October Favorites | 2025
I am really leaning into this year’s cozy season. I kicked and screamed about summer ending prematurely in August, but now that we’re fully into the “ber” months, I’m totally locked in. Variety really is the spice of life, isn’t it?
We started a fire in the living room fireplace last night, which we’ll keep going until late spring. It felt like some kind of ceremony, you know? We’ll have this flickering light to keep us cozy company for the next several months and it’s a welcome accompaniment.
Anyway, October proved to be lovely transition month. We had several sunny days, the last of shorts and t-shirt weather, and those elusive scenes that only occur in October: blue skies against fiery red and orange leaves. It gradually got colder and I welcomed the rainy, gloomy afternoons that feel so vibey. Soup on the stove, hot tea in the afternoon. Hocus Pocus and Charlie Brown. I lit taper candles in the evening and bought a fresh pack of lightbulbs with a warm cast, maximum 60watts. The last day, Halloween, I spent with my sister and her family. Our kids stayed up into the morning hours trading candy and watching “scary” movies in the basement. It felt like a 90’s childhood experience and I was so glad my kids are building the same core memories I did.
What were your October favorites?
1 // TV
Wow - what a month for perching up in front of the TV for a binge session! I had a book I needed to read for my book club and luckily it was great, otherwise nothing would have been able to pull my attention from the television. I cleared Nobody Wants This S2 in a weekend. I wonder how many fights Joanne can pick in season three. Do you think there will be another season? It’s so good, I can’t imagine stopping now, but I also wonder how long the will they, won’t they thing can keep going. If it were my relationship, I’d be so exhausted.
Anyway, carrying on. Through the month I chipped away at both seasons of Wednesday, which is not new, but I had never watched. SO on brand for the season, but also not Halloween specific. I loved it so much. And then at this point, it’s practically tradition, but Only Murders in the Building had me in its clutches more this season than the last few years. I thought the ending wrapped up a little too quickly and easily, but in general, I was into it.
2 // Apothic Red
About a month ago, I decided to give up liquor. I love a cocktail, but man, my body just doesn’t metabolize it like it used to. Things go too quickly for me or maybe they just go down too easily. Whatever it is, I don’t want to give up a happy hour beverage, I just don’t want to feel sloppy. I picked up a bottle of Apothic Red for a spooky season gathering because it is economical and also has a vaguely halloween look to the label. Surprise! It’s a good one and I’m enjoying it. A very good basic.
3 // Diamond Painting
Boy am I trying to develop some hobbies to take the place of scrolling on my phone in the evenings. I feel like boredom and endless scrolling is responsible for half my seasonal depression in January. Anyway, I’ve been working away on a diamond painting season all month and what a delight! Sometimes I’ll pop on my headphones and listen to a podcast while I’m dot-dot-dotting away. But it also works nicely as a mindless activity while on the couch with my family after dinner. Just something to do with my hands!
4 // Vanicream Lotion
A cult classic for a reason. I’m pretty allegiant to The Ordinary when it comes to a good, basic facial moisturizer, but I have to order it online because I don’t have a super local Ulta or Sephora. I grabbed the Vanicream on a whim in Target because I needed something and I’ve seen it so many times on lists of good drugstore products. You guys! It’s great, even for a dried up old prune such as myself. It’s become my go-to this month.
5 // A Personal Curriculum
Remember this trend? It’s only two months old, but as trends do, it’s sort of disappeared as we’ve moved on to other things. That said, I decided to spend my Q4 learning about the Windsor spares and it’s going wonderfully. I really enjoyed reading these 99 glimpses of Princess Margaret and have been diligently consuming The Crown (more TV haha!)
6 // Chrome Nail Powder
I couldn’t even tell you why I bought this, but it was literally $8 for 12 tiny pots of chrome nail powder. Of which, I’ve gotten a million bucks of enjoyment, so the ROI is legit. Seriously, for a whim purchase, I’ve really enjoyed adding some extra sparkle and shine to my fingertips.
7 // Table for One
I really love taking myself out to lunch solo. It’s such a luxury to eat quietly and without disruptions. I try to remember to bring a book, but a bustling space with plenty of people watching will also do. I made a list of all the restaurants I’d like to try in my town and I’m going make this a bit of a project this winter. A really delightful project!
8 // Bestsellers
We were all looking to be comfy this season, as evidenced by so many of us taking home these wide leg cords, these wide leg jeans, these sweater pants, and this super easy to wear dress. We’re also smelling like gingerbread this season. Just trying to stay hydrated, right?
