Hello, wonderful friends! As we journey past the midpoint of October, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and connect through another edition of my personal Friday Thoughts. Settle in, because this one’s a bit longer than usual – but absolutely no pressure to read every single word. Just enjoy the ride! 😘
A heads-up for the holiday season ahead: Many of you have been eagerly asking, and I’m thrilled to confirm that my highly anticipated annual holiday gift guides will be hitting the blog on Friday, November 1st! Mark your calendars, because this year’s game gift guide is truly exceptional and packed with fantastic ideas for everyone on your list. Stay tuned for a treasure trove of gifting inspiration!
In other exciting news, I’m delighted to announce that our popular cookbooks and cozy hoodies have been fully restocked, just in time for the bustling holiday shopping season. They make perfect gifts for the food lovers and comfort seekers in your life!
Halloween: A Spooky Delight or a Frightful Nuisance?
Let’s kick off these Friday Thoughts with a spirited debate, shall we? It’s the time of year when ghostly decorations emerge, candy aisles overflow, and the air buzzes with anticipation for All Hallows’ Eve. So, I have to ask: where do you stand on Halloween?
Embracing the Spooky Season: Your Halloween Perspective
I must confess, and I hope we can still remain the best of friends, that I am not, by any stretch, a huge fan of Halloween. While I genuinely appreciate the fun, delicious food traditions that accompany this holiday – think caramel apples, festive cookies, and all things pumpkin spice – that’s pretty much where my enthusiasm peaks. You could say I’m a bit of a Halloween grinch.
Our family doesn’t dive into elaborate, Pinterest-worthy costumes, although I do marvel at the incredible creativity and effort many of you pour into your fantastic family ensembles! My personal concession to the season’s festive spirit usually involves pulling out my beloved Viking beanie, lovingly crocheted by my sister. It makes its annual appearance at church trunk-or-treat parties and high school football games around this time, especially convenient since our local mascot is, fittingly, the Vikings. 😂 It’s a simple nod to the season without committing to a full-blown transformation.
I’m absolutely eager to hear your thoughts on Halloween! Do you embrace the costumes, the decorations, and the spooky fun with open arms, or do you, like me, prefer to enjoy it from a slight distance, perhaps with a handful of candy corn? (And yes, my children absolutely go trick-or-treating! But once they hit a certain independent age, they’re largely responsible for their own costumes. I certainly did my creative due diligence when they were younger, brainstorming and assembling countless imaginative outfits. My costume-making clock is officially off duty now!)
Navigating the Fabulous Forties: A Midlife Body Update
At the risk of sounding like I’m positively ancient, the past few months have been quite the journey for my middle-aged body. It’s a period of life that brings its own unique set of joys and, well, less-than-joyful experiences. Thankfully, there’s nothing life-threatening to report; it’s all just… annoyingly persistent and collectively challenging.
Since I’ve reached that glorious age where casual conversations often gravitate towards physical ailments, the weather, or politics (and I am absolutely, positively not going into politics here, haha!), I thought I’d simply lay it all out for you in a bulleted list. Consider this your candid peek into the everyday realities of being 46:
- Back Troubles: A few weeks ago, I managed to throw out my back in the most unglamorous way possible – I just *moved wrong*. There’s no dramatic tale of heroism or daring feats, just a simple misstep that rendered me literally immobile for days. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our bodies can feel! ☠️
- Footwear Evolution: My feet have made it abundantly clear that arch support is no longer an option but a full-time necessity. Consequently, I am now officially wearing house shoes practically 24/7. My previous casual footwear choices now feel like instruments of torture without proper cushioning and support.
- Carpal Tunnel Chronicles: Persistent hand pain and numbness finally led me to a hand specialist, who confirmed my suspicions: carpal tunnel syndrome. I’m currently exploring a regimen of splints, braces, and supplements, desperately hoping to avoid immediate surgery. Goodness, my hand truly aches. 👋🏼
- The Inevitable Colonoscopy: Being over 45 brings certain rites of passage, and next week, I’m scheduled for my very first colonoscopy. It’s certainly not high on my list of exciting events, but a necessary health check-up nonetheless. Wish me luck for that “fun” appointment! 🥴
- Hormonal Rollercoaster & Sleep Disruptions: Sleep has become a precious, often elusive commodity, thanks in part to the delightful (sarcasm heavily implied) arrival of hot flashes. My hormones, it seems, are having quite the unpredictable party. (And no, I’m definitely not allowing my family to chime in on this particular comment section! 😜) I’m looking forward to seeing an integrative women’s health doctor next month to hopefully gain some balance.
Behold, the undeniable joys of middle age! To be entirely fair, I actually adore being in my 40s – it has been my favorite decade so far for countless reasons. I just wish my body would extend a little more grace and kindness to me during this period of transformation!
Current Favorites and Recent Disappointments: A Curated List
Life is a mix of delightful discoveries and occasional letdowns, and my recent experiences with books, fashion, and treats are no exception. Here’s a rundown of what I’ve been loving and what didn’t quite hit the mark:
Captivating Reads: Books That Resonated
These recent reads truly captured my attention and left a lasting impression. (As always, for those who appreciate a heads-up, I recommend Googling specific content warnings for language, themes, etc., before diving in.)
- Jamesby Percival Everett: This novel was an absolute immersive experience, a powerful reimagining of a classic tale. Everett’s masterful storytelling, sharp wit, and profound insights made this a truly compelling and thought-provoking read that I enjoyed immensely.
- Here One Momentby Liane Moriarty: Moriarty has a knack for crafting entertaining and cleverly intricate stories that also delve into deeper human experiences. This book was no different, offering a captivating narrative that left me pondering significant themes long after I finished the last page.
- The Small and The Mightyby Sharon McMahon: Sharon McMahon continues to be a source of incredible inspiration. This book was a powerful testament to the impact of individual action and the collective strength found in communities. It truly uplifted my spirit and encouraged reflection on making a difference.
Missed the Mark: Books I Couldn’t Connect With
Not every book is a perfect fit, and sometimes, even highly anticipated reads just don’t click. Here are a couple that, for me, fell short:
- The Unmaking of June Farrowby Adrienne Young: While the premise was intriguing, I found the audio version of this book to drag considerably. It struggled to maintain my interest, and I ultimately didn’t connect with the pacing or the narrative in the way I’d hoped.
- The Womenby Kristin Hannah: I know, I know – I am undoubtedly in the minority here, as this book has garnered widespread acclaim. However, despite its popularity, I found myself unable to fully engage with the story or characters, and it simply didn’t resonate with me as it has with so many others.
My Go-To Denim: The Perfect Pair
Finding that perfect pair of jeans feels like striking gold, and for a while, it was the Kessler Wide Leg from Piper and Scoot. They offered just the right blend of style and comfort. (Shoot, it looks like these beloved jeans are no longer available on their site! A true fashion tragedy when you find a perfect fit and it disappears.)
Denim Disasters: Jeans That Were a Quick ‘No’
Then there are those fashion purchases that lead to immediate laughter, followed by an equally immediate return. For me, that recently applied to the Wide Leg Stovepipe Cuffed jeans from American Eagle. Let’s just say they had a certain… silhouette… that did not flatter in the slightest. They were a rapid try-on, giggle, and back-in-the-bag situation!
Indulgent Delights: Treats I Can’t Resist
Some snacks are so perfectly crafted, they become a dangerous temptation. Case in point:
- Skinny Dipped Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Cups: Oh, these are a revelation! A fantastic Costco find, these cups strike the ideal balance between rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all while feeling like a slightly healthier indulgence. They are so incredibly good that they pose a genuine threat to my snack self-control.
Culinary Letdowns: Treats That Disappointed
And then there are those treats that promise so much, only to deliver a sad little fizzle of flavor:
- Dark Chocolate Almond Creme Almonds: Another Costco find that looked incredibly promising. I truly wanted to love these – dark chocolate and almond creme sounded like a match made in heaven. However, they just didn’t hit the mark for me; the flavor profile wasn’t what I was hoping for, and they ended up being quite a disappointment.
Life Lately: Updates and Cherished Moments
Beyond the books and treats, life has been bustling with projects, family events, and a much-needed getaway. Here’s what’s been happening in my world:
My temperature blanket is steadily progressing! This ongoing project, where each row reflects the day’s temperature, has unfortunately been stalled a bit due to the intense hand pain I mentioned earlier. Despite the setback, I’m determinedly plugging along, trying to catch up on the many rows I’ve missed. Currently, I’m over 60 rows behind, but it’s fine, everything is absolutely fine! Just a bit of a marathon to complete, but the vision of the finished blanket keeps me motivated.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a Homecoming dinner for my son, his date, and their close group of friends. Over the years, I’ve organized numerous “dance dinners,” and typically, these events tend to be quite formal. However, this time, we decided to shake things up and embrace a more relaxed, creative atmosphere.
Thanks to my connections with a fantastic printing company (ahem, a huge shout-out to Brian! 😉), we managed to print an enormous coloring page banner – a truly unique fall-themed design I discovered on Etsy – to stretch down the entire length of our dining tables. We then placed sets of crayons at each place setting. This unconventional approach turned out to be an absolute smash hit with the teenagers! They genuinely loved the opportunity to doodle and color together, turning their pre-dance dinner into an interactive art session.
For the menu, my son helped me brainstorm a fun diner theme, which was a departure from our usual fare. Each of the kids received a personalized menu (which I designed quickly on Canva using one of their easy templates) to fill out with their choices. My adorable 10- and 12-year-old “servers” then gathered the menus and brought them to me and a few other moms, and we swiftly filled the orders. I had everything pre-cooked, prepped, and kept warm in the ovens, making assembly incredibly easy as we dished out the food into these charming baskets. It was such a delightful and surprisingly stress-free dinner, and absolutely worth sacrificing some of my precious huckleberries, stashed away in the freezer, for their gourmet milkshakes! 😇 The casual, interactive nature of the dinner made it a memorable start to their Homecoming evening.
Last week, I actually put on real pants, left my house (a genuine shocker!), and embarked on a quick but invigorating trip to Charleston, South Carolina. This lovely getaway was shared with my mom and sister, as we visited my brother and his husband who reside in that charming direction. It was an absolutely amazing trip, even though we only had about a day and a half to explore Charleston itself. Naturally, we maximized our time by fitting in an impressive amount of food! 😜 I had the absolute best shrimp and grits of my life at the Charleston Crab House – a dish so rich and flavorful, it will live rent-free in my culinary memories. And of course, no trip to Charleston is complete without a stop at Jeni’s ice cream, which was, as always, a pure delight. I also frequented Boxcar Betty’s TWICE because their chicken sandwiches were simply irresistible!
Beyond the delightful culinary experiences, we enjoyed a wonderful carriage tour of historic downtown Charleston, allowing us to soak in the charming architecture and rich history. We also spent hours walking and exploring the fascinating historical sites throughout the area. The sheer depth of history was captivating, and the city’s beauty was simply breathtaking. The following day, we dedicated our morning to visiting the Boone Hall Plantation, which proved to be a profound highlight of my trip. It was a humbling and intensely interesting experience, offering a stark look into a complex past, while the iconic Avenue of the Oaks provided a truly stunning, unforgettable vista. Charleston, you absolutely exceeded all expectations and did not disappoint!
As I always say, if you’ve made it all the way to the end of this lengthy post, you truly deserve a medal! Thank you so much for being here, for taking the time to read my thoughts and updates. Your presence and engagement mean the world to me. 💗
What’s Been Happening in YOUR World? Share Your “Rose and Thorn”!
We used to have a cherished little dinner-time tradition in our family where we’d go around the table and each person would share their “ROSE” (a highlight or something good from their day) and their “THORN” (a challenge or something less-than-good). We haven’t done it in a while, but typing it out here has genuinely inspired me to reintroduce this lovely practice with my family. It’s a wonderful way to connect and understand each other’s daily experiences.
Now, I’m truly eager to hear how YOU are doing. Consider this our virtual table-side chat!
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to share, please tell me in the comments what your current ROSE (a highlight, something joyful, or a recent success) and THORN (a challenge, a worry, or something that’s been tough) is right now. I believe in the power of sharing both the good and the not-so-good.
I’ll happily go first, setting the stage for our shared reflection:
My ROSE: Connecting with all of you in this space is a genuine highlight for me, truly – I cherish this community. Beyond that, watching my kids work incredibly hard and compete passionately in the sports they adore brings me so much joy. My sophomore’s football season is drawing to a close, my senior’s wrestling season is just beginning, and my 7th grader recently wrapped up her volleyball season. Their dedication and triumphs, big or small, are a constant source of pride and happiness.
My THORN: I’ve been wrestling with some particularly tender worries about my children lately, as all parents do. On a more personal note, a new skin spot has appeared on my face that I am almost certain is basal cell carcinoma. As many of you know, I’ve already undergone two MOHS surgeries for basal cell spots on my face, and I am genuinely bummed out about this new development. I’m scheduled to see a dermatologist next week, hoping for the best possible outcome.
And before you go, please don’t forget to tell me your deep, dark, or wonderfully happy and joyful thoughts about Halloween! We’re all friends here, and absolutely ALL opinions are welcome. Let’s hear your spooky takes! 👻
