Friday Favorites – September Week 1

 

HELLO, SEPTEMBER! 🍁

Is anyone else suddenly craving cozy sweaters, football, cinnamon, crisp mornings, and absolutely anything that smells like fall?

Because SAME.

September has officially arrived, and we’re ready for a fresh start! Summer may have packed its bags, but we’re not sad about it because there’s SO much to love about this time of year. Cooler evenings, beautiful sunsets, football weekends, apples, cozy recipes, and that magical feeling that comes when a new season begins.

So grab your favorite fall drink, put your feet up, and let’s talk about what’s making us happy this week!

 

 

🛒 Favorite Trader Joe’s Find

🍎 Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts

 

 

Okay, THIS is how you know fall has arrived!

Apple cider donuts are one of those treats that instantly make everything feel more festive. They’re soft, cinnamon-sugary, and dangerously easy to eat straight from the bag.

They’re perfect with breakfast, afternoon snacks, or warmed up for dessert.

Lou Lou Tip: Warm one for a few seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can thank us later. 🍎

🍽️ Favorite Lou Lou Girls Recipe

🧀 Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

 

 

September is calling, and apparently she wants cheesy, creamy comfort food! 😂🧀 Our Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is exactly the kind of dinner we start craving when summer winds down and busy fall schedules kick into high gear.

Tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, and plenty of creamy, cheesy Alfredo goodness come together in one seriously satisfying casserole. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough to feel like you actually put some effort into dinner.

And let’s be honest—when you pull a bubbling, golden, cheesy casserole out of the oven, everybody suddenly wants to know when dinner is ready. 😉

Lou Lou Tip: Use rotisserie chicken to make this even easier. You can also swap in your favorite pasta shape or add extra broccoli if you’re feeling virtuous. 😂

Why we’re loving it this week: It’s cozy, cheesy, family-approved, and exactly the kind of easy dinner we want on repeat as September gets busier. 🍂❤️

 

🍁 Favorite Fall Drink

Caramel Apple Cider

 

 

We’re officially trading our summer lemonade for something warm and cozy!

Warm apple cider topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon is basically autumn in a mug.

And yes, we know September technically isn’t winter. But we’re going to enjoy every excuse for a cozy drink.

Lou Lou Tip: Add a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice to your mug. Suddenly you’re serving a five-star fall drink!

📺 Favorite TV Show

🍿 The Paper

 

 

If you’re looking for a new show to add to your fall lineup, The Paper is one to keep on your radar! It has that perfect mix of workplace comedy, quirky characters, and the kind of humor that makes you say, “Okay, one more episode.” 😂

It’s a fun pick for those cozy September nights when you’re ready to curl up on the couch, grab a snack, and completely ignore your to-do list.

Lou Lou Tip: September is basically permission to start a new TV obsession. We don’t make the rules. 😉🍿

 

🎵 Favorite Song This Week

“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” — Shania Twain

 

 

We’re bringing back a little ’90s girl power this week! 🎶

This song is impossible not to sing along to, and honestly, September feels like the perfect time for a little musical pick-me-up.

Turn it up while you’re getting ready, cleaning the house, driving around town, or just because you feel like it.

Lou Lou Tip: Grab your girls and have a spontaneous kitchen dance party. No choreography required. 😂

 

🎙️ Favorite Podcast

SmartLess

 

 

 

If you haven’t listened to SmartLess yet, add it to your list! Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett have hilarious conversations with fascinating guests, and it feels less like an interview and more like you’re sitting around listening to three friends have a great conversation.

It’s funny, relaxed, and perfect for a road trip or getting things done around the house.

Lou Lou Tip: Pick an episode with a guest you already love. You’ll be hooked!

 

📖 Favorite Book

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

 

 

Looking for something clever, funny, and a little mysterious?

This one is such a fun read! A group of friends living in a retirement community get together to investigate unsolved murders—and things get very interesting.

It’s charming, witty, and just the right amount of mystery for a cozy September afternoon.

Lou Lou Tip: Make yourself a snack before you start reading. You’re going to want to settle in for awhile!

🛍️ Favorite Amazon Buys

September is giving us ALL the excuses to shop for cozy things, and we’ve found a few fun ones we think you’ll love!

✨ 1. Heated Throw Blanket

 

 

Cold feet? Chilly evening? Watching TV on the couch?

Problem solved.

A heated throw is basically a giant hug you can plug in. 😂

Lou Lou Tip: Keep one in the family room and you’ll suddenly have everyone fighting over it!

 

✨ 2. Pumpkin-Shaped Cocotte

We’re suckers for cute seasonal kitchen pieces, and a little pumpkin-shaped baking dish is just too adorable.

Use it for baked dips, mac and cheese, casseroles, desserts, or simply leave it sitting on your counter looking festive. 

 

 

✨ 3. Rechargeable Hand Warmer

 

 

 

This little gadget is perfect for chilly football games, outdoor walks, fall festivals, or anyone whose hands are ALWAYS cold.

Small enough to toss into your purse and rechargeable? Yes, please!

 

✨ 4. Apple Corer & Slicer

 

 

September means apples, apples, and MORE apples.

This gadget makes slicing apples ridiculously easy and is perfect for snacks, baking, lunches, and all those fall apple recipes you’re about to make.

 

✨ 5. Cozy Reading Socks

 

 

Because if we’re going to curl up with a book, we want warm feet too!

Look for soft, plush socks with cute fall patterns and non-slip bottoms.

Lou Lou Tip: Buy an extra pair for a friend. They’re an easy little gift that feels thoughtful without costing a fortune.

💄 Favorite Beauty Find

🍂 Fall Fragrance

 

There’s just something about changing your perfume when the seasons change. ✨ We’re loving a warm, cozy fall fragrance with notes like vanilla, amber, sandalwood, or a little spice.

It’s the beauty equivalent of pulling on your favorite sweater—comfortable, pretty, and just a little bit addictive. 😂

Lou Lou Tip: Spritz a little on your pulse points and a tiny mist through your hair before heading out. You’ll smell amazing without feeling like you’re wearing too much perfume.

Because September deserves to smell as good as it feels. 🍂💕

 

 

🏡 Favorite Home Find

🍁 Amber Glass Candle

 

 

We’re officially ready for the house to smell like fall!

An amber glass candle is such an easy way to bring a little warmth into your home without covering every surface in pumpkins.

Look for scents like apple, cinnamon, vanilla, maple, or sandalwood.

Lou Lou Tip: Light it while you’re making dinner. Your house will smell amazing before dessert even hits the table.

 

🍪 Favorite Sweet Treat

Apple Pie Cookies

 

Imagine your favorite apple pie turned into a handheld cookie.

YES.

These little treats are filled with warm apple-cinnamon flavor and are perfect for after-school snacks, football weekends, or a cozy night at home.

Lou Lou Tip: Serve them warm with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream. We promise nobody will complain.

 

🏈 Favorite September Activity

Football Sunday at Home

 

 

We’re making football Sunday an EVENT!

Put out a big snack spread, invite your favorite people, wear your team colors, and turn on the game.

You don’t even have to be a huge football fan to appreciate the food. 😂

Lou Lou Tip: Create a simple snack board with wings, dips, sliders, veggies, chips, and something sweet. Everyone can graze all afternoon!

 

🕯️ Favorite Little Luxury

Fresh Flowers on the Kitchen Counter

 

 

We know flowers aren’t technically a luxury—but they sure make everyday life feel a little more special.

Grab a small bouquet at the grocery store and put it somewhere you’ll see it all day.

It doesn’t have to be fancy.

It just has to make you smile.

Lou Lou Tip: Divide one larger bouquet into several little jars and spread them around the house.

 

🎯 Weekend Challenge — The September Fresh Start

September feels like a second New Year to us.

 

 

So this weekend, choose ONE thing you’ve been meaning to do.

Clean out one drawer.

Try one new recipe.

Take a walk.

Call an old friend.

Organize your pantry.

Read a chapter of that book you’ve been ignoring.

You don’t have to completely reinvent your life.

Just make one tiny change that makes you feel good.

Then tell us what you chose!

 

❤️ This Week’s Happy Thought

September is a beautiful reminder that new beginnings don’t have to happen in January.

You can start over on a Tuesday.

You can change your mind.

You can try something new.

You can decide that this is the season you’re going to make more time for the things that make you happy.

You don’t have to have everything figured out.

You don’t have to accomplish everything on your list.

And you definitely don’t need a perfect plan.

Sometimes you just need to take the next little step.

So this September, let’s slow down enough to notice the good stuff.

The first crisp morning.

The changing leaves.

The smell of something baking.

The sound of laughter around the dinner table.

A cozy blanket.

A favorite song.

A phone call from someone you love.

A beautiful sunset.

Those are the moments that make life feel full.

And maybe that’s what this new season is really about—not doing MORE, but noticing MORE.

More gratitude.

More laughter.

More time with people we love.

More homemade dinners.

More adventures.

More reasons to celebrate the ordinary.

Happy Friday, friends! 🍂❤️

Here’s to a brand-new month, a brand-new season, and all the wonderful little moments waiting for us.

Now go make yourself something delicious, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy this beautiful September weekend!

See you next week for another round of Friday Favorites! 💕