October has been pretty business as usual around here, with the exception of all the random school breaks. Our district seems to love a long weekend, and this month we had a four-day weekend followed by a three-day weekend right after. It made for some creative juggling on our end, especially since afternoons at home have felt a lot longer since we reduced screen time for the boys. They get antsy, the hours stretch on, and we’ve had to get creative keeping everyone entertained.

Aside from that, things have been good. My parents came to visit, we had a friend stay with us, and we got to enjoy some Formula One events here in Austin. And since this post is going live on Halloween, we’ll be wrapping up the month with trick-or-treating tonight.

Here are a few of the little things I’ve been loving this month.

1. Decáf Coffee Beans

Mike heard about Dekáf on a podcast and decided to check them out, which led us to discovering some of the best decaf coffee we’ve ever had. Here’s what they say on their website: “Our focus is high-quality decaffeinated beans, with a wide range of blends that actually taste like coffee, not compromise.”

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know we’re mindful of how much caffeine we drink. Most of the time when you see me with a latte or cup of coffee on Instagram, at least half of it is made with decaf beans. It lets me enjoy more coffee throughout the day without feeling jittery or throwing my hormones off.

We’ve been so impressed with Dekáf that we now have an active subscription. Mike likes brewing a double shot of espresso in the afternoons and drinking it black, which feels like the ultimate proof of how good these beans are. If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine, this company is absolutely worth checking out. Whole bean decaf can be hard to find, and these are some of the best.

2. Nuuly Monthly Clothing Subscription

I’ve rented clothes from Rent the Runway before for special events, but I’d never thought about doing a monthly rental for everyday wear. Lately, though, a few friends here in Austin have mentioned that their outfits were from Nuuly, which put the idea in my head to give it a try.

It’s such a fun concept for someone like me who loves to dress up and try new things, but doesn’t go out enough to justify buying clothes all the time. My taste leans toward pricier brands like Anthropologie and Madewell, so one new piece can easily cost over $100. With Nuuly, I can rotate six items each month and get that “new outfit” feeling without filling my closet.

My first box was for October, and while I’m still figuring out sizing (two pieces were too small), I really liked what worked. The animal print shorts and black tank top combo made the perfect concert outfit when our friend was in town. I’ll be getting my next box in November and plan to pack a few pieces for our California trip for Mike’s 40th.

So far, I’m loving it. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys feeling put-together now and then, but doesn’t want to keep buying new things.

3. Fantasy Fangirls Quicksilver Deep Dive

It’s no secret that I love the Fantasy Fangirls podcast, but I’m definitely the type who only tunes in when they’re covering a book I’m really invested in. I first found them during their A Court of Thorns and Roses deep dive, and it completely changed how I thought about that series. They connected so many dots and uncovered details I never would have noticed on my own.

After that, they moved on to Spark of the Everflame. I read those books, but wasn’t as interested, so I skipped that series. I also passed on their Fourth Wing coverage because Onyx Storm left me with such a massive book hangover that I couldn’t bring myself to relive it. That story stuck with me for weeks, and I just wasn’t ready to dive back in.

When they announced a Quicksilver deep dive ahead of Brimstone coming out in November, I was all in. I’ve already read Quicksilver twice and didn’t want to do another re-read before the new release, so this has been the perfect refresher. Listening has pointed out all the small details and lore I missed the first time around and made me appreciate the story even more. Highly recommend if you loved Quicksilver and want to get ready for Brimstone.

4. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Last month I shared how much I’ve been loving the Elemis cleansing balm that an esthetician recommended to me on our August cruise. Since then, I’ve been more curious about their other products. A food influencer I follow mentioned these resurfacing pads, and when I saw them on sale, I decided to give them a try.

They’ve been a really pleasant surprise. My skin feels smoother almost immediately after using them, and there’s no stinging or harsh chemical peel feeling like some exfoliating pads have. They actually feel soothing when you apply them.

I use them after cleansing to make sure my skin is completely clean before moving into the rest of my skincare routine. I’m planning to keep using them over the next couple of months to see how my skin continues to respond, but so far, I really like them.

5. Solace Adapt Closure Apple Watch Band

I’ve had a few Solace watch bands over the years and always liked them, but their new Adapt closure might be my favorite. It uses a magnetic clasp that’s strong and easy to adjust, something I’ve struggled to find with other bands that are either too tight or hang loose on my wrist.

I wanted a few color options that could go from workouts to everyday wear, and these have been perfect for that. They’re comfortable and affordable, which means I can have a few different ones without paying Apple’s premium prices. I still have a couple of dressier bands for nicer outfits, but most days, these are what I’m wearing.

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And that wraps up October. Between family visits, busy weekends, and a few new favorites, it’s been a full month in the best way. I’m looking forward to a slower pace in November, cozy routines, and maybe a little more breathing room before the holiday chaos hits.