In lieu of a traditional “A Few of My Favorite Things” this week, I wanted to welcome my personal favorite month: October! October is so great for so many reasons–it kicks off with my parents’ anniversary October 2nd (we celebrated tonight, since I’m home!); is usually the month when it’s time to start switching breezy summer dresses with cozy sweaters, and iced coffee turns into hot coffee, followed by dozens of family and friends’ birthdays–including my blogger bff Lauren (the 5th), my PSU friend for life Jon (the 6th), my Mom (the 16th), my Ara and Auntie Sonya (the 21st), my other blogger bff Lara, and of course, my own birthday on October 27th!; the 29th my friends and family from out of town will come to celebrate; and the 31st is one of my favorite holidays–Halloween! One of my favorite things about October, of course, is that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, a cause (no pun intended) close to my heart (last year I had a running article on the ways to support awareness and research and this year, I plan to do the same). How could I not love this month? October is like a non-stop party– with awesome weather, tasty fall-inspired food and drinks, a good excuse for Pumpkin-everything (re: fall-inspired food and drinks!), and an opportunity to wear pink more than usual (unless you’re Elle Woods).

Check back this month for fall decorating tips, ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness and research, all the fun birthday celebrations, and my favorite: fall food! In the meantime, here are few of my favorite things for the week…

Celebratory lobsters for my parents' 23rd wedding anniversary!

Fall wreath tutorial from Nature's Heirloom, via Pinterest...dying to make this for my door!

Sangria is my favorite summer drink, but I'm dying to try this recipe for Honeycrisp Apple Sangria this fall from Nutmeg Nanny via Pinterest

I love the simple packaging of this Cocoa Molasses Toffee (and I want to test the recipe!) from The Kitchn via Pinterest

Nothing sounds better to me than the combination of Pumpkin & Chocolate--Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate recipe from Good Life Eats via Pinterest

A simple and gorgeous fall centerpiece from Posh Posh via Pinterest

Do you love October as much as I do? What are your favorite ways to decorate and celebrate? What are your favorite recipes?