Cozy Fall Favorites: Your Monthly Guide to Good Things, Decor, Reads & More
A monthly list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more, curated especially for you to embrace the changing seasons with joy and inspiration.
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Hello October! The air has taken on that distinctive crispness, making the daily routine of reaching for socks and cozy sweaters or fleeces an absolute delight. While the vibrant spectacle of autumn leaves is just beginning its grand reveal here, the unmistakable, comforting embrace of fall has truly settled in. It’s a welcome and refreshing shift after a particularly long and dry summer season.
We were incredibly fortunate to receive some much-needed rain in September, which effectively brought an end to our nearly three-month-long dry streak. As much as I adore the warmth and sunshine, I found myself deeply appreciating that life-giving rain. It revitalized the garden, refreshed the parched landscape, and brought a renewed sense of lushness after such an extended period of dryness.
This week’s menu is a testament to the comforting flavors of autumn, featuring a soul-satisfying combination of hearty soup and freshly baked homemade bread – a beloved duo that always brings warmth and smiles to our household. And thanks to the continued bounty of our fall garden, crisp salads, brimming with vibrant lettuce, robust chard, and nutritious kale, are also making regular appearances on our table. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort and garden-fresh goodness as we transition deeper into the heart of autumn.
How about you – are you feeling the enchanting spirit of fall where you are? Hopefully, the wonderfully simple yet elegant fall decorations I’ve put together, detailed below, will spark some inspiration and help infuse your home with all the warmth, beauty, and serene charm of the autumn season.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s carefully curated collection of good things!
Monthly Good Things List: Discovering Autumn’s Best Picks & Inspirations
Elegant Fall Decor: Embracing Green, White, & Gold for a Simple Autumn Home
With each passing year, my philosophy for seasonal decorating seems to gravitate towards an even greater sense of simplicity and authenticity. I find myself prioritizing natural elements and subtle, impactful touches over elaborate, fussy displays. Of course, not having a mantelpiece to adorn certainly contributes to this minimalist trend – it still strikes me as wonderfully peculiar that our 100-plus-year-old farmhouse, despite its charm, lacks a traditional fireplace!
A cornerstone of my annual autumn decor is the variety of pumpkins I lovingly cultivate myself. I grow two distinct types, primarily because harvesting their seeds provides an effortless way to ensure a continuous supply by simply scattering them throughout the garden beds each spring. This year, you can witness them flourishing in all their glory during our fall garden tour:
- The utterly charming ‘Baby Boo’ mini white pumpkins, which add a delightful touch of pristine elegance to any vignette.
- And the uniquely graceful ‘Jarrahdale’ pumpkins, often described as having a captivating Cinderella-like shape due to their flattened, ribbed appearance.
While Jarrahdale pumpkins are sometimes illustrated as developing a slate blue-grey color when fully mature, mine consistently display a beautiful, muted greenish hue when harvested. This particular color is one I’ve grown to truly adore, and it perfectly complements the serene palette I choose for my autumn home. Gathering these homegrown treasures and strategically placing them around the house and porch is, without exaggeration, the easiest and most rewarding decorating task imaginable, instantly infusing spaces with natural fall charm.
To these organic accents, I incorporate a few carefully selected fall-themed textiles and metallic touches. This year, I’ve adorned our seating areas with plush pillows in a rich gold velvet and a subtle gold-green floral pattern, adding a layer of luxurious texture. Delicate dried flowers find their place in vases, and elegant gold candlesticks cast a warm, inviting glow on our dining table. The ambiance is thoughtfully completed with soft, inviting throws, which are not merely decorative but genuinely used for snuggling up on cooler evenings. Strategically placed candles further enhance the cozy atmosphere, creating pockets of flickering warmth. That’s truly the extent of my autumn decorating – simple, authentic, deeply comforting, and effortlessly elegant.
To help you curate your own simple and elegant fall aesthetic, I’ve thoughtfully organized a brand new Simple Autumn section in my Amazon shop. Here, you’ll discover some of the new pieces I’ve recently acquired to refresh my decor, along with cherished items I already own and recommend. This curated collection extends beyond just decorative accents; I’ve also included some delightful fall-themed cookbooks to inspire your own comforting autumn menus and culinary adventures, ensuring your home is both beautiful and deliciously inviting!
Exploring Our Favorite Coastal Gem: The Charms of Pacific City, Oregon
Indeed, we found ourselves irresistibly drawn back to the captivating beauty of Pacific City on the Oregon coast at the close of September! This charming town holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, standing out among the many coastal destinations. I absolutely adore its relaxed, unhurried, small-town ambiance, which provides a serene escape compared to the more bustling and crowded tourist spots. For Brian, it’s a consistently fantastic location for surfing, making it a frequent and much-loved retreat for us, a place where we can unwind and reconnect with the ocean’s rhythm.
This particular trip was a delightful double celebration – commemorating both our wedding anniversary and Brian’s birthday, which fall just a little over a week apart. For this special occasion, we decided to indulge in a stay at a hotel I’ve always yearned to experience: the exquisite Inn at Cape Kiwanda. This marked a wonderful change from our usual choice of AirBnB accommodations, though I must pause to ask: has anyone else noticed how significantly more expensive AirBnBs have become this year? The Inn, however, proved to be a truly worthwhile splurge.
The Inn at Cape Kiwanda exceeded all my expectations, offering an unparalleled coastal experience. What I loved most was the thoughtful design ensuring that every single room boasts a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the expansive beach and the majestic Haystack Rock. Our reserved room was particularly spacious and well-appointed, featuring a comfortable couch, a cozy armchair, and a practical table – a perfect setup for when we needed to catch up on some work during our stay. You can catch a glimpse of our inviting room, showcasing its generous layout, in the second row, left, and the stunning vista from our private balcony on the right.
A truly welcome and practical bonus was the clever design of the room’s kitchenette area. The refrigerator and microwave were discreetly tucked away in a small alcove, complete with its own sink, entirely separate and distinct from the main bathroom. This thoughtful setup was incredibly convenient for preparing our morning coffee, as well as light breakfasts and lunches right in our room, adding immensely to the comfort, ease, and homelike feel of our stay.
I simply must highlight two remarkable photos from our trip that truly captured the magic:
- The mesmerizing sunset photo on the top row, left, perfectly encapsulates the quintessential beauty of the coast with its vibrant colors and stunning water reflections. We were incredibly blessed with absolutely perfect weather during our entire visit: delightful 70-degree temperatures, abundant sunshine, and not a whisper of wind, making for truly idyllic beach days and evenings.
- But do take a moment to gaze at the bottom photo – this is the breathtaking scene that greeted us one morning around 6:30 AM! It’s the luminous, ethereal moon, still majestically visible and casting a gentle glow in the western sky as the sun gracefully began its ascent in the east.
Isn’t it absolutely breathtaking how the moonbeams gently kissed and shimmered on the water’s surface? It genuinely took my breath away the moment I drew back the curtains and witnessed that serene, ethereal scene – a truly unforgettable start to the day!
My Newest Cut Flower Obsession: The Magnificent Autumn Giant Aster
If you’ve been following my gardening adventures on Instagram or receiving my newsletter, you’re likely already familiar with my enthusiastic discovery of the giant asters this season – and just how profoundly I’ve fallen in love with these remarkable blooms! They have quickly become a staple in my cut flower garden.
These truly are spectacular fall flowers. Despite their often pastel and delicate appearance, which might suggest a spring bloom, they bravely withhold their abundant blooms until August. This late-season timing is actually a brilliant characteristic for any gardener. It means they truly begin to flourish and provide an abundance of fresh, vibrant cut flowers just as many of the summer mainstays, like zinnias and dahlias, start to wane, effectively filling a crucial gap in the garden’s continuous production cycle and extending the season for beautiful bouquets.
Their sheer beauty is undeniable, but what makes them an absolutely exceptional cut flower is their unique growth structure and incredible productivity. You can cut them quite far down the stem, and each stalk will generously offer multiple stunning blooms, making for truly lush and impressive arrangements. They contribute an incredible sense of volume, texture, and graceful movement to any bouquet, transforming simple kitchen counter arrangements into sophisticated displays or elevating more formal floral designs.
And then there’s their incredible vase life! They consistently last for approximately two weeks in a vase, maintaining their freshness and vibrant appearance. Yes, you read that correctly – two full weeks! And the best part? They require absolutely nothing but plain, fresh water. No special flower food, no fancy additives, no elaborate care routines are necessary. I simply make sure to refresh the water every few days, and that’s the extent of their minimal maintenance. It’s truly astounding longevity for such delicate-looking blooms, making them a fantastic, low-effort addition to any home.
See? I told you they were worth the hype. My L.O.V.E. for these resilient, beautiful, and long-lasting flowers is boundless!
I sourced my seeds from the reputable Baker Creek Seeds, selecting two delightful varieties that have brought so much joy to my garden this season:
- The exquisite blush-pink ‘Salmon Janina’, which adds a warm, delicate, and sophisticated touch to any bouquet.
- And the vibrant ‘Giant Perfection Mix’, offering a dazzling array of colors and sizes, ensuring a dynamic and lively presence in any floral arrangement.
Discovering The Softest Jean Jacket: Where Style Meets Unrivaled Comfort
As you can clearly tell from my content, I am decidedly *not* a fashion blogger, but I simply couldn’t resist sharing this incredible wardrobe find with you: a new jean jacket that is genuinely, wonderfully, and surprisingly soft. This might seem like a minor detail, but for anyone who has ever struggled with stiff, uncomfortable denim, this discovery is nothing short of a game-changer.
Over the years, I’ve owned numerous jean jackets, many sourced from fortunate thrift store finds, always drawn to the timeless, classic style and inherent versatility of denim. However, despite my appreciation for their iconic look, they invariably felt a bit rigid, restrictive, and cumbersome to wear, leading to them languishing mostly unworn in my closet. The idea of a chic, effortless jean jacket was always appealing, but the reality of wearing one often fell far short of comfortable expectations, making them impractical for everyday use.
It was during a dedicated quest for a truly soft, pliable denim option that I stumbled upon this particular Wrangler jacket. The online reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with countless testimonials detailing its exceptional comfort and remarkably soft, broken-in feel right from the first wear. This chorus of praise instantly piqued my interest, and trusting the collective wisdom of online shoppers, I decided to place an order, hoping it would finally deliver on the promise of a truly comfortable jean jacket.
And yes, it absolutely lived up to, and even exceeded, the hype! The mere fact that I’m dedicating a significant section of this “Good Things List” post to it is testament enough to its quality and comfort. I am genuinely amazed by how incredibly comfortable it is to wear, even when layered over short sleeves on a mild day. There’s none of that usual restrictive stiffness or awkward breaking-in period; instead, it offers a freedom of movement and a soft embrace that is truly delightful. This comfort factor is particularly paramount to me, as I specifically sought a versatile transition layer that could effortlessly pair with everything from light sundresses to my everyday jeans and shirts, making it a perfect, adaptable addition to my wardrobe.
I opted for a medium size in the appealing ‘weathered’ finish, and the fit is just right for my preference – it’s comfortably fitted without appearing boxy or oversized, and I can easily button it up for a more polished look. However, it’s worth noting that if your primary goal is to wear thicker, bulkier sweaters underneath for colder weather, you would definitely want to size up to comfortably accommodate the extra fabric without feeling constricted. For my specific needs as a stylish and comfortable transitional layer, it’s the ideal choice.
I am so thrilled to have finally found such a comfortable, stylish, and adaptable transitional season layer! If you, like me, have been tirelessly searching for a truly soft and comfortable jean jacket, I wholeheartedly recommend checking this one out. It’s a classic wardrobe staple reimagined for ultimate, everyday comfort and effortless style.
My Everyday Essential: The CeraVe Tinted Moisturizer/Sunscreen Face Tint
Last spring, I had the pleasure of discovering this fantastic tinted face sunscreen by CeraVe, thanks to a thoughtful recommendation from a fellow blogger. She highlighted it as an excellent, lighter alternative to heavier, traditional foundations, and the concept immediately appealed to me. While I don’t typically use a heavy foundation in my daily routine, the idea of a tinted sunscreen – offering both a touch of coverage and crucial sun protection – especially for the warmer summer months, sounded like a perfect blend of practicality and beauty. So, I eagerly ordered it to try.
What’s particularly interesting about this product is that it comes in only one universal shade, which means the brand isn’t attempting to precisely match a wide array of specific skin tones. However, despite this, it consistently offers more of a medium coverage rather than just a sheer, barely-there light tint. This level of coverage is exactly what I need to subtly and effectively even out my skin tone and address minor imperfections, providing a polished yet natural look – in fact, I’m wearing it in the jean jacket photo shown above, demonstrating its efficacy! It truly provides a noticeable difference without ever looking or feeling heavy on the skin.
Upon initial application, it might appear a bit heavier and slightly shiny on the skin, which could give a momentary pause. However, I’ve found that this is just a temporary phase before it fully settles, absorbs, and blends seamlessly into the skin. To ensure a lasting, truly natural-looking finish and to minimize any residual shine, I typically follow up with a very light dusting of translucent powder to set it. This final step helps to lock everything in place and provides a smooth, soft-matte appearance that comfortably lasts throughout the day, maintaining a fresh look.
What I genuinely appreciate most about this product is how it hardly feels like I’m wearing any makeup at all, yet it consistently delivers the essential coverage and robust sun protection I desire. It’s quickly become a non-negotiable, go-to product in my daily routine for achieving a fresh, even complexion with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
If you’re also seeking a comfortable, effective, and beautifully lightweight solution for everyday coverage and broad-spectrum sun protection, you can find CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen here. It’s a truly versatile and essential product for maintaining a natural, polished look while safeguarding your skin.
September Reads: My Latest Literary Adventures & Book Reviews
Those Wild Wyndhamsby Claudia Renton. This extensive book had been patiently waiting in my Audible library for several months, and it turned out to be perfectly suited to my taste – a rich, engrossing dive into the pure history of a fascinating time and a powerful family about whom I knew little, yet whose lives intersected profoundly with significant historical events I was very much aware of. The striking cover features a renowned painting of the Wyndham daughters by John Singer Sargent, created in 1899. This iconic portrait hung in a royal exhibition where the Prince of Wales famously christened them “The Three Graces,” immortalizing their beauty and influence.
Though their father was a second son, the Wyndhams were a family of considerable wealth and social standing, and all the daughters made advantageous marriages, securing their prominent position within the British aristocracy. Their story is a vivid tapestry woven through their era, marked by both soaring social triumphs and profound personal tragedies, including the devastating loss of several of their sons in WWI. It proved to be an utterly captivating listen for me, providing perfect intellectual companionship as I worked diligently in the garden, absorbing every detail of their remarkable lives.
The Kitchen Frontby Jennifer Ryan. My son thoughtfully gifted me this delightful book for my birthday, and I found myself cherishing my Sunday afternoons, taking it out to the garden to read while leisurely sipping tea – isn’t it wonderful when books become intertwined with such sweet, personal memories? This is the enchanting and heartwarming story of four diverse women living in rural England during the tumultuous years of WWII. Faced with the harsh realities and strictures of wartime rationing, they decide to enter a competition for a highly coveted job on a BBC radio show, a program specifically designed to help women creatively cook delicious meals with their severely limited food supplies.
It’s a truly engaging and fun book that expertly weaves together the individual backgrounds and compelling personal stories of these four distinct women. The narrative skillfully unfolds their journey through the competition, which is richly enhanced with actual WWII recipes the author meticulously researched and integrated, offering a fascinating and authentic glimpse into the culinary challenges and ingenious innovations of the era. Beyond the cooking, the book also provides a nuanced and accessible understanding of the history and politics of wartime Britain, all culminating in the unexpected and deeply heartwarming friendship that blossoms among the competitors. It’s a charming blend of historical detail, culinary creativity, and profound human connection, making it an absolute joy to read.
A Fatal Grace(Chief Inspector Gamache Novel 2) by Louise Penny. After thoroughly enjoying the first installment of this unique series of ‘gentle’ murder mysteries a few months ago, I made the somewhat surprising decision to continue with the series – surprising because mystery isn’t typically my go-to genre. However, what profoundly sets these books apart is how the murder-solving aspects (at least so far) often take a backseat to the rich, intricate development of the characters, especially those who evolve and continue across multiple books. The author is masterful at dropping subtle hints about their thoughts, personal histories, and evolving lives, constantly engaging the reader’s curiosity and often setting up intriguing developments for subsequent novels. This deep character exploration is, for me, what makes them so compelling and utterly unique in the genre.
While some of the supporting characters may not always be deeply nuanced, and the solutions to the murders can sometimes be fairly straightforward to deduce, it’s the cumulative effect of all these elements – the captivating setting of Three Pines, the moral complexities, and the evolving relationships – that makes these books compulsively readable. You find yourself constantly craving more information about the intricate happenings involving the thoughtful Chief Inspector Gamache and the enigmatic, seemingly idyllic village of Three Pines. This particular book introduces a new, rather dysfunctional family to Three Pines, a group that is largely disliked and distrusted by the close-knit community. When the matriarch of this family is killed, Gamache and his dedicated team embark on solving the complex crime. Running beneath this primary plot is an overarching storyline involving powerful, shadowy enemies who are actively working towards Gamache’s downfall, adding another compelling layer of tension, intrigue, and personal risk to his character’s journey.
The Cruelest Month(Chief Inspector Gamache Novel 3) by Louise Penny. I must admit, the initial premise of this book – centered around a seance, eerie talk of spirits, and an overarching sense of evil – didn’t immediately appeal to my preferences. However, I’m thankful to say that this was only the very beginning, a brief preamble to the true core of the story. Once the actual crime-solving aspect of the narrative truly kicks in, the focus once again gracefully shifts to the compelling characters, with Gamache skillfully delving into their deepest motives and meticulously unearthing long-buried secrets within the seemingly tranquil community. This particular installment also brings a deeply satisfying conclusion to the ongoing storyline concerning the powerful and nefarious individuals who had been conspiring to ruin Gamache, finally revealing the underlying reasons behind their machinations and bringing a sense of resolution to that personal struggle.
I will certainly continue to read and listen to this captivating series as the books become available through my local library – some titles even have quite a significant wait time, which speaks volumes about their widespread popularity and devoted readership! Oh, and I’ve also heard exciting news that a new Amazon series based on these beloved books is currently in the works, which I’m very much looking forward to, eager to see the world of Three Pines brought to life on screen.
Year of Wondersby Geraldine Brooks. I find myself quite divided on this book, experiencing a complex mix of admiration and profound sadness. On one hand, it’s a meticulously researched historical fiction novel set in 1666, a period about which relatively few books are written, and it commendably focuses on the lives of ordinary people, particularly women, which I found utterly fascinating and deeply informative. It offers a rare, unflinching window into a specific, harrowing moment in time. On the other hand, the narrative is relentlessly horrifying and profoundly sad as it chronicles an entire year in a small English village, from the terrifying first arrival of the plague to its eventual, agonizing decline and the devastating aftermath.
The book presents a continuous succession of terrible events, each more heartbreaking than the last, and I found it increasingly difficult and emotionally taxing to listen to its grim unfolding. While the ending was perhaps intended to be a beacon of hope or a happy resolution for the protagonist, it didn’t quite resonate that way with me, or at least it didn’t feel sufficient to compensate for the immense emotional toll of the preceding pages. It is undeniably very well written, with beautiful prose and vivid historical detail, and you will certainly gain a deep, immersive understanding of a historical era that one is truly grateful not to have been a part of. However, if you choose to read it, I urge you to prepare your heart for a genuinely heavy, somber, and emotionally challenging experience.
Orthodoxyby G.K. Chesterton. I stumbled upon a review of this philosophical book, originally penned at the turn of the 20th century, that simply stated, “Wow.” Intrigued by such a concise yet powerful endorsement, I found it on Hoopla and began listening to it during my quiet morning routine. While Chesterton eloquently lays out his compelling and deeply reasoned arguments for believing in Christ and God – presenting faith as the ultimate answer to natural human needs and the profound “riddle” of existence – a significant portion of the book is dedicated to direct responses to the specific writings, philosophies, and intellectual currents of his contemporaries. He also shares his insightful perspectives on the prominent writers and cultural shifts of his time.
Much of this specific historical and intellectual context, unfortunately, wasn’t particularly meaningful or accessible to me, as I am unfamiliar with many of the individuals and complex intellectual situations he references. There were also a few instances where I found myself strongly disagreeing with some of his expressed ideas or interpretations, which made for a challenging listen at times. Despite these personal difficulties, it’s widely regarded as a seminal classic of Christian apologetics, and undoubtedly contains many profound nuggets of wisdom, brilliant paradoxical insights, and deeply thought-provoking philosophical points. My primary difficulty was simply navigating the extensive historical and philosophical context surrounding these valuable points, which at times overshadowed their immediate impact and clarity for me as a modern reader without that specific background.
What We’re Watching: Entertainment Picks for the Season
TV Series:
Only Murders In the Building, Hulu. My family and I are absolutely captivated by this brilliantly smart and genuinely funny episodic show. It masterfully pokes fun at the true crime podcast craze with witty self-awareness while simultaneously unraveling and attempting to solve a captivating murder mystery set in an upscale New York City apartment building. The clever dialogue, charming performances by an iconic cast (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez), and intricate, humorous plotting make it a truly binge-worthy series that we eagerly look forward to watching together each week. It’s a fresh, lighthearted take on the genre, offering both genuine laughs and intriguing suspense.
Professor T, PBS. We had the opportunity to watch the first episode of this intriguing series for free and were thoroughly impressed! It definitely has a strong ‘Monk’ vibe, featuring an exceptionally intelligent, idiosyncratic, and crime-solving professor with a distinctive obsessive-compulsive disorder. The character is compellingly portrayed, and the mysteries are well-crafted, offering a satisfying blend of intellect and quirkiness. Unfortunately, to continue watching the remaining three seasons, which are equally compelling, we would need to subscribe to PBS Passport, which is a consideration we’re currently weighing because we enjoyed the pilot so much and are keen to see more.
The Crown, season 4, Netflix. I know, I’m quite late to the party on this one – I consistently keep forgetting to catch up! However, after seeing it garner numerous Emmy nominations and hearing rave reviews about the actress who brilliantly portrays Lady Di (Emma Corrin), I decided it was high time to start watching it with my daughter. It is, without a doubt, a remarkably well-produced and historically rich show. The meticulous attention to detail, the powerful and nuanced performances by the entire cast, and the insightful portrayal of the British Royal Family during a pivotal era make it a truly compelling, educational, and often emotionally resonant viewing experience, offering a fascinating glimpse behind palace doors.
The Courier, Amazon Prime. We thoroughly enjoyed this compelling movie, starring the incredibly talented Benedict Cumberbatch. He delivers a superb and nuanced performance as Greville Wynne, an accidental spy caught in the tense backdrop of the early 1960s Cold War era. The storyline is gripping, deeply compelling, and full of high stakes, drawing you into the dangerous and clandestine world of espionage between the East and West. What makes it even more fascinating is that it is based on a true story. After some post-viewing research, we confirmed that the filmmakers largely adhered to the significant historical facts and events, though they did, understandably, heighten the drama factor to enhance the cinematic experience, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking watch from beginning to end.
That wraps up another delightful edition of the Good Things List! I sincerely hope you’ve found some inspiration, perhaps discovered a few new favorites, and found ways to add even more joy to your own autumn enjoyment.
If you’re eager to discover more of the things I’m currently enjoying, recommending, and finding value in, you can explore all the past Good Things Lists right here. I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and engage with your experiences – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself, or if you have some wonderful discoveries and personal recommendations of your own to share. Please feel free to leave a comment below with your insights, suggestions, and what’s bringing joy to your life this season!
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