Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

It’s been a great October! The weather has been temperate and the autumn colors especially vivid. As October draws to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the highlights of this vibrant month. The crispness in the air signals the arrival of sweater weather. The excitement of Halloween festivities adds to the charm. October is a month rich with opportunities for connection and celebration. So much to do: You can enjoy a warm mug of apple cider. You might carve pumpkins. You could take a leisurely stroll through a scenic autumn landscape. This season has an undeniable charm that touches the heart. This post provides an overview of the events and trends that have defined my October. It focuses on seasonal fashion, culinary delights, and the spirit of togetherness.

Sweater Weather

One of the things I love best about this time of year is the transition to cozy clothing. Sweater weather denotes a shift in wardrobe essentials, inviting warmer fabrics and layered looks. Sweaters are so appealing: They are comfortable, warm, and ever-so-stylish. What’s more, the sheer variety of styles –from chunky knits to lightweight cardigans—allow us to express our personal style while staying warm. The color palette, too, is inspired by nature, with deep oranges, browns, greens, and yellows reflecting the changing leaves.

Macy’s Friends and Family Sale

October also brings some great retail opportunities. One of the best is the Friends and Family sale at Macy’s. At this sale, top brands like Ralph Lauren, that seldom go on sale, are on sale for 30%. And it’s not just clothes. Friends & family provides a perfect opportunity for shoppers to stock up on fall essentials and indulge in seasonal splurges, like I did with these Lenox dessert plates.

As the holiday season is not far off, October sales serve as an ideal time to start purchasing gifts.

Fall Food and Drink

Alongside the fashionable elements of October, the culinary landscape shifts to embrace the flavors of fall. And that means all things pumpkin. I personally adore the taste of pumpkin, but I reserve this pleasure for the true arrival of fall, waiting until at least the first day of October to fully indulge. One of my go-to recipes during this time is pumpkin chia pudding. It’s a breeze to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients, including pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree, and it makes for a healthy dessert.

Like many others, I’m craving more comfort foods. My casserole dishes get a real workout this time of year. Casseroles are so ideal for cooler evenings (not to mention for working women). My soup pot, too, comes out. Lots of hearty meals made with root vegetables from some of our local farmer’s markets.

Halloween Festivities

Of course, no mention of October would be complete without Halloween. Over the years, Halloween has grown exponentially as a holiday, with people decorating their homes whimsically and extravagantly. I have been enjoying the Halloween displays. They seem to be everywhere, much like the holiday lights and lavishly decorated trees in December. Here are a couple of my favorite:

Cemetery tours, too, are big. And some of the best in the city are given by Marge at Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery. Her Green-Wood After Hours Tours have been a huge hit. But 🤫 just don’t call them Halloween tours.