The October Line-Up
Last Month's MVP's
Okay, team, let’s huddle. I always picture October as a time to dig in and get cozy, but this year had other plans. Between a beach trip, days off for school conferences, starting a part-time preschool job, and the whirlwind of Halloween, our month felt more like a series of sprints than a slow, Fall walk.
If your October looked different than you expected, maybe busier, maybe lonelier, maybe just plain messy, you’re in the right place. This month’s lineup is full of the things that kept our team moving, brought moments of peace in the chaos, and helped us find pockets of joy even when we were off our usual game.
Make sure you read to the end… You don’t want to miss the things that proved worthy this month, as well as the things I am eyeing for the next month! Don’t have time to hear me gushing about each thing? You can shop all the links HERE!
The Starting Five
Short on time? This is your section. If you only have a minute for a quick read, these are the five things that made the biggest difference this month. Want the full deep dive on why they worked? Keep scrolling!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup by Simply Scratch
The Crock-Pot Only Sports Night Rule (and my fave crock-pot)
Ilia Eye Stylus Eye Shadow Stick
The Playbook
(What I’m reading/listening to for strategy, perspective, or a much-needed mental escape.)
This month’s playlist was all about soul-feeding content. From practical parenting insights that felt like a gentle guide to music and stories that offered a beautiful escape, here’s what’s been fueling my heart and mind.
Still Hooked on This Podcast: The “Parenting Personalities” season from David Thomas and Sissy Goff on the Raising Boys and Girls podcast remains a constant in my earbuds. It’s reframing how I see my kids’ behaviors, which has been a game-changer for my patience and our peace.
The Artist on Repeat: I’ve had Jamie McDonald on constant rotation. Her music is heartfelt and soulful with a really unique sound that just hits different for me right now. It’s the perfect, calming backdrop for a chaotic day. I’m eagerly awaiting her full album in January, but for now, I’m soaking up every new song she releases.
The Beautiful, Lyrical Escape: I just finished “Wild Reverence” by Rebecca Ross, and it was a gorgeous departure from my usual fantasy/romance picks. The writing is so poetic and flowery—it’s a book you have to savor a little more slowly. It wasn’t a fast-paced page-turner, but a truly beautiful story that felt like a mental vacation to a more lyrical world.
Home Field Advantage
(Things that are making our home a more fun, functional, and joyful place for everyone.)
My goal for our home is simple: a place that functions for our real, messy life and has room for spontaneous fun. This month’s wins were a mix of practical systems and heart-centered intentions that made our space and our schedules feel lighter.
The Crock-Pot Sports Night Rule (& A Lesson in Letting Go): We officially declared our busy practice nights “Crock-Pot Only.” It has completely eliminated the 5 p.m. panic. The other night, my oldest son said, “Mom, we sure have been using that crock pot a lot lately.” I held my breath, waiting for a complaint. But it was just an observation. If I am honest… It wouldn’t have mattered! I’m done trying to be a short-order cook who pleases everyone (an impossible task!). My job is to offer a cozy, healthy meal; their job is to decide whether to eat it. This little rule is saving my sanity in more ways than one. I also have to share my absolute favorite crock pot: the Ninja Foodie Possiblecooker. My mother-in-law gifted me this for Christmas, and I use it weekly. I love that it has a saute function so I can saute my veggies and sear my meat for my slowcooker meals all in one place!
The Great Decor Edit: As I pulled out the fall bins, I did a major purge. I let go of seasonal decor I’ve held onto for years, but that no longer fits the cozy, joyful vibe I want for our home. It was surprisingly freeing. It’s a tangible practice of letting go of what doesn’t serve me, and it’s making our space feel more authentically us. A good reminder that even the festive stuff should spark joy, not just fill space.
Protecting Our Peace by Saying “No”: With the “go, go, go” season upon us, I’m consciously giving myself grace to decline invitations. As someone who loves making others happy, this is hard! But I’m learning that protecting our quiet family time at home is what recharges my heart and prevents our calendar from becoming a source of stress. It’s a strategic “no” now for a more peaceful “yes” to my people later.
The Cozy, Early Bedtime Read: We’ve started drifting upstairs 15 minutes early some nights to all pile into one bed and read together. In the hustle of a busy month, this intentional, quiet connection has been an absolute game-changer. My heart swells every time. Our current favorites are The Scarecrow and If I Built A School.
The Weeknight Soup Hero: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup has been an absolute star in our dinner lineup. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in no time, and it just feels like October in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that makes the house smell amazing and makes everyone feel taken care of, especially on those nights when we finally get to slow down.
Proven Recruits
(New players that joined the team this month and have already proven their value.)
Back 70’s Cloud NC Sneakers: I lived in these sneakers. They’re insanely comfortable for all the errands, school runs, and chasing kids, and the rich brown color makes me feel a tiny bit put-together, even when I’m just in jeans and a sweatshirt.
Fairy Tales Daily Cleanse Multitasker Spray: This spray has been our secret weapon for taming my boys’ epic bedhead without a fight. A quick spritz, a fast brush, and we’ve avoided the morning hair battle more times than I can count. A small thing that makes a big difference.
The 10-Second Makeup Win: The Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick has fully simplified my routine. It’s a true one-swipe-and-done situation that adds a little definition and makes me look more awake in seconds. It’s a small thing that makes getting ready feel less like a chore.
The Scarf Hack I Can Actually Do: I found this little gold scarf ring in a Charleston boutique, and it has revolutionized scarves for me. I love the look of silk scarves and bandanas, but could never get the ties right. This little ring holds everything perfectly in place with zero effort. It’s my new favorite way to add a touch of pretty to a plain top or sweater. Here is a similar one I found
The Holiday Card Display Secret: I just re-ordered my favorite acrylic magnetic frames to get ready for the holidays. I use them every year to display our favorite Christmas cards from previous years. It’s a simple and meaningful way to decorate. They also make fantastic, thoughtful gifts. Keep an eye out for my upcoming gift guide, where I’ll be focusing entirely on quick, simple, and practical presents…because who has time for complicated during the holidays?
The Family Commander: For anyone starting to think about a 2026 planner, my absolute favorite is the Laurel Denise Portrait Planner. Its brilliant layout shows the weekly and monthly view at the same time, which has been a game-changer for merging my schedule, my husband’s, and the kids’ activities without having to flip back and forth. It keeps our whole team on the same page.
The Cozy Investment Sweater: I took the plunge on the Brushed Cashmere Striped Rugby Sweater from J.Crew, and wow, it was worth it. It’s unbelievably soft and feels like a luxurious hug. While it’s a splurge, it’s one of those timeless, high-quality pieces I know I’ll reach for year after year. It’s the perfect thing to make a chaotic fall day feel a little more special.
Future Draft Picks
(What’s on my scouting radar to make the upcoming season bright, simple, and full of magic.)
A Personalized Christmas Gift: I just discovered Wonderbly’s personalized books and had to order one for the boys. I chose “Where are you, Jones and Steele?” which is a search-and-find where the characters actually look like them! You can even write a personal note inside. I love the idea of a gift that’s so uniquely theirs waiting under the tree.
Themed Movie Night Magic: Our family movie nights are getting a festive upgrade! I’m planning an Elf night and am so excited to make these Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars from 12 Tomatoes. They look like a hilarious and delicious mess, and that little extra touch is what makes the memory.
A New (To Me) Book Advent Tradition: I recently saw the idea to wrap all your Christmas books and let the kids open one each night. I’m stealing it, but with a twist: our Elf on the Shelf is going to be the one who “wrapped” them all! It feels like a simple way to build anticipation and guarantee cozy reading time each evening.
Casual & Cozy Christmas Photo Outfits: In an effort to minimize fuss, I ordered these $20 collared pullovers from Amazon for the boys’ Christmas pictures. They look polished enough for a card but feel like a comfy sweatshirt. I’m hoping this is the secret to a stress-free photo shoot! I’ll let you know how they turn out.
A Sweet Way to Preserve Memories: I have my eye on the Hearth & Hand Frame Ornaments. They’re the perfect size to slide in a wallet-sized photo from an old Christmas card, instantly turning a favorite memory into a cherished ornament. Such a simple way to keep our family’s history on the tree year after year.
And that’s the final whistle on our October lineup. From cozy soups that saved dinnertime to small shifts that protected our peace, it was a month of finding what works in the beautiful chaos.
Remember, this isn’t a playbook you have to follow! It’s just a peek into what’s working in our locker room. If you found one idea that makes your load a little lighter or your heart a little fuller, that’s a win. Have you found anything that’s working in your home?! I would love to hear about (and possibly steal it) so drop it in the comments below!
Cheering you on from my messy, grateful corner,
Blair