Monthly Musings: October 2021
Hello, friends, happy Friday! Gosh, this whole blog writing malarkey kind of got away in the last few weeks, but no more! I’m here today to share our Monthly Musings: October 2021 post, but first – how the heck are you? What have you been up to lately? I feel like I’ve been very busy this week with boring everyday tasks – grocery shopping, eye tests, etc. – but also with social engagements. At the start of the week, I enjoyed a virtual wine date with my gal pals, and just yesterday I had an actual in-person coffee with an old friend. In-person! It was my first time sitting casually inside a café in Dublin in the longest time, and it felt surprisingly great! I’ve found that I’m more reluctant to get out and actually go places since the whole pandemic dilemma, but I’m working on it.
Our monthly musings for the month ahead are below.
Monthly Musings: October 2021
Covid-19 update: apparently, things are still going well! The country is on track to lift most of the restrictions on October 22nd. No more social distancing, no more number restrictions, no need for a Covid cert in restaurants etc. – more details here. I didn’t realize the extent to which the restrictions were being lifted, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be donning a mask for a while longer, but we shall see.
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Friends, Italy was ah-MAZING! We soaked up every single second we had in the land of pasta and wine, and we’re already planning our next visit. We hit up Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, + Naples, and Ravello was by far my favourite spot. It was sleepy in all the right ways, and the restaurant scene there was right up my street! We ate all the food we could fit in, and even some we couldn’t fit in because #yolo. I’m working on putting together a couple of travel guides from our time there, and I’m hoping to post the first one – Ravello! – next week. Be sure to check back!
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Boyfriend’s film ‘The Accursed’ officially wrapped filming in Savannah! The shoot was 18 days long and going off the behind the scenes photos he received over the course of the filming, it went so well! We’re devastated that we weren’t able to be there and watch while they filmed, but there’s nothing we could do about it. I’m dying to see the finished product – I just know it’s going to be wonderful! More info: the IMDB page for the film / Rob’s Instagram. Also, Boyfriend’s new short film – The Lightbringer – is available to watch on YouTube! We shot the whole thing during the depths of the pandemic with just the two of us and an actress, and I’m so excited it’s finally online!
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Our apple & pear trees have both had such a generous offering this year, and using them to bake with is my favourite thing in the whole world. The apple tree has been producing the most beautiful sweet apples – they’re bone white and pink in colour! They’re honestly such a treat, but I have no idea what the variety is called – any ideas? Our pear tree is a conference one, and although I haven’t started to pick any of the fruit off, I’ve already started planning my bakes! I’ll for sure be making my annual Pear Spice Cake, and I’m hoping to re-do some of my old apple/pear recipes. Watch this space 😉
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What have you been reading? I recently finished the latest Nicholas Sparks novel – The Wish – and totally loved it. I’m a huge Nicholas Sparks fan; the predictableness of his storylines is very comforting to me, even though tears are 100% guaranteed. I’m currently reading the newest Kate Marshall novel by Robert Bryndza and so far so good! I’m thinking I’ll look for another rom-drama in the vein of Mr. Sparks to read next – any thoughts or suggestions?
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Have you watched anything great recently? Over the past few weeks we watched and loved both The Way I See It, a documentary about White House photographer Pete Souza, and Minari. We’re hoping to kick off spooky season with a fun new slasher movie on Netflix tonight, and then of course we’ll be watching Halloween, Scream, & Psycho before the month is out. TV wise, we just finished The White Lotus and loved it – it was hilarious! Also, I’m totally obsessed with the music from the show! So! Good!
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A few seasonal oldies but goodies: Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars / Pecan Pie / Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Isn’t autumnal baking just the best? Obviously a rhetorical question.
And there we have it, our Monthly Musings: October 2021 post! I sincerely hope you found something to take away with you – a new TV show, a recipe, or maybe a newfound hankering to visit a certain hilltop Italian town.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a cookbook club roundup from August/September, and then again on Sunday with our new cookbook club picks. I’m playing catch-up with my blog posts right now, but we’ll be back to normal next week!
My love to you,
Vicki xo