Ally's Cooking

Simple, delicious recipes from one foodie to another

October Feels

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october feels
~All the October Feels~

Even though it’s currently still 80 degrees here in Atlanta, the fall feelings are in FULL GEAR.  Here’s what’s been going on recently in my October world ♥

But, before we get into all the fun stuff…

Is anyone thinking about Thanksgiving yet?

I’d love to invite you to take this quick Thanksgiving survey I made to help you this year! Just click the link below to let me know if you need step-by-step guides, gluten-free recipes, slow cooker shortcuts, or anything else! I can’t wait to hear from you 🙂

https://insights.hotjar.com/s?siteId=326248&surveyId=28960

Napa Trip

So, Taylor and I just got back from an AMAZING trip to Napa & Sonoma.  Thankfully, we got back right before the devastating fires, so I almost feel bad writing about the wonderful time I had there, but I’m going to anyway.

We flew into San Francisco on Saturday and stayed at this really cool hotel downtown, the Hotel Adagio.  It was about noonish, and after having been up for about 9 hours already my east-coast ass was HUNGRY for some lunch, so we set out walking in search of some grub. Maybe I’ve been living in the down-south suburbs too long, but I was just a little surprised by San Fran, (and not in a good way). It all felt a little dirty and grimy to me. Obviously I should have done more research, because it felt like we walked and walked and walked but couldn’t find a single place to stop that looked good. Does anyone else feel that way? I’ve never felt so uncomfortable and unsafe in a city before. Maybe it’s just me.
Anyway, our favorite comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (he has a special on Netflix- check him out!) was performing about an hour away in Saratoga, CA that night, so, unimpressed with our San Fran options, we decided to just head to Saratoga for the day.  We rented a Camaro convertible, put the top down, and zoomed down the highway feeling like movie stars.  Saratoga was much more our scene.  We found a great little Italian place, posted up on the little cobblestone patio, and ate, drank, and people watched for hours until it was time to go to the show. I didn’t get any pictures, but the show was at the most amazing venue I’ve ever seen in my life, Mountain Winery. Perched on top of a mountain, wine in hand, I don’t think I’ve laughed harder, and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect first night in wine country.
The next morning we woke up, and drove our convertible over the Golden Gate Bridge and up to Napa. Now THAT was one of the coolest, most beautiful experiences of my life. HIGHLY recommend that itinerary for anyone who hasn’t been.  For the next three days, we drove up and down Napa, Yountville, and over to Sonoma and Santa Rosa. I think, by far, our favorite Napa winery experience was the Del Dotto historic caves. You go down into their deep, dark, underground tunnels and taste amazing wines right out of the barrels. Also they served pizza. They know the way to our hearts. In Sonoma/ Russian River county, we fell in love with DeLoach Vineyards, (because we’re getting married there, ahhh!!).
It was so sad to leave that beautiful part of the world, but it just makes me even more excited for our trip there next September.  It’s also made the horrible, tragic wildfires there even more chilling and sad for us, having only just left a day or two before.

October Essentials

Back at home, October, (and really the fall and winter months in general) to me are all about snugs. It may still be 85 degrees in Atlanta, but it’s autumn in my soul.  Taylor and I close the blinds, turn the AC on 67, and get our cozy on.  I’m talking leggings, giant fleece sweatshirts, enormous fuzzy blankets, and THIS CANDLE.

I am a candle freak and could go on and on and on and on about my favorite candles, (*makes mental note about future candle post*) but this candle is my ultimate fall go to every year. It’s at Target, no fear, you can smell test if you’d like, but this candle combines all three of my favorite cozy autumn scents into one PLUS IT’S CRACKLY. You can’t beat the snuggle factor on wood crackle candles. Also, go ahead and stock up on the smaller Bonfire Nights only version to get you through the whole winter. I think it’s my G.O.A.T. Target candle.

Ok, now back to my cozy list.  Once I have my snug zone all prepared with blankeys, candles, sweatpants, and a disheveled bun, we gotta get started on the extras. (Side note, we pushed our two couches together to make a mega-couch snug zone and it was an amazing idea. Try it.)

I’m a wine girl, and after Napa I’m ESPECIALLY a wine girl, but in October it’s all about spiked cider, baby.

Mulled (and Spiked!) Hot Apple Cider
Homemade, mulled and spiked hot apple cider is next-level delicious and super easy. Please pair with something delicious and hearty like Next-Level Perfect Holiday Pot Roast or anything with Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic to get your #winterbody ready.

31 Days of Halloween

So, what do we do every day on our megacouch/ snug zone? Taylor has my scary movie education underway.  We’re attempting a “31 Days of Halloween” movie marathon of all the essentials, and here’s our list. What are your must-watches??

Halloween (OG 1978 version)
Halloween 2
Halloween 4
Halloweentown
Hocus Pocus
Scream
Scary Movie
Friday the 13th (Part 1/2/3/4)
Freddie vs. Jason
Nightmare on Elm Street
The Conjuring
I Know What You Did Last Summer
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Haunting
Paranormal Activity
Final Destination
The Blair Witch Project

Bone-Chilling Books

I wanted to round this out with one last thing: a book I just finished that CHILLED ME TO THE BONE, in true October spirit.
Behind Closed Doors: A Novel

This one is a little dark, people.  You’ve been warned. But it was scary, suspenseful, and totally addicting to read. I just NEEDED to know how it ended. I definitely recommend this one, (especially for this time of year!)

Alright, it’s 6:13pm on a Saturday and it’s officially time for me to get back into my snug zone life with Tay and Chewy.  Happy October, everyone!

october feels

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  1. I stumbled on your website looking for new recipes to try. (Your spicy lunch bowls are cooling on the stove and on the menu today!) I feel we could have been friends in another life – your enthusiasm for meal planning, writing, all the autumn snuggles, and your foodie love language resonate in my soul, lol. Signing up to stalk you. <3 Happy Halloweening! (My husband Neil has got me celebrating SIXTY days of scary movies with him, smh)

    Reply

    • Jessica,

      First of all, 60 days?! Now that’s Halloween dedication. So happy you stumbled across my little piece of the internet 🙂 I hope you LOVE the chicken bowls!! So great to “meet” another foodie

      Reply

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