Cozy Day at Home 🏡

                               Cozy Home Day in October

There’s nothing quite like a cozy day at home in October. The air outside has that cool, crisp feeling that makes you want to stay wrapped up in a blanket with something warm to drink. Today was one of those days — no rushing around, no errands, just a slow, peaceful day at home.

I started my morning with a hot cup of coffee and watched the sunrise peek through the trees. There’s something about the way the light filters through fall leaves that makes everything look golden. I took a few minutes to just sit quietly and enjoy it — no phone, no TV, just the sounds of the morning. Then of course I wanted to read a few chapters in my book after doing self reflection. I am currently reading Sugar,Spice, and Can’t Play Nice by Annika Sharma. 

                

After breakfast, I lit a pumpkin-scented candle and decided it was the perfect day to do a little “home fluffing.” I switched out my throw pillows for the cozy fall ones, added a fall blanket to the couch, and even put a small pumpkin on the kitchen counter. It’s the little things that make home feel warm and welcoming this time of year.

                                 

 

Lunch was simple — grilled cheese and tomato soup. It just felt right for the day. I spent the afternoon reading a book and catching up on a few small things around the house. Even folding laundry feels a little nicer when you’ve got a soft candle burning and a fall playlist in the background.

As evening came around, I fixed a cup of hot cocoa and sat out on the porch for a bit. The air was cool, the wind gentle, and the sky had that early sunset glow. It was one of those moments where you can just breathe and be thankful.

Days like this remind me that we don’t always have to be doing something big to feel happy. Sometimes the best kind of day is the quiet one spent right at home.

🍁Welcoming October with Open Arms🍁

There’s something magical about flipping the calendar to October. The air feels crisper, the mornings greet you with a soft golden light, and there’s a calmness that settles in after the rush of summer. I always find myself looking forward to this month — a time of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and fall festivities that make life feel extra special.

The first thing I do when October rolls around is switch my home into “autumn mode.” Out come the pumpkin-scented candles, plaid throws, and a wreath of fall leaves for the door. It’s amazing how a few simple touches can instantly make your space feel warm and inviting. My favorite evenings are the ones where I curl up with a blanket, a cup of apple cider, and a good movie while the breeze rattles the leaves outside.

October also brings the joy of fall events — pumpkin patches, farmers markets, and maybe a local fall festival or two. There’s something about walking through rows of pumpkins, hearing laughter, and smelling kettle corn that brings out the kid in me. And of course, there’s Halloween waiting at the end of the month — a night of fun costumes, candy, and nostalgia.

Beyond the decorations and outings, October always reminds me to slow down. The year has flown by, and this season encourages me to pause and reflect. I love to take a quiet walk in the park, watch the leaves change, and just breathe in the beauty of nature. Fall teaches us that change can be beautiful — even necessary.

So here’s to October — a month full of color, comfort, and simple joys. Whether it’s baking something sweet, taking a Sunday drive, or just lighting a candle and enjoying the moment, may we all find little ways to savor the season. 

A Saturday well spent

                          Movies, Bridal Shower, & Shopping 

Some Saturdays feel extra full, and August 30th was  definitely one of those days. Mr. C. and I started our morning slow, which is always a treat on the weekend. We woke up around 6:30 AM and curled up with a couple of movies. First was Culprit, which turned out to a really good movie. Then we watched The Hungting Ground, it was filled with drama and some disturbing scenes.  By the time the credits rolled, it was already time for me to get ready for the day ahead.

The main event for the morning was Kaitlyn’s bridal shower in Elgin at her fiancé mom‘s home. It started at noon so I grabbed the card I had prepared with $25 for her honeymoon fund and headed out. I’ll be bringing a separate gift for Ethan and Kaitlyn‘s wedding itself. 

When I arrived, I was struck by how beautiful everything was decorated. Right at the entryway was a table set up with a cute, welcome, sign, and fun games, guessing the candy in a jar, leaving a date, night ideal, And offering advice for the soon to be newlyweds. My ideal was a creative one-and immersive art experience at mix-tape at Factory Obscura in Oklahoma City. Above the table, balloons spelled out bride, which added such a cheerful touch.

This is where Kaitlyn will be opening her gifts. The stunning balloon, arch, with boots filled with silk flowers in shades of peach, yellow, red and greens. It was clear the theme was “ Flowers of many colors,” and it gave the whole space, a lovely and joyful atmosphere.

And then there was the food-Wow! The buffet was overflowing with delicious options: Two different vegetable tries with dips, fresh fruit (Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices) with fruit dip, Pasta salad, chicken, salad, sandwiches, ham, and cheese, sliders, crackers, and cheese and chips. 

The desserts were just as tempting; Decorated gourmet cookies, homemade wedding cookies, chocolate-Dipped strawberries, and cupcakes. Sweet tea and lemonade, rounded it all out perfectly.

After the shower wrapped up, I headed home where Whitney met me at 2 PM for our afternoon shopping adventures. Our first Stop was basket market in Oklahoma City. Whitney has a love for Christmas decor, while I was on the hunt for fall items for my porch. She enjoyed browsing the holiday treasures, while I snagged several gift boxes, a Christmas ornament, and a set of assorted pumpkins for my porch decor this year.

From there, we made our way to a couple of thrift stores. I’ve always loved thrifting-It feels like a little treasure hunt. At one store, I found a pretty full arrangement that will work perfectly with the porch set up I’ve been imagining.

Dinner was at Bubba‘s 33, Which has a little bit of everything; Pizzas, pasta, burgers, and more. I went with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. While Whitney ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich-And let me just say it looked and tasted amazing. We both loved it so much that we ended up buying matching Bubba 33 T-shirts before we left!

The loaded cheese fries were very tasty!

Our next stop is Burlington, where I picked up some new shower items. I couldn’t resist the pineapple scented line, and I also grab some cherry, scented items along with two  deodorant’s. 

From there, we treated ourselves to smoothie king, I tried the lemonade- strawberry twist, smoothie, which was so refreshing-perfect for this season since I’ve been really enjoying Strawberry-Lemonade flavors lately.

By the time we pulled back into the driveway, it was 8 PM- a long but fun filled Saturday. Looking back, it amazes me how much we packed into the day. From celebrating Kate at her beautiful shower to shopping, thrifting,eating, and laughing with Whitney, it was the kind of Saturday that left me tired but happy. Sometimes, the best days are the ones where you just keep moving from one joy to the next.

As I think back on it now, I’m grateful-For family milestones, for friends to shop and laugh with, and for simple pleasures like a good sandwich or a perfect fall decoration. Life is busy, but days like this remind me that joy often comes in little pieces scattered throughout the day. All we have to do is notice them.
   

A Tuesday in My Shoes

    From Call Center Calls to Evenings at Home

Some days seem to fly by faster than others, and for me, Tuesdays often hold a unique rhythm all their own. Not quite the the fresh start of Monday, not quite the middle-of-the week, push of Wednesday, but something in between. Tuesday, August 26th, unfolded like so many others in my life- a steady balance between the busyness of work and the comforts of home. Looking back, I realize how much joy can be found in the ordinary especially when we slow down enough to appreciate it. 

                                Early Morning Beginnings 

My alarm goes off around 5:00 AM, though truthfully, I often wake up a few minutes before it sounds. There’s something peaceful about early hours, when the world outside is quiet and calm. My morning usually starts with a cup or tea in hand while I catch up on last night nights news headlines and scroll through my emails. It’s a habit I’ve kept for years. I also will in my private journal. Something about being informed and organized helps me start the day with a clear mind. 

I take a little time to get myself ready for work, making sure I’m out the door by 6:30 AM sharp. My shift at the call center starts at 7:30 AM. My commute is 30 minutes.

                                                       Stepping into Work Mode 

        When I arrive at the office and log into my computer, I can already see members waiting in queue. Even on Tuesday-typically one of our slower days. One thing I’ve learned in this line of work is how quickly patience wears thin when someone has been kept waiting. By the time I answer, many callers are already frustrated, and it becomes part of my job, not only to solve their problems, but also to ease their irritation. 

It’s not always easy, but I remind myself that behind each call is a person with their own story, their own needs. My monthly goal is 250 saves. That means helping members resolve their concerns, so they choose to stay with us rather than leaving. On average, I aim for 12 saves a day to keep myself on track. Meeting those goals can feel like a challenge, but it’s also rewarding to know I’ve made a difference in someone’s decision to stay.

                                   Wrapping up the Workday 

By the time, 4 PM Rose around, I’m more than ready to head home. My commute back to Rush Springs takes about half an hour, and I’ve grown to enjoy that time. Depending on my mood, I’ll either make some phone calls, or I’ll simply let music feel the space. Some drops feel like conversations, others like little moments of solitude. Either way, is the transition that helps me leave the workday behind and shift my mind toward home.

                                Evenings in Rush Springs

When I walked through the door, i’m greeted by the comforting smells of dinner already cooking. My husband takes care of most of the cooking in our household. He has such a gift for it, and I’ll admit he has spoiled me completely in this department tonight, as with most nights, he’s prepared as a hearty meal the kind you look forward to all day long.

We always make it a point to sit down at the dining room table together no distractions just conversations. This time of the day is one of my favorites. We share details of our day, what went well, and what frustrations we faced. It may not sound like much, but these daily check ins keep us connected. 

After dinner, we usually migrate to the living room. Sometimes it’s the news, other times it’s a series we are watching together. It’s nothing extravagant, but it’s our way of winding down, being present with one another, and enjoying the comfort of our home. 

Tonight it was a night of beans, homemade jalapeño cornbread, fried potatoes with onions. A favorite meal for us. 

                                A Quiet Nighttime Routine

Tonight my shower routine is based on peach scented items. 

By the time evening, Rose round, I’m ready for bed earlier than most people. My nightly routine usually includes scrolling through TikTok or catching up on YouTube videos from channels I enjoy. It’s a way to unplug my mind from the day, even if it means staring at the screen for a bit longer than I should. I try to wind everything down around 9:00 PM, giving myself the chance to rest and recharge before the next day begins. 

                                Finding beauty in the ordinary 

As a reflect on this Tuesday, what stands out to me the most is not a single big event, but the string of little moments that shaped the day. The calm of an early morning, the challenges and victories of work, the comfort of a warm meal, the laughter shared over conversation, and the slow winding down at night. 

It’s easy to overlook days like these, to brush them off as routine or ordinary. But I think these are the days that matter most. They may not make the headlines of our lives, but they are the threads that hold everything together. and just like that, another Tuesday has come and gone. Nothing too fancy nothing too wild -just the rhythm  from early mornings with tea and the news, to the busy hum of the the call center, to the comfort of home-cooked dinners and a quiet evening with Mr. C. It’s these simple routines that keep me grounded. Each day may look ordinary on paper but together they make up a life I’m grateful for.

 

Slow and Sweet Sundays at Home

 

Sometimes Sundays are meant for adventure but today was all about home comforts. Instead of heading out for our usual “Sunday Funday” I leaned into a slower pace, and was just what I needed.

The kitchen became my cozy corner this morning. I prepared cheese ravioli to tuck away for a few easy work lunches this week, and the oven carried the rich chococolatey aroma of s’more brownies that will make the perfect treat later. There’s something so satisfying about stocking up on homemade goodness before a busy week begins. 

I also turned my attention to the house. The guest bedroom is now fresh and ready for Kyndall and Liam’s next visit (and yes, their parents too!). A quick reset in the bathroom brought everything back into order~counters wiped, bath products neatly put away, and the floors shining again.

The best part of the day, though, was simply being with Mr. C.  We spent the afternoon catching up on Netflix, chatting about our upcoming plans, and just enjoying the quiet rhythm of being home.

Two Netflix shows we watched was American Murder: The Family Nextdoor and also Ad Vitam. Both were decent to watch. 

 As the weekend winds down, I feel refreshed and ready to stop into a new work week. Sometimes, the sweetest Sundays, are the ones spent right where you are.