mood – Mind Beauty Simplicity

Look at me trying to be a book blogger over here! Blogtober makes you really think outside the box. But I am an avid reader especially this time of year. There’s just something about curling up with a good book, a warm beverage & watching the leaves fall off the trees from the window. So, today as it’s Sunday & a day of rest & relaxation for me usually, I wanted to share with you a few books that will for sure put you in the fall mood.

The Harry Potter Series

You might actually fall out of your chair when I tell you I’ve never read any of the Harry Potter books. In the past, I was never really interested to be honest & it never crossed my mind again until now. Recently, we had a Harry Potter movie marathon again & I can officially say I’m a fan. The movies are wonderful & I’ve seen those numerous times. So, I guess it’s time to finally sit down & read the books.

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Midnight Sun

Thank you Netflix for bringing back a highschool favorite & allowing me to bask in the nostalgia. In highschool, I was obsessed with the Twilight series. I’m just a huge fan of vampires in general. I was 100% Team Edward & the fact this is his point of view is so interesting to me. And a lot of the soundtrack in the movies I plan on using for our wedding. But I have yet read the newest installment of the Twilight saga & feel like this is a perfect read for October.

The Silent Patient

This novel is a shocking psychological thriller about a woman’s act of violence against her husband. Not realizing or remembers what she has done, she goes to a therapist who becomes obsessed over her motives & uncovers a few mysteries behind her seemingly perfect life.

Hocus Pocus

If you are a fan of this Halloween classic film, you’ll love owning the story in novel form. It includes the original tale of the Sanderson Sisters along with a never before told sequel. The book would also be a great display piece on a shelf or coffee table during the Halloween season.

In a Dark Dark Woods

If you love mystery thrillers, I’d recommend you check this book out right here. This book was the start of my Ruth Ware obsession & this story doesn’t disappoint. It’s about a group of friends who venture off to a cabin in the woods for a weekend Bachelorette party that turns into a suspenseful who done it story. It’s one that kept me on the edge of my seat & it’s tough to decide which character you should trust more.

If It Bleeds

I know they say not to judge a book by it’s cover, but the look of this book screams spooky season. If it Bleeds is a series of 4 short stories all separately ponder the questions of friendship, evil, death, & fear. What I love about Stephen King’s novels, although there are scary elements to this collection & a lot of his work, his writing most of all, makes you ponder life itself.

The Cellar

Another favorite author of mine who was first discovered on Wattpad is Natasha Preston. Almost all of her books are spectacular in my opinion & some I’ve even read twice [ which is a rarity for me] . This one in particular is a suspenseful story of a teenage girl who wanders off during a party & is abducted by a man named “Clover”. He drags her into his cellar where she meets three other girls in her same plight. How will they escape?

Lock Every Door

This book just drew me in so early on & is such a page turner in my opinion. It gives off Hitchcock vibes for sure. The fact the story takes place in New York City is an added bonus. The foreshadowing & suspense of the writing is phenomenal. I just didn’t want to put the book down.

Be sure to check out my current fall favorites post for a few more book recommendations I didn’t mention here.

Have you checked out any of these books? Do you have any others you’d recommend?

–B

all links are NOT affiliated / sponsored

Happy Sunday! On this day of Blogtober, I wanted to slow things down & share with you my go to self care routine for fall. I tend to base my rest & relaxation on the seasonal vibes. In no means am I restricting this for only Sundays of course. Whatever day you feel the need for a pick me up, return to this blog post for some inspiration.

When I think about fall, I picture cozying up on the couch in a comfy sweater & fuzzy socks, warm beverage in hand gazing out at the falling leaves from my window. Honestly, it’s such a vibe especially for down days such as these.

Dress Cozy & Comfy

Most fall days, I lean towards oversized sweaters & leggings – but on self care days this attire is a fall wardrobe essential. Basically, I’m looking to be as comfortable & warm as possible & this pairing does just that. I’m the type of person who gets cold when the temperature drops to 60 degrees. Maybe my iron levels need checked. LOL So, bundle me up in blankets & pillows as well because I’m ready to be a toasty burrito.

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Set The Mood

Most self care days I allow myself breaks from all forms of work. But there are the occasional moments where I find myself still typing away or doing some behind the scenes work for the blog. I guess you could say it’s the price we make for fueling said passions. And honestly, I find these moments to be rather relaxing when I set the mood right. In the fall especially, I will light a few candles (preferably ones of the pumpkin spice or cinnamon aroma), dim the lights & just find a chair to melt into for a few hours. Occasionally, I’ll play some background tunes or have a Youtube video playing in the distance – usual videos revolving around true crime or ghost stories this time of year. Another favorite of mine is putting the fireplace video from youtube on my tv (because we don’t have a real fireplace).

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Give My Skin Some Extra TLC

In the fall / winter, my skin becomes super dry. I really try to prioritize moisturizers & face masks more often. In general, my skin care routine is simple. The less products the better for my sensitive skin. But I really love an occasional peel off or clay mask. Some favorites include the Origins Retexturizing Mask & the Fresh Pore Purifying Face Mask . But on a regular basis, I stick to a cleanser like the Cera Ve Facial Cleanser & warm water.

Cook a Tasty & Fulfilling Meal

As soon as the temperature drops just a tad, I’ll quickly start to crave those hardy, carb filled meals. I’m trying to make relatively healthier choices (cue wedding prep), but we aren’t perfect all the time & news flash…it’s ok to crave the pasta! So, on self care days especially, I’ll usually cook my favorite & easy meal which is Fettuccini Alfredo. On the side I’ll toast up some bread, dip it in olive oil & sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of everything. To me, this is heaven. Add a glass of orange tinted wine & you’ve got yourself a spooky season type of evening!

Take a Scenic Stroll

I love the beautiful scenery fall season has to offer. The brightly colored leaves of red & orange & the way they sway off the trees into the wind makes me love the fact I live in an area with multiple seasons. Getting fresh air & being in nature is another way I relax after a long day. Even if it’s a quick walk around the neighborhood, I take advantage of the outdoors regularly. I hope to also schedule a few weekend adventures with the fiance – preferably to the mountains this season. There’s just something about staying in a cabin by the mountains / lake with the fall scenery that would make the perfect relaxing fall getaway we desperately deserve.

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Watch a Spooky Flick

The entire month of October, I try & soak up as much spooky material as possible. I love ending the day with a movie or tv show of this genre. It puts me in the best mood. Some favorites include Hocus Pocus, most true crime documentaries, paranormal mini series or even Halloween / ghost story youtube videos. Look out for an entire list of Halloween themed favorites coming up this Blogtober.

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Get Lost in An Eerie Book or Story

I definitely read a lot more in the fall or winter time. I think it’s because we are inside far more often. Of course you can choose any genre of book you’d like to get lost in but I prefer thrillers, mysteries & ghost stories during this season. I recently purchased a reading chair for my office & it’s the perfect spot to cuddle up in a blanket & novel especially during those more blustery of fall days. It’s important to create spaces in your home that invite relaxation.

Be sure to plan out a few self care days this month, especially if you are a fellow blogger participating in Blogtober like myself. I hope this post gave you a bit of inspiration. What’s your favorite self care activity during fall?

Have you read yesterday’s blogtober post?

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-B

Tag: mood

Books To Put You in the Fall Mood