Magic, Memories, Milestones & a Little Mischief
Oh, October. Where do I even begin?
You were busy, beautiful, a little chaotic, and so much fun!
There were quiet mornings, pretty little finds, a few adventures, fairy wings, witch hats, and one very special birthday celebration.
Looking back through my camera roll, I realized something: October wasn’t just a good month. It was one of those months I want to remember.
And with my 60th birthday getting closer, that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Make more memories, enjoy the everyday moments, and stop postponing the things that make me happy.
So here’s a little look at what October was all about.
First, a Little October Reset
You know I couldn’t start a new month without giving my planner a little attention!
There’s just something about refreshing my pages, adding a few fun stickers, and making room for new plans that makes me happy.
October started with a little organizing, a little creativity, and a reminder that planning doesn’t always have to be about getting things done. Sometimes it’s simply about making the everyday feel a little more special.
And yes, pretty planner pages absolutely count as self-care! 🤎
The Little Luxuries
October also had its share of beauty, fashion, and little indulgences.
I spent some time organizing my beauty products, enjoying my skincare favorites, and browsing a few pretty things.
And yes, I still love trying on clothes, discovering new products, and treating myself to something that makes an ordinary day feel a little more special.
I don’t believe we have to save all the good things for special occasions.
Use the beautiful hand cream. Wear the outfit. Enjoy your favorite products.
Life is happening today, after all.
And Then I Became a Fairy!
Now, this was definitely one of October’s highlights.
Hulaween!
And apparently, I decided that the perfect way to celebrate this chapter of my life was to dress up as a fairy and spend time in an enchanted forest.
Honestly, I think I was onto something.
There were colorful lights, music, incredible costumes, beautiful scenery, and so much to see.
My outfit? A flowing blue dress, fairy wings, and a crown of flowers.
Was it practical? Not particularly.
Was it fun? Absolutely!
One of the things I’ve promised myself during this countdown to 60 is to remain curious, playful, and open to experiences.
Because who says that getting older means becoming boring?
Not this girl.
And perhaps that’s what I loved most about Hulaween. For a little while, I stepped away from deadlines, responsibilities, and everyday routines and simply enjoyed myself.
Sometimes happiness looks like a peaceful morning with coffee.
And sometimes it looks like fairy wings and dancing under colorful lights.
There’s room for both.
Of course, October wouldn’t be complete without some spooky fun.
From Halloween-inspired drinks to creepy decorations and unexpected photo opportunities, the month certainly delivered.
I love that Halloween gives us permission to be a little silly, dress up, and have fun with the season.
And speaking of dressing up, I wasn’t finished yet!
The Most Meaningful Celebration: My Mother’s 90th Birthday
October ended with something truly special.
My beautiful mother turned 90!
Ninety years. Nine decades of life, memories, experiences, challenges, and love.
And we had the privilege of celebrating this incredible milestone with family.
Naturally, because it was October, I decided to embrace the Halloween spirit one more time.
Out came the black lace dress, the striped stockings, and a fabulous witch’s hat.
I have to admit, I loved this look!
But the real magic of the day had nothing to do with costumes.
It was about family.
Seeing generations gathered together, watching the children enjoy themselves, taking photographs, and celebrating the woman who has been such an important part of our lives.
My mother has lived through so much in her 90 years. She has loved, sacrificed, celebrated, and faced life’s difficult moments.
And here we were, together, celebrating her.
As I approach my own 60th birthday, I find myself looking at aging a little differently.
My mother is celebrating 90, and I’m preparing for 60.
Thirty years separate those milestones.
Thirty more years of possible adventures, family celebrations, ordinary mornings, beautiful surprises, and stories waiting to be written.
What a wonderful thought.
These are the photographs I know I’ll treasure.
Not because everything was perfect, but because everyone was there, sharing a moment that can never be repeated in quite the same way.
Happy 90th birthday, Mom. I’m so grateful we got to celebrate you. And happy birthday # 33 to my dear son!!
Three Months Down, Three More to 60
Somewhere between all these adventures, October marked another milestone in my own journey.
Three months into my #180DaysTo60 countdown.
When I started this project in July, I wanted it to be about more than turning another year older.
I wanted to be intentional about how I spent the days leading up to this new chapter.
I wanted to take care of myself, try new things, create more memories, and enjoy the life I already have instead of constantly waiting for the next milestone.
And looking back at October, I think I’m doing exactly that.
There were moments of self-care, a little shopping, some beautiful experiences, family celebrations, and plenty of laughter.
Nothing about the month was particularly ordinary, yet so many of my favorite moments were found in the simplest things.
What October Taught Me
If October reminded me of anything, it’s that life doesn’t have to look one particular way.
I can love a quiet afternoon organizing my planner and still want to dance at a music festival.
I can enjoy fashion and beauty while appreciating the deeper things that truly matter.
I can celebrate my mother’s 90 years while looking forward to my own 60th birthday.
And I can be responsible, organized, and practical while still making room for a little magic.
Maybe that’s what this chapter is really about.
Not becoming someone different, but giving myself permission to enjoy all the different parts of who I already am.
Goodbye, October. You Were Wonderful.
As I move into November, I’m carrying all these memories with me.
The little luxuries. The laughter. The fairy wings. The witch hat. The music. The photographs. The family celebrations.
And above all, the reminder that life is meant to be lived, not simply planned.
October, you were so good to me.
Here’s to making more memories, saying yes to new experiences, and enjoying every chapter along the way.
With love,
Planning To Be Happy 🤎
#180DaysTo60
