Friday Favorites — October Week Four Edition

🎉 Friday Favorites — October Week Four Edition

Consider this your Friday pick‑me‑up: a roundup of the small things making life brighter right now.

It’s Friday, friends — and you know what that means: time to dish on all the little things making life extra sweet this week! 🙌 Whether your days were packed with errands and deadlines or filled with cozy fall moments, I’ve rounded up the small joys that brightened my week — and I can’t wait to share them with you.

This week’s favorites are all about comfort food, seasonal fun, and those little sparks of joy that make ordinary days feel special.

🍲 Food Favorite — Creamy Jalapeño Soup (Lou Lou Girls Classic)

This older Lou Lou Girls recipe is still a total winner. Creamy, velvety, and just the right amount of spicy, it’s the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out. It’s simple to make, but feels indulgent — the perfect comfort food for chilly fall nights. Pair it with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the cozy notes.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you like your soups with a little kick, or do you keep things mild and creamy?

👗 Fashion Favorite — Knit Midi Dresses

These dresses are the ultimate fall uniform — cozy like a sweater, but polished enough to wear to dinner, church, or even the office. Pair them with ankle boots for a casual vibe, or dress them up with a belt and heeled boots. They’re comfy, flattering, and versatile enough to carry you straight into the holiday season.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you like your fall dresses styled with boots, sneakers, or layered under a jacket?

🛍 Fun Find — Fall Scented Wax Melts

I grabbed a pack of apple-cinnamon wax melts this week, and wow — instant cozy vibes. They make the whole house smell like I’ve been baking all day (without the dishes).

💬 Reader prompt: Do you prefer candles, wax melts, or essential oils for fall scents?

🎬 Family/Entertainment Favorites — What We’re Watching (and Playing!) Right Now

This week’s lineup has been all about comfort, laughs, and seasonal fun:

Monsters, Inc. (Disney+) — A classic that never fails to make everyone laugh.
The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Apple TV+) — Nostalgic and perfect for October traditions.
Frozen II (Disney+) — The music, the magic, and the cozy winter vibes.
Zootopia (Disney+) — Clever, colorful, and still one of the best family movies to rewatch.
Family Game Night — Sometimes the best entertainment isn’t on a screen at all. Break out the board games, card decks, or even a puzzle for a night of laughs and connection.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your go‑to family game — are you a Monopoly marathoner, a Uno champion, or a puzzle pro?

✨ Faith/Feel-Good Favorite — Evening Gratitude Walks

Instead of journaling, I’ve been taking short evening walks to reflect on the day. It’s a simple way to slow down, breathe, and notice the little blessings.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you recharge best with quiet time alone or with family around you?

🎯 Weekend Challenge — The “No Spend Saturday” Challenge

This weekend, I’m challenging myself (and you!) to enjoy a Saturday without spending a dime. Think library books, homemade treats, board games, or a nature walk.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your favorite free activity that feels like a treat?

🛒 Grocery Hack — Freezer-Friendly Pancakes

Make a big batch of pancakes on Sunday, freeze them, and pop them in the toaster all week long. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings and way cheaper than store-bought frozen waffles.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you prefer pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a weekend breakfast?

🧡 Trader Joe’s Favorite — Caramel Apple Mochi

This seasonal treat is a fun twist on mochi ice cream — chewy, sweet, and just the right amount of apple-caramel flavor. A little bite of fall in every piece.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you adventurous with seasonal snacks, or do you stick to your tried-and-true favorites?

🎧 Podcast Favorite — The Next Right Thing

Emily P. Freeman’s calming voice and thoughtful reflections make this podcast feel like a deep breath in the middle of a busy week. Each short episode offers gentle guidance for decision‑making and slowing down, which pairs perfectly with cozy fall evenings or morning walks.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you prefer podcasts that teach you something new, or ones that feel like a calming reset?

💕 Currently Loving

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

Caramel apples — sticky, messy, and worth every bite.

Cinnamon-sugar roasted pumpkin seeds — the perfect fall snack.

Plaid scarves — cozy and instantly make any outfit feel autumn-ready.

Apple cider candles — warm, spicy, and so inviting.
Spotify’s “Autumn Acoustic” playlist — mellow tunes for cozy evenings.

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

📝 Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on this week’s Friday Favorites! From Tuscan Chicken Soup to cozy podcasts, 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?