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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Your Happygirl Guide to October

Emma and her leaf. our funny girl.

Ever since I can remember, Sundays in the fall meant morning mass followed by breakfast at a restaurant (Lucky Strike, Abdow's Big Boy, Sylvester's. . .) and an adventure to Atkins Farms for apples and apple cider doughnuts. When L and I got married, we continued the tradition. On Sundays, we would put the top down on my little Volkswagen Cabriolet, and wearing sweaters, we would drive from Connecticut to Massachusetts to have brunch at Sylvester's (blueberry pancakes for me and Huevos Racheros for L) and then leisurely wind up our way through Northampton backroads to pick up Macoun apples,  a dozen cider doughnuts and cold apple cider. The technicolor orange and red maple leaves against the azure blue sky on a 50 degree sunny, cloudless day was almost too perfect, too wonderfully New England.  I'll be heading home again to Boston in a few weeks, with our baby girl, Waverly, to introduce her to the way the fall air smells when the apples and pumpkins are out. I hope she falls in love with fall the way that I have. And I hope your October is too perfect, too wonderfully autumnal.

Sunday. Visit your local farmer's market for the start of autumn's harvest. Try this Butternut Squash Risotto with pine Nuts, Balsamic Drizzle and Fried Sage.


Monday. Now is a great time to plan out your October. 
Check out this list of fall festivals and fairs to see if there is an autumn celebration near you.  
You can't really experience fall without something deep fried and a visit with farm animals. 


Tuesday. The Race for The Cure is happening all month around the United States. 
If you aren't taking part, consider donating and supporting those who are. Visit here to find out how. 


Wednesday. It's National Kale Day! My favorite way to eat kale is Baked Kale Chips. 
This is the recipe I use to make perfect kale chips every time. 


Thursday.  When is your favorite series returning?
  Here's the list of fall series premiering in October. 

Friday. I just discovered Blue Hawaii's dreamy pop sound. Their new album "Tenderness" drops today. See which other artists are releasing their albums this month. 

Saturday. Today is a great day to put away your summer clothes and bring out your winter clothes. 
Learn how to properly store your clothes until next season here
(We skip the mothballs and add lavender)


Sunday. Get cozy. Make this Asiago Bisque Soup and take it to work throughout the week. 

Monday. Columbus Day is observed today.  Pack a cooler with snacks and discover a place you've never seen before 

Tuesday. It's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you do a monthly self breast exam? 
Need a refresher on how to do it properly? See how here

Wednesday. Before all the other famous sisters. there were The Mitford Sisters, an enchanting family of six daughters growing up in the early twentieth century. "The Six: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters"  is the perfect book to curl up with  if you're missing Downton Abbey.

Thursday.The secret to the perfect grilled cheese? Mayonnaise. 
See the recipe featured in The New York Times.

Friday.  It's Friday the 13th.  Here's why some people are superstitious of this number. 

Saturday. L and I keep date night exciting by surprising each other with a new place once a month.  Instead of going to the same places in your rotation, take your partner/spouse/best friend to a new restaurant. Visit Yelp.com and type in Hot and New Restaurants along with your location.

Sunday. We're in full on apple season now. 
Try this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe from the Barefoot Contessa.

Monday. One of the leaders I respected the most when I worked at Microsoft was Satya Nadella, now Chief Executive Officer. If you're interested in what empathy has to do with technology, pick up Satya's new book "Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone." If you're concerned this will read like an MBA studies requirement, it doesn't. It's inspiring and a good insight into what one person can do to inspire change. 


Tuesday. It's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  Right now, in a kennel, just waiting for you is your new best friend who can't wait to be featured on your Instagram. Find a shelter near you here

Wednesday. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy pasta, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. 
Try this recipe from The Barefoot Contessa, 

Thursday. Lately I have a habit of killing the battery on my car. I recently picked up this battery charger and it's already saved me three times. I love this Halo Bolt and recommend it to all of my girlfriends. 

Friday. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is taking place now through November 13th at Walt Disney World. If you're a foodie, head down to Orlando! If you're a runner, there are still spaces open for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on November 5th. Register now

Saturday. Invite some friends over and make your own apple cider doughnuts with this recipe from Bon Appetit.  

Sunday. 
Sick of nachos as your go-to snack on Football Sunday? 
Try these other recipes that go perfect with football and couches. 

Monday
Write a note to someone who made you feel good last week. Maybe your grandmother made you your favorite sweets or your best friend brought you a pumpkin latte just because. Take a moment to write a note and mail it to them. It may be the only personal mail they get all week.

Tuesday. What are you doing for Thanksgiving? If you plan on traveling, Tuesdays are a good day to book flights. 

Wednesday. Is your closet bursting with sweaters? Do you have way too many insulated tumblers? Do you really need to keep all those magazines?If you haven't tried it yet, read about the magic of tidying up in "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up" by Marie Kondo

Thursday. Discover this Autumn Acoustic playlist on Spotify. 

Friday. Do you make your bed every day? You should. Here is why this Navy Seal says you should. 

Saturday. This morning would be perfect for Spiced Apple Muffins. 
Try this recipe and invite some friends over. 

Sunday. Do you have a slow-cooker? Try this recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, a perfect bowl of warm goodness for when you get back from that walk in the fall leaves.

Monday. I love this Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer from Nars. It's a sheer wash of color that makes it look like you've been out for a brisk walk in the sun rather than sitting at your computer all day. 

Tuesday. Halloween.  Make  your neighborhood kids happy. If you don't get many trick or treaters, pick up regular sized candy bars. Whatever extra you have, consider donating the candy to a local retirement home or soup kitchen.




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