Welcome to Snack Chats, where we pull a few stools up to the counter and have a chat. Like the kitchen island in our home, this is the place for “Oh my gosh, where did you get that sweater?” and “Can I get that soup recipe?” and “You just have to read this book.”
We hope you find something that brings you joy here, and we’d love for you to share your own favorites of the month in the comments below!
Our kids’ school had Meet the Teacher last week, and I can confirm this picture is accurate.
It has not gotten cool enough here in Ohio for me to truly embrace pumpkin spice season, but I am wondering why the antacid market isn’t all over this.
I don’t really mind holding on to these sunny, hot days awhile longer, but I am anxious to don cozy sweaters and commence “laying on the couch with a blanket, a mug of tea, and a good book/movie” season. Here are a few of my favs to get in the cozy Autumn spirit!
I felt a bit ridiculous when I ordered this extra long zip hoodie, but it has been the MVP of my closet this last year. It’s perfect for chilly nights around the campfire or for putzing around the house on a lazy Saturday morning, but most impressively it’s almost completely replaced my robe. The zipper means there’s no annoying gapping, and I LOVE that the sleeves are cuffed so I can easily push them up if I’m doing dishes or cooking.
There’s something magical about these wide leg sailor pants from Target. They fit SO well and are comfy without looking sloppy. I’m wearing them with this sweater.
Babes- A laugh out loud funny buddy comedy starring MOMS! Two best friends learn how to show up for each other through early motherhood, surprise pregnancies, nursing woes, and all the highs and lows in between. It’s over the top, but somehow still relatable. Please note, there is raunchy humor and lots of discussion of bodily fluids (there are TWO birth scenes), so if that’s not your jam, you might want to sit this one out.
If You Can’t Take the Heat- This book surprised me in the best way. I originally picked it up because of the eye-catching cover, but it turned out to be spectacularly funny, insightful, and moving. My favorite line: “Maybe a recipe is a way of keeping the people you love alive forever.” ❤️
Did you know you can freeze grilled cheese and then COOK IT IN THE TOASTER? This was very exciting to me and a game changer for kids! Click on over to this video to learn how. You can also learn how to bake grilled cheese en masse here.
We watched so much Olympics in August and it was glorious, but in case you needed a reminder of how much skill is required to be an Olympian, these “Unfortunately I did not make the Olympic team” videos ought to do the trick (and give you a good laugh, too).
I absolutely love the thoughtful and hilarious creators of the Faith Adjacent podcast. This episode on Faith and Politics was especially helpful as we head into another anxious election season.
They Call Me No Sam! - This “kids” book was a hilarious story told from an adopted dog’s POV, and the outrageous hijinks that unfold as he navigates his new world and struggles to defeat his arch rivals. It had us all cracking up at bedtime. It’s great for early readers and reads more like the Sunday comics than a chapter book. If you’re the kind of person who makes up dopey human voices for dogs, or if the endless stream of Captain Underpants and Minecraft/Pokemon/Marvel books are starting to erode your patience, then this is for you.
Qamaria Coffee - There is nothing like the unique blend of cardamom and spices in this coffee. It feels tailor-made for crisp autumn mornings. The pistachio latte is life-changing, and their baked goods are outstanding. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the few states that has a Qamaria Yemini Coffee cafe, then you know the deal. You can order their beans online but I’ll warn you, they’re pricey. Still totally worth the splurge.
Family Video Game Time - Screen time battles are a fact of life in 2024. And while some days kids would rather just grab a tablet and retreat to their own virtual worlds, I’ve been trying to steer our boys toward less isolating, more joint experiences with their video game time. I picked up a few of these awesome 8BitDo Controllers, installed a few games on my PC (currently playing Rubber Bandits), and we’ve been having a blast. ***If your family isn’t already married to a game consoles, I can’t recommend PC gaming enough. Steam is the PC video game platform that makes the whole thing work with no monthly fees, games that are cheaper and frequently on huge discounts, and the games likely run on whatever computer(s) you already have.
The first round of school germs has hit our house, so this 30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup is back in the rotation. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and have this on the table in a flash.
Super tender, ridiculously easy Crock Pot Shredded Beef can keep you in business all week if you’re lucky. Have it with mashed potatoes or noodles, stuff it in a bun for a great sandwich, or have it in burritos or tacos.
If you’re feeling the need to get the pumpkin spice train moving, I recommend you start with this One Bowl Pumpkin Bread.
Saved this Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole from Recipe Runner for dinner later this month.
I’ve also got my eye on Joy the Baker’s French Onion Chicken Dinner. Doesn’t that sound divine??
What have you been into this month? Any recipes you’re looking for for fall? Drop your gems in the comments!