Tomorrow is Friday night. We have only 2 weekends left before Halloween. Have you had a good scare lately?

Halloween themed movies can be spooky, some can be scary and others are just darn right silly. October just doesn’t seem like Halloween unless I have made my way through as many favorites as possible.

I hope my list inspires you to welcome All Hallows Eve with a few thrills, chills and giggles. Make some popcorn and don’t forget a blanket to hide under during the really scary parts!

I know….you have read 100 articles and blog posts about drinking lemon water. Well….welcome to number 101.

If you are like me, when you read these articles you realize immediately that lemon water is the answer to all things wellness. You may even pull out a large water bottle, slice up enough lemon for a week and drink one glass. One. And that’s it. The lemons shrivel up waiting to be used and you return to your 3 cups of coffee morning habit in 24 hours.

Well, my friends. I am happy to share that I am now on my 3rd week of 20+ ounces of lemon water daily. Does it really make difference? Hell yes!

I’m not going to bore you with the obligatory lecture about what you already know. That stuff about better digestion, improved immunity, optimal pH balance, plumper skin, a boost in metabolism, improved mood….and the list goes on. (ok…sorry…I did have to sneak it in a little….)

Instead, I am going to tell you that I have found a way to make sure I start each morning with 20oz of lemon water. And I have Cameron Diaz to thank for it.

Before I get to my list, I have a confession to make. I actually have a love/dread relationship with September.

I know…seems crazy doesn’t it? You see, two of my three kids are away at college. For the past 5 years, September has been a little harder. Our entire family has been together all summer long. We have had family dinner just about every evening. Big Sunday morning breakfasts together. Game nights, outdoor movies and concerts together. I don’t know about you, but I find comfort with everyone under one roof.

If you have been in this same position, perhaps you know exactly what I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong, I am so proud of them for being independent and for pursuing their dreams. I love hearing stories about college life. (at least the ones they are willing to share..wink) There is just a little part of me that misses them and wishes they were younger again.

That brings me to my September LOVES list. This simple reflection has certainly helped lift my spirits. Each Labor Day weekend, I create a list that combines my September loves with a few to-do items that keep me busy. Not only am I excited to share them with you, but I’d love to add your favorites as well. Please a share in the comments!

Do you listen to any podcasts? If so, is Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations on your playlist? I love the one featuring Maria Shriver. I walked an extra 20 minutes, just so I could listen to both parts of the podcast. When I got home, I ordered Maria’s book “I’ve Been Thinking…” and patiently waited for it to arrive.

I enjoy listening to podcasts during my daily walks. The genres are always different and usually dictated by my ‘mood of the day’. On this particular weekend I was craving Oprah’s gift for getting deep in conversation with her guests. Her unique talent for reaching authenticity with every person she interviews. With Maria Shriver, it seemed a bit different. These two women are friends. And in this podcast Oprah and Maria allowed the listener to join two kindred spirits sharing thoughts of love, forgiveness, and the quest for a meaningful life. The conversation left me craving more. I hoped Maria’s book would feel like a continuation of those reflected thoughts.

Well….let me say…I finished the book in 2 days. And it did not disappoint.