It's officially October which means fall is in full swing! Fall officially starts on September 22nd, but personally I start celebrating before then. Yes, I'm the cheesy person who get's obnoxiously excited about fall. Despite that, this article isn't about trying the newest fall flavored drinks or buying completely new decor to match the season. I wanted to focus on habits that get you excited and feeling seasonal as the days begin to get shorter and it begins to get a little cooler out. Fall gives so many things to look forward to: fall foliage, Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, etc. There's so much to do and here are a few suggestions to check off your bucket list this season!
#1: Nature walks
One of my favorite things about fall is getting to see the leaves change colors. Depending on how far up North you live, you may see the muted tones of orange and reds starting mid September, for some that won't come until later October. Either way, I find there's something so magical about getting outside, putting on a cozy hoodie or light jacket and "stopping and smelling the roses". Not only is a fall walk a great way to see the leaves, but there are so many health benefits including decreasing stress, improves sleep, and provides a natural source of Vitamin D. Today, you're unique if you make it a priority to spend time outdoors, "Americans typically spend 90% of their lives indoors" (National Library of Medicine). There are also so many state parks out there that are filled with inviting walking trails just waiting to be taken advantage of.
#2: Get cozy
I believe candles, lamps, and fairy lights all calm your nervous system. I love the feeling of coming out of the shower to put on a pair of fuzzy socks and freshly washed pajamas! Then, cozying up with a warm, soft blanket on the couch, smelling my favorite vanilla scented candle, hearing the crickets singing outside, and watching my favorite show. I've currently been watching Desperate Housewives which is a 2000s classic. I'd also recommend Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, Gilmore Girls, and Wednesday. Don't even get me started on movies! There are so many great staples out there like Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, Harry Potter, Dead Poet's Society, Twilight, and so many others!
#3: Fall crafts
Last weekend I sat out on my porch, and painted a pumpkin over an old brown trash bag. It was so simple, yet so fun. It was a great reminder that we don't need to go to the craft store every time we want to make something. There are so many things in your own home just waiting to be reimagined with your creativity. For example, reusing old cans or toilet paper rolls to make pumpkins or scarecrow faces.
#4: Eat what's in season: Bake/cook something new!
I love referring to my state's seasonal guide to see which produce items are in season. They're always so much tastier if you eat them in season. In my state, here are just a handful of the foods that are in harvest during the fall months:
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Collards
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Radishes
- Pumpkins (of course)
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Winter Squash
I love making cozy soups using the instant pot. A few weeks ago I made Zuppa Toscana and it was delicious! I also recommend sausage & peppers, pasta, vegetable soup, or any recipes using the produce above! This season, I'm going to challenge myself to try new recipes using those ingredients. I also think its essential to make at least one batch of pumpkin bread, banana bread, or muffins this season.
#5: Plan a date!
There's nothing better than loved ones who make life sweeter. I love to invite my friends, family, or boyfriend to do fun things. Here are some cute ideas:
- Pumpkin patch + pumpkin carving
- Getting fall drinks + thrifting
- Hike/ camping trip
- Explore a small town new to you
- Bookstores/ reading date