The year just keeps plugging along somehow. As I write this, it is days into October already. Not even sure how this is possible.
See I feel like it was just January and the beginning of the year. I blinked and here I am in October.
So fall is in full mode. Halloween is literally in our grasp now.
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It has been almost two months since I updated all on my blog of what is currently going on in my neck of the woods. Therefore, what better time than now to head into an up-to-date Currently for October 2018.
Read on now for this Currently installment.
Currently October 2018
Loving
Fall Festival Fun
The weather has been up and down this past few weekends. We have had some days, where the temperatures have headed into the 80s. We have had others barely making it to 50 degrees. But neither end of the spectrum has stopped us from enjoying some fun family time at Fall Festivals near us. Been truly so nice to get out and about to enjoy the weather and just the atmosphere for the time of the year.
The New Vera Bradley Mickey’s Paisley Celebration
OK, if you aren’t new around here then you know how much I love all things, Disney. When we are at Walt Disney World, I use my Passholder and DVC memberships to shop Disney related products with the best of them. However, when I am not there I still can’t help but keep my eyes open for new product releases. Well, Mickey Mouse turns 90 years old next month. So, many food products including OREO have put out some fun food-related items to celebrate. I stocked up on quite a few of these foods for my kids.
For myself, I fell in love with the newest Vera Bradley collection. It is only available at Disney Springs. They released this collection early September. They were even allowing for phone orders. However, the one glitch was that the phones were apparently ringing off the hook. So, they sold out even before I could order directly through the Disney Springs store.
Enter Google. I found a Disney personal shopper who purchased the items I wanted from this collection. I paid her and she shipped it to me directly. I am currently using the mini hipster for my everyday purse. Omg, the colors on this bag are to die for, plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse are placed just perfectly. But I am holding onto the backpack for our next Disney trip.
Booing
The weather finally has turned cooler. This weekend is the last before Halloween next week. Costumes were purchased last weekend. The school Halloween party is Friday night. And booing is on the agendas they were finally booed on Wednesday here for them, as well.
Watching
This Is Us
Just like that, the fall TV season is also upon us. With it brought back my all-time favorite show right now, This Is Us. What can I say that I haven’t already about this perfect family drama with all the feels? Well, for starters this year, it looks like we will be delving into the start of Jack and Rebecca’s romance in the 1970s, as well as Jack’s day in Vietnam. Plus, there is a mystery that lies ahead in the future with a person that all are hesitant to see again. Who is she (I say she as it seems to be of the female persuasion)? Time will supposedly tell now.
Will & Grace
After, This Is Us I am in need of comedic relief. Well, Will & Grace is the perfect way to get it. I mean after the season opener, where David Schwimmer is back, I couldn’t be happier. Yes, missed him since Friends went off the air years back. Plus, after Jack’s mishap with a banana, let’s just say that I will never look at bananas the same again!
Murphy Brown
OK, I admit that I might not have watched the original Murphy Brown back in the day. But my mom actually recommended the reboot to me. What can I say, but mom is always right apparently. Because, the first episode back with Murphy’s Twitter war with Donald Trump, as well as her newest assistant being none other than Hillary Clinton was the perfect winning combination, especially right now with all that is currently going in politically like it or not.
Reading
Forget You Know Me, by Jessica Strawser is what I am currently reading on my Kindle app. NetGalley thankfully gifted this one to me for free in exchange for my honest review. I am almost done with it.
I admit my reading has slowed up the last month or so. I even put my BOTM on hold as I am behind on the previous month’s selection. But this one, I have been honestly reading slower than usual. Thinking it is just me. However, I hope the story itself picks up as it seems to be dragging a bit for me. The supposed mystery seems to be unraveling at a snail’s pace though still. However, I will update when I can.
Listening
Dierks Bentley, Lanco, and The Brothers Osbourne
Back in September, my husband and I attended the above three’s concert at MSG in NYC. Wow! I can honestly say that I have loved Dierks since we saw him the year at Jones Beach. But I wasn’t prepared to fall equally in love with the other two. However, that is just what happened. So, I have all three in a playlist in iMusic that I enjoy when I can now.
Eric Clapton
After seeing the aforementioned concert last month, my husband, my brother and I also just saw Eric Clapton also at MSG. Clapton proved he is still one of the greatest guitarists out there and honestly so happy I got to see him live as this was a bucket list concert for me. But something was missing even after seeing him.
But what?
Paul McCartney
The night after the Clapton concert, I streamed live Paul McCartney’s performance on Facebook from the Austin City Limits Concert (ACL). The concert is to promote his newest album, Eygpt Station. From the newest of songs to the oldest, wow what a performance! Plus, it dawned on me what was missing from the previous night’s Clapton Concert. See Sir Paul is a storyteller. So, he not only sings and plays multiple instruments throughout his concerts. But he also gives the backstory for so many of his songs.
Although I have gotten to see Paul McCartney live in person in concert, I would see him again. Eric Clapton, I probably wouldn’t now after this.
Eating
Crispy Chicken Street Tacos
With school back in season now, dinners are quite crazy here. Enter the perfect Taco Tuesday solution for my family with Crispy Chicken Street Tacos. No joke, I quickly am able to get Chicken Tacos on the table for my family with these. Plus, my picky eater even approves. Win-win!
Witch Broom Peanut Butter Cups
Equally quick and easy dessert for fall and Halloween time here with Witch Brooms. All you need are Mini Reeses and Pretzel Sticks. Put the two together to get a sweet, but salty Halloween dessert treat for all!
Planning
Walt Disney World at Christmas Time!!!
Even though Halloween is first. We are now almost 30 days out from our next Walt Disney World Trip! This time we get to celebrate Christmas down at Disney for the second year in a row. We are honestly so excited.
Plus, we are also celebrating Mickey Mouse’s 90th Birthday with him at the Magic Kingdom on his actual birthday. So, a doubly special trip for us this time! As I mentioned, I already got a backpack and mini hipster to use for the trip to celebrate. Plus, every day I am planning more and more for the trip.
For my readers, I am still offering the Christmas Disney Themed Giveaway with a Mickey Mouse Santa Hat Giveaway. If you haven’t entered yet, there is still time. Click HERE to Enter now!
***Linking up with this week’s Finish the Sentence Friday (FTSF) with Kristi and Kenya, where the prompt is: “Share a photo and the story behind it!”. I am choosing to overshare photos with a few mini stories behind them here for this one.
Kristi Campbell says
Am I first????? WOWZA! I’d forgotten about Murphy Brown – I loved that show and as you know, am a huge fan of This is Us. They’ve done a great job, in my opinion. I’d seen that Micky turns 90 and thought of you immediately! Some fun blog posts coming from you for sure. Also, we love the fall festivals here – only one so far has been disappointing. Love knowing what you’re currently up to!
Janine says
Aw, thank you Kristi. Honestly, I cannot believe just how good, This Is Us still is this current season. Just didn’t think they could top last season. But still, I have shed tears each episode so far.
Tamara says
This is such fun that I may have to steal those 10 verbs, since they’re more fun than the ones I’ve been using!
I do love booing people. Very much. And I do love eating tacos and treats! I love This is Us but I haven’t seen even the premiere yet! Much DVR fun awaits me.
And Cassidy and I saw Eric Clapton on our first date after two years apart. So special.
Janine says
Omg, you need to watch the premiere and do some This Is Us binge watching soon. AS I told Kristi, I wasn’t sure how they’d come back after last season. But they did that and then some! Ode to Clapton as that is seriously a special first date 🙂
Dara says
I love fall festivals and Disney, of course! So exciting you are going back so soon and I love those bags you got!
William Holland says
This is Us….Clapton….McCartney….no wonder I like you so much!!!!!
Enjoy the heck out of your weekend, Janine. Before we both know it,Thanksgiving will be here.
Janine says
Aw, Bill I am with you on this and so much more I think. So, happy to be in such great company on all of the above. Enjoy your weekend now, too!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
So David Schwimmer is on the new Will and Grace? That’s a must see. Seems like my book reading and tv watching don’t go hand in hand. It’s one or the other. So its books right now. I didn’t even know there was a reboot of Murphy Brown. I’m also a couple episodes behind on This Is Us. We’ve got a free weekend, maybe I can catch up.
Janine says
Yes, he is and pretty good there, too. So definitely a must see. I am with you on TV watching and reading here also going hand-in-hand. So, right now TV viewing seems to be winning out a bit more. Also, hope you can catch up soon on This Is Us.
Meredith Spidel says
What an incredible family pic! And now I want to read this book too 🙂 Have a great weekend, cutie!
Janine says
Hope you read soon and wishing you a wonderful weekend, as well now 🙂
Dana says
David Schwimmer is great on Will and Grace! I actually like his grumpy character even better than Ross Geller.
We’re getting excited for our Disney trip too, but yours is first so I will follow your adventures until it’s our turn!
Janine says
I totally agree about David Schimmer’s character on Will and Grace! Oh and here is to both our upcoming Disney trips – very exciting indeed 🙂
Jen says
That bag is super cute, and all of your recipes are fabulous! Seeing Eric Clapton in-person would be amazing! Can you believe I have never seen This is Us? Someday soon I am sure I will be binging 🙂
Janine says
Jen, I hope you can see This is Us very soon now, too 🙂
Echo says
Murphy Brown is classic! I still haven’t watched This is Us!
We are entering full Halloween mode this weekend with pumpkins, the town costume party and decorating the yard!
I am not a huge Vera Bradley fan, but I just saw a TNBC Petunia Picklebottom backpack that I am now lusting after, but will never afford, LOL
Have fun at Disney, my friend! I know how much you love it!
Janine says
Yay for fill decorating mode this weekend. And thank you for sharing with me here, too!! 🙂
Mardra says
Lovely update and seriously, I am always disappointed at concerts that don’t include the stories. If I just wanted the music I’d stay at home and listen to the album, I *need* the human connection of the stories. So, yeah to that.
Janine says
Madra, I am with you on this 110%. So, as much as I am happy I saw Clapton in concert finally I felt it just honestly lacked that human connection during the actual experience.
Christine Carter says
WOW WOW WOW, Janine! You have done SO many cool things! I’m just so happy for you!
I LOVE Vera Bradley and that Mickey design is adorable! I’m so excited you are going BACK to Disney again for the birthday celebration and holiday fun!
And the concerts! My gosh, how cool you got to see such incredible artists. I would have loved to hear the backstories for the songs too.
And This Is Us- sooo good as expected! Have you looked into “A Million LIttle Things”? My son and I saw previews and thought it looked interesting so we have been watching it. It IS SO GOOD. (Cade is into dramas! He watched every season of Parenthood on his own. LOL)
Janine says
I keep hearing so much about A Million Little Things, too. I need to find some extra time to tune in and possibly binge watch it soon. So, thank you for adding that here, too 🙂