Asking for a friend: When is it too late to go apple picking? I’ll be honest, apple picking is usually a stressful event for me. Sure, I love the donuts and the apple cider, but I end up with 5,789 apples and am overwhelmed with what to do with all of them. And, it pains me to waste them. 

I’m pretty sure this is the last time we went, circa 2013 — I was pregnant with Landon.

Personally, I’d rather watch college football than go apple picking. But, if you’re an apple-picker-person, (which I know a lot of you are!) this article by The Every Mom has recipes that even I can figure out. Including brown sugar apple iced coffee, apple cinnamon pancakes and, get this…CROCKPOT applesauce. Um, that sounds delish and easy. One thing I’m really into right now is boundaries — at work and home. I always had this impression that people established boundaries to push people away, and often those boundaries were created out of spite. But, I’m learning that healthy boundaries, when NOT created out of bitterness or anger, are an act of love and NECESSARY to hold ourselves together. To preserve the best parts of us for the people we love most.

My friend, Lysa TerKeurst, has written a book about it called “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes” (out November 8th, pre-order here). She joins me on the podcast this week to talk about all things boundaries and when those boundaries turn into goodbyes. She’s not just an acclaimed author and mom of five, she also recently lost her marriage of 30 years. I really think this conversation will help so many of you, wherever you are on your journey. 

Before I wrap things up, let’s go back to that question I asked you at the beginning about apple picking season. Apparently, the best time to apple pick is September through early October. So, it looks like the window has juuuuust passed. Darn! 

Only 68 days till Christmas, y’all! 

FARIS FAVORITES

1. Faris Favorites is apparently your favorite section of the newsletter — you get to hear about what I’m really into at the moment. But, I’d like to hear YOUR favorites, as well. What are some of your favorite things, what are YOU into, and what can’t you live without? Let me know HERE and I’ll share with the community!

2. Hubby and I are OBSESSED with Welcome To Wrexham, a documentary about Ryan Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney. Okay, maybe we’re just obsessed with Ryan Reynolds. Anyway, Ryan and Rob buy a Welsh soccer team (WREXHAM) and are trying to get Wrexham promoted after a decade-plus of floundering in the lower leagues. It’s a story about humanity, community and the power of storytelling. No nudity. No sex. But, some F-bombs. Photo via Rotten Tomatoes

3. I didn’t want pumpkins to get a complex because of the incessant apple talk. So, try this easy peasy PUMPKIN LOAF by Daphne Oz — she says her family can’t get enough of it! Sounds like a winner to me! 🎃

Here's what you missed this week in The CARRY™ ALL, the weekly newsletter BY working moms, for working moms (and the Media company birthed out of my own Called Out story!)

1. Self-care tips for burnt-out working moms.2. Your chance to win $500 toward a meal delivery of your choice.3. A letter to the mama whose maternity leave just started.

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Episode 79 with Lisa TerKeurst —

My dear friend and New York Times Best-Selling author and speaker, Lysa TerKeurst, is joining me for a deep dive into her latest book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes". Aside from being a celebrated writer, Lysa is a mother and grandma, but she's also been through it - including the painful loss of her marriage of nearly 30 years. She opens up about the tough road she's walked over the last eight years. Hear why it's made her so passionate about helping others learn what boundaries are.

Listen Now!

Episode 78 with Dale Earnhardt Jr. — Just a few years ago, this Hall of Fame NASCAR driver took his final lap around the track, got married and now has two little girls, whom he dotes over daily. His daughters even inspired his latest act - authoring "Buster's Trip to Victory Lane", a children's book with the message that sometimes we all need a little inspiration to make it to the finish line. This episode is packed with encouragement, heart and warmth to help get you in the "groove" for all the laps to come!

Listen Now