October was another whirlwind month tallying over 10 sessions, 3 elopements and 4 road trips and delivering 25 galleries. Even with all the craziness, I’m thankful for the extra moments I was able to have with loved ones these past few weeks as we transition into cozy season (read: winter) here in Duluth. 

Hope you enjoy my random collection of favorites this month!

 

FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND: CURLING UP WITH A GOOD BOOK

Now, that my season is slowing down and I have more time to read, I’ve been reaching for my Kindle more and more. If you’re a fan of holding real paper books, I’m 100% with you. However, I’ve been amazed with how much I like reading on my Kindle and forget what I’m even reading on once I’m into a book. The screen mimics the look of paper, so it doesn’t hurt your eyes (unlike a computer screen) when reading. I use The Libby App and download books from my Library for free, so in the long run, my Kindle has saved me so much money.

 

 

FAVORITE READ: HEART BONES

After months of hardly reading at all, this month, I finally got back into my reading routine and my heart is so happy. There were a few books I slowly made my way through this month, but I read this in one sitting.

Heart Bones is a short, quick read that packed a whole lot more beneath the surface than I thought it would. It’s a book about going home, tragic loss and making it on your own. The classic boy-next-door love interest fuels a summer fling that gets stronger than either anticipated. Pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a rom com that will also make you cry. P.S. if you have a kindle, you can read it for free on Amazon with Kindle Unlimited.

 

FAVORITE SHOW: EMILY IN PARIS 

My latest, and maybe quickest, Netflix binge in a while is Emily in Paris! The plot in one sentence: a 20 something moves to Paris for work and her life is immediately met with fancy parties, funny coworkers, classic “dumb American” experiences and French men. Fair warning, the first two episodes are a little cringey so if you’re able to get through those, you’ll quickly fall in love with it!

 

FAVORITE SELF CARE ITEM: THIS SKIN CARE DUO

I’ve been using both for over 6 months and it has changed my skin! I use the full size version of each of these, but for a limited time you can try them both in a mini size as part of Beauty Counter’s limited edition Holiday collection.

I use the Resurfacing Peel before bed every other night (after cleansing – before my face lotion/night cream). Note: this is not a “peel” — it’s more like a serum that you put on before bed and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the clarity and brightness of my skin since using this.

The brightening serum I use every morning after cleansing. (sometimes I’ll use my face roller or gua sha stone to let this really soak in and it feels so good)

While they are spendy, they’ve done wonders for my skin and are two items I let myself splurge on.

 

FAVORITE RECIPE: TUSCAN BEAN SOUP 

Now that we have our first official snow under our belts here in Duluth, it’s safe to say we’ve officially entered into Soup Season. My favorite this time of year is this veggie-packed bean soup that you can make in about 30 minutes. My tip: unless you’re really into spice (looking at all my Midwest Scandinavian friends) then I’d do just half of the red pepper flakes it calls for. 

 

FAVORITE BEVERAGE: CHAI SPICED CIDER FROM DULUTH CIDER

A seasonal favorite of ours — Ben and I are obsessed with this Chai Cider and have been picking up growlers all month long. I highly recommend stopping by to try some next time you’re in Duluth.

 

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP: THE OCHRE & STONE

Another local Duluth business shout out! For the past few years, I’ve been trying to be more mindful of where I’m shopping and how many clothes I’m buying, aka I’ve been investing in quality over quantity. I love finding shops like this that do the hard work for me of finding vintage looks that have a track record of standing the test of time. I scored this white cashmere blazer this month and I’m in love. It will either serve as a complete elevation to my work from home look or finally give me a good excuse to leave my couch.

 

FAVORITE FOR THE HOME: GETTING ORGANIZED

Now that temps are cooling (hello, snow) and I’m spending more time indoors, I’ve felt the urge to completely reorganize our home. These cute glass canisters for my pantry were my favorite (and only) Prime Day purchase, and my only regret is not buying more (they were half off, so I’ll be keeping my eye out for another sale).

 

FAVORITE PLAYLIST: MORNING RITUALS

And last but not least, here are the songs that have been on repeat in my home this month. Few are new, but they’re the cozy, chill faves I always come back to this time of year. Listen along with me here. I hope you enjoy 😘