Simply Stated 72

Week in Review: October 16-22 | This week we’re sharing some fun simple last-minute ideas for Halloween, an Amazon cute but comfy try-on, and a unique addition you’ll want on your Thanksgiving table this year.

We can not believe how quickly this month is flying by.

Traveling across the country two weeks in a row probably contributed to us feeling like this.

But fall is pretty much over in our minds and homes as we start to plan for the holidays.

Now before you tell us it’s too soon to start decorating for Christmas please understand that our job as bloggers is to be way ahead of the calendar.

We decorate for each season a little early so we can share everything with you to give you ideas for your own home.

If you fall in love with something we share, we want to make sure you have time to buy and order it for your home before it’s sold out!

And to be honest, it’s a lot of work to decorate for Christmas, are we right?

If you wait until after Thanksgiving then you really only get to enjoy those twinkling lights for a month.

In our opinion, it’s perfectly acceptable to give thanks in November while surrounded by beautiful Christmas decor.

So, we’re officially giving you permission to start decking your halls whenever you want!

AnnMarie’s Week

I’m back in New Jersey this week with my dad at my childhood home.

Well, we moved into this house when I was 14…so technically not my entire childhood but this is home to me.

I flew in last Tuesday night and I’ll be staying with him until this coming Tuesday while my stepmom is in California visiting my stepsister.

It’s been so great to spend this time together and we even got a little DIY project done while I’ve been here.

Check out the string lights we hung outside on their deck! Don’t they look pretty?

Today, I met my BFF for lunch and we got to catch up while sipping on the most delicious apple sangrias!

Lisa and I have been friends since the 4th grade…we’ve been through it all…high school, college, marriages, kids.

It was so amazing to spend some time together even if it was just for a couple of hours.

Anne’s Week

If we’re being honest, I was still mentally recovering from two weeks of being “on” around tons of people at the beginning of this week.

What does that look like?

For me, it means a whole lot of sitting in front of my computer. I don’t turn on any music. I let the quiet wash over me and recharge.

With some reading thrown in for good measure! I finished The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal (author of When We Believed in Mermaids.)

Both titles are currently available through Kindle Unlimited where you pay just $9.99 per month and can read as many books as you want!

My daughters and I are avid readers so it’s a great deal for us. We use the same login on our Kindles and read to our hearts’ content.

Towards the end of the week, I was feeling much more like myself and got to spend some fun time with one of my daughters doing some shopping.

We’re working with a brand that I can’t wait to share with you soon!

Last summer my husband and I bought a fixer-upper house and completely renovated it.

The he of we did most of the work. I just provided direction…

My daughter and her fiance moved into the house in April and will be renting it from us for as long as they want.

I need to share the whole process with you sometime because it was a huge endeavor.

This is their living room now, and this space got a little makeover over the weekend!

As soon as we get approval from the brand I’ll share how it’s looking now.

Today I’m working on my office, doing some painting and hanging some wallpaper.

Oh! I’ve been listening to a great audiobook this week too. It’s called The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.

A lot of Kindle Unlimited titles include a free audiobook version. Or you can purchase an Audible Membership and get one regular audiobook per month. Audible memberships are on sale right now for just $5.95/month for the first four months!

If you’re looking for a great gift idea, an Audible membership or Kindle Unlimited membership are both great options for the book lovers in your life!

This Week on Simply2Moms

We got back into the swing of things this week and each wrote a blog post.

Yay for us!

We also updated a few more popular fall articles just in time for Halloween.

Anne shared how to make these baked pumpkin bowls that are perfect for her pumpkin chili recipe.

Not only are they amazing for Halloween but they’d also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Wouldn’t soup or dessert be so fun served in a little pumpkin?

Or as part of a charcuterie or buffet display? They’re simple to make and add a great pop of color!

AnnMarie loves to be comfortable no matter where she’s headed so she rounded up some of her favorite clothing finds from Amazon for our Friday Favorite series this week.

These comfy but cute travel outfits are perfect whether you’re headed out of town on a road trip or jet-setting across the country.

Honestly, these outfits are great for running errands, meeting friends for lunch, or even spending the day thrifting.

Have you decorated for those Trick or Treaters that will be knocking on your front door yet?

There’s only a week until Halloween but we’ve got you covered with a quick and simple idea.

Just grab a bunch of witches’ hats for a super easy way to decorate your porch in minutes.

We always would get together with some neighbors to take the kids out trick or treating.

Either before or after depending on what day of the week Halloween fell on that year we’d gather at someone’s house for dinner.

This Monster Munch snack mix was always a crowd favorite for kids and adults!

More Ideas and Inspiration From Our Friends

We love spending time each week visiting our favorite websites. And of course, we share the best things we find with you.

Like this craft idea for your Thanksgiving table.

This super cute and easy dessert is pretty enough to use as decor too!

This moody modern home renovation.

A homemade sugar scrub recipe you’ll love.

A cozy simmer pot recipe to make your whole home smell amazing.

These beautiful vintage decorations are for Thanksgiving.

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact us or leave a comment below.

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