Hello, wonderful friends! Can you believe we’re already more than midway through October? The days are flying by, and with the crisp autumn air settling in, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and share some thoughts in our latest edition of Friday Thoughts. Grab a warm drink, settle in, and get ready for a deep dive into everything that’s been happening around here. It’s a bit of a longer read today, but I promise it’s packed with updates, reflections, and a dash of humor. No pressure to read it all at once – just enjoy the journey! 😘
Just a quick and exciting heads up for everyone: I’ve been receiving so many messages and questions about this, and I’m thrilled to announce that my eagerly anticipated annual holiday gift guides are right around the corner! Mark your calendars, because they’ll be hitting the blog on Friday, November 1st. These guides are always a labor of love, designed to help you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list, and this year’s collection is truly exceptional. I’m particularly excited about the game gift guide—it’s absolutely bursting with fantastic ideas that are sure to bring joy and laughter to your holiday gatherings. You won’t want to miss it, so definitely stay tuned!
Beyond the gift guides, I also wanted to share some fantastic news for those looking to get a head start on holiday shopping. Our popular cookbooks and cozy, stylish hoodies have been fully restocked! They make wonderful gifts for the food lovers and comfort seekers in your life. Whether you’re planning festive meals or simply looking for a snug addition to your winter wardrobe, these items are back and ready to be a part of your holiday season. They tend to sell out quickly, especially as the holidays approach, so if you’ve been eyeing them, now’s the perfect time to grab yours!
Halloween: Love or Hate? The Great October Debate
Let’s kick off this edition of Friday Thoughts with a discussion guaranteed to spark some conversation, shall we? It’s a topic that divides many households and communities this time of year.
How do you truly feel about Halloween?
I must confess, and please don’t let this affect our friendship, but I am unequivocally not a Halloween fan. I know, I know – for many, it’s a beloved holiday filled with magic and mischief, but I’ve always leaned more towards being a Halloween Grinch. My enthusiasm for the holiday largely begins and ends with the fun, yummy food traditions that surround it. Think pumpkin treats, caramel apples, and all the delightful autumn-themed snacks – those I can definitely get behind! Beyond the edible aspects, my excitement wanes considerably.
We don’t engage in elaborate family costumes, though I truly admire the incredible effort and creativity many of you pour into those magnificent outfits! Seriously, I see your posts and I’m always amazed. My personal contribution to the Halloween spirit is usually limited to pulling out my trusty Viking beanie. My sister lovingly crocheted it for me years ago, and it makes its annual appearance at church trunk-or-treat parties and high school football games around this time of year. It certainly helps that our high school mascot is the Vikings, making it a perfectly acceptable (and incredibly convenient!) accessory. 😂 It’s my way of participating without fully embracing the spooky season.
I am absolutely dying to know your thoughts on Halloween! Do you go all out with decorations and costumes? Are you a fellow Grinch, or do you count down the days until October 31st? Share all your feelings, from the spooky to the sweet! (And yes, for those wondering, my kids absolutely go trick-or-treating. However, once they hit a certain age, they’re entirely on their own for costume creation. I did my diligent duty when they were younger, brainstorming and helping with countless creative ensembles. My costume-making clock is officially off duty now – they’re far more resourceful than I ever was at that age!)
Confessions of a 46-Year-Old: The Unspoken Realities of Middle Age
Alright, let’s get real for a moment. At the risk of sounding like I’m positively ANCIENT, I have to admit that the last few months have really taken a toll on my middle-aged body. It’s not anything life-threatening, thankfully, but it’s a constant barrage of minor annoyances that collectively remind me I’m not in my twenties anymore. It’s a unique club, and if you’re in it, you know exactly what I mean.
The resilience I once took for granted seems to have packed its bags and moved out. Everyday activities now come with a side of unexpected aches and pains, and the simple act of existing often feels like a subtle negotiation with my own physiology. It’s a peculiar blend of frustration and acceptance, knowing that this is just part of the journey. While I truly embrace and love being in my 40s – it’s been my favorite decade so far for so many wonderful reasons – I just wish my body would be a little bit nicer to me and cooperate a little more willingly!
Since I’m at that glorious age where casual conversation with peers often gravitates towards physical ailments, the weather, or politics (and I am absolutely not venturing into the latter, haha), allow me to give you a concise, bulleted rundown of my recent bodily betrayals. Consider this a peek behind the curtain of my current middle-aged reality:
- Just a few weeks ago, I managed to throw out my back and was literally incapacitated for days. There’s no dramatic tale of heroic lifting or a spectacular fall; I simply MOVED WRONG. One awkward twist, and my body decided to stage a full-scale protest. The sheer frustration of being unable to move freely, all because of a mundane action, is a uniquely aging experience ☠️. It felt like a gentle, yet firm, reminder from my spine: “You’re not 20 anymore!”
- Apparently, I have now officially entered the phase of wearing house shoes FULL TIME. My feet, bless their tired soles, scream in agony without proper arch supports. The days of padding barefoot around the house are a distant, blissful memory. Now, it’s a constant quest for comfort and stability, proving that sometimes, the most profound changes in life are in the small, everyday necessities.
- The increasing hand pain and numbness I’ve been experiencing were recently confirmed by a hand specialist as carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s an unwelcome development, impacting everything from typing to holding a pan. I’m currently trying a combination of splinting, bracing, and supplements in the hopeful aim of avoiding immediate surgery, but goodness, my hand really hurts. It’s a stark reminder of how much we rely on our hands for every single task, and how debilitating it can be when they’re not functioning optimally 👋🏼.
- After procrastinating for far too long, I finally scheduled my first colonoscopy now that I’m over 45. That “fun” event is happening next week 🥴. It’s one of those essential health milestones that no one looks forward to, but everyone acknowledges is incredibly important. Wish me luck, and definitely don’t ask for details!
- Sleep has become an elusive friend, thanks in large part to the delightful phenomenon of hot flashes. My hormones seem to be staging a chaotic dance party, resulting in terrible sleep quality and an overall feeling of being out of sync. (And no, I’m not letting my family chime in on the comments about my mood swings on this one 😜!) I’m actively seeking solutions and have an appointment with an integrative women’s health doctor next month, hoping to find some balance and relief.
Behold, my friends, the joyous tapestry of middle age! (To be fair, I actually love being in my 40’s – it’s been my favorite decade so far for countless reasons, including more self-awareness and appreciating life’s simple moments – I just sincerely wish my body would be a bit nicer to me and cooperate a little more gracefully!)
Current Obsessions & Recent Disappointments: My Latest Likes and Dislikes
Books I Absolutely Loved Lately
I’ve had some truly fantastic reads recently that I couldn’t put down. These books captivated me, provoked thought, and left a lasting impression. Highly recommend checking them out! (As always, if you have specific sensitivities or need a heads-up on language or content, please do a quick Google search for content warnings specific to each book.)
Jamesby Percival Everett: I enjoyed this book immensely. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking re-imagining of a classic tale, told with Everett’s signature wit and incisive social commentary. The narrative is fresh, challenging, and resonates long after the final page.
Here One Momentby Liane Moriarty: This was an incredibly entertaining story that truly gave me a lot to think about. Moriarty has a knack for crafting relatable characters and intricate plots that explore the complexities of human relationships and unexpected life events. It’s a compelling read that keeps you engaged.
The Small and The Mightyby Sharon McMahon: This book was nothing short of inspiring. Sharon McMahon, known for her “governor of Instagram” persona, delivers a message of hope and empowerment, showcasing how small, consistent actions can lead to significant positive change in the world. It’s a wonderful reminder that everyone has the capacity to make a difference.
Books That Just Didn’t Click for Me
Not every book is a winner, and sometimes, despite good intentions, a story just doesn’t resonate. Here are a couple that, unfortunately, fell flat for me:
The Unmaking of June Farrowby Adrienne Young: I tried the audio version of this one, and sadly, it just dragged immensely and couldn’t hold my interest. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself constantly zoning out, struggling to connect with the characters or the unfolding mystery. Sometimes a book simply isn’t a good fit for audio, or for me at that particular moment.
The Womenby Kristin Hannah: Yes, I know I’m very much in the minority here, as this book has received widespread acclaim. While I appreciate Hannah’s storytelling, I personally didn’t connect with this particular narrative as deeply as I have with some of her other works. The themes and character arcs didn’t draw me in, and I found myself struggling to fully invest in the story. It happens!
My All-Time Fave Jeans (That Are Now Impossible to Find!)
Oh, the heartbreak of finding the perfect pair of jeans, only for them to vanish from existence! My current obsession, or rather, my beloved memory, is the Kessler Wide Leg from Piper and Scoot. Shoot, it looks like these aren’t available anymore! I am so bummed, because they had the most flattering fit, a comfortable rise, and just the right amount of stretch. They were that versatile pair you could dress up or down, and they felt custom-made. Finding jeans that truly fit well is a sartorial quest for many, and these were truly a gem. Now, the search continues for their elusive successor!
The Jeans That Sparked Laughter (and a Swift Return)
Not all jean experiments are successful. I recently ordered these Wide Leg Stovepipe Cuffed jeans from American Eagle, and let’s just say they made me giggle – and then immediately package them up for return. The fit was just… perplexing. The stovepipe cuff combined with the wide leg created a silhouette that was unflattering and quite frankly, amusingly awkward on my frame. It was one of those fashion moments where you try something on and can’t help but laugh at your reflection. Safe to say, these were not a winner for me!
Sweet Indulgences: Treats I Find Dangerously Good
When it comes to snacks, I have a weakness for truly exceptional treats that hit all the right notes. My latest discovery that falls into the “dangerously good” category are the Skinny Dipped Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Cups. These were a fantastic Costco find, and they are utterly irresistible. The combination of rich, dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter, all in a perfectly portioned cup, makes them a sublime indulgence. They’re just sweet enough, satisfyingly rich, and so easy to pop in your mouth that one quickly turns into two, and then… well, you get the picture. Consider yourself warned!
Disappointing Bites: Treats That Left Me Less Than Thrilled
On the flip side, not every new treat lives up to its promise. I recently spotted these Dark Chocolate Almond Creme Almonds, also a Costco find, and my hopes were incredibly high. The description sounded divine – a perfect blend of dark chocolate, almond, and a hint of creme. I wanted to love these, I really did, but they just were not for me. The texture or flavor profile simply didn’t hit the mark, and they left me feeling a little sad and underwhelmed. It was a classic case of expectation versus reality in the snack aisle!
Life Updates & Recent Delights: A Mix of Progress and New Memories
My temperature blanket is still coming along! For those unfamiliar, a temperature blanket is a year-long crochet or knitting project where each row (or section) is a different color, determined by the daily temperature. It’s a beautiful way to document a year! This project has been stalled a bit due to the intense hand pain I’ve been experiencing from carpal tunnel, which makes continuous crocheting challenging. However, I’m determined to plug along and get caught up. Currently, I’m over 60 rows behind, but IT’S FINE, EVERYTHING IS FINE. Just taking it one stitch at a time and enjoying the colorful progress when I can.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a Homecoming dinner for my son, his date, and their whole group of friends. Over the years, I’ve done quite a few “dance dinners,” and typically, they tend to be on the more formal side with elaborate place settings and multi-course meals. This time, however, we decided to completely change it up and opt for a fun, relaxed, and interactive theme. It was a refreshing departure from tradition, and it turned out to be a massive hit!
Thanks to my fantastic connections – knowing a guy (ahem, Brian 😉) with a printing company (Minuteman Press in Caldwell, who did an amazing job!) – we were able to print a huge, custom coloring page banner. I found the giant fall-themed design on Etsy, and we had it printed to run down the entire length of our dining tables. We then placed sets of crayons at each place setting. This seemingly simple idea ended up being a HUGE hit with the teens! It provided a relaxed, engaging activity, broke the ice, and gave them something creative to do while chatting and waiting for food. The table was covered in colorful art by the end of the night, reflecting their personalities and creating a wonderfully vibrant backdrop.
For the menu itself, my son helped brainstorm a fantastic diner theme, which perfectly complemented the relaxed atmosphere. Each of the kids received a personalized menu (which I designed easily on Canva using one of their great templates) to fill out their orders. My adorable 10- and 12-year-old servers, dressed in their best “waitstaff” attire, then gathered the menus and brought them to me and a few other moms stationed in the kitchen. We had everything cooked, prepped, and staying warm in the ovens, making it incredibly easy to quickly assemble their orders in these cute, retro-style baskets. It added to the fun diner experience!
It was such a fun, memorable, and surprisingly easy dinner to host. The teens loved the novelty, and it fostered a really comfortable and social atmosphere before the dance. And yes, it was totally worth giving up some of my precious huckleberries, carefully stashed in the freezer from summer foraging, to make their gourmet milkshakes. Those little sacrifices for joy are always worth it! 😇
Last week, I actually put on real pants, left my house (a true SHOCKER for this homebody!), and embarked on a quick, exhilarating trip to Charleston, South Carolina. It was a delightful sisters-and-mom getaway, as we went to visit my brother and his husband who live in that direction. The trip was absolutely amazing, even though we only had about a day and a half to explore the charming city of Charleston. We managed to pack in an incredible amount of experiences, and notably, an incredible amount of food! 😜
Let’s talk about the food first, because it was truly a highlight. I had the best shrimp and grits of my entire life at the Charleston Crab House – the flavors were perfectly balanced, creamy, and utterly comforting. And of course, a trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Their unique flavors and incredible textures are always a treat. I also found myself at Boxcar Betty’s not once, but TWICE, because their chicken sandwiches were so unbelievably good. Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, they were simply irresistible!
Beyond the culinary adventures, we soaked in the rich history and undeniable beauty of Charleston. We took a wonderfully informative carriage tour through downtown, learning fascinating facts about the city’s past and architectural gems. We spent hours walking and exploring the cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful historic homes, and simply soaking in the charming atmosphere. The city itself is incredibly picturesque and has such a palpable sense of history.
The next day, we dedicated our morning to visiting the Boone Hall Plantation, which was an undeniable highlight of the trip for me. It was a deeply humbling and intensely interesting experience, offering a profound look into a significant, albeit complex, part of American history. The famous Avenue of the Oaks, with its majestic, moss-draped live oak trees, was absolutely stunning and truly breathtaking. Charleston, with its incredible food, rich history, and captivating beauty, you certainly did not disappoint! I’m already dreaming of a return visit to explore even more.
Like I always say: if you made it to the very end of this lengthy update, you truly deserve an award! Thank you so much for being here, for taking the time to read, and for being such a wonderful part of this community. Your presence and engagement mean the world to me. 💗
What’s New with YOU?? Share Your “Rose and Thorn”!
Before we sign off, I’d love to turn the tables and hear from all of you! We used to have this lovely little tradition at dinner time in our family where we would go around the table and everyone would share what their “ROSE” (the highlight or something good) and their “THORN” (the challenge or something less than good) was for the day. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect and understand what everyone is going through. We haven’t done it in a while, but now that I’m typing it out here, I’m determined to bring it back into play with my family – it fosters such meaningful conversations!
So, I’d truly love to know how YOU are doing right now.
If you feel keen on the idea and are comfortable sharing, please tell me in the comments what your current ROSE (your highlight, something joyful or good) and your THORN (a challenge, a worry, or something less than ideal) is right now. I find immense comfort and connection in hearing about your experiences.
I’ll go first, to get us started:
My ROSE: Connecting with all of you in this amazing online space is truly a highlight for me, it brings me so much joy and fulfillment. Beyond that, I absolutely love watching my kids work hard and compete in the sports they’re passionate about. It’s a busy season: my sophomore’s football season is wrapping up, my senior’s wrestling season is just beginning, and my 7th grader’s volleyball season concluded a few weeks ago. Seeing their dedication, teamwork, and growth is incredibly rewarding and fills me with pride.
My THORN: I’m currently dealing with some particularly tender worries about my kids, as any parent can relate to, which weighs heavily on my mind at times. Additionally, I’ve discovered a new skin spot on my face that I am nearly certain is basal cell carcinoma. As many of you know, I’ve already had two basal cell carcinoma spots on my face that required MOHS surgeries in the past, and I’m really bummed out about the prospect of another. It’s always disheartening to face these health challenges, but I’m seeing a dermatologist next week to get it checked out properly.
And don’t forget to circle back and tell me your deep, dark, or wonderfully happy and joyful thoughts about Halloween! Whether you’re a fanatic or a Grinch, all opinions are genuinely welcome here. We’re all friends, and I cherish hearing diverse perspectives. So, spill the (candy) beans! 👻
