• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Whole Smiths
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Recipes
    • Cooking Method
      • 5 Ingredients or Less
      • 30 Minutes or Less
      • Easy-to-Make
      • Instant Pot
      • Make Ahead, Keep on Hand
      • One Dish, Pan, Pot or Sheet Pan
      • Weekend Living
    • Dietary Guidelines
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Meal Type
      • Breakfast + Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Lunch
      • Soups, Stews, + Chilis Too
      • Vegetables, Sides + Salads
      • Smoothies + Beverages
      • Dessert
      • Snacks + Appetizers
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Good Food Cookbook
    • Real Food Every Day
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Meet Michelle
    • Food Philosophy
    • Michelle This Month
  • Resources
    • Discounts
    • Shop
    • Cooking Staples
    • Better Beauty
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
The Whole Smiths

The Whole Smiths

Whole Eating + Happy Living

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Recipes
    • Cooking Method
      • 5 Ingredients or Less
      • 30 Minutes or Less
      • Easy-to-Make
      • Instant Pot
      • Make Ahead, Keep on Hand
      • One Dish, Pan, Pot or Sheet Pan
      • Weekend Living
    • Dietary Guidelines
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Meal Type
      • Breakfast + Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Lunch
      • Soups, Stews, + Chilis Too
      • Vegetables, Sides + Salads
      • Smoothies + Beverages
      • Dessert
      • Snacks + Appetizers
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Good Food Cookbook
    • Real Food Every Day
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Meet Michelle
    • Food Philosophy
    • Michelle This Month
  • Resources
    • Discounts
    • Shop
    • Cooking Staples
    • Better Beauty
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Contact

Favorite Things – October

Head over here to sign up for The Whole Smiths Lifestyle Edit newsletter for the opportunity to be gifted October’s Favorite Things!

Something new at The Whole Smiths.

I’ve decided to add a new feature over here at The Whole Smiths and I’m so excited to share it with you! From here on out, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite finds with you each month. From beauty to books to WHATEVER, I’ll be curating a group of products that I am currently loving and sharing the details with you.

I so often get questions about non-food related items that I share via social media that it only made sense to put them into one place. Now you can come to one blog post, see exactly what it is and where to find it. While food makes up a huge part of wellness, it’s not the only component to wellness. I’m big on self-care, reading to grow and life’s small indulgences. All of those help contribute to my overall well being. While it’s important to focus on the bigger picture of wellness such as food and movement, I think it’s also important to think of how we can include life’s small pleasures into our daily routine.

Whether that’s a good hat for a bad hair day (or a hell-no-I’m-not-doing-my-hair-today day), a favorite lotion that ACTUALLY WORKS or a book that brings us a new perspective, I think it’s important.

Did I mention you’ll have a chance to WIN the curated group of products you see each month? Oh did I forget that part? Yep. One person who is currently subscribed to The Whole Smiths Lifestyle Edit newsletter will be entered to win each month. This newsletter is focused predominately on lifestyle rather than food as I like to keep things separate for those of you who are just here for the food.

Head over here to opt-in for the newsletter and be entered to win the goodies featured on this page. No need to do anything else! I’ll send you an email just once or twice a month with lifestyle hacks, tips and products. If you’re selected I’ll reach out via email and let you know you’re being gifted these goodies.

How do I pick what’s being featured?

That’s easy! They’re items that I use and love on a regular basis. Period. Sometimes they will be new finds, sometimes they will be tried and true favorites. Either way, they are products that I have in my home and use regularly.

None of the items here will be sponsored. No brand will be able to pay to be featured on these posts. While some may be products from companies that I work with, at the end of the day the items selected are simply because I love them so much not because they paid to be featured.

In full transparency, I also have some affiliate links for certain products but again, I am only recommending things that I truly love and use. If going to send a bunch of you over to Anthropologie for my new favorite pair of pants… I do have bills and I feel ok if they help contribute to that.

Fall, fall, fall. 

You can say the theme of this month’s selection is Fall comfort. They’re all things that are making me feel especially cozy this time of year. So let’s get into it.

First up is this knit hat from C.C.. This picture also explains why I’m not a fashion blogger… it took me 10 shots just to get this one mediocre photo. Good grief.

I’ve been getting knit hats from them for quite some time and just love how they fit. I’ve got a fairly large dome and finding a beanie that’s not squishing my head to look like a penis is always nice. The fabric is also soft and won’t pill up. There’s a few different styles but I’m really loving this slouchy version. You can find it on Amazon and depending on the color it will run you $8-10. It’s perfect paired up with some jeans and a T-shirt.

I’ve been turned on to Byron Katie’s book, Loving What Is, through Melissa Hartwig and Danika Brysha. I admire both of those women and when they both say I need to read something, I listen.

Something I find myself struggling with is the narrative that I create in my head about a variety of scenarios. My mind will tell me a story that fills in the unknown blanks in any given situation. Even if it’s not founded in reality. In turn, it creates so much unnecessary tension and anxiety. This book addresses just that and gives you easy tools to start looking at situations, people and our thoughts differently. I’m sure my brief description isn’t doing this book any favors for feel free to head over to Amazon yourself and see if it’s for you.

As the seasons change my skin tends to change as well. Not usually for the better, particularly in the cold dry fall / winter weather. That means I make extra efforts to keep things clear and healthy. I’ve been using this charcoal No.3 Balancing Facial Mask from Beautycounter for awhile now and love the results. It keeps my skin and pores clear to help prevent any blemishes that may arise from the change in weather. It’s also really smooth and fun to put on.

As you know I love everything pumpkin spice. Make fun of me if you will but fall is my favorite season and anything that reminds me of cozy fall weather has me hooked. In fact, could I really have any sort of fall favorite round up without pumpkin spice something? I think not. In fact, my next two favorite items are both pumpkin spice.

I love me some Zupa Noma. That’s no secret. Not only to I love the flavors but I love that it’s an easy and portable way to cram in some extra veggies. So when I saw that they released a Whole30 collagen collaboration in PUMPKIN SPICE I nearly lost my mind. I was so excited to try it out but to be honest, I had high expectations for this flavor. I wasn’t sure if it was going to meet my high pumpkin spice standards. Well I am here to tell you it certainly did. In fact, it’s my new favorite flavor. Which makes me a bit sad because it’s seasonal, but that just means I need to drink alllll the Pumpkin Spice Zupa Nomas while I can. If you’d like to try them for yourself you can head to their website. Feel free to use “WHOLESMITHS” at checkout for 15% off your order.

Next up is this Pumpkin Spice household cleaner from Meyer’s. I picked up a bottle at Target recently and cannot get enough of it. My counters have never been so darn clean! I guess this means I’ve officially become an adult when I’m listing a home cleaner as one of my favorite finds. Regardless, IT ROCKS! In fact, their entire line of pumpkin spice rocks this season; hand soap, dish soap, and this all purpose cleanser. Swoon.

Last but not least is this unicorn mug from Anthropologie. It’s the first mug I go to use as soon as it’s pulled out of the dishwasher. For some reason it just makes me feel good to sip on a warm beverage out of it. In fact, I highly recommend you make my Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte and sip it out of this, you won’t regret it. I mentioned about that it’s the little things in my day that I try to pay attention to and this is one of those little things.

And that my friends is my October round up of my favorite things. Don’t forget, if you’re signed up for The Whole Smiths Lifestyle Edit newsletter you will automatically have the opportunity to be gifted each of these items. In fact, if you’re signed up you’re automatically entered EVERY month.

Happy October everyone!

 

1shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
Previous Post: « Thousand Island Dressing + Wedge Salad
Next Post: Grain-Free Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread »
Note: I only work with companies and products that I feel passionately about and that align with the Whole Smiths’ views and that this post contains sponsored content. While I am compensated for the work I do, my opinions and bad jokes are always 100% my own.

you might also like

  • pineapple broccoli slaw
  • Hello world!
  • Heirloom Tomato Salad
  • Chicken Pesto Wrap
Real Food Every Day Book

available now

my new cookbook

  • 100 simple recipes designed to keep things easy in the kitchen
  • Health and wholesome, family-friendly recipes labeled for your dietary needs
  • Chapters such as 30-Minute Meals, 5-Ingrediends or Less and Meal Prepping

take a peek

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    October 24, 2018 at 10:23 am

    You inspire me—- thank you

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

available now

my new cookbook

Real Food Every Day Booktake a peek

welcome!

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet, I’m Michelle and welcome to the Whole Smiths. These days I’m a mother to two smiley girls, a happy wife to one fantastic dude and we live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

don’t miss a recipe!

Keep your kitchen tasty with a new recipe delivered to your inbox each week as well as our latest cooking tips, event information and favorite food finds.

REAL FOOD FOR REAL PEOPLE.

don’t miss a recipe!

Keep your kitchen tasty with a new recipe delivered to your inbox each week as well as our latest cooking tips, event information and favorite food finds.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Legit all I seem to be craving these days are cold Legit all I seem to be craving these days are cold salads. Like ice cold.  Like this Thousand Island Wedge Salad. 🥰  I love me a wedge salad but sometimes hate that it doesn’t feel like a complete meal... so I changed it up a bit and added some egg for protein. And bacon because... bacon!  What do you think? Are you in salad season yet or still on soup season?  Recipe at the link in my profile.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/thousand-island-dressing-wedge-salad/
Time truly does fly. ❤️ It feels just yesterd Time truly does fly. ❤️  It feels just yesterday I took this picture. People warn you that time flies, don’t wait till the end to realize they were right.  Enjoy the now. Let love in and share yours.  Valentine’s Day isn’t about romantic love in our home but it’s about finding love wherever you can. Any nook and cranny. Friendships, family, nature, community, wherever.  We choose love. Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤️
These Cherry Bourbon Chocolate Truffles will make These Cherry Bourbon Chocolate Truffles will make you feel like the world’s finest chocolatier... or Lucy in the scene where’s there’s chocolate everywhere and she’s stuffing ‘em in her bra.  Either way, they’re delicious and actually supper easy to make.  Besides, we all know the only way to say “I love you” and mean it is with some chocolate and a cheesy card. At least it’s not Palmer’s. ☺️  Ok really though, these truffles are the shizzzz. In fact, just make them for yourself and share them with no one.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/cherry-bourbon-chocolate-truffles-recipe/
I know it’s all about Brady and Gronk right now I know it’s all about Brady and Gronk right now (blah) but here’s a throwback to when @thepetitepanaderya and I got to be a part of the SB Halftime field team crew in 2016.  It has always been on my bucket list to be on the field for the Halftime show, so when SB was here in Santa Clara, I was going to find a way.  I saw you could sign up to be a part of the field team that puts together the stage so I signed up. It was two weeks of practicing and they paid us minimum wage, although I would have done it for free.  A few hundred people were part of it and we were each assigned to a “cart”. We were taught exactly what to do, how to assemble the various parts of the stage and QUICK. It all had to be put together in around 7 minutes.  We weren’t allowed to have any cell phones out during practices and signed confidentiality waivers. The second week we got to watch the performers rehearse (over and over again). JayZ and Blue Ivy were in the stands watching. Bruno Mars was perfection and nailed everything every time. I was blown away at how talented he was live. Chris Martin was so kind. Beyoncé drove in front of us in her golf cart and waved. She also made us wait in the freezing cold while she tried different hair and fan / wind blowing situations.  Game day. There was a staging area a few miles away that we met at and we were bussed in with police escorts down the 101.  Once at the stadium we hung out with our carts waiting our turn. Everyone was so pumped. As SOON as the second quarter ended it was go time and the adrenaline was pumping. Seriously, that feeling was awesome.  Lucky for us, once we finished building our cart we had wait on the sidelines... right in front.  The energy was intense and I loved every minute of it.  Bigger picture, seeing how everyone worked together flawlessly to create the performance was striking. I’ve never experienced teamwork like this and never thought it would be such an impactful experience.  It was one of the BEST things I’ve ever done as silly as it sounds. Everyone who does it city after city says the same thing.  If you ever have the chance and find the SB in your town, do it. Trust me.
Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS anyone? While some (most) p Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS anyone?  While some (most) people are likely to be shoveling Cool Ranch Doritos down the batch tomorrow... we’ll be whipping up a batch of these Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS!  Yeah, I know. It’s kind of obnoxious because Cool Ranch Doritos are the sh^%. But these at least give you that same zesty flavor and way more than nutrients. I’m kinda obsessed!  Or just eat the Doritos. 🤷🏼‍♀️  While we’re talking chips? What’s your fave? I think mine are the Cool Ranch Doritos.. what can I say...  Now I’m feeling like I sold you on the Doritos rather than the chickpeas! Whoops.  Anyways. Recipe for the CHICKPEAS in my bio.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/cool-ranch-roasted-chickpeas/
Let’s do a giveaway, shall we? This week on @g Let’s do a giveaway, shall we?  This week on @getwellthypodcast we interviewed @ethankross about his new book, Chatter. In it, he explores the inner voice we all have inside our minds. What it is, what it’s helpful for (and what it’s not) and how to use it to our advantage.  I’m giving a copy of Chatter away to one of you. All you have to do to enter is one of the following. Extra entires for each you do.  Let us know how you entered in the comments.  1. Follow @getwellthypodcast 
2. Tag a friend in the comments and tell them how much you are loving Get Wellthy.
3. Subscribe, rate or reviews us wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to let us know in the comments so you can be entered!
4. Share this post and tag @getwellthypodcast  Good luck and open for US residents only.
Stating the obvious. I’d also like to propose Stating the obvious.  I’d also like to propose a few things moving forward.  Some things I’d like to add into our next relief package. Parents who have had children get double. Distance learning, triple.  1. Home repair reimbursements. Paint, chipped tiles, destroyed furniture all included.  2. A 4 day weekend alone to a tropical destination for each parent. Not to mention, that helps boost the struggling travel economy. Double win!  3. Covid makeovers to whoever would like it. The stress our inept politicians have put on us have clearly aged me about 15 years and I think they should have to handle that. Perhaps all of their “consulting” fees can be used to fund this. This would also double as a great reality show. Post pandemic transformation. I’m happy to host!  4. Restaurant vouchers because we have all done enough cooking. If you still can’t cook a chicken breast or bake some bread at this point, you failed 2020. You will have to prove you now know how to cook for this one. And again, double whammy as it helps restaurants.  Yep. I think that’s it’s for now. What would you add to the list? 👇🏼

© 2021 · The Whole Smith · Privacy Policy · Website Design by Anchored Design