Hi all!
Welcome to another favourites post! October has always been the best month of the year in my opinion. Daylight savings begins, the weather gets warmer and the days stay lighter for longer. I went to Queensland/Byron Bay with my mum from the 4th – 8th which was so relaxing and fun – see Crystal Castle – Photo Diary & What I Eat In A Day Whilst Travelling (Vegan & Healthy). I also read lots of books, enjoyed adventures in the sun, worked on my novel plus other exciting life projects and celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary with Francis. Let’s get into it!
THE BEST OF OCTOBER:
1.) Shoes – Corda Rope Sandals
I absolutely adore these sandals. I had seen them floating around the internet for a while and with the warmer weather approaching, I wanted a pair for my getaway to Queensland. They are 100% vegan, ethical and super comfortable. Made from soft eco-friendly rope, these shoes form to your feet with durable rubber soles underneath for extra comfort. It was so nice strolling on the beach with these cruelty-free babies supporting and cushioning my tootsies. They aren’t cheap but I believe in investing in good quality products that will last a long time. When you think about it, we are on our feet all day long so we should look after them. I love how boho and cute they look paired with shorts, dresses and skirts.
2.) T.V Show – Will & Grace Revival
If you know me, you know that Will & Grace is my all-time favourite television show in the history of the world. I began watching it as a teenager, fell hopelessly in love and have not stopped re-running it ever since. I can literally quote every line of every episode – no joke! When I heard that there was to be a revival, I’m not ashamed to say I shed happy tears. Not only that, it has already been renewed for a second season! On September 29th the first episode aired and I, like all true fans, worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype or be extremely disappointing. Luckily, it was a smash and still going strong eleven whole years later. The classic jokes and lovable/quirky characters are back. I’m overjoyed that I get a bit more time with a show that has meant so much to me since it aired in 1998. If you are watching the revival, please let me know down below what you think of it.
3.) Restaurant – Mandala & Co, QLD
As soon as my flights to QLD were booked, I knew I had to visit Mandala & Co – a 100% vegan/cruelty free restaurant located in Mermaid Beach. I’ve seen so many aesthetically pleasing foodie pictures from there that had me drooling. Mum and I went for dinner on the 5th and were not disappointed in the slightest. We ordered the Cassava Chips (not pictured but crazy delicious) and two plant-based pizzas – the pesto and roasted pumpkin. The bases were light with yummy cashew cheese on top. We were in heaven. Please check out Mandala & Co if you’re in the area.
4.) Book – Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I am so in love with this beautiful cover. I brought this book along with me to Queensland as I wanted a light contemporary to read overlooking the ocean. I finished the entire thing in two days with tears streaming down my face. This story follows 10 year old August Pullman (Auggie) who is born with a facial deformity. After years of home-schooling, his parents decide to enrol him into the fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As you can imagine, Auggie is teased, bullied and ridiculed for his physical appearance but he also makes loving, loyal friends. Be prepared to cry. Your heart will break for this special little boy. I cannot wait to see the film adaptation in November. It will give you all the feels.
5.) Bookish Accessory – Book Sleeve from Etsy
I prefer paperbacks over hardcovers which means my books tend to get damaged a lot easier whilst carrying them around all day long. I decided to purchase a cute, Alice in Wonderland inspired book sleeve on Etsy from the store MelvisMakes. I love the design and feel. It’s super soft and cushions nicely, protecting from everyday wear and tear. Mine is a size large so it can accommodate any book from my shelf. I would definitely recommend investing in a sleeve if you travel everywhere with a handy-dandy novel!
6.) Snack – Fruit & Nut Snackaballs by Tom & Luke
I have been obsessed with these delicious snacks for weeks now. They are my go-to treats between meals when I’m feeling slightly peckish. There are lots of different flavours but the Salted Caramel and Zesty Lemon & Coconut (see below) are my favourite. They are 100% vegan, GF and healthy. I love that they are all natural and made with very minimal ingredients. For example, the Salted Caramel only contains: dates, cashew nuts, dessicated coconut, raisins, sea salt, pea protein and natural caramel flavour. You can find them in most health-stores in Australia. Click here to see the other flavours. Such perfect bite-sized goodness!
7.) Movie – The Martian
I know this movie isn’t exactly new but Francis and I recently watched it and loved it! Based off of the novel by Andy Weir, this movie follows Mark Watney’s epic survival story on Mars after he is presumed dead and left by his crew. Despite the intensity, Mark is surprisingly funny, adopting a good-humored approach and attitude to his situation. He is an extremely intelligent botanist that comes up with many innovative ways of staying alive whilst his colleagues back at NASA try to rescue him. I highly recommend watching this film if you haven’t already. It is a must see!
8.) Memory – Best Moment of October 2017
The best moment of October 2017 was without a doubt, celebrating my 1 year wedding anniversary with Francis. Click One Year of Marriage! (The Husband Tag) to read the post I published on our actual anniversary (October 30th). As per tradition, we bought one another a single long-stemmed red rose and had a romantic dinner at Maha in the city. We had a four-course vegan banquet which was so delicious. The traditional first wedding anniversary gift is paper so Francis wrote me a beautiful letter and I used a voucher to buy us tickets to a show in November. I cannot believe it has been a full year since we got married. It has honestly been the best 365 days of my life. I feel so incredibly lucky to have a best friend that is also my husband. May we have many more loving years together…
TOTAL BOOKS I READ IN OCTOBER 2017: 7
– Nevernight by Jay Kristoff (Book #1 of the Nevernight Chronicles) – 5/5 STARS
– Fairest by Marissa Meyer (Book #3.5 of the Lunar Chronicles) – 4/5 STARS
– Wonder by R.J. Palacio – 5/5 STARS
– Turtles All The Way Down by John Green – 3.5/5 STARS
– Winter by Marissa Meyer (Book #4 of the Lunar Chronicles) – 4/5 STARS
– Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff (Book #2 of the Nevernight Chronicles) – 5/5 STARS
– The Silver Mask by Cassandra Clare & Holly Back (Book #4 of the Magisterium Series) – 2/5 STARS
I hope you enjoyed my October Favourites for 2017. Let me know down below what you were loving this month and what you’re looking forward to in November. I’m excited for lots of things but you’ll have to wait and see! Until then…
Peace & Love xoxo
Disclaimer: This post contains links to my Amazon & Book Depository Affiliate which helps fund my blog, I am not being paid or sponsored for this post/products – all my thoughts/opinions are my own
I like October too but in the northern hemisphere it’s not getting warmer or lighter!
But it’s a good time of year for comfort food and a good book, LOL.
That’s a shame, I feel like in the Southern Hemisphere we wait all year for good weather haha so when it comes we are super excited. Always a good time for a good book!
Another great monthly wrap up from you, Bec! Again so many things done and it makes me feel like I’ve done nothing 😀 Those pizzas look amazing and it sounded like the perfect trip with your mum 🙂
Thank you for sharing the book sleeves. Never knew there was such a thing but that is Etsy for you. Such a pretty blue Alice and Wonderland one that you chose.
Haha, I thought your wedding photo looked very nice and thank you so much for the credit! Congrats on your 1 year anniversary with Francis. Such a beautiful couple <3
Thank you my friend! You are always doing something even if it feels like nothing 🙂 haha Etsy is the best as I’m sure you can agree. Really appreciate all your kind words xx