October Edit: Eating Soup and Attempting Balance
Ramen, reading, overthinking...I'm nothing if not consistent
October is such a fun month. It brings me joy to see people get creative with their costumes, especially the clever, punny, and DIY ones (despite buying mine straight from Spirit Halloween this year).
Between the fun, I’ve been trying to strike a balance between writing for work and writing for myself, and I’m getting into a better rhythm. I’m also trying to keep my mental health together despite one particular life project (that will hopefully free me by the end of the year) threatening to take it further off the rails. More on that later. Sigh.
But here are the highlights—what I did, ate, read, loved, listened to, and thought too much about in October!
Going to the Decatur Book Festival, as I have every year since moving to Atlanta in 2018. It’s always lovely to be surrounded by book people.
Finding fun new grocery items at Trader Joe’s and ALDI that I saw on the Trader Joe’s Talia and ALDI All the Time accounts.
This “citron green” sweater I can’t stop wearing every week (okay, twice in a week once…).
Tailoring! I finally found a good tailor via personal recommendation. I’d forgotten how much of a difference it makes.
The Focus Friend app, a tool that helps me put my phone aside more often (while an adorable little bean knits something!).
The Dr. Martens Zeb Zag mules that finally came out in a bright enough color for me. They were comfortable right out of the box, and I wear them all the time.
My local library! I’ve been neglecting my personal library to borrow new releases, but at least it’s free.
The charm necklace I made at It’s Especially Lucky for a friend’s birthday. It adds a touch more whimsy to outfits.
Ruby’s Sourdough Pizza impressed me. It’s like I’m on a pizza tasting tour or something.
The Modern Proper’s Green Chicken Chili Soup at home. (I’d cut the chicken smaller than the recipe instructs or shred it next time.)
My first muffuletta sandwich at Motorboat. Yum.
Lots of ramen, but I especially loved Ginya Izakaya (as always) and Hikaru, a new-to-me spot.
My favorites were…
These Heathens by Mia McKenzie: A novel set in the 1960s about a teenager from a small town in Georgia who travels to Atlanta to get an abortion. She finds herself scandalized at meeting atheists, passionate civil rights leaders, women who love women, and other people she has been taught were evil. I didn’t think this book was perfectly executed, but I really liked it for its honest and realistic portrayal of a small-town girl's perspective and the vibrant settings.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano: Even though I missed the book club I read this for, I’m still thankful for it because I really enjoyed this book and probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise. It’s a mystery about a single mom and struggling novelist who gets caught up in a real-life murder investigation. It was chaotic and entertaining.
Queer & Christian by Brandan Robertson: I technically read this one at the tail end of September and forgot to include it last month. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read on the topic, and I’ve read many. I don’t, however, recommend that it be anyone’s first book on the topic. *Disclaimer: I read an advance copy gifted to me by the publisher for review purposes.
Women, Race, & Class Angela Y. Davis: Does this legendary scholar ever miss? I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read by her. This one is a powerful deep dive into the history of the women’s liberation movement, covering racism and elitism in feminist movements, contemporary issues, and more. I learned so much. My only 5-star read in October.
Hannah Jadagu’s new indie/dream pop EP, Normal Today.
Amber Mark’s new R&B/soul album, Pretty Idea.
Hayley Williams’ alt-pop album, Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party (released in August).
“Dracula” by Tame Impala, a great song in general, but especially great for October vibes.
“What A God” by SEU Worship. I leave most contemporary Christian music alone these days (hymn me, please), but this song has been on repeat.
The “How to Plan Unstructured Time” episode of the From Stuck to Started podcast was full of helpful gems because I’m out here raw dogging ADHD at the moment.
The Bible for Normal People podcast’s episode “The Faith of Gen Z” with Dr. Angela Patterson.
These autumn vintage jazz and Fujiyama Beats playlists for instrumentals while working, and this Neo Soul Oasis playlist to catch a vibe and also mourn D’Angelo.
I gave up “the sick girl” identity and found acceptance: A beautiful reflection on navigating faith and identity while struggling with an invisible chronic illness. I described it as “raw, insightful, and layered” right after reading it. (Disclaimer: I know the author IRL!)
No Good Art Comes From Greed: An excellent critique of Taylor Swift’s latest album and recent business practices written by a (former?) fan.
Here’s Why Poor People Keep Voting Against Their Own Self-Interest: A plain, honest explanation for liberals who don’t get it.
Let them be wrong about you: A frank, encouraging piece on not letting other people’s perceptions and expectations define you (that almost made me shed a tear).
The disco skeleton I definitely need, even though I’ve never decorated for Halloween in my life / The concept of subway surfing and the two kids who recently died doing it / The recent wave of progressive political wins / Low dopamine menus / Chanel’s Spring 2026 RTW collection / This sour gummies bookmark / The secondhand embarassment I felt listening to TS’s TLOASG album and still can’t shake / Large polka dot patterns / This adorable little bat shirt I should’ve gotten for October but didn’t
By Kate Baer. Via @poetryisnotaluxury.
