October Favorites

Welcome back to another month of favorites, where I write about my favorite moments and things from the month. Basically, it’s a bit of reflection for me, and if any of it resonates with you, then good! Please enjoy my October Favorites.

Favorite Book

I go back and forth between listening to music and listening to an audiobook during my commute. This month, I decided I was bored of fiction and gave memoirs a chance. Being a big Gilmore Girls fan, I decided to give Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham a try. And it was phenomenal. She is so clever and witty in real life, just like her character Lorelai. I loved hearing about her childhood, her journey in acting, and behind the scenes glimpses in Gilmore Girls.

Just a little WARNING: she watched the show for the first time in preparation for writing this book, and she gets a lot of facts wrong. LOL It’s a bit jarring at first, but ultimately I think it adds some charm.

Favorite Recipe

Everyone at work knows that when fall rolls around, I make White Chicken Chili from Half Baked Harvest on repeat all season (and into the next season). It is so easy and incredibly delicious. I always double the recipe so it’ll last longer.

Favorite Restaurant

One of my friend’s had a birthday party and hosted it at the Chicago Athletic Association. I’ve heard of this spot for years - and walked past it several times - but I had never actually gone. It’s a really cool, luxury sports bar-esque spot in a hotel downtown on Michigan Avenue. It’s very art deco inside, but they have games like pool and ski ball. We got a burger and fries from the bar (which was great) and played some games and hung out.

We were on a bit of a time limit since we had a babysitter, so we went upstairs to Cindy’s Rooftop to grab a drink before our night was over. Jason got the old fashioned, and I ordered the Chi Shandy Shake - a bourbon based drink with fruit flavors (my favorite). 

We grabbed our drinks and walked out onto the rooftop, nestling ourselves into the the crowd of people along the terrace wall overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. It was so serene and surreal - we had such a great time in these spots, and they’re in the same building, so it’s easy to do both!

FUNNY STORY: we parked in a structure a block away, so we had to walk just a bit to get to the hotel. When we came to the crosswalk, there was 5 seconds left on it, and I turned to Jason asking, “do you think we can make it?” He grabbed my hand and said “yes” and we jogged across the crosswalk. For 2 seconds, I thought “oh my gosh, this is so romantic! I feel like I’m in a movie!” And promptly after the 2 seconds were up, I rolled my ankle and almost fell over in the middle of the crosswalk. And yes, there were people all around witnessing this romantic moment turn into a rom-com moment. LOL

Favorite Purchase

I am such a sucker for mugs - especially holiday mugs. I found these super cute Merry Christmas Mugs from Target online, so I had to inspect them in person. And yes - they’re as cute as they look. Jason loves to make hot lattes with our Breville espresso machine, and he likes wider rimmed mugs to work on his latte art. He approved these mugs as being wide enough - in case you’re wondering, too.

Favorite Moment

Sienna has been super into airplanes lately, and it’s been so fun watching her hear and spot them. Whenever she does she raises her arms for us to pick her up so she can be closer to the sky, and then she points and goes “pane, pane!” It’s adorable.

We live not too far from O’Hare, so we drove to a parking lot close to the airport and watched the planes fly overhead. We packed sandwiches and had a little picnic in the back of our car and played a little soccer in between plane landings. It was so fun and Sienna really enjoyed it! It’s a great way to go do something with almost zero prep work or effort, and we were out for maybe an hour. 

Favorite Trader Joe’s Find

Every fall, I look forward to Trader Joe’s autumnal drop specifically for one thing - their Witch’s Brew. It’s mulled wine and it’s just so tasty! My favorite drink in the summer is sangria, and this is basically just fall’s version of hot sangria. They also have some winter Gluhwein, but I personally like the Witch’s Brew better.

Favorite Park

We went to a few different parks this month, but one of the new ones we tried was Gomper’s Park Playground in Albany Park. We originally went to LaBagh Woods and parked (free parking and tons of spaces). We walked along a path through the woods and then the trail went out and led to a playground! Ok, so I looked it up on apple maps later, and the reviews for Gomper’s Park are terrible, but we really enjoyed the playground. It had lots of slides and swings and interactive play areas. It also looked like there’s a splash pad that turns on in the summer.

Favorite Family Rhythm 

On Saturday’s when I don’t have a photography shoot, we’ve been getting into the rhythm of making waffles (and Trader Joe’s has some pumpkin ones right now). Sienna has a stand where she can get on to be eye level with the counter and help me stir the mix and pour in the batter. It makes a huge mess every time, but it’s worth it for her to learn and feel like she’s contributing and being helpful! And it makes for some good quality time and memories (and reminding myself that a mess is ok). 

Until next time - may your weekend be full of creativity and style.