October's word has been Soothe, and I hope you've found a few little ways to bring more gentleness into your days.
Maybe you've made a cozy drink, discovered a new book, tried a simple skincare ritual, or paused long enough to remember a truth you needed to hear.
Or maybe October has been busy, messy, and full of things you didn't plan for.
That's real life, isn't it?
Sometimes we imagine that caring for ourselves requires a quiet house, an open afternoon, and a whole routine that nobody interrupts. But most of us need gentleness right in the middle of ordinary life—in the kitchen, between errands, while the laundry waits, or when our minds are carrying more than we'd like.
So for our final October newsletter, let's gather a few more small comforts and a reminder worth carrying into the next month.
Something to Sip
Apple, Mint & Cinnamon Infused Water
When the weather cools down, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. We reach for coffee or tea, get busy with our day, and suddenly realize we've barely touched our water glass.
One little trick? Give your water a hint of seasonal flavor.
You'll need:
2 cups cold drinking water
3–4 thin slices of apple
3–4 fresh mint leaves
1 small cinnamon stick
To make it:
Add everything to a clean jar or pitcher. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let the flavors mingle. Taste it, and leave it a little longer if you'd like a stronger flavor.
Remove the fruit and herbs before storing the water overnight, and drink it within 24 hours.
You can refill your glass throughout the day, or make a larger batch to keep in the refrigerator. If you prefer room-temperature water, let it sit out briefly while you enjoy the apple and mint aroma, then return it to the refrigerator.
A little hydration reminder: You don't have to force yourself to drink a certain amount all at once. Keep water where you can see it, take a few sips when you pass by, and notice what helps you drink comfortably throughout the day. Infused water is still water, just with a little seasonal personality.
Something to Read
Find Your Next Favorite Story
There is something comforting about knowing that a good story is waiting for you.
Maybe you want a book that makes you smile. Maybe you'd like to disappear into another world for an hour, or find a character whose company you enjoy so much that you don't want the story to end.
I've gathered some book recommendations through BookFunnel to help you discover your next read.
Explore this month's BookFunnel recommendations:
Searching for a Christmas Romance?
New Beginnings - Free Women's Fiction Books
You might discover a new favorite author or a story you wouldn't have found otherwise.
And remember, you don't have to finish a book just because you started it. You're allowed to follow your curiosity, change your mind, and read what you enjoy.
A little escape between the pages is a perfectly good reason to open a book.
Something to Make
Calendula-Infused Oil
Calendula's cheerful golden petals have a long history in traditional herbal skincare. This isn't an overnight project, but it is an easy one to start and return to over the next few weeks.
You'll need:
Completely dried calendula petals intended for herbal use
Olive oil or sunflower oil
A clean, completely dry glass jar with a lid
A fine-mesh strainer or clean muslin cloth
A clean, dry bottle for the finished oil
To make it:
1. Prepare your jar. Wash the jar and lid thoroughly, then allow them to dry completely. Even a little water left inside can introduce moisture into your oil.
2. Add the calendula. Fill the jar loosely about halfway with dried calendula petals. Don't pack them tightly.
3. Cover with oil. Pour in enough carrier oil to completely cover the petals, leaving a little space at the top. Stir gently with a clean, dry utensil to release trapped air bubbles and make sure all the plant material is submerged.
4. Let it infuse. Close the jar and place it in a cool, dark cupboard for about 3–4 weeks. Check it periodically to make sure the petals remain covered with oil. If you notice condensation, moisture, mold, or an unusual smell, discard the mixture.
5. Strain the oil. After the infusion period, pour the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a clean, completely dry container. Gently press the petals to release the oil, then discard the plant material.
6. Label and store. Write the ingredients and date on your bottle. Keep the oil tightly closed in a cool, dark place, and use it promptly. Homemade infusions don't have a standardized shelf life, so discard the oil if you notice changes in smell, appearance, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to use it
Smooth a few drops of oil over your hands or body. Patch-test first, and avoid using it on broken or irritated skin. Calendula can cause reactions in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
A note about safety: use only properly dried petals, keep all equipment and ingredients dry, and don't add fresh flowers, water, or wet herbs to the jar.
A jar of golden petals slowly infusing in oil is a lovely reminder that some things take time. You don't have to finish the project today. You just have to begin.
Something to Remember
The Lord's Steadfast Love
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
I love the reminder that God's compassion doesn't run out.
We can have a difficult day and still be loved. We can make mistakes, feel overwhelmed, or find ourselves in a season we never would have chosen—and God's faithfulness remains.
Sometimes we carry yesterday into today. We replay a conversation, regret how we handled something, or worry about what tomorrow will bring. Before we know it, we're trying to live several days at once.
But God's mercies are new every morning.
We don't have to pretend yesterday was easy. We don't have to know what tomorrow holds. We can meet today with the grace God gives us for today.
As we close October, take a few moments with these prompts:
Where have I experienced God's faithfulness this month, even in a small way?
What am I still carrying from yesterday that I need to bring to God?
What would it mean to receive today's mercies instead of worrying about tomorrow's needs?
What is one thing I want to remember about God's character as I enter a new month?
Write a few lines, make a list of small blessings, or turn your answers into a prayer.
You don't need to manufacture a feeling of gratitude. Just notice what is true, bring God what is difficult, and let Scripture remind you of the One who remains faithful.
A Little Soothe to Carry Forward
As October comes to a close, you don't need to look back and measure how well you cared for yourself.
You don't need to have completed every ritual, finished every book, or found a peaceful moment every day.
Instead, ask yourself one simple question:
What helped me feel a little more cared for this month?
Maybe it was a warm drink. Maybe it was a few pages of a book. Maybe it was taking better care of your skin, writing down a worry, or returning to a verse that reminded you of God's faithfulness.
Whatever it was, you can carry that small practice into November.
Not as another obligation, but as something you know you enjoy.
Thank you for spending October with me. I hope this month has reminded you that small moments of care matter, even when life is far from perfect.
Until next time,
Carrie
P.S. I'd love to hear: What's one small thing from October that you'd like to carry into November? Reply and tell me. It could be a recipe, a skincare habit, a favorite book, or a Scripture you want to keep close.
