October 2020 goals
Happy October, friends! Though the pandemic has canceled several of our fall favorites, we’re still feeling the cozy vibes over here. Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, apple cider scones, new soup recipes, hiking through colorful leaves, crisp afternoons playing outside with neighborhood friends, and this weekend – a bit of decorating inside and out! My tiny sidekick is pumped :)
On my calendar this month:
— Decorating for fall, including making ghosts with June per her request
— The fifth (fifth!) anniversary gathering of Articles Club
— Our family fall trip to the mountains
What I’m loving right now:
— John and I recently watched the first two seasons of Cobra Kai, and I have complicated feelings about it. The first 8 episodes of season 1 were THOROUGHLY enjoyable and refreshing – surprisingly, the characters kept making the right decisions. Things took a turn from there, though, and for some reason I took it very personally, ha! In honor of Johnny and Mr. LaRusso, we’ve been listening to this playlist and it is deliciously 80’s – great for cleaning or bopping around the house.
— My parents-in-law gave me this Gathre tablecloth in the Stars print recently, and I am in love. Made from leather, they are not inexpensive, but the ease of clean-up after meals is amazing with little kids. Maybe a good thing to put on a Christmas list or to scout on Black Friday!
— This set of 20 linen hair bows is a steal of a deal. We’ve been having fun adding them to the ends of June’s braids!
As a reminder, you can find allll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in September:
— Adopted for Life | I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this book wasn’t it. I enjoyed the Biblical depth he offered for the underpinnings of adoption, but I think I was hoping for something more practical.
— 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You | I have read many books on our digital lives at this point, and so far this one is middle of the pack. Similar to Adopted for Life, he’s less focused on the practical and more on the big picture… and I guess I like the nitty gritty :) The “change” that has stuck with me the most, though, has really stuck with me: “we ignore our flesh and blood.” I think about it every time I’m tempted to pick up my phone while driving.
Revisiting my September goals:Film Sheptember, Volume 2Read a marriage book in honor of our anniversary (didn’t get to this, but I think I’m going to choose How to Fall in Love with Anyone on the recommendation of reader Sarah!)
Complete our upstairs bathroom renovation (“complete” was a little ambitious, but we definitely made progress! Walls painted, mirror down, new bathmats and shower curtain installed!) Complete four more Advent ornaments (tree, candy cane, heart, and present!)
Ride 50 miles on our stationary bike or out in the wild (48!! So close!)Add plants to the master bathroomAdjust the styling of EFM’s H1 headers so I can use them! (sent an email to my web folks, so this is underway!)
Begin family “by-laws” in a Google DocSend a care package to a former babysitter who’s a college freshman
October goals:
— Design our family Christmas newsletter and order Christmas cards
— Edit Sheptember, Volume 2
— Complete four more Advent ornaments
— Ride 50 miles
— Wallpaper the upstairs bathroom
— Switch out lighting in the upstairs bathroom
— Finalize family mission statement
— Finish garage reboot, including hanging our bikes
Also fun to note: 2021 PowerSheets launch this month! Even in a really unusual year, I’m so grateful for the progress I’ve made on the goals I share here each month – things that really matter to me – and my PowerSheets are a big part of that. If you’re ready for a fresh start next year, I hope you’ll take a peek at the collection on October 14th!
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I felt the exact same way about Cobra Kai! Glad to know I was not alone in my conflicted feelings. Your shoes are so cute in that picture! My biggest goal for the remainder of the year is to research preschools for my son.
Thank you so much! They are Allbirds, and they are my go-to shoe 75% of the time :)
Please tell me about your bedroom plants. I’m dying for houseplants but one of my cats eats them (and then throws up). Is your cat magical and smarter than mine? I just love how houseplants cozy up a home!
The plants are actually in the bathroom, which makes it easier since we have them up on a ledge he can’t reach! But, we do have potted plants a few other places around the house, and neither of our cats were ever interested in them… I think it’s just a luck of the draw kind of thing! Wish I had better advice!!
I feel the same way about Cobra Kai, Emily and Victoria! I’m glad I’m not the only one. My husband and I have been watching it together, and we went back and watched the original Karate Kid to reminisce.
Cannot wait to hear how your wallpapering goes and would love to read more about your family mission statement. The idea of writing one sounds so daunting to me!
Five years!!! Can you even believe it?! Happy October, Em!
I’m amazed at how important my goals have been during these uncertain times too. Thinking of you, Em x
The garage reboot has me all googly-eyed over here! I cannot wait to see the reveal. Also, where do I go to sign up for your mailing list, friend?