Red's Roundup: October 2021 - Red's Lil Schoolhouse

Red’s October Roundup starts with cozy fall clothing, Halloween favorites, and fun home decor picks.

October in the Midwest means BEAUTIFUL weather (typically), harvesting corn and soybeans, pumpkins galore, and preparing for Halloween. As I have gotten older, I have grown to love the fall months, primarily because of the gorgeous fall colors and the weather that corresponds.

Being at home this fall has allowed me to enjoy our pumpkins, mums, and other fall decorations more than ever. I love arranging pumpkins into stacks, piles, and layering ornamental cabbage in the mix. Having more time to enjoy this simple pleasure has been amazing and I am so grateful.

Fall Front Porch — Me in my happy place…with my pumpkins, gourds, and mums on my front porch.

My October Roundup includes all things FALL and Halloween that I have been loving! My favorite mum is that huge burnt orange one. It has been in full bloom for weeks! Mums and the sweater I’m wearing were on my list of favorites for September.

Enjoy browsing!

October Roundup

Plaid Shacket – A few months ago when I started to see shackets everywhere, I knew (at least) one needed to make it to my closet! In case you are unfamiliar, a shacket is what you get when you cross a shirt + jacket. Heavier than a shirt but lighter than most jackets. Perfect for fall weather! The “khaki” option stood out to me because I thought the gold stripe in the pattern looked like a beautiful fall color. I have worn mine more days than not over the past month. 🙂
Living History Farms – My daughter’s fourth-grade class took a field trip to Living History Farms a couple of weeks ago. I was fortunate to be able to go as a chaperone! This was very exciting to me as I have not been able to do this in the past because I’ve always been teaching. LHF is an interactive outdoor museum, educating people about the history of rural life in the Midwest. I learned so much on the field trip through the simulations and presentations. A few years ago at LHF, we thoroughly enjoyed the 1900’s dinner with a few of our family members. From the horse-drawn wagon ride to the delicious hearty meal served in a traditional 1900’s farmhouse, it was an experience we will never forget! Above all, I would highly recommend it!
My first time chaperoning as “MOM”. It was the best!

Old Farmhouse at Living History Farms. Isn’t it beautiful? A lot of the elements are still popular today.

Windmill at Living History Farms
Cotton Striped Placemats – Setting out placemats before mealtime always makes me think of my grandparents. They religiously set out placemats for everyone to eat on, then shook them out or washed them when necessary, and stored them in a bottom cupboard until the next mealtime. It was a chore we (as kids) could help with. Similarly, we have our children help “set the table” which includes setting out placemats. There are two main qualities I am looking for in a placemat. First, they need to be machine washable, and second, they need to be cute. It really does make a difference in how our food looks on our plates. When the background is nice-looking placemats, it makes the dining experience more enjoyable! This black option with a thin stripe is classic.
Upholstered Cube – As we continue to work on our basement remodeling project, I have kept my eye out for a couple of small ottomans. Something that could be used as a footrest, an extra seat, or to hold a tray for food and drinks. These upholstered cubes come in many different colors, and I actually like all of them! I chose the White Stripe after reading reviews that it wasn’t a true white (no thanks!), but rather a natural tan/off-white color. The stripe is a very thin black stripe, which works well with the other elements in our basement.
Giant Spiders – These giant spiders are amazing! They are HUGE, realistic-looking spiders, making them the perfect Halloween decor. The legs are bendable, which makes them easy to fold or hook where you want them to stay. I like to put them on spiders webs I’ve stretched out around our house. These would also be great on the outside of a house to look like the spiders are climbing. SPOOOOOOKY!!
Straight Up Podcast – Trent Shelton, former NFL player, shares advice on life, motivation, and becoming the people we were made to be. Whenever I need a good pep talk, Trent always delivers. His energy and positivity are contagious. I always feel lifted up and encouraged after listening to Trent.
Textured Cotton-Blend Sweater – These are the perfect sweaters. Soft, textured, comfortable, cute, and can be worn as a tunic or tucked into jeans. I liked my first one so much I bought it in two more colors! They can be worn under a denim jacket, layered over a flannel shirt, or as a basic sweater with jeans. I have it in cream, black jack, and blue stripe.
Oversized Plaid Flannel Tunic – These flannel shirts are incredibly soft, come in a variety of colors, and are super versatile. I like to wear a flannel shirt over a graphic tee, layered under a sweater, or tied around my waist if I am wearing leggings and want some extra coverage! They are definitely oversized, so I would suggest ordering your typical size and it will still be plenty big.
Plaid Flannel Tunic layered under Cream Textured Sweater.
Mid-Rise Ripped Straight Jeans – Denim trends are all over the place these days. For instance, high-rise, mid-rise, distressed, cropped, or wide-leg jeans are all popular! I find myself most comfortable in a mid-rise waist, and I often like some distressing as I think it adds interest to my outfits. Above all, these are a nice option for a reasonable price and come in a wide range of sizes.
Textured Cotton Sweater in “Blue Stripe” and Mid-Rise Distressed Jeans.
Hydrating Face Wash – Every fall, when the weather gets cool and the air is dry, I notice a change in my skin. Above all, it needs more moisture! I have used this face wash year-round, but I especially love it in the fall/winter months. (sometimes I use the foaming cleanser in the summer) It is a great basic face wash. Fragrance-free, non-irritating, and takes off makeup pretty well too. Apparently, a lot of others agree as the reviews are amazing! If you are looking for a drugstore face wash, give this one a try!
Freely & Lightly – Author and Artist Emily Lex released her new book earlier this year. I love Emily’s calm spirit, wise words, and gorgeous watercolor art. In my current season of life, I am learning to slow down and what it means to feel “real rest”. Freely & Lightly is a wonderful gift to remember the quiet confidence we feel from God’s company.
Cognac Booties – I did something I never thought I would do. I’ll go ahead and admit it right away. I bought boots at the grocery store. Yep! I sure did. After telling my husband how ridiculous I thought it was to have a shoe store INSIDE the grocery store, I found myself eyeing all of the cute fall boots. This cognac pair caught my eye, and after looking them up online and reading the reviews, I bought them the next time I was at the store. I am a little bit mad at myself for falling for the convenience of all of this, but also thankful I did not have to make an additional stop (or pay for shipping)! These are the perfect combination between a hiking boot and a duck boot. When I want something taller than my boat shoes, but not my lined winter boots. These fit the bill (pun intended!) And what would an October Roundup be without cute booties?!?
Glass Globe Floor Lamp – Lamps are household items I have not previously put a lot of effort into. In other words, if we needed a lamp, we found a cheap one and moved on. As I have learned more about putting together a room and the importance of layers of lighting, I am now very interested in choosing the right lamps. This glass globe lamp caught my eye because of the simple design, and the attractive glass globe. I literally have about 8 different places I would like to use it in our home! I need to make up my mind and keep my eye out for more lamps.