What a week this was, on so many levels. The high was sneaking in a date night on our last weekend in Chicago, then grabbing Grey and walking home past-bedtime to see all of the spooky Halloween decor in the dark. The (incredibly low) low was losing a longtime friend to cancer. Some days feel so heavy lately. For you too? It seems fitting that today is National Vodka Day, so let’s start with a cocktail. ??

Make It.

All the pumpkin spice we can shake until we switch to peppermint, amIright?

Pumpkin Spice Lebowski

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative. I used almond milk pumpkin spice creamer for extra fall flavor)
• .5 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Watch It.

This is a Costco haul like you’ve never seen before. Bobby Parrish is actually a home cook just like us, except, he’s also a Food Network champion (not like us ?). The best part about all of the hauls he does (his Trader Joe’s reviews are great, too!) is that he focuses on finding the most healthy options they offer, and points out the items to avoid. He shares a ton of helpful nutrition nuggets and has so many delicious recipes on his site. Fun fact thanks to Jon the creeper ?, this is our Costco, and he happens to live in our neighborhood. Leave a comment with the new items you’re planning to try – I want to make a shopping list!

Read It.

You don’t need to have read the bestseller and first book in the series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz (I haven’t yet – next week?), before starting this gem. Heather Morris has such a gift for storytelling and this true account of Cilka and her life after the concentration camp is a beautiful, but heart-wrenching testament to the power of hope, strength and love. I don’t think you’ll be able to put it down. An outstanding, tear-stained, 9/10 ⭐️.

Feel It.

Choosing this today, because I’m still here. All of my senses are operating at full capacity, and I have deep gratitude in my heart.

((a snap from Trail #9, dubbed one of the most scenic in the country, at the Indiana Dunes National Park))

Try It.

I adore Barefoot Contessa! If you’re a devout Ina Garten fan, this article is a must-read.

The kids’ Halloween section is too good! If you’re looking for fun (and different!) costumes than the usual – this one gets my vote. ??‍?

Constantly striving to be a better listener – working on putting this trick into practice.

Bought these inexpensive slippers that kept popping up on my feed and I have to admit, they make my lazy-wear feel a little more luxe!

In case you get the Sunday Scaries. I love the brain dump tip!

Head over heels for these calf-length coats from H&M. The camel color is in my cart, but did you see the cream?! ?

A new to me blog and loving her ideas on how to celebrate October.

Do you clench your teeth? Same. Turns out, it’s impacting more than just your mouth.

4,899 miles away, a dynamo of a human approached us on our honeymoon, asking if we were newlyweds because our rings sure looked shiny. I told Jon not to engage because I’d heard the rumors about clingers on cruise ships and I wasn’t having it. Turns out, all the way in Hawaii, they were also from Syracuse. We ended up singing karaoke with them until the wee hours of the morning, and enjoyed so many wonderful memories with the fellow newlyweds for many years to come. Thank you for sharing your joy with us, Aaron. Heaven gained a beautiful soul.