October always brings a certain sense of whimsy to fall: chilly evenings with skies tinted purple, peak autumnal walks in winding leaf littered streets, and seasonally-spiced warm drinks shared with friends and loved ones. It is the perfect time to add a little bit of quirky eccentricity to your everyday life before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Grab your favorite sweater and lean into your creative side with a new hobby or two: try out a pottery class! Join a book club! Allow the whimsy of the October air to shake up your daily routine.

Carry your newfound playful mindset into the kitchen with dishes that are fun to make and fun to serve, like Bon Appétit’s harissa and maple roasted carrots. Mixing up your normal flavor profile is an easy way to add some of this month’s mischievous whimsy. While you’re at it, add some sweetness to a weeknight staple with Food52’s sugar steak with bourbon, before finishing off the evening with some spice with Barefoot Contessa’s Mexican Hot Chocolate.

With Halloween on the horizon for the end of the month on the 31st, flex your imagination with an out-of-the-box unexpected costume idea, even if you spend the night in with friends and family. Add some whimsy to your snack life by spicing up your favorite nut mix with cinnamon, chocolate chips, or goji berries on the 22nd for national nut day. But while you are celebrating the fun, the quirkiness, and the of-the-moment living that this month brings, also reflect on the strength of women around the world, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Go on a walk to support the cause, or speak with those you love about getting regular check-ups. Whatever you do this month, have fun and be whimsical!

Happy October!

Xo Kate

Photo by John Westrock on Unsplash