As fall arrives, the temperature slowly starts to drop and delicious seasonal pumpkin-flavored drinks return. It is time to fully embrace the fall season. Whether for you this means bingeing “Gilmore Girls,” turning on a football game or simply purchasing new fall clothes, there is surely something in this guide that will tickle your fancy.
1. Fall shopping spree
In order to prepare for the chilly weather, you need to have the right clothes. Buying new outfits not only helps combat the weather, but it makes you feel good, too. Personally, I love to stop by American Eagle, Aerie or Target and grab some cute sets to show off. Maybe even invest in a new coat or a fluffy pair of socks to go with the new UGGS you might buy.
2. Grab a Coffee
Maybe I am a little too influenced by “Gilmore Girls,” but a hot cup of coffee in the morning fits perfectly in contrast with the cool weather. And if you need something yummy to go with it, definitely look into some chocolate chip muffins, scones or even a doughnut. Studying at coffee shops can even help you focus on homework because of the calming environment and relaxing music. A warm beverage on a chilly day and a nice view will always help energize you and even get you ready to start studying for tests during the fall semester.
3. Watch Your Favorite Show
One of my favorite things to do during this season is to turn on a show and snuggle in with a fluffy blanket on a night in. Grab a bunch of snacks, invite a close friend or someone special and make a cozy night out of it. I have a few personal watching recommendations. “Gilmore Girls” is perfect for the fall vibes or motivation to do schoolwork. “New Girl” or “Friends” are both comfort shows to me because of the silly scenarios the groups of friends encounter every episode. Some good comedies are also “Parks and Rec” or “The Office”; unlike the other shows, these are set in the workplace and have funny plots that are sure to either crack you up or give you secondhand embarrassment.
4. Turn on a football game
Football is one of the most popular sports to watch during this time of year. At least in my family, it is always on when I come home. While it is not my favorite thing to watch, I have always enjoyed studying and doing homework with it in the background. It has always played a key role in the fall season. And as a bonus, there are always wings, chips and dip, rotel and other football foods that taste delicious.
5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
When you think of fall, a pumpkin patch is one of the first things that comes to mind. The red and orange leaves, cool air and hundreds of pumpkins scattered throughout the patch are all huge contributors to the season’s aesthetic. Some pumpkin patches even have tall yellow corn mazes and hayrides with pretty horses pulling you along. The chilly air gives you a chance to dress up in cute fall clothes and comfortable fuzzy socks. Remember to bring someone with you and take fun pictures while picking out pumpkins. As an added bonus, you can carve funny or scary faces into the pumpkin if you picked one out, and then display it on Halloween.
6. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
A lot of seasonal food and drinks are released by St. Louis Bread Co., Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin and more. Pumpkin-flavored things are wildly popular this time of year, but there are also cinnamon, apple, cranberry flavors and more. If you are into baking, experiment with some pies like apple, pecan, or, my personal favorite, pumpkin. This is a great time to treat yourself to something sweet; after all, these flavors are temporary, so take advantage of them. Snacking on cookies and doughnuts will help you fully embrace the fall season, and those special drinks might have a pinch of cinnamon to wake up your taste buds.
7. Start Prepping for Halloween
It is never too early to start planning Halloween costumes, especially if you plan to match with others! I start thinking about it months beforehand, and still struggle to decide what to dress up as. Besides, you have to get all the supplies you need while you can because Halloween is right around the corner. On top of that, candy, decorations and maybe even a party are all things that take a lot of planning.
This is my guide to embracing this fall season. I plan to treat this guide like a checklist and get everything done so that I can go into the next season without any regrets. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you feel content with what you have done by the end of the season. Some things are going to be more relaxing, like watching favorite shows, while others encourage you to go out and make memories. Many people prefer one or the other, but for me it is important to have a good balance of both. I hope everyone has a wonderful fall season and fun chipping away at some of these ideas like you would a pumpkin!