September has been a full month for us, with everything from a little staycation fun to an unexpected night in the hospital, and plenty of DIYs in between!
I always enjoy sitting down to share these newsletters with you—it feels like catching up with a friend over coffee.
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
So grab your favorite drink and let’s rewind the month together!
WHAT WE DID BEHIND THE SCENES IN September
Labor Day Weekend Staycation
We decided to turn Labor Day into a little mini-vacation this year! Rich took off the Friday before and the Tuesday after, which gave us a nice, long stretch of time to relax at home and enjoy a few days at the Disney parks.
Magic Kingdom
Our first stop was the Magic Kingdom to see all the fabulous Halloween decorations and have dinner at Skipper Canteen. We truly think this is one of the best-kept secrets in Magic Kingdom—the food is fantastic, and the servers make it so much fun!
We started with the Falls Family Falafel, made of chickpeas, garlic, onions, lemon juice, and herbs, served with house-made edamame hummus and toasted pumpkin seeds. It’s plant-based and safe for gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, milk, sesame, and tree nut allergies.
Rich loved the Mess Hall Duck Fried Rice, which included a five-spice-glazed leg, duck fried rice, cucumber salad, and Fresno peppers.
I enjoyed Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl, which consists of rice noodles, stir-fried shrimp, tamarind sauce, toasted peanuts, and fresh herbs. It’s safe for gluten/wheat, fish, milk, sesame, and tree nut allergies. It was so good—I loved the rice noodles since I don’t often get to eat them being gluten-free.
After dinner, we rode a few rides and ended the evening with the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight. The floats were enormous and covered in twinkling lights—it was magical!
EPCOT
Another day, we headed to EPCOT for the Food & Wine Festival. We booked an Eat to the Beat dining package at The Coral Reef Restaurant, which includes a meal plus reserved seating for that evening’s concert. Although Coral Reef doesn’t have the best reputation, we had a fantastic experience!
Our table was right beside the giant aquarium, and our server shared fascinating facts about the sea life.
Rich ordered the grilled snapper with coconut-lime rice, mango salsa, avocado, and toasted coconut. He said it was terrific.
I had the Surf & Turf—steak with shrimp (the steak was prepared exactly as I asked!). Was it the best steak I’ve ever had? No, but it was delicious. As a side, I had yuca fries and chimichurri sauce, which was fantastic!
The highlight for me was dessert: a chocolate mousse bar made with Baileys Almande, which was both gluten-free and dairy-free. Hands down, the best dessert I’ve had in years!
That evening, we saw one of our favorite Christian bands, MercyMe, in concert. They were terrific—I only wish they could have played longer!
Animal Kingdom
We also spent a morning at Animal Kingdom, where we got to see the baby tiger, Basko, who has grown so much since our last visit. He’s getting close to 1 year old, and pretty soon, he’ll be as big as his mother!
We also checked in on Tucker, the baby giraffe; he’s grown a lot, too!
This park is one of our favorites to stroll through because of its shady paths and beautiful landscaping—it’s just so peaceful.
It was such a treat to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy some of our favorite places without leaving town.
Our little Labor Day staycation felt like the perfect way to savor summer’s last hurrah and kick off the fall season ahead!
Horror nights
Halloween Horror Nights
While Rich and our son were off braving the scares at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, I stayed home since spooky stuff isn’t really my thing. They had a frighteningly fun evening! Me, on the other hand…
My horror night
Unfortunately, I had a bit of horror myself—I started feeling nauseous and kept thinking I was running a fever, though the thermometer never showed one. I broke out in heavy sweats (had to change clothes once!) and even had a few dry heaves, though I never actually got sick. Thankfully, after a restless night of sleeping propped up in bed, I woke up the next day feeling much better.
That morning, as I was peacefully reading my Bible on the couch, I suddenly felt chest pain that lasted about a minute before going away. When it happened again, I told Rich I thought I should head to urgent care, just to be safe. I didn’t think it was heartburn—I had only eaten a few crackers since lunch the day before, and I hadn’t been lying flat overnight. At the urgent care center, the pain had stopped, but the doctor was still concerned. My EKG came back abnormal, so she sent me straight to the ER.
To make a long story short, I ended up staying overnight for additional tests and a cardiology consult. The good news—I did not have a heart attack! What they did discover was that I have something called a mitral valve prolapse, but the doctors reassured me that it wasn’t the cause of my symptoms. Most likely, I experienced esophageal spasms, so I’ll be following up with my gastroenterologist.
Even though I felt a little silly going to the ER after the pains had already stopped, every doctor and nurse made it clear that it was absolutely the right decision. When it comes to chest pain, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Thrifted Treasures
We didn’t get out thrifting as much this month as I would have liked, but the few trips we did take turned up some treasures!
While browsing a shop in Mount Dora, we spotted this interesting vessel filled with gorgeous, real-touch hydrangea stems and greenery in warm fall colors for $25. At first glance, that might sound pricey, but when you consider that hydrangea stems like these can cost up to $12 each, it was actually a fabulous deal. We also grabbed four coordinating stems for just $2, which will be perfect for creating a new arrangement or even a wreath!
Later in the month, at Renninger’s fall yard sale, I stumbled on another arrangement in a pretty bowl. It was a bit of a mess, but tucked inside were realistic faux fruits in beautiful fall tones, and the whole thing was only $5. I immediately knew I could combine it with the hydrangeas to create something spectacular.
As if that wasn’t enough, I also came home with a few more interesting items: a classic white soup tureen, a pair of ironstone salt and pepper shakers, an artichoke statue that’s begging for a fresh coat of paint, and even a giant starfish!
I can’t wait to give these finds a little love!
Stay tuned to see how they’ll be used in future DIYs and decorating projects!
WHAT WE DID ON THE BLOG IN September
We kicked off the month with our Home Organization Challenge for Fall and then shifted into DIY mode! I had hoped to share our fall decor reveal by now, but don’t worry—it’s coming soon.
In the meantime, here’s a look at the projects we worked on this month:
- Upcycle a Sweater into a Ghost in a Cloche
Who knew an old sweater could be transformed into the cutest little ghost? This budget-friendly project is simple, fun, and perfect for spooky season. - Halloween Ghost Wreath
If you love unique front door decor, this playful ghost wreath is a must-try. It’s whimsical, festive, and sure to make trick-or-treaters smile. - Fireplace and TV Wall Tutorial
Sharing the Part 2 tutorial for our biggest DIY of the year! We completely transformed our living room with a custom electric fireplace and TV wall. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and modern. - Sweater Pumpkins
Give new life to an old sweater by turning it into cozy pumpkins! These soft, neutral pieces are ideal for fall decorating and work beautifully with any style. - Four Thrift Store Makeovers
From dated and dusty to fresh and fabulous—see how we gave four secondhand finds a whole new look with a little creativity (and a lot of fun).
INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE WEB
One of my favorite parts of this newsletter is sharing fresh ideas and inspiration from fellow bloggers and creators. Whether you’re looking for fall travel, recipes, decorating, or shopping, these links are full of seasonal fun!
- Living in Florida, I miss seeing the leaves change color. This Fall Foliage Prediction Map lets you move the dot across the months to find where fall foliage will be at its peak—perfect if you’re planning a road trip!
- My sweet friend and her family just launched an online store filled with fabulous, handcrafted pieces. Definitely worth checking out Thistlewood & Co!
- Gear up for game day with these winning recipes, whether you’re tailgating, hosting a watch party, or viewing the football game at home.
- You all know how much I love a good Pottery Barn dupe. This DIY leaf tray is such a clever (and budget-friendly!) version.
- This gorgeous fall mantel stopped me in my tracks. I’m thinking about creating a simpler version for Thanksgiving!
FAVORITE SEASONAL FINDS
If you’re looking to add a little spooky charm to your home this season, I rounded up some fun and festive Halloween decor finds from Amazon.
From subtle accents to statement pieces, these budget-friendly picks make it easy to bring the holiday spirit into your space—without going over the top.
You can shop all 12 of my favorites below (click on the blue links under the picture to get details for each item)!
Ghost Decor w/Lights | Flameless Black Candles | Personalized Pumpkin
Solar Torch Lights | Flameless Halloween Candles | Hanging Ghosts
Ghost Pillow Covers | Hanging Witch Hats | Floating Candles
Creepy Cloth and Crows | Bats Wall Decor | Spider Web Rug
HOME ORGANIZATION WEEKLY TASK
October will be a busy month as we begin to think ahead to the holidays.
This month’s tasks will help you streamline your everyday life, prepare for cooler weather, and get your home ready for guests and seasonal fun.
- Week 40- Organize Toys and Games
Keep playtime fun (and cleanup simple) by decluttering and creating storage solutions for toys, board games, and video games. - Week 41- Transition Seasonal Clothes
Swap out warm-weather clothes for cozy fall and winter pieces. It’s the perfect time to declutter and donate items that no longer fit or are no longer worn. - Week 42- Organize the Guest Room
Make your guests feel right at home with a tidy and comfortable space. Fresh linens, a clutter-free nightstand, and thoughtful touches go a long way. - Week 43- Organize the Guest Bathroom
Stock essentials, add a touch of hospitality, and streamline storage so that everything guests might need is easily accessible. - Week 44- Prepare For and Enjoy Halloween
From organizing costumes and candy to storing decor for next year, a little planning ensures you’ll enjoy the holiday without the stress.
By the time the month is over, you’ll be ready for fall activities, holiday guests, and plenty of fun!
POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE FROM OUR ARCHIVES
If you’re looking for a little extra inspiration this season, here are a few favorite posts from the blog that are perfect for October:
Decor
Easy and Elegant Halloween Mantel Decor Ideas
Add a touch of spooky elegance to your living room with these simple decorating tips for your mantel.
DIY
Dollar Tree to Pottery Barn Inspired DIY Light-Up Ghost
See how to turn a budget-friendly Dollar Tree find into a high-end looking light-up ghost—perfect for Halloween decorating.
Organize
Six Easy Steps to a Fall Coffee Bar
Create a cozy, seasonal coffee station that’s organized, functional, and ready for all your favorite fall drinks.
These throwback posts are a fun way to add a little seasonal style and organization to your home this month!
Closing thoughts
And that’s a wrap on September!
From our staycation adventures to an unexpected twist, some great thrift finds, and all the fun DIYs, it’s been a month to remember.
As we move into October, I’m excited to put the finishing touches on our fall decor, start some holiday preparations, and, of course, share even more projects with you.
Thanks so much for following along—it means the world to have you here as part of our season-by-season journey!
We’ll look forward to seeing you back again on October 31st for our next Seasonal Sentiments Rewind Newsletter!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
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**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
I’ve been wanting to check out Skipper Canteen! Still haven’t eaten there yet. Hopefully I will get to Disney in the fall next year!!
You have to try it DeeDee! It’s our favorite restaurant in Magic Kingdom.
I love seeing what you’ve been up to each month, Donna. It’s like a behind the scenes sneak peek at the good stuff. I’m so glad you went to the ER. Cardiology issues can be really scary at times, so I’m thankful you trusted your gut. Plus, if this ever happens again they’ll have a record and more evidence to go on. Thanks for sharing all of your Disney recaps. It’s so helpful to be able to pass them along! Can’t wait to see what October holds for you. Hugs, CoCo
Thank you CoCo! It really was scary and I guess it was a blessing in disguise because now I have a cardiologist to keep track of my MVP! Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!
Wow Donna! That is scary. I’m glad it worked out and now you’re aware to keep a heads up. Our health can be so fragile. On a different note I”m so jealous you and Rich have DW so close and you to full advantage. Living in California we are DL folks but it’s still a 5 hour drive for us. All you food looks amazing and it sounds like a super fun staycation (sans the ER visit). Stay well friend. XO- MaryJo
Thanks for stopping by MaryJo! We feel so fortunate to be living in close proximity to the theme park capital of the world (and pretty beaches too)! We are blessed (especially with a great hospital so close to our house as well)!