10 things to try this October ... from delicious recipes to fall activities, these fun suggestions are the perfect way to shake up your everyday routine!
I love learning and trying different things. It keeps everyday life a little more exciting, know what I mean?
In that spirit, I’ve started a monthly series, 10 Things to Try. Each month this year, I’ll share ten seasonally appropriate ideas (recipes, crafts, decor ideas, and more) that are worth trying that month. If you’d like to play along, take a pic of something new you’ve tried, then post it on social media and tag it with #hellolittlehome … sound like fun?
Here are 10 things to try this October!
1. Make a Big Batch of Chili
It's National Chili Month! Celebrate the cooler weather by making a big batch of your favorite chili.
I love warming up with a bowl of chili at this time of year ... the spicy flavors are perfect for chilly fall days.
Here are some of my favorite recipes for you to try:
- Crock Pot Spicy 3 Bean Chili
- Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Chili
- Three Pepper Vegetarian White Bean Chili
2. Celebrate the Spookiest Holiday
Halloween is just around the corner, and I like to celebrate all month long!
This spooky holiday is the perfect excuse to get crafty! Gather your friends for a Halloween craft party ... these DIY Mummy Cards and Mini Witch Hat Headbands would both be fun to make.
Decorate your home with this free printable Halloween Boo Banner or Sugar Skull Print.
Craving some spooky treats? Try my Orange You Glad It's Halloween Float or Halloween Cake Pops. Then, use up all that extra chocolate from trick or treating to make these Thick and Chewy Candy Bar Cookies. Yum!
I've also got a bunch of fun Halloween costume ideas to inspire you (Beverly Goldberg might be my fave!).
Looking for more ideas? You can check out all of my Halloween crafts and recipes here.
3. Go Green with Spinach
It's Spinach Lovers Month ... who knew?
I love spinach. It has such a mild flavor that you can sneak it into all sorts of dishes. Picky eaters will be none the wiser!
Here are some of my go to recipes featuring spinach that are perfect for fall:
- Quick Coconut Curry
- Easy Vegetable Crock Pot Lasagna
- Homemade Deep Dish Pizza with Broccoli, Spinach, and Feta
- Four Cheese Spinach Calzones
- Garlicky Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas
- Mexican Quinoa Casserole
4. Check Out the Fall Leaves
There's nothing better in fall than taking a long walk on a beautiful and enjoying the colorful fall leaves!
Do you have a favorite place you visit every fall? I absolutely love Central Park in fall.
It's so beautiful and feels like an escape from the bustle of NYC. And although I won't be headed there this year, I can't wait to return on a future fall day.
Wherever you are, plan on spending a day or a weekend relaxing and taking in autumn, because it goes by too fast!
5. Enjoy Your Favorite Comfort Foods
It's still pretty dang hot here in Texas (upper 80s this past weekend), but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying my fall faves.
I'm craving comfort food ... casseroles, pastas, soups, and more. The cheesier, the better!
Need a little a little inspiration for your fall cooking ... you can check out all my favorite comfort foods here.
6. Make a Plan for the Rest of the Year
It's hard to believe, but there are only three months left in 2017 ... where did the time go?
Before the days run out, take time to think about what you want to accomplish in the remaining months.
Do you want to take a trip? Read a few books? Visit your family over the holidays?
Whatever it is, make a plan to do these things now before the rest of the year passes you by!
7. Enjoy a Homemade Pizza
October is a great month for a lot of reasons (fall, Halloween, etc.), but it's also National Pizza Month. And no other month can claim that! 😉
Pizza is one of these foods I could live on pretty much exclusively. There's so many ways to make it, I don't think I'd ever get bored.
Want to try some new pizza recipes this month? Start here:
- Grape, Feta, and Pesto Pizza
- Roasted Fall Vegetable Pizza
- Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli
- How to Throw a Homemade Pizza Party
8. Decorate for Fall
I'm not one to go over-the-top with fall decor, but it's fun to add a few touches here and there.
Last fall I picked up a couple mini white pumpkins that lasted all season long ... and beyond. I actually felt bad throwing them away when winter arrived!
Decorating for fall doesn't have to mean anything crazy. Add some comfy pillows and throws to your couch or create a display of colorful leaves and acorns (or use the acorns to make these Gilded Acorn Napkin Rings). Print and color this Happy Fall Y'all Coloring Page, then pop it in a frame.
Check out these DIY Fall Decorating Ideas for even more inspiration!
9. Warm Up with a Hot Drink
Long fall walks on chilly days are the perfect excuse to warm up with a delicious drink once you return home!
I'm all about spiced cider, hot chocolate, and steaming cups of tea at this time of year.
Here are some of my favorite hot drinks to try:
10. Treat Yourself to Popcorn and a Movie
October is National Popcorn Poppin' Month, and that is a weird holiday that I can get behind!
As the temperature drops in October, sometimes there's nothing better than curling up on the couch for a relaxed movie night with a big bowl of popcorn.
I've been making this Parmesan Pepper Popcorn for years, and it's my favorite. Once I've made my fave popcorn, the only challenge is what movie to pair it with!
What is something new that you are inspired to try this October?
Make sure to check out all of my 10 Things to Try posts for even more inspiration:
- 10 Things to Try in January
- 10 Things to Try in February
- 10 Things to Try in March
- 10 Things to Try in April
- 10 Things to Try in May
- 10 Things to Try in June
- 10 Things to Try in July
- 10 Things to Try in August
- 10 Things to Try in September
- 10 Things to Try in November
- 10 Things to Try in December