– the rain bringing a few last backyard hydrangeas –

– using this gorgeous crystal biscuit jar for business cards –

– moving this gorgeous Regina Andrew lamp to a guest room –

– finally bringing out our happy news to display –

– the cutest Santa Sack for Hudson’s surprises from Santa –

Happy happy start to the weekend, my friends!  Thank you so much for your kind words and support in our little announcement post earlier this week.  While it was a treat to take some time to celebrate with our nearest and dearest, it also feels really freeing to share it with all of you so I don’t have to worry about misspeaking or sharing a too-revealing angle, etc.  Only one more week until we are halfway to meeting this little one, and that brings me unspeakable joy.

I can’t get over these Santa Sacks.  They come in a variety of colors with or without personalization, and Santa can leave his gifts in them on Christmas Eve.  I just got Hudson’s in, and I can’t get over how beautiful it is.  Seeing this under the tree is going to be such a treat this year, I can’t wait.  I’ve already started shopping for him for his November birthday and Christmas… but I will be pushing out some gift guides starting next week for all of us to shop from as well!

Christian and I were so excited that Succession started back this week.  That show is so intense, but a great couples watch as it seems to be one of those dramatic business shows that both men and women seem to really enjoy.  Of course I am fully invested in the month-long Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion series.  That is getting seriously intense.

This weekend I have a few work things to check off my plate and will otherwise be relaxing with the fam, enjoying this beautiful weather and continuing to pray Hudson’s Halloween costume finally arrives (queue sweating).  I am hopeful!  Would love to hear what you guys are up to this weekend.  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

– using this tutorial to hang some floating witch hats –

– moving Hector around, as we do –

– a new pair of Stuart Weitzman boots that are the prettiest fall shade of green –

– new, neutral eyeshadow sticks from Bobbi Brown –

– the opportunity to put together a cheese board, which I truly love doing –

Happy happy Friday!  I got back in town from Mississippi a few days into this week, and it’s been so nice settling back into my routine.  I really thrive in my habits and organized schedule, so as much as I try to force myself to be a flexible person (because I do want to be that kind of person!), truly I love my paper planner.

I added some “ghost” witch hats downstair that make me so happy when I see them.  We have only been in a real “house” house (vs an apartment) for two years, so each year I’m working on making the holidays more festive and adding to it.  I am not a huge seasonal decor person, but I do want Hudson to feel like we get festive for holidays as he grows up!  So I know hanging these witch hats year after year is going to be a really fun tradition.

I caved and bought AppleTV this week because I couldn’t stand not watching season 2 of Morning Show.  I got so addicted last year and knowing that the new episodes out was killing me!  I look forward to watching the second season of Ted Lasso and Truth Be Told also.  Has anyone seen them?

I made this easy dip recipe (I left out the corn) this week and I can’t stop eating it.  Such a great game day dip and only 4-5 ingredients.  A few weeks ago I made this dip, also easy, and it was a big hit.

We have some fun game day plans this weekend and I have quite a bit of work to check off the list, but I know it’s going to be great and I’m ready for it.  I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend!  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

– attempting to play florist for a friend’s dinner gathering –

– the sweetest angel frame from Anne Neilson Home –

– bringing Hector down for the month, love to see him again –

– gathering my pumpkins slowly but surely… –

– pulling out the paper bats for different parts of the house –

Who doesn’t love October?  The leaves start changing, the sweaters are being pulled out, Halloween and fall decorations come out, and I’ve already eaten at least 10 pieces of “mini” candy and nearly a whole bag of candy corn.  Life is good.

Hudson and I are heading on an adventure together to see my parents and sister’s crew.  They are in a new home that I haven’t yet seen in person, so we can’t wait to visit and walk down to the lake to catch some fish!  I’m also greatly looking forward to not cooking and cleaning for a few days – truly, this is one of my favorite perks of travel.

I’m working on our festive Halloween front door slowly but surely.  I did manage to order Hudson’s costume as well as a personalized trick-or-treat bag, along with getting a head start on his birthday and Christmas gifts.  These next few months go by so fast that I just want to make some moves while it’s on my mind!

I ordered these witch hats and plan to hang them in a certain spot in the house.  Since we moved two years ago, each year I add a little bit, add a little bit, etc.  Eventually I’ll have all my themed goodies!  I want Hudson to remember having fun holiday things in the house.

What are you up to this weekend?  Do you have any favorite Halloween decorations that you’re excited to bring down?  Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

– slowly adding to my pumpkin collection on each grocery visit and waiting for cooler temperature to put them outside –

– a fresh lavender orchid –

– transitioning Hudson from his balance trike to a balance bike (basket here) –

– my stash of candy corn in a pumpkin cocotte –

— loving these new luxe lipsticks from Bobbi Brown, especially in Romantic and Avant Gardenia –

We made it!!  This week blew by a little too quickly thanks to some fun plans and wonderful people.  I am prepping to leave Christian and Hudson together for a handful of days, and I’ve been able to prepare little by little every day.  I’m not usually willing to leave Hudson for work trips, but this is something really special I’ve been looking forward to for many months, so I can’t wait.  I’ll be in Southern California for the first time since we left three years ago.  It’s going to be amazing!

I have started collecting pumpkins for the front of the house, but it’s still warm enough that I don’t want them going bad.  So I’ve been stacking them up the staircase for now, and it’s been so cute to hear Hudson point and say, “pumpkin!” every time we walk down the stairs in the morning.

Some gratitude this week – I really noticed some spiritual growth and emotional maturity in myself that I’m quite proud of.  I had a small panicky moment this week, and usually I would go outside or find a task to distract myself.  However thanks to the positive influence of a new Bible study, this time my gut reaction was to pull out my devotional and Bible and have some quiet time.  Truthfully, that hasn’t been my first reaction to my emotions in a while, and I was so pleased at how much calmer I felt afterward.

I’m organizing a fun little ladies dinner tonight that I’m excited about. I actually put together some centerpieces (not typically my skill) that turned out really pretty – I’ll have to share a photo next week!

Thank you so much for reading, and I want to hear who has already decorated for the holidays  For a fun and luxe jewelry giveaway, be sure to check out the Haverhill $500 giveaway on Instagram here! XO –

– looking through these photos with my little taken at the beach (might have to share them in their own post!), outfits c/o Poppy Kids Co –

– my first clear heels… and I’m lovin’ it –

– the prettiest blazer from WHBM –

– new front doors that I waited for for six months and they did not disappoint –

– this houndstooth sweater from Target that is too good for $40 –

TGIF!  We have a had a fun week, getting to see many friends after summer break and traveling so much in the first half of this month.  It feels like school has begun, football is in action, people are in town and life as we know it is resuming.  Which is really refreshing and exciting!

We live in a University town, but the first fall we moved here I was very pregnant.  Last year it was the season of covid without the vaccine available yet.  So this is our third fall season living here, but our first “normal” or official football season.  So that is really fun and especially fun now that Hudson can run around, be enamored with the college marching band, beg for chips and dip (“dee-yup? dee-yup?”) with all the big kids.

I snagged this long cardigan sweater from Target this week in both the pink houndstooth and the black and they’re super soft and cute.  They remind me a lot of the Mango coatigan we are all obsessed with (which happens to be back in stock!).

I also got these lace up sandals in finally and I know, I know, a little late to be buying sandals.  But I loved the snake print so much.  And trust me, they look way more expensive than $40.

A cool product I just learned about recently were these Sidepeace cell phone cases and straps.  They were designed because of so many cell phones getting stolen from back pockets at concerts and festivals, and it keeps your cellphone across your chest like a crossbody bag.  I think this is pretty brilliant!

That’s about it for this week.  Continuing to watch the reality TV drama unfold on all of the Real Housewives shows (and there is quite a bit), enjoying being home for a short stretch of time and using the rainy weather as an excuse to stay in loungewear.  So… the usual I suppose.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for reading! XO –