Books, movies, music, seasonal tea, comforting meals, and candlelight. A look at the simple pleasures making October feel a little cozier.
What’s Been Keeping Me Company in October
October has brought a little more coziness into my days. With shorter daylight hours and evenings arriving a bit earlier, I’ve been enjoying the simple pleasures that make home feel especially welcoming.
Books, familiar movies, music, something warm from the kitchen, and the soft glow of candlelight have all been keeping me company this month. Nothing particularly extraordinary. Just the little things that make ordinary days feel a little richer.
Between the Pages
My October reading list has been quite a collection! I’ve been exploring books on faith, stewardship, homemaking, personal growth, and the stories of women who have shaped history.
Some of the titles include Stewardship: Faithful, Fruitful, and Flourishing, Unclench!, The Story of Your Home, God’s World, Our Care, and Broke Isn’t Holy. There are also books exploring emotional well-being, the nervous system, and creating a more peaceful home.
And, of course, there is fiction. The House in the Cerulean Sea, Garden Spells, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches offer a little imagination and escape among the more reflective reading.
Sometimes I want to learn, sometimes I want to reflect, and sometimes I simply want to get lost in a good story.
A Little Time on the Screen
October has been a month for familiar stories and a little movie magic. I finished the Twilight movie series and watched both Practical Magic and Practical Magic 2.
There is something comforting about revisiting familiar stories, especially when the season lends itself to a little mystery and magic. Not every evening needs to be devoted to something new or productive. Sometimes entertainment can simply be entertainment.
Music in the Background
I’ve been enjoying the Soul Tones channel on YouTube, along with Taylor Swift’s new music. Music has a way of changing the atmosphere of a room without requiring much from us. It can provide a little energy, a little calm, or simply some pleasant company throughout the day.
Something Warm in the Kitchen
Soup season continues, along with a big pot of chili! There is something satisfying about preparing a generous pot of food and knowing that a few meals are already taken care of.
And with the temperatures finally becoming a little more comfortable here in South Florida, it’s been nice to enjoy a hot cup of herbal tea again. Right now, I’m particularly enjoying Yogi Tea’s seasonal Spiced Apple Chamomile. I order directly from Yogi Tea about three times a year, purchasing enough to qualify for free shipping. It’s a convenient way to keep my favorite blends stocked.
Explore Yogi Tea’s seasonal Spiced Apple Chamomile. (Disclosure: This is not a referral link.)
The Comfort of Candlelight
One of my favorite changes this month has been lighting more candles.
As part of my ongoing effort to be more mindful of the materials I bring into my home, I’ve been exploring beeswax and soy candles. I’ve been enjoying the 100% beeswax pillar candle from Big Dipper Wax Works and the concentrated soy candles from P.F. Candle Co. that I found through Grove.
The Sandalwood Rose scent has a particularly lovely, warm presence, while the beeswax pillar offers a more natural, simple beauty of its own.
I’m enjoying these thoughtful changes without feeling the need to replace everything at once. Sometimes stewardship is simply about making better choices as time and resources allow.
Explore the candles at Grove Collaborative. (Disclosure: This is a referral link to Grove Collaborative. I may receive a benefit if you make a purchase through this link.)
The Little Things That Make a Home
A welcoming home isn’t created through one grand gesture or a complete transformation. It’s built through the little things we return to: the books on our nightstands, the music we play, the meals we prepare, and the small rituals that help us settle into the evening.
As October comes to a close, I’m finding comfort in these ordinary pleasures. They remind me that stewardship of home isn’t just about what we change or improve. It’s also about appreciating what we already have and making room for the things that bring warmth, comfort, and meaning to our days.
What has been keeping you company this month?