Sharing my October 2019 recap – including several new home buys, our October travels, and lots more!
c/o gal meets glam collection hadley coat | c/o everlane cashmere crew sweater | similar ripped jeans | veja vegan leather sneakers (also available here) | anthropologie braided headband (comes in five colors)
WHAT I BOUGHT
fall plaid wrap maxi dress
navy faux leather clutch
FOR THE HOME
hand towel for guest bath
hand towels for master bath
hanging basket for guest room
rattan tissue box cover
WHERE I WENT
Damascus, Virginia – Joshua and I headed to Damascus, Virginia mid-October to celebrate our three year anniversary. This year we opted to go a little more low-key as we have been so busy with weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and blog travels. So Damascus was the perfect spot – just 2.5 hours from Mount Holly/Charlotte and a very easy drive. Once we arrived there was a lot of relaxing, walking, eating, and we also biked The Creeper Trail – which is what Damascus is known for. We stayed at a family friend’s home/cottage and we both agreed it is the nicest home in the little Virginia town. Such a sweet spot!
Charleston, South Carolina – Visited my favorite southern town again this month for a media stay at The Spectator Hotel and The French Quarter Inn. OH MY GOODNESS did we have the best experience ever! These two spots go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and fill your bellies with the yummiest treats and incredible wine + cocktails. Read more about the trip including the bars and what we did + see the patio our room had at The French Quarter Inn in recent posts.
MOVIES WATCHED
A Dog’s Journey – I sobbed. Just going to go ahead and throw that out there. Needed three+ tissues kind of sobbed. Not to spoil part of the movie but the dog dies (trust me it’s really not spoiling anything – not a major part of the movie) and all I could think about was my Reese Poppy. So that was tough but I think also very good – a good cry to have and get out. Other than making me sob, the movie definitely had me smiling and laughing at times. Including a couple of super cheesy times when I was like really? But overall, a really good movie.
RECIPES TRIED
This month I tried several and made them my own! I will be sharing them all later this month within one post so be on the lookout. Lots of fall sweet treats!
WHERE WE ATE
Noble Smoke – this is a new BBQ joint here in Charlotte and Joshua had been DYING to go to it since news broke it was happening! It took us longer to get there than he would have liked but luckily it was totally worth the wait. Everything we ate was absolutely amazing and we ate A LOT! We had prime beef brisket, chopped chesire pork, smoked turkey breast, pan-fried corn, mac & cheese, anson mills hush puppies, and hand fry pies. My top picks – smoked turkey breast, hush puppies, and pan-friend corn. We will 100% be going back sooner rather than later.
FAVORITE BLOG POSTS ON LOUELLA REESE
Readers Favorite: Fall Sweaters with Versona: 6 Must Have Fall Sweaters
My Favorite: 5 Self Care Practices to Indulge in this Weekend
FAVORITE BLOG POSTS
Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Soup – Pure Joy Home
Where to Shop for Area Rugs – Navy Grace
How to Support Your Favorite Bloggers – The Champagne Edit
In a Fall Mood with Everlane – Hello Adams Family
FAVORITE SONG
More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
WHAT I WATCHED
All the fall shows are back and I couldn’t be more excited! We have been watching This Is Us. We didn’t love the initial episode of the season but have been liking it more and more as the season goes on. Grey’s Anatomy has been an absolute favorite of mine this season. So much drama, excitement, and craziness! Also loving Riverdale. I thought the tribute to Luke Perry was wonderful and have loved the season ever since.
FAVORITE FINDS
the perfect everyday maxi you can wear now and every season following
get the spa feeling at home with this spa robe under $30
crochet sweater identical to mine from last year that y’all LOVED
my dream coffee table
FITNESS UPDATE
October was a struggle in the fitness department. Due to being gone a couple of times and then having family in town for my sister-in-law’s wedding. This past week I have been ON IT though and it feels great! I am still keeping up with FASTer Way to Fat Loss eating program. I’ve been sharing a lot of my low-carb meals on Instagram stories so be sure to follow along if you are interested. Will work on getting a new post together with more meals options but until then…check out previous FWTFL posts including: my FWTFL experience, FWTFL vs. BBG, and low carb day tips/recommendations – all on my health & fitness page.
Thanks for reading my October 2019 Recap. Take a look back a previous monthly recaps here.
October was a good month for you! And that coat is too gorgeous!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Definitely – a busy one for sure. Looking forward to a slightly calmer November. And thank you!
xo Laura Leigh
Any movie with an animal, I know I’m going to need a box of tissues! They always get to me! Sounds like your getaway was the perfect anniversary trip!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
That is so true – with you on that! Definitely was a good time away together!
xo Laura Leigh
This Is Us is backkkk!! At first, I was with you when you said that the beginning of the season seems slow and not that interesting, but I do have faith that it will pick up. It’s honestly one of my top 10 shows ever made so I hope the season progresses with some exciting ups and downs! Love your GMG coat, too. It’s so precious and very feminine!
XO Amanda
So glad you agree with me on that. I was definitely feeling quite bummed about it but am so glad it is starting to pick back up. I’m sure this week will be better! And thank you gal 🙂 love all of her pieces.
xo Laura Leigh
I am always impressed with this series of your’s. It looks so much work and so well put together. Looks like you had another productive month.
❥ tanvii.com
You are so sweet, thank you! Definitely a productive busy one. Surprisingly the holiday season is going to be calmer and I am SO looking forward to that!
xo Laura Leigh
Sounds like you had such a great month! The trip to Charleston certainly seems like the highlight!
Chic on the Cheap
Absolutely! And yes, it was a wonderful trip!
xo Laura Leigh
After seeing what you bought for yourself and your home, I can’t wait to see more home and fashion posts in November. I’m sure you’ve got some fun things planned for the holidays! I’m glad you got a chance to get away for your anniversary. It’s important to cherish that time together, and Damascus is a beautiful place to go! Here’s to another spectacular month to come!
Aw yay! Definitely lots more to come. Especially home posts – which I am so excited about. Completely agree with you – so important to cherish that time together and to celebrate each year. Thank you sweet gal!
xo Laura Leigh
I have heard great things about Noble Smoke- I need to try it out!
Yes you definitely do – very good!
xo Laura Leigh
I can’t watch that movie (a Dog’s Journey) I’d cry until I had no more tears. I haven’t watched the new season of GA yet.
Totally get that! That was basically me haha. Oh it is GOOD!
xo Laura Leigh
so much great stuff this month!! i still LOVEEE Grey’s Anatomy too and wow, The Spectator Hotel looks awesome! def on my charleston bucket list!
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com
It is soooo good – not ready for it to end after this season. You will love it – The Spectator Hotel is an incredible place to stay!
xo Laura Leigh
Ok I’ve got to watch A Dog’s Journey!! I love a good tear-jerker!!
Oh it will definitely have you crying!
xo Laura Leigh
I love your Gal Meets Glam coat! Perfect for this transitional weather we’re experiencing.
Thank you! Yes, completely agree with you!
xo Laura Leigh
I’m glad I’m not the only one that struggle to stick to a fitness routine in October!
It was a busy month!
xo Laura Leigh
Oooh that spa robe is calling my name, and I’m all about a good butternut squash soup recipe!! White beans sound like a great addition to my usual recipe.
Isn’t it fab? And with you gal – thinking of making it this weekend as it is suppose to be quite cold here!
xo Laura Leigh