October's Six

Image credits: upper-left time via pinchofyum.com, upper-middle tile via bathandbodyworks.com, lower-left tile via KalAndCo on etsy.com, lower-right tile original source unknown.

The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.    

1. Fall is upon us and there’s no better way to commemorate this cozy season than with some baking. I recently tried the easiest, most delicious recipe that I feel almost obligated to share with you. If you love a good cinnamon-apple dessert, look no farther than Pinch of Yum’s cinnamon sugar apple cake. It is spicy and sweet (but not cloyingly so, thanks to the buttermilk). Find the recipe here. Hope you love it as much as my family and I love it! PS: Be sure not to over-mix the batter (it will be a bit lumpy).

2. On the subject of getting festive, I have a surprising candle recommendation. First a little backstory: My sisters and I always hit up Bath & Body Works during our elementary and junior high years when we lived for a candy-like scented bath product. Who remembers warm vanilla sugar and cucumber melon?!? Fast forward to adulthood, and just walking into the place practically gives me a rash. Buuuuut, after seeing their Leaves candle all over, I decided to give it a try and was not disappointed. In fact, it’s a great seasonal scent—warm and festive, without being totally overpowering. You just have to do your best to ignore the goofy packaging. Find it here, and make sure to get it while it’s on promo (which seems to be about 99% of the time). I love to light this at night after the baby is down and the house is clean. Perfect ambiance for some reading or Netflix-watching along with a cup of tea.

3. First aired in the U.S. as a part of PBS’s Masterpiece Classic anthology, Downton Abbey is simply a must-watch British historical drama. If you missed this remarkable series, definitely catch up on it; and if you’re all caught up, read this terrific review of all books Downton Abbey. (You’ll also find thoughtful commentary on the show itself.) In the meantime, I am anxiously awaiting the DVD release of the new Downton Abbey movie. If you’ve seen it, how was it?

4. I never thought I’d be one to buy “mom” paraphernalia, but here we are. This tie-dye t-shirt is perfect for working out or lounging around the house. And, the fit is over-sized enough to make nursing a breeze. Perfect if you’re a mama, or if you want to treat a mama. Find it here. PS: Be aware that the processing time is long!

5. Currently, I am working my way through classic literature that I somehow never read in high school or college. Right now, I am reading the Sound and the Fury. Once I am finished with graduate school—hopefully soon!—I plan to make myself a syllabus to fill in some important gaps in my literature education. If anyone is interested in joining me in this endeavor, let us know in the comment section of our IG.

6. Lana del Rey’s latest album is really good in a catchy, moody kind of way. In my view, “Mariners Apartment Complex” is the stand out track. She is interesting and original, which for a pop star, is an unusual feat. I should add that I just don’t take her that seriously (which for some people, is weirdly difficult to avoid), but that hasn’t prevented me from enjoying her music. Listen to it here.

Alison