Happy Tuesday, friends!
Guess what?
As of today, we are OFFICIALLY in the fall season 🙂 .
I have been pretending it’s fall since September 1st (and I know many of you have too!), but today it’s official.
In April, I shared 7 SIMPLE WAYS I’M SAVORING SPRING, so I thought we should do the same for fall!
Now, let’s pause just a minute so that I can remind you of a few things…
First, we all know that fall is my very favorite season, BUT I am honest enough to admit there are some things I don’t *love* as much as others.
If you missed my post on my TOP 5, BOTTOM 5 FALL THINGS, make sure you pop over there to see a few of my not so favorite things about my favorite season.
Second, I love the word “savor” because it requires one to have more intention than just “enjoying”. I have a handful of posts on SAVORING LIFE that you can also read.
I could have made this list 700 ways I’m savoring fall, but I decided to keep it short, specific, and manageable for me. These are just a few of the things I’m going to specifically lean in to between now and Christmas as I savor my favorite season.
I have mentioned this book already several times this season…
…but I just love it. It’s happy and positive and inspirational and filled with fall goodness. Well the author lives in New Zealand where…their fall looks quite the opposite of our fall.
She talks at length in the book about how she “fakes/pretends” she has a Northern Hemisphere fall because…why not? She doesn’t get the golden leaves, falling temps, pumpkin everything, Halloween-filled September, October and November that we do…so she fakes it. It makes her happy. It fills her with coziness. It connects her to the season even if her actual season looks/feels quite different. I think this is a lovely idea and one we can do too. It might be crazy warm right now in Texas, but if I intentionally savor a few things, my fall can feel extra magical too.
I saw this quote and loved it immediately…
…yes, yes, and YES.
So, let’s dive into our first official day of autumn with 7 SIMPLE WAYS I’M SAVORING FALL:
I’M GOING TO EMBRACE THE SCENTS OF THE SEASON
Yes and amen.
Is there any season more synonymous with smells than fall?
I don’t care how warm it is outside (we have had a freakishly warm September), if I’m in my house with a fall candle burning, it’s immediately 20 degrees cooler. Right now, I have my candle warmer melting an apple candle in my office and a pumpkin spiced candle burning on my kitchen island. My house smells like pumpkin spice which truly makes everything nice.
I don’t know about you, but for me, just lighting a fall candle makes the whole house instantly cozier.
Not only have I switched out all of my candles to warmer, spicier, woodsy versions, but I’ve changed my fragrances as well. Instead of spritzing myself with the salty/beachy scents I wear in the spring/summer, I’m wearing my lotions and perfumes in the woodsier versions I love in the fall and winter.
I’M STOPPING TO LOOK AT THE PUMPKINS
You know how some people stop and smell the roses? I am stopping and admiring the pumpkins.
I saw these on Monday at my local grocery store…
…and couldn’t get over how beautiful they were. When did pumpkins get even MORE amazing? I love a simple orange pumpkin, but I think it’s just so much fun to see these unique colors and shapes too. I am on a mission to really notice and appreciate pumpkins all season. Pumpkins on porches. Pumpkins in stores. Real pumpkins. Fake pumpkins. Pumpkins make me happy, so I don’t want to be too busy to notice them.
I’ve said many times before that my two main objectives here are to share Jesus and encourage adoption. I do kind of crack myself up though that 221 blog posts mention Jesus, 284 mention adoption, and 889 mention pumpkins. Bahahaha! I mean you have to laugh.
Jesus knows my heart…and He knows that I really love pumpkins.
I’M GOING TO INCLUDE FALL INGREDIENTS IN MY KITCHEN
I love to be in the kitchen all year long, but without a doubt, this is MY FAVORITE time of year to cook and bake.
Right now, all of my meal planning and menu making has to do with fall flavors. Give me all the pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, and apples. This fall, I’ve already made a few soups for dinner and a chili. My slow cooker is on my counter right this minute with tonight’s supper inside. I made a breakfast recipe over the weekend that was savory AND included a bit of cinnamon.
I always think fall and holiday recipes hold the most sentimental value. At least in our family, these are the recipes we turn to year after year. I even think going to the grocery store and Trader Joe’s is more fun this time of year. The endcaps are festive, the displays are super seasonal…it’s all good.
I’M ENJOYING MY FALL PALETTE
I keep my wardrobe pretty neutral. I like blacks, whites, creams, navys…and repeat. This time of year though, I love pulling out my olives, cranberries, browns, mustards, dark reds, hunter greens…all of those yummy fall colors. I love a plaid in the fall, a suede, corduroy, faux-leather, and any sort of layer.
If I had to “live” in one outfit the rest of my life, it would be a tank top and shorts…but I am always oh so happy come September to swap those staples and pull out my fall clothes.
I AM GOING TO WATCH ALL THE FALL SERIES AND MOVIES
I don’t care how many times I’ve seen Gilmore Girls or Friday Night Lights, they’re still fun to watch this time of year. I turned on a random Hallmark movie while I worked last week, and it was adorable and oh so fall. I am seeking out TV series and movies that give me fall vibes. While we made dinner on Sunday night, we had Runaway Bride on in the background instead of our norm like The Office or King of Queens. It’s such a little tweak and yet it really does give me that extra boost of fall happiness.
I AM GOING TO FIND SOME FALL SPOTS THIS SEASON
Hi, my name is Shay, and I am seeking out all the fall spots this season. Give me an Oktoberfest, a state fair, I want to visit town squares decorated with pumpkins, and any sort of carnival. I am making my plans based on which destinations give me the most “fall vibes”.
I AM MAKING MY HOME THE COZIEST RIGHT NOW (no matter the temp outside!)
I’m lighting candles, I put out extra throw blankets, I have fall decor sitting out, my mantles decorated, and I’ve added pillows with pumpkins on them. There is just something extra inviting about being at home (watching a fall movie!) with all the cozy things. If not now, when?!
We must savor these cozy fall weekends, early mornings, and dark(er!) evenings.
I have blog posts that you might also like including THE SIMPLE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FALL and 22 KEYS TO MAKING FALL COZY too!
Today, is also BOOK CLUB DAY! If you read this month’s book, make sure you pop over and check out that post too!
I would love to know what things you’re going to SAVOR this season too!
Please, please, please comment and share.
These ‘ber months come around only once a year, we better make the most of them!
Have the best Tuesday, friends! I will see you all back here tomorrow. xx
Natasha says
My plan is to get out for some walks in the woods and really savour all that fall beauty before the winter snow hits. Fall walks are the best walks!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love these ideas! Sometimes the fall can bring some gloomy weather, but making it cozy makes it all the better!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Laura says
Ok but God MADE pumpkins so when you are admiring all the many varieties you are admiring his creation! So there you go, all those mentions of pumpkins are really mentions of God’s handiwork. Lol.
And let me guess- are you someone who can properly fold a fitted sheet?
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this perspective!! 😉
Laura says
Yes! We live in the Philippines where it is HOT all year round! We have to fake it- my mom sends us candy corn and I light a fall candle. We are still sweating but we do what we can. 😄
Lisa D says
Oh I love Fall! I love Fall baking: homemade applesauce, pumpkin/cinnamon muffins, butterscotch oatmeal cookies, apple pie. I love the cooler evenings and the changing colors on the trees. What’s not to love about this time of year?
Ashley D says
FALL is my favorite season!! It’s finally cooling down here in the Midwest (hello 60 degree weather), and I am here for it! Thank you for sharing your ways you “savor” Fall. Here are a few of mine:
-Shop Local for Mums & Pumpkins! We have a farm about 50 minutes from us that grow about 20,000 mums each year. My husband and I made our annual trip this past weekend to get our mums and pumpkins, and it’s a favorite!
-Hi my name is Ashley, and I like to drink my coffee out of a Fall mug each morning. 🙂
-I enjoy finding a pretty Fall scene with music on YouTube and playing it on the tv throughout the day.
-Fall T-shirts & Sweatshirts! I love anything with cute Fall sayings and Fall graphics.
-Battery operated candles in the evening time.. it sets the mood and provides a beautiful ambiance. (Plus I love the timer feature)
-Cozy & Savory Meals! Let’s see, I made Butternut Squash Soup last night.. and also have Chili and Chicken Pot Pie on my dinner menu this week. Bring on the comfort meals!
-All the Fall Candle Scents! I LOVE supporting a small business called Sincerely Sarah Jane. Her candles are non toxic and truly make our home smell amazing! Follow her on Instagram!
Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Your list makes me OH SO HAPPY! I love every single thing you mentioned!
Cris says
Thanks for the candle recommendation, Ashley! This is just what I’ve been looking for!
Jessica says
Ok that last image mentioning celebrating successfully folding a fitted sheet got me! 😆
We had our first cool morning today and that feeling of putting on my favorite light jacket made me smile so I will savor that all day long! 🧡🤎🫶
Kelly Sites says
My FAVORITE time of year is HERE. I celebrate with you. Michigan temps are perfectly fall and the trees have a hint of orange and red. LOVE! i have my fall candles purchased (one is burning now- I love a by the fireplace smell, and maple pumpkin). My books for fall reading (the best time) are purchased and ready, and I bought a few new cozy sweatshirts and some fall shoes. LET’S GO!!!!! I play Autumn Vibes on Spotify, and bought my fall perfume. SAVORING!!!!
Paula Hobbs says
I’m so ready for the Texas heat to exit the building. I love, love, love Texas but please turn down the heat already!!!
Lori Bittenbender says
Pumpkin mission over here too! We live in Southern/rural Minnesota so the local farms sell their pumpkins along the country roads. It’s a joy to see their trailers overflowing with all of their harvest!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, yes! Enjoy every minute of pumpkin peeking!
SS says
Shay, Happy almost Fall…(8:04pm)!! We are heading to pick apples and maybe some cider sometime today and grab a couple of mums!
I hate to tell you it is 45 here right now this morning! So it has been pants and long sleeve weather. 😆
We will make something fall like as well or maybe just some homemade caramel to dip our apples.
Savor the last moments of summer, but enjoy fall!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so jealous! I wish I were in Michigan heading to a cider mill! Enjoy every minute of it!
Debbie Dunbar says
I love all the color of fall which means that like you, I am wearing them and decorating with them. I don’t enjoy the shorter days, but I light lamps and candles to counteract the darkness, which helps create a cozier atmosphere.
K.K. says
I loooove fall too, but I’m having a hard time pretending with the heat… However, I did just make pumpkin bread! I love the recipes around this time of year too!
Lauren Palmer says
I just love this post, friend! And I love that outfit of the jeans and plaid shirt and slides. Sooo cute an fall-ish. And it’s hilarious that you mention pumpkins like 4 times as much as Jesus and adoption, when I know how much you love Jesus. (it’s way more than pumpkins) Le’ts do some fall things together!
Mix and Match Mama says
Love you, friend!
Kathy says
I have to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and/or listen to the soundtrack while I decorate!
Beth Valenta says
Just drove by the store to look at all the pumpkins out before heading to school. Just made me happy before work. Love a candle, a cozy light, a feel good fall movie, and ohhh the booties. Just got a Dolly tshirt in the mail to wear with jean jacket and boots.
Gail Morgan says
My favorite thing about following your posts is that you love Jesus and point your followers to Him! I have followed you since before you adopted Ashby. And have enjoyed watching your children grow up. It really happened so fast! You have a beautiful family.
I, too, love fall. This Texas heat makes it harder to get into the spirit -it takes effort. I love all the savory foods, Pumpkin Bread/muffins…but can’t seem to jump on the pumpkin drinks bandwagon. Sigh…
Kristy says
I love all these! Thank you for sharing. I’m switching candles today and will get pumpkins this week too. They are so beautiful. I say this with such kindness, I feel like you are my cheesy friend who I admire and it makes me feel good about gushing over cheesy things. There is a lot of hard in the world, pumpkins make it easier to live with.
Kristy says
I love all these! Thank you for sharing. I’m switching candles today and will get pumpkins this week too. They are so beautiful. I say this with such kindness, I feel like you are my cheesy friend who I admire and it makes me feel good about gushing over cheesy things. There is a lot of hard in the world, pumpkins make it easier to live with.
Mix and Match Mama says
I take that as a huge compliment! If being cheesy makes things more fun, then I shall be cheesy 😉 .
Carol says
LOVE LOVE this!!! And I have done all of these for many many years. Fall was my husband’s favorite time of year so I work extra hard this time of year to continue all of our family traditions going for him. Alot of them include Lots of Mix and Match Mama recipes.
Lol, my hairdresser knows that I am a seasonal eater so she is like what are we eating this fall? I have shared many of M&M recipes with her. Took her a batch of M&M Sausage Balls last week and she was like those are the best sausage balls. So shared that recipe with her also.
Got some ginger snap cookies the other day so I am trying to find the pumpkin dip that you shares several years ago.
Always Love your Octoberfest and Stare Fair post. Please do an extra long post on them. They are the Best!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Carol! xx
Cara says
Have you changed your puras out to more fall scents? What’s your go-to fall pura scent??
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I have apple cider ones in now!
Lori says
Love this list. Fall is my absolute favorite season! Give me all the pumpkins and colorful mums.
Kat says
September and Fall are my favorite! It could be an holiday all by itself! Even though in Southern CA it’s still pretty warm. Give me candles, sweaters, and crisp mornings! We made your apple butter cookies yesterday and they were a hit! I love the scents that come with fall and the cozy feeling!
Chelsie says
Fall is my absolute favorite! I just bought a caramel apple candle from a local flower shop, and my house smells heavenly! I don’t have a fireplace, but I dream of the day I do! For now, I turn one on from YouTube and listen to the crackling. There is something so enjoyable about a cozy fall morning with a cup of coffee, a good book, and the sounds of a fire in the background.
Sarah Madsen says
Savoring the BLISS of newlywed life! We just got back from our Cabo honeymoon and were welcomed home by 50 degrees and rain so it is FALL cozy meal time! After an amazing (and crazy) last 3 weeks, we are thrilled to be home, BE TOGETHER, and eating our chili watching football and savoring it all! XO
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you had the BEST time!!
Debra says
One of the key things I savor in fall is using all the apples from our two trees. I make apple sauce and Apple Crisp is our dessert of choice. This year I am also dehydrating apples because my mother in law gave me a dehydrator for Christmas and we had an over abundance of apples to use.
I also savor decorating for fall – I pull out my fall decorations, candles, cocktail napkins, and turn the house over to fall. Makes me so happy!
We also savor the fall leaves, 9on walks in our neighborhood and on short road trips to the mountains – so beautiful.
I also savor a tradition wirh our next door neighbors where their two little boys come over to pick apples from our trees. The boys love it and we love seeing their excitement at picking apples. They came over last week to pick apples and every year gets more fun.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I wish I had apple trees. Our weather just isn’t conducive. Enjoy every minute of it, Debra!
MelanieL says
It is 63 degrees at 2:30 pm in Indiana right now and I AM SO HAPPY!!! Pumpkins are on the porch, soup is in my slow cooker, I’m having a coffee with pumpkin spice creamer and I’m reading your blog…life is good!!! Oh, and I visited Gatlinburg, TN last week and it was decked out in all things fall!!
Shelby says
I live this post so much!! So many fun and festive ways to savor fall! We live in the PNW and my daughter goes to school in South Carolina. She comes home in a couple of weeks and wants to ‘do all the fall things!’ You are creating such beautiful memories for your kiddos that they will remember and want to recreate!!! ❤️
faith says
You inspired me! I stopped by hobby lobby after work; and spent $10 on making a little welcome to fall basket for my almost 5 year old daughter; planning on letting her stay up late to help me decorate for the season, share an apple fritter dessert with some butter pecan ice-cream, learn together how to cross-stitch a fall design:)
Karen in VA says
Right now it’s really chilly here in Northern VA at 60 degrees. It’s been so hot here that I am freezing at this temp! Lol. And it’s raining a chilly rain. I’m under a blanket with the heating pad on. Ha! I just saw our first Christmas ad on TV for something Disney. Too early for that, but finally the cooler weather is here! Great post again, Shay!