Well now it is officially fall, although California didn’t get the memo because we are still having pretty warm weather. We had one little brief “rainstorm” last week that was super exciting – I am pretty sure I could actually hear our grass and plants giggling with joy.
I use quotes on rainstorm because we only got some scattered sprinkles really and slightly overcast skies but nonetheless it was a day to celebrate and put on cute rainboots and jump in puddles. My girls were thrilled. We had to walk about 6 or 7 blocks but we finally found a decent puddle and stomped away. They were late to ballet and soccer practice but totally worth it.
So how is your October shaping up? I am really enjoying this month- looking forward to the holidays, trying to stay on track with some 2015 goals I set for both my blog and myself personally and looking forward to the holidays.
I have a few favorites that I wanted to share with you from September and since we are approaching the holidays, I would love to hear what you are loving these days too! Products, books, shows… anything really!
So here are a few of my favorite things from last month- nothing here is sponsored or especially frugal 😉 Just things I have purchased myself and loved and thought some of you might like too!
Sandalwood Citrus candle from Bath and Body Works. I don’t actually use candles often because I mostly use my Young Living diffuser for fragrance but occasionally I do and I picked this one up a week or so ago at BBW. I don’t see it available online but the smell is just delicious. I am not a woodsy, musky smell girl normally- I like vibrant scents like Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lemon- but this candle is just delicious. Sort of a worn leather jacket meets fresh oranges. Diggin’ it.
And a monthly book rec for those of you that are looking to become a better parent, connecting with your kids and all that. Our girls are still small but I do struggle with day to day things like helping them motivate themselves, making good choices, being responsible and not driving me to drink heavily. (kidding… maybe…) I started a parenting Bible study group at Church and one of my friends also suggested this book. I listened to it on Audible in literally 2 days and got a lot of useful tips from it. Definitely something to consider picking up if you want to better communicate with your kids.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish – if you want to try Audible, you can get your first book for free.
With the weather changing, you might be spending more time indoors and looking for new TV shows. I really got into the BBC series Call the Midwife a few weeks ago. I had a large gaping hole left in my heart after I finished watching Orange is the New Black and needed to find something to fill it. (kidding… maybe…) I watched it on Netflix- four seasons I believe? – and loved it. I don’t watch a ton of TV but I did pop this on while I was cleaning the kitchen, preparing meals and all that and the entire 4 seasons went by pretty fast.
PS: There is a book version that the series is based off and I read it a long time ago and enjoyed it. Apparently it is a trilogy which I didn’t realize but I will for sure read the other two books.
I have a friend that I get the occasional pedicure with and she said once “Oh a watermelon pink again?” Apparently I am predictable with polish choices. 😀 I decided to get something fun for fall and winter though and this OPI Bogota Blackberry is so gorgeous and rich. Grab a bottle – you won’t regret it.
(Lovely photo courtesy of All You Desire)
And here is an idea if you are getting family photos soon. Nordstrom offers free makeup appointments that you can schedule. I have not done this yet but apparently the person you schedule with is not affiliated with one specific brand so they are open to using any products Nordstrom carries.
The appointment is free and you are not obligated to purchase anything. I don’t have enough patience to spend a lot of time on hair or makeup at home so I set an appointment a few hours before our family photos this month. I do need some new cosmetics, which I plan to buy at Nordstrom after the session because I assume the person might get a bit of commission if you do intend to buy.
My friend Shellie suggested this recently and I thought it was a great tip and wanted to pass it on to you too!
Two more quick things I am loving:
Do you shop at Costco? They have these amazing plush animals right now that are pretty large and super soft and only $8.99! There is a monkey, elephant and dog and these would be amazing to pick up now and hold them for Toys 4 Tots donations. I love giving stuffed animals to Toys 4 Tots and I think these would be perfect and they are super affordable.
Have you been to Bass Pro Shops? We just had one open in our area and boy oh boy is that a store! I am not a hunter, fisher or camper so not exactly their ideal customer but it is still really fun to tour the store. There is very literally a mini lake in the parking lot of our store and a huge fish tank and the ceiling has animals and paintings and it is really something. (This is the lake in the parking lot literally next door to Walmart. Not what you normally see in a strip mall. (PS: They allow dogs inside the store too!)
So that about sums up September for me. I am looking forward to posting some fun holiday recipes and crafts soon!
PS: If you haven’t popped over to join Periscope yet, it is pretty fun. I have done a few scopes with travel and organization and cooking so far. I just did a cool farm tour last weekend. Hoping to do a few simple crafts soon too that likely won’t be on the blog. My name is frugaladventure and if you do get the free app, you will hear a cute little whistle when I do a scope and then you have 24 hours to watch it and it goes away forever.
And here are some fun things you may have missed last month:
Yikes I wrote my first ebook! This has been something I have wanted to do for years now.
Get 14 Days to a Happier Holiday with all sorts of straight forward tasks to get yourself completely and totally organized for an amazing holiday season.
Caramel Apple Ice Cream– no machine needed, so simple and a perfect way to get the kids in the kitchen
How to Age a Metal Bucket- take an inexpensive, new bucket and make it look a little more vintage with one simple step!
Carrie says
I love the Call the Midwife series, too. Thanks for the September update!
Charlene says
It is such an engrossing series. Makes you want to live in London during the 50’s 🙂 I love the innocence before the 60’s- that period is so interesting to me.
Carrie Vandlen says
I always enjoy your Behind the Screen posts. Thank you for taking the time to share some personal things with us. We live in California too–only down south- and the rain and cooler weather were a really big deal for us as well. I grew up in Michigan and never dreamed I’d get so excited about rain! Congratulations on your ebook!! Good for you!
Charlene says
Ha ha Carrie, rain is a generous word but after being in Florida with all the lush greenery I was so thrilled to get something for our poor plants.