4/5
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Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros
Paisley Donovan has the same heart condition her sister died of and is sick of being treated like delicate glass by everyone in her life. Until Jagger Bateman pulls her from the ocean and breathes more than air into her lungs—he sets her soul on fire. I was in the mood for a bit of romance and this looked ok. And it was ok. Sappy but not disgustingly so. 3/3
As the war rages in 1943, the King and Queen choose to quietly send their youngest daughter, live with a trusted noble family in the country. Charlotte reluctantly uses an alias and falls deeply in love with her protectors’ son. A tragic turn of events leaves an infant orphaned. No one, not even she, knows of her lineage. I was so hopeful of this book, but it seems Steel’s only solution to extra characters or issues with the plot was to kill them off. I longed for better creativity. 2/5
Since the death of their parents, Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meager existence. Now their village is plagued with risen corpses are known as “bone houses.” Ryn teams up with a mapmaker to stop the bone houses for good. This was a fantastic fairytale and I really enjoyed all the characters in it. This author knows how to weave a story! 5/5
PRODUCTS I’VE TRIED
- Laura Geller Wheel of Fortune Collection– This collection happens to be on crazy sale right now if you want to snap it up. Well worth it, too. The eye palette is gorgeous. I ove the 4 far left colors the most. The blushes go on so nicely and you know I love the spackle! I never used to wear primer until Laura Geller. Fabulous shade of red lipstick and super creamy, too.
- Laura Geller Serum Blush Cheek Tint– These blushes are incredible! They go on so sheer and give a stunning natural flush that lasts all day. I used to like Milani baked blushes, but I can’t ever go back. Whether it’s the serum blush tint, blush and brighten, or cream blush stick, my cheeks are going to be Laura Geller from here on out!
- Denman brush- I caved and got a Denman brush last month. I cannot say enough good things. If you have curly hair, it is a must-have. It helps define my curls and makes them more even giving me beautiful spirals. To style my hair, I add mousse immediately out of the shower then clip up and brush out sections at a time with the brush. Then I shake them a bit to get them to start the wave/curl pattern. Once my head is completely brushed, I add gel and scrunch. Finally I diffuse and break the gel cast with a bit of oil.
RECIPES I’VE MADE
- Crumbl Pumpkin Pie Cookies– I love pumpkin pie and I love cookies. These were good, just not as good as others I have tried.
- Peaches and Cream Overnight French Toast– This was so tasty and so easy to make. If you need a breakfast for guests over the holidays it would be easy to substitute any fruit you want in place of peaches.
- Maple Dijon Sausage and Fall Veggies– This was absolutely delicious and the entire family loved it. The maple dijon sauce is the cherry on top.
- Sourdough crackers– OMG! We fought over these. They are so good! And so customizable because you can add whatever seasonings you like.
- Maple Sriracha Cauliflower– Absolutely delicious! If you are making this for the family, you may want to tone down the spice though.
Currently
- Loving- Laura Geller recently sent 2 boxes of makeup and I’m really loving their blush serums and Wheel of Fortune eye shadow palette.
- Excited about- In about 2 weeks Aveline will turn 6. I can’t believe it!
- Watching- I just finished watching Beckham. I’m not a soccer, or even a sports fan, but it was an interesting documentary. Whatever actually happened in their marriage in the past, they seem very in love.
- Seeing- When we were at Aveline’s soccer game this past weekend, we saw a bald headed eagle soaring overhead. While we see many hawks, herons, cranes, and owls, never an eagle. It was amazing! Check out the shot we caught at the top of the post.
- Observing- Claire had a rough time adjusting to accelerated math last year. This year I’ve been observing her attitude slowly changing. At least I’m hopeful of it! The class size is much more appropriate and this curriculum seems better, too. I loved math so I want her to at least not hate it.
- Family Update
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- Me- I forgot to mention last month I was interviewed by Chicago Parent magazine. They ask local parents to share their mantra and then they illustrate it. If you happen to watch the interview-be kind, I’m not the most eloquent person. This weekend is an 8 mile Hot Cider Hustle I’ve done 3 times before. Fingers crossed for a PR!
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- Matt– It’s football and rugby season. That is probably enough said. We all were able to go up to Wisconsin to visit family friends and Matt got to see his godson. Great times!
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- Claire- Claire had time trials and her first swim meet of the season and had some awesome best times. Claire started a Paper Creation club at school and has been having a lot of fun. She also got to go Geocaching with her Girl Scout troop. I took both Claire and Avie to the Eras tour and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
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- Aveline- Aveline had her first Girl Scout Daisy meeting and LOVED it. We have another planned in November. She has already started telling everyone about her birthday. She is having a fancy party with someone coming to do hairstyles, makeup, and then we will make jewelry and do a tea party. Should be cute and very appropriate for Avie.
OCTOBER GOALS Recap
- Catch up on instagram – Done! Well, I’m only a few posts off compared to a few months I was off before!
- Make Halloween costumes– I tried, but it was more expensive to make them, then just buy them. So I bought them this year.
- Go apple picking- We didn’t go to an apple orchard, but we picked pumpkins and made apple sauce from apples from my grandparents tree.
- Plan Daisy meetings- I’ve passed along all of my ideas and we are working on planning the second meeting.
I’ve been pretty wrapped up lately.
November Goals
- Organize basement- Our basement is picked up, but got a bit unorganized during this summer. I am hoping to re-organize it.
- Get family photos taken– I’ve been in contact with our typical photographer and I’m hoping to get a session scheduled.
- Buy a purse- I wanted to get myself a new bag for my birthday, but still haven’t quite narrowed it down. Hopefully I will this month-or by taking advantage of Black Friday deals.
- Have a good Thanksgiving- We are hosting family Thanksgiving. I’ll be prepping this month so no other goals besides helping to ensure everyone has a nice time.
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS, FIRST FRIDAY FINDS
