Friday Favorites

It’s Friday, friends — time to pour something yummy, kick off your shoes, and gush over the little things making life extra sweet this week!

Welcome back to Friday Favorites, our weekly roundup of recipes, finds, and happy little moments worth sharing. Think of it as our cozy corner of the internet where we swap ideas, trade tips, and maybe add a few too many things to our “must‑try” list. From kitchen wins to binge‑worthy shows, from seasonal treats to small joys, this is where we celebrate the good stuff together.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s one thing that made you smile this week? Drop it in the comments so we can all share the happy!

🎃 Favorite #1 — Pumpkin Oatmeal Dump Cake (From the Archives!)

We’re kicking things off with a blast from the Lou Lou Girls past — Pumpkin Oatmeal Dump Cake. It’s part pumpkin pie, part cobbler, with a buttery oat topping that’s just begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy — just layer, bake, and let the oven do all the work while your kitchen fills with the smell of fall.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle a little Heath bar crumble on top for a next‑level finish.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “ice cream on warm cake” or team “whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon”?

📚 Favorite #2 — Cozy Fall Reading List

This week I’ve been diving into my cozy fall reading list, and it’s giving me all the warm‑and‑fuzzy vibes. Think small‑town romances, twisty mysteries, and a few feel‑good memoirs that pair perfectly with a mug of something warm. There’s just something about curling up with a good book while the leaves start to turn — it’s like a mini vacation without leaving your couch.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Keep a “to‑be‑read” basket by your favorite chair so you always have your next pick ready to go.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your go‑to fall read — a cozy romance, a spooky thriller, or a heartwarming classic?

🎧 Favorite #3 — Feel‑Good Fall Playlist

This week I’ve been living for my Feel‑Good Fall Playlist — a mix of cozy acoustic tunes, a little 90s throwback, and just enough upbeat tracks to make folding laundry almost fun. It’s perfect for baking days, morning coffee sipping, or those “I need a mood boost” school pick‑up drives. Bonus: it makes the house feel like a rom‑com montage waiting to happen.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Keep a Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen so you can have an instant dance party while dinner’s in the oven.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s the one song that instantly puts you in a good mood, no matter what?

🍂 Feel‑Good Fall Playlist Picks

“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire — upbeat, joyful, and perfect for a kitchen dance break.
“Autumn Leaves” – Nat King Cole — smooth and timeless for slow, cozy mornings.
“Stick Season” – Noah Kahan — modern folk with all the crisp‑air feels.
“Cardigan” – Taylor Swift — soft, romantic, and sweater‑weather ready.
“Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison — warm, soulful, and perfect for a golden‑hour drive.
“Harvest Moon” – Neil Young — dreamy and nostalgic for those first‑chill evenings.
“There She Goes” – The La’s — light and breezy for sunny fall afternoons.
“Linger” – The Cranberries — moody‑sweet for curling up with tea and a book.
“Golden Hour” – JVKE — modern, mellow, and TikTok‑friendly for cozy content.
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift — for when you want to lean into the fall drama.

👜 Favorite #4 — Crossbody Bag Upgrade

I finally swapped out my old everyday purse for a structured crossbody bag in a rich caramel color, and I’m wondering why I didn’t do it sooner. It’s hands‑free, holds all the essentials, and somehow makes even my leggings‑and‑hoodie days look a little more put‑together.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Look for one with an adjustable strap so you can wear it high for errands or low for a more relaxed vibe.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you a “tiny bag minimalist” or a “Mary Poppins bag” kind of person?

🪞 Favorite #5 — At‑Home Spa Night Essentials

Sometimes the best Friday night plans involve not leaving the house. My current self‑care lineup: a fluffy headband, a hydrating sheet mask, and a orange foot soak. Add a good book or your favorite show, and you’ve got yourself a mini retreat without the price tag.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Keep a little basket stocked with your spa night favorites so you can grab it whenever you need a reset.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your go‑to self‑care ritual when you need to recharge?

🧥 Favorite #6 — The ’90s‑Inspired Denim Jacket

Fall 2025 is having a serious ’90s moment, and I am here for it. My current style crush? A vintage‑inspired denim jacket with embroidered details and just the right amount of lived‑in softness. It’s the perfect throw‑on‑and‑go layer for school drop‑offs, pumpkin patch trips, or those “I need to look cute but also be comfy” days. Bonus: it pairs with literally everything — dresses, leggings, joggers, you name it.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Roll up the sleeves and layer over a lightweight hoodie for that effortless, “I didn’t try too hard” vibe.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “classic blue denim” or do you love a fun twist like embroidery or patches?

💄 Favorite #7 — Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner

Fall makeup is having a moment, and I’ve been loving this soft velvet creamy kohl eyeliner for an easy, smudgy, ’90s‑inspired eye. It glides on without tugging, blends like a dream, and somehow makes even a messy bun feel intentional. Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or just making a grocery run feel a little more glam.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Smudge it along your upper lash line, then soften with a fingertip for that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “bold eyeliner every day” or team “save it for special occasions”?

🥯 Favorite #8 — Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Brioche Style Liège Waffles

Trader Joe’s took their cult‑favorite brioche Liège waffles and gave them a fall makeover — hello, Pumpkin & Spice Brioche Style Liège Waffles. Imported from Belgium, they’re soft and airy inside, with a caramelized sugar crunch on the outside, and now they’ve got that cozy pumpkin‑spice flavor baked right in. They’re individually wrapped, so they’re perfect for tossing in a lunchbox, warming up for a quick breakfast, or dressing up with ice cream for an easy dessert.

💡 Kimberly’s tip: Pop one in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes — it’ll taste like it just came out of a bakery oven.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you eat these plain with coffee, or go all‑out with whipped cream and caramel drizzle?