My Top Ten October 2020 Guilty Pleasures
As most of you already know, October is an insanely busy time for photographers. You will most likely find me chained to my laptop on never-ending editing sprees with Netflix binging in the background. But, as most of you also know, I am on a health journey, so some of these will be from that. Read on to find out what I am obsessed with this week, what I can’t put down and what I can’t stop thinking about!!
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Ok, if you haven’t yet watched Emily in Paris, go do it. It’s silly and fun and so cute and stylish. Basically it feels like a modern day Sex and the City. Starring Lily Collins, but perhaps even more importantly, her adorable phone case seen above. I found the same case (with the neck strap) and ordered it after watching the first episode, because you know me and impulse control. I do have to wait on it to ship from China, but it should be here around Halloween! Click below to get yours too:
Ok, you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK NOW. I can’t even tell you how many people recommended it to me before I finally broke down and read it (when books get too hyped to me, I tend to shy away for the fear of “let down”). It is amazing. AND they are making it into a movie as we speak. Always read the book before watching the film! I think it took me a total of three days to read it, and that’s only because life kept demanding I do things like work and clean my house ;)
As most of you know, I am on a health and wellness journey. I have also recently started “running” again to prepare for The Blessed Boutique Community’s 2nd Annual Blessed 5k (click to sign up!!). These shoes are AMAZING. I have never owned a better pair of shoes to be completely honest with you. They have great traction, they are not heavy and my feet do not kill me after putting in a few miles. They are also perfect for the gym and for hiking!
100% completely obsessed with the decorations in front of town hall and around the square this year. Also, as most of you know, I am in the Lion’s Club but I cannot take any credit for this display. I helped a little with the mums and haybales, but this gorgeous display was spearheaded by our president Kristy. I just love the small town charm and pretty fall beauty this brings.
I am not an expert. I am not even a half of an expert. But through trial and error I have created a delicious (and insanely easy) overnight oats recipe. The recipe above contains 3 superfoods (blueberries, chia and flax seeds). Has only 408 calories and 28grams of protein! The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to make 5 batches and two minutes to heat up in the morning!! Add in 36 ounces of water and your morning will be off to the BEST START!
I am almost always editing and although I have a home office, sometimes it’s nice to break out of those four walls and get a fresh perspective while working. Wildflower Tea Shop is the perfect place. It’s peaceful and has the neatest vibe. I have the Detox tea (Organic alfalfa, dandelion, nele, plantain, red clover, peppermint. A blend tailored to detoxify and purify.) and the atmosphere of the shop somehow makes me feel like I am working faster and accomplishing more.
And because I like to support local and because they added an Everything Bagel with cream cheese, salmon and tomato, I’ve been frequenting Dragging Canoe Coffee Traders in South Pittsburg, TN to get a little work done and catch up with friends.
Speaking of supporting local, a friend of mine named Emilee has ventured into making these beautiful resin necklaces! I chose a simple chamomile bloom and I could not be more thrilled with the quality! I have worn it nearly every day since receiving it. She also has brooches, barrettes, mini oujia boards, wall pieces, earrings and so much more. Head over to her Etsy shop to find your own completely unique and handmade item.
Terminal Overdrive. Full disclosure, this is a close friend’s band. Even more full disclosure, even if I didn’t know him, I would still tell you to listen to their music. They are a local (Chattanooga) hard rock band that are honestly putting out a lot of really great music right now. And bonus, they are playing two shows this Saturday, October 17th at Valley Vibes and then JJs Bohemia on the South Side. You can click either link to get tickets.
AND finally, my iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 5. I had my old phone (iPhone 7 Pro) and watch (Series 1) for about two years before I finally gave in and upgraded. OH I wish I had gotten them both sooner. For basics, the camera on the 11 Pro Max is worth it alone. It has so much more functionality and dynamic range than past iPhone cameras. It also has 3 lenses, but you can google more about that. The Series 5 watch is SO MUCH NICER than my series 1 was. It’s a bit bigger (which I like). The two paired together make my life SO much easier. A glance at my wrist and I can see my steps, water intake, the temperature, my activity, date/time and track my workouts, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re on the fence about upgrading, do it!
So there you have my Top Ten Guilty Pleasures for October! I hope you enjoy this list. Sometimes it really is the little things that we need to shed a little sunshine. What is bringing light to your days lately? Tell me in the comments or shoot me an email and let’s talk!