Well, here we are smack dab in the middle of autumn and I can’t seem to get enough of pumpkin patches (we went again this weekend), hayrides (two more this weekend), and fall-scented candles (the delicious aroma of vanilla bean permeates my kitchen as I type).
So, when the ladies over at Just Be Enough asked us to list five things that make us smile for this week’s Be Enough Me, I knew I had to go with a Fall-themed post…
And that I wouldn’t be able to limit myself to just five things.
Because the truth is, Fall is by far my favorite season – and I could list 50 reasons why. But for the sake of brevity, I’ll reign it in.
So instead, here are ten things about Fall that make me smile.
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10. Cool, crisp, sunny Fall days that call out for a hike:
Harpers Ferry, WV, as seen from the cliffs of Maryland Heights
9. Dark and rainy Fall days that call out for me to tackle a home project… or maybe just curl up on the couch with a cup of hot tea and a good book.
8. Starbucks Chai Lattes:
In all honesty, I drink chai lattes (grande, non-fat, no water, extra hot, thankyouverymuch) year-round – even on the hottest of the dog days of summer. But that spicy sweetness always tastes best in the Fall.
7. Experiencing Halloween as a parent:
The world, I feel, is comprised of two types of people: Those who love Halloween… and those who consider it merely meh.
I’ve always fallen among the latter. Yes, even as a kid.
But two years ago, at 36 weeks pregnant, I suddenly had an overwhelming desire to “dress up” my baby bump. Which is how Lil’ Bit’s very first Halloween costume – in utero – came to be a basketball, with me as the net and Hubs as Carmelo Anthony, circa 2003. Playful… and also kind of dirty.
Then last year, I dressed up Lil’ Bit as Raggedy Ann in an adorable costume that I found online but fooled everyone into believing I’d made myself. As you can see, she was thrilled.
In short, now that I have a child of my own, I approach Halloween with…well, a sort of child-like glee.
6. Thanksgiving mornings spent curled up on the couch in my jammies watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – my favorite parts being The Rockettes and the arrival of Santa Claus at the end to usher in the Christmas season.
5. Pumpkin-flavored anything:
4. Fall foliage:
3. Football!
Especially Hokie football. Preferably viewed from Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA, on one of the aforementioned cool, crisp fall days while sipping an $8 Coke mixed with an airplane bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum that I smuggled in down my pants. Ah, the good ‘ol days…
VT vs. Boston College, November 1999. I was there. And yes, the sky really looked like that.
Hubs and me sometime pre-baby
2. Fall family fun:
And on that note…
1. Denim overalls made just for little people. Because it just doesn’t get any cuter.
What about Fall makes you smile?
Image Sources: Starbucks.com (chai); Janet Mayer/PR Photos, exposay.com (Santa Claus); Sweet Pea’s Kitchen (pumpkin scones), Village Candle (pumpkin spice candle); Tete-a-Tete (Pumpkin Ginger tea by Republic of Tea); Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (pumpkin roll); Hokiesports.com (Lane Stadium)
Hello! I'm Kristin, a self-proclaimed city girl now living the rural life with my husband, daughter, and a black cat named Boo in eastern West Virginia – or as I like to spin it, the far western suburbs of D.C.
Welcome to What She Said, an irreverent blend of family, life, and humor. Because if I didn’t laugh, I’d cry.
It’s because of everyone of these reasons(except the football part…) that I simply adore Fall and wish it lasted all year long.
Love this post.
And the hiking part… right? Except the football *and* the hiking.
Thanks, my friend.
Fall is nice here in Florida too – we get a break from mid-90s and 100% humidity (actually – I argue Florida Octobers provide the world’s most perfect weather).
Those reasons bring back memories of Fall in VA for me though!
I was at that Boston College game too and am actually in that picture!
I imagine it’s nice down there this time of year. And you have to point yourself out to me in that picture! We were also in the east stands but on the other side, toward the SEZ.
@Kristin, I had some sweet seats for that game. Row NN, at about the 47 yard line so we were almost directly beneath the center of the very tiny press box. I am wearing an orange hat
I was at that game with my friend who is a BC grad. We came down from West Lafayette IN (we were in school at Purdue) for the game. Sadly, we had a Thanksgiving meal the day before at a Cracker Barrel in WVA (the only thing open) – that was a rather unpleasant Fall memory, but the game more than made up for it!
Hey now… there is NOTHING wrong with Cracker Barrel. Even the ones in West-by-God.
Baby overalls? Perfect! And it’s something we don’t have, so I need to get on that.
I love the colors of fall definitely and all the fun fall activities. Although I’m not a football fan I love the environment of a football game. My favorite thing, though, is the Macy’s parade — I’m with you — the smell of turkey cooking and watching that parade in my PJs is still something I do to this day!
OK, you just made me want to skip right over Halloween and jump straight to Thanksgiving morning.
And yes, you must get a pair of baby overalls. Both Target and Kohl’s have them right now. Every time Lil’ Bit wears hers, I pretty much die of the cute.
Twitter: KristenPGIP
That shot of Harper’s Ferry is gorgeous. It is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall and summer. As for Chai Tea from Starbucks…YUMMY!!! I love to add the pumpkin flavor this time of year, cuddle up with a warm blanket and eat a big slice of pumpkin roll.
Your post made me smile…thanks!
Do you live nearby? I’m not going all creeper on you, swearsies. I’m just always a little surprised when someone is actually familiar with where I live.
I’ve tried to get into the pumpkin spice chai latte and, at Christmas, the gingerbread chai latte, but in the end I’m just a fan of the regular chai latte. Which still pairs wonderfully with a slice of pumpkin roll.
And now I want a chai and a slice of pumpkin roll.
Besides NOT getting a shout-out in the Halloween section, I love this post as I j’adore fall with all my being.
I gave you a mental shout-out, if it helps – honestly, I wrote that with you in mind.
I j’adore Fall, too.
I am an anti-fall person. I love Summer and never do grow tired of it. But I must admit that the occasional picture of Orange and yellow is pretty.
Oh, boo.
I love the beginning of summer when everything feels fresh and dewy. But in the end, it just leaves me feeling sort of sluggish and grimy. Although summer beach vacations ARE the best…
Twitter: GalitBreen
I adore fall, too. Fiercely, in fact.
Also? This is a stunning post. Truly.
xo
Sometimes I get complacent about my enjoyment of it, but I’m happy to say that this year I’ve soaked it up. Having a child just makes me want to experience through her eyes all the stuff I’ve always loved but have let life get in the way of over time.
Great list!!
I agree, nothing’s cuter than little ones in overalls.
Every time I put them on her, it makes me smile.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
There really is nothing like those fall colors and the fun activities! Love this list!
The colors really are delicious, aren’t they? That pumpkin collage makes me actually drool a little.
[...] • After three trips to said pumpkin patch, four hayrides, two corn mazes, and one goat feeding, I listed all the reasons Fall makes me smile. [...]