My Favorite Time of Year

Fall is the best time to live in Michigan. In fact, it’s my favorite time of the year here and just about anywhere. I love the cooler temps, the crisp air in the morning, and the smell of the leaves. And, although a pumpkin spice latte is too sweet for my taste, I do love the smell of it. I also love trips to the cider mill (we made one yesterday after church) with fresh apple cider and donuts right out of the oven, especially the pumpkin ones! There is also the fun of a corn maze and shopping the sweet smelling shops filled with other baked goods and fun decor for the coming holidays. I made sure to grab a couple of bottles of wine as well as some cute tea towels to match my newly renovated kitchen. We also brought home beautiful white pumpkins to add to our orange collection on the front porch.

Today, I am excited to share a few of my favorite things with you in the midst of my favorite season. Trust me, there will be plenty of great ideas for those looking to get an early start on their holiday shopping.

What else am I loving this fall?

Books and books and more books. Of all shapes and sizes for all ages and generations. The first book I want to share with you is perfect for the young, female millennial in your life, especially those in a bit of a “failure to launch” type scenario. Bianca Juarez Olthoff is an amazing woman, and a self-described MexiRican. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak live this last week while attending the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Let me just say, this woman is on fire! Her most recent book, How to Have Your Life Not Suck: Becoming today who you want to be tomorrow, is also on fire. Bianca is unapologetic in her faith and her passion for helping others navigate live, connect with community and live significantly. She’s also just the right combo of “holy and hood.”

In addition to this amazing book (her second) she also has some amazing streetwear, and the proceeds of the sale go to support a women’s prison ministry. This shirt is one of my faves – and one I just my gift my daughters if they were college age.

Another book I am looking forward to jumping into just landed in the number 8 position on the Amazon new releases list and it’s by author Rebekah Lyons. Her book, is called Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose.

You can actually hear more about the book and Rebekah Lyons by tuning into the Today Show today during the 9:00 a.m. hour.

In Rhythms of Renewal you will walk through four practical rhythms to establish in your life – Rest, Restore, Connect, Create – that will help you discover how to:

• Take charge of your emotional health, and inspire loved ones to do the same.
• Overcome anxiety with daily habits that strengthen you mentally and physically.
• Find joy through restored relationships in your family and community.
• Walk in confidence with the unique gifts you have to offer the world.

Perhaps you’re a lover of fiction; if a good historical romance novel is your cup of tea, then I have a few good books (an amazing series) to share with you. Over the summer, after one of my surgeries, I had some down time and the opportunity to review a 3 part series of books. This year I’d challenged myself to read 24 books and was happy to add these three from the Heaven Intended Series by author Ann Lauer, to my list. They were an enjoyable way to spend my recuperation. A World Such as Heaven Intended is the first in the three volume series and it set both the tone and pace for the remaining two.

I’ve always enjoyed fiction centered around the Civil War and appreciated this particular series not only for the period it covered, but also because of a consistent theme of faith. Better yet, it is the type of novel, and series for that matter, that I wouldn’t be ashamed for my daughter to pick up. If you are looking for some fun reading over these fall months comment below and you will be entered into a giveaway of an entire copy of the series. Keep them for yourself or gift to a friend!

Just in Time for My Favorite Time of Year

Another thing that happens during this special time of year are the pre-sales for the planners I love so much. There are so many great companies to choose from. This year I ordered for the second time from Horacio Printing. There are not as many options as some of the other places which ensures that you don’t get lost shopping their site, but there are just enough to ensure you find the custom fit you’re looking for. The Dream Planner Collection has something for everyone and a price that won’t break the bank. I love that the planner includes scripture, has a faith based perspective, and that the company tithes a portion of their income to the A21 Campaign to fight sex trafficking. They also offer SOAP Bible Studies, helpful notepads and a cute customized pen emblazoned with their catch phrase “The best is yet to come.”

Animal Print

Animal prints, especially leopard and tortoise, are perfect for my favorite time of year and they are EVERYWHERE this year. I love a good pair of leopard print boots/shoes and currently have two. One with a kitten heal that were new last year and one with a more traditional boot heel that are about three years old. With all the options out there now, it might be a good time to snag some new ones, particularly a pair of flats. I am really liking these ones I found while surfing online. That pop of color really sets them apart.

I also found these earrings on etsy and just ordered them from the Dear Soho Shop of New York. I can’t wait for them to arrive.

And, while this is my favorite time of year, it can be a challenge to stay healthy. In order  to keep myself chill and hydrated throughout the dry fall and winter seasons I purchased an insulated tortoise shell tumbler from Starbucks. (Apparently, I was lucky to get one in store as they are now selling on eBay for ridiculous prices!)

Practically Speaking

There are a couple more things I wanted to share that just make my day-to-day list, they make this working mom life a little bit easier and in some instances a little more comfortable.

1. Spanx brand Hi-Knees trouser socks. Look I can go through innumerable pairs of knee high trouser socks or stockings over the course of a fall/winter. But the Spanx Brand Hi-Knees last for ever. They don’t snag easily, nor do they run. Also, they come in a compression style should you need the support over long days on your feet. What’s not to like?
2. Zarbees Day and Night Time Cough Syrup. Look school has started and we’ve already missed a day of school due to a wicked  respiratory infection. Zarbees is a fave at our house because with it, especially at night, the kids sleep well and subsequently so does Momma! We are fully stocked.
3. My Crockpot. Literally the best meal planning tool for this time of year. Be sure to check out some of my favorite recipes for making comfortable and healthy food in this slower season.

I hope you’ve liked my favorite things for this favorite time of year. If you’re looking for a good read, don’t forget to comment below to enter to win the three part Heaven Intended series.