Friday Favorites — October Edition

Friday Favorites — October Edition

This week was full of little wins, cozy moments, and a few fun finds I can’t wait to spill the beans on!

We made it to Friday, friends! 🙌 Whether your week was a whirlwind of busy schedules or a slow-and-steady kind of cozy, I’ve rounded up some little joys that made my days brighter — and I can’t wait to share them with you.

This week’s favorites are all about comfort, fun finds, and those small-but-mighty things that make everyday life feel a little more special. From a soup that tastes like a hug to a Trader Joe’s treat you’ll want to hide from the kids (trust me), here’s what’s been making me smile lately.

 

🍲 Food Favorite — Tuscan Chicken Soup

 

This hearty bowl is everything I want on a crisp fall evening — tender chicken, white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and a swirl of cream that makes it feel extra cozy. It’s one of those soups that tastes like it simmered all day, but really comes together in under an hour. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a dinner that feels both rustic and restaurant-worthy.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you add spinach or kale to your Tuscan soup, or keep it classic?

👟 Fashion Favorite — Chunky Knit Sneakers

 

Yes, sneakers can be cozy! These knit slip-ons feel like slippers but look polished enough to wear with jeans or even a casual dress. They’re breathable, cushy, and perfect for those “I want to look put together but also like I could nap at any moment” days.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team sneakers-with-dresses, or do you save them just for leggings and jeans?

🛍 Fun Find — Magnetic Meal Planner Pad

This little pad sticks right on the fridge and has been a game-changer for meal planning. It’s got spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a grocery list you can tear off. The kids love adding their “requests” (read: mac and cheese every night), and it keeps me from staring blankly into the pantry at 5 p.m.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you plan meals for the whole week, or just wing it day by day?

🎬 Family/Entertainment Favorites — What We’re Watching Right Now

This week’s picks are a mix of cozy, funny, and just the right amount of spooky for October:

• Gilmore Girls (Netflix) — Because nothing says fall like Stars Hollow, coffee, and witty banter.
• Haunted Mansion (Disney+) — A family-friendly spooky watch that’s more fun than fright.
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) — Quirky mystery-solving with plenty of laughs.
• Dancing with the Stars (Disney+) — Glitter, drama, and the perfect background show while folding laundry.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you lean into spooky shows in October, or stick with cozy comfort rewatches?

✨ Faith/Feel-Good Favorite — “Three Good Things” Journaling

Every night this week, I’ve been jotting down three good things that happened during the day. Some are big (a project finished on time), some are tiny (the dog didn’t bark during my Zoom call). It’s such a simple practice, but it shifts my whole mindset before bed.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you journal at night, in the morning, or not at all?

🎯 Weekend Challenge — The “Screen-Free Hour” Challenge

This weekend, I challenge you to set aside just one hour with no screens. No phone, no TV, no laptop. Read a book, play a board game, bake cookies, or just sit outside with a blanket and a cup of tea. It’s harder than it sounds, but so refreshing. 💬 Reader prompt: What would you do with your screen-free hour?

🛒 Grocery Hack — The “Double Batch” Trick

Whenever I make something freezable (like chili, soup, or lasagna), I double the recipe and freeze half. It’s the same amount of effort, but future-me is so grateful when dinner is already done.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your go-to freezer meal?

🧡 Trader Joe’s Favorite — Cinnamon Bun Spread

This jar of magic tastes like gooey cinnamon rolls in spreadable form. Slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or (let’s be honest) eat it straight off the spoon. It’s fall in a jar.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you use this more for breakfast or dessert?

 

💕 Currently Loving

Because sometimes it’s the little things that make the week feel extra sweet:

• Stanley Quencher in the new fall colors — Hydration, but make it cute.

• Target’s $3.xx pumpkin candles — Small price, big cozy vibes.

• Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm — Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s delightful.

• Weighted throw blanket — Perfect for chilly nights and instant relaxation.
• Spotify’s “Autumn Acoustic” playlist — The soundtrack to my mornings.

💬Reader prompt: What’s one little thing making your week brighter?

📝 Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on this week’s Friday Favorites! From cozy soups to cinnamon bun spread, it’s the little joys that make the week feel special. I’d love to hear what’s on your favorites list right now — because this series is all about sharing and building our little corner of community joy.

💬 Reader prompt: Should I add a “Reader Pick” section next week where I feature one of YOUR favorites?