Embrace Fall: An Illustrated Guide

The first official day of fall is this Wednesday. I know some people are sad to see summer go and are in a bit of denial, but it's almost here. Embrace it.

I am going to remind you of what is the absolute best about fall. Start doing these things now and by Wednesday you'll be ready to quit summer for good.



1. Watch Fall Movies: Any movie that reminds you of the magic of fall will do, but for me the quintessential choice is You've Got Mail. In my opinion, it is too early for the Halloween movies. But do what you gotta do, man.

2. Buy Halloween Candy: Okay, I know I just said that it's too early for Halloween movies, but the candy aisle is seriously staring me in the face lately. Reese's pumpkins, tiny caramel squares, and those little Mary Jane candies that everyone hates but me. LOAD UP.

3. Go Get School Supplies: Maybe you don't have kids in school, and maybe you've vowed to never go back to school yourself, but still.....buy yourself a little something. New pencils, a lunchbox with The Hulk on it, or those sparkly gel pens your parents never let you get for school.

4. Apple Picking: We just went apple picking at Eckert's today! Also pictured, the cinnamon sugar donut I ate upon our arrival.

5. Drink Pumpkin Lattes Constantly: Like never stop. My favorite pumpkin latte that I've tried is at Kaldi's Coffee, special mention to the one from Caribou Coffee that I recently drank while running through an airport, nearly missing my flight. Tea is also an acceptable choice.

6. Get Dressed For It: Remember boots, you guys? And scarves? And hoodies? And cozy sweaters? C'mon, that's what fall is all about! Haven't you missed them?

7. Lose Your Mind Over Soap: Go to Bath and Body Works and get every soap you can find that says "pumpkin" or "spice" or "leaves" or "cool fall breeze" or "waffles". Tell yourself that 5 bottles for $18 is a bargain.

8. Bake Something: Pie is the obvious choice here. Also consider pumpkin bread, cookies, or if you can't bake just make s'mores because they are already the world's most perfect dessert.

9. LEAVES! Go outside and enjoy the cool weather. Go somewhere where the leaves are already changing. I know it makes me sound like a total old person, but I LOVE to see the River Road in the fall. If no leaves are changing yet, just decorate your house with leaves and a nice big wreath and pretend.

Am I missing anything you guys?