The Potluck: October 2021
Continuing the monthly tradition, The Speckled Palate’s The Potluck: October 2021 includes some books, clothing, fall-related goodies and more. Come see my love list and tell me what was on yours for October.
October has been wonderfully busy. I’m happy to report that we’re settling into this new routine, and Lucy is thriving as a tripawd.
If you recall in last month’s potluck, I talked about how Lu underwent surgery to remove an osteosarcoma in her front right leg and how the adjustment for the first few weeks was really tough, but how it was also so incredible to see her recover.
She’s rocking the three-legged life, and we’re tentatively going to be dressing her up this weekend because, well, how could we NOT bring her trick-or-treating with us?
In addition to Lucy being a rockstar, it’s been an excellent month for us for a lot of reasons.
Let’s discuss October Highlights:
As mentioned above, October has been a positive month for us, personally, as we settle into our school year routine with both girls.
Here are a few of our highlights:
- After-school activities. It sounds silly to say this was a highlight because, well, we’ve been really busy and it stresses me out about getting from point A to point B in time, but it’s also been fun for the girls to participate in events after school and for life to look more “normal” of more than a year and a half of just staying close to home. Our older one is in soccer, and that’s been a blast to watch throughout the season. Both girls are also in swimming lessons, and it’s been amazing to see their progress with that, too.
- Lucy. She’s going to be a highlight in my life until she’s no longer in my life, to be honest with you. I’m taking a “Why not?” approach for anything that has to do with Lucy. We know our time is short, and we’re so lucky to have this bonus time with her… and I want it to be the best time of her life. So she’s accompanied us to school pickups and soccer practice and to the park as often as she wants because, well, why not?
- The State Fair of Texas. It’s been a few years since we went. We decided to go the final weekend this year, and it was a blast! The girls were finally an age where they could enjoy the rides and food, so we met up with some close friends and explored. It’s funny how when you take your kids to the Fair that your priorities shift. Instead of doing our foodie tours, beer garden chats and leisurely walks, we ended up living in the Midway, where the majority of the rides were.
- 300!: I rode my 300th Peloton ride this month, and I am so proud of myself for showing up consistently to ride the bike for myself. I’ve recently been doing a challenge with PowerZone Pack that’s all about PowerZone Training. I love how it challenges me to get out of bed and get on the bike to start my day right. It reminds me a lot of marathon training, and that makes me happy.
- Sports: Listen, our college football team has had some moments this season, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t watching. Same with our hockey team, though it’s early days. I’m happy to be watching live sports again, though I don’t plan to attend any games in person just yet.
Now Let’s Talk about this Monthly Love List…
To recap, my potluck, as defined by the folks at Merriam-Webster is:
the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made… a communal meal to which people bring food to share —usually used attributively ; whatever is offered and available in given circumstances or at a given time.
Now who’s ready to see what ended up on my list for October 2021?!?
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The Potluck: October 2021
Continuing the monthly tradition, The Speckled Palate’s The Potluck: October 2021 includes some books, clothing, fall-related goodies and more. Come see my love list and tell me what was on yours for October.
The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.
1. Spectacular Spreads: 50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion
My sweet friend Maegan wrote and gifted this book to me, and it’s an absolute gem that I can see coming into handy this holiday season. Whether you are hosting a themed party, a holiday gathering or something more formal, there’s an idea for you in this book.
2. Blood Oranges Kitchen & Garden Soap
This stuff smells awesome! I know it’s for kitchen and garden, but it’s currently living in my bathroom for my hands because I love the scent and feel of it. It arrived in my Feminist Book Club box this month.
3. Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
We had the most fun making and decorating these when my older one was off school one Friday. It was a blast and these treats are totally spooky and creepy and perfect for Halloween snacking! This is the perfect afternoon activity to complete with kids, so if you’re looking for an easy dessert to make for Halloween, this is for you!!
4. Crock Pot 6qt Manual Slow Cooker
Ours has been getting a workout recently because life is BUSY, and I don’t have a lot of time to cook at night. This has come in handy, along with the Instant Pot, because dinner is ready when we get home from our activities and I don’t have to stress about cooking. Some of our favorite slow cooker recipes are Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice and Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
5. Tweezers Set
I never thought I would recommend something like this, but here we are. My tweezers occasionally walk off from our bathroom—to fix broken things, to help with toys, etc… and I got fed up this month and purchased this set. They work like a dream and with the different shapes, they can pluck any hair… or assist in any kind of household “surgery.”
6. Cate Ankle Skinny Jeans
My friend Kelly recommended these on Instagram during the summer, and I purchased them in August. I got to actually put these into use this month since the heat finally finally finally broke. They’re right and fit well—and are cute to dress up or down. If you’re looking for a cute skinny cropped leg jean, this is it! (Bonus: Kelly is short, and I’m 5’7” and it fits us both!)
7. USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
We’ve finally finally finally replaced our old-as-dirt baking sheets with these beauties, and I love them. They don’t warp! They bake evenly and like a dream. They’re not a total PITA to clean. The only question is—is two enough for our household? 😂
8. The Great British Bake Off
It’s back and better than ever! I’ve been pre-watching the episodes at night and then watching with our older daughter, who is VERY into baking and cooking. It’s a fun little tradition, and I’m so happy we are able to do this together. Also… who are we liking this season? What are we thinking of the challenges?
9. The Legacy (Off-Campus Book 5)
I struggle with finding books that are light, easy(ish) reads when the world feels heavy, and it was so fun to revisit friends from the Off-Campus series in this book, which came out in September. If you’re a romance reader, this entire series is a delight while also dealing with some heavier topics and navigating them pretty well.
2014: October | November| December
2015: January | February | March | May | June | July | August |
September | November | December
2016: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December
2017: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December
2018: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December
2019: January | February/March | April | August
2020: January | February | March | April | May | June | July/August | September | October | November | December
2021: January | April | May | July | August | September | October | November/December
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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