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Nesting on this rainy October Sunday.
It has been a busy few weeks between our older son’s 7th birthday, school functions and all the Halloween things.
Rick and I always swore we would never let the kids have video games. Well for lucky number 7, we gifted our oldest a PlayStation 5. To see the expression on his face and the tears of joy when he opened it was totally worth it. Throughout the week, I found myself sitting down on the couch with him playing Madden and The Show. I enjoyed getting a friendly competition going and spending time with my son and sharing his love of sports. I learned a very important lesson this week. It doesn’t always have to be all or nothing. I am like this with alot of things in life. Either being super strict with my eating or bingeing, really trying to save money or spending frivolously. Things don’t always have to be one extreme or the other. We can set healthy boundaries and enjoy our guilty pleasures. So my inspiration to you this week is to incorporate a healthy balance!
We had a Halloween party last night and the kids had a blast. But I think Rick and I had more fun. Clearly I am rooting for Team Swelce and am going to be devastated if this doesn’t end all too well.
Linking our costume deets here if you’re looking for an easy couples costume.
Do you have a good fall nail color? Mine for years has been OPI Lincoln Park After Dark.
Here’s what’s been happening lately on the blog:
Earlier this week the ladies from The Cozy Creative Collaborative and I got together for this month’s share which was all about pumpkins. I shared these delicious pumpkin magic bars. Click here for the recipe.
Plus check out some other fabulous pumpkin ideas like a pumpkin sugar scrub, and a gorgeous pumpkin centerpiece. Click here to see it all.
If you’re looking for a fun way to booze your friends, I’ve got the perfect free printable and easy DIY. Click here for the printable.
Now Drink Up Witches!
And a drum roll please…
Amazon Gift Guides are here!!! Click here to see them all! There’s gift ideas for EVERYONE!
What I’m Watching
If you’re looking for a suspenseful series, may I suggest Fall of The House Of Usher (currently on Netflix)? Soooo good especially if you’re a fan of Mike Flanagan’s other works like The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor.
I need to catch up on The Golden Bachelor and also Real Housewives of New York City.
What I’m Reading
I just started The Only One Left by Riley Sager. He’s one of my favorite thriller authors.
I’ve got more fall book recommendations here.
Here are some of my favorite things I found on the internet throughout the week:
5 Things Taylor is Teaching Us About Our 30’s
These faboolous ghost napkins for your Halloween table.
How gorgeous is this Cinderella Pumpkin bundt cake from my friend Wendy? Linking her recipe here.
75 pumpkin carving ideas to give you inspiration.
And stay tuned this upcoming week I’ll be sharing easy last minute Halloween ideas and recipes for Souptober!!!
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6 Comments
Laura @ Our Grand Lives
October 23, 2023 at 7:53 amI ❤️ your Halloween costumes! My grown daughters and I are all Team Swelce, too, and can’t get enough! Love that ghost napkin idea, too! That would be fun and easy to add to any Halloween tablescape!
Anne Sweet
October 23, 2023 at 2:25 pmI love the costumes and the bundt cake. The pumpkin magic bars looks really yummy. I think I’m a bit too much of a scaredy cat to watch Fall of the House of Usher. The preview had me a little confused, It didn’t look anything like The haunting of Hill House.
Joanne
October 23, 2023 at 4:08 pmAw, I have fond memories of playing video games with my boys too and yes, I completely agree so many things in this life are not all or nothing and a bit of balance works much better.
CoCo
October 24, 2023 at 11:19 amYou guys look amazing, Nicolle! I love that you go all out for Halloween and the holidays. My parents do too and the littles totally lose it in the best possible way when they see everyone dressed up. Several years ago, Jon Acuff told our mastermind group to “Care about the things your people care about” and it was in reference to building better friendships, and family/partner relationships. I always try to remember that when it comes to the littles because I know things like video games, sports, concerts and time spent being silly are so important to them even if I have to google “what is Roblox” to better understand what they are excited about, it’s worth it in the long run to help them make extra special memories! Anyway, thanks for sharing my Halloween bucket I really appreciate it. Hugs, CoCo
mireille
October 26, 2023 at 8:30 amWe have found that the Nintendo Switch has been a good bonding experience for the boys: with a 3 to 4 years difference between all of them, it is something that they enjoy playing together. And us parents like a friendly Jeopardy or other game competition with them too.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Paula Short
October 26, 2023 at 9:24 amNicolle, what a fun week. Happy belated Birthday to your son. Back when my girls were little it was all about the Wii. And indeed we had fun.
Visiting today from Sunday Sunshine #11&12