October 2025 Favorites

Today as I sit here, we are turning back the clocks, a sign that fall is underway and winter is waiting in the shadows. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean that the chill of New England winters are soon behind it.

That being said, the fact that there are two more months left in 2025 is beyond bananas for me. This year had some growing pains — but more on that later. Today, I want to talk to you about my monthly favorites.

  1. Heating pad*: I love this heating pad. I’ve been a huge fan of the bean bag microwavable ones for years, but this one is so much better. I love that the battery life lasts for hours and it’s super slim compared to my bulky ones. This one also has a massager feature as well, which feels amazing. This is easily one of the best Amazon finds I’ve had to date.
  2. eNewton Bracelets: eNewton has been my addiction over the last few months. I love love love creating stacks with my collection, and they have held up significantly for months if not years. If you are considering gifting these, seriously check them out.
  3. Letter Necklace: This necklace has been on constant rotation since I got it. I was inspired by Madsstefano and this is the perfect everyday piece. I was also fortunate to get this right before the price increase, so I’m very happy I got this everyday piece in my collection.
  4. Dooney Lock Hobo: This bag has become my emotional support bag. I actually own it in four colors, and they are so comfortable to wear. I love the capacity of the bag, but I also love how the materials of the bag will stand whatever weather you’re in.

*Affiliate link — free to you to use, but I will be paid a small commission for each sale that you made via Amazon Content Creator.

Can We Normalize Friendship Breakups?

The type of breakup you hear about all of time is a romantic one. However, the one that you don’t hear about — and perhaps is even the most cutting and heartbreaking, is the platonic one.

The thing is we don’t anticipate friendships ending. Friends are the ones that are supposed to be there to lift you up when you need lifting and to be a source of support and companionship. There’s times that those relationships— like all — can be frustrating. However, the best thing about them — and perhaps the most beautiful— is that they are the ones that come with the most acceptance.

But sometimes, things happen. People grow apart, which is often the least painless one of them all. And no one’s guilty. It just happens as people progress in careers, move away, get married, and have babies.

The most painful thing is when there’s a blowup, a fight, or something that just cuts into the body so deep that it creates wounds and leaves scars once healed. The pain worsens when it’s someone that has been someone’s life for years and multiple stages of life. Trust me, I know this from experience. At the end of my twenties, I’ve had to say goodbye to a few friendships, people who I thought would be in my life forever.

But however common this is, it is something that I feel is not talked about. We talk plenty about romantic relationships ending. I mean, there are songs and novels and shows that are dedicated to that.

Friendship breakups though? Crickets.

This is something that I feel like needs to be normalized. I mean, I’m sure I’m not the only one on the planet who has experienced this. Therefore, I wish that there was more on this subject so that way one feels as though they are not alone, and the feeling is foreign and weird. That being said, those feelings and that pain is 100 percent valid.

And therefore, healing it is the exact same thing. Self care, allowing yourself to feel the feelings, and give yourself time to heal.

After all, like a regular breakup, time heals all wounds. I can say after experiencing one in the past year, that cliche is 100 percent true.

2025 Gift Guide for Her

With Halloween a mere three days away, I decided that it was about time to start making and sharing gift guides, because if you’re like me, you’re already getting ready to make sure that your Christmas shopping starts on Prime Day.

Today, we’re kicking off the gift guide with gift ideas for her. Many of the picks that I have are all from my Amazon Storefront. This is an affiliate link, so if you decide to purchase something from it, I get a small commission, which is very much appreciated. Many of these are under $50, so these are great for any woman in your life — or even a small treat for yourself.

  1. Baggu Medium Crescent Bag: I love Baggu. Out of all of the items that I have, the Medium Crescent Bag is something that I cannot recommend enough. It fits so much, and fits so comfortably over the body. And this bag is durable. I’ve thrown it around, and it still looks as good as the day that I bought it. This makes a great gift, but it also is something that is an excellent closet staple.
  2. Bogg Bag: Bogg bags are something that have gone viral because of the fact that you can take them literally anywhere from the beach to road trips to more. Bogg bags are also really easy to clean due to their material. I got mine over the summer during Prime Day, and while I have yet to feel like they are an essential, I do think that they make wonderful gifts.
  3. Baggu Fanny Pack: This is by far my favorite fanny pack. I love the size, how it fits, and how durable it is. I’ve brought mine for daytrips, for long walks, and hot summer festivals.
  4. Makeup Bag: I bought this makeup bag during a Prime Day, and I absolutely love it. I love this one, because I can see everything at a glance and it keeps it organized. When I was in a wedding last year, everyone loved it because it kept everything so organized and it still managed to be compact.
  5. Budhagirl Bangles: These are a splurge, but these are 100 percent worth it. I love them because you can wear them anywhere as well. However, I love them because of the meaning behind them. And the best part? They are super quiet and office friendly.
  6. Jen and Co Riley Bag: This bag is one of my go-to gifts for anyone. I gave this to my bridal party. I gave this to my stepmother. My mother in law. I of course have one. It can be a crossbody bag and a wristlet. It fits the essentials. It’s extremely durable.
  7. Pavoi Tennis Bracelet: Everyone needs a little sparkle in their life, right? Pavoi jewelry has been a go-to brand of mine, and a tennis bracelet is a great staple to have in your jewelry collection. And for under $20, you can’t go wrong.
  8. Portable Charger: This charger is amazing. It has multiple different kinds of charger. You can plug it in the wall. It’s super slim. This is definitely something that is perfect for someone who has a phone battery that no longer lasts all day, or someone who is just on their phone a lot.
  9. Cocktail Tumbler: We are just getting away from poolside and beach weather, but this is the perfect gift for someone who enjoys being poolside or going to the beach.
  10. Teleties: These are my favorite hair ties especially now that my hair is short. They hold my hair very well, and they don’t damage it whatsoever.
  11. Heating Pad: This is my favorite new Amazon find! It’s so comfortable to wear and lasts for hours. It also has a setting for massage as well as heat, which is something that is really cool as well.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Let me know in the comments below.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: Coach Erin

Lately, I’ve been craving a sturdy everyday bag that just goes with everything. A bag that I can bring to work, holds my essentials, a book, and my tablet. A bag that is suited for all types of weather that I don’t have to worry or baby, as well as goes with everything.

This bag is the Coach Erin bag, a bag that is now sold out on the Coach Outlet website. I will however mention that the Coach Retail Bella offers the same features as the Erin: three compartments, large shoulder bag, and pebbled leather. The Coach outlet offered a similar style, called the Lori a few years back. I actually got my hands on that bag, but decided to part ways with it, because I couldn’t figure out how to style the burgundy bag.

I hunted this bag down after lusting after it for a while. It was one of the last ones available, and I recently switched into the bag from my Dooney and Bourke Pebbled Leather satchel. So far, I am really enjoying the bag. It is something that I don’t have to think about. It fits everything I need to. I love the compartments, because I can find everything that I need without really having to dig around.

I can tell that this bag is something that I really will use and abuse for a long time. Here’s what I’m able to carry in it:

If this bag restocks, I’d highly recommend adding it to your closet for a practical bag to add to your rotation.

Why You Should Celebrate Your Dating Anniversary as A Married Couple

My husband and I celebrating our dating anniversary in October 2021.

October 10th, 2017, was a Tuesday. It was a sunny day. For me, it would forever be known as the day that a new chapter in my relationship began — the day that my husband and I began officially dating and became boyfriend and girlfriend. Yes, on that day, I bluntly asked him ‘are you my boyfriend?’ ‘Am I your girlfriend?’ And the answer was yes, and the rest is history.

Six years later, we became husband and wife. However even though it’s been two years since my wedding day, I wonder: what happens to that day? Does it get forgotten and become just another day in the year? Or does it still remain to be a date celebration?

I went down a Google rabbit hole with that very question. The answers I found were mixed. Some couples said no, as it’s one of the many dates to celebrate. However, others said that they do celebrate as it can be a reminder of where everything began, whereas the wedding anniversary is one that celebrates the day you became man and wife.

It’s obviously not a one size fits all answer. However, I do think that it should be a date that should be celebrated — somewhat. I don’t think that this should be an over the top celebration, as that’s now the wedding anniversary.

Photo Credit: Scott Kruisboch

But, I do think that it does warrant a small date night, something that if you’ve been married or together for a few years, can suddenly become on the bottom of the priority list. Life is busy, and I know that going on dates with my own husband is something that has not become a priority, so I think that it becomes an excuse to go out together for a nice meal or just spend some quality time together.

I also think that even acknowledging that small detail is one of the biggest things and goes so far. There’s a reason why people say that it’s the little things, and I believe even just saying “hey it’s been x amount of years since our first date/we became official/we got engaged” brings so much joy.

And finally, I think celebrating this anniversary helps bring back some of the initial magic of the relationship that becomes lost after spending years with the person, and of course, when you’re living with someone. It honors the history of how the foundation of something great started. That magic can be easily lost, so I think taking the time to celebrate can lead to keeping that spark burning alive during the not so romantic times of marriage.

So while my husband and I may not be going out on a trip to celebrate our dating anniversary (anymore) or exchanging gifts, we will be taking the time to celebrate October 10th pretty much the duration of our entire marriage.

Do you want to join us? Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate too:

  • Go to the place where you had your first date to reminisce on how it all began.
  • Buy her flowers.
  • Plan a date night just the two of you.
  • Send a text to say “today mark x amount of years since our first date/since we made it official.”
  • Go out to a nice dinner.

Married couples, do you celebrate your dating anniversary still? Let me know in the comments below.

September Favorites

Fall is here and I’m enjoying the transition to cozy season, even though it’s been yo-yoing back and forth between cooler and warmer temperatures here in New England.

I’ve been toying with the idea of doing Blogtober this year, but I decided against it, because I really want to avoid getting burnout. However, I will be taking this time to actually sit down and write blog posts. I feel like my blogging has been slacking, so I want to take a moment to actually devote time to blogging.

But, before we look ahead to October, let’s look back at September. Here are my monthly favorites for this month:

Mejuri Initial Necklace: I got this late in the month, but I have not been able to take this necklace off. I’m obsessed. I am so happy that I got this before the price increase. I did have to use an extender that I already had, which I really love, because it can change the length of it. I’m glad that I got it when I did, because I’ve already worn it on repeat.

Enewton earrings: I love eNewton bracelets. I recently purchased two pairs of gold hoops (the thin hoops and a thick pair) as well as a pair of silver. They have been on repeat as well, and have the best quality. So far, they have held up so so well.

Between Friends and Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi: This book was amazing. I loved the FMC, Josephine. I loved the themes. I loved how hot and heavy the romance was in this one. This was one of the first books that I read this month, but I still think about Dr. Jo and all of the characters in this book.

Tory Burch Romy: I have wanted to get this bag for a while, and I’m so happy that I did. I love the black pebble leather. I love the slouch. I love how much it fits. And most of all, I love how comfortable that this bag is. I highly recommend this bag to anyone who is looking for a good classic bag, and will be wearing this all fall and winter.

Passion Project by London Sperry: This book was so beautiful, even though I was really disappointed in the main character in the end. Bennett is depressed and grieving the loss of her boyfriend. She goes out on a date that her roommate set up, and she ended up in the bathroom vomiting. The book explores her healing journey, as well as her moving on in her life in all avenues. I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: I’ve been binging this show for about half of the month, and I’m obsessed. I am hoping to get to the point where I’m officially caught up, but in the mean time, I’ve been enjoying watching the first five seasons.

Bridgerton: I watched this show many years ago when it first came out, but alas, never got past the first season. I got my mother in law into it, and together, we watched the second season (Kate and Anthony are honestly amazing), and we’re flying through season three. I am inspired to continue on with my journey of reading the books, but I’m really loving being caught up with this show.

September Fiber Faves

September marks the end of summer, but the beginning of fall. For me, that means fall crochet and knit projects. Warm and cozy items are in my future, and pretty sure that will also be in my loved ones’ future. I also think that this will begin the process of spooky items for Halloween next month as well.

As we enter this next phase of the year and begin sipping on warm fall drinks, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of my favorite patterns for the month of September.

Sewerella Cotton Everyday Cardigan: This cardigan is going to be a gift for one of my friends, and I already can tell you that this is a pattern that I’m going to want to make again for myself. It is so incredibly easy to make and I’ve been enjoying it. I can’t wait to see how this turns out, and I highly recommend this one for beginners.

Tapestry Crochet: I’ve been too scared to do tapestry crochet, but this month is the month when I decided to try. And boy, it has been a challenge. I’ve been ripping out and redoing rows. But, I’ve been enjoying this experience and I can’t wait to see how it’s going to turn out. This is the pattern that I’m currently working on, but I’m pretty sure that I should have started with something a lot smaller and easier.

Velvet Beanie: I have used this beanie pattern for babies and adults, and I absolutely love it. It is so soft and warm. I do plan to make more of these during the colder months, and will continue to give this as a gift as well.

Pumpkin Pattern: Fall means pumpkins. I’ve been making this pumpkin pattern for YEARs and they always come out so adorable. I have them in my office currently, and they bring me joy everytime that I look at them. 10/10 recommend making yourself some of these this fall season, because they are so easy and quick to make!

Chewie Cookie Company Will Take You to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

In a kitchen not so far away, Shelby Williamson is creating cookies that taste like they are out of this world with ingredients that are whole and clean, and a sprinkle of salt on the top. Williamson is the own of one of Milford’s latest treat shops, Chewie Cookie Company, and you don’t need to be a member of the Jedi to enjoy these cookies.

Williamson said that Chewie Cookie Company began when she decided to become a stay at home mom after having her son. Baking became the “thing” that she did just for herself.

“I have a serious sweet tooth so I decided to try some baking. I got a cookie recipe from a close friend and tweaked it a bit until I created what I thought was a perfect chocolate chip cookie,” she said. “Once I got that down I started to have some fun with it. I started experimenting with different ingredients to make unique flavors that I knew myself and others close to me would enjoy.”

It was her husband that suggested that she turned her love for baking into a business.

“I was a bit skeptical at first,” she said. “But the idea of turning my cookies into something that could potentially keep me home with my son long term was what gave me the final push to get it started. My husband is a businessman so he helped me with the business idea and name and even some of the creative cookie flavor names.”

Currently, cookies from Chewie Cookie Company can be purchased online with local home delivery twice a month, and at local Milford events, such at the Lobster Fest and Half Shell on the Green. Furthermore, she also does special orders as well.

There are four flavors that Chewie Company offers: Chewie Chocolate Chip, Dark Vader (dark chocolate and white chocolate chip), PB Skywalker (peanut butter cookie with peanut butter cups), and Java the Nut (coffee cookie with pistachios). Williamson said that she was experimenting with many different flavors such as R2Blue2, which was a speciality to the Lobster Festival, and she plans to expand her offerings as the holiday season approaches.

Each of these cookies have a mix of both sweet and savory. They came beautifully wrapped, and that box was super heavy. They are sprinkled with salt, but that’s the only thing that is salty about them. The cookies are as vibrant as John Williams’ score.

These chocolate chip cookies melt in your mouth in every bite, while the Java the Nut has the grit of coffee grinds mixed right in the batter, Dark Vader has the ying and the yang of the bitterness of the dark chocolate and the creaminess of the white chocolate, and the PB Skywalker has a creamy peanut butter basis with chocolate peanut butter cookies.

What I think those cookies to be so amazing is the fact that they are baked with the most wholesome ingredients. Williamson prides herself on the very fact that every ingredient used in them are “whole” and “clean.”

“So many things we eat and feed our kids these days have so much extra, unnecessary junk (including baby formula),” she said. “Since I’m doing the baking, I get to control exactly what goes into my cookies. If there’s an organic option for something I want to use, I make sure to always choose that.”

And if it’s not organic, Williamson makes sure that she can find the cleanest ingredients possible.

“I make sure to compare ingredient labels on all products before deciding what I’m going to put in my cookies,” Williamson said.

You can check out Chewie Company on Instagram as well for the latest updates.

Joe on the Go: Drift Coffee is Your New Coffee Go To

Many may know the Drift Coffee Truck for their coffee buckets and long lines at the Farmer’s Market and Gulf Beach. However, what many might not know is the duo that serves their beverage is best friends Ben Bonessi and Griffin Gerardi, lifelong Milford residents fulfilling a dream of opening their own establishment.

“With years of experience in coffee and restaurants, we always imagined running something of our own. In March 2025, we finally made the leap,” they said.

That leap was building their cargo trailer “entirely by hand” to become what we now call Drift Coffee. Their menu is extensive for both food and beverages, so there is something for everyone, whether you’re a coffee drinker or not.

For drinks, they have hot coffee, cider, chai, matcha, apple cider, and their “fan-favorite” cold brew. To pair with their drinks, they have a huge variety of syrups to go along with whatever you choose — all of which are made in-house. In addition, they have two or three cold foam flavors that are rotated daily. When visiting them, I had my chai paired with Oatmilk and pumpkin spiced syrup, and it tasted like fall in a cup.

Of course, every beverage can be served in the iconic 24 oz bucket. Each bucket comes with a straw and is perfect to take a picture and take on the go.

“Customers can order any drink in that size,” they said.

Their food menu consists of bagels and waffles. The bagels they serve are from Cohen’s Bagels in Madison, and consist of flavors such as French Toast, everything, bacon, and more.

But the waffles are the true star of the show. When I visited them at the farmer’s market, you can smell their mouthwatering scent as they were freshly made in the truck as you waited in line. They have a regular one, as well as some seasonal flavors such as apple crisp waffles. I’ve had the apple crisp waffles, and they were out of this world. They were both crispy and fluffy at the same time — a feat that is rare — and with the brown sugar coating and apple filling, it tasted exactly like a waffle version of a warm apple cider donut that just came out of the oven.

My mouth is watering as I write that very description.

As fall enters into Milford, they said that flavors such as pumpkin, pumpkin spiced cream cheese, and apple crisp waffles will be on the menu. But past fall, I can see myself returning to their truck for my caffeine fix and a waffle as a sweet treat.

And I’m not the only one. Drift recently had their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony a few weeks back, and is now officially on the move.

“Since opening, we’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from the Milford community,” they said.

To catch Drift, be sure to follow them on their Instagram. They will be at the Farmer’s Market until October 4th, and at Gulf Beach Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon.

Friday Faves: September 19, 2025

TGIF and happy last Friday of the summer. Fall officially begins on Monday. I am so sad to see the summer and the warm temperatures go, however, I am very much looking forward to the flavors of fall and the crunch of leaves under my shoes as I walk.

Before we get into the weekend and the changing season, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorites of the past week.

Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose: I read the Perfect Marriage by this author a few years ago, and I just picked up the sequel, the Perfect Divorce, this week. I was hooked for the last 100 pages and all of the twists and turns that they brought, only coming up for air whenever absolutely necessary. This book tells the story of Sarah Morgan after the events of the first novel took place, and with her second husband, Bob Miller. I absolutely loved this book, and this is a great book to read if you’re looking for a book to help you reach your goal this year.

Coach Hadley Bag: I wrote a review on this bag earlier this week, and my feelings on it have not changed. I love how this bag feels and how easy it has been this week to wear. I am so glad that I got this bag in black leather so it can be super durable.

Tru Fru: I have been on a health kick this past few weeks, and this has been a snack that I can’t stop eating. My favorites have been the blueberry, cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. I have been picking on them whenever I feel like eating a snack, and I must say that they are the best thing to snack on.

Between Friends and Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi: I absolutely loved how real this book was. I finished this on Sunday, and I fell in love with our FMC, Jo. This book hit me so hard. It talks about depression. It talks about mental health. It talks about unrequited love. I loved everything about this book, and it will be something that I recommend for years to come.