October started warm and beautiful in Chicago, and we finally hit a cold snap. Just overnight, it officially feels like fall or early winter. The weather is always a hot topic, one way or the other, as I chat with neighbors and friends. I am ready to cozy up on the couch with a good book or show in between book launch events.
This fan has been a favorite new item of mine, doing both hot and cold with a remote on my nightstand. I didn’t realize how much I would use it. Currently on sale!
I have had pumpkin fever and decorated our stairs with a collection of every assortment, along with mums. They brought me joy in an unexpected way.
Oh, and dahlias. I purchased a colorful assortment all fall until the very last day of the market.
What I am Reading
I started The Woman in Cabin 10 with the intention of finishing it before the Netflix release. My husband and I ended up watching the movie before I finished it one Friday night. The whole time, I kept mentioning it wasn’t the same story, which frustrated me. Since he didn’t read the book, it didn’t bother him. I donated the book the next morning to the free library in our neighborhood.
Just Bobbi - By Bobbi Brown, I am listening to on Spotify as well. Narrated by her, I thought it was important to hear the story in Bobbi’s voice. I could have finished it in a day or tw, but now I am dragging it out as it gets close to the end. It has been enjoyable and inspiring. I only regret not being able to attend one of her Chicago book launch events to meet her in person.
On my nightstand, to start, is Workhorse. I found it in a NYT article and asked Slant of Light to order it for me. The book blurb was interesting enough to hook me. It is a thick book that might take me time off over the holidays.
Books I Preordered Arrived
It Girl, The Jane Birkin Story has been interesting. I ordered it from our local bookshop and have been listening to it on Spotify. There was a lot I didn’t know about her, and I am finding her backstory interesting. It could be the narrator, but I am finding it a little dry and slow.
Dorie’s Anytime Cakes. I can’t wait to bake from the new cookbook released this week.
When a new cookbook arrives, my husband and I use Post-it notes to mark which recipes we want to try!
If you are new around here, you should know Dorie is my internet BFF. I have only met her once at a book signing, but I absolutely love her. My aunt introduced me to her cookbooks years ago, and I have been hooked ever since. I dream of spending an afternoon baking with her and having a conversation about all her life experiences and lessons. Yes, I have been manifesting this for years.
Favorite Fall Clothes
This jacket has been worn on repeat. I have owned it for years and used it as a layering piece.
When denim legs changed from skinny to wide, I was not a fan. All of my pants were straight or skinny, and it has taken me a minute to adjust. My husband will vouch that I hate change. Now that I've transitioned my closet from summer to fall, I realized how much I love wide-leg pants and moved my skinny jeans to the donate pile. I ordered these Palazzo pants that need hemming, and I also love these from AYR.
A few more favorites, these velvet brown pants from L’Agence are so comfortable, I don’t want to take them off.
Chocolate brown is the new black, and I am here for it. This sweater will be on repeat all fall/winter. You can use code REBECCA15 for 15% off. It is a splurge.
I am eyeing a silk skirt (like this one) and velvet flats for a holiday look. Maybe for my December book event?
October Skincare Favorites
This eight-day serum had been sitting in a pile to try for months, and I didn’t pick it up until recently. A splurge, but OMG is it good. The brand gifted it to me. It is also available at Nordstrom. If they have beauty on sale anytime soon, I would grab it.
Soshe is a clean makeup brand I love. Their mascara is one of my favorites, and I keep an extra on hand. I just tried their Kismet lipstick in Burgundy, and I really love it—currently 20% off with the Credo sale.
In the Burgundy color family, I tried this nail polish and love it. Currently on my toes.
October Recipes
All the fall foods are on my mind as the market near us transitions. While I am not typically a pumpkin spice person, I have been craving pumpkin bread. This one is on my list to bake this weekend when we host friends.
Also, for dinner tonight, I am breaking out this old favorite recipe for sweet potato gnocchi.
Around Halloween, I always make butternut squash soup.
What I Am Watching
Nobody Wants This Season 2, and I binged three episodes last night. I was worried it wouldn’t be as good, but it is. A welcome distraction—it made me laugh out loud—and I love the fashion.
Paris Every Day Book Launch
Paris Every Day officially launches on October 28th. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. This is a dream come true, and I cannot wait for you to hold it in your hands, flip through it, and transport yourself to Paris.
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You write & photograph wonderfully. "Paris Everyday" is extraordinary! A book to keep on a table before returning to Paris, returning home from Paris and for those dreaming or thinking about Paris. Absolutely delightful in so many ways. I love it!
Will your book be available at independent bookstores nationwide? Very specifically eastern Connecticut?