September has been a blur! I have been on the go for weddings (my sister got married last weekend!) and parties (you have to see the camp-themed bachelorette we threw!), in the midst of our first two weeks of potty training (send wine!!) and deep in lots of fun work projects (get excited for the holiday season!!). I sort of feel like I’ve barely been able to catch my breath, and October is winding up to be just as full of work and play. I love sitting down to write these download posts because it feels like unloading all of the little updates I have to share — and I have lots of them today. New recipes, Halloween ideas, lots of books I’ve been reading, and a few fun fall finds! And before you scroll down to read more, I have a favor to ask! I’ve been nominated by Saveur Magazine as a finalist for the Best Entertaining Blog 2019 — I would love your vote! Click here to vote daily! 
New Recipes. I’m trying to get back into the swing of healthy eating and meal planning after a few crazy busy weeks (Hello Fresh meals were a lifesaver when I didn’t have time to deal with grocery shopping!). I shared a new recipe for a sneaky-hidden-veggie dinner of Cauliflower Stuffed Shells with riced cauliflower folded into the filling. And I have been referencing this big round-up of 20+ dinner recipe ideas I shared last year to get some fresh dinnertime inspiration!
Halloween Ideas. I’m finding myself a bit more of a Halloween person this year, and a very eager 2-year old who screams “It’s HALLOWEEN!” every time she sees a pumpkin may have something to do with it. I shared a really festive Halloween party with tons of easy DIY ideas on the blog last week, and also created a double-duty fall tablescape that goes from a harvest theme to a more spooky look with a few small tweaks. One of my favorite throwback Halloween recipes is a loaded rice krispy treat if you’re looking for more inspiration!
Reading List. It’s been a few weeks since I shared an update on my summer reading list, which I suppose I can now start calling my fall reading list! I’ve read a few great books lately (Oh Crap! Potty Training has been the most useful, ha!). Evie Drake Starts Over was a perfect modern romance, I loved following the female main character find her strength and the New England setting was always a win! I followed that with another book that had a New England backdrop and a female lead who was nothing but strong in her role as firefighter – Things You Save in a Fire. I zipped through this book and love the author’s storytelling style, I definitely need to check out some other Katherine Center books!
The heaviest read I tackled this month was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah about a young girl whose complicated family moves to Alaska to live on the land. It definitely reminded me of Educated, and parts of it were incredibly tough and gritty and complex. It was so beautifully written and a story that will stick with me for awhile. I needed a light read after that drama and have been enjoying American Royals, about fictional modern day royalty in the US (if George Washington had been king!) — it’s a perfect book if you love to follow the real royal family (like me!). Up next in my to-read stack is The Marriage Lies, a psychological thriller my hair-dresser recommend, and The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore.
Fall Finds. I’m not one for a big fall shopping spree — I always rely on my favorites like my Everlane jeans and my rothy’s flats (so excited it’s cool enough to wear them again — I’m eyeing the sneakers next!). But I did grab a few fun items to wear for my sister’s bachelorette and wedding weekend that mixed in really well with my classics, like this simple eyelet white tee, a set of coral and blush pearl headbands, and some new patterned workout pants from Target that were a steal (I’m actually really into this cropped Fabletics pant too)!
Jane on the other hand has needed a bunch of new things for the season, and since she’s starting school I was all about the budget-finds that I won’t be worried about getting messy. I did a stock-up on Amazon with some really cute and cozy outfits, like a few easy play dresses and sweatshirts. I’m also a huge fan of the Primary.com tunics for fall, she wore those every day last fall!
