How to Crush Winter this Year

It’s October, and, if you’re anything like Mr6am, you’re mad, bro.

Mad because October officially brings in a hint of cold weather, which leads to the slam of winter, which leads to the endless dreary dark days until April.

Knowing this, I turned my rosy-glassed eyes to my handsome hubby and posed this question:

His answer: Invest in quality winterware. 🥾

Not a bad answer! If you’re anything like Mr6am, or if you live with your very own Mr6am, this issue is for you. We’ve got:

• Take a Hike—and the boots to get you there

• Soup Season- recipe recs

• Decor: Just go faux it.

• October: Remembering our Loved Ones

• Miracles: A Story and a Laundry Trick

RECIPE: Souper-size me. There’s a reason we crave comfort foods when the weather turns colder. Out body wants to conserve heat, and they warm up when we eat. The serotonin and dopamine boost don’t hurt either. Go on—embrace it. Our top picks are Giada’s Beef and Butternut Squash Stew, Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, and the Best Lentil Soup. Pretty pots help that dopamine boost, too.

FALL DECOR: What’s worse than dying mums on your front porch? Rotten pumpkins.🙈 Beat the pumpkin cleanup this year— go faux. They’re expensive up front, but you’ll save over the long haul. You can go monochromatic with all one color of pumpkin, or eclectic with multiple colors. (Here’s a budget option.) Either way, vary your size and texture and stack to build different heights. Still a pumpkin purist? Here’s a trick to keep your real pumpkins fresh.

WINTER: It’s coming. Instead of letting it sneak up on you, why not prep this year? Here are some ways to embrace sweatah-weatha:

• Expose your eyes to morning sunshine 🌞

• Boost your Vitamin D with food or a supplement

• Consider Light Therapy to beat the winter blues

• Recharge your immune system, increase your serotonin, and improve your memory…just by going outside 🌲

• Whether it’s knitting, a puzzle, or whittling—try a new hobby

• Embrace “hygge”- the Danish practice of “coziness” ☕

FASHION: “It’s not bad weather; it’s bad clothes.” Make sure your boots are made for walking…and shoveling…and hiking this year. Try out my personal favorite hiking boot with weather protection and comfort. This is the cadillac of winter boots (with the price tag to match) and a great budget waterproof boot. Here’s a waterproof over-the-knee boot, perfect to pair with a dress. And can someone find a dupe for these beauties? 🤤

OCTOBER: We don’t talk about it, but let’s. It’s miscarriage and infant loss month. It’s touched you in some way. But, you don’t have to suffer alone. Eileen Tully and her family suffered several losses, and, after years of grief and coping, she decided to start a support group for others who have lost littlest ones. She offers NFP support after a loss, a free online community, and online retreats to teach you how to grieve with an eternal perspective. Please consider attending or sharing with your loved one. Most of all, don’t be afraid to talk about a baby who is loved and missed. ♥

• How changing hormones affect your teeth 

• The Benefits of Creating a Home Where Nothing Matches

• Is it Elaine? Kramer? George? Or Jerry? You may get to see a reunion of your favorite comedy quartet.

• The 20 Best Fall Cocktails

• The Secret to Making Fall’s Worst Chore Manageable

• A Miracle in the Bathroom

• And, a Bronte Seasonal Poem

October is also the Month of the Rosary—and the perfect time to renew your prayer life. Subscribe to this free podcast for a deeper dive into scripture and meditation.

Okay ladies, I started this issue with a question, and now I’ll end with one:

I can’t wait to read your responses!

But also:

Can I ask you a favor? Can you please send this to a couple friends? It really, really helps us out. Thank you so much. Until next week,