Five on Friday - Setting the Tone for Fall

The obsession with fall… you either love it or you hate it.  Many people I know are counting down the days until their first PSL and many people I know are dreading the end of summer and the start of all things pumpkin.  

I, without a doubt, fall in the lover category.  I live for September – December.  It has been my favorite time of year since I was a little girl.  And September 1 has always marked the first day acceptable to embrace all things fall in my book.  Never mind that it is still sweltering outside.  Never mind that the humidity still rivals that of the rain forest.  Once college football starts, my mind flips the switch to Pumpkin Spice Lattes, decorations of fall leaves in red and orange and yellow, and cozy evenings at home snuggled on the couch and watching our beloved Dawgs play… 

While we won’t be able to indulge in plush sweaters, snuggly scarves, and warm boots just yet (I mean, hey, we do live in the south), we can still set the tone for fall in other ways. 

O N E – Fall Decorations

Out they come!  I have two big plastic bins just waiting to be opened.  I will be pulling it all out next Thursday.  Until then, here's a little refresher on what our house looked like last year.  Isn’t it beautiful?

T W O – Fall Food

Bring on pumpkin and cinnamon errrrything!  #JustCallMeBasic #DontCare #IveLovedItSinceBeforeItWasDubbedBasic

I’ve always been obsessed with cinnamon and pumpkins, and ever since I started blogging and reading other people’s blogs, I have discovered that there are a lot of people out there who are just like me. 

A few of my favorite things?

The Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, Pumpkin Donuts from Krispy Kreme, Homemade Pumpkin Waffles, Homemade Cinnamon Waffles, Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Pie… the list goes on…

I received an advanced copy of Shay Shull's new cookbook, Eats, and it is divided up by month.  I have already pored over September – December for new pumpkin recipes, and friends, she does not disappoint.  The very first thing that caught my eye is her Pumpkin Marshmallow Frozen Pie… it sounds divine and ridiculously easy to make.  I will be making it as soon as I can find a can of pumpkin.  I actually think I still have one leftover from last season…

Also, last week my boss came back from a trade show and dumped a heap of Cinnamon Fire Jolly Ranchers on my desk.  Y’ALL.  I had forgotten all about these!!  I used to love them when I was young!  Back then they were just called “Fire” but they changed the name, and now apparently they’re called “Cinnamon Fire!”  They taste just like Atomic Fireballs without the excessive heat.  Nothing says fall like the taste of cinnamon and I’ve been popping these like, well… candy.  These are definitely a favorite, and now I need to find out where my boss bought a bag of just this one flavor so I can get some more.  And in case you’re wondering, our marketing team always puts out candy at our booth at the trade shows to attract more people... like me, apparently.  :o)  

T H R E E – Fall Scents

And speaking of pumpkin and cinnamon errrrything, they’re not just good to eat, they’re also fantastic to smell!  My favorite candle in the entire universe will forever be the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin candle from Bath and Body Works.  I remember the first time I ever smelled it.  We were in Athens for game day years ago, and we were doing a bit of shopping.  I walked into one of my favorite boutiques there (The Red Dress Boutique, now famous for being on Shark Tank), and I smelled the best smell I’ve ever smelled in my entire life.  I marched right on up to the front desk, asked where the smell was coming from, and she showed me the candle burning on the desk.  I went immediately to B&B when we got home, loaded up, and the rest is history.  If they ever discontinue it, I will die.

As far as other fall scents go, on September 1, I also always switch my body lotion and spray over to Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla.  Don’t ask why this particular scent for fall… I think I just wore it so much one fall that it eventually became synonymous with all of the wonderful fall memories we had made, so it just naturally became my signature fall scent.  They have since discontinued it, but a couple of years ago during one of their semi-annual sales they brought it back, I loaded up.  And by loaded up I mean I bought like 8 or 9 of the lotions, not even exaggerating.  They do still sell it here and there online, so I might have to stock up again soon before it's gone forever!

F O U R – College Football

It fires up next week and we are counting down the days!  Most of you know that we are HUGE Georgia Bulldog fans and we get season tickets every year… we love our football!  Our opening game this year is for the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, so instead of being in Athens, we will be in Atlanta at The Dome where the Atlanta Falcons usually play.  We have tickets to it and I cannot wait!

F I V E – Fall Activities

Aside from college football, we will also start planning our trip to the pumpkin patch, doing some fall crafts, shopping for fall clothes, and if I have my way, possibly going apple picking this year!  It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but we don’t have apple orchards that are super close, so we will have to plan a little weekend getaway!

Pumpkin Patch 2015

Pumpkin Patch 2015... be still my heart.

If you’re obsessed with fall like I am, don’t forget to check out my fall Pinterest board.  You’ll find everything from fall recipes to fall decorations to Halloween costume ideas for the littles. 

As the sun starts to set a little earlier each evening and the evenings start to end with a slight chill in the air, I’ll be happier and happier.  Come to me, fall!  I’m ready for you!

Happy almost-September, y’all!  

 

*Linking up with A Liz Adventures and Carolina Charm for Five on Friday, A Little Bit of Everything for Friday Favorites,  September Farm and The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey, Friday, Meet @ the Barre for Friday Favorites, Cup of Tea for High Five for Friday, and Our Pretty Little Girls for Rewind Friday!