My List of Fall Favorites

I’m not going to sit here and lie to you all – it’s November 5th and I’m fully planning on putting up my Christmas tree this weekend. HOWEVER – I do love fall (I just happen to love Christmas more!). It takes so much work to put up Christmas decor so I’m fully supportive of putting them up earlier to appreciate them all the more. Plus – I don’t see my family at Christmas so I put up a tree before Thanksgiving so it’s a blend of both, if that makes sense. The temperatures here in Dallas have been somewhat cooler this fall than they were last year, making it a little more believable the seasons have changed.

I was sitting here today thinking of how lovely the weather has been and thought how much of a grinch I’ve been this fall. I put up zero Halloween decorations or anything remotely resembling fall decor. I’ve told myself it’s because I’m focused on getting this new house all in order but really I just wasn’t into it. To put aside my grinch attitude, I’ve come up with a little list about the things I do appreciate in this season – and a few things I want to do.

Apple Picking

I see some seriously cute photos from bloggers going apple picking with their friends or families and am SO jealous! There is nothing like that around here and leaves me somewhat wishing they all find worms in their apples. Just kidding.. but it’s so dang cute. Do you have orchards near you? If so, please go and pick a few for me!

Fall Foliage

The one thing I truly miss about living in Utah was the gorgeous fall scenery everywhere you look. We had these photos done circa 2012 near Mill Creek and it makes me miss both my red hair and all those extraordinary colors! I do take Poppy on walks almost everyday and have found some lovely red trees in some of the neighboring yards – I’ll have to settle for that.

Apple Cider / Mulled Wine

Once the weather starts getting crisp I start requesting that Charlie make mulled wine. Have you ever tried it? SO tasty and belly warming! We don’t have any specific recipe that we follow, Charlie always just does his own thing. I also love caramel apple spices from Starbucks – they’re a wee bit sugary but just feel like fall! I keep wanting to make my own slow cooker cider, I’ll add that to my list of things to accomplish! Do you have a favorite fall drink?

All Pumpkin Everything

Not going to omit my love for pumpkin everything, however “basic” it may be. Pumpkin coffee, creamer, bread, beer – you name it. I even picked up a pumpkin-stuffed pork tenderloin from Market Street recently and it wasn’t half bad! I think it needed a little more spicing but overall I thought it paired well with pork! And let’s not forget.. pumpkin CANDLES are freaking bomb.

Hats

I wear hats a LOT in my photos but wearing them all day in the summer is terrible. It’s just so dang hot. But in the fall they compliment just about any outfit and look adorable. I used to hate the way I looked in hats but then told myself to get over my stupid self loathing and started wearing them until I actually believed they looked great! Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies, even over the silliest of things.

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Fall Fashion

As much as I love the dresses of summer – I’m extremely self conscious in summer wardrobes. I always think my thighs are too big and get all nervous in bathing suits. It’s dumb but it doesn’t go away. Fall speaks my language! Here in Texas you can finally layer various bits of clothing without sweating to death and I always feel more in love with myself/my body in fall fashion. Does anyone else feel that way? Winter just gets too cold and heavy with coats and whatnot – fall feels just right. Hello OTK boots and dresses/jeans/etc.

Thanksgiving

Even though my Christmas tree is already up, I do genuinely love Thanksgiving. I started hosting my family a couple of years ago and did the whole shebang – turkey, stuffing, yams, the works. I don’t see my parents that often anymore so having them drive down and letting them relax is extremely rewarding. I’m super excited to cook everything in my new kitchen this year (two ovens, yes!!) and host a holiday in the new house. My parents haven’t been able to drive down since I moved in – so I’m incredibly anxious for them to see all the decor so far. Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions? I’m always curious about desserts and pie preferences – personally I’m a pecan pie fanatic! We also make homemade banana pudding which is superbly sinful.

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