October Favorites: Food, Finds and Feel-Good Stuff!
Published 4 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader
How is it already the end of October?! For the first time in a long time I feel like we’ve actually been able to enjoy proper fall weather in Toronto and I have been loving it. The leaves are turning, there's a chill in the air and I am officially re-entering my cozy era so cue all the comfort food, hearty salads and comfy pants (more on those below).
In case you missed it- Our meal prep club is OFFICIALLY BACK this month. Our featured recipe is my protein breakfast biscuits and our $200 Amazon gift card giveaway closes November 15th so make sure you enter!
Here’s everything I’ve been loving in October…
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Tuscan Kale and Quinoa Salad This is my idea of a salad that actually keeps you full. It’s got quinoa, lentils AND chickpeas, plus sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan and toasted pine nuts in a lemony Dijon dressing. Salty, tangy, crunchy, all of it. It’s SO good for meal prep because the kale holds up once it’s dressed, so it’s just as good on day four as on day one.
Chai Banana Bread If October had a flavor, it would be this. Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, with real brewed chai in the batter AND the glaze. It’s made with oat flour and rolled oats for extra fibre, plus Greek yogurt for moisture. Don’t skip the 15-minute rest before baking. It’s the secret to a soft loaf that isn’t gummy. Freeze unglazed slices for an easy grab-and-go snack.
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Books, Shows and Everything In Between |
The Love Hypothesis: Movie (Prime video): It’s not often a movie lives up to the hype of a book but I feel like this one did a pretty good job! It’s a cute rom-com that is a super easy watch for a cozy night in.
Liberty Street: Book by Heather Marshall: A Toronto based historical fiction novel about a women's reformatory- highly highly recommend giving this one a read!
Tenzing: Movie (Apple TV): I hadn’t heard anything about this one but it was SO good. I love a movie that shows me a part of history and this follows the first two individuals to summit Everest!
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Products I've Been Loving |
Gap Easy Pants: My new go-to pants. I grabbed them when they were on sale and have been obsessed- they're comfy enough to cook and film in but I still look put together.
IKEA VARIERA Shelf Insert
The best $9.99 I spent all month! These stackable shelves instantly double your cabinet space. I bought some for our snack cupboard and then our mugs and plates and everything looks SO much more organized now.
Fridge/cupboard lazy susan - CLEARLY I am in my organization era. Now that I can actually see everything in the fridge, these have saved me from re-buying the same sauces 5 times and that is a WIN in my books.
Whole foods Chantilly Lace Cake- my best friend got MARRIED at the beginning of the month and we decided to decorate her wedding cake and it honestly turned out not horribly?? This whole foods cake was 10/10 for a good decorating base!!
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From the blog:
- Butternut Squash and Sausage Orzo with Kale: This one is such an easy weeknight dinner! It comes together in one pan which is amazing for easy cleanup and leftovers reheat super well!
- Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches: As someone who loves a savory breakfast option, these are amazing! They are really easy to prep and then great to have on hand for busy mornings!
- Pumpkin Protein Balls: These are such a fun fall-inspired recipe! They are quick to make and I love keeping them in the freezer for a yummy afternoon snack.
Books, shows and everything in between:
- Dancing with the stars: If you haven't started watching yet you need to!! It's one of the most feel-good shows and I get so excited to watch every week (and as a Canadian you get to vote too)!
- War: This is a new drama from HBO that is super intense! It follows two rival law firms taking on a high-profile divorce case.
- Traitors New Blood: This season has no celebrities and I think I might like it even better than the regular version.
- You've Got Mail: I couldn't believe I never saw this movie! It's the perfect fall watch.
Products:
- Annie's Real Fruit Snacks: I've tried the Annie's crackers and didn't know they had a sweet version! It's perfect for whenever I'm craving candy.
- Plush robe: I couldn't believe how long I went without a cozy robe?? As someone who runs cold, this makes chillier mornings so much nicer.
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That’s a wrap on October! Next up is the holiday season! As always please send me a message with any requests, I always love to hear from the community!
Xo,
Nicole
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