Feel Good Friday: Fall Is The Best
Have you heard? It’s fall! And that means it’s the BEST TIME OF YEAR! (Picture me screaming from a rooftop because that’s what I feel like doing when the crisp air settles in.)
Don’t get me wrong—summer’s great (especially in SoCal), but fall is where it’s at. Am I right, or am I RIGHT?
If you’re like me, you try to make the most of this season by bundling up in sweaters, drinking a PSL or two (so basic), and finding some local festive things to take part in.
Don’t let this month/season pass you by. Celebrate fall with me by doing one, some, or all of these cutesy things with friends, family, or even just yourself (who cares?!):
1. Bake something pumpkin-y.
Don’t be afraid to pull your sleeves up and spend a few hours in the kitchen. Here are some easy ideas to get you started: Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, or Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Butter.
I spent about two hours last night making all of the treats! Now… let’s see if I can give them away before I gobble them all up.
2. Peruse Trader Joe’s for festive items.
TJ’s is ALL fall right now. As soon as you walk in you’ll see pumpkin things up and down aisles. They even have vanilla bean maple syrup right now. WOW.
I can’t walk in there without spending at least $20 on items that pop out at me!
3. Pick apples or head to a pumpkin patch.
This one is so typical, but you just GOTTA. I think we’re going to go apple picking this weekend somewhere more inland where the weather is more autumn-like right now. I can’t wait! Sam said, “As long as you make me apple crisp, I’ll go wherever you want to go.” I said, “DEAL!”
Know of any cute areas we should explore?!
4. Hike it out.
Hiking in the fall is so enjoyable. The sun isn’t scorching down on you and the views offer something different. I love wearing a warm sweatshirt and hitting the trails in the morn. It’s so much quieter and by the time I’m done, there’s still so much day ahead of me. What can I say… I’m a morning person.
5. Throw a potluck dinner party.
There’s something about this season that makes me want to be around good people, and share stories and laughter. I keep telling Sam we’ve gotta have a party with friends—just cuz. I love the idea of having a potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish (fall-themed or not) and we all sit around trying different things and catching up. Potlucks are meant to be low-key and easy. Sometimes dinner parties can get me stressed, so the idea of just making it super chill sounds nice, especially before the holidays hit and everyone’s too busy!
6. Sip on a pumpkin beer!
Ok, I get it… you either love or hate pumpkin-flavored things. I love it! There are yummy pumpkin beers out there that really put me in the festive spirit, like Shipyard Pumpkinhead and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin. If you’re a beer lover, what’s your favorite fall beer?
7. See a scary movie.
What better way to prep for Halloween than by getting a little spooked. I have a love/hate relationship with horror movies. I always want to see them but then after I do, I’m basically afraid in my own home for a good week as I think back to the crazy moments from the film as if it were my own life. Problematic? YES. I still watch them, though. Lol! What are some scary movies you watch each year? Any new ones you’re dying to see?
8. Bundle up and head to the beach.
There’s something so cozy and romantic about going to the beach during off-season. No matter what coast you’re on, bundle up and walk the beach. I always feel like it’s a reset button for me when I go to the ocean. It clears my mind and gives me some time to reflect. Plus, that cool air feels super nice this time of year.
9. Get crafty.
I’m no Martha Stewart, but I love a good crafty project. There’s definitely something about this season that makes me want to create. Around this time, you can find me at my kitchen table making homemade greeting cards and gift tags, as well as fall bouquets. Maybe it’s the bright oranges and reds that I love working with, or just the idea of seeing the finished product. Create something—I swear it’ll relax you and plus, it’s fun giving gifts to those you love.
10. Practice gratitude.
Autumn often has me reflecting. I don’t know if it’s because my birthday is during this time of year or because Thanksgiving is ahead, but I tend to find myself thinking more around these months. Whenever I can, I really try to think about all I’m thankful for. It’s easy to get caught up in the things that aren’t going so well, but what about all that’s going right? List out 3 things you’re happy about in your life. I promise it’ll make you smile.
Hope this list inspired you to enjoy fall to the max!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ari
