Fall Favorites: October’s Top Picks for Cozy Living, Smart Travel, & Captivating Reads

Welcome to our monthly roundup of delightful discoveries for your home, leisure, and entertainment. This edition brings you practical tips for regular fire pit dinners, a charming DIY vintage linen cafe curtain, an ingenious weekender bag designed for all your essentials, six insightful book reviews, and a family-friendly movie that adults will love too.

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October graced us with a beautiful blend of crisp fall evenings and the welcome return of regular rain, which has revitalized our landscape, painting everything in vibrant shades of green. This fresh green backdrop only served to accentuate the stunning autumnal transformation, with hillsides outside our windows ablaze in brilliant yellows and reds by month’s end. Each season, in its unique way, offers its own special charms, doesn’t it? (A sentiment I often remind myself of as I bundle up against the increasing chill, always with a chuckle.)

The most exhilarating development for me this past month has been witnessing the long-envisioned side kitchen porch begin to materialize. (You might even catch a glimpse of it in the bathroom photos further down.) If you’ve been following our Farmhouse Remodeling series, you might recall my initial plans for this porch, complete with a door positioned at the base of the kitchen stairs. For the past four incredibly long years, that door has literally led to nowhere. So, yes, my excitement is absolutely palpable! Currently, we have the floor framework in place, sturdy posts and beams erected, and a tar-paper roof providing initial shelter. Soon, it will feature a durable metal roof and elegant cedar decking, complete with steps leading both into the house and out to the yard. I promise to share more updates on this exciting project as it nears completion and takes on a more polished look.

Now, let’s dive into the wonderful discoveries from October!

October’s Good Things List

Embracing Regular Dinners Around the Fire Pit

It’s baffling to me now why I ever considered our fire pit solely for entertaining guests. Since completing the fire pit area, we had only utilized it on rare occasions when the weather was perfect and friends or family were visiting. However, one exceptionally beautiful, sunny October day, with temperatures in the upper 60s, I found myself longing for the outdoors after a long day indoors with work. I spontaneously asked Brian if we could have dinner around the fire pit, driven purely by this desire to soak in the autumn air.

And so we did! It proved to be such a profoundly enjoyable experience that we ended up having dinner around the fire every single night thereafter, as long as the favorable weather persisted. I simply donned a cozy fleece and wrapped myself in a blanket, and between the warmth of the fire and these layers, it remained wonderfully pleasant even as the sun dipped below the horizon, bringing with it the evening chill. The crackling fire, the fresh air, and the simple act of sharing a meal outdoors transformed our evenings into cherished moments of peace and connection.

The best part? I served whatever we had planned for dinner that night – no special “fire pit food” required. One evening it was comforting soup, another night featured the delicious baked tacos you see pictured above, and a third night we enjoyed hearty pulled pork bowls. This realization was incredibly liberating: any meal works beautifully, not just the usual roasted hot dogs or s’mores. It simplified our evenings while elevating the dining experience.

So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a page from our book: if you’re fortunate enough to have a fire pit, use it for regular dinners, simply *because* you can. It’s a small change that brings immense joy and a wonderful connection to nature right in your backyard. This delightful practice has now become a cherished routine for us, something we’ll embrace whenever the weather allows!

Creating a Charming Vintage Linen Cafe Curtain

For years, the window in our main bathroom remained uncovered, primarily because privacy was never a concern given its isolated location. However, as construction on the new side kitchen porch began to progress, I quickly realized the necessity of adding some form of window covering. This became crucial to ensure privacy for anyone using the porch, while simultaneously ensuring that the bathroom wouldn’t feel completely closed off.

My primary goal was to avoid fully obscuring the window, especially since the new porch roof was inevitably going to cast more shade and make the bathroom noticeably darker. A simple cafe curtain emerged as the perfect, elegant solution. It offered privacy for the lower half of the window, allowing ample natural light to filter through the top, preserving the bright and airy feel of the space.

(A quick note: the raw wood underside of the roof visible in these photos will eventually be finished with crisp white beadboard. This will not only significantly brighten the area but also provide a far more aesthetically pleasing appearance than the current unfinished look.)

In our previous home, I had created cafe curtains from vintage linens for the remodeled bathrooms there, using a much simpler method of folding the edges to form a rod pocket and suspending them with tension rods. This time, I envisioned a slightly more refined and traditional approach, incorporating clips for a cleaner look and, importantly, the ability to easily draw the curtain open to fully appreciate the beautiful outdoor view. It was essential to have that flexibility.

Drawing inspiration from The Grit and Polish’s charming cafe curtain tutorial, and armed with a exquisite embroidered piece from my existing linen collection, I meticulously measured, ironed, and then stitched a single straight line. The beauty of using a vintage linen piece is that the edges and bottom are often already perfectly finished, saving a great deal of sewing time! Since the curtain rod would be visible and was an inside mount, I opted to invest a little more in quality components for the rod compared to a basic tension rod. While the cost was higher than the simplest option, it was still significantly less than what many larger home furnishing stores charge for similar setups, and I am absolutely thrilled with the elegant result.

I deliberately designed the curtain to have less fullness, intending for it to be pulled back most of the time to maximize light and visibility. This also beautifully showcased the intricate embroidered details of the vintage linen. Although I didn’t perfectly account for the clip spacing, making it a touch longer than ideal, it still functions perfectly and adds a touch of timeless charm. This project stands out as one of the simplest and most satisfying DIYs I’ve undertaken in recent memory, beautifully resolving a practical need with aesthetic appeal.

Here are the specific supplies I utilized to assemble this custom cafe curtain rod:

• Inside Mount Brass Rod Brackets: These provide a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing anchor for the rod within the window frame.
• Round Brass Tube, 36 inches: We carefully cut this down to the precise width of our window after securely screwing in the rod brackets, ensuring a perfect fit.
• Brass Cafe Rod Clip Rings: I thoroughly explored various options available, and these presented the best choice. They had the least overtly shiny brass finish, which I preferred for a vintage look, despite some mixed reviews. After using them, I can confirm that while the clip strength varies slightly among individual clips, it wasn’t a significant issue as I didn’t need every single one. If necessary, a few hand stitches could easily secure the linen to any less-robust clips.

Discovering the Ultimate Weekender Bag with a Smart Shoe Compartment

I honestly cannot recall where I first stumbled upon this particular weekender bag, but the moment I saw its innovative shoe compartment and read reviews confirming its ability to fit perfectly under airline seats, I was instantly convinced. The incredibly reasonable price point sealed the deal, making it an irresistible find.

While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to take it on a plane journey, I did use it for a recent weekend getaway. I was thoroughly impressed; it comfortably accommodated all my necessary belongings and remained exceptionally easy to carry throughout the trip. Its thoughtful design truly shone.

The zippered shoe section located at the bottom of the bag is, without a doubt, my favorite feature. It’s surprisingly spacious, capable of holding up to three pairs of sandals or flat shoes, as depicted, or a pair of shoes alongside some essential toiletries, depending on your packing needs. Inside the main compartment, a thoughtful array of pockets lines the sides, including one generously sized pocket perfectly designed to accommodate a laptop or iPad, keeping it secure and easily accessible.

Based on numerous reviews I’ve read, its inherent “squishiness” is a key attribute, allowing it to adapt and fit within most airline’s personal item dimensions. This flexibility means you might not always be able to fill it to its absolute maximum capacity for air travel, but it provides a strategic advantage. I’m particularly eager to utilize it for my toiletries, shoes, and purse essentials on future flights, which will free up my main carry-on bag to be dedicated solely to clothing. This smart separation promises to make packing and inflight organization significantly smoother and more efficient for any trip, whether by car or plane.

Here’s the direct link to the quilted weekender bag. It’s available in a variety of other appealing colors and designs, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches your style!

Captivating Reads: My October Book List

Heads Up for Audiobook Lovers: Audible is currently offering an incredible holiday special: just $0.99 per month for three months! This fantastic deal allows you to select one bestseller or new release each month, which you get to keep forever, regardless of your subscription status. Additionally, for the entire three-month period, you gain unlimited access to their extensive library of podcasts, audiobooks, and Audible Originals. Even if you decide to cancel after the initial three months, those three chosen books are yours to keep and enjoy within the Audible app. While there are other audiobook platforms available, Audible consistently proves to be the most user-friendly and offers the simplest gifting options. They also frequently run sales and “2-for-1” credit offers. My Audible membership has provided immense value over the years, and I seamlessly integrate it with my local library’s app for a comprehensive listening experience.

The Pretenderby Jo Harkin. This historical fiction novel plunges into the tumultuous early years of Henry VII’s reign, marking the dawn of the Tudor dynasty. It explores the lingering civil war and the persistent desire among some for a Yorkist monarch. The book has garnered much attention and sits squarely within my usual historical fiction preferences. Unfortunately, I found it to be excessively long, somewhat crude in parts, and perhaps too heavily fictionalized for my taste. The story centers on a young boy, raised in poverty in a rural area, who is later taken in by aristocrats. They convince him he is the legitimate heir of the former York king, Edward IV, and meticulously train him in the ways of a prince. Historically, a figure named Lambert Simnel existed – Wikipedia describes him as a “pretender to the throne of England,” whose claim in 1487 to be Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick, challenged Henry VII’s newly established rule. Beyond this, historical records reveal little about Simnel, allowing the author to craft an entire fictional life for him. Whether he was a hidden royal son or an imposter remains a mystery. While I did appreciate the vivid glimpses into 15th-century life, both rural and royal, it didn’t captivate me as much as other readers seemed to experience.

If All Else Sailsby Emma St. Claire. This delightful book proved to be a genuinely fun and lighthearted rom-com that elicited actual laughter from me, a rare feat! I particularly enjoyed the clever and witty dialogue. I don’t always connect with books in this genre, but after reading a positive review on another blog, I decided to place a hold at my library, and I’m so glad I did. I found the characters relatable, with “issues” that felt refreshingly plausible (unlike some books that induce eye-rolling). The slow-burn chemistry between the leads was incredibly satisfying. It’s a “closed-door” romance, expertly billed as a “sweet grumpy-sunshine” trope, which accurately captures its charm and appeal.

Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPhersonby Claire Hoffman. Brian and I listened to this audiobook together, and even after finishing it, we remain utterly captivated and somewhat perplexed by this extraordinary yet deeply flawed individual. Aimee Semple McPherson’s heart always seemed genuinely aligned with love for people and a desire for them to know Jesus, yet her unconventional methods, her multiple marriages, and her prolonged absences from her children often left us speechless. There were moments when we’d simply pause the audio, look at each other, and marvel at the unfolding narrative – 30,000 people gathered in San Diego’s Balboa Park? Thousands queuing for healing, reportedly leaving behind crutches and wheelchairs? I even did some research and found that contemporary newspaper reporters meticulously documented names and followed up with those who claimed healing, discovering that over 90% reported some form of continued recovery. Truly astonishing. She was an undeniable trailblazer, a woman who achieved monumental things in the 1920s, an era when such accomplishments were incredibly challenging for women. She established the largest church in the nation, founded a new denomination (Foursquare), operated the country’s second-largest radio station, and even foresaw the potential of television to reach even wider audiences. However, as is tragically often the case, it appears she lost her focus as her wealth grew, alienated close associates, made questionable financial decisions, and became embroiled in several significant scandals, including two divorces and an affair. A truly fascinating, if complex, read that prompts much reflection.

Great Big Beautiful Lifeby Emily Henry. Emily Henry is an author I regularly turn to, as I generally find her books highly enjoyable, even if I sometimes wish they were a little less “open door” in their romantic descriptions. This latest book (released last spring, which I finally got my hands on after a long library hold – a common reader’s plight!) was no exception, and I quite liked it. It represents a slight departure from her previous works, as it delves into the life of an older heiress looking back at her past. She wishes to share her extraordinary story with two competing writers vying for the chance to pen her biography. While we do get glimpses into the lives of these two writers, the bulk of the narrative truly focuses on the heiress’s life and the profound secret she has kept hidden for years. As someone who appreciates historical fiction elements, this narrative structure worked well for me. However, I’ve noted that some readers missed the stronger romantic lead connection that is more typical of Henry’s other popular books.

The King’s Pleasure (A Novel of Henry VIII)by Alison Weir. I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed several of Alison Weir’s non-fiction histories of Henry VIII and his wives. Given her extensive historical background and meticulous research, I had high hopes that her venture into a novel would be exceptional. Regrettably, it fell short. It read more like a chronological history book into which she had rather randomly inserted snippets of dialogue. It felt more like a comprehensive list of places, people, and events than a flowing narrative. In my opinion, if you have already delved into historical biographies of King Henry VIII, you have essentially read this book. Weir has penned numerous historical fiction works, most notably a distinct book for each of Henry’s wives, which I have not yet explored. I may consider trying one of those in the future to see if I find her fictional approach more engaging in that context, as they have generally received positive reviews.

A Jesus Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper Into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of Godby Lisa Harper. Prior to searching for something inspiring to listen to on Hoopla during my mornings, I had never encountered Lisa Harper. I am so incredibly grateful I stumbled upon this truly wonderful book! Harper masterfully takes academic and often intimidating theological concepts – such as the Atonement, the Trinity, and the transcendence of Christ – and explains them in refreshingly engaging and wonderfully practical ways. She gently encourages readers to truly understand these profound ideas and to recognize how they can profoundly influence us to live transformative lives, both in our relationship with God and in our interactions with others. My mind was particularly blown in the initial section of the book where she discussed “the Word of God” not as a physical book we hold (and sometimes, regrettably, use to judge others), but as the ACTUAL person of Jesus himself. Every instance where “the Word” or “the Word of God” is mentioned in the Bible, there was no physical book at that time – it was always Jesus being referred to. What a profoundly different and illuminating perspective on so many verses I’ve known and recited my entire life! This book is highly, highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper, more personal understanding of their faith.

What We’ve Been Watching This Month

K-Pop Demon Hunterson Netflix. This animated movie truly surprised us with how much we, and especially our grandson, enjoyed it. It’s incredibly cute, fun, and packed with energy. It’s easy to see why it has garnered such popularity among families looking for entertaining content.

Downton Abbey (The Movie). While we initially watched this in the theater, it’s now conveniently available to stream on Prime. It was an absolute delight to revisit these beloved characters and experience a satisfying conclusion to their ongoing stories. The film served as a wonderful, nostalgic closing chapter, though it’s worth noting that its primary focus was on character progression and tying up loose ends, rather than introducing a complex new plot or mystery as the series often did.

And that wraps up another exciting edition of the Good Things List!

If you’re interested in exploring more of my favorite finds and recommendations, you can browse all previous Good Things Lists right here. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts – have you tried any of these recommendations, or do you have any wonderful discoveries of your own to share? Please leave a comment below!

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