Petite Pause no. 13
A little fall sparkle - tiny rituals, cozy finds, and the start of something new
Your end-of-week scroll break. A cozy little catch-up full of links, loves, and things I can’t stop talking about. A spark of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
The week has been full in all the ways early fall tends to be. Early morning soccer games have me bundled up on the sidelines with coffee in hand, the first flickers of cool weather have finally rolled through and I’ve loved every second of it, and somewhere in between I managed to come down with a no-good, terrible cold. But I’ve also cracked open the beginnings of my second novel, which feels equal parts thrilling and daunting. There’s something about the shift in season that makes me want to start fresh projects, light candles in the evenings, and sink into cozy routines.
So today’s Petite Pause is all about those little autumn luxuries. The simple swaps and tiny joys that make this time of year feel like something worth romanticizing.
Weekend Itinerary
What to Read: Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage — a Golden Girls–inspired cozy mystery full of charm, humor, and a sweet twist.
What to Watch/Listen To: Queue up You’ve Got Mail for a true cozy-season rewatch, settle in with Practical Magic (nothing says October like witchy sisters and midnight margaritas), or lean into the mystery vibes with Knives Out. And if you’re in a listening mood, the Books Are Magical podcast pairs perfectly with cooking dinner or an evening walk.
What to Make: A simple pumpkin bread recipe by Nea Arentzen (bonus points if you slather it with cinnamon butter).
What to Do: Switch over your closet — pack away the summer dresses, bring out the knits, and maybe treat yourself to one new fall staple to make it fun.
What I’m Adding to My Fall Rotation 🍂
The secret to romanticizing fall? Surrounding yourself with little luxuries that make the season feel special. A candle that sets the mood, a throw you can’t wait to curl up in, a cozy knit set for coffee runs, and a beauty switch-up or two that make everyday moments sparkle. These are the fall finds I’m loving right now.
Home & Cozy Touches
Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle — The perfect sweet-meets-spicy pumpkin scent. Fall doesn’t start until this one is burning.
Cable Knit Throw Blanket — Affordable, soft, and in the richest fall tones, perfect for reading nights.
Handmade Terracotta Jack O’ Lantern — An investment piece you’ll bring out year after year.
Velvet Throw Pillow Covers — Easy, affordable seasonal swaps with 10+ colors.
Wardrobe Staples
Cable Knit Sweater Set — Lounge-worthy comfort with enough polish for a PSL run.
Embroidered Ghost Cat Sweatshirt — The cutest spooky-season staple. Customizable in 10+ color options.
Kitchen & Everyday Joys
Pumpkin Spice Syrup — Bring Starbucks vibes home with this PSL-ready syrup. And these Clear Plastic Cups that make my ice lattes bougie.
Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy: A Cookbook — Packed with hearty, cozy recipes perfect for chilly nights.
Milk Frother Wand — Turns your at-home lattes and hot cocoa into café-level treats.
Beauty & Self-Care
Pumpkin Enzyme Mask — A glow-boosting exfoliating mask that smells like fall.
Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfume — Warm vanilla and caramel notes that feel cozy and indulgent, like wrapping yourself in a fall sweater.
ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette —Warm neutrals made for autumn eyeshadow looks.
Cocokind ceramide Lip Blur Balm — A soft, hydrating tint that blurs like a lipstick but feels like a balm. Your new everyday fall lip.
Dr. Brandt Fatigue Fighting Eye Gel — Diminishes signs of dryness, fatigue, and dark circles, so you look as refreshed as you feel (even if your week has been anything but).
Substacks I loved this week:
October Seasonal Syllabus: A Guide to all the Good Stuff this Month by Nina P. A cozy road map for October packed with seasonal reads, movies, recipes, playlists, and even a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. It’s joyful anticipation at its best and the perfect way to set intentions for the month ahead.
Ways I Trick Myself Into Wonder byAnna Vatuone — A beautifully written meditation on losing your muse, searching for awe, and what it really means to stand in the way of wonder. Anna takes you from Martha’s Vineyard to backyard sunrises, long walks, poetry, and music, and ends with the quiet revelation that reverence can be its own kind of muse.
How to Romanticise October by Hannah Connolly — A lyrical ode to October as the “main character” of months, equal parts velvet, woodsmoke, and Donna Tartt energy. Hannah blends poetry, rituals, and honesty about imperfection into a reminder that autumn is as much about embracing the mess as it is about savoring the beauty.
Pumpkin Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies by Claudia Harrington Pumpkin, brown butter, and melty chocolate chips = fall in a bite. Claudia shares her cozy twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, complete with tips for straining pumpkin puree, browning butter, and finishing with flaky salt. A dreamy October bake if you’re craving something sweet this weekend.
Children’s Books for Halloween by Sarah Miller — A delightfully spooky and tender guide to seasonal reads for little ones, from classics like Humbug Witch to modern gems like Boo Stew and The Girl in the Walls. Sarah’s picks span ages and genres, blending charm, fright, and heart—perfect for building a cozy Halloween library for kids.
What’s in your own fall rotation right now? A cozy blanket, a go-to recipe, or maybe a scent that says autumn? Hit reply or drop it in the comments, I’d love to borrow from your list.
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