The fall season officially began this past week on September 23, along with yet another heat wave of our blazing summer. Summer has now parted, but the warmth carries on, leaving our fall fashion magazines, scarves, rainy day books and fabulous boots on the shelf for a later day. We hope the seasons will reach us soon, but until then, here are a few ways to embrace the inception of fall at CLU.
WARMLY, FALL at Starbucks
When pumpkin spice lattes arrive at Starbucks bearing warm seasons’ greetings, we know autumn has begun. The colorful leaves on their new seasonal cups may not satisfy all your burgeoning desires, but they tame the longing soul until the upcoming day when our own campus is painted the colors of fall. Grab this tasty treat at Jack’s Corner, maybe alongside a scrumptious pecan tart, pumpkin cream cheese muffin, pumpkin scone, or an adorable pumpkin cookie. Thanks to these flavorful offerings, you can embrace fall any day, any time.
FALL FESTIVALS
Although the season has yet to grace Thousand Oaks with full coolness and color, Californians still know how to celebrate. From The Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, October 2nd at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, filled with food, fun and craftsmanship, to the recurring Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms, many wonders of fall are only a short drive away. Every weekend between October 3rd and Halloween, Underwood Farms in Moorpark will host themed events, including the upcoming “Farm Country Weekend” and “All About Pumpkins” weekend on Halloween. Click here for more information.
GO CLASSIC
Put down the textbooks, escape the heat and go on a literary adventure in a classic novel. These books are warm, rich, and bursting with days of old. Grab a coffee at Jack’s, cuddle up in a cozy blanket and get lost in worlds where leaves are turning, magic is bursting, or love is calling; go anywhere you can dream, and learn.
SEMI-FALL FASHION
While Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and the magazines may be flaunting chunky sweaters and boots, Thousand Oaks seems to flaunt a t-shirt and shorts. To break out some favorite seasonal items you’ve been dying to wear, ditch the shorts for something cozy yet cool. Pair a summer dress with a sweater for mornings and evenings, alongside some stylish ankle boots. To stay even cooler, get your coveted pumpkin spice latte iced.
DIY
Creative projects are always a great way to lift spirits and get in the mood of the season, especially when the materials are right at your fingertips. Whether living in a dorm or off-campus, the essence of fall can enter any home. Brighten your day with a cute candle holder (electric if in a dorm) by mod-podging leaves onto the outside of a jar. The next time you’re at the store, mix and match some fall-colored flowers to create the centerpiece of your seasonal abode. Finally, nothing says fall like smells of apple pie, pumpkin, or whatever makes you feel warm and at home. Grab some wax melts for all the flavors of autumn, and embrace the season.
CAPTURE THE HARVEST
This season is the perfect time of year to support local business. In all the hustle and bustle, know you’re doing something good for yourself and our local community by visiting local farmers markets. There are amazing options all around our campus, with one right nearby at The Oaks shopping center! Just check out this link.
AND LIVE WITH A THANKFUL HEART
Autumn may not be here in fulness quite yet, but good things come to those who wait. In the meantime, be grateful for all the blessings of life here at Cal Lutheran. From the amazing faculty to awesome food, there’s always something to be thankful for.