October Things: Pumpkins & Casseroles!

Call me basic if you want, but I’ll be over here celebrating every bit of fall in the most pumpkin spice-y vibes! And while I do truly love all the pumpkin things, cozy dinners are also high on my recipe priority list.

Last year around this time I had recently found out that I was pregnant with our Nova girl (you can read more about that in my September newsletter), so I didn’t really get around to decorating for fall. But this year, Cody took a day off of work and we had a fun day date where we picked out pumpkins, mums, and decorated the front porch! He’s the best 🙂

RELATED: October Bucket List

I’m also super excited about our first fall and pumpkin patch with Nova! I’m already dreaming up baby costume ideas. It feels like we can really enjoy the season this year! Now if the weather would just cool down here in Oklahoma…

Fall Porch Ideas & Mantle Decor

I’ve never had much of a porch to decorate, but this year I finally do with our new house! Here’s some of my favorite fall porch and mantle decor ideas:

The Best Fall Candles

There’s nothing like a good fall candle. It truly is the BEST! Here are a few of my faves:

Pumpkin Recipes

And now for the very best part of fall – pumpkins! Whether they’re sweet pumpkin baked goods or a cozy pumpkin pasta, I’m 100% here for pumpkin recipes this month. Here are a few favorites:

1. The BEST Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

2. Pumpkin Flax Granola Recipe

3. Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

4. Pumpkin Curry Soup

5. Mini Pumpkin Pies

6. The BEST Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies

7. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

8. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Looking for more? Check out these 45+ Healthy Pumpkin Recipes!

Cozy Casseroles

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or cooking a weeknight dinner for your family, there are so many cozy, inviting fall dinner casserole recipes to love! Here are a few ideas:

1. Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

2. Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole

3. Spinach & Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna

4. Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

5. Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole

6. Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole

7. Mushroom & Spinach Pasta Bake

You’ll Also Like 23 Healthy Casserole Recipes

Life Lately

Atlas started Kindergarten this fall, so we’re still getting in the swing of things with that. Learning his new schedule, and keeping up with all the emails and events. Also, my work day ends quite a bit earlier now because of school pickup. So, yeah! Learning to balance. But that’s the story of parenthood, isn’t it?

Ollie is doing great at his preschool, and Nove started daycare a few months ago. After quite a spout of mom guilt through that transition (can I just be honest here?), I’ve recently been letting go of that and learning to give myself grace as a mom. So, so important.

And now that she’s a big 5 month old (hehe), I feel like we’re settling into life a bit and there’s a pressure that’s removed as we’re leaving the newborn season (likely for good)! For the past 5-6 years I’ve either been pregnant, having a baby, or figuring out life with yet another little. Also, we built a house during that time! So this fall truly feels like we’re entering a new season as a family, and I’m so excited and relieved about that.

I guess all that to say, if you’re a mom in the trenches right now, I’m right there with you. But also I hear it gets better! And I can say firsthand that it’s already getting easier, lighter, better. Motherhood is no easy feat in any season you’re in, but there’s something about the change of seasons that’s just so refreshing!

What are your fall plans for this month? Let me know in the comments below and let’s be sure to connect over on Instagram!