A monthly list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more.
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Hello October! Sweater weather has officially arrived here—socks, fleeces, and cozy layers have become daily wear even though the leaves are only just beginning to change. After a long dry spell, we finally had some good rain in September. As a sun-lover I still appreciate that relief; it feels like the season turning.
Comfort food is back on the menu: soup, homemade bread, and salads from the fall garden where I’m still harvesting lettuce, chard, and kale. Are you feeling the shift into autumn where you are? Below are simple seasonal ideas and a few favorites I’ve been loving lately.
Good Things List
Fall Decor – Green, White, & Gold
Every year my seasonal decorating gets simpler. Without a mantel in our old farmhouse, I rely on small vignettes—real pumpkins, a few pillows, dried flowers, and warm metallic accents. I grow two types of pumpkins each year to use around the house: small white mini pumpkins like ‘Baby Boo’ and the flatter, slate-colored Cinderella-style pumpkins such as ‘Jarrahdale.’ I like placing them on porches, tables, and stairs for easy, natural decor.
This year I added gold-velvet pillows and a gold-green floral pillow, a scattering of dried blooms, and a couple of brass candlesticks. Practical touches—throws everywhere and candles set in view—make the space feel lived-in and cozy rather than staged. I also curated a small “Simple Autumn” collection that includes some home items and a few fall-themed cookbooks to inspire seasonal menus.
Our Favorite Oregon Coast Town
We returned to Pacific City on the Oregon coast at the end of September. It’s a quieter, small-town stretch of coastline we keep coming back to—great for slow walks, sunsets, and surf sessions. We were celebrating our anniversary and a birthday, so we treated ourselves to a hotel stay with ocean views. The room had a balcony overlooking the beach and the iconic haystack rock, a small alcove with a fridge and sink, and a comfy layout that made remote work easy.
The weather gave us an especially calm sunset one evening, and another morning the moon was still bright on the horizon as the sun rose—moonbeams sparkling across the water was one of those breath-stealing moments worth remembering.
Newest Cut Flower Obsession
This season I planted giant asters for the first time and they’ve quickly become my favorite fall cut flower. They bloom late—starting in August and continuing until frost—so they fill the gap when summer blooms taper off. Each stalk often bears multiple blooms and, best of all, they last about two weeks in a vase with nothing more than fresh water and an occasional refresh. Their soft pastel shades—pinks, purples, and whites—bring a gentle, late-season brightness to the kitchen table.
I grew a blush-pink variety and a mixed giant perfection blend from seed. They are wonderfully easy to cut and arrange, and they keep looking fresh far longer than I expected.
The Softest Jean Jacket
After years of stiff denim jackets sitting unworn in the closet, I finally found a soft, broken-in-feeling jean jacket that I actually wear. It’s a great transitional layer for cooler mornings and pairs well with dresses or jeans. I chose a mid-size for a snug, not-boxy fit; if you plan to layer a bulky sweater underneath, consider sizing up. This lightweight jacket is now my go-to for quick outings and casual layers through fall.
Tinted Moisturizer + Sunscreen I Wear Most Days
For everyday face coverage I’ve been reaching for a tinted mineral sunscreen that doubles as a light foundation. It gives medium coverage that evens skin tone without feeling heavy, and it settles to a natural finish when set with a light dusting of powder. It’s a practical alternative to fuller foundations on busy days when I want some coverage plus sun protection in one step.
September Reads
Here are the books I finished in September and quick impressions:
- Those Wild Wyndhams, Claudia Renton — A rich family history that brought a forgotten aristocratic family to life and made for engrossing listening during garden work.
- The Kitchen Front, Jennifer Ryan — A warm, wartime novel about friendship, rationing, and a cooking competition; full of period detail and genuine heart.
- A Fatal Grace and The Cruelest Month, Louise Penny (Inspector Gamache series) — These gentle mysteries emphasize character and atmosphere as much as the crimes themselves. I keep returning to the series for the people and the slow reveals across books.
- Year of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks — Beautifully written historical fiction set during the plague; powerful but emotionally heavy, so be prepared for bleak moments.
- Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton — A classic work of Christian apologetics with sharp ideas and cultural commentary; some passages resonated deeply while others felt dated to me.
Watching
TV:
Only Murders in the Building — A clever, funny series that riffs on true-crime podcasts while delivering real twists and charming performances.
Professor T — A character-driven procedural with an obsessive, brilliant protagonist; the lead’s quirks give it a Monk-like feel.
The Crown, season 4 — Richly produced historical drama; season four brings renewed focus on royal relationships and modern history.
Movie:
The Courier — A tense Cold War spy drama with strong acting and a plot based on true events; it balances historical detail with cinematic tension.
That’s it for another edition of the Good Things List!
If you enjoy these monthly roundups, check past Good Things Lists for more seasonal ideas and favorites. I’d love to hear what you’re enjoying right now—leave a comment with your recommendations or what you tried from this list.
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