Changing with the Season
The most wonderful time of the year is actually Fall, in New England. Try to convince me otherwise, I dare you ;)
I'm obsessed with all things autumnal. I don't hide it. Recently, I had someone (a summer lover) ask me what it is I love so much about Fall. Um… everything? Crisp walks in cozy sweaters, with the crunch of leaves under our feet. But in all seriousness, everyone has different preferences when it comes to weather, and what time of year is just easiest for them to enjoy. I hear some people say they don't like fall because it reminds them that winter is next. Well, that's not living in the moment is it?! But I think regardless of what season you're in, particularly if you're in New England where you're going to experience a little bit of everything, it's important to find things to enjoy and look forward to for each season. Back to this idea of romanticizing your life, I like to romanticize each season. Make shifts in my every day life that allow me to enjoy that particular season, and enjoy things I wouldn't in other seasons. Not so much a bucket list of larger things to look forward to, but more like every day, easy experiences that can allow you to really soak in and enjoy the season every day.
So in case you're not about all things autumnal, or you just want some fresh ideas, I'm going to share the things I do to enjoy Fall to it's fullest, every day of this short season.
Décor Updates
I love to transition my décor from summer to fall. It's a big shift because you're moving from airy and bright tones with lightweight fabrics, to darker, moodier tones with all the texture. I'll update my throw pillows for deeper tones and richer textures (Homegoods and Target are my fav for throw pillows), and I'll swap my candles to rich fall scents (my fav are the honeycrisp apple and pumpkin vanilla from trader joes for everyday burning, and the honeycrisp oakwood from Anthropologie when I want to burn something extra special- it's to die for). I'm not big on overdoing it with the décor, I don't do a big Homegoods run or anything. I'm more into adding natural elements as a nod to the season. Pumpkins throughout the house and outside. Maybe a bowl of apples. Swapping taper candles for deeper hues. I always have flowers around the house, so those get swapped for darker blooms like deep burgundies, toffee, deep purple, etc. As soon as it's cool enough, the fireplace is getting lit. I'll usually do it at the end of the day, in time for dinner. Signifying the end of work, and time to unwind. These small changes just make such an impact in your ability to really enjoy your home every day. Your environment truly impacts you more than you may think!
P.s. I even went to a blanket making class with friends recently, thinking I was gonna make all the blankets this season. Well, I have one at least…. but I think I’ll stick to flowers :P
Fashion Changes
Give me all the flannel, cozy sweaters, the sherpa lined fleece, the Uggs, winter hats and warm socks. My nails will be in 50 shades of grey and black. One of my fav things about Fall is that it’s all about coziness. Is there anything better? You just feel like a giant hug all the time!!!
Food & Beverage Updates
The best way to update your food this time of year is to get inspired by the farmer's market. We're now deep into squash season and brussell sprouts are around the corner (my fav). So I take inspo from the farmer's market to make our meals. We're now into heartier meals, and mostly warm vs. the cooler flavors from summer salads, etc. A weekly dinner (and leftovers for lunch) staple is roasted vegetables from the farmers market, lettuce, baked tofu cubes or some type of bean, and a grain like cous cous or quinoa, topped with a simple homemade dressing (tahini based, or maple dijon based are some favs). Tonight I'm making us a vegan shephards pie that is a staple for cooler months. I also start baking a lot. Whether it's a dessert for us to have (currently obsessed with this pumpkin cookie recipe which I veganize, and make a cream cheese frosting to take this over the top), or making apple cinnamon muffins to freeze and enjoy on weekends. My ice coffee gets swapped for hot, and I'm all about the seasonal nespresso pods (pumpkin spice and gingerbread for fall). I'm drinking herbal tea in the afternoon or after dinner (Trader Joe's Fall Harvest is a fav). And of course, red wine seems to make it's way into my life more ;)
General Lifestyle Updates
Our puppy Niles is officially 1 year old, and it's so funny to see how he's settling in. As soon as the sun started rising later in the morning, Niles started sleeping in more (grateful). He has also now found that he really enjoys getting under the blankets, and he's a big fan of the heated blanket. Watching him adjust is a good reminder that it's natural to shift our routines with the change in season. It's getting darker earlier, the sun is rising later, all leading to things sort of slowing down a bit. I now go to bed a little earlier, and tend to wake up a little bit later.
Entertainment Changes
Even my taste in entertainment this time of year changes! I'm swapping out my Elin Hilderbrand beach reads for more thrillers (just read Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, highly recommend). I'm listening to more true crime podcasts, and binging more dramas (love The Morning Show on Apple tv).
Hopefully this provides a little inspo if fall isn't your jam, or if you're just looking to remind yourself of all the things you can enjoy this time of year. Whatever you do, just make sure you take the time to really look around you while you're outside. Really take notice of how the leaves are changing every day, and how the lighting is shifting. I don't really know anything more magical than that. And if Halloween is your thing, go on a walk and check out people’s Halloween decor, and get in costume yourself. We’re never too old to enjoy the little things like a good costume.
Happy Fall, y'all.
xo
