It’s hard to believe that Halloween is just a few short days away and that we’re going to be wrapping up what I consider to be the best month out of the year until it’s time to unpack all of my spooky décor again in 2025. My dearest October, where does the time go?!
While I’ll have a full recap of this past month that has been a little later on this week, as well as some final haunted New England locations and events I recently visited/attended to share for good measure before we break for the weekend again – I thought I’d write about some of my favorite things from these last few weeks, first! That’s right, everybody – it’s time for this month’s “Favorite Things” installment!
As always I’ll be sharing the things I could snap a few photos of before I dive into the miscellaneous odds and ends – including some video games and documentaries that had me hooked.
Let’s take a look!
Back in September, I had been wrapping up an incredible couple of weeks spent around California with Troy. On my last full day before returning to the East Coast, he brought me to one of my favorite greenhouses – Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar – so that I could experience their super detailed and elaborate Halloween display where nearly everything was available for purchase.
This year’s theme was all about witchy vibes, and I was immediately drawn to this wooden “spell book” being held by decorated (and bony!) hands. I’ve had this one sitting on my kitchen table since I got back home, and I would keep it out year-round if I could! I love it, and it reminds me of a very, very good day during a very, very good vacation!
Although Native has already launched their 2024 Holidays Collection (and I’ll be purchasing all things sugar cookie-scented when the time is right!) I’m not ready to let go of their limited edition Fall fragrances quite just yet – specifically this apple butter and strudel-scented body wash. This has been one of my Top 10, all-time favorite finds and purchases from the company over the years. Not only does this one smell absolutely amazing, but the formula leaves my skin feeling clean but still well-hydrated.
I really, really hope they bring this one back next year, but in more of their products. I would love a conditioner or body lotion with this fragrance. It’s heavenly!
Earlier this month, Troy and I had attended the pumpkin show at Naumkeag in Stockbridge. While I was preoccupied with looking through the books and decorations in the gift shop, Troy bought this felt pumpkin as a surprise for me so I could have a memento of the evening in my apartment.
This little guy is currently sitting on my desk in my work-from-home set-up. He comes in handy when I’m having a stressful day and just need something soft to squeeze or hug close to me in order to avoid going off the rails. It’s like a fuzzier stress ball!
I had seen a commercial for these dissolvable, no-waste makeup remover squares from OLAY earlier this month and knew I wanted to grab a pack to try since I’ve been actively attempting to reduce waste and pointless products from my beauty regimen (and regular makeup wipes are so unbelievably wasteful!)
These packs – 32 count total! – come in three formulas depending on your skin needs. I grabbed the retinol ones when I came across these at my local CVS. You simply add water, watch the square dissolve instantly, and then rub your hands together to create a rich and creamy lather that you can use to remove excess dirt, oil and makeup from your skin. Once you’re done, simply rinse and go to the next stop of your skincare!
I’ve been loving how thoroughly clean these squares have been making my face feel at night – and I don’t have to worry about them ending up in a landfill or in the ocean when I’m done with them!
And finally, it’s been a while since I’ve bought a band t-shirt, but considering I’ve seen them twice in recent weeks and have been a big fan since high school, I couldn’t resist picking up this really cool (and soft!) closed-fist t-shirt for the Swedish punk band, The Hives. I’ve been wearing this one a lot throughout the month of October, and I love when people ask me about it so I can recommend the band to them. They’re so much fun and SO good live!
That just about does it for the “Favorite Things” I could get some pictures of, but a couple of other things made the list, too!
– MOVIES/TELEVISION/GAMES –
‘Silent Hill 2’ – Take one of the scariest games in the scariest franchises from my childhood and reboot/refresh it to make it even scarier in the midst of Spooky Season? Consider me sold. I’ve been playing this one (with the lights on!) since it dropped earlier this month and it’s been an incredible dose of nostalgia with some new and terrifying twists to keep it fresh and unexpected – and it’s been a nice chance of pace since so many of the reboots I’ve played over the years have been from the ‘Resident Evil’ universe!
‘Mr. McMahon’ – I grew up with two older brothers who loved professional wrestling, and actively look forward to attending my friends’ annual WWE parties throughout the year, so I watched this Netflix docuseries on one of the most controversial figures in the drama/sport with some knowledge going in – but still SO much of it caught me off-guard. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend it if you, like me, have a lot of fond memories about some of the characters and actors/athletes that are discussed and depicted throughout it.
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And that does it for another month of favorites! As always, feel free to drop me a line with some of your own, or things you think I should check out for November. I love recommendations!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 