5 Fall Favorites

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I'm a nostalgic person. Obviously.

I remember how my sixth grade teacher, Miss Jackson, burned Macintosh Apple and Hazelnut Coffee scented candles, sometimes at the same time, and now, either one of those fragrances reminds me of the first day of school.

I remember what it felt like to wear my favorite jeans and hand-me-down hoodie on a crisp, fall day, swinging on the tire swing in my grandparents' backyard.

I live for the sweet, simple memories, forever entwined within a familiar fabric or flavor.

Since I'm clearly into the little things, I'm letting you guys in on the 5 things that really make fall fall for me. Without them, it wouldn't be the same.

1. Pumpkin Spice. 

   Look, I know it's obvious, but it's a staple in my life from September through November. And no, I don't always splurge on the fancy lattes at Starbucks. Most of the time, I just get a flavored coffee from Marshall's and make it at home to enjoy in my BRAND NEW PUMPKIN SPICE MUG. You heard me correctly. I got a matching mug and it is so darn cute and I'm just the happiest clam when I'm sipping my pumpkin coffee in my pumpkin mug. This also includes pumpkin spice candles. There is nothing like walking into a warm, cozy home that smells like pumpkin pie.

2. Halloween/Fall Movies. 

   Hocus Pocus is CLEARLY the best Halloween movie ever made, hands down, so let's just get that out of the way now. Every October, I make a point to watch Hocus Pocus at least twice, a few Harry Potter movies, and all four Halloweentown movies. And no, I cannot watch a Halloween movie before October 1st. Even if I'm busy making dinner or working on something, I like to have one of these on in the background. It makes me feel a little cozier and a little less stressed.

3. Cozy Scarves and Socks. 

   Friends, there is nothing like curling up on your couch with a cup of tea, a good book (or movie) and some warm, fuzzy socks (like these!) on your toes. Literally nothing. Likewise, if you're spending time outdoors on a crisp day (another favorite of mine), nothing beats wrapping up in a thick, soft, scarf. I'm personally obsessed with the thick, blanket scarves, like this one.

4. Apple Picking.

   I don't care if I'm five years old. It's not fall if I don't have time to make it to an apple orchard. Apples are delicious, and they're an October staple. It's one of my all-time favorite things to do, followed by a warm cup of hot apple cider and maybe grabbing a pumpkin (or 12, I love pumpkins). Some orchards even have a little fall festival and you can walk around and just be surrounded by all things orange. It’s delightful.

5. Making time for it.

   Friends, last year, I made a point to carve out time in my schedule to do the things I love to do, like watch Halloweentown on my couch with my fuzzy socks. It seems like something that I would just "have" time for, but it's not. I made my list, and I made the time to do the things on my list, and let me tell you, I felt more alive and more intentional then I had in a very long time. It’s something I’m going to try to do year after year, because let’s be honest, you never know what’s going to happen, and I’m never taking these things for granted again. So yes, fall is fall and it's full of wonderful things, but it won't be as magical if you don't make the time for the things that fill you from the tips of your toes with joy.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 1:7

BONUS: I'm sharing with you all my Happiness List from 2019.

Last year, when I launched the entire blog with that post, I never shared the actual list of things that just bring me so much joy I could cry. And I do.

I didn't share it because it's dorky, and way-too-feelsy (and we know how I feel about that), but whatever, it's the kind of stuff that makes me happy, hence its my Happiness List.

Make your own list of stuff that makes you happy.

Now that October is here, I am free to do as many of the things on my list that I want, and don't mind if I do.

I don't mind if you do either 😉

• crisp, cool mornings

• pumpkin spice lattes

• falling leaves

• football games

• back to school

• marching band

• sweatshirts and jeans

• breezy weather/Gilmore Girls weather

• cozy blanket snuggles

• walking around cute towns

• warm baked goods - apple cinnamon + pumpkin spice

• fuzzy socks + hot coffee

• Halloween

• warm, cozy house with autumn colors + smells + Harry Potter or Hocus Pocus on in the background

• hot tea with honey liqueur

• sweaters + scarves

• pumpkins

• apple orchards

• fall decorations

• Harry Potter

• boots

• Hocus Pocus

• slower days

• cold nights + warm drinks

• bonfires

• no humidity - good hair!

And, of course, because “hope is not a strategy”, I made a little bucket list of specific things I wanted to do this fall.

1. Watch football on at least 1 Sunday afternoon. (Actual: like 6-7)

2. Make Crock-Pot Chicken Pot Pie (cold days only).

3. Decorate front porch.

4. 1 bonfire with hot cider + s’mores + blankets.

5. 1 football game.

6. At least 1 PSL in a to-go cup while I walk around town.

7. Fifers orchard + apple cider donuts.

8. Bake cookies, pumpkin something or apple pie.

9. Hocus Pocus on the couch with a cozy blanket, at least twice.

Happy Fall!