Hello Fall

Have we established my quirky love of holidays yet? I hope so because Tuesday was the first official day of fall and I thought it would be fun to share a few things that I consider ‘necessary’ as we work to switch seasons.

Please hold the term ‘necessary’ loosely. I definitely don’t do all these things every year but I can 100% confirm that all of these things seem to welcome in the fall season with a bit of pep. I also need to provide the caveat that this is a pandemic-adjusted list and isn’t a bucket list of fall activities. I didn’t include some of my favorite fall activities and events as they aren’t happening in 2020.

We shall try again in 2021 – looking specifically at you NC State Fair. But there is still plenty of fall to look forward to over the next few weeks. I have Kathleen and Joe currently on the television in the background as I finish this post…

1. We don’t watch a ton of movies and therefore don’t own a ton of movies. I do, however, own You’ve Got Mail. It is quintessentially all the fall feelings for me. I grew up in the golden era of 90’s Rom Coms and this one is near the top of the list of favorites. Who doesn’t get nostalgic with that AOL dial up music.
2. Controversial as it may be, I am not a lover of all things pumpkin. While I won’t turn it down, I will happily pick Apple treats over Pumpkin treats any day. I’m a big believer in baking for the season. I have these four bookmarked to try this year: Apple Hand Pies, Spice Cake, Pumpkin Chili and Harvest Spice Bread* (*spolier this includes pumpkin) If you have a pumpkin bread you love, I will happily give it a shot. Also, feel free to leave all your favorite fall recipes in the comments.
3. I will be pulling out my Boxwood Wreaths and adding orange gingham bows. A simple wreath switch with a big impact on my mood as I come in and out the doors multiple times a day.
4. The weather change in North Carolina means that it’s prime Hot Roller Season. The drop in humidity is a sign it’s time to pull the hot rollers back out after their summer hibernation. I have three different sets which I use for different purposes. These are my ‘blowout bounce’ set, these give ‘more curl defined blowout bounce’ (both sets are flocked) and these are my ‘big hair old school hot rollers’. They get hot and provide serious curl if left in for any amount of time (they are rubber). I promise a full post on hot rollers is coming soon. I just needed the weather to change 😉
5. Apple Cider > Pumpkin Spice Latte. I have two boxes of these mulling spices in the pantry. I used to buy them at the Hallmark store when I would go in and buy cards for KPW (*surcee idea – buy the set of four and split up and gift to friends with a bottle of apple juice and a note). I found this flavor and I am very tempted to add to my next order.
6. As the weather does change in NC, it means I can pull out the thick cozy blankets. KPW bought this one for me a few years ago for Christmas and I love it. I wouldn’t be mad about add this pom pom version to our collection.
7. Soup Season. Need I say more? I actually think this topic actually deserves it’s own full post. I will make soup at least one a week for the next few months. A few of our favorites include Southwest Chicken Chili, Roasted Cauliflower and Vegetable Beef (made up with whatever veggies I have frozen in the freezer).
8. Hi, my name is Kristin, and I love putting cabbages in our front porch planters for fall. I was heavily influenced by some planters I saw in Chicago last October and have blocked off time this weekend to go on a hunt for fall plants. I don’t venture on Pinterest frequently but I recently fell down a cabbage rabbit hole.
9. Yes, I 100% regret not buying more woven pumpkins when I saw them in August in Target (#basic). But I do have a collection of different pumpkins I’ve collected over the years and I have my eyes on a few from Fore Pete’s Sake Pottery to add to my collection at some point. My rule here is you do you: White, Woven, Orange, Blue. The sky’s the limit.
10. While I know this isn’t the case across the country, bring on sweatshirt weather. My favorite gingham one (I have the light blue and light pink), the softest sweatshirt in history and an old holey one from college are all hiding in my closet ready to make their debut. A few of y’all recommended two options both in stock at Target right now. Given my love of my Joy Lab leggings, I think this one is going to end up in my next order. This one looks extra cozy too.

Let me know if you have any fall favorites or must-dos in the comments. May we all embrace this change of season for all that it has to offer.

xo,

KNW

PS: I didn’t include any fall books but would love to know if you have any must reads or have your eyes on  a new book to read that fits in with the theme of change in seasons? I also didn’t include fall candles because nearly all scented candles give me a headache.